What am I?.......

What am I, do you know?  My host didn't plant me, but  I am growing in her garden, heads over all her other plantings.  I look so pretty and I gather attention from passers-by.  But my host has no idea what I am - DO YOU?


I'm tall and willowy and wave in the breezes.

My Button Fairies....

I joined the Button Fairies Swap group and have to make six of them.  Here are my first two, with a Christmasy theme to them.  The others I am working on have different images.  They are really easy to make, just a little picky when attaching the buttons, but I loved making them.  They would be perfect as tree ornaments, or with a change of fairy, and addition to the edge of a picture frame.  Or perhaps with a baby image for a baby card or shower gift.  Only your imagination stops the creativity.  I used stickles sparkle glue, pearls, crystals, flowers and metal attachments to adorn my little fairies.  Again your skills can be honed into anything your mind can produce.  Go ahead and try them yourself.  They are a fun project.

Button Fairies....

I have just discovered the cutest little craft idea that I want to pass on to any of
my readers.  They are called Button  Fairies and with your imagination could be
made into Christmas ornaments, flower pot ornaments and whatever else your
mind can design.  I have posted a link here to a tutorial.  I have yet to try it but
it is on my list of to do items.  Check out this post and see for yourself.
http://artistmargaretfield.blogspot.ca/2008/04/button-fairy-tutorial.html

Summer's Coming....

It's time to show some more creations.  Summer is coming and as I look out the window, it brings gardens and butterflies to mind.  So I created these two cards, one of which I plan to use for my Mother's Day card.
The Le Jardin card is actually craft paper from Graphic 45, in which they have matched background papers with actual prints.  An easy card to create and with options to add your own accessories and bling.  This one doesn't really need a lot as the picture is quite detailed.  But I added some paper flowers and a floating butterfly.  The second card is still on the butterfly theme.  I die cut the butterflies from the same paper as the BG edging.  I cut back the front panel and added the edging to fit the size of the butterfly panel.  I stamped springs of leaves on the panel and again cut out the butterflies and put them on dimensionals.  The bodies of
the flutterers are heart shaped crystals.  The center of the two flowers have star shaped crystals as well.

Welcome to the Big Top

So here is my final swap card and my theme card.
Ringmaster is the theme and I have chosen the Big Top Tent for the back of the card.  I have used gold stickers and various crystal effects.  For extra dimension the ringmaster, ticket and the circus sign and the elephant are all raised.  I used stickles around the scallop edge of the tent.  These are 3 inches x 3 inches in size, although the picture doesn't show as a true square.  It is a great size to work with.  I am working on them daily.   But have lots of time on my hands to actually finish them.  Once these are finished I will end my swaps over the summer months and spend my time in other endeavours.
Til next time.

Royal treatment....

Well, here is the finished card for my Queen theme.  I loved this print with the little corgi's with their
royal crowns.  I embellished their crowns with a golden dot.  The Queen's crown has stickles to add
some sparkle and her royal jewel on her sash is a purple crystal.  I raised the Queen on dimensionals
and added the wreath designating her 60 years of reign.  On the backside of the card, I wanted to
show her in her natural state away from prying eyes and I would say media, but then that's how we
got these photos in the first place.  But I am sure she likes to retreat to her private space on many
occasions, without the pomp and ceremony she must portray when she puts her crown on.  Her job
is a never ending one and I am amazed that she continues on with energy, regardless of her senior
years.  God bless her.

Cabin Fever Relief

Time does fly, doesn't it?  And I keep getting older.  But I still keep on crafting.  When the better part of your retired life is centered around the home, it can get boring.  It's like having cabin fever in the middle of a snow storm.  So I join the occasional swap and exchange cards with other members of the group.  This time I have to make 2 different cards with a new size to them.  3 x 3 inches.  What a fun size to work with.  I have completed one set of five titled Soldiers.  With my card I am depicting a Canadian soldier during WWII.  The poppy background is for remembrance of the time and of those who never made it home.  The maple leaf, of course, signifies the country.  The back of the card also had to be finished, so I found this picture of Ortono, Italy and the battle that ensued between the Canadian army and the German forces.  It was a brutal battle with many casualties.  It was here that my father's regiment found themselves.  He said it was brutal and one of the most devastating combats he encountered.  The town was destroyed in the process and was fought one house at a time.  ---Now my second card isn't complete yet, but I will post it here when it is.  Keep watching.