Happy Birthday, To Me!

Happy Birthday! Believe in Yourself!

Today is my Birthday when everyone wishes you a Happy day, a special day, a special lunch or dinner, presents, bouquets delivered, candles being blown out, singing and of course my favorite sharing my birthday cake with family and friends! What is a birthday without cake?


Each year a birthday to me is like Happy New Year. It is the day you were born, the date you celebrate your life. A few weeks prior to my Birthday I begin to think what would I like to accomplish, goals and passions for the next year.

Seven Bouquets for Seven Goals!

Each bouquet represents one of those goals. One is colored in, it is complete but I continue to nurture it everyday. The other six have the stems colored, as they are written down. The flowers will be colored in as I complete and focus on that goal. Maybe a flower at a time, however I Believe!


My Birthday card will sit on my desk and I will know when my bouquets are met!


Enjoy,
Elaine

Details!

Details! Details! Details!

How many times do you look at a card and find all the details? The use of color, texture, ribbons, jewels, pearls, wording, prints and patterns. The design of a card has endless possibilities. The two cards below have 10 different details and techniques to complete a card. Can you find them?

Here they are!
1.   Color -  light, dark, bright, pastel, muted and seasonal colors.
2.   Markers -  The blending of colors.
3 .  Paper - The texture of the solid cardstock, prints and patterns.
4.   Inks - The types and colors of the inks. 
5.   Adding Texture - Torn paper edges and distress edges. 
6.   Embossing - Heat embossing using clear embossing powders.

7.   Sentiments - The use of wording.

8.   Jewels - Adding that little bit of sparkle.

9.   Ribbon - Adding texture and trim.

10. Finishing Touches - A hint of clear glitter on dots.
Also, punches and stamps!!!!

How many did you find? There are so many more ways to add detail to your cards,share your favorite!
Enjoy!
-Elaine

In Honor

In Honor

Clifford G. Lisle

March 26,1927 - August 31,  2011

Cliff was a strong, energetic man. Always working on a project in the house, creating trikes and bikes, driving Taeko (Ed's Mother) where she needed to go, welcomed guests into his home. What I will always treasure is what he shared with me , his son Ed. Cliff opened his heart to me and shared stories of Ed as a child, which you can only hear from a parent.

Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us every day

Unseen, unheard, buy always near

Still loved, still missed and very dear 

I had the privilege of creating the bouquets for the 

Celebration of Life luncheon to honor Cliff.

Green was Cliff's favorite color which I choose, accented with white.

Cliff wrote me a note several years ago which he shared 

"we sure enjoy the colorful flowers".

For all the generations of Angels that are watching and caring for all of us!

Cliff is now one of those Angels!

-Elaine

Glitter! Glitter! Glitter!

What child does not like Glitter ( or adult)?

We celebrated Flamingo Friday! A special day with our Grandchildren! 

We had a great time making  Artist Trading Cards with Glitter!

Sling Ball is set up in the background - love this game for any age!

When I asked Daphne and Andrew what they think of when they think of Glitter the answers - Stars, Unicorns, Cheerleaders and Martha Stewart! Our favorite Glitter! 

A few of the Artist Trading Cards!

Very sparkly paper from Doodlebug Design Inc.

Finding what Glitters at OMSI - Water was what Glittered! 

I thought it would of been the exhibition of  the history of Video Games -  Video 2.0 

Only played for 20 minutes (to my surprise) reason I heard - too outdated.

And Voo Doo Donuts! The donut shop in Portland, Oregon!

A bonus card designed by Daphne!


Crafting with children and grandchildren is very special time for all of us!

Enjoy!

-Elaine

Garden Walks

The month of August is one of my favorite months to live in Oregon. The flowers are blooming, sky is a beautiful shade of blue and the reflection of the sun thru the trees is amazing. 

In the early morning I love taking a walk in my neighborhood, the air is crisp and the sound of quite is a relaxing way to start your day. Of course after coffee! 

Please enjoy a few of the flowers I discovered this morning.

Hydrangea - need I say more!

Stargazer Lily - botanical name Lilium
(Yes, those are dandelions in the grass) 

Dahlia- soft color of shades of peach

Bright Red Color of Dahlia

Fuchsia Roses along a white picket fence. What a great ending of my walk!

Enjoy your walks!

-Elaine

Hydrangea

Hydrangea - One my favorite Flowers!

I simply love Hydrangeas!

The colors are very brilliant, clear and vibrant. Yet, they can be soft and suttle.

It is amazing how the type of soil can change the color.

The texture is layered from the center point of each flower petal, soft and full.

Hydrangea flowers cut from my garden are inspiration for the card!

Does your dining room table ever become your color area?
Yes, that is the sun shining in the window!

Acidic Soils produce blue flowers.

Alkaline soils produce more pink shades

Pale Green Hydrangea mixed with many different flowers!

Hint for Hydrangeas!

Hydrangea is derived form the Greek 'hydro' meaning water and 'angeon' meaning is vessel. The name refers to the flowers (plant) need for plenty of water!

Enjoy!

-Elaine

Supplies:

Cardstock: Kraft - Speckletone, Navy and Chambray Blue - Bazzill

Print Cardstock: K&Company - Lace Flower Flat

Ink: Ranger Adirondack Espresso on Flourishes Basic White

Stamps: Hero Arts - Hydrangea

Colors: B63, B66, B69, B37,YG93, YG95

Embellishments: Ribbon - Tri- Mar Chiffon Green

Tools: Tomboy Adhesive

Special Times

It has been a whirlwind the last 3-4 weeks!

 Are you wondering what had kept me very busy and with such joy! 

Three events!

First Event

The wedding of my very niece Kate, who holds a very special part of my heart. The week before the wedding it was prep time - getting the house ready for the Bride and Groom to visit before their wedding. The week of the wedding was helping the Mother of the Bride, my sister with projects to make sure every wish was completed just as the bride and groom envisioned it. Then the magic began, 5 days of celebrating with family and friends the love, joy and happiness we all share.

 Kate and Per's wedding truly reflected the beauty and bounty of Portland Oregon!

Second Event

Happy Birthday Terry! A wonderful brother in law who's nature is giving, kind, compassionate yet strong. I am very happy to have him be part of my life!

Third Event

Block Party! The road barriers go up at each end of the block and grills, tables and neighbors fill the block. It was fun to color the invitation to the Block Party - 17 different color scheme for the houses!

Please share a special event that you had this summer in the comments. It is fun to share!

Enjoy!

-Elaine

Supplies:

Cardstock: Kraft- Speckletone

Ink: Adirondack Espresso on Flourishes Basic White Cardstock

Stamps: Happy Birthday - Inkadinkado, Block Party - Hero Arts: House with Flower

Coloring: Happy Birthday: Copic Markers- B24, B28, G24. G28, BV13, BV17, Y28

                Block Party - A array of Copic Markers using many shades of earth and grey tones

Enbellishments: Atyou Spica Clear Maker for Happy Birthday Card

Tools: Crop-A Dile Chomper, Tomboy Adhesive