Sneak Peak

Remember my first experiment with layers in Photoshop?!
Well, if not, the image above was the first image I ever applied a texture to.
It took me forever to figure out how layers work, but once you do, it's easy peasy!

Anyway, I have been working with this TtV photo again this past weekend.
As you know Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I wanted to do something special.



I'm madly in love with these little keepsakes.....and thought, hey, someone else might
like one, too! Oh yeah, Cody helped me make the handmade envelopes to
go with them (not pictured). Clicking on the photo will take you to the
listing in my Etsy shop.


I have been very busy getting things done lately. There is a secret
that I will share about how I am finding motivation later this week.
Stay tuned! And, who knows, maybe Cody will have a post?!?!
I bet if you ask nicely he'll do one :o)

And many more................

Here is the homemade birthday card that Cody had waiting for me on my pillow when I got back from the bathroom this morning. I just knew he was up to something yesterday when I got home from work because he had the guiltiest look on his face! But either way it's an awesome card now you have to make sure that you talk like a Rastafarian when you read the card mon'!!! I really like how he did the letters by twisting strips of paper, I'm going to make him show me how to do it later. I'm hoping to get a massage today instead of waiting for the outrageous prices in Vegas, I'll definitely get more for "Cody's" money here in Boone. The weather is absolutely perfect here right now - I just love this time of year in the mountains. And today is so unbelievably clear how could we resist getting outside for a hike. I haven't done a whole lot to prepare for Vegas although over the weekend I do plan on figuring out what I'm going to take with me. I've got to keep in mind that we are only there for four days so I don't need to over do it with the over-packing. I would like to find another pair of jeans but I haven't had any luck with shopping lately. Even last night didn't produce any results.........Once I'm there it won't matter a whole lot I'm sure so there is no need for me to get worked up. I can't believe we are now only 3 days away before we whisk ourselves off to the city that never sleeps. I know that I'm going to have to give all I got to keep up since I fair going to bed early now. I'm sure it will be hard to sleep with all the excitement so I'll be able to manage. This week we called and made reservations at the restaurant that I have dreamed about eating at since I saw the ad in my guide to Vegas. It's the "Top of the World Restaurant" in the Stratosphere Hotel; our reservations are for the sunset so I'm looking forward to the amazing view during dinner. Aside from outdoor activities I think that we'll mostly be playing it by ear. I wasn't really up for an itinerary that made me feel rushed in anyway during our visit. Of course we won't get to experience everything but we'll get around - if you know what I mean. Okay, I suppose that I've had enough lazing around the house it's time for me to figure out the plans for the day since it's my BIRTHDAY!!!!

Card Concoction

I try to do constructive things during the week once I get home from work. Aside from cleaning up which really isn't all that fun but I still have to wash dishes sometimes, check the mail, make the bed, etc. Not that Cody doesn't do his fair share or anything I'm just a stickler when it comes to keeping this in order. If I go without making the bed it will somehow alter my mood entirely, even if I don't have to look at it. Somehow my internal system just know that the bed is a mess and there are dishes left in the sink. I am more motivated to do things when the house is decently clean. In the recent past I was probably considered to have OCD but I've gotten a lot more relaxed. Especially since being in the mountains!
Can I be any more off subject right now?! Okay, so I was just showing you the cards I have made this week. The ones above are from a design on a photo box that I have which gave me the idea to put it on a card. It looked cool to me that's all. I took me a while to do just two. I've got to figure out easier ways to cut things out. Cody suggested a die-cutting machine after doing a little research. I have vowed not to buy any of these new supplies until AFTER Vegas though. And it's killing me cause there are some really neat papers and stamps that I have been looking at in the Walmart. haha But I'll be patient, I'll wait...........
The card below is a Quail that I found in an ad that I thought looked cool. Maybe you can see the little square above the actual card with the logo. On my board I drew the Quail out by hand then I cut out each piece so that I could use it to trace out on the color paper. It ended up being slightly longer than the card but o well if it won't fit into a regular envelope! I really liked the end result either way. Although it may not be finished after I let it sit for a while. That seems to be my problem though big time - I started this tree a couple weeks ago taking my first stab at "Art Journaling" and I haven't finished it yet. I keep thinking that it's missing something......
Anyhow, I'm super excited that it's finally FRIDAY although it's all gross and rainy outside right now. Tonight Cody and I are going to travel down the mountain to go to the mall. I'm on a mission to find some cute tops to wear for Vegas!! And I did go to the piddly mall here but found only one shirt that I liked; hopefully I will have more luck in a "real" mall. It's been a while since I've gone shopping, I don't enjoy it as much as I used to. But that's just because I'm cheap and try my best to save more than I spend. That's a good thing though.

Maxing & Relaxing

So, my first day of 5 days off............I've spent most of the morning attempting to be productive and do some of the things I've been thinking about doing since the beginning of the week. I also did some boring cleaning but not too much. I started out with my first try at Art Journaling, I have the page pretty much laid out but I have yet to get any sort of sticky supplies to put the collage together. I decided that what I wanted to do was a tree of sorts and I cut it out with my cheapo exacto knife. The rest, well, once I'm done I may share............I also made a couple cards for a few people that I have been thinking about lately - I hope that they will put a smile on their faces. Here is one that I did for a very dear friend whom I know loves this picture that I took in the Red River Gorge last year in May. I have all sorts of stuff just lying around that should be put to good use. I can't think of anything better than being able to brighten someones day with a simple card. I know that is surely does the same for me when I'm on the other end.