Celebrating Fifteen and Bon Voyage!

Last week (while many of you were at Scrapfest!) Gary and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. Now, I know that 15 years isn't much compared to many of you, but it is a milestone for us (like my pal Robin, we can't wait for our 40th to celebrate).

Each of us waited patiently for decades until we found our perfect match. I had actually given up on the idea of marriage and was quite happy and fulfilled as a single gal.

We finally met when we were in our mid-40's. It was as if we had known each other all our lives - similar backgrounds, values, personalities. I thought we would be best pals, but Gary had other ideas!

Some were concerned that we had each been so independent for so long that we would find marriage difficult, but we celebrate every single day - laughing, supporting and loving! Our only regret is that we don't get to have grandkids, but Gary has blessed me with the BEST extended family and dear friends who are like family. It is all good and just keeps getting better.

I love this Penny Black stamp (Tom & Tilly) because you don't see the faces, so it really could be US! I paper-pieced it to represent the clothes that we wear. The perfect inside sentiment is Technique Tuesday by Ali Edwards (I love her work!). That brilliance is from shiny Candi embellishments.

Thanks so much for checking in. We are heading out for special anniversary cruise, so I will be unplugged for a few of weeks - I'll miss you all! Happy crafting!

In olden days, a glimpse of stocking.......

I am a huge fan of live musical theater. I recently won the chance for a "walk-on role" in the production of "Anything Goes" - I got a great costume and two lines! I had a total blast with it!

With Liz Brenna Strycker, my mentor

With Howard Stateman

While I am a real ham and love performing, I am not at all good at rote memory (I never did master my multiplication tables!), so I can't really be a serious performer.

But when I get a chance like this, I am in my glory! Here I am with a couple of the real actors, Howard and Liz, who were both so talented and sweet.

The producer and the entire cast were so amazingly supportive and kind that I wanted to make them some thank-you cards. Since the theme of the show is a cruise ship in the 1920's, I chose that same theme for my cards.


I used Hero Arts E2493, Cloche Hat, which is perfect for the 1920's and CL371 with Die-namics "Just the Ticket" in this collage-style card. Some kraft and travel-themed pattern papers and some hand-dyed seam binding tie it all together.

Because this design incorporates movement, I am submitting it to the Moxie Fab World movement challenge, based on some of the tips in the great Card Design Handbook.

Thanks again to the South Bay Musical Theater for giving me this chance and for being so gracious and fun! Love you guys.

Thanks for looking in and break a leg!

Housekeeping!

We have a dear friend who just loves to vacuum (I know, give her your address, right?). So when I saw this Stampendous stamp (CRV173 - Chanito Vacuum) on sale at my local scrapbook store I had to grab it. And I dug out some remaining scraps of chevron printed paper from my SSS April Card Kit in response to the current SSS challenge "We're So Trendy".

Those who know me know that trendy is the last thing that I am.....I am so stuck in the 1950's and 1960's that I probably drive you all nuts. But, I am seriously trying!

It is colored with Copic pens, the sentiment is Hero Arts CL487 and the trim is a recent thrift store find. 

Thanks so much for looking - hope you are having a grand week!

Another Terrific Tuesday Trigger

Whew! I got back home from a week of road trip fun just in time to post my entry in Cath's wonderful Tuesday Trigger. I love this picture so much - it gave me so many ideas for great cards.

Even though I have been resisting the hexagon trend, I used a new Spellbinders M-Bossibilities embossing folder that has hexagons on one side and a chevron pattern on the other side. Too trendy, eh?

Also used some great Basic Grey paper (Infuse), Memory Box Meridian Boarder die, Hero Arts CL148 and Frame Cuts label die.

After I tackle a truckload of laundry and deal with lots of mail and phone calls I will attempt to catch up on all of your lovely blogs & projects - I've missed you all!

Thanks, Cath - you did it again!

Retro Fun!

The current picture perfect challenge at Paper Smooches Sparks is this yummy photo. Love the mid-century modern look!

As many of you know, my house is a 1950's rancher and we decorate with lots of mid-century fun things.




 I decided to combine this with Cath's Card Design Handbook  "Repetition Challenge" over at Moxie Fab World.

For this one-layer card I used Paper Smooches "Boob Tubes" and "Hip to be Square" stamp sets, Copic pens and masking.


I just bought some Ranger Super Fine Detail embossing powder, but I am finding it very difficult to work with. Anyone else having problems?

There may not be enough contrast between the background and the first tv, but I really wanted to keep this card flat.

Thanks for checking in - I am off on another adventure, so I will be "unplugged" for about a week. I miss you all already!