GOOD NEWS FROM PRAGUE!

We just heard from our favorite SIL that our new grandson was born just 2 hours ago! Through the marvels of internet technology, we already have pictures of mother and son. Welcome, Elliot!

Valentine from Across the Pond

Imagine my surprise when I went to the mailbox to find a Valentine all the way from England! It was from Germaine of her Stampilicious blog whom I "met" through the blogosphere.

The hearts are gold embossed, and the square in the center opens to reveal a little message. The gold twine is the perfect finishing touch.

Thanks Germaine--your card will remain on display in the Stamping Tower!

Cute as Can "Bee"

This adorable card is one of three done at Cyndy's workshop last week. I especially like the colors Cyndy chose.

First we stamped the images, then placed a circle template over the area we wanted to highlight. Using a paper piercer, we followed the edge of the circle to "frame" the image. Then we watercolored just the inside of the circle, mounted all the pieces to the card and added some Stickles on the bee's wings for bling.

Cute stamp set! (from Stampin' Up.)

New Watercolor Technique

This watercolor involved the use of regular watercolor paper, a water brush and dye inks. Although this card looks better IRL, I'm not entirely happy with the results. (Click on card for closer look at details.)

The stamps were from a clear set by Art Impressions. After watching the coordinating DVD and trying their method, it still needs some more experimenting to get it just right. I like the way the grass and the pot turned out (not the kind that is smoked--no pun intended!) but I think the flowers could have been done better. I'll have to try again soon...

To finish the card, I mounted the image on dark background paper, then on a pearlized designer paper, with gold stick-ons for bling.

Another Easy Card!

Here's a one-stamp card that was oh, so easy to do. After inking up the Hero Arts "Misty Garden" stamp I borrowed from Mary, I stamped it on white cardstock. Then I used chalk to color the flowers, tore the edges and mounted it on yellow designer paper, which I also tore. After mounting both on pale yellow cardstock, I adhered it to a white card.

For bling and extra interest, I used Stickles for the center of the purple flowers and light brown gems for the yellow flower centers; then added a square button on the lower right corner. It was so easy, I also did another card in pale purple.

With floral images like this, can Spring be far off???