Textured Map Card

Have you ever tried embossing Designer Series Papers (DSP)?  Dry embossing can add an entire additional element of texture to your card. I used our Old World Paper 3D embossing folder to add texture to the 'map' on this DSP.  I love the look.  I used a second embossing folder (Tasteful Textile) for the layer behind the 'map' layer.  I love how the black layers compliment the Cinnamon Cider layers. The text (from Beautiful World stamps) is just perfect.  The 'map' layer and the circle layers are attached with dimensionals.  All in all, this is a pretty easy card that shows off a lot of elegance, especially with the foil lines in the DSP.

BONUS DAYS:
Right now, we're in our Bonus Days.  For every $50.00 you spend on an order, you'll receive a $5.00 coupon to spend in August.  Save your codes.  Also, if you order through me, you'll be earning a token.  Earn 10 tokens and you can turn them in for a $25.00 gift certificate, to order your favorites from our new catalog.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP
THE
NEW CATALOG.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THROUGH ME.

ORDER PAPER PUMPKIN BEFORE THE 10TH 

TO GET THE 

NEXT FUN KIT.

NEED A CATALOG?  I HAVE PLENTY HERE. CONTACT ME TO PICK ONE UP.

That's it for now.  

Thanks for stopping by my blog neighborhood.   

Have a beautiful day!

Circle of Flowers Card

Here's another card from a favorite old stamp set.  Again, I used Stampin' Blends for the coloring.

I love the little bunny.

September Events:
September 15 --- Saturday Stampers / REGISTRATION CLOSED
1:00-4:00 / Fall and Christmas cards / $20.00 / Pay to register by September 8; no exceptions. 
September 17 --- Scraps and Prayers (I've postponed class by one week.)
5:30-7:30 / Fall Project / $15.00 / Pay to register by September 10; no exceptions.
September 21-22 --- Fall Garage Sale / 8:00-4:00 (Both days)

-- Class attendees may 'shop' after class while they're here.

September Hostess Code

HWWJDSP9

September orders of $35. +

- Earn surprise (you pick!) gift.

- Earn free Color Coach.

A little birdie told me ... Time is running out!

I have a cute little birdie card for you today that I've not had a chance to share with you ... and some important reminders.  Time is running out. 
First, the reminders ---
August is nearly over and, with it, several opportunities that will end.
- Our Color Your Season promotion will end August 31.
- Our Bonus Days promotion will end August 31.
          (Spend $50. / Earn $5. coupon for Sept.)
- My offer of earning 2 free class (Stampin' Blends and Brusho) will end August 31.
- My offer of a free gift + a free Color Coach (with $35.+ orders) will end August 31.

If you're interested in these promotions, I'd suggest you hurry so you won't miss out.  A little birdie told me so ... and here he is ...

My card base is from our last S-A-B catalog and the stamps are retired from our last Occasions Catalog.  I still like to break out some old favorites from time to time.  Many customers have actually requested that I use some of the retired products to give them ideas.  Good idea!

Up close, you can see that I got a little too close to the edges on the bird and birdhouse and it just barely bled a bit.  I didn't even know it at the time because I needed new glasses and didn't realize it until my recent appointment.  I can see the page numbers in the catalog index now!  My eyes had changed so much from my last checkup and I didn't even realize it.  Love the new purple frames, too.  I still love my green ones and hope to get them updated soon.  It's nice to have a backup pair.
I left the coloring the way it was because I wanted you to see how you need to be careful about getting right up to the edges of your image.  If it bleeds over, just take the color lifter and push the color back into the image.  It's kind of like magic:)

That's it for today, my friends.  I'm super busy getting ready for my Summer Open House party (August 26).  I have lots more to do and will be hard at it for the next 3 days.  If you're in the area, I hope you can come.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   Aug. Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift 
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

AUGUST 1 -31 --- BONUS DAYS --- 
    - SEE INFO ON LEFT SIDE OF PAGE.

REMINDER:
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER, YOU MUST PAY TO REGISTER AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO ANY CLASS. 

SEPTEMBER EVENTS: 

Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
       PAY TO REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
       PAY TO REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today

More Daisies, Please

How about some more daisies today?  I have 2 cards to share with you.  The first is another version of the design in my previous post.  The second is what I call my 'lone daisy' card.  It's simple and elegant.  Enjoy!

After fussy cutting the tiny daisy, I placed it in the palm of my hand and used a tool (for cake baking, I think) to form a rounded shape.

UP NEXT:

- April 21 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00

MY APRIL 21 SATURDAY STAMPERS CLASS IS NOW TOTALLY FULL AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.  

THERE HAS BEEN SUCH AN INTEREST IN THIS, I WILL SCHEDULE ANOTHER BRUSHO CLASS AT A LATER DATE.

NOTE:

Stampin' Blends free classes are 'on hold' until SU gets in more supplies for us.

THERE AREN'T ANY CLASSES IN MAY.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Good Day for Some Daisies ... and ... The Truth About My Green Thumb

Today seems like a good day for some daisies.  It's 30 degrees out as I write this and our new deck is covered with a thin layer of white frosty crunch.  Our Spring is having a very difficult time finding its way here, although we do have fun bits of green popping up here and there in our flower beds.  I think most of them are day lilies, along with a few iris.  I love daisies.  They always remind me of Spring or Summer and they seem to bring out the happy in everything around them.  I don't seem to do well growing them outdoors, so I put my efforts into using them in my art.  My only green thumb is from inks or paints:)

I love using ovals for the focal piece of a card.  Whatever you place in the frame instantly becomes the star.  For this one, I used 2 colors, creating a mat for my daisies. 

The leafy shape (cut from our Rose Garden thinlits) curves just enough to work perfectly with an oval frame.  I also chose it because it seems to mimic the leafy background in the DSP.

There!  I think I put some happy into our day.  Keep it going and make something beautiful today.

UP NEXT:

- April 21 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00

MY APRIL 21 SATURDAY STAMPERS CLASS IS NOW TOTALLY FULL AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.  

THERE HAS BEEN SUCH AN INTEREST IN THIS, I WILL SCHEDULE ANOTHER BRUSHO CLASS AT A LATER DATE.

NOTE:

Stampin' Blends free classes are 'on hold' until SU gets in more supplies for us.

THERE AREN'T ANY CLASSES IN MAY.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Cajun and Copper - They Make A Perfect Pair ... and My Last Two Fall Cards

I have a couple more Fall cards to share with you today.  They both make good use of Cajun Craze and Copper. 
The first card uses the 'Acrylic Block technique' and the second card uses watercoloring to create a beautiful background for the card's elements.  I love them both.

Even though the embossing folder that I used for my second card is called Seaside, I use it to imitate the movement of winds blowing the leaves.

I love, love, love doing watercoloring.  Sometimes, I just create a whole bunch of card-sized pieces when I'm watercoloring and save them for later use in cards.  You can use the entire piece as a background or, as in this card, die cut shapes from it to use as elements for a card.

I'm pretty sure that these two cards are the last of my Fall cards.  In my next post, I'll share a Fall artist canvas I created ... and then ... it's all Christmas.  Yay!

The Latest Scoop:
I HAVE 2 REMAINING KITS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS RETREAT. / EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE 18 CARDS! / $40.00 

December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
It's going to be a party atmosphere at our last class for 2017.  I've even been working on a hand made present for you!  The class is filling up fast, so be sure to reserve your spot right away!

Tentative 2018 classes and events schedule, coming soon!

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Another Beautiful Box From Our Window Box Thinlits

I have another cute little box for you today, but first I'd like to say a big thank you to those who came to my party yesterday and to my daughter, Jennifer for helping.  I think we'd all agree that we had a lot of fun.  OK, here's today's cute little box:

Isn't this cute?  I used our Rose Garden thinlits for the leaves.

I added a little ribbon pull to make it easy to open.  Notice the cute little details on each of the sides -- a stitched square layered over a scalloped edge square -- the details really make it special.

Isn't this cute?  I just love it.

What kinds of things could fit in here to give someone special a little surprise?

Party Fun:
If you don't live in the area or do but were unable to attend my party, play along with us on some of the questions from our game sheet.  I'll give the answers later this week.
- What is Lana's favorite Holiday Catalog FALL stamp set?
- What is Lana's favorite Holiday Catalog CHRISTMAS stamp set?
- What is Lana's favorite Holiday Catalog accessory?
The other questions, I think you'd have to be here to see my studio to guess the answer.

If you live in the area and you'd like to get in on some of our 'party perks' be sure to place your order today.  Use this Hostess Code and you will be included in our order.  Your own order will be sent separate - directly to you!
HOSTESS CODE ---   9QEY2V9Q  

Remaining classes / events for 2017:

November Classes / Events:

My Christmas Boutique/Mini Sale will stay open through Nov. 20.  Stop by and shop by appointment only.
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Happy Card and VERY Happy News ... X 2!

Enjoy today's happy card and then scroll down for my happy, happy news.
I've been so busy lately with doctors, physical therapy/exercises, and ... best of all ... LOTS of creating.  Remember, I warned you that this is the crazy time of year, an artist, when I switch from All-Occasion - to Fall - to Halloween - to Christmas - and so on .....  This includes cards, canvas projects, framed projects, home decor and lots and lots of cute ways to package treats.  And ... I still have cards and projects to share with you from the summer, so you won't lack for inspiration.   

Today's card is proof that I have a fondness for card designs with large circles.  On this one, I included a smaller circle, as well.

I absolutely LOVE this color story--- Lemon Lime Twist and Berry Burst.  This makes for a wonderful birthday card.  These are truly happy colors.

I think anyone would love a bright and lively birthday card like this one.

AND NOW, FOR MY HAPPY NEWS:

ONE:
Recently, I learned that my infection from my surgery is FINALLY healed.  I am a little anemic from it all, but not alarmingly so.  I am continuing my exercise/physical therapy and working on getting stronger and being more active each and every day.  (Joey is helping me with that, as are the pups:)

TWO:
Last week, I became officially 15 years out since my cancer diagnosis.  I don't talk about it a lot, but it's always in the back of my mind.  My cancer specialist told me that he thinks my arthritis has become an even bigger battle for me than was my cancer.  I don't know, but I'm happy to be cancer free ... and for 15 years.  Such news is always a relief, but it is also terribly humbling because so many are still being diagnosed and treated for cancer.  I thank God every day for blessing me with such good doctors, medical resources, His love, the love and care of my family and friends, and my inherited stubbornness that just won't let me give up on fighting for a better life.  God is in the details and I will never forget that.

Remaining classes / events for 2017:

November 5 -- Open House Christmas Party / 2:00-5:00
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 of each:)
     Fee includes materials, a light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:

     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags 

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Who Says You Can't Have an Island Indigo Sunflower?

I wanted to create a second Fall card for my Saturday Stampers class and have it be a little unexpected.  I love how this one turned out.  I'll be anxious to hear how others feel about an Island Indigo sunflower.

 I'll continue to keep sharing more details about the cards for this class.  In the meantime, I thought you might like to go ahead and take a peek at all of them.  I'll share more about them in another post.

Remaining classes / events for 2017:
October Classes:
October 21 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 2 Fall AND 4 Christmas
     Registration Closed
 
November Classes / Events:
November 5 -- Open House Christmas Party / 2:00-5:00
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.