Lipstick happiness ...

It was a simply gorgeous weekend here and I do hope you had the same.  I spent time in the garden, a sorely neglected task which still not complete.  But when is gardening ever "done"?  A bit of weeding, digging, pruning, and a few flats of "Lipstick" impatiens and my little world is a better place.  Don't you love that name ... "Lipstick"?  They are a delicious blend in shades of pink and raspberry.  I love them.  Perhaps I'll have a moment to post a few photo's later this week ... 'til then I have this to share.

Kirsty and the Design Team over at The City Crafter are celebrating "firsts".  The first day of summer (or winter depending on your location) was just this past week.  Of course there are first anniversaries, first homes, and especially first birthdays.

My project is brighter than I am used to or comfortable with.  However, who can celebrate a first birthday without some cheer and bling?  Beginning with Whisper White card stock, printed papers were mixed, matched and layered.  A new collection being released next week includes those luscious stripes and adorable pink numbers (I'll have more to say about that soon).  The crown comes from Artistic Etchings. The chipboard is painted and "glitterfied" with Dazzling Diamonds and Chunky Essentials glitter.

The bow is seam binding dyed in So Saffron Classic ink.  Two punches created the tag ... Large Tag and Pinking Hearts Border.  With the sentiment in pink and a button from Design Buttons - Subtles collection ... I think it's sweet.  The pin is a Viola original - fabulous ... just like her blog banners!

It was so nice of you to visit ... thanks for stopping by!

Welcome sunshine ...

Hello friends, the weekend is finally here and after these past waterlogged days ... I welcome the sunshine.  Forecasts predict blue skies and perfect temperatures for the next couple days.  Just what I need to catch up on my gardening.  My son, a young Marlin Perkins (I'm dating myself), is looking forward to all of the digging and planting.  I must admit,  I am too.

The Moxie Fab World blog has a Tuesday Trigger this week that I absolutely love.  The colors are so soft and the title "A Lovely Lullaby" perfect for the photo.  Just look at these gorgeous shades of blue, gray,  yellow and vanilla ... what's not to love?

My project began with Very Vanilla card stock and layers of pretty prints in shades of blues with some gray polka dots.  Those sweet little baby quails following their mother?  From the Happy Together stamp set.  The greeting is a new favorite ... Happy Greetings.  I love it!  A bit of lace, a button, and I'm almost done ...

 The seam binding is dyed in So Saffron Classic Ink.  A white felt flower with a cheery yellow center (a bit stronger than the inspiration) was added just because it makes me smile.  The pin is a Viola original.

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with me...I enjoy your visits!

Soft and lovely ...

Hello friends.  I have another Birthday Celebration to share with you!  Did you know it's Cheryl's special day?  Kirsty along with all the lovely and talented ladies over at The City Crafter are "shouting her praises" and wishing her all the best ... be sure to stop by and share some love.

Soft shades of pinks mixed with the natural coloring of light browns ... I admit, it's a favorite of mine.  In the garden and in my craft room.  These patterned papers are thrown together from my scrap drawer - some from the Lap of Luxury collection, another from Newsprint Designer, the rest from "here and there".  I always enjoy the first step of creating ... pulling out all my goodies in the desired shades of color.  Putting this color with that color ... or maybe that pattern with this pattern ... having it all tossed about in front of me to play with - pure bliss.  The ribbon is seam binding dyed with Elegant Eggplant Classic Ink ... it's delicious and I love the mottled look.  A sweet pink button from Designer Buttons - Subtles with a delicate little pearl tops off my bow. 

The gorgeous globe stamp is part of the The Open Sea set and the sentiment (a wonderful font) is from Happy Greetings.  A pretty pink velvet leaf and handmade flower adds a soft texture and a touch of shimmer.  Yes, I've restocked my ETSY store with more blooms (I knew you'd ask).

Happy Birthday Cheryl ... thank you for all the inspiration you have given me and for all you do!

Family memories ...

Happy Father's Day!  You can count on my husband fishing with the kids all day today.  We have a wonderful little pond right in our own backyard.  It's the perfect place to fish.  They catch sunfish, bluegill, and an occasional bass.  No boat needed ... just stand on the shore and cast.  I love sitting up on the deck and watching my husband and son ... side by side for hours.  What wonderful memories for all of us.

Today's post is just a little something I made for you.  The checked and chevron papers from the Autumn Meadows collection (currently on the "Clearance Rack") coordinate in beautiful shades of blues and browns.  The large circle is a paisley print with similar colors - although you can only see bits peeking through in this photo.  I used En Francais as a background stamp with Basic Black Classic Ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  A die was used to cut my doily shape and Chantilly crocheted trim added a touch of softness.

The seam binding was dyed in shades of blue then tied into a bow with a sweet little white button on top.  The chipboard butterfly from Batch of Blooms is also available on the "Clearance Rack".  Here I painted it, distressed the edges, then gave it some character with stitching and a touch of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  A bright cheery posy adds a spark of color while bringing out the shades of orange in the paisley pattern beneath.

 

Thank you for stopping by ... I hope you have the chance to make some memories of your own today!

Breathe ....

Hello friends, I've missed you all so much.  Life has been hectic ... it can get that way sometimes.  We decided to take a week and travel to see the beautiful hills of northern Georgia.  What a gorgeous area of our country!  Waterfalls, hilltop views, history, the Appalachian Trail and so much more.  The week we returned was filled with state wide volleyball tournaments, school finals, and student celebrations.  I'm still playing catch-up.  A big hug goes out to Ros who so kindly sent me a note to "check-in" on me.  I was so touched by her gesture of concern ... my heart is full of gratitude for all the friends I've made thru this blog - you are all just amazing!

I have been busy these past couple days and have some new projects to share with you.  Today's project takes it's inspiration from the Just Us Girls color challenge.  A wonderful combination of rich tones coupled with pastels. 

The patterned papers showcase the colors beautifully.  A Scallop Edge Border Punch added interest to the layers and a simple rub-on was perfect for my sentiment ...

The scallop circle is a neutral shade called River Rock on which I added a sweet little flower print circle.  My crocheted flower (I made dozens while on vacation ... so relaxing and lots of fun) is embellished with soft velvet leaves, seam binding dyed with So Saffron Ink, a bit of lace, a pin from Viola, and a posy for the center.

It's just wonderful to be back sharing with you again.  I can't wait to get "out and about" to see what you have all been up to!  Thanks for taking the time to stop by today!  (I'll be posting my next two projects soon ... right after I clean the "kid prints" off my camera lens - boy these pictures are blurry!)