Hippo Hooray...turning 3!! Retrosketches #52

On Sunday, my niece turns three.  Three! I can't believe how quickly time has flown; I can't believe that there was a time when she wasn't in our lives!  Truly, I'm amazed at how her presence has transformed my life - actually, the lives of all of us, who have been touched with the presence of this little girl. She's 'the first' - first grandchild for my folks and my sister-in-law's parents; first niece for me; first born (my nephew will be one soon...and he'll have his own 'post' later on).   Before she was born, I confess to having zero knowledge about small children, so infrequently did I cross paths with anyone shorter than four feet!  Being an 'aunt' wasn't something I ever dreamed I'd be.  Then, my brother married my sister-in-law, and two years later...

Along came my niece.  One glance and I was 'done.' Smitten.  Heart given and heart taken.  She is full of fun and frolick; a tumbling, giggly, darling blend of sweetness - and sometimes 'brat' - whose presence adds so much texture and dimension to my life.  Love her?  Only absolutely!

My niece's third birthday is my inspiration for Retrosketch Challenge #52, celebrating its '52 birthday'  with a  'choose your own adventure' style challenge, drawing from all the past sketches.  Selecting which sketch to follow was challenge #1!  After plenty of hemming and hawing, I made my choice:  Retrosketch #13 
Here's the sketch:

and here's my card - with the 'official debut' of my new Paper Smooches stamps!! Yayyyy...

My niece LOVES polka dots, so what's an Aunty to do, but...use polka dots!  The sketch calls for a tag-topping bow, however, given that anything 'ribbon' sees me 'unravel' (bow challenged! Even my bow easy doesn't make the task easier. I'm klutzy!), I opted for the leaves as an alternative. Artistic license?  Hope so...

I can't resist sharing close-ups of my new stamps; they're just soooo adorable. The hippo is pure cutie-patootie, while                  the leaves are a perfect size to stamp or, in my case, to fussy cut...

If someone would have told me, years ago, I'd be an Aunty - and I'd love the 'position' - I'd have raised my eyebrows Spockian style and muttered, "Illogical."  Oh, how glad I am that 'logic' found a way, through the  most precious gift possible: my niece.  Happy Birthday, my girl!  Love, Aunty C!

Thank you for stopping by!  I wish you a hippo happiness day and weekend, wherever you may be!!

Just about...but not quite...

I had plans.  Really.  Before last weekend's trip to see my family, I scoped out upcoming challenges, aiming to be organized, getting a head start on crafting - anything to avoid 'last minute' rushing.  TAWS Be Inspired Challenge #22 was on my radar; a 'must do.'  I knew the likelihood of creating something 'truly unique' would be daunting, given that I'm still (but not for much longer!!) relying on freebies for inspiration, and my stash has dwindled a bit, trending now toward rather muted palettes of patterned paper (another item - or zillion - added to the shopping list).  Bound and determined I was. A few scraps of coloured paper assembled, a freebie selected, some die-cutting and paper piecing and ....ta dahhhh, a card emerged.
          And I 'sort of' liked it, but it was sort of 'meh,' as well.
Put simply, the freebie deserved better - far better - then what appeared. It was one of those situations good in theory, but in practice, not so much.  Well, figured I, this would be my 'second choice' card, because, after all, I had time to make another.  Plenty of time.
          And then I missed the deadline <hangs head>.
So, my 'contender' card, became my 'only' card; and my 'only' card became my 'missed it by that much' card.  In the grand scheme, I'm okay with that.  As I mentioned, the whimsical paintbrush and sentiment warranted more of a 'stage presence' then what they received.  A card for my brother and sister-in-law's anniversary (more about that in my next post...) was the goal, but...a bit of a stretch, left as it is.
Anyway, I'm sharing my card after all, because...well, because my mom really liked it.  And that makes it all - the 'target close, but not quite, achieved', the missed submission, the 'needs something, but not sure precisely what (perhaps some bling on the top left...) - okay.  My mom liked it just as it is...and I'm 100% grateful she does!

Here's the inspiration photo:

and here's my 'almost'...

My 'vision' - even though the brushes are 'different,' when they come together, they create a new, pretty, 'love-ly' pattern.  That's what's supposed to happen in a marriage; it's exactly what happens in my brother and sister-in-law's marriage.  Those two, unique and special, add colour to one another's days. Even though we live four hours apart, they add colour to mine, as well.  Love really is pretty, isn't it?

Thanks for stopping by!  I wish you beautiful colours and patterns to delight your days!!

Warm Thoughts on Wings...CASE Study and CAS(E)

Butterflies, butterflies and more butterflies: evidently I'm enamoured with them of late, judging by many of my recent card creations.  Today's entry is my interpretation sparked by two creativity-stretching challenges:  Case Study Challenge #129, which inspired colour and pattern, and CAS(E) #16, for image and sentiment placement.  I'm planning on sending this to my sister, as we didn't have opportunity to visit during my last trip 'home.' She's in the midst of house renovations...and I'm sure most of us know what kind of turbulence and turmoil that adds to life!  A threesome of butterlies winging her way with 'warm thoughts' - hope it gives her a wee touch of 'peace' in the midst of her dusty construction zone.

Here's where I drew my inspiration: 

Case Study Challenge

 and the CAS(E) sketch.

Two versions of my card (because my poor camera and I are having an on again-off again relationship these days). 
Version 1 - I've tried to capture the colours as 'real' as possible, to reflect those in Teri's stunning card.

Version 2 - My butterflies have dimension (really, they do...). I paper-pieced them once in full size, then stamped them again to cut and piece their 'inner' wings. A rhinestone adorns the center of each one. (Note to self: learn camera settings! I appreciate all of your patience with my photography fumbling...)

Thank you for stopping by; I wish you warm thoughts, butterflies, and 'sparkles' !!



"Eggstra" Special Weekend...

We've just unloaded our bags and various food purchases (scored great deals at Costco, Italian Superstore, Wal-mart...seriously, you'd think we live out in the sticks somewhere given what we buy when we head to the 'big city'!!), having arrived home after an outstanding weekend with my family.  I love the opportunities to "go home," where I can be a 'real life'

• daughter to my parents.  Given my age, I am ever, ever, ever so blessed that my parents continue to be a 'going concern.' My mom is an absolute gem - hilarious, wonderful - an all-around spirit-lifter!My 'pa' is the 'silent type' - and as the saying goes, 'still waters run deep.' He is quite the dad....
• 'big' sister (especially age-wise!) to my brother and sister-in-law.  Opportunity to cross paths with my sister and her husband didn't happen this trip, but we caught up with a 'local' phone call.  Next time: a 'for sure' visit!
• and, best of all, Aunty to my niece and nephew!  My niece, who is a mere 7 sleeps from turning 3, is such a delight!  We played 'make-up' (my sister-in-law snapped lovely photos of her 'lipstick' - application on herself...and Aunty...who never wears lipstick, but exceptions are always made for Ms. Adorable), and counted stars, and went to 'sport-ball' and had ever so many hugs and kisses.  As for my nephew -  a couple of weeks from turning one - we watched him make his first steps.  It's only a matter of time before two toddlers will be running the show.  Can't wait!!  

Three days passed so quickly, and now, I'm teary-eyed from leaving, knowing that our next trip is several weeks away.  So...time to cheer up and do what I had planned before we left (but didn't!): post my entry for Paper Smooches SPARKS Cool Shades Carnival Challenge.

Here's are the 'Cool Shades' - Carnival inspiration colours: 

Since I knew I'd have an 'extra awesome' weekend, I created an "Eggstra Thanks" card, using the freebie basket o'eggs and thanks sentiment.  The baskets are paper-pieced, with the blue and pink popped up, and the green behind the thanks was...just because.  My card is dedicated to my family...miss you and LOVE you...eggstra special much!!

Photography needs work - my apologies.  My poor camera is accident prone,  

dropped on the floor a little too often...

Thank you for stopping by!  And to all who left comments on my previous posts - an eggstra thanks to you too!  Every comment amplifies how special this crafting community!!

A Card for Grammy...or Super Baba...or...

In my previous post, I shared one of the cards made for my sister-in-law's mom - Grammy - or, depending on what she decides - for Grammy's mom - Super Baba.  Today, is the debut of the second card, which was sparked by  retrosketches #51, combined with the Spring colours of Muse Challenge #5.  Or, perhaps it was the inspiration of Muse Challenge #5, using retrosketches #51. Whatever the case, I hope you like this 'partner' card - and I hope Grammy, or Super Baba, will, too.

Here's the sketch,

and here is the bright, bold, beautiful Muse inspiration, from Marion Vagg:

My card:

The paper is from Echo Park's Scoot collection..."meant" for boys but I love how wonderfully 

the colours fit the 'girl', or rather, 'grandma' theme.

I'll be sharing these cards 'in person' with my sister-in-law tonight; hope she LOVES them...and I wonder what the final 'destination decisions' will be.  These challenges are awesome!!

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoy what you see...

Case Study...Studied!

A stretch - as in a “cat-reaching-out-her-paws (all four of them!) as faaaar as possible stretch” – is what I lay claim to with my Case Study #128 Challenge entry.   After first glance, and the several more closer studies that followed (I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for  the ‘case study’ aspects of this challenge:  chin-stroking, eye-brow raising and ‘hmmm…’ required!), I came ‘this close’ to giving it a pass.   No idea, no clue.  Then I remembered the cards my sister-in-law asked me to make…

My sister-in-law is a gem; she’s the mom of my niece and nephew, who I cherish; she’s a salt-of-the-earth good soul; she’s good-natured, hilarious, witty and, well, she’s the best thing EVER to come into my brother’s life!   For her – anything! 

A while back she requested two special February birthday cards:  one for her mom, aka as “Grammy” to my niece and nephew;  the second for her grandma (Grammy’s mom), fondly referred to as “Super Baba,” turning 85.  She was open to ‘whatever’ style or design I wanted,  with but ‘two’ requests:  flowers  and that “Super Baba” appear on the card destined for her (yet another perk of home-made cards ~ personalizing).  Easy peasy.  Not!  I thought about these cards for days on end.  Procrastination, plus.  My stumbling block – one I’m sure many of you have facee – and amplified by my ‘novice’ status:  a card with ‘expectations.’   By expectations, I mean my own!  Whatever I make, my sister-in-law will love, but I wanted to create something she will LOVE!!  Something she’ll be proud to give to Grammy, or Super Baba.  Something they’d be proud to receive.  Pressure (self-induced) on!!

 So, with Teri’s sketch as inspiration (the timing was wonderfully, ironically perfect!):

Here’s my card for Grammy…

or Super Baba.

I made a tag for either - a simple 'add' once the chosen one is decided.

Here's a close-up of a couple of the 'elements' -

Although this was a ‘stretch,’ I loved the challenge.  I met most of my expectations (always room for improvement!); most important, I hope it makes my sister-in-law happy, and Super Baba – or Grammy – smile!

Thank you for stopping by!

Tickled Pink...CAS(E) #15

I had a different plan in mind for CAS(E) this Sketch #15 - and then, I read this post yesterday, from Shannon, at Chuchee Chu.  She had me blinking away tears, happy dancing and all-around blushing from her kind words and promotion of my blog, my 'fledgling journey' into this dynamic card-making community.  For those of you who have seen Shannon's cards, and have been the recipients of her thoughtful, heart-warming comments, you'll know she's infused with the Biggest. Heart. Ever.  If you don't yet know her - go.  Now.  Her cards are charming; her posts engaging; her personality a day-brightener and smile-maker.  Delightful she is...delightful.  I'll also echo the essence of her post:  this community of sharing and caring, of embracing and encouraging, of supporting and nurturing - be we novices or experts - is...well, awesome!  Thank you for welcoming me into your midst, and for giving me motivation to carry on stamping, snipping, sticking...growing!

So, with CAS(E) this Sketch as my inspiration pattern

and Shannon's graciousness as my inspiration "subject", here is my card:

The sentiment says it all! 

My stamps are a random purchase - a set of little images that I had completely forgotten about until yesterday.  I stamped first on white cardstock (really - my background IS white. Photography + me = 'on again/off again relationship), then again on some My Mind's Eye paper, paper-piecing with various patterns of 'pink.'  Here's a close up of my "artistic attempts".  

To all of you - and especially Shannon - THANK YOU!  I'm tickled pink to be here, learning from, and sharing with, you!