My Dad's Poetry meets My Cards...CAS(E) this Sketch #26

Sometimes, my cards come with a background story, and the two I’m sharing today most certainly do. 

My dad is an incredibly stolid man – not much of a conversationalist, not given to socializing beyond the sphere of family.  Even with us, he’s a man of few words.  My niece manages to get more chats out of him than anyone else. I mean, who can resist the call of “Poppa, Poppa” from a 3 year old when she *needs* to show him the boo-boo on her knee, or requires his help to get her Hot Wheels car going fast, fast fast?   Three years ago my dad was catapulted into retirement from his long-standing profession as a civil engineer due to an exponentially unexpected and extreme heath issue. One minute he was fine; the next, life changed.  Drastically. That he’s still with us is nothing short of a miracle.

Over the course of the past year, we’ve seen a side of him not seen before: he started to write poems. I know: “old school” engineer + writing poetry doesn’t seem fathomable, however I kid you not!  Now, we’re not talking ‘outstanding’ poetry – no sonnets, or odes or haikus -  but the fact that he’s playing with verse, and sharing them with us (each poem connected to an occasion – birthdays and so forth) is mightily amazing!  They’re written sort of ‘cat in the hat’ style, and often from the perspective of my niece and nephew.  Yes, the poems are sometimes are a ‘stretch’ in making sense, however, they come from the ‘heart.’  Whimsical, wonky, quirky, charming – they run the spectrum.  Originally, my sister was given card-making duty  – all computer engineered with photos and so forth – so when my card appearances became more noticeable, she didn’t mind handing the reigns over.  I was ecstatic when my dad accepted my offer .  Even though we don’t chit-chat often, the chance to make cards “for him” to reflect what he’s composed “from” my niece and nephew…wonderful!   Truly!  The only hitch: sometimes he likes to give me card-making advice, as in “using those foamy things makes it difficult to store the cards flat in a folder for future referencing.”  Sometimes I listen; sometimes I don’t J  Based on our ‘collaborations’ from the past, I think we make a pretty good team.  And his way of showing his love for us through his poems:  endearing!

So, today’s cards are ‘my’ interpretation for the poems my dad wrote for my sister-in-law and brother, from the voices of my niece and nephew, for Mother and Father’s Day.  Clear as mud, right?   You won’t be once you see them.  They’re definitely ‘whimisical’ – as cards from toddlers would be – and I’ve tried to capture bits of the poems in each.  My dad (or rather, my “niece and nephew” are) is giving my brother a little oak tree to plant in their back yard, so my new set of Trees Company from TAWS worked perfectly. For for "mommy" - baby birds from Trees Company, a Doodle Frame (both TAWS), and a PS Flap Happy butterfly.  No Happy Mother/Father Day sentiments; instead I chose to describe what they are - special and fabulous.

Since this is in keeping with my His and Hers online class homework, you'll see similar elements in each version, as well as the sketch, inspired by the delightful team at CAS(E) this Sketch (#26).

"Ladies first" - here's my sister-in-law's "Mother's Day,' inspired by the sketch and my dad's poem"

and here's for my brother, his 'Father's Day

and here's the 'happy couple'

Hope my dad likes these, and my sister-in-law and brother, too (and you, as well!!)

Thanks for dropping in, and please know that your comments are welcome and appreciated, deeply.

Have a fabulous, special day!!

Notebook Basics Die = Notebook Basics Note Cards...PS SPARKS Anything Goes Challenge

A glorious spring day here in our Canadian Rockies town! My husband has a five-six hour date with his road bike, so he’s off to ‘wherever,’ and I’m at home, relishing the opportunity to craft away.  Since our kitchen doubles as my craft room (one of these days, I’ll have my own space, but until then, this is just fine), I’m surrounded by sunlight, and  the gentle breeze wafting through the patio doors.  Yes, indeed…a most pretty day!

On today’s agenda – Paper Smooches SPARKS Anything Goes challenge; and I added a few “must do” twists, as a result of participating in the Online His & Hers Card class (nearing the end!).   So, the ‘self-imposed’ instructions to follow were:

• must use PS products (required) but need to use them in a ‘different’ way from my usual (thinking cap was tightly tied on to reach that goal!)
• must demonstrate a ‘new learning’ from the His and Hers course, and so I did – partial die cutting, shared on Day 4, when Mother and Father’s Day cards were showcased
• must use patterned papers that featured ‘back-to-back’ patterns and include both 'guy and gal' colours.  

My  hypothesis (or theory, whichever) is that designers place patterns back-to-back because they’re meant to ‘go’ together.  Judging by what I discovered in my pads…umm, maybe not so much! Still, I persevered.  In the case where I selected a paper that wasn’t back-to-back, I choose a companion from the piece directly before or after, again using the assumption that ‘in proximity’ means ‘goes together.’  Actually, the real reason behind this zaniness decision is to use up more of my stash, on account of…I caved in to the Simon Says sale yesterday and ordered a bunch of paper *palm smack on forehead*  It’s not like I *need* more paper…but at 20% off? Why resist?  Why try?  Anyway, deal is done. Paper enroute. Happy dance!

So, all my little gimmicks arrived at, I ended up making a series of mini cards (used up strips of  oddly sized cardstock scraps - worked perfectly!) using the PS Notebook Basic die as my card base, where the partial-die cutting came into play. After my mini cards were done, I decorated them with a full-size panel of the same die, added some fussy-cut PS stamps, included some PS sentiments inside and ta dahhhh…a set of ‘little’ notebook paper notecards; something to drop off on a colleague’s desk, or sneak into a loved one’s briefcase/purse/lunch bag, or leave on the door for the mail carrier/newspaper delivery person.  Just little ‘somethings’ to brighten a day and widen a smile.

Here’s what I did (sorry for the boring details, but this was super duper new for me…)

1.  scored and folded cardstock  - any piece longer than 6” will work. 

2.  taped over the holes on the die (taping not needed if  you have an eye for ‘straight.’ I don’t…sighhh…)

3.  lined up the fold of the cardstock at the edge of my bottom stack of cuttlebug plates, then put set the die on top, with the taped off portion hanging off the edge, so as not to cut out the holes and to keep the fold intact.   Put Plate C on top and ‘bug away.

4.  end result = wee card the same ‘body’ shape as the PS die, and already folded, ready to be dolled up.  I used the die as it’s meant to be used on patterned paper (followed rules #2 and #3 from above), gluing it to the mini base. The ‘notebook’  edge extends over the base (above the fold) and (my opinion), makes for ‘cuteness.’  Hope you think so, too…

"Just a Note" (sentiment inside)

"Hello" (sentiment inside)

"Thanks" (sentiment inside)

"Thanks" sentiment inside

My two 'guy' versions.  Yes, I know - guys and butterflies don't

necessarily mix,but I checked and one of the world's leading

experts on butterflies is male - Art Shapiro - so  he's likely to appreciate a

butterfly card...maybe...

These truly are super quick and easy to make.  In fact...don't go anywhere...I'll be right back...

See what I mean...a mere few minutes...

"Way to Go" (sentiment inside).

A quick shot of a couple of insides (simple, no fuss)

Here's the 'gang'

Hope you like the "Notebook Basics Note Cards"....and I think I filled my requirements...

Thanks for dropping in, and please know that your comments are welcomed and appreciated, deeply.

Enjoy your Sunday!!

   

"Her" Sympathy Card...Online His & Her Card Class & MUSE #15

I had to stay for a detention after my Online His and Her Card class today to finish the second half of my Sympathy card assignment this morning - a Her companion for my His, posted earlier today.  Actually, our instructors aren't hard-nosed task-masters, so they didn't 'tell me' I couldn't move on to trying other fascinating, super cool cards we learned about today (Mother and Father's Day).   Nope, the decision to fulfill all my homework was mine entirely; plus, I made a promise (somewhere on my site...), that I'd be a responsible student.  That means creating and posting a 'pair' of cards for whatever themes we're covering.  Practice, practice, and more practice!  According to Malcolm Gladwell, we need to spend a minimum of 10,000 hours at something to 'bring out our best,' so I'm ready and willing to carry on, even if the 'experts' consider this golden rule somewhat flawed. I'm thinking 10,000 hours *might* get me to the 'reasonable amateur' stage. Besides, hours upon hours doing what I enjoy immensely?  Sign me up for 10,000, and then a few thousand more!

Anyway, I decided (today) to coordinate my His and Her cards under the "Same Color Sympathy Cards,' that Kristina Werner showcased in class.  That meant sticking with the same paper pad for both (My Mind's Eye Indie Chic -Nutmeg) which made for some 'interesting" choices with my Her card, as 'guy-ish' colors are predominate.  On stage are my much loved TAWS Petal Pushers, Paper Smooches Flap Happy and Loopy Leaf die. The end result is a 'touch' whimsical, perhaps, but feminine...I think.

My inspiration comes from MUSE Challenge #15, featuring Jen Mitchell's stunning card:

Here are the twosome...

While they were certainly a positive learning experience, I sure hope they won't ever have to be sent to anyone any time soon (preferable never!!).  You know what I mean...

So, a small happy dance for completing 'yesterday's' work...and time to start with today's.  Eeeek...falling behind (but I don't mind even a little bit!!)

Thanks for dropping in, and please know that your comments are welcomed and appreciated, immensely! I'm sending prayers of gratitude for this wonderfully welcoming community!  You are sooo encouraging!

"His" Sympathy Card...Online His & Hers Card Class and Retro Sketches #61

My, oh my, oh my...sympathy cards are challenging in general, but adding a 'masculine' touch makes them even doubly...perhaps quadruply...so!  Such was our assignment for Day 3 of the Online His & Hers Card class.  The samples, techniques and videos shared by the instructors: top-notch, plus!  The 'gentleness and softness' that cards of this nature call for: conveyed beautifully, both in masculine and feminine versions.  The learning I'm experiencing: priceless! And I mean that sincerely!  My dendrites are growing in leaps and bounds!!

I finished 'half' my homework - creating a masculine sympathy card.  One of the kazillion wonderful aspects of this course sees me viewing my paper pads with 'new eyes.' Many sheets I had sort of 'written off' because they didn't fit my so-called 'style,' are proving to be 'exactly' what I need...and they're right at my fingertips!  As much as I really *want* to buy more supplies, I truly don't *have* to (well, not yet - because another perk of this course are student discounts, which I fully intend to take advantage of, once the course is done. Have I convinced you to sign up yet???). We're told from the outset to 'shop our stash' - and it's quite amazing what I've found.

Retro Sketches #61 is my layout inspiration. 

My "band of flowers" is a fussy-cut piece from a My Mind's Eye pad, as is the PS Flap Happy Butterfly.  The sentiment is from Verve.  One little 'extra' - that in hindsight I wish I hadn't done - was adding ink (with my trusty Q-tip paint brush...see what I mean about *needing* supplies!!) to the leaves.  So much for my original plan to let the paper speak for itself!  Oh well...I still have the other half of my assignment to complete - feminine sympathy card - where I'll aim for no second guessing (or 'attempts' to try something new - for me -  just because!).

Thanks for dropping in, and please know that your comments are welcomed and appreciated, deeply.
Have a HAPPY day!!

Sorry for the poor quality photo...I may give it another photo op later...

His and Her Birthday...Take 2...Online Class Day 2 and Fusion

Quick post this morning to share my assignments from yesterday's Day 2 of the Online His and Hers course I'm taking.  Incredibly talented teachers, instructive videos and step-by-step downloads of all the cards, and *want to do* homework makes for some outstanding learning!  School is fun - and how often do you see those words appearing in the same sentence (and this coming from a former teacher!!).  If you're interested, there's still plenty of time to register; check it out here

I completed my two cards yesterday afternoon/evening (card-making takes me eons of time...does anyone else experience that??), and used ideas from the course combined with the inspiration from FUSION #4.

My masculine card is up first, and follows Jackie's sketch.  I discovered a never-used 'tie die' (???) and jaunty hat die in my collection, and figured they'd serve well in creating a 'guy' card.  

The feminine version is a FUSION.  In selecting my papers, I 'tried' to reflect the colours from Lesley's challenge but...they're not as 'soft' as I hoped them to be once I started creating my collage.  Perhaps I should have caved in to the temptation to go with pastels or more 'girly' colours.  Oh well...I'm hoping the combination of "images" - TAWS Petal Pusher blooms, a glittery PS Flap Happy Butterfly, flowery embossing folder  - meets the feminine criteria "reasonably" well.

Finally, here's my His and Hers side by side....

Hmmm...my feminine card looks a bit frenzied...

Thanks for dropping by, and please know that your comments are welcomed and appreciated, deeply.

Happy MAY 1...hope your day is warm and sunny (and frenzy free...!)...

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Happy Birthday, Guy and Gal...CAS(E), Case,Online Class and CFC Birthday Bash

“Pouty” – my attitude for a chunk of yesterday.   Given my age, poutiness shouldn’t even be a selection on the ‘mood-o-meter’ but that arrow was bang on, and seemingly not about to waver, even a little bit.  The reason for my ‘sads’ – niece-withdrawal.  Full force episode!  We spent a most awesome weekend visiting my family, and amongst the many highlights, the most highlight of all was time with my niece.  She was at my parents when we arrived and a greeting that involved a running, arms-outstretched, almost-bowl-me- over hugging three year old, exclaiming at high volume “Aunty C, Aunty C” made my heart sing!   After not seeing her for nearly 7 weeks, we picked up with where we left off:  giving the toddler-sized cloth doll my mom made a ‘bath’ (pretend, of course);  heading off to the moon in the rocket ship made out of a giant set of tinker-toy like structures (her, comfortably seated in the rocket’s ‘shell,’ me not so much – but since I was ‘buckled in’ she assured my I’d be fine, even if my legs stuck out);  being her ‘get in trouble a bit with daddy’ accomplice when we decided that putting a strawberry in her milk was kind of an interesting taste experience; and carrying her (she’s getting so big, but I’ll carry her for as long as I can, and as long as she’ll let me…weight-training time for Aunty C!!) out to the van when it was time to go home, assuring her that yes, we’d spend the next day together.

 And so we did…the WHOLE day!  We shopped at Costco, where the gigantic stuffed pandas – all 6 of them – had to have hugs and tummy tickles; we made tiny cards using my MFT butterfly die (way too much fun – although the glue-stick became a distraction…a lot of gluing going on); she iced the birthday cake with my mom (sugar-rush ensued – a lot of icing tasting going on!); we went for a walk, and got caught in a rain squall (more carrying her going on…); we played ‘fort’ (a lot of ‘pretend’ going on…especially when we went to the ‘zoo’ and rode the elephant…and ponies…and giraffe);  we celebrated her mom’s and my dad’s  (Poppa’s) birthday with great gusto.  Because her little brother was sick, and ended up staying home with my sister-in-law’s parents (invited, and very much missed at supper), she truly was the center of attention.  You can only imagine the scene that unfolded when, in response to my brother-in-law commenting on her recent ride on a ‘school bus’ (a daycare field trip), we were all ‘invited’ to sing, and of course, ‘actively participate in,’ several rousing verses of “The wheels of the bus go round and round…”.  My mom and I nearly hit the floor laughing when one of the verses involved her brother who, on the bus, ‘goes wah, wah, wah…”  Yes indeed, one of the bestest, most wonderfulest days ever!

On Sunday, mom and I headed over to my brother and sister-in-law’s place, and while the two of them had a much needed, much deserved nap, we spent time with the kids.  Poor nephew still wasn’t feeling great, but a cuddle-on-Bacia sleep helped.  I, in turn, received lessons about Care Bears, from my niece’s obvious expertise on the adorable critters.  Hugs goodbye on Sunday, when we departed home,  weren’t nearly as ‘okay,’ as those on Friday and Saturday.  Not even close.

So, that’s the tale behind my ‘poutiness’ yesterday.  Combine that with a snowy day (ummm, Spring?  Hello, Spring?? Are you there??), and you can imagine my mood (Grumpy Care Bear comes to mind – I was feeling blue!).  

Thankfully, though, I found silver linings to lift my spirits.  Comments and notes from some wonderful card-making friends (thank you so much!!) and the Online His and Hers Card Class started!!!  Day One was amazing!   In the span of a few videos and the accompanying ‘visuals’ of some stunning cards, my gloom shifted and some rays of ‘light and delight’ emerged.   I learned ways to transform the ‘same’ sketch, stamps and sentiments into both male and female cards; I learned more about ‘masking’ (next step is “try this”), and I even had an ‘assignment’ to do.   “Pouty” was set aside (for a while, at least), and I immersed myself in some day-brightening happy-making challenges!

For my cards, I opted to use the same stamp set: Wish Big, from TAWS (debuting day!!), and create masculine and feminine birthday cards.  In addition to sharing this with my ‘classmates,’ I’m entering them into the following challenges:

My masculine birthday card is heading to CASE Study Challenge, where I took inspiration from the colours and sense of ‘flight’ from the card presented.  I made an ‘oops’ though, by adding glitter in a couple of spots *palm smack on forehead*.  What was I thinking!  Oh well, maybe some guys are okay with a bit of sparkle.

 My ‘feminine’ version is for CAS(E) #25.  Even though my card may not be completely “cas” once the idea gelled, the actual making was quite quick.  I’m getting much faster with the fussy-cutting, even though I’m still fussy (I don’t like uneven edges. Sticking point.  But they still happen…more practice J)

And “just because,” I’ll include both in CAS-ual Fridays #99, where the theme is Birthday Bash.

Thanks for dropping by, and please know that your comments are welcomed and appreciated, deeply.

Have a 'no pouting' day; rather, one filled with sunshine and smiles!

A Doily of Flowers...TAWS #26

Quick post this morning to share my card for TAWS #26 challenge.  The oranges in the forefront, with the blue ruffled paper backdrop lead me to...orange flowers placed on a blue doily.  Fairly straightforward interpretation, even though arriving at the end result took a series of detours before finally coming together.  I had an idea, decided the idea wouldn't do full justice to the challenge or my TAWS stamps, went in another direction, wound up lost and making a mess, took some time for some positive action therapy (sweeping the floor...I do that often when I'm stuck or feeling frazzled.  I know, I know...odd behaviour.  A while back though, in "BC time" - before card-making - I was known to vacuum almost daily so this is a drastic improvement.  Now vacuuming is far less frequent...consumes valuable crafting time) and returned to the beginning, following through with the initial plan.  The only major difference - between the start and finish, a package of happy mail arrived, so one new stamp makes its debut here!  I'll leave you to guess which it is.

Here's the inspiration photo

and here's my card...

Simple...

New stamps from TAWS joining my household!  I'm so looking forward to using them next week, once we return from visiting my famil; it's been a stretch since our last trip, and I'm excited.  Wait, make that EXCITED!  I'm packing a few craft supplies to make cards with my 3 year old niece.  How fun will that be!!

Thanks for dropping by, and please know that your comments are welcomed and appreciated, deeply.

Have a wonderfully bright and sunny day.

Before closing...today, our weather 'suggests' that spring has arrived, with temperatures reaching the mid-high teens (Celsius).  For the last couple of days, in the midst of cool air, gusty winds, cloudy days, my husband has still forged ahead with his outdoor bike training.  He's taking a much needed, much deserved day off today (working over the weekend when we travel - instructing a coaching course) to...wait for it...downhill ski! Hahahahahah...sorry, but there's something mildly  ironic about that...