Back to crafting!

I've spent a lot of time lately working on a digital photo project for a retiring supervisor at work.  He hired me 23 years ago.  Sad to see him leave, but with all the cut backs, wish I were able to retire now.  We will have less staff and more work.  The economy keeps sending people our way.  They are predicting 25% cut in our allocations next year, and another 25% the following year.  Hope the job lasts my last 7 years.

Enough of that.  The digital scrapbook went over well.  Now I can start painting and paper crafts again.  I have been working on a few ideas for some upcoming craft shows in the spring and summer.  I usually only do these once or twice for the holidays.  I thinking colorful, patriotic, and flowers!  Since I started out with flowers, maybe I can create something that will sell. I will try and post pics.  Thanks for stopping by and listening to me babble!

New Blog Look

A couple of weeks ago I decided I wanted a unique blog look.  I made the header on this page with Photoshop.  The crafts shown were all sold or given as gifts last year.  It still needs work, but I'm still learning Photoshop and Blogger!

Valentine Card

This is a scan of the Valentine's Day card I made.  I used my Silhouette to cut it out.  I made the pieces using paint, then used the trace feature in the Silhouette Studio.

CCR and Expression 2

I love all the buzz about the new Cricut Craft Room and the Expression 2.  I've been reading everything.  I was tempted to get the E2, but I have decided against it for now.  My wish list for PC's CCR:  the ability to freehand images, to use my computer's fonts, to use it offline, and to be able to purchase single images.  I will not be getting rid of my Silhouette soon.  I don't pay a fee to use the Silhoutte software, they have free upgrades, and I can find free cutting files on the net.  My only problems:  the cutting mat is not as large, and I don't use a laptop, so when I cut everything must move to the computer room.  I guess to sum it up, I love both the cricut and the silhoutte!

Giveaway

Roberts Crafts Freebie Friday

I linked to this site for a cool giveaway!

MLK weekend

I spent Friday doing nothing.  I had pain in my left hand, probably arthritis.  Saturday afternoon I worked on a project for a friend's daughter.  Hope she likes it.  She wants zebra prints in her room and she likes pink.  I tried adding more layers, but it just took too much from the zebra stripes.  The zebra stripes were freehand painted on white card stock.  The banner was and letters were cut on my cricut from Country Life.  I used stickles on the letters and then added glossy accents for shine.  I'm not a good photographer.  It looks better in person.  My first banner.

Today, I was inspired by Jessica from KinderStampO's birthday blog.  One post was using a giggle stamp, which I don't own.  I searched webster's online dictionary for the definition of smile.  I printed it on my computer and cut it out.  Here's what I came up with:

In another post, Jessica made a 3 x 3 card with a smiley.  It inspired me to get out the Peachy Keen stamps and practice lots of smiles.  Here's the finished project with the smile definition and lots of Peachy Keen faces.  I cut the circles on the cricut with George and Basic Shapes, all from scraps in my drawer.  I think there are 60 faces, from 3/4" to 1 1/2".  This is to decorate my door at work for the remainder of January.  I hope it makes people smile!

   

Hope everybody has had a fun weekend.  Back to work tomorrow!

Stray?

Today we have a stray.  Not the usual dog or cat, but somebody's bunny!  I went to a few neighbors and on to the neighboring streets, nobody is missing a long-eared bunny!  Isn't cute!

Busy crafting with my gypsy!

I've been having fun today!  I finally got pictures of two cards I made recently, my turtle card and New Year's card.  Both were designed on my gypsy.  The turtle card was inspired by several blogs for Flaunt it Friday's.  I just had to make a turtle card! 

The New Year's baby I updated with some stickles and a sash, to make it look more like New Year's instead of New Baby!  Don't want people to get the wrong idea on the card. 

Today I saw Scrappin' Navy Wife's blog.  More inspiration and a chance to use my Peachy Keen stamps.  I so loved her leprechaun, I just had to try and make one myself.   It's a little early for St. Patrick's Day!  I usually procrastinate and never get some things done, so for once I'm early.

Hope you are having a great day.  Today is the last day of my vacation, back to work tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

I am looking forward to a wonderful New Year!  Hope you have a Happy and properous New Year!

Yesterday I made a New Year's card, but then decided it looks more like a New Baby card!  The baby is cute, with a Peachy Keen face!  I plan to do some more work on the card, then hopefully I will post a pic here.