Mr. Bluebird ...

I do so wish that you all lived right around the corner.  Wouldn't it be fun to visit each others craft rooms?  I'd enjoy having you over for a "play date".  I'm sure you would open my eyes to new ideas and uses for all my "this and that" things I have squirreled away.  Sigh ... wouldn't that be fun?

I used some wonderful paper that I admit I have been hoarding.  I absolutely love this bird print and after walking through the park snapping shots of our local Eastern Bluebirds (I'm getting better with my new camera but there still is soooo much to learn) ... I knew it was time to pull out my favorite to share with you.  The bow combines Marina Mist Striped Ribbon with Bashful Blue Satin.  They are the super easy to tie the prettiest of bows and they come in so many colors.  I added an old button, a couple pins, and some Bakers Twine - another "must have" in all the available colors.  My banner uses a stamp from Apothecary Art.  It's a fabulous set with matching dies - I'll be sure to show you those soon but if you can't wait just click on the link!  

And here's my inspiration ... isn't he sweet?

Thanks for stopping by, my friends ... I hope our little feathered friend inspires you too.

Here comes the sun ...

It was a glorious day today.  We went for long walk along a trail that circled a lake at a local metro park.  It was wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun again.  My son was so excited to add a few new birds to his list ... Eastern Bluebird, Song Sparrow, American Wigeon, and the Common Grackle.  Mallards and Wood Ducks have return to the pond in our backyard too.  I'll share some photos here later this week.

I just love how this sweet little bee (Nature Walk stamp set) peeks out from beneath the velvet leaves.  He's perfectly shabby sewn on burlap and layered on a "fussy cut" stamped frame.  I added a pink bead to embellish the center of my crocheted flower and nested it on a pile of pink ribbon.  My tag says Hello in a heartfelt way.

My next card is a birthday affair.  The cake is a sticker, something new for me!  It's part of the Sweet Shop  collection and available for a limited time.  The package came with so many "birthday items" ... I can't wait to make more of this theme!  I created the flower with layers of felt, lace, and a sweet little pink button.

Sale-A-Bration is still going on until the end of March - don't miss this opportunity to earn free merchandise!  My frame and tags on today's posts are from Elementary Elegance ... you can see more here.

We have a busy day tomorrow so I must say Good Night ... and thank you for stopping by!

Shamrocks and Crowns

Thankfully I found some time to sneak away this past weekend and do some creating.  I've been crocheting Shamrocks (in various sizes) and was itching to use one.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out but I must admit I am pleased with the results.  I have some Irish background on my father's side of the family and since green is my favorite color ... well, the rest just came together.

As you can see, I spent some time playing with pink too.  Something "girly" to share ...

My Shamrock project includes gorgeous Striped Ribbon ... it comes in so many wonderful colors.  You can find assortments of buttons here.  I absolutely adore the Beau Chateau Designer Papers with the chicken wire, polka dots, and roosters ... what's not to love?!  I also included a mini clothespin in the bow - sweet as can be.  The links will take you to my Stampin' UP! website store - just in case you can't do without!

I am thankful for your visits ... enjoy the rest of your day!

A long weekend at home ...

Hello friends!  I've enjoyed a few days off from work to spend time at home.  The kids have a long weekend and we've been enjoying each others company.  It's been too cold for long walks in the woods but tomorrow promises to be better.  I spoiled myself and purchased a new camera....which I used for today's post.  I love the photos it takes and the quality of the zoom images.  However, there is soooo much to learn - my photos may suffer from quality issues for a while!

Since these both are for a special friend, I don't want to say too much and spoil some pending surprise.  So for today I'll simply share the photos and wish you all a wonderful evening.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... good night!

Snowy weekend

We are snowed in this weekend.  Finally, a small taste of winter has arrived.  Only three inches of white fluffy flakes blanket the ground, hardly enough to be "snowed in" I must admit, but it's fun to pretend.  We all have hunkered down in front of the fire...watching movies and eating popcorn...cozy and warm.

I was given a printed image some time ago from my SIL Shirley.  It shows three happy pipers playing and dancing.  They look adorable in their balloon shorts and tights.  I image them as wandering minstrels from the Middle Ages.  The background of green hills and trees made it perfect for my first St. Patrick's Day card.  A combination of different shades of green print with neutral patterns came together nicely behind my happy pipers.

Happy St. Patrick's Day is stamped in Old Olive Classic Ink.  Pleated Satin Ribbon is now available in our Occasions Catalog (there's a link on the left).  It's gorgeous and comes in wonderful colors ... this one is Pear Pizzazz.

I combined grosgrain ribbon with hand dyed seam binding to make my bow.  Two velvet leaves add texture while a button sits atop each pennant.

Green is my favorite color and it was fun creating this to share with you today.  I hope you enjoy it too.

Audubon morning

Goodness, it has been nearly a week since my last post.  We've been busy running here and there ... living life.  Last Saturday I spent a glorious sunny morning with my son and members of the local Audubon Society.  It was an incredible experience.  With the guidance of knowledgeable birders, my son added over 20 new birds to his list...both Common and Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Redhead, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, and more.  It is amazing the beauty that surrounds us ... we just need to open our eyes to see it.

I just can't get enough of the sweet red felt hearts found at my local craft store.  This one is framed in antiqued chipboard and layered on burlap and linen.  An adorable heart embellished with a decorative pin and button.  The background prints are from my scrap drawer with the exception of the silhouette paper ... that is from our gorgeous Timeless Portraits collection.  I'm sure you recognize it from previous posts.  The greeting is detailed with pearls and says the sweetest things.

Now, about that bow ... I may have over done it but I just couldn't help myself.

Enjoy your day and thanks for visiting!

Pink petals

Hello friends and happy February!  Sifting through my papers, which are in desperate need of organization, I happen across a beautiful package of prints sent to me from Kirsty.  She's a wonderful artist, a kind soul, and heads up the Design Team over at The City Crafter.  A print of soft roses leapt into my hands as did a pink paper rose I've squirreled away for I don't know how long.  Too precious to use but yet never getting the admiration it so deserves.  So I decided to put the two together.  Unfortunately my precious rose was waaaay too big for this project ... so, I did what any one of us would - I tore it apart.  Yep, dis-assembled it piece by piece.  Now I have lots of rose petals to play with and I couldn't be happier!

My crocheted rose is nested into a twist of shabby fabric and layered on top of some precious pink petals.  I tucked a velvet leaf or two underneath and embellished it with hand dyed yellow seam binding.  A couple decorative pins peek out from behind the many loops.  The doily was created with Sizzlits Paper Doily Die and brushed with ink.

A simple tag, some string, and a few buttons convey a heartfelt message - one that can serve any occasion but speaks volumes with the love that created this card.

If you have any questions about Sale-A-Bration, just click on the link to the left to learn more.  Ask if you have any questions and thank you for stopping by today!