Been Forever

I realize that I am a terrible blogger--frown! I don't seem to find the time to write, which is unfortunate. But here I am, finally. I must say that it has been much more difficult recently since I haven't really felt like creating or sharing since my Dad passed away on November 28, 2010.
I have lost far too many people that are dear to me in my life, but this one has been the worst. Maybe it is because it is so fresh, I don't know, but the pain and sadness are sometimes overwhelming. I keep finding myself thinking it can't be, it just doesn't seem real yet. I'm not sure when this changes, but...

Part of the way I've made myself deal with this loss is to create. My family, including my Dad, is very creative and I think he would want me to carry on in this manner. I don't have his incredible talent, but it is what I have. I promised myself that I would create at least one thing every month. All be it just February, I have kept my promise. Here are a few of my creations. Caveat: I find my inspiration from other's beautiful work. So please know that if I copied your layout or just your whole card in general it is out of respect and admiration.

Created February 12 & 13, 2011

Clouds-SCAL

BP-wallpaper

banner-my creation

"The Sky is the limit"-Club Scrap (I think)

Buttons-Sizzix

Hot Air Balloon-image found and tweaked (added stripes and flags)

glitter glue on the clouds.

Created February 26, 2011

Inspired by Everlasting Ink
Asian stamp-Club Scrap

Rolled paper roses
Cuttlebug-little dot background

Martha Stewart-edge punch

pearls-cheap from Michaels

scallop cut scissor

DCWV, SU! cardstock

DBP-Unknown

Created in January 2011

Inspired by Cindy Lawrence
Little Birdie svg

Hello-"Warm Wishes" from TAC

Brushstroke Blossoms-SU!
Choc. Chip Ink-SU!
Toile Pink-Palette
Basic Grey-DBP
Glass drops-self colored Created February 20, 2011

Ribbon-unknown

Inspired By: Anne Hayward
DBP-DCWV
Rhinestones-Hobby Lobby

Chipboard circle(covered with DBP)-Spellbinders
Chipboard flower (covered w/specialty paper)-Sizzix
Thread

Ric-Rac

Blog Candy--must see

Go to The Stamping Boutique--wonderful and full of inspiration. Have fun with this one--smile.

Another Doggie Adoption

A good friend and her husband recently adopted a puppy from the Milwaukee Humane Society--Lexi!

Boy is she adorable. Well since I've been home on holiday I had time to make a card for them to welcome their newest addition. I do have to say that I cased the general layout from Lisa Cook.

Recipe: (standard size, horizontal)

Stamp- Doggie digital image from coloring book, WOOF from TAC,

paw print from foam stamp set from Michael's & "man's

best friend" is extrapolated from a circle set (unknown)

Paper- Confetti White (SU!), pink and brown (Bazzil) and dark

dark pink (unknown)

Ink- All Palette Ink & black marker

Hope You Enjoy!

Kerry

Cards to Share

Well, I know it has been a while, but I'm back to post a few recent creations. I've been playing with my Cricut and having some fun!

I made the Sweet Strawberry card for a dear friend of my Mom's as she has been wonderful about visiting with my Father both times he's been in the hospital recently. She has been a dear and supportive friend and we wanted to show our appreciation.

I want to thank Michele Greenwood for her help as well. My first version of this card wasn't as lovely and she gave me some ideas to spruce it up--she is incredibly talented.

Recipe: Size (4 x 4)
Sweet Strawberry die cut (own creation)
Memory Box cs (red & limon)
DCWV (bg paper from Flower Shower Stack)
Rhinestones (Bead Designs--Hobby Lobby)
Ribbon (Trim It Up--Michaels)
Stamp (SWEET--Hampton Art)
Ink (Haystack, Noir Black & Moulin Rouge--Palette)
Other (Scor-It, scalloped piece from Penny Duncan)

I continued to play, I was simply inspired (that and I am on holiday for a week which doesn't hurt either)! I made the next card just for fun. I liked how the strawberry turned out so much (my first really good attempt at creating a die on my own) I decided to try my hand at another summer treat. I've been enjoying having a Mohetto once in a while now that my mint is up and the weather is right so I had limes on the brain--smile. So here it is, my Slice of Summer...

Recipe: Size 4 x 4
Lime Slice & Leaves die Cut (own creation)
Bazzell cs (blue)
Memory Box cs (Limon)
Rain Drops (own creation, not name brand)
Stamp ("Hello Summer" from TAC Hello Seasons)
Ink (Jardin Moss & Landscape from Palette)
Other (die cut frame--file name: nunestieset 3, I want
to give whomever credit so let me know if this
is yours and I will be happy to share your name and site!)



Well that is all for now, I hope that you enjoy!

Kerry

Sense of Spring

I did a little work last night. I only call it "work" because it literally took me hours. I was frustrated, but then again everything good takes work to learn--smile.

I have to tell you that I totally cased Michele Greenwood (amazing stamper, check out her blog). I used a recently posted svg file from Stephanie , I thank you and adapted it a little. I liked the way the pattern of the paper really made the tulips pop (Basic Grey paper). I decided to use a swirly stamp set to fill in for the stems and leaves, but they svg file did have leaves and stems. I am really enjoying having a Cricut. I am however very glad I took my time in researching it because I found SCAL and a great group on the scalhints group--thank you everyone!

Smiles,

Kerry

New Cricut and SCAL!

I never thought I would take the plunge into Cricut, but I played with my SIL's this Christmas. Then I started doing more research and found this software that literally alleviates having to buy all of those cartridges (so it says). I was skeptical, but I started seeing all the great stuff people have done with both and that was all it took!

So yesterday was my first chance to play with them. After hours of trying it (not because it isn't an easy system, but I'm just thick sometimes) I came up with this card. Not my best work, but it gives you the point. The edging and the ribbon tag were created using SCAL and my cricut.

Thanks for looking.

K

Hello to Fall

I can't believe it has been as long as it has. So much has happened...can't possibly tell you everything, but I think one of the happiest notes is that my Brother and his family just adopted a beautiful dog from the Green Co. Humane Society, Chloe. I'm so in love with her and my heart just explodes with joy. Isn't she adorable, not that I'm a proud Auntie.

What else, I am still very much in love with my wonderful husband. We celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary this June. I just can't believe it has been that long...We have been together since I was 15 and he 16, life moves so quickly.

I continue to consider myself profoundly fortunate to have fantastic parents, parents-in-law and family in general (Aunt, Brother & family, SIL). Ok, I'm extremely emotional right now, not sure why.

Ok, I haven't been stamping or scrapping in forever. When I learned that Jeff (husband) was laid off I gave it up in an effort to save money. So since May, I've been trying not to be tempted by all the fun new stuff. So instead, I focused on my gardens. They were so beautiful this summer, except for those darn Japanese Beetles! They loved chewing on many of my cannas, roses, zinnias, ahhhh heck almost any of my flowers. Despite their best efforts, the flowers still put on an amazing show. I've attached some pictures for your enjoyment.