This Little Card of Mine

Sad news..

about Eric, the little boy we have been sending cards to,  on Jennifer's blog.   Along with another prayer request.

A note from Kate's Mom on the card drive

Holly mentioned the card drive in yesterday's update on Kate. Check here.   Jennifer and I just sent more boxes to them.   It makes me happy to know that these lift their spirits.

Sounds like being home has been good medicine for Kate but they are about to start round 4.

Postponing Ink it Up II (Studio Line paints) class

I'm bummed to tell you that this class at Stamp Your Art Out on 10/27-10/29 has been postponed.  I am not sure when it will be scheduled but it will be!  I have the cards all ready to go and can't wait for you to play with these paints.

I so appreciate the emails I've received with concerns for my health.    I figure there's nothing terribly secret about what's happenin' so I might as well share it here so those who are concerned won't be.   Believe it or not, I need to have two surgeries --- first knee surgery, then gallbladder surgery.    I know -- when it rains it pours.  I am hoping to get on with the knee one next week. The GB one will happen when I've recovered from the first one. 

If I'm being honest, I'd much rather not have to do this but I am reminded daily of this Scripture that has always been very important to me.   Romans 8:28 -- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.   I don't know what God has planned for me through this but I know He has already drawn me closer. My strength to face this comes from Him. And my gratitude to Him that neither of these are life threatening.   Just bumps in the road. Others face so much worse.

I hope to get back in my studio soon and have new creations to share.  In the meantime,  thank you so much for your caring concern. 

Updated cards received list

We are well past 1300 cards.  Whoa!  And this doesn't even include any that arrived this week.   Please check the link on the right column of my blog to make sure your cards are recorded. 

I don't usually call out anyone in particular but how exciting to see an entry from my hometown -- Greensburg, PA. Thank you Christine!

Another card from class

First let me apologize for being MIA lately.   I'm working through some health issues that are keeping me occupied and probably will be awhile longer.   Thankfully nothing life threatening that anyone has to worry about.  But I've not spent much time creating.  I really must get back in my craft room.   I miss it.  I hope to do that soon.

This is from a recent class.    We stamped an image in distress ink and then quickly brushed on some pearl Perfect Pearls for a shimmery finish. Simple!

Supplies:  Hero Arts notecard, stamps, pearls,  Antique Linen and Broken China Distress Ink, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Perfect pearls, Martha Stewart butterfly punch

And one tip on using Perfect Pearls.  As you can see, mine is far from perfect as I still have some PP on the non stamped part.  I brushed it and couldn't get it off.  Well, I asked Jennifer what the trick is.  She said brush and brush and brush and brush -- violently!  :-)    Hmmm... missed the violently part.  I'll do better next time!   :-)

Stay tuned for an update to the card list in the next few day

We're running a bit behind but I'll be entering them soon.  You guys are crazy good in how many cards you're sending.

New openings in Ink It Up 2 Studio Line paints classes and Cards for Eric!

Due to the popularity of this class we have increased the class size of both the 10/27 and 10/29 classes at Stamp Your Art Out in Cincinnati.  The class time is 6-8 and you can call the store at 793-4558 to sign up.   You will learn 5 techniques with this awesome product line.  And you will fall in love with sticky back canvas.  I know I have!  Hope to see you there.

Be sure to stop over to Jennifer's blog.   We are helping another child with our card drive due to the overwhelmingly wonderful amount of cards for Kate and her family. Check out the details.

Stamping with Distress Ink

My 2nd and final Distress Ink class was tonight and we had alot of fun.   Everyone got to play with some of my favorite techniques.  And to think that before Ranger U I was hesitant about Distress Inks and now I LOVE THEM!   This is one of my favorite cards....

Supplies:  Distress Ink and Glossy paper (both Ranger), Hero Arts background stamp and notecard

The background technique is super easy and I love the watercolor-y look.  You ink up your stamp and then lightly mist some water on it (using your mini mister).  And stamp with it!  As it dries, because Distress Ink is water soluble it spreads a little.   Lovely effect!

This isn't my work but....

I LOVE LOVE THIS!  It is by Sarah, one of the Hero Arts hostesses.

To those of you who took my recent Distress Ink class this should look a bit familiar.  Sarah used the two shades of distress ink to create the background (which is SO very clever).  She then took a background stamp, sprayed a bit of water on it and stamped away.  Beautiful effect, huh?

Sorry for the drought here... I've been busy making card samples for my Studio Line paint classes later this month.  Looking forward to just playing with week and creating some new cards.