Namaste

I've been told that the literal translation of the word Namaste is "I bow to you".   I love the way Ram Dass explained its deeper meaning, so created this frameable art in My Digital Studio.   

The flowers on the corners are from the One of a Kind stamp set, which is only available digitally from Stampin' Up!.   The background was created using Hip & Handsome overlays, another digital stamp set, in Elegant Eggplant over a Perfect Plum background.

PS - someone asked how you pronounce it, I think of it as nah-mah-stay.   Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it.

Love

Just a thought for the day from yoga.   I created the sign in My Digital Studio.

Goodbye Fine Flourish

I love this smaller background stamp.   Such an absolutely gorgeous pattern that can be used in so many different ways.  Say goodbye, since it is retiring on May 31st...

These first two cards were made using the stained glass technique.  You emboss the image onto vellum then color on the back side with markers.  BTW, most of the marker colors on these cards are the 2010-2012 In Colors, so they are also "retiring soon".

Both cards also feature the Framed Tulips embossing folder.   The sentiment is from Sincere Salutations, available from Stampin' Up! only through the end of May 2012.  I thought I had put a pearl in the center of the card with the Pear Pizzazz base, but I'm not seeing it in that picture, are you?!

 The next card uses emboss resist; heat emboss the image (here with Gold embossing powder), sponge with ink in different colors, wipe clean.  Ink and cardstock in Pool Party (that is SO hard for me to type correctly!), Wisteria Wonder and Marina Mist.

CASEing myself

We all probably find ourselves using an idea we like over and over sometimes...


This sympathy card is based on the poppy card I made for the last Llama Blog Hop. I used different brads and punches for this one, and rotated the sketch.   I like the card with these punches, but I think I preferred the previous layout.   What do you think?

Stamps:  En Francais, Petite Pairs

Colors:  Poppy Parade & Pear Pizzazz, retiring soon

Punches:  Lace Ribbon Border (on sale while supplies last), Fancy Flower, Boho Blossoms, Curly Label

Embellishment:  Neutral Flower Brad, retiring soon.

I wondered how the Freinds Never Fade card I made last week would work with a new color combination.  I ended up using Wisteria Wonder with So Saffon and Melon Mambo.

This time I used the soon-to-retire Eyelet border punch and some Basic Jewels Pearls instead of ribbon.   I also colored the center of the flower with Stampin' Pastels - I love them for quick subtle color so I'm sad to see them on the retirement list as well.   Hoping for fun new products to take their place!

Interested to know which versions are YOUR favorites!

Llama swaps, part 2

More of the long-ago promised swap cards.   Most of them feature products from the Occasions Mini - these products many not be around after April 30th, so now is the time to order if you like them!   Please leave a comment if you have any questions about the products used.

From Patti

From Kath

From Margaret 

From Chris (not a llama, but very sweet all the same!)

From Stephanie

From Stephanie

From Stephanie

Happy Chanukah?

Yes, I know it's April.  But these Everyday Elegance Simply Sent kits are only going to be around for a few more weeks so I wanted to show you another idea using them.   I've already shown you Christmas and Valentines, here's one more:

This card uses the Sincere Salutations stamp set that will retire (sob!), the menorah image from Every Little Bit, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, snowflakes cut from Brushed Silver cardstock with the Northern Flurry decorative strip die (which is also on the chopping block!  order soon!), and Not Quite Navy ink and cardstock to coordinate with the Baja Breeze of the card base.

Llama swaps, part 1

This week I'm going to share some of the pretty cards I've received from my llama sisters, either in a swap or as a RAK.  Today's are all created by the lovely and talented Buffy Cooper.

Colors: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Blushing Bride

Stamps:  Petite Pairs, Fabulous Florets

Colors: Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade

Stamps:  Bordering on Romance,   Petite Pairs

DSP: Cheerful Treat

Colors:  Blushing Bride CS & DSP, Very Vanilla, Old Olive

Stamps:  Just Beleive, Elements of Style, Music Notes Wheel