I am slowly wading my way through the stacks of mail, to-do lists, and other must-do's since our return from LaQuinta, CA almost two weeks ago. Since that time, my husband had back surgery this last Wednesday. The pre-op and post-op requirements have been extremely time consuming but necessary. No more do I finally rebound from the coughing crud than my husband has his operation. We are definitely the walking wounded at this household! On Valentine's Day, Tom's uncle passed away from lymphoma; we spent all of that day at the hospital with family saying good-bye.
Last Saturday, I was fortunate to be a last-minute addition to Lisa Lee's Inchie Arts' class at Impress Rubber Stamps in Tukwila. I had stopped into the store to pick up something and Lisa was laying out her supplies for the class. It wasn't full, she had extra kits and all of the necessary supplies and tools. Her energy and creativity certainly made my week.
These are the two projects I completed. The first photo is of the gift box that has 9 one-inch Art Squares placed on the box top. As Lisa said, it doesn't get any easier than this. We used washi tape and die-cut heart shapes from Memory Box. The perfect gift box for a Valentine's surprise. The second card uses the 9 one-inch Art Squares with various stenciled designs using dye inks applied with daubers. When I complete the other two cards, I'll be sure to share those as well.
by Debbie Gaetz
by Debbie Gaetz
The RubberMoon Mail Club is so much fun. If you don't know about it, go to the RubberMoon website and click on the link to the club for membership information. An optional activity is a MoonMail Swap and I usually participate. I finished up my January swap the last week in January and sent it off. Unfortunately, it came back undeliverable because I mis-addressed the envelope. So off it goes again but with apologetic added goodies. Here's my ATC swap piece . .
by Debbie Gaetz
I heat embossed an ATC-sized Inchie Art Board in black using VersaMark ink and Black Opal and Hanukkah Embossing Powders from JudiKins. I wanted a night-time sky filled with the glitter of stars from the Milky Way. I used the Memory Box Designer Craft Die Set, Over the Moon and Stars (30057), using the smaller moon die cut twice; once with decorated paper that I embossed with clear embossing powder for a sheen, and once with a holographic paper scrap for tuck behind. I die cut the smallest star 3 times, using the die shape as a stencil with a special glitter pen. The recipient's initials are left-over letter die cuts from another Memory Box die set using copper mirricard stock. The Gratitude stamp from RubberMoon uses foam tape to overlap a small cloud stamp with hanging stars. It was fun to make.
From the PoppyStamps' blog, I wanted to share how lovely their border dies work on cards. Both of these cards are by Irena Kowalczyk.
by Irena Kowalczyk for PoppyStamps
by Irena Kowalczyk for PoppyStamps
You may click on the link below to Irena's posting on the PoppyStamps' blog for the details.
Before I sign off, please be sure to pop over to the Magenta blog to see this beautiful card by Ellie Knol. Oh my gosh! Don't you love the softness? And the Magenta floral stamp really stands out.
by Ellie Knol
Design Team Magenta
Click on the link below for the details, including the Magenta stamp you'll want to order:
Be sure to stop in at Art 'n Soul in Lacey WA. There's a lot going on . . . and Rosie's Roadshow will be bringing a new class and new stamps to the store this coming Saturday, February 27. You can go to the store's new blog here: http://artnsoulhome.blogspot.com.
Thanks ever so much for stopping by. I've cleaned enough of a spot in my studio to start making cards again. I've missed the studio so much; in fact, I'm re-learning where everything is. See you back here next time!