Variation on a theme

My dear Auntie Lou, who is 90, just had heart surgery. I want to send her a card to wish her well and let her know she's in my prayers. I do love the black butterflies card but I just don't think it is really appropriate for a get well card. I already had the French script background prepared for the black card, and I thought I'd try it with white butterflies instead. The white layer brings out the script nicely and even though they don't show up well on the photo, the pearls add a nice accent. I know she'll enjoy receiving this card!

Inspiration for Afternoon Tea

I came across this fabulous card made by Andrea Walford - her blog at www.andreawalford.com is one of my favorites. She's got great style and does some very nice videos showcasing interesting techniques. Anyway, I shamelessly copied this card, substiting my retired French script background and using pearls instead of rhinestones. I never would have thought to use black butterflies - I'm usually too literal. But the exciting thing is that, partway through constructing this, inspiration fluttered by...

I've had a couple of stamps that I've been wanting to use, to incorporate into my teacup series (once it is actually a series!) I had a vague idea kicking around in my head, and I looked at the stamps again this past week, but no particular idea came to mind. Tonight, though, the colors of the black butterfly card just jumped out at me and I had my design:

I hope you're not too sick of black and green. I can't wait to send this to my pal! Now I just have to get busy finishing my oft-mentioned teacup series.

Happy Easter!

I usually share Easter dinner with my sisters and extended family.
This year, I am spending Easter near home, with some dear friends. I wanted my sisters to know I will miss them and I sent them these cards to remind them that even if we're not together, they're always in my heart.




The background of the floral card is shiny with a technique called mother-of-pearl. It's really pretty though I don't know if it shows in the photo. The bottom card is a hodgepodge of elements but I know my sister will share it with her little grandsons, so I thought they'd enjoy all the texture, along with the bunny and the eggs. I wanted some sunshine in this card, but I didn't have a stamp, so I made my sun by twisting some saffron grosgrain ribbon.

I hope you're enjoying Easter Sunday with your family!

Easter baskets

Here comes Peter Cottontail....

Birthday treats

I have several nieces and nephews who have had birthdays recently and these cards were perfect to accompany a gift.

I keep wanting to bling these up but I always tend to stay simple in a lot of the cards I make. I will go all out on a few of these soon, when the next wave of birthdays rolls around.

What flavor would you like?

Bold Blossom

I love this bright and cheery card. I copied the design from Natalie Decker (http://stampinat.blogspot.com) and changed it just a little. I used Daffodil taffeta ribbon and pulled a middle thread to gather it - I love this look. I also embossed the petals of the top flower for some texture and used a little flower punch for the center.

This will be one of my teachers' thank-you gift cards for this year. I love that it is simple to make but brings a big smile to my face when I see it. I hope they will feel the same!

Telescoping circles

I copied this cute little card from Barb Mullikin - her template, my stamped design.

(There's a video how-to in her March 13, 2011 post on www.BarbStamps.com.)

I just love interactive cards and this one is easy to make, and will impress! This was a quickie first attempt but I will make more when I think up a good design. In particular, I want to figure out a good border around the center circle because the edge shows when it's closed. I'll get a-round to it one of these days...