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.