Using Handmade Paper

I love to make handmade paper (as I am sure you know by now) but I am just not great at actually using my paper. I enjoying seeing how other people use my papers but when it comes to me using it for a project, I am just at a loss sometimes. So, I am trying to using my papers more. I have a bunch of pink paper right now so I decided to stay in the Valentine's Day spirit and make cards. These are just very simple. I covered the front of a blank card with my handmade papers and then added my die-cut hearts from paperpeddler.etsy.com to the fronts. I like the way they turned out.

I also made matching envelopes by altering commercial envelopes using the same hearts. I inked one up with a dark red pigment ink, then turned it over and pressed it to the envelope. A very subtle way to enhance the plain white envelope.

It is a beautiful day in Lubbock Texas. I was surprised by the temps outside though. I think it is only about 35 degrees right now, but the sun is shining bright and there is no wind (for a change!). Just beautiful! I have to say I will miss the wide open sky when we move, but I won't miss the wind. LOL!!!

Yes, a Valentine's Day Post

I always seem to be so behind when it comes to preparing for holidays. I am trying to do better! :) I did manage to make 2 Valentine's Day themed items...

Handmade paper:

With matching hearts:

And some Crayon Paper:

Lots of fun! :)

I am also working on actual Valentine's Day cards too! I haven't made those in so long!

Heart Day will be here before we know it... I need to get in gear and make my hubby a card too! :)

And the Award goes to....... Me!

And a bunch of other wonderful people!!!

My dear friend Angie gave me an award. She is such a sweetheart! You can see her blog here: http://angiehallhaviland.typepad.com/angiesartfulllife/

Here is my Award:

I am to name 7 of my favorite things:

1. Summer (my favorite season!)

2. Iced Tea

3. Playing with paper

4. My daughter's Artwork

5. My Husband's eyes

6. snacking on Avocados

7. Dark chococale Hershey kisses

Now, to pass this award on to 7 people...

1. http://ragqueensblog.blogspot.com/

2. http://shellyraewood.blogspot.com/

3. http://paperpeddler.blogspot.com/

4. http://papercreationsbynicole.blogspot.com/

5. http://kisforcalligraphy.blogspot.com/

6. http://clearpink.blogspot.com/

7. http://thelittleillustrator.blogspot.com/

Wonderful blogs from some very creative people! :)

Thoughts of Spring in the Dead of Winter

My daughter received a charcoal kit and a pastels kit for Christmas and immediately went to work. This is what she drew and she gave it to me as a gift. I am hoping to get a frame for it this week and display it in our living room.

EtsyPaper Paper Pal Promotion

This December I am promoting my EtsyPaper Street Team Paper Pal: PaperPeddler (http://www.paperpeddler.etsy.com/)

I have been very impressed with PaperPeddler as a Seller and as a person. She is fantastic to work with and wonderful to talk to. :)

Here are some of my favorite items from her shop...


Each month she donates part of card and card set purchases to a charity. She has an awesome newsletter and she is going "green" with her invoicing. :)


Check out her shop. If you like paper, you'll love Paperpeddler!

Christmas Tag Swap

I have an online group of wonderfully talented friends and this year we did a Christmas tag swap. I took mine to Louisiana and worked on them while my husband was duck hunting. :)


These tags were made with some of my crayon paper which was glued onto cardstock before cutting. Then I just punched a star at the top and made a ribbon loop and wrote "To:" and "From" on the back in red ink.

November is a Busy Month!

Well, the first week of December is over and I finally have a chance to sit down and update my blog!

November is usually a very busy month for us. We have two traditions that take up a lot of our time. One tradition has been around a little longer than the other.

On Novemember 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was born. Every year the men and women of the Marine Corps gather together to celebrate this special date with a ceremony, dinner and dancing. We had a wonderful time! The food was fabulous, the guest speaker was motivating and the dancing was, well, a fun time for everyone! We even had birthday cake. :)

For the last three years we have gone to Southern Louisiana to visit my Mother-in-Law during the week of Thanksgiving. That time of year is duck hunting season so Jason gets to go out with my MIL and her husband and their friends and duck hunt. He has a blast. Kristina and I usualy hang out at the cabin but we did get to go out on the boat with them on the last day. It was fun!

Here are some other pics I took: