My Own Ornaments as Christmas Cards

A couple of years ago we moved from Arizona to Missouri. For our first Christmas we put new ornaments on the tree to celebrate our new beginning. What perfect subjects for this photo-happy artist! Of course I had to make greeting cards with the photos! So I printed over a hundred and continue to offer them in my Branson shop and they will soon be on Shop Made For Keeps. I have some new ornaments (after Christmas sales are the best!) so you can count on new cards coming soon! Anyway, that camera you are using to photograph your cards? Why not shoot a few shots of your decorations and incorporate them in your card layouts? Hmmm?

This is one of the liner sentiments available.

What are your creative non-stamped Christmas card ideas? Show them off then link them in a comment here!

Thanks for stopping by!

Barb

In God We Trust

Who Could Resist This Face?

We couldn't resist her!  She is the newest addition to our family and her name is Mattie.  She was needing a good home and I couldn't say no.  So she joins our other three Shih Tzus and is very much at home after only one day and one night.  She is between 18 months and 2 years old, weighs about 5 pounds, and is a cuddler!  She has already had a litter of pups though she still has that puppy smell herself.  Mattie is proving to be very smart and photogenic.

Mattie was originally named Bubbles, but I just couldn't take that, so she is Mattie, short for Matilda, one of my favorite children's stories and movies.  She is learning her new name pretty quickly, but when all else fails she answers to "Bubba". 

Cookie, Emma and Shakes have been very good to her.  Smokie the cat, not so much.

Jerry hasn't seen her yet but he has been wanting another Shih Tzu.  I was the one resisting it till I met Mattie.  He can't wait to see her.

So, welcome, Mattie!

Sunday Sketch and Stamp Challenge #10 --- Sem's Sketch

Here we are on challenge #10 at Sunday Sketch and Stamp! Sem gave us a beautiful sketch for this fortnight and I think you will find it to be one you will want to use over and over!

The new Fall 2009 Stamp Kit from Whiff of Joy arrived last week and I couldn't wait to start coloring images. All the images are fabulous! Then I found this beautiful Tuscany style paper in my stash and everything just fell together with Sem's sketch. I really like how it turned out and I hope you do to!

The image is colored with Copics on Paper Trey card stock. The colors are: Skin E0000; Dress Y21; Apron E41; Grapes BV04, BV29, R39. (I forgot to write down the colors for the hair and leaves). Gold accents for the corners and the word "Faith" is a rub on.

Here is Sem's brilliant sketch! Easy, elegant, and versatile!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to join us this week. We love looking at your creations!

Barb, Design Team

In God We Trust

Birthday "Cars" for a Grandson

First: A lesson to learn from my ordeal. Computer problems stopped me in my tracks last night and I am finally up and running. The router for my wireless network just stopped working. Four technicians at two companies couldn't figure out the problem. Frustrated and thinking the router died and would need to be replaced I tried one more thing. All cords and cables had been unplugged and replugged except one --- the ethernet cable at the back of the computer (the hardest place to get to). I unplugged it and replugged it and Voila! everything came back! I have no idea what happened except that we had storms in the area and maybe something went through that complex pathway and pushed the connection so it was slightly off. So, lesson learned: unplug and reconnect everything first.

Enough of that! On to.....

Happy Birthday, Grandson!

It is so hard to believe that three years Jerry's son called and said "You have a grandson!" Wow, that little cutie Leland is growing up so fast! I haven't seen him for over a year but, in his travels, Jerry is able to spend time with them. I've got to get a new picture of him!

Anyway, like most kids these days, Leland loves the Disney "Cars". We sent him sheets and a comforter in the "Cars" theme for his new big boy bed. This card is on the way to him. There isn't a single stamped image on it but lots of 3D stickers and the Happy Birthday was cut with my Cricket. The border is ribbon I found at Walmart. Quick, easy and very fun!

Happy Birthday, Leland!

Thanks for stopping by!

Barb

In God We Trust

Whiff of Joy Challenge #45 --- Bling!

Today I just had to work in the studio making some cards! It really felt good and I completed four that you will be seeing over the next few days.

This one is for the Whiff of Joy Challenge #45 --- Bling! I just couldn't wait to show off one of the new Fall Stamp Kit images. They are so beautiful! This one is modified just a touch. Where she would be throwing autumn leaves I have her flinging bling! (I have the autumn one for showcasing later.)

The DP is from the Making Memories Chloe collection. I love this set and all the embellies! We are coming close to the end of summer so I chose summery colors, using Copics B21 for her dress, Y21 for her overskirt, and E41 for her apron and hat. The edges of the papers are distressed with Cornflower alcohol inks, just enough to set them off because I didn't do much of my usual 3-D stacking.

I hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by! Your visits and comments make my day so much brighter!

Barb

In God We Trust

I'm Still Here!

It has been such a busy time since the wedding last week!

I am still going through photos and they are such fun!

I've been battling allergies and lost a day to a killer sinus headache. My little kids (the 3 dogs) have also been sick with allergies. Little boy Shakes had to go to the vet because he was in respiratory distress from allergies. It got really scary one night when he was gasping for air. He is much better now, though.

I got out of the house today for the first time in a week. The weather is gorgeous here!

The first day back I received the new Whiff of Joy Fall Stamp Kit and the images are darling! I did take time from the computer to color some so you will be seeing these soon. I have a couple of challenges to try to meet this week and hope to get to them. And, of course, the biweekly Sunday Sketch and Stamp is coming up on August 30!

You might notice something new at the top of my sidebar. I have branched out "Made For Keeps" to "Shop Made For Keeps" where cards that I have posted here are available for purchase. I hope to offer photos and other greeting card sets, also. This site is a pre-cursor to a more formal web site and also my Etsy Shop will be opening soon.

I've been blurfing around to catch up with every one and there is so much wonderful creativity going around in the blogosphere! I love it!

Thank you all for your comments on my family photos. Not to sound biased, but they are lovely folks, eh!

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be baaaack!

Barb

In God We Trust

Presenting the Newlyweds!

I just couldn't wait to show off my brother and new sis-in-law!! I have sent them some photos already so I just had to take one and blog it. Aren't they just radiant?

You would never believe what a fairy tale story they have had. Let's just say my brother endured a shocking event in his life, followed by an eye disease that was taking his sight. Then along came this beautiful angel who brought him back to life, so to speak, has been there through thick and thin, and has been his eyes while he has undergone several surgeries. The miracle that is not so obvious here is that on this day he could see his bride more clearly than ever --- and she is a beautiful woman, inside and out. The miracle she gave me: she gave me my brother back.

The wedding day was one of family, friends and good times. Not the usual stress of a wedding, and yet the most beautiful one I have ever seen. I still well up as I go through the photos I took one week ago today!

God bless you, Andy and Beth!

Photos from Our Big Week

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but what a blast! Everything has been leading up to my son's homecoming from the Middle East deployment and to my brother's wedding, complete with family reunion. I took over 700 digital photos! Yes! That's a lot of pixels! Many will hit the recycle bin, but most of them are great memories of a glorious event.

Tonight I am putting in pics of some of the kids near and dear to me.... I do have pics of all, but here's a sampling.

My son Scott with his favorite beverage --- well, one of them!

My niece Alexis and one of the pics from a photo shoot I did for her.

My grandniece Sienna waving "hello" to the wedding guests.

My grandnephew Zander --- kids and balloons guarantee great photos!

My grandnephew Dylan cutting teeth so not very cheerful, poor thing.

My niece Kelsie taunting me with a yummy DQ Blizzard.

Along with catching up on my emails and blogs I am going around and visiting every one's blogs. I feel like I've missed so much! I will also be popping in some sneak peeks of the wedding events and ceremony as I get them processed.

Thanks for stopping by!

Barb

In God We Trust

Sunday Sketch and Stamp Challenge #9 --- Maggie's Sketch

Here we are at Challenge #9 already! Many thanks to everyone who has joined us at Sunday Sketch & Stamp. We have seen some fabulous creations! I can't wait to see what we see next.

This fortnight Maggie has provided a beautiful sketch for us and we are showcasing some adorable releases from Crafts 4 Eternity. Here is my take on Maggie's sketch using the Mike and Lexi bride and groom digistamp.

I colored the image with Copics and showcased it with beautiful DP and embellies from Memory Makers' Chloe Collection. The scalloped circle is pierced with a scroll design.

And here is Maggie's sketch. I rotated it for my card. You may follow the sketch as it is, rotate it to suit your creativity, and even mirror-image. We just want to see the original sketch in your card. But be sure to include stamping!

Please come join us again this week and we welcome all newcomers with open arms!

Barb

In God We Trust

Wedding Card for My Brother and His Bride

Just a really quick post tonight to show the wedding card for my brother and his bride. I put this together in no time at all. The card stock is Papertrey Vintage Cream with a layer of shimmery card stock in between. The verse is computer-generated then encased in an embossed Mega-Nestibilities Curved Rectangle. A variety of layered flowers with pearl brad centers make this card simple and elegant.

I'll be checking back in during the next few days. Maybe with some photos!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a great week.

Barb

In God We Trust

Big Family Events Coming Up!

For the next week or so I will probably not be posting much, or making too many cards. My son is flying in tomorrow night and we will have a few days together before attending my brother's wedding. The wedding will be a big family reunion, too, as my brother and niece from Oregon will be flying in to join the family from around the Midwest.

We are all ecstatic about the wedding. I am gaining an angel of a sister-in-law and my brother is the happiest I have ever seen him.

So, if I can, I will slip in a post or two. But for sure I will find time to check in with everyone. I don't want to miss a single gorgeous creation!

Barb

In God We Trust

Inky Impressions Challenge #8 --- Recycle

This has got to be, without a doubt, the most unusual card I have ever made. But when the Inky Impressions Challenge called for recycle I took it literally (maybe too much?). But I did have fun with a couple of techniques. Nearly everything on the card is recycled.

The first piece is the Kraft paper with a very unusual pattern on it. While I was eating a slice of cantaloupe for lunch I noticed the texture of the rind. So, when I finished I inked up the rind and did some passes with Memento Tuxedo Black then a touch of red.

Secondly, I've been experimenting with pressing flowers through the Cuttlebug. I took a small red carnation, stem and all, laid it between two sheets of watercolor paper, then ran it through the Cuttlebug. I like the abstract look and that stem is really interesting.

Everything else on the card, except for adorable Lili, are leftover pieces from prior projects and lettering that I didn't plan on using anywhere.

Lili is colored with Copics: Hair YR24, YR21, Y21; Skin E000, E11; Jeans E11; Top V01, V17; Shoes W3. She seems to be imploring everyone to recycle, which is a very good idea, indeed.

Well, I hope you like my little experiment in recycling. It is pretty interesting how many everyday things have multiple uses, or can be inked up for an unusual pattern on card stock.

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to visit Inky Impressions. There are lots of fun things going on over there!

Barb

In God We Trust

Sunday Sketch and Stamp #8 --- Clare's Sketch

Here we are in August, the 8th month of 2009! And get this --- we are on Sketch #8 at Sunday Sketch and Stamp! Hmmm!

Anyway, we are thrilled with all the fabulous cards and paper crafts submitted by everyone! Many thanks to those who come back challenge after challenge, and a big welcome to the first timers. If you haven't played along yet, whatcha waitin' for? Clare has a great sketch here -- tempted yet?

And here is my card:

This cute little guy is from Stampavie. I love the little dog waiting for the drips from the ice cream cone. The image is colored with Copics and framed on a die cut using Nestibilities on my Cuttlebug. The buttons embossed trim is a Cuttlebug folder and the actual buttons are from the Basic Grey Wisteria collection. The DP is from my stash of scraps, as are the stickers spelling "friends".

I hope you like it --- and I know you will love the other designers' cards! Be sure to check those out at Sunday Sketch and Stamp. Please play along with us --- we have prizes!

Barb

In God We Trust

Calling All Winners of My Blog Candy!

Winners of my blog candy have been chosen and I still need mailing addresses. Please stop by. I'd hate to have to draw new winners.

Thanks
Barb

Whiff of Joy Challenge #41 --- Floral

It is already Thursday of this week and July is nearly over! Wow, where did the month go? But that's Ok. My son is back to the good ol' USA after 5 months at sea and will be here in 9 days! WooHoo!

In the meantime, I am keeping busy starting my stock of Christmas cards for this year. So when the Whiff of Joy Challenge #41 came along with a floral theme I thought "Poinsettias are floral!" So I am popping in one of the cards I have already finished.

Willow with a Muff is one of my favorite images and this time I kept her outfit really simple. I highlighted it with the brand new ultra pastel Copic #C00 Cool Grey. Then I painted on a coating of Shimmerz. I have also started coloring the skin with the Copic E000 Pale Fruit Pink, then I do a quick contour on the eyes with E00.

The gold mesh is from Hobby Lobby and the poinsettias are Prima flowers (I think). Anyway, they are gorgeous with a variety in a handy tin.

This was a very simple card to put together and I plan to make more. I hope you like it! And I hope you visit the Whiff of Joy Challenge blog and see all the inspired creations by the Design Team.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a glorious day!

Barb

In God We Trust

Inky Impressions 2nd Design Team Call

The first time I saw Lili and Angelica, the newest little girls from Inky Impressions, I was hooked! An instant fan! It has to be those big beautiful eyes!

When the uber-talented ladies at Inky Impressions announced the Design Team call I didn't have to give it a second thought! I would love to be part of this exciting new crew as more images are released. So, I started coloring the two images I had (I now have four and wanting more!) When I finished the images I couldn't decide which to use, so I did the obvious -- I made two cards!

Lili with the Birthday Cake

I really like this one the most of the 2 cards. Just something about the chocolate cake! (I just realized that every time I color this it ends up chocolate! hehe)

Both images are colored with Copics: E71 Champagne, RV11 Pink, Y21 Buttercup Yellow, and B95 Light Grayish Cobalt. Both cards use dp from the same DCWV stack. Die cuts are with Nestibilities.

Angelica Dreaming

This image of Angelica reminds me of when I was young, always day dreaming. Actually, not much has changed!

As part of the application for the Design Team Call, I should be posting a paper craft project that has stamping on it. I'm sorry to say that I don't have recent paper projects other than greeting cards. The cards have been my focus. I did a lot of scrapbooking for my son to showcase his Navy career, but he has those books. Please don't hold that against me as I would love to be part of the Inky Impressions Design Team!

Thank you for the opportunity to try out for the Design Team! Inky Impressions has a very promising future! The stamps are the highest quality and packaged so beautifully!

Barb

In God We Trust

Winners of My First Blogiversary Candy!!

WINNERS! WINNERS! WINNERS!

First, let me thank everyone who came by and helped me celebrate my first year blogging on Made For Keeps!! Your congrats and kind comments were so appreciated! Also, I have so enjoyed visiting your blogs and seeing more wonderful talent! I will be visiting to see more, for sure!

Now, on to the drawings. I used RANDOM.ORG to chose the winner of the box of goodies, and for each of the cards.

For the Grand Prize!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

15
Timestamp: 2009-07-28 20:24:12 UTC

Christina Hill!

Congratulations!

Card #1: Whiff of Joy Willow with Basket

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
31
Timestamp: 2009-07-28 20:26:39 UTC

Dragon Lady!

Card #2: Sarah Kay "First Kiss"

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

44
Timestamp: 2009-07-28 20:27:46 UTC

Lynn!

Card #3: Whiff of Joy: Oakley on Bench

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

37
Timestamp: 2009-07-28 20:31:09 UTC

Linanna Designs!

Card #4: House Mouse Friends and Fudge Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

32
Timestamp: 2009-07-28 20:32:30 UTC
Jacklyn Jessa!

Card #5: Angelica from Inky Impressions

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

26
Timestamp: 2009-07-28 20:33:46 UTC

Di

Congratulations to everyone! Thank you again for celebrating with me!

Please email me at madeforkeeps@gmail.com by Friday, July 31 with your postal address so I can send these goodies out to you.

Barb

In God We Trust

Whiff of Joy Challenge #40 --- Donalda's Sketch

Whiff of Joy's challenge this week features a terrific sketch by Donalda. She is a very talented designer and we can always count on a good challenge from her. All the cards by the design team are amazing, so be sure to check them out here.

I am into making Christmas cards right now in order to be prepared for the holidays. It is fast approaching and I hope to have plenty on the market in the next few weeks. So, I used Donalda's sketch and an image of Willow with a Muff for one of my holiday cards... and here it is:

This precious image of Willow was one of the first I purchased from WOJ last year. That was when my love affair with WOJ started and I am still totally hooked! When I colored this image last night I was in a pink mood so I used Copic R20 for her outfit. I love the softness of this card. Layering white and pink Constellation Jade card stock added a nice shimmer. Silver always goes so well with pink and I just bought the beautiful snowflake ribbon at Hobby Lobby. I added a delicate piece of paper doily for the snowflake look, some white mulberry paper for whimsy and a filigree disk for embellishment. Also touches of bling on the Nestie die cut around Willow. This card is going to be hard to part with!

Here is Donalda's image. Thanks, Donalda, for a wonderful sketch!

There are some very exciting things going on at Whiff of Joy! They just celebrated their first anniversary and put some new and adorable Party Animals stamps in their shop. Not to mention the Fall Stamp Kit that is still in the pre-order stage! I can't wait to get mine!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I appreciate your time and comments and love to visit your blogs, too!

Barb

In God We Trust

Inky Impressions Challenge #7 - Masking

One of my favorite things about doing challenges is learning new techniques or using techniques I haven't used before. That's what I experienced this week with the challenge over at Inky Impressions --- masking. Masking isn't new, I just haven't done much of it. I like the effect, though.

So, here is my card:

Isn't Angelica just beautiful? I stamped her image, masked it, then stamped the picket fence from Northwoods Stamps. What a perfect background for her. I colored the images with Copics, then I layered the colorful papers from S-E-I Black Orchid. Add some prima flowers and a couple of novelty brads and I have a fun friendship card.

I am crazy about these adorable girls at Inky Impressions and look forward to new images soon. Their design team is fabulous, too! In fact, there is currently a call out for new DT members. Check it all out at Inky Impressions.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I've been absent the past few days and have some catching up to do. I will actually have another post up tonight, and tomorrow I will be doing the drawing for the winner of my blogoversary goodies. I hope your week started off well!

Barb

In God We Trust