Pink or Coral

Seasons! Time to celebrate Spring!

 I appreciate how nature shows it beauty in the trees blossoming. 

In Portland, Oregon this year Spring arrived in May, which is about a month later. The Cherry Blossoms in shades of pink were blooming at the same time the Dogwood trees were bright in shades of corals.

Soft Shades of Pink on Cherry Tree

Brilliant shades of Coral's on this Dogwood Tree

Which color is your favorite? I don't have one as I love both shades of Pink and Coral!

Now, the trees are finished blooming. I can remember the beauty of the shades that are colored in the cards.

    -Elaine

Supplies:

Cardstock: Kraft - Speckletone. Shades of Pink & Coral, Chocolate - Bazzill Monochromatic 

Ink: Ranger Adirondack Espresso stamped on Flourishes Basic White

Stamp: Flourishes Cherry Blossoms

Coloring: Copic Markers - Pink Shade: RV10,RV33,RV34 Coral Shade: R20,R22,R27 & E57,E59 on both cards

Embellishment: Kaiser- Pearls

Tools: Tomboy Adhesive

Poppy

The poppy is a beauttiful flower whether it is an Iceland or Oriental Poppy.

 Poppies start out crumpled in the bud and open to a slight ruffled type flower. 

The color of poppies very clean and bright. 

On this Memorial Day I honor my Mother, Father and Brother

 who are the angels in my life.

My hope is that each one of us remembered someone very close to them.

Thank you.

Elaine

Sweet Pea {Lathyrus Odoratus}

Sweet Pea is one the flowers that I find delicate, romantic and of course sweet! In the Victorian language of flowers, Sweet Pea stands for lasting pleasure because it blooms constantly.

Flourishes has a beautiful Sweet Pea stamp that is meant to be colored. Enjoy!

-Elaine

Kate's Bridal Tea

Center of Tea Buffet

Sweet Peas in Mint Julep Cup

Ranunculus in Mint Julep Cup - One of Kate's Favorites

It was a beautiful afternoon filled with family and very close friends of the Bride my niece Kate!

Hope you enjoyed the Bridal Tea photos!

-Elaine

Spring Arrives

Spring has finally arrived in Portland, Oregon.

Three, yes three consecutive days of sunshine and 70 degrees! 

The gardens are blooming and the sunshine is beautiful today. I thought I would share with you a few of the flowers I enjoyed on my walk this morning.

Do you have a favorite flower? I love wisteria and the rhododendron, especially the Apricot shade.  Enjoy your gardens!
-Elaine

Coffee First

Who doesn't start their day with a hot cup of coffee? I know I do!

I love designing floral bouquets first thing in the morning when my ideas are fresh in my mind and it is very quite outside and in the studio. That morning it was floral for a very special women in my life.

I had the pleasure of designing the bouquets for my niece Kate's Bridal Shower. Soft shades of Pink were chosen for the color scheme, which was perfect for an afternoon tea. 

The designs were flowers that I knew Kate loved, Ranunculus and Cabbage Roses which are two of her favorite flowers.  Those were the first two flowers that I choose, then I added Sweet Peas, Larkspur, Tulips, Roses, Eustoma and Limonium. All shades of Pink and a touch of white.

Check back on Friday to see the Bridal Tea Party. 

-Elaine

Sabbatical = Road Trip!

Imagine a corporation offering you the employee a 2 month sabbatical every 7 years that you work for them. Yes, that is what my husband's company provides. Now, the decision was where to go? The answer was easy - load up the car and tow the Harley (my husband's toy) and head towards the SUN! And a few palm trees and cactus!

We explored Palm Spring, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tucson, Yuma, Las Vegas, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. What were the highlights?

• It was beyond words to ride from city to city seeing how the topography would change
• The culinary was a treat to experience - loved the differences in Mexican/Spanish food
• Each city gave us a new experience
• The peaceful feeling of the Red Rock Mountains and the various altitudes
• Wine Tasting in Arizona - very nice wines
• The Grand Canyon - First time visit in one word - Breathtaking
• Riding Route 66 on a Harley Road Glide (my husbands favorite part)
• Gardens with Flowers Blooming (my favorite part)
• Each day the Sun came out and it was a least 70 degrees
• Visiting Friends and making new friends

Now, it is time to get back to coloring and creating cards! Perhaps I should color a cactus!