Getting back into the groove...

It's been a while since my last post.  Lots going on the past few months. My beloved golden retriever - Parker - was ill from lymphoma and I had to put him down six weeks ago. It's been a rough three months.  His 11th birthday was this past weekend - very long weekend. He was my child.  My mom (aka grandma) is taking it pretty hard too. My entire routine has changed and his happy 88lbs of unconditional love are sorely missed.  Some projects and crafting were put on hold because all he wanted was to play...and I was more than happy to meet his needs.

I have completed a few DIY projects to occupy my time.  I'll post some pics soon.  I'm also painting my craft room in the basement.  Maybe now I'll like working down there and get things organized. I regret that I didn't finish Parker's scrapbooks.  That is my first task when the room is finished.  He deserves that since he's the reason I got myself into this expensive hobby to begin with. However, he didn't like for me to work in the basement.  He followed me everywhere in the house and the basement had everything for him except a window that he could look out and watch people (or animals).  I looked at his completed scrapbooks the day I put him down - what great memories! He had a better day that day which is how I want to remember him.

Parker - I couldn't have asked for a better companion.  You loved life and made everyone happy.  You were spoiled rotten and I loved every minute of our time together.  You will never be forgotten!!

Colorful Hello Card

A couple months ago, I tried some new products. My intent was to have a simple design using a lot of colors.  I wish I had added something else - punched border or some other embellishment to make this more interesting.

Supplies:

Cardstock - Stampin' Up! Brocade Blue
Dots Stamp - Stampin' Up!
Ink and Markers - Stampin' Up!
Hello Embossing Folder - Darice

Butterfly Hi

This card is very simplistic but I love the end result.  And it was a great way to include one of my faves...butterflies!  Once again, I relied on DCWV's paper stacks for the patterned paper.  They introduce new themes so often now, I can't keep up!

Supplies:

DCWV paper stack - Garden Party
Stampin' Up! Cardstock, ink and marker - Chocolate Chip
Stampin' Up! Stitch template
Letter Stamps - Danielle Johnson Art Warehouse

Copic Markers

I completed the standard and intermediate Copic marker certification classes...finally!  I finished a couple projects that we started while in class.  I had to purchase a few more markers so I could finish the projects.  Darn!  :-)

Happy Holidays Card

As usual, snowmen are the theme for my Christmas cards.  I made this card for another purpose - try the We R Memory Keepers Mini 8 punch.  I have a few of these and the Lucky 8 punches and I love them!

Supplies:

Snowman and Happy Holidays stamps - Stampin' Up!
Dots stamp - Stamps by Judith
Snowflake Mini 8 Punch - We R Memory Keepers
Card stock - The Paper Company
Ink - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - DCWV

Mother's Day Card

I used new supplies purchased at the Memories Expo this year to make this Mother's Day card.  

Supplies:

Square card, overlay and envelope - The Paper Cut

Posy Patch Flowers PreCut Set - Heartfelt Creations

Posy Patch Garden Delights PreCut Set - Heartfelt Creations

Embossing Border - Sizzix

Patterned paper - DCWV

Happy Mother's Day stamp - Stampin' Up!

Stitched Card

I am trying new techniques and also finding purposes for the extra embroidery thread I have from past projects. I'll have to make a lot of cards to use that extra stuff!  This is my first stitched card.

Supplies:

Martha Stewart Square Punch - Scallop
Embroidery Thread
Stampin' Up! StitchTemplate
Stampin' Up! Stamps
Ribbon
Patterned Paper - Pebbles