How Much is That Doggie in the Window....

     I was out to lunch with a friend recently and we ended up being walking distance from my favorite stamp store in Roswell Georgia Impressive Ideas.  I couldn't be that close and not run in to look/shop.  These Puppies by Paper Smooches caught my eye immediately!  Not only are they adorable, but three short weeks ago we brought home a new little furry addition to our family and I have to admit to having had 'puppy on my mind' when I saw these.  Those big ole eyes were just calling to me - and how could I resist the perfectly matching paper by Bo Bunny in the Happy Tails Collection.  These were meant to be together. 

    With my newest assistant Riley at my feet I took advantage of his napping and inked up this new set.    

     This little fella below just calls out "Thinking of You" with those big old eyes and his sweet markings. 

      This paper was perfect, the sentiment is the top half of another sheet that I cut out and popped up to lay across the sheet....and that sweet little wiener dog looks ready to go home with someone.  This is a sentiment I can really relate to as I must have asked my husband this question at least a 1,000 times before he gave in. 

    I loved the bright prints of this 6 x 6 sheet - I added a few piercing details to the frame paper and the yellow piece across the middle. 

     The inside sentiment of two of the cards sums up true doggie love - I haven't even made a dent in the 6 x 6 pack of paper......and there are a few more stamps that need inking up..... but hey tomorrow is another day.  

Materials:  Card Stock, Computer, Paper Smooches stamps and die, Spellbinders, Copics, Bo Bunny DP

Glasses, glasses - where are my glasses.

   Recently I took some time to create a pop up box card, not to be confused with my Explosion Box cards, this style of pop up card has become quite popular after a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers HERE.  While I love the ones using flowers, and I am sure to make some like that, this particular day I was driven to use an AI stamp I purchased last fall that has never been inked up.  These cards are nice and you can put a lot of layers together, but proportion is key, in my opinion.  I just couldn't see how this stamp would work but I was determined to try.  Playing around I discovered that if I cut part of the couch arm out this sassy little lady fit wonderfully.  It became obvious to me as I played with this and the sentiment that came with her that I needed to make this card for Jill Saur, my art instructor, she is always switching her glasses to look at various pieces that students are working on.  To make the card even more personal I went to her website and copied a piece of her artwork (scaled way down) to use in the background.  She paints stunning scenes with birch trees, as well as many other lovely pieces. Since she shares her talent for art and teaching with me I wanted to share some of my card making talent with her - I think she enjoyed her card.
 Yes, you read correctly I am taking art classes.   I am at the age that one realizes they are getting older.....don't get me wrong I still adhere to that old adage 'growing up is inevitable, growing up is optional'.  However, this year is a milestone birthday for me...as I will be turning 60.  No matter what they say 60 isn't really the new 50 - it is 60!!!  Needless to say I have been pondering this event since my last birthday, reflecting so to speak......where have the years gone, how do I feel about things I have accomplished or not accomplished.....and what do I want to do as I grow up. There is no bucket list, but there are some things that I have always thought might be fun to try or learn and I recently gave myself permission to try one of those things - the aforementioned art class.  After thinking about it for more than a year I got in touch with a local Artist/Teacher Jill Saur in my area and was able to find a place in one of her classes.  This week was my fourth class and I am so happy with my decision to take this risk and develop this new skill. There are some lovely people in class......I have enjoyed the other students and Jill. The two and half hours fly by each week.
 

Supplies:  Cardstock, Art Impression's Celeste Set, Clipart, Silhouette Cameo die cut, Copic Markers,