Bittersweet

Wow.  I didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged.  Wish I had something really exciting to share but um, not really.  LOL!

I've been subbing two days a week as well as volunteering one morning so that takes up a lot of my time, not to mention energy.  On my off days I've taken on some interior painting projects so I guess that's where my last two weeks have gone.

I do have some bittersweet news to share.  You probably remember me talking about my favorite little guy at the school.  As you know, he's been in and out of the children's home for several years now and at the most recent judicial hearing the rights of both parents were permanently revoked.  As you can imagine, this was devastating to him.  He was having such a hard time keeping it all together at school and it was so heartbreaking for me to watch.  Last week he was transferred to foster care and is no longer in our district.  He told me he knew the family and seemed ok with it but it means that he is now separated from his two younger sisters who he adores.

It was so hard to say goodbye to him.  I can only hope that the new family is good to him.  He so desperately needs some stability.  I sent him off with a new book, bookmark and package of Tic Tacs. He wasn't a big talker but he taught me so much in our few years together and I'm going to miss him terribly.

On a much lighter note, Meg asked me to make a card for her boyfriend's upcoming birthday.  She really liked this one I posted a few weeks ago.  Her only request was that the van be green.  She was very happy with my final product and I think he was as well.

  

It's time for me to get back to painting.  As always, thank you all for taking the time out of your day to visit.

Cards Galore (and a Layout!)

After a week of being a total couch potato, I'm finally feeling better.  Meg has clear instructions to NEVER and I mean NEVER drink out of one of my glasses or use any of my utensils ever again.  As usual, she was sick for about 48 hours.  Me?  9 days.  Grrr!

Prior to my cold I actually scrapped a traditional layout, something I haven't done in ages.  It will go in Meg's 2009 scrapbook.   I'm happy with the way it turned out, especially for a two pager.

Wasn't she sooooo cute?  

In addition I found a few more cards that I haven't yet shared.  

I swiped this design from an online designer but unfortunately I no longer have her information. I do remember that her card was patriotic in theme with a big number 4.  I decided to make mine a Sweet 16 card.  It's hard to see but there are clear embossed stars in the background.  I really love it and will probably make a few more with different ages to have on hand.

For this next one I utilized the positive balloon die cut image left over from a previous card.  I covered it in adhesive and smothered it with Martha Stewart glitter.  It's much prettier in real life.

Another one I really like....

A simple one with patterned paper....

This one was a lift from Jen del Muro.  The only thing I changed was the sentiment. Love it.

And finally, this card involved coloring with Copic markers.  I have lots to learn when it comes to shading but it was a lot of fun to make.  The sentiment on the inside says "Wear it in style."  

I'm signed up for the Online Card Classes Copic Coloring for Card Makers class that starts soon so it's a safe bet that you'll be seeing more of these types of cards in the near future.  

Till next time!

Let the Games Begin

Yep, school is back in session.  How do I know?  Here's a hint...

Yep.  Sick already.  Thanks Meg.  (She started it.)  

Perhaps the person who wrote this caption was frequently absent due to illness as well.  It would explain their poor grammar and spelling.

Card Share

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been having some fun in JulieWorld.  Today I'd like to share a few of my creations along with a cute one from Meg.

I'll start with a direct copy of Shari Carroll's card that you can find here.  I knew the instant I saw it, I had to make it.  (It helped that I own the Simon Says Stamp balloon die that she used.)  I decided to make mine a feminine birthday card which I seem to always need.  Meg really loves this one alot too.

Meg made this card using Washi tape. 

Her inspiration piece was this stamped version by Jennifer McGuire.  (The girl has good taste in designers.)

The following are original JulieWorld designs.  I'm not sure about this first one but given that the recipient will be a teenage boy, I'm sure it will be fine.  I heat embossed and then fussy cut out the stamped phone image (Hero Arts) and used a transparency for the screen.  You can't see the screen in the photo but it does make for a more realistic design.

I created this one specifically with a friend in mind who happens to be an international airline captain. I thought the globe theme fit perfectly and must admit, I was very happy to get a chance to use the die (My Favorite Things) which was included free in one of my orders.  We had a surprise party on the beach for him this past Sunday so there's a Happy Birthday greeting on the inside.

And finally, this last one is definitely my favorite.  It's another teen boy birthday card (greeting on the inside).  I paper pieced the van onto cork ribbon (Michael's), colored the remainder of the stamped image (Avery Elle) with Copics and added Glossy Accents to the windows and tires.  I may have to create a few more variations of this one.  I just love how it turned out!

That's it for now.  I'm stuck at home today while we're having a new AC unit installed.  I feel bad for the poor men up in my attic.  :-(    I'll probably be playing a bit in JulieWorld so there may be more cards to share later this week.  As always, thanks for stopping by!