Anniversary card

This weekend is our Wedding Anniversary, as many of you reading my blog may already know...because hubby has posted it on his blog many times...smile...

Since my hubby likes to cook (lucky me)  I thought that this card would be perfect for him.  The card was made using fabric made by Loralie Designs.  I fussy cut around the image, and added it to background paper made by Graphic 45.  the sentiment is computer generated, 

This card was also made for the Twisted Sister challenge at split coast stampers...Irishgreensue, wanted us to make a card using fabric and add a button.

"A good marriage is like a casserole,
Only those responsible for it really know what goes into it."
~Anonymous

Thank you for visiting my blog today
Blessings,
Jill

A card for Three Challenges!

I made this card for three challenges.  The twisted Sister Challenge at Split Coast Stampers,  AAA cards Stencil Challenge, and Dreamweaver challenge.

For the Twisted Sister Challenge at Split coast we were to make an Autumn card with some Shine to it.  I had planned on using leaves going down the vine on the wall, but I just couldn't make it look right.  Hubby told me that roses can still grow in Autumn...so I looked it up on Google,  (not that I didn't believe him...smile)....but he is definitely correct...some roses can still grow in early Autumn...So this is an Autumn card...that's my story and I am sticking to it.

I'm also entering this card in two different stencil challenges, which I hope isn't breaking any rules.

I didn't think I would get this card done in time for the AAA cards challenge, but it looks like I am posting it in time.  The challenge this week was to use a stencil and make the card CAS.  I hope this qualifies as CAS.  The only thing that was difficult for me in making this card .....was using the embossing paste.  I always have problems with embossing paste.  This card was my third try using the paste this time.  I think I know what part of my problem was...I was using card stock that was too thin.  It made the card stock ripple up and not lay flat.  I have to learn everything the hard way.  LOL

The AAA challenge can be found here...

http://aaacards.blogspot.com/2014/08/17-create-with-stencil-style.html

This is also for this month's Dreamweaver challenge...which can be found here...

http://dreamweaverstencils.blogspot.com/2014/08/august-as-adjective-2-more-winners-for.html

This month's challenge is August as an adjective...I hope this card fits the adjective  Elegant!

I used the brick wall stencil, and embossed it with Dreamweaver glossy white embossing paste, and then used versamark and heat embossed it with Tim Holtz embossing powder!

It's been week's since I have been able to make a card...It's feels good to finally have a completed card to post....even if it (AGAIN) did not turn out as I had originally thought it would.

Thought for today...

I just read this in a book I was reading today...very thought provoking...

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail!

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Blessings,

Jill

The Creative Blog Hop

The Creative Blog Hop

My husband, Jim,    http://irishdreamweaver.blogspot.com/

  was tagged by Mary H of    http://carolinacardsbymaryh.blogspot.com/

   to participate in the creative Blog Hop and asked me to do a post on my blog on the same day.

Mary H is a lovely person and does beautiful work you would enjoy taking a peek at her blog at the above link...and then, Of course, Check out my Hubby's blog at the above link.

Jim was asked these 4 questions…And below is my answers to the same questions…

1.     What am I working on now?

Everything

Nothing

Actually, nothing would be more like it.  I often find myself feeling like I’m in a state of confusion (loss of direction) I want so much to be working on something but I don’t know where to even begin.

Everything.  I see so many neat ideas on everyone’s blog and on pinterest (I’m addicted) that I want to try everything…and again I’m confused as to where I should begin.  I love to try new techniques.  So I have so many project ideas going in my head...smile...

In my head, Right now... I am working on ideas for my daughter’s next birthday.  I hope to do a book of “short” letters to her…containing memories of her life.

How does my work differ from others in my genre?

I don’t really think that I am that unique.  I am inspired by everyone else’s creativity…

The one way my cards might be different now is that today the trend is clean and simple, and one layer cards (big challenge for me).

My cards usually have lots of layers.  I’m trying very hard to get away from using so many layers on my cards.  Postage is just so high these days.

Why do I create what I do?

I’ve been crafting for a long time.  Starting with sewing, then cross stitch, knitting, crochet, a little bit of plastic canvas, embroidery, and smocking.

 

It’s been my therapy for a long time.  I like to create to give gifts. 

Personalized gifts…and also make things to donate.

The above is the dress that I crocheted for my granddaughter when she was about 4 years old.

This is a sweater that I knitted for my daughter one year for her birthday.

I have found crafting to be mostly relaxing…I say mostly, because at times it can be frustrating when things don’t’ go as planned.  Actually very few things that I have made end up the way I had originally thought they would.

I’ve learned a few lessons along the way.  The card below is a good example of one my lessons...

After spending about 3 hours or so on a card that ended up in the trash can…I sat down at my craft table to try again,  I ended up making the above card in under 10 minutes  (which is very good for me!)

I almost didn’t post the above card at Split Coast Stampers  because I thought every one would laugh at it, and think it was too simple (remember this is before I heard the words clean and simple in regard to Card making). To my surprise, to date, it is the most viewed card and the card that has been favored the most in my gallery.

Almost everyone through the years would tell me that I am too critical of myself and I guess this card helps to prove that to me.

How does my creative process work?

My husband gave me an answer for this…Chaotic!

(Remember he sees my craft table after I’m done working on a card!)

He also may have said that because he knows I spend as much time looking for my lost supplies as I do creating…

******************************************

Here are some of my favorite cards…and most of these cards made the Favorites list at Split Coast Stampers.

This card was made using the Iris Folding Technique.  It is still one of my favorite ways to make a card...I learned how to do this technique at...

http://www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/

I made the above card for a challenge at The Splitcoast Stampers Teapot party.  We were to make a card for someone going for Chemo...The person that this card was sent to ... loves the Cherry Motif...and has lots of Cherry decor in her Kitchen.  I did not have a Cherry stamp or image...so I made my Cherries out of Shrink it.  I had trouble getting the stems to to look right...so hubby suggested using bread wrapper ties for my stems.  They worked  perfectly.

This card was made using my very favorite card shape (technique)  The center step card.  I found the directions to make this card here...

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/centerstepcard/

Hubby colored my image for me with copics.

This is a box card...Another favorite technique...
I found the directions to make this card at...

http://valitasfreshfolds.blogspot.com/2010/11/making-simple-box-card.html

This card was made using Gold embossing powder and A Stencil from Dreamweaver stencils...
I forgot to add the link...but the link to Dreamweaver stencils can be found on my side bar.
Using Stencils is another way I really enjoy making cards

Thank you for visiting my blog today...
Blessings,
Jill

Longwood Gardens

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.  I know that I did!  The weather was just Beautiful in my area.  It was one of those days that I wish I could have bottled to use again on another day.  You know, exchange it when the weather is over 100 degrees or super cold!

I did not have time to make a card lately, so instead I'll sneak a couple more pics of our last trip to Longwood Gardens... http://longwoodgardens.org/

...The soul is

A Garden enclosed,

Our own perpetual,

Paradise where

We can be Refreshed

And restored.

~Thomas Moore

 

 

 We went to the Gardens along with our daughter and son-in-law.  I think this is the cutest pic.

Mothers worry, at least this Mother worries a lot...I thought they might get in trouble standing

on the gazebo like that...but I didn't see any signs telling you not to...smile.   (And yes, they do

have signs around telling you not to walk on the walls, etc). 

My question for you.  Does this look like a couple celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary?

Thank you for visiting my blog today,

Blessings,

Jill

I almost forgot My day started out wonderful with finding out that my Cantaloupe card was the winning card at last week's

AAA cards challenge.   Thank you so much.

http://aaacards.blogspot.com/

My Mother

Hello Everyone, Thank you for visiting my blog today.  Before I post my pics...I want to introduce you to a new follower,  Vicki,   Vicki's blog can be found here 
Thank you Vicki for joining my blog,  Vicki does beautiful work, and I loved taking a tour of her beautiful (very Organized) craft room that she has posted on her blog.

 Today is my Mother's Birth day!  So this post is a tribute to her.

This is the picture that I have on my sidebar...through the years I made many hand made gifts for my Mother.  She told me that this gift was her favorite!

Yesterday, I did my yearly trip to the cancer to drop off a box of cards.  My Mother had actually asked me to do that for her.  It makes me happy to know that there is still something that I can do for her.  I didn't realize how therapeutic it would be for me too. 

A Rose for MOM

If  roses grow in heaven

If roses grow in Heaven

Lord, please pick a bunch for me.

Place them in my Mother's arms

And tell her they're from me,

Tell her that I love her and miss her,

And when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek

And hold her for a while.

Remembering her is easy.

I do it everyday,

But there is an ache within my heart

That will never go away.

Author Unknown

Hope you have a very blessed weekend,

Jill

AAAcardsgame #15

 I made this card to enter into the AAAcard challenge which can be found here

http://aaacards.blogspot.com/2014/08/game-15-enjoy-summer-foods.html

This is a third attempt with this card.  My hubby will tell you that there was a lot of drama in making this card.  I really like the digi that he colored (especially since I like cantaloupe)

So I thought this card would be a perfect fit for the summer food challenge.  My first card background I made the mistake of stamping my sentiment direct to paper...It did not work, so I cut out my image and tried to glue it to a new background...second try the card was crooked...and when I went to try and unglue it...yes I ruined another background!

Then the drama...yes, this card went on a trip!  It went flying across the room.  I meant to throw in another room, just to get rid of my frustration...but instead of going straight....It went up!  Up and over a very tall heavy piece of furniture.  Jim had to rescue my card...(and he added...along with the dust bunnies)...OK...remember it's a heavy piece of furniture and difficult for me to move.  Does that sound like a good excuse?   So I hope I at least get an A for effort!

This card the image was colored with copics by my hubby.  I think it was a rubber stamp that was used at a stamp meet I attended...maybe about three years ago.  I again used my spellbinder Ribbon threader die, and a die cut for the sentiment (Elizabeth Craft designs)

Thought for today...
"I think the next best thing to solving a problem, is finding some humor in it." 
~Author Unknown

Thank you for visiting my blog today!
Blessings,
Jill

Twisted Sister Challenge Make a Get well Card

 Click on card to enlarge

I made the above card for a challenge at Split Coast Stampers!

www.splitcoaststampers.com

The challenge  for the Twisted Sister... was to make a Get Well Card.

My card was stamped with a stamp from Heartfelt Creations, and colored with copics, by my husband.  I die cut a Spellbinder die for the bottom.  A2 Fancy Ribbon Threader!

The rubber stamp is HCPC 3306 Posy Patch Garden Delights.

My Sentiment was stamped with a stamp from Stampin' Up  "take Care!

Added a gingham ribbon and dimensionals!

I would like to welcome two new followers to  my blog,

Ursula and Lesley 

So nice to see you here and I have enjoyed visiting your blogs..

In the photo below you will see my photography studio.  Isn't it fancy?

Yes, it's my dining room table, with two Ott lights over head...

Jim I were able to purchase the lights at half price, (yes they are expensive)

but they were worth every penny to us.  They have come in so handy, for our crafting.

I have them on every Thursday night when my friends come to craft.  

I'm a very poor photographer, and whenever I try to take photos of my cards and projects outside, the pictures look terrible.  I have shadows, glare from  the sun, or my shadow in the picture.  

I find it easier to just take my pictures inside at my dining room table.  That way,

I also don't have to worry if the sun is out or not.

 Lesley asked me in her comments yesterday, "Is there  a story behind the crochet you place your projects on"? 
 I hadn't really thought about it before, but there is...first of all, it's something I bought for my Mother along with a matching table runner.  I bought it for her on vacation a long time ago, and she seemed to really like it, and used it for many years.  It always reminds me of her. 
Also, It is  supposed to be hand crocheted.  I can't imagine doing all those tiny stitches, especially with a table runner.  Something like that would have taken me forever.  I have crocheted with thread, but it was much smaller projects, such Christmas ornaments, etc.  My favorite crocheting was toddler and baby dresses, such as the one below...but it is not done with thread...a  slightly thicker cotton thread.  
I think I did do one dress in thread, and then thought, "NO MORE WITH THREAD!"  So I really do appreciate the time it took to make the doily and table runner.   Plus the doily keeps the cards from
slipping like they do when I just put them on the table,

"IN every ordinary day, there is a thousand Miracles!"  ~Author Unknown

Thank you for visiting my blog today,
Blessings,
Jill

Merry Monday (on Saturday)

 I made this card for this week's Merry Monday Challenge #120,  You can find the link to the challenge here....

http://merrymondaychristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2014/08/merry-monday-120-skiis-skates-or-sleds.html

I'm still not sure I should enter it...It is definitely a "cheater" card...but it still seems to fit the rules...To make a card with a ski, sled or skates on it.   My card was made using fabric that I burnished to sticky paper,  and then fussy cut out.  Just stamped a sentiment from Stampin' Up and my card was done!  Hope it's not considered too CAS!  Smile...

   

 These cards were made with the sizzix die I purchased with the gift card I won in Darnell's NBUS challenge.   And before, this die would become  NBUS,  I thought I better get it out and use it.
(the Link to Darnell's great blog is on my sidebar)   I now have 4 more cards to add to my Christmas stash which means I am up to 37 cards so far, this year.

 This is a pic of the die I used and what I used to adhere my fabric to my card...
..............................................................................................................

Picture taken by me, At Longwood Gardens August, 2014

"A well ordered life is like climbing a tower, the view halfway up is better than the view from the base, and it steadily becomes finer as the horizon expands."
~William Lyon Phelps,  Autobiography

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Blessings,
Jill

Silver Anniversary Card...

 Click on photo to enlarge

 I made this 25th Wedding Anniversary card, using Specialty Designer paper by Recollections, for my background,  Cutting out my Center Ovals using Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities Ovals and Scalloped dies.  Added a Ribbon, stick on Pearls by Recollections, and a Peel Off for my Number 25. My sentiment was computer generated.  
I usually put my ribbons on my cards using glue dots, etc.  But they don't always hold.  This time I used some Aleene's Fabric Fusion glue to glue on my ribbon, and I have no fear of that ribbon falling off.

"The path that leads to happiness is so narrow that two cannot walk on it unless they become one."

Photo taken by me at Longwood Gardens, July 2014.

I went to the eye doctor today, and I am so happy that my eye drops have finally worn off  (after many hours)  So I have some catching up to do with my commenting etc.  (Hard to do that with blurry eyes..smile)

Thank you for visiting my blog today
Blessings,
Jill

Twisted Sisters Challenge...add a snowflake

The challenge this week at the Twisted Sisters..at  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/

is to make a Christmas Card with snowflakes on it...

I made my card using a spellbinder die for my snowflake, adding peel offs and brads

"A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they
stick together!" (author Unknown)

Thank you for visiting my blog today,
Blessings,
Jill