Butterfly Basics

Hi blogging friends,

It seems like my mojo is back and I've settled into a routine again (let's hope it lasts).  I've already seen butterflies fluttering around in the garden, which is my inspiration for today's card.

The ferns were stamped in Wild Wasabi and the middle one was stamped off first on scrap paper.  A pretty butterfly was colored with markers, cut out using a Memory Box die and popped up on the card.

I really didn't need to do a lot of stamping on this one.  The layered Spellbinder dies do most of the work :-)

As I visit people I see quite a few gals have stopped blogging.  It does take time and dedication.  I hope to continue to share my creations with you.

Thank you for stopping to visit me.

See you in a few days ...

Stamps:  SU Butterfly Basics, Memory Box Cherry Blossom Set (Valley Butterfly)
Paper:  Sprint, Bashful Blue, Shimmery White
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, StazOn Stone Gray, Stampin' Up Markers
Accessories:  Aqua Painter, Spellbinders Devine Eloquence Dies, Memory Box Cherry Blossom Set
Technique:  Watercoloring  
Card Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Lotus Blossom

Hi there,

My card today features a Sale-A-Bration set I acquired a couple of years ago entitled 'Lotus Blossom'.  It's always nice to have thank you cards on hand.

This gorgeous stamp creates a pretty hand painted look.  I stamped image 1 in Rose Red ink, image 2 in Rose Red after stamping off once on scrap paper and finally image 3 in Regal Rose after stamping off once on scrap paper.  The stem was stamped in Wild Wasabi ink.

I decided to keep the card simple and just add a pink silk bow.

A few leaves accent the inside corner in Pear Pizzazz.  Thank you was stamped in Rose Red and embossed with clear embossing powder.

It looks like we are going to have a wet and dreary week.  My mulch was delivered on Saturday and I'm eager to get the gardens prepared for spring.

Have a wonderful evening and stay dry!

Stamps:  SU Lotus Blossom, Elegant Thank You, Best Blossoms
Paper:  Solar White Linen, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink:  Rose Red, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories:  May Arts 1/8" Pink Silk Ribbon, Clear Spica Pen, Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight #3, Spellbinders Labels Eight #5
Technique:  Two-Step Stamping
Card Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Squirrel Nesting Box

Hello friends,

As I slowly emerge from hibernation, just like the garden critters do, I decided to add a squirrel nesting box to the yard.  We have a line of mature trees along the side of our property which is the perfect place for it.  I always see the squirrels running up & down these trees and jumping from branch to branch.

Since there are so many bird feeders and houses I thought it was about time I took care of the squirrels too.  Now, I didn't mention anything to my husband about it.  Some things are better off left unsaid.  So, when the box arrived and he saw the return label as Duncraft he said to me "What did you buy?"  My response was "I'm going to need your help with putting this up."  He then did the eye roll with a shake of his head.

I started by lining the inside with dried leaves and twigs.  It's all ready for their new home.

Hubby then roped the box around the tree to make it easier to fasten it.

He doesn't think they will use it ...

The very next day I said let's go check out the new box.  Sure enough there was a squirrel hanging out in the tree.  He wasn't in the box, but things sure do look promising.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I'll let you know if I see any babies.

Have a wonderful week!