Thank You Cards

Dear everyone,

I made a test. I wanted to see how many days I can go without posting a card. Just kidding. But I had to make my absence sound intentional. 

I've been working on the "Thank You" cards for my wonderful family and friends that came to my baby shower on Saturday. Although I really tried to come up with my own ideas, I couldn't stop thinking about these absolutely stunning CARDS by Meile Belles (needless to say she's one my favorite card makers). So, all the credit and thanks for inspiration goes out to her. 

Recipe for {Thank You} Cards  4 x 51/2 in

~ Cardstock: PTI {Spring Moss}, Garage Sale Collection;

~ Stamp: PTI {In Bloom, Trio Tree Trimmings - sentiment};

~ Ink: PTI {Ripe Avocado}, Stampabilities {Plum};

~ Dew Drops: Robin's Nest. 

I found a foolproof way to take my mind off the worries about the birth of our boy, who should be here in only a couple of weeks. Learning how to drive. I know it sounds crazy to do such things in the eighth and ninth month, but I have been careful and it's been a lot of fun. I have my driving test on Tuesday. 

I've been kind of slow in the some areas of my life. It took me a long time to be born and, after many many hours, I came into the world sleeping. My metabolism has been always kind of slow (or so I'm telling myself when I eat ice cream sitting on the couch). I finished grad school at 32. I got married at 33. I'm having my first child at 34. And finally, my driving license. See, quite slow.     

Oh, and I haven't changed a diaper yet. 

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #21

Hello everyone!

I've just finished a grueling 10-minute session on the treadmill. Hurray! I can still do it, I've still got it. I won't go into boring details like the speed and incline, but I'd like to say that I burned 20 full calories. 

Although it's not going to be long now, I don't feel ready to have a baby. Oh, I am ready to lose this big belly, but I am overwhelmed by exchanging it with a sweet helpless baby. I feel that, every time I see a "Bump" street sign or a "Push" door sign, the whole Universe is trying to prepare me for the big moment. 

I'm glad I still caught Dawn McVey's latest Color Challenge, #21. 

I think Dawn is the sweetest on videos. I expected her to have a higher voice (?! - no idea why).   

 

Recipe for {Rain or Shine} Card 4 x 51/2 in

~ Cardstock: PTI {Dark Chocolate, Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist};

~ Stamps: PTI {Damask Design, Scattered Showers, Vintage Labels};

~ Ink: Stampabilities' {Brown};

~ Pearls: Prima;

~ Gemstones: Paper Studio. 

I would so much love to stay and chat, but James is coming home for lunch. I'm throwing him a "pizza party". One of these days, when my inner chef is taking a break. 

Isn't he cute how seriously he takes his house cleaning duties? The only thing missing is the french maid costume. Maybe for me, because now that I'm saying it "out loud", I realize that it would look rather odd on him.

 

Hope you enjoy my card! Can't wait to see your creations. 

Monochrome Valentine's Day Card

Hello everyone!

I made a Valentine's Card in my favorite color, purple. I also dug out one of my favorite paper stash, BasicGrey {Eva Collection}. I'm very fond of twine lately. There is a lovely store next to our house that sells needlepoint supplies and they have a lot of different colors and styles of twine. It can almost beat ribbon. 

Recipe for {Rain or Shine} Card 4 x 51/2 in

~ Cardstock: PTI {Sweet Blush}, unknown source;

~ Paper : BasicGrey {Eva Collection};

~ Stamp: PTI {Peaceful Poinsettia, Scattered Showers - sentiment};

~ Ink: Stampabilities' {Plum};

~ Dew Drops: Robin's Nest;

Today I wish I could stay at home and watch Law & Order: SVU endlessly. I still marvel how can someone feel so tired after a normal Saturday routine: cleaning the house and cooking. With the help of my husband, nonetheless. But I was also looking forward to go to church and have Father Dimitri come over to our home for lunch afterwards. 

James wanted to ask Father Dimitri a question for some time now. He noticed (he has a great eye for detail) that his priestly vestments have one button missing. He wondered of the theological significance of that. Father Dimitri reached in his pocket and pulled a silver button out and the only explanation he had was that he didn't get around to sew the button back on. I guess not everything in the Orthodox Church has a deep symbolism attached. 

I did get to catch a great nap afterwards and guess what I am doing after posting this? Watching Law & Order. My only prayer is that no one would show at my door offering me a job in a crime lab, because James would have to take a paternity leave and stay home with our baby. 

"You better catch on sleep now", people tell me. I wish I could stash chunks of sleep in a box and have them handy for sleepless nights, but I can't. All I can do is keep the memories of a good night sleep and think about it later on, while rocking our baby. 

It's still freezing cold here in southern Texas, a real winter. I love it that way, minus the stuffed nose and the winter coat that does not quite fit me anymore, but plus the hot chocolate, my favorite turtleneck sweater and winter boots that I finally got to wear. 

Embellish Magazine {Color Challenge with Hearts}

Hello again everyone!

Do you know how I can tell that I'm not myself and very preoccupied by other things (like counting down the weeks till the baby comes...)? I have quite a bit of funds in my crafting account and I can't bring myself to order anything...yet. What is my problem? 

I did have supplies to make a Valentine's Day Card for the newest challenge over at Embellish Magazine. It's so wonderful to see all the blogs blossom with Valentine's cards, hearts, ribbon, glitter...We the cardmakers live for the Celebration, of any kind. We enjoy Life! :-) 

Recipe for {I Love You} card  5 1/2 x 4 in

~ Cardstock: PTI {Poppy Red, Sweet Blush};

~ Stamps: PTI {Damask Designs};

~ Ink: PTI {Moulin Rouge}, Stampabilities' {Black};

~ Martha Steward glitter;

~ Dew Drops: Robin's Nest;

I hope you enjoyed my card and thanks for stopping by!

 

It's Scrap-ilicious!

Hello everyone!

I'd like to add another Happy New Year to the hundreds that you have already received so far. I wish this year has found all of us ready to take on new creative challenges and make our life and the life of those around me more beautiful. 

I'd like to start the new year with a card for Papertreyink's SCRAP-tastic! I made it with scraps from the very first paper collection I've ever bought. 

Recipe for {I love you} Card   4 x 5 1/2 in

~ Cardstock: PTI {Lavender Moon};

~ Paper: DCWV {Adhesive Mat Stack Prints}; 

~ Stamp: PTI {Damask Design - sentiment};

~ Ink: PTI {Scarlet Jewel};

~ Dew Drops: {Robin's Nest}.

I've been watching my scraps stack growing for a little while now and I am still relieved that it is not flowing over the box's edges. When that moment comes, I'm not sure what I am gonna do. I dread that moment, because this means I officially have to start organizing little bits of paper. A Sisyphean task. I had an attempt to pair the papers by shade and it's been working...sort of. I'll keep an eye out for all the great ideas that you ladies have for "taming" the scrap stack. 

It's so good to be back, share a card with you and see all your original and wonderful creations!