Baby Book Page

Just a sneak peak at one of the baby book's I am working on right now.  Having fun with my Cricut and the New Arrival cartridge.  So fun!

Garden Visitors

We've had a few unexpected guests in our back yard recently...

Lucy, the neighbor's cat.  She has been hunting our resident chipmunks and voles.  Go get'em Lucy!  Our cats have also started to notice her, and Lucy now knows that we have cats.  The curiosity continues!  She even almost had a chance encounter with Maggie the Wheaten this past week.

A green heron.  We have been hearing and see him down by the neighborhood ponds.  Just this week, he seems to have noticed that we have fish in our little pond.  We watched him eat two of them today!

Ah, the circle of life!

Love is in the air!

Several of our friends have recently gotten engaged.  We are thrilled for the happy couples!  I made cards for each of them that suited the personalities of their weddings.  Ecco l'amore! (Here's to love)

Birds of a Feather

So, I was getting ready to feed the fish in the back pond the other day when I noticed these two sitting on the adirondack chair that John built.  At first, I thought I should shoo them off of his nice chair (bird poo not good for wood...), however they looked like they were getting friendly with each other.  They were lifting their wings around each other and huddling close.  So, I decided to postpone my trip out to the backyard and watch them for a few minutes...

I am so glad that I did!  I would have missed out on this special moment.  A few minutes later this is what I saw — a momma mourning dove and her babies.  Cute family photo, don't you think?

Creative Provocation

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."  Danny Kaye

Baby Banner

My neighbor (and dear friend), Selina hosted a baby shower for her daughter last weekend.  She had an idea for a banner to go with the selected color theme (pink, green and yellow).

As luck would have it, we designed an adorable onesie banner.  Each onesie had a black and white photos of the father and mother when they were babies.

We kicked out this project in about 1-1/2 hours thanks to my Cricut and the New Arrival cartridge. We made two banners this size.  Selina hung these to ribbon using clothspins.  How cute!

Yummy Desserts

Saw these lovelies (Norman Love Confections) at a dinner with my company.  Don't these look too beautiful to eat?

Latest Garden Update

Here is a brief update on our summer gardens.  We deviated from our garden plan slightly since we were not able to find one of the plants in our local stores, but we wanted to get a special place filled in since we have company coming this weekend.

We planted Lupine, Butterfly Weed and two colors of Bee Balm.  Love the results!

 

All About Birthdays!

We have been all about birthdays this week.  

Our neighbor Selina (not pictured here) celebrated a "big" birthday, so I made a banner for the party!

Our friend Maure also had a birthday, so I made a card to send to her.

Here's wishing you both many more birthdays!

This One's for the Dad

Happy Father's Day!

This one was made using a special folding technique to make the shirt - thanks to Mary @ CardzTV.  I think it turned out great!  Totally appropriate for dear ol' dad. I stamped the word "dad" using a copper metallic ink and added just a little flourish (it is dad afterall).

First Signs of Summer

The first water lily has arrived!

Boy Baby Card

Just finished another baby card.  This one is for a boy.  I used the sail boat from the New Arrival Cricut cartridge.  Mostly used scrap papers from my stash to complete this one.  I stamped the "Baby" sentiment from a set of Heidi Grace rubber stamps using Versamark ink and white embossing powder.  I also used a scrap piece of ribbon to tie all the colors together.

Watch My Garden Grow

For the last 5 years my husband and I have been working on our back yard masterpiece.  My husband has been building a natural stone patio with accompanying water feature (two ponds with a small creek running in between them).  No small undertaking.  We have moved all of the stone ourselves, which is another reason why this project has been taking so long.

This year, however, I am happy to report that things are starting to come together.  Thanks, in part, to our wonderful garden designer/neighbor Selina Mendez who drew up some amazing plans for our gardens.  We are slowly working to fill in all the plants she has recommended.  This too will take some time, but it is fun to see some of the results already.

Mother's Day

I finally have a chance to post the Mother's Day cards I created this year. 


The first card was made using a stamp that I filled in using my watercolor pencils. I find creating highlights is simple using this method. I topped off the flowers with a little bling at the center of each.


I rounded the corners of the white watercolor paper. I then lined it with green card stock. I used a Fiskars edge punch for the purple strip, both top and bottom. It is hard to tell from this photo, but the purple paper has butterflies (one of my mom's favorites) on it. This piece wraps around the entire outside of the card.  


I attached a simple white ribbon around, as well.  Lastly, I printed the LOVE sentiment on my printer in an orange color to match the orange flower. I edged it with green VersaMagic chalk ink. 


The second card also uses a stamp that I filled in with watercolor pencils.  I used purple cardstock to back the image.  Pop dots to lift the image on top of the yellow striped paper.  Using my Cricut Expression, I cut the word "LOVE" out of white card stock using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge and cut out a purple shadow.  I attempted to run the white letters through my Sizzix Texture Boutique using the Swiss Dots folder with limited success since the letter are so thin in places.


Overall these were pretty simple to make!

Architectural Details

As a student of art history, I have always enjoyed looking at old buildings. Although my passion for art began at an early age, it was my college art professor, Nano Nore, that really helped my love of architecture bloom.

A few years ago I had the chance to go to Italy and see many of the buildings that I studied in class. I was thrilled to see the pages of my text books come alive right in front of my eyes. From beautiful cathedrals to leaning towers. I was in heaven!

When I think about how much time and energy when into not only designing these masterpieces, but building them, I am in awe.

These structures are hundreds or even thousands of years old. Luckily, many of them are still standing which is hard to imagine in our current "throw away" society. But it does speak to the quality of the design and construction that went into the structures.

When I reflect on that idea, I am reminded that I need to devote more time and energy into the things that mean the most to me — my marriage, my family, my friendships, my work. With the busyness of life, I often get task oriented and cut corners. That is not the best approach if I want something to last.

Even the structures that are no longer fully standing can reveal lessons to us today. There is so much to be gleaned from their rich history — whether bad or good.

Sometimes rising above it all can give a better perspective on our lives. I know that is true in my own life.  Some of the biggest lessons I learn are given to me by someone who has a better perspective on my life, than I do. I even see this happen in my work as a consultant. Perspective is often what I bring to the table for nonprofit organizations.

I love taking close-up photos. I am fascinated to see those small details that I may miss at first glance. I was able to capture small details of the architecture in Italy with the help of some great lighting. I am reminded that often the devil is in the details. No matter what distractions come my way, I need to remain focused on the details of my life and the lives of those around me.

Good lessons for sure — devote time and energy into building strong relationships.  Gain perspective from those around me and pay attention to the details!

Birthday Gift/Card

My niece celebrated her 9th birthday last week.  One of the items on her wish list was some scrapbooking materials.  That was an easy one for Auntie Kristen to handle.

I also made her a picture to go in her room.  Her favorite colors (right now) are blue and pink, so that was my starting point.  I really enjoy using stamps and watercolor pencils to create personal gifts.  I used a cute Stampendous stamp called "Petals Plus" and created this simple flower pattern.  Using my watercolor pencils, I filled in the flower with some of her favorite colors and added some bling accents.  To go with the scrapbooking theme, I added sticker letters to make the word "CREATE" at the bottom.  I added a flower and button embellishment to the finish the piece.

I found an inexpensive frame that came with a white matte.  That felt like too much white for this purpose, so I added some wide ribbon around the watercolor.  Another option would have been to use spray mist.  I will try that on the next one, but the ribbon helped add some depth to accommodate the button.


I think it turned out pretty well and best of all, my niece loved it!

I also created a coordinating card to go with it.

Baby Card

I have several friends having babies in the next few months, so I decided to get a head start on items for them.  I started with a card.

The card base is white card stock that I ran through my Sizzix Texture Boutique using the Swiss Dots template.  The green pattern paper is from the DCWV Stack 7.  The stamp at the bottom is from Fiskars The Stork has Arrived clear stamp set

I added some 1/4" white ribbon and tied a simple bow.  The duck was cut out on my Cricut Expression using the New Arrival Cricut cartridge.  I just added a wobbly eye.

This was so simple to make and can work for either a boy or a girl!

The Dogwoods

One of those items that always makes me think of home is my parents' dogwood trees.

Unfortunately, we are not able to grow dogwoods up in the Chicago area — too cold! Luckily, they were in full bloom while I was visiting over Easter weekend.



I took a few pictures while we were there to capture their beauty. These may even make their way onto a future photo gift. Mother's Day is coming up after all!

A little trivia, the flowering dogwood is the Missouri state tree.  

The other reason I love those trees so much, is that the wrens build there nests there every spring. God, in His infinite wisdom, gave this tiny little bird the biggest, most beautiful song my ears have ever heard.

These are just a few of the fond memories I have of home. I love them. I hope you agree!

Saying Goodbye

Fourteen years is a long time for any relationship, especially these days.

It was fourteen and half years ago that I walked into the animal shelter in Liberty, Missouri, and discovered "Harry" as the attendant called him.  He was sitting quietly next to a large, barking Saint Bernard, looking up at me with those large brown eyes.  That is all it took really!  I would soon to find out what a gem he really was, sense of humor and all.  And, I quickly named him - Duncan.

Duncan has been a loyal friend.  He accompanied me on countless road trips, through five moves, two jobs and a wedding.  He welcomed John with open paws and I am not sure if either of them was ever the same after that.   He was an easy keeper.  I actually had friends asking to take care of him when I went out of town.  For the most part, he got along great with other dogs.  He event tolerated the new "pup" we adopted and began showing her the ropes.  Two new cats a few months ago were also welcomed, eventually.

He added so much joy to our lives every day.  I know many people will say that dogs cannot process emotions, but I think Duncan was different.  He had a very BIG heart!  He quickly worked his way into the hearts of everyone he met — even strangers.  He never met a pretty lady he did not like.  With a brisk wag of his tail and a spring in his step, he would let you know that he wanted to get to know you better.

Yesterday, we had to say 'goodbye' to my dear ol' friend.  John and I spent much of the day remembering some of the best moments we shared with him.  Trying to reassure ourselves that we gave him a good life.  And I think we did, but now there is a void where he use to be.  Not the kind of void that can ever be filled, but one that we know we will never experience again in the same way.  He was one of a kind!

It's All In the Eyes

We have two fairly new feline arrivals at our house - Dakota & Sierra.  They are a constant source of entertainment, especially when you find one of them playing by themselves.

This particular morning, Dakota kept looking at the ceiling.  I still don't know what she was looking at, but it made me laugh and ponder what goes on in their little heads.

They seem to find so much enjoyment in life.  I often think we could learn a lot from our pets.  Mine are no exception!

For example:

• Being able to run in an open field is one of the best things in the world (dog's only for this one).
• Everyone eating together is pretty cool.
• Spending time playing is a valuable activity.
• Joy can be found in the simplest things (like string, feathers, shoes, etc.).
• It is fun to make someone laugh.

Enjoy!

Sending you Loads of Love

I was out of town on business this past Valentine's day, so I left my hubby a little surprise to enjoy while I was away.  His favorite - Giardelli's raspberry filled chocolate squares and a handmade card.

I used the New Arrival Cricut Cartridge on my Cricut Expression.  Gotta love that machine and I am just getting started.  I love how this simple truck turned out.  It is hard to come up with masculine images for the fellas, but trucks always work for my husband.

Unfortunately, we did not really get to celebrate when I got home because I came down with a cold for several days after returning.  He took good care of me though!

Are we able to see the beauty?

Heard a wonderful speaker yesterday at Willow Creek - Erwin McManus (link).  He is the lead pastor of Mosaic in Los Angeles, CA.  He challenged us by revealing that we often don't enter into the story that God has for us because it is free.  We don't have to pay for it.

Why would we do such a thing?  I know that I find myself trying to control all aspects of my life.  Not letting God have the reigns.  It is one of the key crossroads I keep coming to in my faith journey.

McManus used the illustration of a mosaic — the art of taking broken and fragmented pieces and putting them together to create a piece of beauty.  We often have to go through tragedy before we can see the beauty that God is piecing together for us.

He gave me a lot to think about!  It made me thankful that God is forgiving, merciful and above all in control of my life.


"Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind." Genesis 9:14-15

Ready for spring, anyone?

This is a photo that I was able to capture towards the end of summer last year.  The sun hit one of the water lilies in our backyard just perfectly.  I am still amazed at the beauty that surrounds us each and every day, so I wanted to celebrate that today.  Plus, I am so ready for spring and summer.  This helps remind me that they are just around the corner.  Enjoy!

First Blog Post

Here we go!  My first attempt at adding a post to my new blog.  I thought I would share photos from my recent trip to Florida.  It was so nice to have a respite from the cold and dreariness of winter that felt like it had taken over in Chicago.  No jackets needed with sand running through our toes.  Heavenly!

We also had the opportunity to spend quality time with both sets of parents.  We are so grateful to have parents that actually like to spend time together.

I am hoping to use this blog to explore some of my creative outlets - photography, beading, watercolors, scrapbooking and whatever else I decide to do that is creative.  I recently started reading, The Artists Way by Julia Cameron.  In a reaction to some of the lessons I am learning, I am creating this blog to be able to see progress in my creative journey.  Plus, it is nice to capture some of my best work all in one place.

I hope you enjoy what you see and I look forward to hearing your feedback.  Thanks for taking this journey with me!