A Little Love

This time of year is full of birthdays and anniversaries for our family.   I will be celbrating my own 5 year anniversary this year with my wonderful husband, Nate, in November.  It always makes me relfect on how blessed I feel, how glad I am that he challenges me, and how very thankful that I get to spend my life with him.

Inspired by my overwhelming feeling of greatfulness and love during this time of year, I just couldn't help but make a simple but sweet card for a newly married couple (or even for an anniversary).  Of course, I'm in the process of coming up with something extra special for Nate - but I'll have to wait and share that after I give it to him.

And, of course I really can't resist sharing a little picture of my helper.  Did you know the Big Shot doubles as a stool?  Kaia definitely loves to "ink" with me, and I enjoy sharing my space with her. Obviosuly, she is still learning the tricks of the trade.....but maybe in a month or two she'll learn to turn the "wheel" on the Big Shot instead of sitting on it! Henestly though, how can I not smile at her when she gives me this look........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-Step Watercolor

Just to prepare you - this is my first attempt at creating a technique video.  It's imperfect in every way, but I did enjoy the process and learned along the way!

This video focuses on a watercolor technique for the non-artist.  It's a simple way to create that watercolor effect without investing too much time. And for the busy mom, you'll hear in this video I had a little help along the way.

Thanks for joining, and I welcome your comments!

Happy Stamping!

A parade time

There may be times when I am weary - but the effort is always worth it for these little smiles.  Homecoming week for Choctaw High School included  a parade on Thursday night.  Since my oldest is in the marching band, I took Dorian and Kaia to see her march in the parade.

It was a fun, but tiring time.  We parked a 1/2 mile from the school to watch the parade, and then had to walk to the school to find Rene after it was over.  By the end of the evening, Dorian and Kaia had walked nearly a mile!  Their little legs held up well, and even though we didn't eat dinner until after the parade they were perfectly content with a few pieces of parade candy.  (As you can see in the picture, Kaia enjoyed the Tootsie Rolls the best! She thought they were gum......)

My beautiful children - I feel so blessed.  Some days may be challenging, but well worth the energy.

Color Me Beautiful Challenge #7

If you haven't had the opportunity to look at this challenge series, you are missing out!  Connie Stewart, a fellow demonstrator, is part of the design team for this challenge.  This week, I had a little extra time (amazing!), and was so inspired by this color combo, that I just had to participate!

This card uses a watercolor technique using markers, water color paper, and a light misting of water.  I love the effect this created......I'll be posting a technique video later in the week on how to create this card, so check back in a few days.

I hope you enjoy this card.  To see more bout the challenge, please visit the Color Me Beautiful blog at http://colormebeautifulchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for sharing the challenge, Connie!

New Events!

Looking for something fun to do? 

Join me at my stamping table on October 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm.  This class will feature Embellishing How To's to get your creative juices flowing.  Fast and Easy ways to step up that card that you just feel "Needs a little something more.....".

OR

Join me for the Annual Choctaw Early Learning Center Stamp-A-Stack Fundraiser on November 3rd.  This event will include 15 All-Purpose Greeting Cards.

Pre-K Already? A scrapbook day.

It is certainly a challenge to keep my scrapbooks updated, but I'm determined!  With my middle child, Dorian, starting Pre-K this year, I've made myself a promise that I would try to "pre-scrap" big events (like his first day of Pre-K).  Now when I take those precious photos, I have a place to put them.  In the digital age, it is so easy to leave them on my computer, but I do prefer having something to hold. 

A few tips and tricks

1. To create a photo mat, cut the mat 1/2 inch larger than the photo.  This gives a 1/4 inch border around the photo.  To create a double mat, cut the second mat 1 inch larger than the photo.  This method works nicely to create a 5 x 7 space for a 4 x 6 photo.

2.  Keep it simple.  When cutting your photo mats, use a stampin' write marker to indicate the size photograph that can be placed on the mat.  This allows you to create layouts with different size photos without having to remember or re-measure the space when you are ready to mount your photos.