Happy Easter!

Easter is just around the corner, and I thought I'd share an Easter Egg book that I made for my Mom. I designed the template myself and cut the pages from chipboard that I snagged from claim form reams at my office. I attached scrapbook papers to the pages with Liquitex Matte Gel Medium. The medium gives the pages flexibility and strength, with minimum warp. Just a little is all you need, but be sure the medium extends all the way to the edges. It's perfect for adhering papers to board books, because these little beauties tend to get a LOT of handling!

As always, stamp and supply information is available on request.

One of my favorite faces stamps:

A Retro-style page spread. This retro-style stamp (Polaroid Cutie) from Artistic Outpost is perfect for this bunny page:

Vintage-style spread with my favorite little girl stamp from Oxford Impressions:

Back to the Retro-style for this page. Love the Martha Stewart glitters & glue. The tiny point on the glue bottle lets you get the best detail! Look at the accents on the Paisley (left) and flower centers (right):

Back to Vintage-style. I found alternating styles on the pages made a cohesive book: That's it! The end! The back cover is covered with a coordinating paper, and contains a personal message to my Mom.

Artful Framing

Wow, I hadn't realized until just now how long it's been since I've posted to my blog. I've been so wrapped up in spending time with my son before he goes off to North Carolina and points beyond with the US Army. This is his last week home, and we're trying to make the most of it.

So, on to the crafty topic. My girls hiked up Piestewa Peak a few weeks back, and Brandi (my eldest) surprised Rach (my youngest) with this framed pic of them on that hike. Brandi wanted my touch on it, too (bless her), so I stamped up the white mat that came with the frame. The bright flowers reflect the vibrancy of both my girls' personalities. I used stamps from Stampington & Co., Hero Arts and Art Impressions. Inks are Tim Holtz's Distress Inks (who says "distressed" has to be brown?). Flowers are just some cheap-o fabric stems from the dollar store and brads are Memory Makers (I think). I hope this inspires you to create Artful Frames of your own.

Sharing Friendship & Altered Stuff

I have such wonderful friends at work. They all think I make such lovely things and I always enjoy sharing little gifts, made by hand and with love.

These are paper-clip containers that I've altered, one for myself and one for my dear friend Pat at work. They started life as a clear plastic container, just one of those throw-away cups that binder clips come in. Of course, I never throw anything away (husband sighing in the background), and I knew just what to do: alter and re-use as paper-clip holders!

I measured scrapbook paper long enough to go all the around the cup, with about an inch over-lap. Stamp on the paper, then attach with adhesive dots or roller. Then, you can gently poke holes through the cup and attach paper or silk flowers with brads.

I know Pat will enjoy her little decorative paper-clip holder, and I so enjoyed making it for her. And, if I've provided inspiration for your own creations as well, please let me know! It's such a joy for me to see what other folks are making and sharing.

Marking Time...

I am an avid reader, and my children and lots of my friends are, too. So, I've been playing around with bookmarks as little gifties "just because"...
These first two went to my daughter Brandi and her bestest friend Kiera. I love the designs on these two, and using flat embellishments add charm but not bulk, which is better for the books they are intended to mark! I used a face stamp that I'm not sure is still available, and added a strip of German scrap to simulate a crown. Brandi thought this was a clever touch, and she is my most truthful and supportive critic!
Some close-ups of the detail...

These bookmarks went to my sister, neices and my other daughter, Rachael. I just love the little girl image from Oxford Impressions, and the Inkadinkadoo birdies!

More Inkadinkado birdies in various colors and inks. These stamps are clear, and I find I get a really sharp image using Colorbox Chalks inks. But I do at times like the "pebbly" effect I get from a dye ink on the clear polymer.
Here's a close-up... Use hand writing to accent your pieces.

Love Remembered...

Well, I did it. Finally finished the Valentine's Day book for my hubby, Lee. The base is a heart-shaped chipboard, sized about 6 inches. I picked it up at Michael's for just $1 - and it included the ring as a binder!

Here's a close-up, showing the layers of elements and detail...
I think the cover is just too sweet for words. I've used pictures of me and Lee on our trip to San Diego in December 2007. It was a rememberance of sorts - celebrating our anniversary, but also visiting his very first duty station, the USS Midway, which is now a museum.

Here is the second page spread. This past December, we celebrated our 23rd anniversary, but I still used a pic from that San Diego trip a year prior.

A close-up of the detail of flowers with pearly centers...And the german scrap as a regal trim.

In addition to a photo of Lee next to the hull number of his beloved ship, I used a lovely stamp from The Stampsmith - I call them The Lovers! Other stamp credits are available on request. Just email me.

More detail...

This spread is my favorite - simply because of the photo! My Lee actually smiling!!!

Here's a little detail... stamped die-cut letters from Basic Grey...

Last page, I promise! This one kind of got away and went very girlie and valentine on me! It's all good, though. Lee loved his book. But more importantly, he loves me! Thank you Lee for being my valentine all these years. Here's to many more to come!

He brought me flowers...

What does Valentine's Day mean to you? To most, it's an occasion set aside for celebrating the loves in your life. But isn't it nice when you can celebrate love every day of the year? Yes, take a few moments each February 14 to say "I Love You" to your dear ones. But I personally don't see any need for extravagant gift-giving.

My darling husband (of 23+ years) is not one to buy into the global gift-giving craze that retailers promote, usurping the true purpose behind a "holiday". Occasionally, he has surprised me by bringing me an extravagant gift for Christmas, our anniversary or Valentines Day. But mostly, we recognize those occasions as time to be spent together - and there's no need for lavish spending.

Mostly, his gift-giving is thoughtful and heart-felt. As today, when I awoke to a sweet bouquet of white tulips and a too-sweet box of chocolates. Wasn't expecting a thing! And the most important thing to me is this: Lee gives me his most precious gift every day - his love, devotion and steadfastness.

Once again, it's the little things...

It's the Little Things....

No art to post today, but I just have to share a few thoughts with you. Have you ever had one of those days where all the "little things" just seem to go right? The printer doesn't jam when you're printing 250 invoices, the paper goes in the right way, you hear small bits & pieces of good news all through the day, and every little thing just keeps getting better & better. I've had one of those days. And let me tell you it's such a relief from the days where every little thing goes wrong.

So, I come home from a long day of celebrating the little things, and find 3 little gifties from my grown daughter! She went to Michaels, saw these things and thought of me. And the fact that they came with a little price-tag made it just that much better! The bunny & alphabet set are each no more than 2 inches, and each cost $1! The adorable brads were a bit more pricey, but I bet I can get 23 projects out of the set!

Here's to the Little Things in Life! May your days be filled with Lots of Lovely Little Things!