FIRST DAY OF FALL

Well here we are folks, fall has arrived once again, but you'd never know it here in Florida. Temps around 90 degrees and dew point at 74. Hot and steamy.


My daughter and her hubby arrive tomorrow to stay at our timeshare on St. Pete Beach. But don't feel too bad; they only have a tiny two bedroom on the 2nd floor with a deck that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. I can't wait to see them!!


I'm taking a dear friend out for her annual birthday lunch tomorrow. (We swap off; she takes me out when it's my birthday.) We finally decided where to go and will be making a day of it. We're going to Tarpon Springs where the sponge docks are, eating Greek food and then doing some shopping. We'll probably stop at a few craft stores before the day is over. Below is the card I made for her this year. I did a humorous one this time - I usually do a flowery one. (We both like coloring flowers.) Would love to see some comments on it.

Isn't she the greatest? 


Until next time, you all have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.

TEA FOR TWO

It's another weekend upon us and a significant one for everyone. All of the news is filled with the events covering the 10th anniversary of 9-11. September 11th is also my son-in-laws birthday. Happy Birthday, Barry.


I thought I'd share another card that I recently made. I had purchased the tea cup stamp at "Stampfest" in Clearwater FL last February. At the same booth I purchased the saying that's inside the card. I didn't photo the inside but you might enjoy the sentiment.. it goes


      Tea pot is on, the cups are waiting,
      Favorite chairs anticipating,
      No matter what I have to do,
      My friend there's always time for you. 


It just says it all, doesn't it? Hope you like the card.

If you are in the neighborhood, stop in for a cup of tea. Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.

JUST A RAINY DAY

It's been a couple of rainy days in the south land. Fortunately, we didn't get any of the hurricane or tropical storm winds here. However, a gust of wind did topple a palm tree in our yard yesterday. Hubby said it appeared that a lot of damage had been done to the palms from freezes we've had for the past 3 years. There is another palm that needs watching.


We also had some power outages today; phones, cable, internet. Just noticed that the cable is back. Woo hoo. Anywayyy, I took the opportunity to stamp a card that I'd been wanting to make since seeing one using newsprint paper. I just love the way it came out.

I stamped the image with versamark and then embiossed it in black. I then colored it using watercolor pencils and a blender pen. 


Below I wanted to show you some cards I made using EK Success "Tinkerbell" Disney Fairies clear stamps. I used the same sketch for all of them, as you can see, but changed the colors somewhat. Cute! I have 2 little girls that I can use these cards with.

What fun making these cards. I have a couple more cards that I've made recently, but will save them for another day. In the meantime, keep smiling and have a lovely day.

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

Well folks, it sure has been awhile since my last post. In fact, it was three months ago today. 


It's been HOT here in Florida this summer. We took a break at the end of June and drove north. Visited our daughter and son-in-law in CT and then on to NH to visit son and family and to celebrate the 4th of July.


Had a small family reunion at my husband's brothers house the day before the 4th. What a great time we had catching up with family, nieces and nephews. The following day we went to a parade then had a "cookout" at our son's. Daughter and hubby were able to attend, also.


I was quite busy all spring and summer making cards, knitting baby sweater sets, and crocheting crib blankets for out 1st Annual Craft Show here in our development. What a lot of talented people live in here. The Show was 10 days ago and I was really happy with the results. Hopefully we have another next year. Here's a couple of pictures from the fair...

I took a few days off from crafting after the show but now it's time to make some more cards. Must replace some of my stash. Below is a card I just finished using a stamp set from Stampin' Up called Harvest Home. I love the ones I can "color".

I got the idea for the next card from a new magazine subscription I have called "Cardmaking and Papercraft". This magazine is from the UK and it has some marvelous examples and ideas in it. The problem I have is the measurements are in mm and prices are in pounds. Oh, well, I still get so much from this magazine.

Another stamp from Stampin' Up was used for this card. It's from the Happy Harmony set. I just used versamark on the inside for a little deco.


Guess I've rambled on enough for now. I have more ideas for cards, so I should be updating this blog a little more regularly. In the meantime, you all have a wonderful rest of the week and a great weekend.

FOR THE MALE IN YOUR LIFE

Good morning friends, and a lovely day it is. I've made a few cards for the men in my life and I wanted to share with you. I used Stampin' Up's new "The Open Sea" cling stamp set and their coordinating designer paper; just love it. For the first card, I used a Mojo Monday 192 layout.

My inspiration for the next card was an Easter card a friend had received. Well, actually, it was the "cut" of the card. A little different from the usual card and I apologize that it's hard to see. The design was another "challenge" that I had seen but don't remember exactly which one. Again I used the same products as the first card.

The piece of resistance is this beautiful card and little "treasure chest" I received from my daughter for my birthday. She made the card to match the chest and there was even a lovely silver chain in the chest that said "Mother, Daughter, Friend". Doesn't that just bring tears? She is such a wonderful daughter and so talented. Love you, Tina.

I'm off to the pool to do some water exercise but wanted to share. Have a wonderful day.

HAVE A LOVELY DAY

It's a wonderful day in Florida. We've had absolutely perfect weather for the last few days, but that is coming to an end. It's going to get hotter and "stickier" for the weekend.

The following card was inspired by my neighbors gorgeous hibiscus plant that is in the corner of her lanai. I don't see very many vivid yellow plants and hers is just beautiful. Fortunately, I had Stampin' Up's "Build a Blossom" stamp set along with the punch. Don't you think it's great?

The next card was made for my granddaughters. They sent me the cutest birthday card along with a glasses case that said "The Worlds Greatest Grandma". Don't you love it? I must say that all of my granddaughters are the worlds greatest!! Love them all.

I apologize for the text color changes. I have yet to figure out how to keep it consistant. Anyway.... you all have a wonderful day and weekend.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all of you lovely ladies. It's a little hard being away from family when this day rolls around each year. But... we chose to live in Florida and the "kids" live in New England.

However, I received the most wonderful cards from my kids and grandkids. What a joy! I also received a very unexpected, crafted gift from my daughter. A very lovely package filled with delicious chocolates. Here's a picture along with the card she made. Haven't had a chocolate yet; waiting for tomorrow..

I hope you all have a wonderful day with lots of love. Here's a couple of cards I made and want to share. Again, Happy Mother's Day.