Thanks to my Manicurist

These are my finger nails! I figure that I was the consummate professional for 35 years, so now this old lady can go wild and be crazy.

When I told my manicurist that I wanted dots on the red nails, I thought that she would have to get out a fine brush to apply them. No! She used a stylus (like we used to use with those brass stencils before there were embossing folders - remember?). She dipped it into the polish and quickly and expertly applied the dots.

Thanks, Joanne! Why not try that on my cards? So I did, and I love the look, with a little texture. Easy, too.

I made this card for two challenges. The first is Paper Smooches SPARKS Picture Perfect challenge using this photo for inspiration.

My background is stamped with Distress Ink onto wet watercolor paper and is reminiscent of the background on the wall in the photo. I also used the great colors and the frame element from the photo. The "thanks" is embossed to make it pop a little.

I am also submitting this to the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes!

This was such fun -  I plan to use this technique again and again.

Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend!

Paper Smooches stamps - Simply Said, Slang Gang, Geo-Graphic, Little Fella; Teresa Collins "He Said She Said" enamel dots, Copic pens, Viva Pearl Pen

Just Because

I have been wanting to make a special card for a dear friend who has a little dachshund. I wanted something kind of subtle (from me? - ha!). I used this perfect digital stamp from paperadictions at Etsy. So cute! It is foggy here this morning, so my photo isn't the best.

With the pouch I used a new Hero Arts stamp set called "This is Big" (CL570). It was sent to me by my wonderful blogging' pal, Anita Rex. You can check out some her wonderful creations on her blog Crafty Girl Designs. She is something else - one amazing gal!

Thanks so much, Anita! I cant wait to play some more with this great set.

I hope you have a wonderful week. I plan to make the most out of the last few days of summer.

Also used: Teresa Collins "Far and Away" enamel dots, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Momento Rich Cocoa ink, Copic pens

More Doodle Stampede

Today I am featuring another cute set from my creative pals at Doodle Stampede! Lots of great oceanic creatures are included in this set called "Underwater Party". Looks like some serious (and damp) fun goin' on.

Disclaimer: Even though it appears that this dolphin is really enjoying the party, remember that this is fantasy! I do not condone having dolphins in captivity under any circumstances, including for entertainment or for cute photo opps.

Decades ago I had the opportunity to swim with some wild dolphins off the coast of the Big Island In Hawaii and it was life-changing. These are magnificent creatures who simply cannot survive (in body or spirit) without freedom.

I sure hope you have enjoyed this little introduction to Doodle Stampede. Please check them out and join in the fun.

Hope you are having a great week! I'm not liking that the days are already getting shorter....ugh!

Banner die stamp by Simon Says Stamp

Doodle Stampede!

So nice to be home, crafting and blogging again!

Awhile back I mentioned that my YMCA friend, Michele, and her friend may soon be launching a new stamp company. It happened! Doodle Stampede is owned by two creative and fun-loving gals from California.



















I plan to be spotlighting these stamps the next couple of weeks.

Today I have used the set "Fill Me In". It is so versatile - these little guys have all sorts of hip accessories, or you can use them unadorned. I have used letters cut from Hero Arts Alphabet (DI061) and Memory Box Parker Alphabet dies.

Don't these guys just make you smile? Please check out these new stamps. They are made in the USA and so much fun.

Home Again!

Just a quick post to let you know that we have finally returned from our two great
back-to-back road trips and a quick trip to Calistoga (Napa Valley).

The road trip to Colorado was the longest I've taken in my adult life! We were on the road for six days and we saw 3 National Parks (and lots of other great things), the most spectacular of which was Arches National Park in Moab, UT. Amazing.

We also spent a week with all of Gary's siblings and their spouses. That was fun. The high altitude (7,000 to 10,000 feet!) bothered me a little bit, so I was glad to get back to sea level here in the SF Bay Area.

I hope to get back to cardmaking, blogging, and catching up with your wonderful blogs next week. Hope you are having a wonderful August!