He's Making a List...

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  Welcome to another Saturday Sketch Challenge! Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for October 26, UDISC264.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.  This will be our last sketch challenge in 2013.  Our Saturday Sketch group going to take a break from posting until after the holidays.  Look for us again in January 2014.

 

Here is a card that I did for a recent Christmas card class, and I think it fits the sketch quite well!  I just love this image of Santa.  The stamp set is called Santa's List.

Here are the details ~

• Stamps ~ Santa's List
• Ink ~ Black Staz-On
• Paper ~ Crumb Cake, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Season of Style DSP Stack
• Accessories ~ Stampin' dimensionals, Stylish Stripes TIEF

Here's a peek at the inside of the card ~

All four of the top layers were adhered using SNAIL.  I then bumped that panel up using dimensionsals, as I did with the flagged greeting.  This would be a perfect card to use as a gift card holder.  Just add a gift card with a glue dot to the inside of the card and you're good to go!

Although the DIVA Sketch group is taking a break for two months, I will be posting.  I have a lot of Christmas cards to show you! 

Enjoy your weekend!

Barbara

Think Snow...Sorta

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for October 19, UDISC263.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.

This sketch really had me stumped.  Once I started putting the elements together,  I rotated it to a horizontal format and this is what resulted.  It just did not want to work vertically.  (Am I the only one who has cards "talk" to me?)

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Silver glimmer paper
• Accessories ~ Northern Flurry Embossing Folder,  Expressions thinlets dies, Big Shot

I embossed the top layer two times.  (Since this folder is 5 3/4", not 6 3/8" like the newer ones, I could send it through width wise and get the large snowflake on the layer twice by rotating the card stock.)  Then I cut the "Merry" with the silver glimmer paper, using a layer of waxed paper to ease the removal from the die.  What do you think?  I wish you could see it in real life.  It has so much sparkle!  Maybe I should add a couple of rhinestones...

Get ready for a whole new way of online shopping.  Stampin' Up! has updated the online store experience.  Here is the link to my online store.  Click on "Shop" and order from the comfort of your own home!

The hostess code from October 15-31 is XH3NMMPU.  Be sure to enter it when you place your order and you will be eligible to win free products or hostess sets.  I will announce the winners on November 1.

Thanks for stopping by!  Here in northern New Jersey we are having a glorious October.  The colors are peaking and the temperatures have been perfect ~  near 70 most days with crisp nights.  I know I will enjoy my weekend!

Blessings,
Barbara

Weekly special

Here is today's weekly deal in our online store! Remember, this will change every Tuesday.
Please note that weekly deals will be offered while supplies last! This is a great time to stock up on some basics, like pearls and in color dahlias, or to purchase framelits that may be on your wish list!  The discount will appear in your shopping bag when you check out.

Get ready for a whole new way of online shopping.  Stampin' Up! has updated the online store experience.  Here is the link to my online store.  Click on "Shop" and order from the comfort of your own home!
The hostess code from October 15-31 is XH3NMMPU.  Be sure to enter it when you place your order and you will be eligible to win free products or hostess sets.

Lastly, here is the latest of our photo polymer stamp sets, Endless Wishes.  Have you tried these clear stamps yet?  I just love them! It is so easy to get your greetings perfectly placed since you can see through the stamps.  And this set is full of warm greetings for Christmas!

Have fun shopping!

Warm regards,
Barbara

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  Did you miss me last week?  I was in Michigan visiting our children and grandchildren and did not have time before I left to work on the sketch challenge.  I went to celebrate the third birthday of my sweet granddaughter, Mabel.  Here she is with her mom, Laura, out celebrating with a birthday dinner.

Isn't she a cutie?  Of course, I do have the most adorable grandchildren ever! 

Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for today, UDISC262.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.  If you have a chance, check out all of the cards.  It is really interesting to see what everyone has come up with!

Here's my card ~

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Pool Party, Winter Frost DSP
• Ink ~ Island Indigo, Pool Party
• Stamps ~ Festive Flurry
• Accessories ~ Festive Flurry Framelits Dies, Frosted Finishes Embellishments, Silver Glimmer paper, Northern Flurry embossing folder, stampin' dimensionals

A photo cannot capture the beauty of the Silver Glimmer paper!  It just has so much sparkle and shine to it.  This card is a slight variation of a card that we did in my Christmas card classes this week.  We have been meeting monthly since July and make eight Christmas cards, four each of two designs, each time we meet.  It is wonderful to be working ahead so our cards will be ready before Thanksgiving!

I think this would be an awesome Christmas card to send to some special people.  It would be easy to attach a thin silver cord to the snowflake for hanging, put a date on the back of the snowflake, and use some temporary adhesive so you could remove it from the card. Of course, this would be sent only to really "homemade-card-worthy" friends!  What do you think of the idea?

Thanks for visiting today! I hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Blessings,
Barbara

Flight of the Butterflies!

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for September 28, UDISC260.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.

Here's my take on the sketch ~

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Venetian Romance DSP
• Accessories ~ Decorative Label punch, Bitty Butterfly punch

I saw something similar on Pinterest that I was trying to CASE, but this didn't turn out quite the way I expected it to.  Maybe there is too much white?  What do you think?

I am looking forward to this first full weekend of fall.  I hope you are too!  Enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Blessings,
Barbara

Welcome, Fall!

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  If you are anything like me, you probably have a cup of coffee in your hand.  Or maybe it is your second cup!  Personally, I need two cups in the morning, one for each leg!  Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for September 21, UDISC259.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.

This was another busy week for me, so I again took my inspiration from things that were already out from other projects.  Here's my version of the sketch.

  Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Sweater Weather DSP, Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit
• Ink ~Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip
• Stamps ~ Magnificent Maple
• Accessories ~ Brights Candy Dots

What do you think?  I am just in love with the beautiful birch paper in the Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit.  It comes on a roll, and there is a lot of it!

I'm off to a busy Saturday.  My youngest daughter and her husband just bought their first house and today is move in day!  I'll be there to help out, at least for a good part of the day.  I am so excited for them!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Comments are always welcome and appreciated.  Have a wonderful first weekend of fall!

Blessings,
Barbara

Saturday Sketch Times Two!

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  Welcome to another Saturday Sketch Challenge! Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for September 14, UDISC258.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.

I designed the card using one of my favorite paper patterns from the main catalog, Birthday Basics
(# 130145).  Besides all of the adorable birthday images, the reverse patterns are coordinated designs that are quite non-birthday, so the paper is very versatile!

  Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Birthday Basics, Bermuda Bay
• Ink ~Raspberry Ripple, Bermuda Bay,
• Stamps ~ Sketched Birthday (#130426)
• Accessories ~ Blender pen, two way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Raspberry Ripple 3/8"Stitched Satin Ribbon, 1 1/4" circle punch,  1 3/4" scallop circle punch

After I had the card together, I took a photo, and when I looked at it, the center image needed just a little extra pop of color.  I stamped the image on a piece of Bermuda Bay and cut out the cupcake paper.  That little bit of paper piecing seemed to do the trick.  What do you think?

And, as a special treat today, you get to see the card that never got posted last week.  I had everything ready to go and I could not upload my photo from my iPhone!  After a trip to the Apple store early this week, the issue was resolved.  Without further ado, here is last week's sketch and card.

 Here's the card ~

Details ~

• Paper ~ Crumb Cake, Red Glimmer Paper, (#121790,  Season of Style Designer paper pack (3132181), Gold Foil Sheets (#132622)
• Accessories ~ Big Shot, Expressions Thinlits Dies (#132171)

What do you think?  Lots of sparkle, yes?  I was busy working on some swaps for an event I attended last Saturday and I grabbed all of the things on my table that I was working with.  What to do with the center strip was stumping me, and then I thought of the expressions thinlits dies!  The gold letters looked too flat on the Crumb Cake paper, and that's when the red glimmer paper popped into my head.  It makes quite a statement, doesn't it!  I just love the creative process and how our minds work! 

I'd love to hear what you think. I appreciate comments and feedback from you, my readers!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend! 

Blessings,

Barbara

P.S.  Don't forget you can order any of these items in my online store.  Shopping is available 24/7 from the comfort of your own home!

Sweater Weather

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  August's sketches are by Elizabeth Harris, and I am actually back on track.  Yippee Skippie!  Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for August 24, UDISC255.  You can find all of the cards and designers here.

I had this stamp set and paper on my desk from a card I worked on earlier this week, so I used them as my inspiration.

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Sweater Weather DSP
• Ink ~Black Staz-On, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand, Tangerine Tango and Soft Sky ink pads with a blender pen
• Stamps ~ Truly Grateful
• Accessories ~ Blender pen, neutrals Candy Dots, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, 7/16" Trim

Truly Grateful is my favorite of the fall sets in the new holiday catalog.  I just love fall weather and the colors of the trees, pumpkins, cornstalks, the crisp, cool nights... I think you get the idea!  I love the different patterns here as well as the added texture from the ribbons.  After I took the photo above, I decided to add some interest to the main image using Gorgeous Grunge with Soft Sky.  Here is the new photo.

What do you think?  I know it is a subtle difference.  Which one do you prefer?  I'd love to hear from you!

Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,
Barbara

Regarding Dahlias

Good morning, and happy Saturday!  August's sketches are by Elizabeth Harris, and I am actually back on track.  Yippee Skippie!  Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for August 10, UDISC253.  You can find all of the cards and designers here. 

I'm combining the sketch with a color challenge from Fab Friday.

Here's what I came up with.  Obviously, I turned the sketch to a horizontal format.  Doesn't this have a wonderful, soft look?

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Crumb Cake
• Ink ~Crumb Cake, Crisp Cantaloupe, So Saffron
• Stamps ~ Regarding Dahlias
• Accessories ~ Pistachio Pudding ruffle stretch trim, sponge daubers

Regarding Dahlias was one of the first sets that caught my eye in the new catalog.  You usually see it in bolder, more dramatic colors, but as you can see, it looks lovely in pastels as well.  What do you think?

Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,
Barbara

Wrong Sketch Again! (Oops!)

Happy Saturday!   As I explained last week, I have done the wrong sketch for two weeks in a row!  Rather than skip the post, I decided to go with the flow!  So grab your morning cup of Joe and enjoy!

Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for July 20, UDISC250.  August's sketches are by Elizabeth Harris, but since I am not on schedule, this is actually another sketch created by Ruthie Burkey!  You can find all of the cards and designers here.  When I get back home, I will try to do some of the sketches that I have missed as well as the current ones.  My apologies to my sketch team.

For this sketch, I rotated it to a horizontal format.  It is also a birthday card for a special friend.

 Details ~

• Paper ~ Smoky Slate, Eastern Elegance DSP
• Ink ~ Crushed Curry
• Stamps ~ Label Love
• Accessories ~ Artisan Label Punch, 5/8" Organza ribbon

Since I am rushing to pack and get on the road, I need to keep this short and sweet!  This designer paper is so elegant.  I love to use our papers as color inspiration ~ I don't think I would have paired Crushed Curry and Smoky Slate on my own.  And don't forget, you can shop on line 24/7 in my store and have your goodies delivered right to your door!

Take some time to do something creative this weekend!  You'll be happy you did.

Blessings,
Barbara

Happy Birthday, Sweet Anna!

Happy Saturday!  Don't ask me how, but I have done the wrong sketches for two weeks in a row!  I'm sure that being away at convention and missing a week did not help the situation.  I am scrambling to get my posts done before I go to Michigan for a visit with children and grandchildren, so I don't have time to redo them.  Oh well, I'm just gonna go with the flow!

Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for July 13, UDISC249. It was created by the fabulous Ruthie Burkey.  (Hi, Ruthie!)  You can find all of the cards and designers here.

Here's my card.  My sweet granddaughter, Anna, will soon celebrate her seventh birthday!  I wanted to have a card all ready to go for this special occasion.

Details ~

• Paper ~ Very Vanilla, Bermuda Bay, Birthday Basics DSP
• Ink ~ Black Staz-On, Crisp Cantaloupe and Summer Starfruit markers
• Stamps ~ Sketched Birthday
• Accessories ~ Decorative Label Punch

When I was at convention, I got a couple of swaps using this adorable paper.  Knowing Anna's birthday was coming, I knew it was the perfect thing to use for this sketch challenge.  The Gumball Green banner is the reverse side of the balloon design, and I used my hexagon punch to make the perfect flag end!  I've said it before, and it is worth repeating ~ one of the best things about Stampin' Up! is our beautiful coordination across the entire product line.  Don't forget, you can shop on line 24/7 in my store and have your goodies delivered right to your door!

Take some time to do something creative this weekend!  You'll be happy you did.

Blessings,
Barbara

A Mind of its Own

Happy Saturday!   I can hardly believe that I leave for the Stampin' Up! convention on Tuesday.  I am in the home stretch with my swap cards, but I know I will work on the five hour flight as well as some nights in my hotel room in Salt Lake City.  It happens every year, but I know that is part of the excitement of convention.

Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for today, UDISC248. You can find all of the cards and designers here.

 I am also using a color challenge this week from Create with Connie and Mary.  Isn't this yummy?

Here's what I came up with.  I have to admit, this card strays a bit from the sketch, it seemed to have a mind of its own.

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe
• Ink ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Pistachio Pudding, Soft Suede
• Stamps ~ Too Kind (love this set!)
• Accessories ~ Pistachio Pudding 3/8"ruffle stretch trim,  Modern Mosaic embossing folder

I just love the new In-Colors, especially the ruffle stretch trim.  When I was first introduced to Stampin' Up!, I only bought stamps.  I figured I could buy ink, paper and ribbon anywhere.  This is true, but I also learned that nothing ever matched!  I know I have a good eye for color, and if something is just a shade off, it really bothers me.  Now I tell my customers that one of the best things about Stampin' Up! is our beautiful coordination across the entire product line.  Don't forget, you can shop on line 24/7 in my store and have your goodies delivered right to your door!

Take some time to do something creative this weekend!  You'll be happy you did.

Blessings,
Barbara

Tape It Meets Gorgeous Grunge

Happy Saturday!   I can hardly believe that we are into the month of July.  You know what that means? The Stampin' Up! Convention is just around the corner!  Today I received my name tag and my manager ribbon.  I am making great progress on my swap cards and am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for today, UDISC248. You can find all of the cards and designers here.

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Bermuda Bay
• Ink ~ Black Staz-on, Bermuda Bay, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Smoky Slate
• Stamps ~ Tape It, Gorgeous Grunge, greeting from Paper Pumpkin kit

If you love Washi Tape, you will love this new stamp set, Tape It (page 127, #130712 (w) $26.95 or #130715 (c), $18.95).  There is no Washi Tape on the card!  It was created with stamps.  Just think of all the combinations with 8 different tape designs and Stampin' Up's beautiful color palette of fifty colors... My head is spinning just thinking of the possibilities!  Washi Tape colors for any occasion!

I used my Color Coach to help pick my colors.  I wanted something bright, and this combination, based on the Bermuda Bay card, seemed perfect!  For me, the Color Coach ($14.95, #130118) is a must have tool.  Remember, you can shop on line 24/7 in my store and have your goodies delivered right to your door!

Take some time to do something creative this weekend!  You'll be happy you did.

Blessings,
Barbara

Grandmother's Flower Garden

Happy Saturday! I can hardly believe that June is almost over. You know what that means? The Stampin' Up! Convention is just around the corner! I have been busy slaving away working on swap cards, but I don't want to post them until convention time. (If I am not scrambling at the last minute, I will plan to share them with you while I am at Convention.)

Here is the Utah Diva's sketch for today, UDISC247. You can find all of the cards and designers here.

I tried to stay true to the sketch, but my Hexagon punch and matching stamp set were calling my name!

Details ~

• Paper ~ Whisper White, Pear Pizazz, Coastal Cabana DSP 
• Ink ~ Pear Pizazz, Wisteria Wonder
• Stamps ~ Six Sided Sampler
• Accessories ~ Fancy Fan Embossing folder, Big Shot, Hexagon Punch, Whisper White Taffeta ribbon 

Before I fell in love with stamping, my passion was fabric and quilting.  Grandmother's Flower Garden is such an old, classic pattern, and I really wanted to try it with this stamp set.  So if you consider my flower the large circle, I did stay pretty close to the sketch.  It was completely serendipity that the Coastal Cabana DSP pattern mimics the embossing.  I had the "quilt" all done and then started searching for a color to brighten things up a bit.  It was the first time I opened the 2013-2015 In Color DSP and what a surprise it was to find this pattern!  I love it when things just come together, don't you?

What do you think of my quilt block?  It sure went together much faster than the fabric version would have! That is one of the true joys of paper crafting.  You can create little works of art in under 30 minutes.

Take some time to do something creative this weekend!

Blessings,
Barbara

P.S.  I just noticed that my counter is over 50, 000 views!  Yippee Skippie!

Venetian Romance

Have you missed me?  I have been doing some traveling and it has prevented me from blogging.  Boy, I am happy to be back!  Here it is, Saturday again, and time for the weekly sketch challenge at Utah Divas International!  You can find links to all of the cards and designers here, and below is the sketch for the week, UDISC246.  June's sketches are by Tammy Fite.

As soon as I saw this sketch, I knew what I wanted to do.  Thanks, Tammy, for a perfect way to show off some new Designer Series Paper, Venetian Romance.  I am in love!  (sigh)

Details ~

• Paper ~ Venetian Romance DSP,  Very Vanilla,  Soft Suede
• Ink ~ Soft Suede
• Stamps ~ Blessings From Heaven
• Accessories ~ Crisp Cantaloupe 3/8"ruffled stretch trim, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

You will be seeing a lot of this paper as well as the color combination in future posts!  I love the whole collection.  Venetian Romance really "talks" to me, if you know what I mean.  Isn't it interesting that different things appeal to different people?  One of my stampers told me that she is in love with Gingham Garden, and that collection does not appeal to me at all!  I'd love to hear what your favorite collection is this year.

Right now I am busy working on swaps for convention.  As usual, I signed up for too many organized swaps, but I love the quality of the cards I get when in an organized group.  And there is something about standing on the floor of the Main Stage room swapping before the presentations begin, or just general swapping, that is irresistible!  I have learned to spread out my swapping.  At my first convention, I was all swapped out in the first hour!  Now I know to keep some for every day...

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your weekend!

Blessings,
Barbara

The New Stampin' Up! Catalog is Here!

Hooray!

 

 

 

Annual catalog PDF

Holiday Carryovers

(You may notice that there are not any holiday stamps in the catalog.

Those will be featured in the Holiday Catalog which comes out later this year. 

I have attached the Holiday Carryovers list from last year.)

One of my favorite NEW item is the Magnetic Platform for the Big Shot!

The Framelits just snap right on and I can't wait to use it!! 

 

  

 

You can view the Stampin' Up! video on You Tube here!

 

 

A New Month a New Special! 

Grab Your Greetings

 

Can't get enough greeting stamps?  

Solution: Grab three Stampin' Up! greeting sets for 25% off!

 

 

Sale: 25% off three of our greeting sets!
No limits and get them on any order type (workshop, customer email or call-in, or online).
Dates: May 31-June 30, 2013

• $21.71 $28.95 Petite Pairs Wood-128706 (page 73)
• $15.71 $20.95 Petite Pairs Clear-122497

• $17.96 $23.95 Sassy Salutations Wood-132070 (page 39
• $13.46 $17.95 Sassy Salutations Clear-126707

• $14.96 $19.95 Sweet Essentials Wood-132085 (page 41)
• $11.21 $14.95 Sweet Essentials Clear-126457 

Remember, you can shop 24/7 in my online store by clicking here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
 
Blessings,
Barbara

"I Am..."

Here it is, Saturday again, and time for the weekly sketch challenge at Utah Divas International!  You can find links to all of the cards and designers here, and below is the sketch for the week, UDISC242. May's sketches are by Tammy Fite.

 

 Details ~

• Paper ~ Quatrefancy Specialty DSP*,  Whisper White, Island Indigo
• Markers ~ Island Indigo, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush* ink pad and blender pen
• Stamps ~ "I Am..."  (This stamp set was given to all those who attended the 2012 convention.)
• Accessories ~ Big Shot, Labels Collection framelits, Modern Mosaic* embossing folder, stampin' dimensionals

*Sneak peek items from the new 2013-2014 Idea Book and Catalog

If you need a copy of the new catalog, just email me and I will be happy to send you a copy.  We can start ordering from it on June 1, 2013.  I already have a long wish list!  I will also include a handout with some special offers available only through me!

Thanks in advance for your comments; they really make my day.  Enjoy your weekend, and have a great Memorial Day!

Blessings,
Barbara

Saturday Sneak Peek!

Here it is, Saturday again, and time for the weekly sketch challenge at Utah Divas International!  You can find links to all of the cards and designers here, and below is the sketch for the week, UDISC240. May's sketches are by Tammy Fite.

I didn't play around with the sketch at all, as you can see below.  I was tempted to do some stamping in the embossed background, but instead I decided to add the little "thankful for you" banner.  As you may have guessed, almost all of the supplies I used to make this card are catalog sneak peeks that demonstrators are able to order early.  And every new thing I used to make this card was something that I earned for free!  Who doesn't love free?!

Details ~

• Paper ~ Quatrefancy Specialty DSP*,  Whisper White,  Pool Party,  Island Indigo
• Ink ~ Island Indigo
• Stamps ~ Banner Greetings (hostess set)*
• Accessories ~ Big Shot, Top Note Die, Modern Mosaic* embossing folder, stampin' dimensionals

*Sneak peek items from the new 2013-2014 Idea Book and Catalog

If you need a copy of the new catalog, just email me and I will be happy to send you a copy.  We can start ordering from it on June 1, 2013.  I already have a long wish list!

I've had a busy and tiring week.  I just returned from a road trip to Michigan with my mother-and-father-in-law.  We put 1700 miles on my minivan, and I am thankful for a safe trip and wonderful visits with family.  (My in-laws have 5 married grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren in west Michigan, and we got to see them all.  Obviously, some of them were my own married children and grandchildren!)

Thanks in advance for your comments; they really make my day.  Enjoy your weekend, and have a Happy Mother's Day!

Blessings,
Barbara

Tea for Two, Take Three!

Happy Saturday, and welcome to my blog! Grab your cup of coffee and check out the card I created for this week's Utah Divas International sketch. You can find links to all of the cards and designers here, and below is the sketch for the week, UDISC239. This month's sketches are again by Tammy Fite.

You know I love the tea for Two DSP, and I guess you won't be surprised to see it again.  I'm going to give you fair warning that even though it retires at the end of May, it will be available in the new catalog in a different color palette.  Here's my card~

Details ~

• Paper ~ Tea for Two DSP,  Very Vanilla, 
• Ink ~ Early Espresso
• Stamps ~ From My Heart
• Accessories ~ 2 1/2" circle punch, Crystal Effects, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink and Calypso Coral markers

I stamped the image twice, cutting the whole image it out by hand and then cutting out only the Friendship banner.  That was shaded with a marker and popped up on dimensionals.  Then I colored the main image and added Crystal Effects to the teapot.  That image was then popped up on the Calypso Coral marker.

Thanks in advance for your comments; they really make my day!

Blessings,
Barbara

A Spectacular Spring

As I mentioned in my Saturday post, spring in New Jersey is just amazing.  I just came in from taking some pictures around my yard.  I hope you enjoy them!

 Dogwood  

(There is a pear tree in the background.  Our street is lined with them

and they are loaded with their white blossoms.)

 Forsythia

 Rhododendron

 Cherry blossom

Cherry blossoms

The next two weeks will be a show of color.  The dogwoods are just starting to bloom, as are a few early rhododendron, but the azaleas are not open until Mother's Day weekend.  They come in such a wide range of colors, and often appear in masses.  I will try to get some photos of them and post them for you.

I hope you enjoyed my tour of springtime in northern New Jersey!  Happy May Day!

Blessings,
Barbara