Sunday, September 30, 2007

In the Background









There is something so freeing of my muse to work on backgrounds. I know that there is any number of scrapbook papers out there that have beautiful backgrounds and if I am in a hurry, I will use one of them. But I love doing backgrounds. Experimenting with color, form and texture. I have a good excuse because that is my job for WorldWin Papers. I get to use and abuse their wonderful papers and report back to them what I have put on them next! Their paper can take it and I am always surprised as to how they turn out because they all turn out differently. I never know what I am going to come up with next! Well today I am just going to share some cards that I made with my own backgrounds.
I better get to work on some more. So many colors and types of ink, paints and paper and never enough time to play!

Friday, September 28, 2007

The Beauty of Autumn






I love autumn! It's only fault is that it is such a short season. I have heard some people say that they don't care for it, not because of the beauty but because it means winter is around the corner. I can't think that way. I am only thinking of the moment. What if winter never comes? You have spent all of your time worrying about what is next instead of taking pleasure in what is now and right before you. Autumn is full of color and smells and change. I think of gorgeous rusts, mossy greens, deep purple reds, bright golden yellows, rich chocolatly browns, reddish oranges and all the rich deep tones of the earth. Cool crisp air, the smell of fireplaces being lit up, warm snuggly sweaters, small creatures scurrying around gathering food for the winter months. I love autumn and always will. Here is hoping that you do too.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Fairytales



I got this amazing sheet of Fairys from Fran at Hearts in Touch. I have been creating little works of art with these adorable images a little at a time. I have been having a good time using my colored pencils and experimenting with colors and tones. I hope you enjoy my little winged nymphs. Hats off to the artist Marjolein who created these little beauties. You will see more of them to come but for now here is what I have done.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Here Kitty Kitty





I have always had a love affair with cats. I love the fact that they are so independent and full of curiousity. I love all animals but cats are just special. You don't take care of cats, not really. You feed them and love them and respect them but other than cleaning their cat box and giving them treats and food, they pretty much take care of themselves. They LET you think you are caring for them, they command that from you. If push comes to shove, they could take care of themselves but why should they and deny you that pleasure? I think that is what I love the most about them!
My cat is BooBoo Magoo. He is my heart. He loves me for who I am and knows when I am not myself. He will stay by my side when I am sick, leaving only to use the litterbox or have a bite to eat. Otherwise he is near me, letting me know that he is there for me. He gets mad at me but always forgives me. If I love someone, well, he loves them too, sometimes against his better judgement. I can do anything to him, I can dangle his legs and he will not flinch. I can hold him very close to me and stare in his eyes, he will not turn away. He lets me dress him up for Halloween and Christmas and although he does not care for it, he lets me because he loves me that much. He trusts me with his life, that is pretty impressive. He knows I love him and I always will. We share the same soul and can read each other's minds. He is 13 and a half now but the vet says he has the vital signs of a young cat. So hopefully, I will have him around for a long while. He even loves my puppy and has forgiven me for bringing that bundle of energy into our rather sedate life. So here's to cats and all the people out there that love them. You are special and your cat knows it! Cheers!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Paper Sculpture




Since becoming a designer for WorldWin paper I have made a paper sculpture for each CHA convention. I really wanted to show what could be done with their wonderful paper. It is very sturdy and the colors are vivid. I totally soaked this paper with water and they have stayed exactly the same. Here is my Sunflower for the Summer and the purple winter Orchid. Each wall sculpture measures a foot across, so they aren't little by any means. :)

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Happy Accidents


I seem to have good luck with my accidents. Some of my best work has been from goof ups. I think the reason is, once I have messed something up I lose my fear of ruining it so therefore my inhibitions are out the window. I might as well see how far I can take this as I have already stepped over the line and what do I have to lose. I learn a lot from my mistakes. I know how far to take something and still make something out of it. I guess that is how a lot of risk takers are towards life. I stay that way with my art but you won't catch me sky diving in the near or distant future. So be a risk taker, do something daring with your art, get messy, add layers, try a new technique and remember it is only paper. The worst thing that can happen is you will have something to throw away. Hint, even my real disaster are cut up and used as backgrounds, borders and mosaics. So all is not ever lost.
Here was my experiment. I started piling dyes on my paper and webbing and stamping. I had no idea of what I was going to end up with but I kept going until I was satisfied. Ta Dah! an old world triptych arch for a swap. Be daring, have fun, let your imagination go wild!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007





OK, This has been a busy week but I am trying to add something everyday and I missed a day. Spent all day doing Dr. appts. YUK! I hate it but luckily other than a few minor glitches I am pretty darn healthy right now. I am really trying to take care of myself but I probably will never be obsessive about it. Moderation is the key to everything and I truly believe that the body is an amazing machine that can and will repair itself if you take care of it. I really didn't do that when I was younger but health is something that you can't put a price on it. It is priceless and the older you get the more that this becomes apparent.
Anyway, one of the things that keeps me healthy is my two little furbabies. They are my heart and soul. Having a pet is good for your blood pressure and keeps your attitude positive. Besides, they are just plain cute and fun to have around!
Here is Noel, my little ball of energy that my dh calls the happiest dog in the world. He says he has never seen a dog that was just so happy to be alive. He is right about that. She is always so full of joy and I cannot look at her without laughing or smiling. She is always up to something.
BooBoo Magoo is my very sage and serene big black cat. I have had him since he was an abandoned kitten and he is 13 1/2 years old now. He is my heart, we have been through so much together and we can read each other's thoughts. He has even forgiven me for bringing home the rambunctious little mini schnauzer that he has to claim as his baby sister. They have their moments but they love one another very much and they both love me so they try to get along for my sake.
My life is so much better because they are a part of it.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Grandchildren - The light of my life.




Well, another weekend has flown by and that means that we are nearly into fall. That means that the grandkids are back in action again. They have busy schedules so I have plenty to do also, since I am their back up when mom and dad are working. I really enjoy the role as I never had a grandparent when I was growing up and I always wanted one. My grandparents on both sides had passed away before I was born or shortly after so I was too young to remember them. I was forever adopting old people as substitute grandparents. I think every child should have an older adult in their lives. Grandparents are more tolerant, patient and listen to the little things that parents don't always have the time to do. I am guilty of that with my son. Although I love him more than life when I was raising him there were plenty of other things to think about, like making a living, paying bills. I was a single parent and although his father was there and supportive too, it is not like having both parents under the same roof. It is always a little tougher but I think my son is a better person for it. He knows what single moms go through and I think he appreciates women more because of it. Yet he knows that just because parents are divorced, your dad can have just as big a role in raising you as your mom. It would have been a lot easier for Mike and me if we had lived closer to my parents, but then again maybe not! My dad was a spoiler of grandchildren! He let them get by with murder and the reward was that they worshipped the ground he walked on! It would take me months to get Michael back in line after spending time with my dad. My mom at least would respect my rules. LOL!
I digress, back to my pride and joy.
My grandson David is playing football this season and my granddaughter Katie is back in dance. He is a Boyscout and she is a Brownie scout. He is going to join the school band and it won't be long until he has basketball practice. They are both good students David has made the honor roll every year and has been awarded with state honors in math and spelling. Katie, well, Katie is the darling of her class. She is loved by everyone and is a real character. She was selected as an attendant for the Jr. Miss pageant, so she got to wear tierra and a fancy ball gown. She has a wonderful sense of humor and is very artistic. Ok, they are really good kids and yes, I am very proud of them. You get the picture! I do layouts of them and have been behind lately but here are some that I am most proud of.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

My Dad was a Beautiful Man


He had faults like we all do but in my eyes I could have never asked for a better father. He took care of his family, he always kept his promises, he was a good citizen, a hard worker as an engineer on the Union Pacific railroad (only laid off one time when he had the flu in 39 years), he was always ready to listen to you no matter what. He passed away on August 20, 2004 at the ripe old age of 89, he outlived my mother by 34 years and his second wife of 19 years by 7 months. He was active and interested in everything until just before he passed on. He taught me more about life and what to expect from it than any other living person. I can only hope that I leave half that legacy for my son and grandchildren as left for us. Dad, I know you are up there and I got all your messages. I know I will see you again someday. :)

Friday, September 14, 2007


OK, for those of you that know me you know that I finally, after years of avoiding the practice, have taken up the art of scrapbooking. I see so many neat layouts out there and mine aren't as "trendy" but I don't do the latest and greatest. I don't really care if the paper line and embellishments are "in" or totally out. I have always liked things for what they are. If I like them, then I am using them. End of story. I matched this color of paper with my mother's gorgeous hair. She was a pretty lady and I was a real surprise for her and my dad. She turned 40 the year I was born. Now, I am sure that she had to have wrung her hands a few times when she found out but she or my dad never let on that they did. Mom said I made her feel young again and Dad, well, he fell head over heels for me the instant I was born. I have an older sister Soni, 11 years older and an older brother Dick, 8 years older. So I really was the baby of the family and got a lot of attention but I always acted older for my age. Styles were a little edgy back then. Check out those curtains!! We had a lot of love in our home and I was really lucky to be born into such a wonderful family. Anyway, here I am with my Mommy and we both look pretty happy posing for my dad and his ever present camera.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Another Day - Another Post




I am getting better at this but taking it one day at a time. I am featuring some of my work with Third Coast Rubberstamps. Val is a great vendor and I just love her stamps. So much so that she has created my own little gallery on her site. If you are looking for inspiration try browsing her galleries! You will be impressed! Anyway I will load a few here but there are plenty more on her site and on the pages of SSR I have used all WorldWin cardstock for these babies. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Another inspirational card!


I made this quite sometime ago starting with a background using dye inks that were diluted with water and sprayed onto glossy paper. I am famous for my use of webbing spray and I am sure some people are sick of it but I am not so I will keep finding ways to use it. I think it puts a dramatic look to everything! I am tempted to spray it on my husband but I don't want other stampers chasing after him so I will refrain. (I am easily entertained - I guess :) Anyway, this card has been featured on Stamptalk's group page for a while so that is quite an honor. Pat Huntoon saw it, asked how it was done and came up with a nice tutorial on it called "Veined Marble" which she gave me the credit for. I am sure that someone, somewhere has done it before but she was nice enough to mention me. If you ever want plenty of inspiration and love to see talent I will recommend Technique Junkies highly to you. Google it and get all the info you need. You will not be disappointed! Anyway, I am proud to say that this card with Estelle's (Stampsmith.com) Ophelia was the inspiration. I am even pleased with it and that is saying something because I am my own worst critic. That is is for today! Hope you enjoy this.

I am having a lot of fun so far!


I keep adding more and more of the things I like. I just keep finding more to put on the side bars and the bottom. It is crazy! I thought I better add some more artwork just to fill it out.
This is another Asian girl that I did from the Innovative Stamp Creations sheet. I used all WorldWin papers and colored pencils. My sweet hubby bought me a brand new set of Prismacolor Colored pencils. I have many pencils but they are all different types and brands, there is just something about a brand new set that is so inspiring. I can still remember getting a brand new box of Crayola Crayons. Oh the look of them all wrapped up in new paper and the nice sharp tips. Most of all it was the smell! There is nothing quite like the smell of new crayons. It is one of those things that you never forget. Well, I feel that way about my 144 new colored pencils now. I wished that I had a little man inside of that tin to sharpen all of these babies but I managed to do it. Well this will be it for the night. I will be back tomorrow!

Monday, September 10, 2007

I Better start adding to this Blog!




I know how much I love to read other people's blogs and look at their work but I tend to forget about mine. I have been doing a lot of work and I will share some of my favorite works lately.


I am a design team member of WorldWin Papers and I use so much of their paper. Almost all of the cardstock that I use is from their line.


This beautiful image is from Innovative Stamp Creations. I used colored pencils to color her in. What you can't see is the WWP gold mirrored cardstock that frames her pretty face. It really gives this card an elegant feel. The cardstock is Crimson Red Treasures and it is the most vibrant beautiful red there could be.