Lot's of Valentine's

Oddly enough, the new SU catalog is out and I don't have one yet. Not to say one isn't on the way, I assure you it is, I'm waiting......

I will admit with some hesitation, I own a few stamp sets, SU and others, that haven't been touched. So I can wait for the catalog, in the meantime, I've been looking at it via a pdf file. I see a few nice additions and have already acquired most of the "I just can't live without" sets.

Papers used here and in earlier post is....
The floral paper (one of my absolute favorites and made in the USA) Anna Griffin. It doesn't have a name but has one of the most beautiful floral designs ever. You gotta look it up, really.
The stripe is from Wild Asparagus, and is called "Sisters", it is two sided, dark beautiful red on one side, coordinating stripe on the other. The dark red with a small starburst design is from The Paper Company and is called "Starburst Translucent". I've also used an EK Success heart shaped corner punch, a Marvy oval, and SU's scalloped punch. I also used shiny red card stock from Archiver's. The heart shape brad is generic and purchased last year. The ribbon came from Cord Camera.

The oval has been dry embossed with a Sizzik embossing folder. I also added a few elements from SU's Home Again Simply Scrapping kit.

I do need to start creating a few birthday cards, have a few special ones to make for a few VERY special people before this weekend.

Until later.

Teresa

Love is in the air!

I have been coming home from work and creating a card or so this week. I've used various materials, dotted sheer ribbon from Cord Camera, shiny card stock from Archiver's, DP from stash, etc. Really just miscellaneous materials that I have at home. I would like to note, the first card listed here is inspired by Michelle G. aka "Twisted Chick". This lady is extremely creative, amazing.

Now back to the miscellaneous materials...I have a real issue/problem....storage. I've only been doing this card making thing for a few years and never imagined how much real estate is needed to keep my treasures. My office is CRAMPED! I was able to purchase a paper organizer, which is grand. Cord Camera unfortunately closed several stores and as a result is selling some of the scrap booking inventory. This organizer is at least five foot tall, has approximately twenty drawers, each with the capacity to hold at least twenty five sheets of 12 X 12 paper. The shelf is in great condition...I am thinking I may need another.

Who knows, maybe I will get this under control.

Hope love is in the air at your house, pray blessings in your home, peace in your spirit, and favor in your life.

Teresa

Valentines - Bling 2009

I have a little time before calling it a night and decided to upload some Valentines I made this past weekend. My husband is an Air Reservist and one weekend a month he is away. While he was away on his last assignment, I decided to splurge in some "ME" time, clear my mind, and create cards. I did have a small break in my self indulgence and had a great lunch with my oldest son, what a treat. Creating cards, visiting with my son, and eating a nice meal. Life is good!

Of course, come Monday it was back to work, which has become pretty stressful in recent months. We have endured three layoffs and the atmosphere is tense. Additionally, the ones that are still blessed with steady employment must work harder and smarter to absorb the work left by our departed friends and colleagues. Overtime is required...lots of it.

My instincts (and current news reports) tell me this isn't over, not even close. I pray for healing for our great nation and justice for the victims of predatory lending. I pray for favor and blessings from the Lord.

I do have the blessed assurance from God, that no matter what happens, my steps are ordered by the Most High God and I am in the palm of His mighty hands. AHHHH, no place I'd rather be.

I've used many materials for these cards. Penny Black stickers, Basil, SU, and Archiver's cardstock. Lot's of Diamond Stickles. Some SU DP and some from my stack that heaven only knows what it is or where I bought it. Giga oval punches, heart corner punch, heart clear stamps from Archivers, gem stones, Doodle Bug Dazzle paper (oh how I love that bling), and heart shaped gems that are just too cute.

If you have questions regarding a specific card or materials, just comment.

Blessings,

Teresa

Doing Something New

I am a blog watcher....get lots of inspiration that way. I look at Kitty Carico's and Michelle Zindorf's blogs and really admire their techniques and notice the more they post...the better they get.

I have decided to attend Saturday morning art classes. Nothing fancy, just a lady with a shop down the street that teaches different methods to paint. I am sure this will reflect on my cards. Here are a few of the items that we will be creating in January.

Wish me luck!

Blessings!

Teresa

Valentine - Grow Old With Me

I recently attended a Valentine class at Archiver's. The classes are a great inexpensive way to get a creativity boost, and I don't mind telling you I've been in a drought.

So I've been looking at magazines, SplitCoast, The Stamp Shack, and Two Peas for inspiration. I have several ideas. Then I went through my craft room, gathered materials, and started making a new Valentine card...my inspiration for this one...Martha Stewart. Of course I had to add bling and additional detail to this card.

Happy New Year - We are pushing on through.

Wow, 2008 left me with a few brutal blows...as you know my praying, stamping friend Glinda passed away. Her death wasn't expected, a loss that I feel is harder to process. She is with the Lord and I choose to focus on that fact. God speed Glinda.

Emersyn was admitted to Riley Children's hospital Christmas day, she was released January 2, 2009. She had para-influenza. She is doing much better and I thank God for that.

He is Jehovah Jirah....my provider. He provides peace when our hearts ache, healing when are sick, time to care for the family when mother's spend time in the hospital. He is so faithful and I am so appreciative.

Time to move forward and focus on life and living. So here is to a life well lived.

Teresa