Welcome baby Aria!

As you may recall, my rule is that new babies always get a card from me.

My friend and his wife welcomed a baby girl a few days ago. They are both from India. I couldn't but to use this very cute Indian elephant from Hero Arts' Exotic Decor set for their card. MS punch in arch lattice works very well with Fiskar's upper crest. DCWV's Citrus and Glitter card stock stacks were used, too. I think it's very Indian and non-baby card-typical, but that's exactly why I like it so much, too...

Very important to mention are Spica pens, which I just found out about today. I think it's safe to say that they will revolutionize the way I make cards. I fell in love at first sight...they add glitter, shimmer, dimension and oooomph! I used them profusely on this card.

I found out about these glorious pens at Wiggles and Giggles during the Copics 102 class held by the very talented Dawn Emanuele. I was taught several blending techniques (yes!). I was explained the whole numbering system, which I largely ignored until today ;). I also realized that the blending pen is basically the solution to world peace - it can do ANYTHING! Very cool! I sure will be using the Copics now more than ever.

Have a fantabulous night!

I did not forget you!

I was just a tad busy, that's all...(and "a tad" is truly an understatement)

Visions of these two cards have been following me around in my (day) dreams...so I had to get them made.

Inky Antics stamps shine in the Thank You note for a co-worker. She's a fellow card maker, so I had to produce a serious card...
This is the first time I worked with Inky Antics acrylic stamps, and I must say, they're excellent. They even smell nice (yes, I pay attention to that stuff ;))

Another first, for me, is using Memento ink (in Black Tuxedo). Yes, I am hanging my head in shame: here I am calling myself a card maker and I haven't used Memento ink yet...Yup, I know...but I am a believer now.

 A friend of mine just moved into a new home, so that called for breaking out my Hero Arts stamps as well as my beloved Copics and staying up past my bedtime to finish it. But lookie here, it came out about exactly the way I envisioned it.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic and crafty weekend!

Happy World Card Making Day!!

Happy World Card Making Day to you!

Plenty of inspiration today, plenty of need for cards, too. Babies being born to friends, friends feeling unwell, friends to thank all around me. I don't need be told twice anyway, when it comes to making a card. Today, I made a total of four (and yes, I kept the baby and husband fed, too)

Got to use many a new stamp, also a new punch or two. I am particularly pleased by the Recollections paper punch I obtained at Michael's - very smooth. Also noteworthy is the hot air balloon stamp by the Shabby Green Door - excellent quality.

My beloved Copics also got a workout. See for yourself:

This card will be entered in the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - it is directly inspired by their sketch!

Also a personal favorite is this card:

Found the ship at Michael's and immediately knew that my new Unity stamps would be perfect for it. The rest, as they say, is history. Love the way it came out.

Little babies ALWAYS get a card from me. The most recent baby arrived on a stormy evening of September 30 and here's his card.

I just HAD to make this card once I saw the cute Imaginisce stamps in the $1 bin at Michael's. The vision of it has been haunting me for over a week. There, I made it...

Have a splendid day!