RWS: Inspired by Vicky!
Hello again! No trouble finding the Penny Black blog today! I just followed the trail of this past week’s guest designer, Vicky P. I have been a fan of Vicky’s work for a long time and always enjoyed her Sunday videos. I can hear the background tune in my head as I write this.
Penny Black keeps the blog interesting and inspirational with the many guest artists that share their work. I am honored to follow Vicky with the cards I made inspired by her designs.
Vicky has treated us to a shaker card using the Winter Song slapstick stamp. I, too, made a shaker card, sandwiching wooden snowflakes and clear sequins behind a piece of acetate sewn to my circular image. I find that stitching layers together instead of using foam tape prevents the sequins from becoming stuck in the tape. Because Vicky’s red bird is so striking, I added a red bow to my card for that splash of color.
When it is not necessary for die cut words to be bright white, I discovered that I like using watercolor paper for diecuts. It is thicker than regular cardstock and adds a bit of depth and texture.
Note to self: Next time be sure to leave an opening to insert snowflakes and sequins when stitching up the circle. This will save time and frustration and you won’t scare the dog!
Vicky’s second card is a lovely snow and tree scene. Since I haven’t mastered the art of background snow, my winter scene is this:
I’ve colored a piece of watercolor paper using Distress inks and the distressing tool. I then stamped the image with black VersaMark ink. This stamp makes it appear as if I’ve spent hours creating this scene. I love how the different colors end up being featured and look as if I planned their placement.
I saw a little billboard on Facebook the other day that said, “I wish I could Google-search for things in my house.” It’s been a crazy week for misplacing items and a Google search could have helped.
One little guy that went missing was the kitty from the transparent set Frosty Fun. One moment he was on my desk and the next he had disappeared! Because I was certain he was nearby, I searched through all the mess every item on my desk, checked the bottoms of stamp pads, and crawled on my hands and knees under the desk to make sure it wasn’t there. Finally, I gave up and used a different kitty image for my project, but I was going crazy wasn’t happy about losing that kitty.
Well, later that day as I was preparing dinner in the kitchen, Mr. RWS came into the kitchen to “help” and suddenly let out a little sound indicating he had something stuck on the bottom of his foot. Yes, it was my kitty!! Evidently it rode into the kitchen on the bottom of my sock but stuck itself onto the hardwood floor just in time for Mr. RWS to step on it in his stocking feet! It could not have happened if we had planned it!
Worse than losing that kitty, is my experience while shopping last week for a sweater or two to wear on our trip to Wisconsin. After a couple of hours of shopping, I thankfully got behind the wheel of our car for the return trip home. Out of habit, I checked my ears to make sure both earrings were still in place and then moved my fingers up a bit to check for both hearing aids (hearing loss runs in our family) and to my utter shock discovered the right one was missing!
Well, I spent the next hour and a half retracing my steps and leaving my name and phone number at the stores I had visited. I was so frustrated and angry with myself for not checking immediately after trying on clothes. After walking what seemed like miles and no luck finding my hearing aid, I sadly headed home. Mr. RWS was very understanding and comforting when he met me in the driveway. But we had to hurry to get to the vet’s to pick up Cooper who had been there all day after a teeth cleaning procedure.
I ran into the house to quickly change into different shoes, and then almost caused poor Mr. RWS to have a heart attack as I was yelling out to him. I was shouting in absolute joy and surprise … there on the dresser was the missing hearing aid! I hadn’t lost it; I had forgotten to put it in!!
Now, I would be worried about possible dementia after an episode like this, but this is so typical of me throughout my life. If anything was lost or missing in our family, you could be sure I had been involved. There are still a couple of items on my missing in action list and I will keep you posted.
Vicky was so creative to hang ornaments and a Christmas stocking from the diecut sentiment. I used the Jingle creative die to provide a place for hanging snowflakes. Those large dies make a statement and it doesn’t take much to finish the card.
I used the slapstick stamp Tree Lined to imitate Vicky’s linear, red and white color combination card. I love it that the trees are all lined up for me and I don’t have to struggle lining up images or sentiments.
As I write this column, I am home creating some Christmas Magic for the family gathering in Wisconsin (or is that dust?). The gifts are purchased and packed in a carry on suitcase that was bought as a gift for my daughter. Since she arrives the day after we do, she won’t see it until it is wrapped and under the tree. It was the best way I could think of to get her gift to Wisconsin. Our second carry on will be filled with containers of the traditional stuffed rolls and Puppy Chow treats.
As you read this column, I am in Milwaukee with two of my sons, my daughter in law and daughter and granddaughter Evelyn Rose and little baby Jack who I am seeing and holding for the first time. We are having an early Christmas and will be in our own home for the actual holiday.
My thanks to Vicky P. for the week of inspiration her cards provided. And my thanks to Penny Black for sharing their blog and allowing me to run with my scissors. Also, my thanks to all of you for sharing time with me
And what better way to share the spirit of Christmas than this amazing photo of Evelyn Rose as she anticipates her second Christmas:
And baby Jack who will most likely sleep through his first Christmas:
And of course, Cooper sends his best wishes for a Merry Christmas, too:
I wish all of you who celebrate Christmas a holiday of peace, love and contentment. May you take time to enjoy the fruits of all the work spent preparing a special holiday for your friends and family. Finally, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Shop for today’s featured Penny Black supplies:
- Stamps: 40-339 Winter Song, 40-340 Etched Branches, 40-350 Tree Lined
- Creative Dies: 51-058 Joyous Wishes, 51-069 Together, 51-084 Jingle, 51-066 Crystal Trio, 51-067 World of Wishes
- And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter!
Merry Christmas, Mr and Mrs RWS and Cooper. I think it will be lovely for you all and for heavens’ sake, don’t lose your hearing aids, earrings, husband or dog!
As always lovely cards. Thank goodness Mr. RWS is there to rescue you occasionally. Love your pictures of your family, so cute!!!! Merry Christmas.
Copper is a real ham, isn’t he? And your granddaughter is just beautiful, not to mention sweet and adorable. Have a wonderful holiday season, Judy, and thank you for your delightful columns. I enjoy them all.
Love your cards, but enjoy reading your column even more. Merry Christmas to you and Mr. RWS.
Hihi I love reading about your antics during the week.Here is the memory that fails and that can be quite embarrassing at times Oh ja. Enjoy the holidays and have a lovely time with the family. Your grandchildren are so cute, Merry Christmas and a Happy crafting New Year !
Thanks so much for all you share – cards, adventures, lovely grandchildren! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Miss Judy I completely understand the losing things. I really wonder about myself sometimes! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. And I love your monochromatic shaker card with the red bow!!
Super super cute cards and I love your take on playing off Vicky’s cards. Good job. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this post. There were several good tips there, including the one about the hearing aid. (I think these will be in my future…). Loved the grandchildren photos too. Simply adorable. Hope you all enjoy the holiday!
Merry Christmas, my friend! Enjoy your time with family. I enjoyed your fun post as I always do, and love your take on Vicki’s cards. Sending hugs to Evie and Jack and to Gramma, too!
BEautiful cards and inspiration!
Such a pleasure each Saturday to know that your post is waiting for me with all the lovely cards you’ve created. I believe you’ve channeled Vicki P, beautifully. I’m very relieved that I’m not the only one who “loses” things while sitting at my desk. Wishing you a stellar holiday with your gorgeous family,..Merry Christmas.
Love you, Judy! That’s it, that’s all, just love you! ♥
Ah, Judy, you ALWAYS delight! I find a smile on my face every time I read your entry. Great ‘lift’ of Vicki’s fabulous cards, too. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas season!
Merry Christmas to you and your family and those beautiful grand children….and to Cooper, too! Loved your post and the wonderful cards you created.
Oh my goodness, I actually chuckled out loud ( several times) reading this post:) LOVE your creations today, so beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family:)
Reblogged this on Spreading Sunshine with Paper & Ink and commented:
A hilarious post from Vicky!….
Loved your cards–Vicky inspired several of my cards this week.
Merry Christmas Mrs. RWS…and you too Mr. RWS and Cooper! What fun cards today! You did such a great job of following the fabulous Vicky this week. Hope you are having the most wonderful time playing with those babies. hugs!!!!
just found your webpage via youtube and i love your blog, thank you very much for sharing
Another awesome post Judy!
Your cards are wonderful, as usual. I don’t know how to say “Thank You” for all the fun and beauty you have shared with us this year. You have probably guessed that I am Cooper’s biggest fan, and I so appreciate that you always include a picture of him in each week’s post. Enjoy your beautiful and blessed grandchildren, and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.
Thank You for this wonderful post dear Judy!
YOur card are beautiful and always inspiring and I enjoyed your family pictures as well 😉
You have a beautiful family!!
Gorgeous cards and adorable grandkids. Thank you for sharing all your gorgeous creations and entertaining stories. I thoroughly enjoy hearing of the RWS family antics and seeing Cooper each week. Have a wonderful and save Christmas.
I know you’re having a wonderful time with your family, Judy–look forward to seeing pictures! LOVE your fabulous cards &, as always, you made me laugh. Maybe there’s hope I’ll find my missing clear rose stamp one of these days–LOL! Beautiful children & adorable Mr. Cooper! Have a blessed holiday & hope your travels go without a hitch.
Thanks for sharing your talents and pics of your favorite members of the family! Have a blessed Christmas and a wonder-filled new year!!
TFS your wonderful creations and your woes….we can all relate in some way! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Jan
Your story brought out-loud chuckles to me. They good enough to read in a book…. (wink, wink).