Magnolia - Singer

Every now and then I return to rubber -- usually because the image I want isn't available digitally, but that's another story.  In this instance, I have quite a few Magnolia images which I love and my husband doesn't - he thinks the no nose and mouth is creepy!  In this instance, the lady I've made this card for is a work colleague and fellow stamper so I had to do something nice.  I tried that glittery spray on the dress and I'm not sure it worked that well, so I added some clear glitter on top to jazz up the dress a bit.  I like the overall effect - which looks pretty good in real-life - not sure how the glitter will show up in the picture.
Materials:  Stamp:  Magnolia; CS: DCWV Taj Mahal Stack & DP: Bazzil;  Flowers by Prima; Glitter by CTMH: Colour by Copic

Scotland Ian - Digital Delights

My friend Scotty always presents a challenge when I pick an image for his birthday card.  Last year I used one of the 7 dwarfs by Mo Manning as it represented a miner - which Scotty was.  This hear I went for the more obvious Scottish boy - which Scotty still is.  It was a little challenging finding an image I liked, but I stumbled across this one and quite liked it.  I found the appropriate plaid for Scotty (his family plaid) and printed it out, then paper pieced his kilt and tam with the plaid.  Since I had some left over, I used the rest for the background paper.  The image is a bit juvenile, but I think Scotty will still like it!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Digital Delights by Looby-Loo; CS: SU: Colour by Copic

Georgia - Mo Manning

My friend Maria, who I met through stamping is a lovely young woman --- and I'm a nervous wreck doing a card for her as she does absolutely beautiful work so I figure my stuff has got to be top notch before I send it to her. Not that she'd ever be fussy about what she got, I just feel like I have to do a great job because she's so good!  So, I relied as usual on Mo Manning - this lovely image is Georgia and I loved the exuberant look on her face and the dancing, etc.  I also kind of blinged up the card because most people know I add lots of bling for the people I like!  If I weren't such a blabbermouth nobody would have known that and I would have relieved the pressure on myself.  Oh Well!
Materials:  Mo Manning - Georgia; DP: SU: CS: SU: Spellbinder Die; Memory Box Corner; SCACD Garden Corner Die; Bling and Pearls from Dollar Store; Colour by Copic

Giddy-Up

My grandson Danny was  4 in November and he is a wild one!  He is full of energy and enthusiasm and exuberance!  This little boy on the bike reminded me of him, hence selection of this image.  Danny is the kind of boy that always has a twinkle in his eye and is one of the loves of my life.  I as usual for all kids cards have hidden a twonie (2 dollar coin) under the star.  The grandchildren all expect it now and in fact when Nicholas was a bit younger used to try and disassemble other cards looking for the money!  OOPS!!
Materials:  Mo Manning - Giddy-up; DP & CS: CTMH: Spellbinder Die; Colour by Copic

Done!

I was just thinking as I type this post that I wonder what I'm going to do for card inspiration when I retire.  Right now I seem to make an awful lot of cards for my family, friends and colleagues --- so once my colleagues are no longer, what do I do.  I can't seem to just sit and make a card for the sake of making a card - I must have a purpose and a person in mind to create.  We shall see what I end up creating when the time comes.  This card is for my friend Marita - who will be retiring soon, and has just been given a bit of a break at work in that her job has been mercifully split between herself and another manager so she can now feel like she has some successes instead of just an overwhelming amount of work.  Her birthday is also coming so this card represents both successes!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning - Done!; Spellbinder Die; Martha Steward Circle Cutter; DP: K&Company: CS: SU: Colour by Copic

Aashi in a Sari

My friend Alexandra is a lovely woman.  She is one of those saintly types who loves everyone; forgives people for doing bad things (even her snake of a husband - who she is now rid of).  She always has a kind word and a prayer.  In short she's great!  So I try to make her cards special.  Alex is originally from Mumbai India so, although she's a Christian didn't think she'd mind this little Hindu girl.  The colours are so wonderful, and the background paper just sets the whole thing off.  And, because I really like Alex, I've added some rhinestone bling to jazz it up even further!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning - Aashi in a Sari; DP & CS: DCWV Taj Mahal Stack; Spellbinder Dies; Bling by CTMH: Colour by Copic

Mo Manning - Mr. Fixit

One of my colleagues is in the process of building  his retirement home.  He's been working like a dog all summer and has dropped about 20 pounds - which really frosts me because he was pretty freaking skinny to start with - life is so unfair.  Regardless, I do still like him and thought this image was perfect for him at this stage in  his life.  Luckily I also had that cute little hammer brad in my stash so got to use it to jazz things up a bit!  The image took quite a while to colour because of all the tools in the belt and the tool box.  But I think it was worth it!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning - Mr. Fixit; Spellbinder Die; Hammer Brad by Eyelet Outlet; Ruler: SU: Sentiment: SU: Colour by Copic

Mo Manning - King for the Day (2)

Apparently, when I first selected this image I thought the background paper was the one to use - since I used the same background paper on the card I did for Darcy!  In this instance I went hog wild and paper-pieced the chair to match the background paper!  I quite like the whole result and think I'll likely do it again.  This card is for my nephew Sam who, when he's not working, quite likes to kick back and relax --- This guy looks a bit older than Sam, but what the heck, the image is the message or whatever!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning - King for the Day; CS: CTMH: CP: SU: Colour by Copic

Rosa - Mo Manning

I love this girl Rosa!  She was fun to colour, and I think fun to look at.  This card is for a friend of mine who is Portuguese -- the girl looks kind of latin so hoped it would sort of convey what I as looking at.  I also used one of my new Memory Box dies, but think I could have glued it a little more to the left.  By the time I decided that would be a good idea, the glue had set and I was literally "stuck" with the location.  Regardless, the background paper and image all just matched so nicely I was quite happy with the outcome.
Materials:  Digital Image by Mo Manning; Memory Box Die; Glitter by Stickles; DP: K&Company; CS: SU: Spellbinder Dies; Colour by Copic

Oddly Sweet Curiosities

I saw this image somewhere on the web during a browsing session (unfortunately I didn't have the presence of mind to either bookmark or PIN it) but I loved it so went searching for the source.  I was lucky that Susana at Susana's Custom Art and Design carried the series so, naturally, I bought it.  Luckily as well, Susana also carried a wide variety of corner dies and swirls, both by herself and Memory Box.  This card is almost an homage to Susana as I've managed to use a bunch of her products in the one card!  Check Susana out - she has great stuff - reasonably priced and all your orders will be handled quickly and professionally.  But, I digress --- this card is for my husband's niece - who is a university professor in philosophy - I figured, what better image or sentiment for a philosopher!
Materials:  Stamp:  Oddly Sweet Curiosities; Swirls and Corners: SCACD; CS: SU: DP: ?? Colour by Copic; Glitter by Stickles

Bunches - A Thank You Card

What a surprise -- another Mo Manning image!  I sometimes feel that perhaps I am losing any imagination, on the other hand, Mo has pretty much every image for every occasion I need so, why move around too much when I appear to have found my muse!  This card is a thank you to one of my colleagues who always, but especially of late has been doing a tremendous amount of work on a project that, without her I would have been lost.  She is professional, frighteningly efficient and nice on top of it all.  Together with my boss, we recognized her contribution recently --- I made the card - he bought the gift --- not a bad partnership if I do say so myself!  Vicki loved the card though so that made it even more special!  I do see that I've got to work a little harder in getting my images or myself straighter when I take pictures -- I always seem to have them on a bit of an angle!

Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning - Bunches; Spellbinder Die; MS Circle Cutout thing(!); Sentiment: SU: CS: SU: DP: K&Company; Colour by Copic

Mo Manning's - Married

I love how this card turned out.  I had a lot of cards to do in a short period of time so was trying to thing of time-saving techniques and images to speed things along.  When I saw this Mo Manning image it was eloquent yet simple and figured it was the perfect one.  I love it so much I can see using it a lot more often!  I also appear to be getting marginally better at the outside the box technique of having pieces of the image stick out beyond the die cut --- I still find it challenging though!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning - Married; Sizzix Embossing Folder; SU: Silver Paper; Spellbinder Dies; MS Glitter; Colour by Copic

CONDOLENCES

I don't often post the condolence cards I make, largely because I feel uncomfortable posting something that has been made for a largely private reason.  In this instance, I've decided to post it because I think it is something that can certainly be used for any occasion yet is still appropriate for a sympathy card.  The materials are almost entirely from Stampin' Up - and since I've moved largely to digital images of late it was kind of nice to get back to stamping.  And, on that note, I'm going to have to get myself some of Stampin' Up's new juicy stamps -- I love, love, love them!!
Materials: Images:  Stampin' Up - Garden Silhouettes; Copper Embossing Powder; DP: CTMH: CS: SU

Mo Manning - Jo Painting

You may have noticed that I've changed my titles of my posts from what the occasion is to the stamp/image manufacturer.  I know when I'm searching for inspiration for a particular image I like it when people have indicated who made it - so I'm trying that out.  This card was made for my Mom who likes to paint -- perhaps not portraiture, but definitely folk-art painting.  I liked this image and since it was somewhat appropriate, chose it for her.
Materials:  Digital Image by Mo Manning; Spellbinder Die; Memory Box corners; Sizzix embossing folder; Colour by Copic

Meerkats

I first saw this image a few months ago in Papercraft Inspirations Magainze, and was delighted to find that they were free downloads - what's not to love.  These images are by Angela Poole and and can be found at this link. The magazine features lots of downloadable stuff and plenty of good ideas - check it out.  In the meantime, this card is for our friend Adele who also happens to be my eldest daughter's mother-in-law.  I wanted something to show the card was from the 2 of us, and since I quite like this image chose it.  It was a bit harder to select the right background paper to keep the card from looking too manly!  I think the one I picked thought was just right!
Materials:  Digital Image: Angela Poole; CS: SU: CP: CTMH: Spellbinder Die; Colour by Copic

Mo Manning - King for the Day

My colleague Darcy would likely appreciate this card more if I tell him the image is called "King for the Day" - the title alone seems to fit him perfectly!  The guy doesn't look much like him, but is fairly representative of a guy leaning back, enjoying some R&R -- which sometimes to me appears to be most men's lives, but perhaps I feeling a bit downtrodden today!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning; CS: SU: DP: SU: Sentiment: SU: Spellbinder Die; Colour by Copic

Mo Manning - Checking FB

My sister-in-law, Susie celebrates her 68th birthday in October -- hard to believe she's 68 as she really doesn't look her age.  She's had a bit of a rough go this past year, but seems to be on the mend.  She enjoys surfing the internet; sending e-mails and face-booking, hence this image.  I hope she doesn't think I mean she just goofs off all day!
Materials:  Digital Image:  Mo Manning; Memory Box swirl; Spellbinder Die; Colour by Copic; Embossing Folder by Sizzix/SU

Mo Manning - Eileen

I was not feeling all that creative when I first sat down to do my October birthday cards -- I had 6 birthdays to do for October, so I selected the images, coloured them then set about mounting each.  I see in retrospect that I didn't vary the design that much, but the chances of the recipients sitting together and comparing their cards is slim. Likewise the chances of them looking at my blog!  Regardless, this card is for my sister Jenny, who loves to garden.  And, I do believe that Mo Manning has an image for almost every occasion - which is perhaps why I did 5 of the 6 cards using her images this month!
Materials:  Digital Image: Mo Manning; SU Dies: Memory Box corners; Sizzix embossed dots; Colour by Copic

Mo Manning - Hoping

My friend Colette is currently on a health improvement change in her life, and part of that may involve losing some weight, although she constantly struggles -- in fact, she looks pretty darn good at the weight she is, but who among us is ever happy with their appearance?  Anyway, I have had this image for quite a while because I liked it, and this seemed like a good opportunity to use it -- Hopefully she isn't offended!!  It is a birthday card, and as I see birthdays as being a start to a whole new year (regardless of the date) I thought this might be good - and it makes me smile!
Materials:  Image:  Mo Manning: Spellbinder Dies; Embossing Folder - Shells Sizzix/SU: Memory Box Swirls; Bow by Boweasy; Colour by Copic

Ragged Romeo

Mo Manning, if you haven't already figured this out, is one of my favourite artists.  It also never ceases to amaze me how much I love digital images as I used to think I'd never waver from my addition to rubber!  The nice thing about digital is you can make them any size you  need.  This card was an anniversary card for my sister Debby and her husband Jim.  As it turns out they had forgotten about their anniversary until they got the card, so it served 2 purposes.  I had initially bought this stamp at Valentines Day time so I could make a card for my husband John, and decided it also made a nice anniversary image.  They liked it!  I had to stick the flower on the right hand side of the image because after I was all done colouring and mounting, I dropped a marker on it!!!  I wasn't about to let the image be trashed because of clumsiness!!!

Materials:  Image: Mo Manning digital image; Spellbinder Die; CTMH Bling; CS: SU: DP: SU: Colour by Copic - Flowers by Prima -

LOTV - Fairies on Tip Toe

I think this is a very nice bright and cheery card - which is a birthday card for yet another friend who hates her birthday -- what is the matter with these people?  Barb has overcome some pretty big challenges in her life, cancer being one of them, so I think my cards to her should always be bright!  Unfortunately, my work life is sucking all of my will to live lately so I don't get out as much as I should to see her, and since she winters in Florida, that cuts down my time even more!  I'm hoping that when I retire in a couple of years, we'll be able to resume our activities.  In the meantime, hope she likes her card.
Materials:  Stamp:  LOTV; CS: SU: DP: ??: Big Flower: ?? - Colour by Copic

Whippersnapper - Domestic Angel

My cleaning lady's birthday is in September and I have always loved this little Whippersnapper Angel and thought it might be perfect.  I hope she won't be offended and think I think of her only as a cleaning lady!  She says she doesn't really like birthdays, but I think - what's not to like -- it's a day all about you - you get to revel in your accomplishments; ignore your shortcomings and celebrate surviving another year!  I love my birthday.  Anyway, this is not about me (damn), it's supposed to be about Karen, who is cleaning my house as I type this - I hope I don't get caught before I give her the card!
Materials:  Stamp:  Whippersnapper; CS: Bazzil; Spellbinder Dies; Colour by Copic

Mo Manning - Young Love

Yes, Mo Manning again!  This image is for friends of mine who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year -- quite the accomplishment at the best of times.  I wanted to make something pretty, and although they don't look quite as old as Tom and Tilly above, they are still very much in love - so the Young Love image suites them.  I also got to use my new SU embossing folder - shells -- I like the effect and speeds up the work I'll tell you!
Materials:  Digital Image: Mo Manning; Spellbinder Dies; Sentiment; SU: CS: SU: Colour by Copic; SU Embossing Folder

LOTV - Rosy Posy

I just love these Lili of the Valley images! This one is Rosy Posy and is perfect for sending good wishes, etc. In this instance, this is a birthday card.  I used to feel compelled to put the accompanying sentiment on the front of the card, but no longer feel the same.  I think it has given me a little more freedom.  I have had so many birthday cards to make this month that I have been feeling a little overwhelmed.  Thank heavens I was on vacation so got to catch-up -- sort of!
Materials:  Stamp: LOTV: CS: SU: DP: K&Company; Bow by Boweasy; Flowers by Pima; Spellbinder Dies; Colour by Copic

Whippersnapper - Angel of the Morning

One of my colleagues recently has begun having a lot of sleepless nights - female issues!  While I do feel sorry for her, this image just seemed to describe exactly how she must be feeling first thing.  I haven't been using my Whippersnapper Images much lately, so when I was routing through my stamps (and do I have a lot!) I found this one and picked it.  I quite like the soft mauves as well and her green slippers really pop!  I also got to use my new Memory Box swirls which I quite like!
Materials: Stamp: Whippersnapper; CS: SU: DP: ??: Swirls: Memory Box; Colour by Copic

Kraftin' Kimmie - Raymond the Golfer

I'm not too sure about the green I used to ink over the embossed background, but otherwise, I'm quite pleased with the image.  I tried that technique where you cut outside the spellbinder die (notice on the golf club) and it worked out pretty much - although it is a very small portion of the image!  One of my colleagues has gotten into golfing big-time this year, so he's getting this golfing card. This Kraftin' Kimmie image represents a very dapper golfer, which is perhaps not quite the same build as my friend, but there you have it!
Materials:  Image: Kraftin' Kimmie; Embossing Folder: SU: CS: SU: Golf Ball Brad: Eyelet Outlet; Colour by Copic; Sentiment: LOTV

Oddly Sweet Curiosities

I first saw this little image when I was browsing somewhere and loved it.  So I hunted and found it is available at Susana's Custom Art and Design . So, even though I appear to be switching to digital, loved these rubber images so much I bought the set!  They are fun to colour and you can use some pretty wild background paper to jazz them up even further!  This is, as usual, for one of my work colleagues - I think she'll like it along with the sentiment!
Materials:  Stamp: Oddly Sweet Curiosities; Swirls by Making Memories; Spellbinder Dies; CS: SU: DP: My stash; Colour by Copic

Papercraft Inspirations

One of the digital magazines I receive on my new iPad is Papercraft Inspirations -- and one of the handy things about that magazine is that they provide (not just for subscribers) free digital downloads.  This is one from their January issue, and I've used it a couple of times.  (The link is above).  This card is for one of my colleagues, for whom I usually create something relative to diving, but I couldn't find anything new this year, so used this reliable image!  I think he'll like it.   And, there is always something so elegant about black and white!
Materials:  Digital Image: Anne Poole - Papercraft Inspirations; CS: SU: DP: Me & My Big Ideas; Spellbinder Dies

Mo Manning - Computer Guy

Well, I can just imagine your surprise! Another Mo Manning image -- obviously she's one of my favourites!  This card is for one of the guys at work who spends an inordinate amount of time on the computer --- not through choice I suspect!  He's also folically-challenged (bald) hence the skin-coloured head!  I had a hard time choosing the background paper this morning - don't know why!  Regardless, I'm fairly happy with the overall image!
Materials:  Digital Image - Mo Manning; CS: SU: DP: ??: Sentiment: SU: Colour by Copic

Grammas - S.W.A.L.K.

This card is also for Cathie for having her first grandchild only this one is for my boss to send to her.  I first saw this stamp at Scrappin' Great Deals a few years ago when we had gone down to London (Ontario) for a Kraftin' Kimmie craft day - her first one.  I loved this stamp - and everything else that weekend, so I bought it.  Note the grandmother has no grey hair -- as Cathie makes every effort to maintain her non-grey look!

Materials: Image: S.W.A.L.K. DP: SU: CS: SU: Spellbinder  Die; Colour by Copic; Bow by Boweasy

Mo Manning - Date Night

My daughter Sarah and her husband Steve just celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary at the beginning of August.  We were down there for Katie's first birthday (the day before) so for an anniversary gift we gave them the time to go on a date by themselves - albeit in the afternoon and only for a few hours since Katie is still nursing and quite a mommy's girl!  I think they had a good time, and told Emily that indeed they had shared a smoothie and drank from two straws romantically; and they even held hands!!

Materials: Digital Image by Mo Manning; CS: SU: DP: SU: Spellbinder Die; SU Ribbon; Colour by Copic -- Flourish by somebody!

Miles & Maisie - Birthday Cake

My sweet little Katie was the big "1" at the beginning of August.  One would think that I would have been able to produce a spectacular card for such a special occasion, but I have been running out of steam lately.  I did want to demonstrate that the card was from both her Grammy and Poppa, and I had to find somewhere to hide the "twonie" (under the flower) but that was about it.  I did get to use my new SU Embossing folder so that at least was a good thing...and I figure at 1 you aren't likely to be able to critique a card and are just happy people are there loving you --- that I can do in spades!

Materials: Image:  Kraftin' Kimmie; CS: SU: Embossing Folder: SU: Colour by Copic

Mo Manning's - Biker Babe

Cathie, one of the girls I work with just became a grandmother for the first time.  She now has a lovely little grandson.  Cathie and her husband are avid motorcyclists -- belonging to a few bike clubs, etc.  When I saw that this image was called Biker Babe I thought of Cathie instantly.  Hope she gets the connection!  The baby was actually born July 1 - I'm just a bit behind in sending these puppies out.  I don't know where my time is going lately, but not on any thing productive that's for darn sure.  I can't wait to retire - maybe I can catch up in a year or two!

Materials:  Digital Image: Mo Manning; DP: SU: CS: SU: Spellbinder Dies; Sentiment: CTMH: Colour by Copic

Chinese Tilda

I don't use my Magnolia stamps as much as I should, likely because the no mouth part creeps my husband out and since I always force him to look at my cards when I've completed them and expect him to say nice things, he has a harder time composing his face with these! But, since the recipient of this card is Chinese and I don't have that many opportunities to use the set, I selected this one.  I tried to jazz it up by making a little fan for the backdrop and I'm happy with how it turned out, but it was a tad bulky - so I had to super-mount the image using 3-deep pop blocks - which then means I'll have to use double the postage to mail it!  Oh well.  I'm  happy with the over all effect.  I used my new Memory Box flourish, but had a hard time cutting it out on my BigShot -- I'll obviously have to practice a bit more, unless somebody reading this has a tip!

Materials:  Stamp:  Magnolia; CS: SU: DP: Prima;Punch (edge of the fan) SU:  Colour by Copic.  

Mo Manning - Baby & Bunny

One of my colleagues at work recently had her 4th child -- and they are all girls!    It seems to me that I've done a fair number of baby cards this year and it's getting harder and harder to do something original!  I do love Mo Manning's digital images though - as you can likely tell my looking at my blog!  Initially I had cut her out on a larger oval with my Spellbinder dies, but it was a bit large for the size of card I wanted to do, so I cut her out and mounted her.  I think the effect was even better.  Background paper I got somewhere about 6 years ago when I was making Emily's birth announcements - no idea who makes it.  Likewise with the ribbon - I bought it on the home shopping channel about 7 years ago!

Materials:  Mo Manning Digital Image; Spellbinder Dies; Sentiment: SU: CS: SU: Colour by Copic

LOTV - Shoe Shopper

One of my colleagues, Nadine, recently had a birthday and this is the image I selected for her.  Nadine is a notorious shoe-shopper so I figures this image was perfect.  I kind of lucked out as well because her favourite colour is purple.  I don't know about you, but when I do cards in a bunch, I tend to gravitate to a particular colour on any given day.  That day, I seemed to be in a purple mood because I did a lot of purple cards!  It turned out well though - nice and feminine - just like Nadine (sort of).

Materials:  Stamp: Lili of the Valley; DP: SU: CS: SU: Spellbinder Dies; Prima Flowers; Bow by Boweasy; Colour by Copic

LOTV - Occasions

This card I made for one of my friends/colleagues who has a lovely little dog. I don't see her that often, and have only seen pictures of her dog, so couldn't quite remember what colour it was, other than I'm pretty sure it was white and either black or grey - so I kind of tried to add some mottling!  I do love this little image though and hope that Sandra likes it as well!

Materials:  Stamp: LOTV; CS: SU: DP: SU: Spellbinder Dies; Bow by Boweasy and Colour by Copic.

Big Girl Pants - Mo Manning

One of my colleagues seems of late to be obsessing about her age - I keep telling her I'm older than her, and each year brings us one year closer to retirement!  Her job is very, very stressful though, so I think sometimes she has a hard time seeing the bright side of things - all the more reason to get out!  Anyway, this little Big Girl Pants image by my favourite Mo Manning seemed to be just perfect for Sophie!  At a minimum, I love the colours!

Materials:  Digital Image by Mo Manning; DP & CS -  from my stash - no idea who!; Flower by Prima; Colour by Copic

 

Teen Fairy Mia

My friend Susan (about whom you've heard before) loves bling - so whenever I make a card for her I feel compelled to bling-it-up!!  This image from Mo Manning is one of my favourites and allows for lots of glitz and bling.  I'm sure she'll like the card as she's a very appreciative audience!

Materials:  Mo Manning digital image; DP: Prima; CS: ??: Spellbinder Dies; CTMH Bling; Colour by Copic; 

Tom and Tilly - Mo Manning

Imagine your surprise that this is yet another Mo Manning image!  This one was perfect for the purpose.  John and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary of togetherness .. although on that anniversary day I was ready to kill him, it was, as usual only temporary -- my eldest daughter said she could feel the love in the next room (heavy duty eye-rolling here).  John is the love of my life though, and aggravations aside, I'd have no other!  This image is meant to represent us --  I have black hair and am a little on the well-rounded side; John's hair is brown and grey (I didn't add the grey) and he's quite a bit more slender.  He was happy and even said - they sort of look like us!   What more could I ask?!?

Materials:  Digital Image: Mo Manning; CS: SU: Sizzix border; Colour by Copic

So sorry

Originally I had intended to send this as a sympathy card, but the general contention was that it wasn't appropriate.  I just thought the face on the rabbit was so sad looking it might work.  So, I didn't send it   So I decided to send it to a friend you just turned 60; whose surprise birthday party we were unable to attend.  Hope she likes it!  I do like the image - he's one sad looking bunny!

Materials:  Image: digital image by Mo Manning; CS: SU: DP: SU: Colour by Copic

Get well - LOTV Fairy

Another sick colleague at work - and this is another card for Peter to send.  This individual I think will appreciate a fairy!
Materials:  Image: LOTV: DP: Prima; CS: SU: Sizzix die; Colour by Copic

Danny's Graduation - 2012

My little grandson Danny recently graduated from his pre-school/daycare class to Junior Kindergarten where he will start in the fall....the card is pretty much the same as Emily's only different colours.  I tantalized Emily  by showing her Danny's card and told her she'd have to wait until her graduation to get hers!   I put a twonie under the little owl so Danny will likely like that!
Materials:  Hoot Hoot Horray digital image from Whimsie Doodles; CS: SU: DP: K&Company; Owl - SU Punch; Colour by Copic

Happy Birthday Lyse - 2012

My friend Lyse's birthday is the same day as my brother-in-law Jim's - one more reason not to forget.  I decided this year to just do something fun -- I usually try to do something with a medieval theme as that is Lyse's field of interest and study --- but I was feeling more frivolous when I made the card -- and I hope it makes Lyse feel a bit frivolous too as she's always pretty serious at work - likely because she has enough work to choke a horse!
Materials:  Image:  Mo Manning - digital image; CS: SU: DP: K&Company; Bling by CTMH: Bow by Boweasy; Colour by Copic

Get well soon - turtle and rat

We have a couple sick for a while at one of our offices, so I've made this card for my boss to send.  I don't really know the recipient, but thought the image was super cute so decided to use it for her.  It is sometimes a challenge to make a card to come from a man, to a woman who's a co-worker!  Anyway, I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Materials: Image - digital by Karen's Doodles; CS: SU: DP: K&Company; SU Scallop Punch; Colour by Copic

Because I care - my sweet Nick

Last weekend, lovely Emily graduated from senior kindergarten.  Danny also graduated a couple of weeks ago, and we were all  together at Sarah's. I made cards for both of the kids and couldn't not give Nicky one.  Luckily I had this image already coloured and while Nick has blond hair, I don't think he'll mind. Especially since there's a looney on the front and I'll put money on the inside as well!
Materials:  Image: Magnolia; Sentiment: SU: CS: SU: DP: K&Company; Medallion by Cricut; Colour by Copic

Happy Birthday Jim 2012

My brother-in-law Jim turns 65 this month, and while he in no way appears to be elderly, I couldn't resist using the Mo Manning senior image!  Jim is a very handy guy - he builds stuff; fixes stuff; gardens, reads, etc. hence all the images in the background.  I was attempting to show a confused older gentleman wondering what in the world he was going to do!
Materials:  Mo Manning digital image - Introducing Oscar; various images from the internet; CS: SU: Colour by Copic

Happy Birthday Sarah 2012

My eldest daughter Sarah is 36 this year -- where does the time go.  Actually to see her she is very youthful looking although somewhat tired because her two young children (6 and 9 months) are keeping her pretty busy.  Anyway, Sarah is a major Twilight fan - she introduced me to the novels - and I'm pretty sure she's on team Edward.  I thought she would appreciate this card.  The image is from Sassy Studio Designs and is called Immortal Love.  Colouring Edward's freakishly white skin was not easy - what I ended up doing was colouring him then using the blender pen to lighten him up even further.  Worked out I think.  I also got to use one of my new Cricut cartridges to cut out the frame - but glued it on upside down at first, had to peel off the top layer and kind of mangled some of the underneath paper so had to put some flowers on to cover it up.  All in all though I'm pleased with how it turned out. I decorated the inside as well, using the same background paper and a large label die to provide writing space.
Materials:  Image: Sassy Studio; CS: SU: CP: K&Company; Flowers: Petaloo; Sentiment: CTMH: Frame: Cricut; Colour by Copic.

Papercraft Gentleman's Birthday Card

Now my nephew Adam isn't exactly the martini and spy type, however, he is a man, and does like a drink once in a while, so I figured this card would work.  Poor Adam has had some health issues lately although he is recovering nicely. He works on the railways so is pretty much homeless - moving from town to town -- he does get to stay in hotels and all his meals, etc. are paid, but I think I'd find it a lonely life.  For him though, he's still young and this is an excellent opportunity for him to sock away some money before he chooses a permanent career -- although maybe this will be is permanent career!  He likes it at least which isn't something a lot of people can say about their job.  Regardless, I do hope he likes it.
Materials:  Image: Papercraft Magazine Download; White and Black cardstock

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Open Seas - Birthday Card

John's brother Tony runs an eco-tours business in Ladner BC - Kaymaran Adventure Tours and has been into boating all of this remembered life.  I figured then that a boating themed card would be good for John to send to his brother.  All images are from the same set by Stampin' Up - Open Seas.  I asked John to make me some kind of a nautical knot with a piece of twine, and the little rope is what he came up with --- apparently he had a brain-freeze at the moment I asked him!

Materials:  Stamps:  SU: CS: SU: Colour by Copic; Anchor Brad by Eyelet Outlet