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!

Heart of Flowers

An artist said the perfect words for the month of February

"A flower touches everyone's heart" ... Georgia O'Keeffe

We all have had that special feeling when that "someone" gives you a single Rose or a beautiful floral bouquet. Perhaps a bouquet was delivered to you yesterday as we celebrated Valentine's Day. 

Floral Designers feel the Red Rose is the traditional color for Valentine's Day. I admire traditions as shown in this card with highlighting the Red Rose layered with tartan plaid.

Other colors that are Valentine Colors are pinks and white. My husband, Ed presented me a gorgeous bouquet of Tea Roses, Spray Roses, Peruvian Lilies, Chrysanthemum and Hydrangeas in shades of pink and white.

If you received a floral bouquet for Valentine's Day please remember the 3 tips to allow your bouquet to bloom for a longer period;

Cool - flowers should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating/cooling vents, heat generating appliances

Hydrated - check the water level in your vase

Clean - replace water and when possible re-cut flower stems at angle.

I am hoping that you heart was touched by flowers on Valentine's Day or any day!

-Elaine

Supplies:

Card Stock: Kraft - Speckletone French Paper Company, Tartan Plaid -  BasicGrey, Red/Black - Personal Stash
Ink: Ranger Adirondack Espresso, Memento Tuxedo Black

Stamps: Rose - Peddler's Pack, Sentiment - Rubber Soul

Coloring: Copic - R35, R37, R39, YG03, G85

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! The day we celebrate the people that we love by sending cards, flowers and small gifts that show how much we care.

One person who has given to me more than anyone could imagine is my husband, Ed. He has given me wonderful presents on Valentine's Day. What I value is not the gifts but the person who my husband is. Ed has a wonderful soul and lives his life to the fullest thru his family, work and his passions. He is loving, passionate, fun, giving, respectful, understanding, patient, caring, helpful, knows when to offer advice and listens. 

A man who I cherish, respect and a have very deep Love for. Who I know will always be my Valentine!

-Elaine

The Gift of Handwriting

As a child we learn to write alphabet letters and form words. Those words are written into sentences, then into paragraphs. A natural form of communicating the written word is…handwriting. I enjoy sending note cards - for birthdays, holidays and special events. Writing a special note from myself to that person means sharing a part of me.

It is now time to share with you the one gift that is difficult for myself to perform is simple for most adults – the art of handwriting. Using the instrument of the brain to allow the hand to create those letters and words takes concentration while handwriting a note card.

In 2006 my handwriting changed after experiencing a Brain Aneurysm. Which I Celebrate! The Brain Aneurysm has enriched my natural ability to blend colors, add texture and has enhanced my ability to color in small spaces. 

Join me in sending blank cards for people to use their gift of handwriting!

-Elaine

Supplies:

Cardsrock: Kraft- French Paper Company, White - Flourishes Classic, Colored - Bazzill Basics

Ink: Ranger Adirondack Espresso

Stamps: Floral and Sentiment - Hero Arts

Coloring: Copic Sketch Markers - BV11, BV31, BV23, BG72, BG75, BG78, RV34, R59, E11, YR12, YR18, E15, E27
Embellishment: Hero Hues Pearls & Gems - Hero Arts

Tools: Foam Squares - Therm O Web, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, Adhesive - Tomboy