Ahoy, matey!

Ahoy, matey!
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

Here's a happy little fellow! The background map is cut with Nesties on my Cuttlebug, stamped images are colored with Copics (with some Stickles sparkle) and I added some punched doubloons to add some texture and fun. I have included a shot of the inside, since it is cute. Now I'll be "talking pirate" all day - har!

Me and the Miners - Well, not really

Just a quick story today. On Sundays I often go to the neighborhood middle school (we called them junior highs) to walk around the track. Yesterday the gate I usually enter was locked, so I walked down the street and entered through another gate. I walked my mile, singing along with the oldies on my iPod, did my stretching and was heading toward the gate to exit. Are you ready for this – the gate had been locked. With a huge chain and big padlock. Oh, yes! I was trapped in the schoolyard on a Sunday morning! Knowing there was no way I could scale the 6-foot high fence, I started to panic. How was I going to get to Michaels for craft supplies, what was I going to eat, how was I going to update my blog, how was I going to watch Mad Men?

Lucky for me my dear husband was just a call away. He arrived on a white stallion (okay, in a beige Toyota) and was able to release me. The details (and, no, they do not include bolt cutters and a hack saw) aren’t important, but he is my hero once again! Bless his heart.

The lesson? Stay home and eat pancakes on Sunday mornings.

Moxie Fab World Tueday Trigger

Okay, pals, I am doing it again. The Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger is this photo of this most amazing house. I may be taking these triggers too literally, but here goes. I decided to use an embossed wood grain to reflect that this is an architectural shot and to represent the white textures. Then, am I the only one who thinks of flamingos when I see those angular raspberry-colored chairs? I do admit to being partial to flamingos...... (after all, this house IS in Miami!). Other than the soft bouquet of flowers on the table, this photo is all angles and so is my card. Lots of white in the background, some subtle aqua bling to reflect the sunshine on the water and in the room. While this isn't one of my best card designs, it was fun to be challenged with colors and ideas I would have never attempted. Thanks again, Cath!

Closed for Jury Duty!

Thanks to everyone for checking in, but can't do a post. I am serving jury duty, which not only saps my time but my energy. I see no immediate end to it. While I love the law, they are doing very detailed voir dire on up to 60 of us.......a drag. See you when it is over!

Whooo is college-bound?

Whooo is college-bound?
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

A final tribute to back-to-school today. This card is a bit more sophisticated, just perfect for our college girl. Lots of layers (including a torn dictionary page and real paperclip!) and a bright color that I normally do not use. This little owl is one of my favorite fellows, especially after I do some surgery to add fun googly eyes. Enjoy!

Quick Backback Tags

Quick Backback Tags
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

I used some of my favorite animal stamps and made up some crazy sentiments to add to mail tags for our backpack kids. I laminated them with plastic sheets. For those of you younger than 30, that is called a slide-rule! It got me through Chem 101!

The bells are ringing....

The bells are ringing....
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

School bells, that is! School starts here today and this little card will send a sweet girl happily on her way. A little birdie tells me she will have a great day! Hero Arts stamps I used: CL332 and CL452.

Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger

Okay, here is the deal. I have been lurking around Moxie Fab World for over a year (do check it out!). Loved it, but I stayed in the shadows. What fun is that? So now that I have a blog I decided to jump in! What a perfect time, too. When I saw this Tuesday Trigger it screamed to me! All I could think about was my favorite CuttleBug embossing folder and the packets of amazing handmade that my dear Aunt had just given me for my birthday!

This is the card that I made for my Aunt based the jewel box inspiration. To create the raised design (like on the jewel box) I used my embossing folder on a piece of aluminum foil and antiqued it with Ranger Alcohol Inks. The rich designs of the handmade paper I used reflect those on the box, the tiny corner brads reflect the knobs on the box and the rhinestone brads are representative of the jewelry. Sentiment is Hero Arts CL148.

Thanks, Cath. – this exotic design is way out of my comfort zone, but who says you can’t teach an old mermaid new tricks?

Ribbit

Ribbit
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

My best pal and I get together about once a month for crafting. She had this adorable Hero Arts Stamp and was willing to let me play! When I got home I made this card with this cutie and gave it to her to thank her for the day and for our special friendship. Have a hoppin' day!

Betty's Card

I made this simple card for my amazing sister-in-law Betty. This gal can do everything - sail, sew, cook, bake, raise kids, be a wonderful grandma, fix things, help people - you name it, she does it! And she does it all expertly and with love. Some kind of woman, that is for sure. Betty likes all things blue and vintage, so the card has both. The vintage ribbon, tatting and buttons came from a garage sale. It was fun to put this together for such a special person.