Hope Springs

Everyone needs hope. Especially when everytime you turn on the news there are reports about unemployment rising, huge companies laying off thousands of employees, businesses are going under left and right, California is broke....the list goes on. I know that there is hope. God's love is greater than any financial crisis and it's important to hold on to what we have and look forward to tomorrow. I know I am so thankful for my family and my friends and my health and my job and for the mountains and the ocean and for the food that is on my table every night. I am hopeful for a better tomorrow, but I am also hopeful that I will never take for granted what I already have.

I wanted to make a card using my new Parisian Breeze DP from SU and as soon as I started putting it together, I knew I wanted to use the Hope stamp from Unity's Floral Fantastical set. The colors remind me of Spring and Spring is when winter is over and all of the flowers are beginning to bloom. May you all look forward to Spring and have hope that God will provide. May His love surround you and shield you from the worries of tomorrow.

Kristina Werner Color Inspiration #41

I decided to do another one of Kristina Werner's Color Inspirations. This week, the colors are Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Basic Grey and Whisper White. I didn't have any Basic Grey, so the grey I used was from a cardstock pad that I picked up a Michael's a while back. The DP is also from a pad that I purchased at Michael's. I realized while making this card that on the last challenge of Kristina's that I did I used the Sock Monkey stamp set as well, but this little guy is too cute! I had the idea last night of putting hearts in his eyes and a huge kiss on his mouth and when I saw this color combination, I decided it would be perfect for what I had in mind. I think I am going to have to give this card to my hubby! Who else would I want to kiss?

Birds of a Feather

I made this card last night while relaxing and watching City Slickers. I finally got a chance to use my new cutting plates for my Cuttlebug and beautiful peacock stamp from Unity's January Kit of the Month. I love the pink and brown together. Poor Jay picked up the card to get a better look and I hadn't warned him that it was wet from the Stickles and we ended up with gold glitter all misplaced on the card and lots of gold glitter on Jay's fingertips. Fortunately, the Stickles were wet enough that I was able to fix most of the card. Now Jay's afraid to touch any of my cards! That'll teach him ;).

Jen Del Muro's SFYTT

I had so much fun doing Jen Del Muro's Sketch for You to Try last time that I thought I would try another one. I had so much fun making this card! I have had this Wild Bunch stamp set from Unity and have been itching to use it but was kind of creatively stumped and when I saw this layout, I knew instantly that I wanted to use this stamp set. Since it's a card for a little one, I really wanted to use vibrant, fun colors. I think it turned out really cute in the end. I love the flourishes from the Unity Fanciful Dots stamp set. I had stamped the "Little One" sentiment in the center of the Pumpkin Pie cardstock and it looked kind of bare, so I added the flourishes and am happy with the outcome.

Creative Juices Were Flowing this AM

I went to Pam's last night for the first workshop of the new year. She had 15 people there, which was a really large group. We all had a great time and made some really cute creations. I always, always look forward to her workshops. After I get home, I feel completely inspired. I feel like I can never measure up to Pam's talent, but that is not the point.

So anyway, I saw this idea in the Stampin' Up catalog and fell in love with it. They sell note cards with the scalloped edge that is shorter than the bottom of the card and then you stamp a sentiment on the bottom of the card so that it shows when the top flap is closed. I didn't buy the note cards, but I did take the idea and made my own version. I think the end result is adorable! I also got a chance to finally use my Unity Fanciful Dots set that I got for free with an order a few months ago. I think it's fun and very "fanciful."

My Winged Friend

Sometimes I get an idea into my head way before I sit down to make a card and other times I sit down, look through my stamps, look through my paper, and search for inspiration. For this card, the idea (including the colors and paper) came to me first. The only thing I had to search for in this case, was the stamps. I already knew the design and paper I was going to use (minus the ribbon and flower and button, which I added in the process). I love this little bird from Unity and the sentiment as well. I have been nostalgic lately and was inpsired to make a card for a dear friend. The only problem is that I have so many dear friends, now I just have to decide which one will be the recipient. Having too many friends is never a problem I am so blessed!!!!

Birthday Week Continued

Yesterday we met my Dad and Valerie at the Elephant Bar for lunch in Santa Barbara to celebrate my birthday with them, since Kendall was at winter camp last weekend and we didn't want to celebrate without her. The Elephant Bar is very special to Jay and I, since that was the location of our first date. It was great to be back and we had a really nice visit. Fortunately, the restaurant wasn't too crowded, so we were able to stay for a couple of hours without feeling guilty for taking up a table from waiting guests.

After lunch, we went to the Santa Barbara rescue shelter to look at dogs. We took a few out and played with them and took them for walks, but didn't feel a strong connection until we met Sprint. Sprint is a mini tiny Lab mix and he is very timid, but is so, incredibly sweet. We all fell completely in love with him. We filled out an application and are waiting for a phone call back. There were already two applications out on him, so we're trying not to get our hopes up, but if it is God's will for Sprint to join our family, we would love to have him. He has such a sweet little presence about him and he's very lovey dovey and cuddly. We'll keep you posted!