Life Moments with Rita

Heartfelt Thanks...

 

A simple thank you for everyone who stopped by and left encouraging comments! My first PTI blog hop was filled with inspiration and support. 

For those who come by again...here's another card I made recently: Birthday Wishes

One of these days I'll learn how to take better photos...until then enjoy the sun (and ignor the shadows). 
 
  
  

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

Thanks for hopping by!  Why did I decide to make this my first blog hop? Because I FELT like it! I know...bad pun. Sorry! Here are my "fun with felt" projects: A boardbook that features Dotty Biscotti pattern paper, a simple "Heartfelt Thanks" card, and a little tealight party favor. Enjoy!

This "Hello Spring" boardbook is for my niece. Each page features a different color of the Dotty Biscotti pattern paper. The "from-my-stash" bunnies are attached with Velcro so that they can be detached when we hop through the pages together, reading about monarch butterflies, flowers, spring babies, and more. Each page has felt that the Velcro adheres to....making our storytime very interactive. (Yes....after I took the photo, I fixed the "O" in the title....aarg!)

I found the tealight project idea on Splitcoast. After making a few of these for an upcoming party, I thought about ways to use felt for this cute little favor. This one was my first attempt using felt in addition to pattern paper...not perfect, but...sooo much fun!

A simple "Heartful Thanks" to everyone at PTI for their fabulous products and neverending inspiration, as well as all of you who hopped by today. Happy Spring...enjoy the hop!
 
 

Remember Me?

 
 

Dropping back into blogworld to say hello! Here's a Click Simple template from Papertrey that I just can't stop making. One day soon I hope there is a die cut for this cutie who has been a hit with everyone "she" meets. What is it about animals that make them so hard to resist? I've made many variations of this card in all colors, but the Hawaiian Shores is my favorite!

Just because I have been MIA in blogland does not mean I haven't been stamping. I just don't always get around to photographing and uploading my creations. For those of you who are checking in today, I have two more cards to share...ENJOY!

What is it about Ripe Avocado that keeps calling my name? I seem to be reaching for this color and pairing it with everything! It must be all that fresh-cut grass and sunshine...LOL! (Anyone from MN knows we've had cold, rainy, dismal days. Somehow making spring-colored cards makes the dark gray days bearable.)

Papertrey's new stamps and coordinating dies are making me so happy! I am a die-cutting fool these days. Here's the Enjoy the Ride card I recently made. LOVE this car!

Back to stamping...

On the Wings of Christmas...

 

 

These holiday houses were inspired by Nichole's birdhouse project.

Three bird-loving friends are receiving these sweet surprises! Inside the wrapped gifts behind the houses...that classic musical, "Bye, Bye Birdie" with Anne-Margaret.

Happy Holidays!

 

Nurturing Today...

A little notepad for capturing the blessings of the day...

Remembering that...Today is all we need to nurture.
  

Take Note...

 

Drumroll, please...I'm back to blogging with some fun notepad projects! Papertrey's new Take Note stamp set and notepads are so addictive. I love being able to just play with all the possibilities. For a fun book list pad for logging scary stories, I made "Spooky Books to Read" using a fall leaf stamp (from my stash) and Papertrey goodies: Take Note stamp set, one of the PTI Halloween stamp sets, Orange Zest cardstock, Autumn pattern papers, orange zest ribbon and button, and twill. Too cute!

 

A peek inside..."Open if you dare..."

 

I also made a Holiday Planner...

I love those mittens! And that velvet soft white ribbon...and gemstones. PTI rocks!

Off to make some more...Happy Stamping!

 

Gifted

 Dedicated to the talented women

who generously shared creations on the

May Blog Hop at Papertrey!

You are all truly GIFTED! What an inspiration you are!

Missing You

Dear Dad,

It's been three years...I miss you every day. It's hard to say good-bye...

Your loving daughter,

Rita

Happy Spring is Just the Thing...

 Happy Spring is just the thing...I needed today!

Out enjoying a beautiful day...

Hope you are doing the same!

Happy Spring!

 Happy Spring...with a little bling!

Dedicated to my friend, Jane...

Shed off winter and get set for new life! Spread your wings!

With Age Comes Wisdom...I Hope!

The first challenge issued by PTI's Designing Women inspired this card. It features an animal stamp and two designer papers. Most of its ingredients are PaperTrey, unless otherwise noted.

Ingredients:

Stamps: (Great Impressions) Wise Owls (E644) With Age  (E647)

Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate

Designer Papers: Text background paper is from the Chocolate Remix collection; The dotted paper is from the Pink Patterns collection.

Ribbons: Dark Chocolate and Aqua Mist

Buttons: Vintage/White and Cream collection

Inks: Dark Chocolate and Fresh Snow

Opague Markers (used on the ties): Martha Stewart

 

Dedicated to...My Dad...not a day goes by, without thoughts about you!

 

Invitation to Tea

When I saw the PTI stamp set, Tea for Two, I knew it was going to be on my Must-Have list because it made me think about one of my favorite books, Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery. I couldn't wait to make a card with the beautiful tea kettles.

Here's are the Ingredients for this card...

Stamps: PaperTrey Ink stamp set, Tea for Two...Steep, stir, enjoy...Tea Time and the tea kettle.

Papers: All from PaperTrey...Cardstock: True Black and Spring Moss; Designer Paper: Everyday Blessings

Inks: Archival Ink (Jet Black/From Ranger); PTI Palette (Fresh Snow); VersaMark Dazzle (Champagne/From Tsukineko)

Ribbons: Black, dash, grosgrain ribbon from Michaels; White lace ribbon is "Love Assortment" Boutique Trims from Doodlebug Design Inc.

Other Tools: Crayola Jade Green Colored Pencil; Glitter Marker from Martha Stewart; Tacky tape; Pop dot adhesives

STEEP...STIR...and ENJOY!

Blog Hop?

Hopping Along with My Blogging Skills...Is it time to Celebrate?

Giving birth to a blog is a reason to celebrate, right? I love the spring colors in this card I made in early March. I was anxious for winter to end...and spring to begin! I was also experimenting with copics (still am a beginner in that realm as well)...while I was making birthday cards for nieces and nephews. This card ended up in my "extras" pile. As I was looking for my first-official-card to post on my new blog, I decided this one was perfect! It shows that I am still a beginner in many ways...but I can celebrate each hop I make along the path! Now...where's that ice cream?

Papertrey Ink-spirations...

In the midst of real life and learning all-things-tech with blogs and digital cameras, I have been creating cards and gifts with my new favorite paper craft materials from Papertrey Ink. Today I reorganized my craft studio/office to make room for a Papertrey Zone: paper, ribbons, buttons, inks, timeless templates, and stamp sets.

Check out the Designing Women from PaperTrey in the links to the left! And if you get a chance, send a special congratulations to Peggy who received some good news today!

Back to the craft table so that I can start posting my creations "ink-spired" by Papertrey products and the brilliance of Designing Women!

Patience is a Virtue...right?

"The expert in anything was once a beginner."

This quote has been my mantra as I take this journey into web-world. There is so much to learn! Most importantly, I have to be patient with myself as I explore how to get everything in place. I am learning...how my new digital camera works, how to take "decent-but-may-not-be-perfect" photos, how to upload and post card photos on this blog, and how to fine-tune the blog's "bells and whistles" by exploring TypePad's site.

As I work through this process, I have come to appreciate the blogs I visit regularly. My admiration for those who have traveled this path before me...has grown leaps and bounds! Your brave, patient, and persistent efforts are the inspiration I need to keep to the path. Thank you!

Kodak Moments

In between work commitments, family commitments, and crafting projects...I've been learning how to get this blog in shape and begin photographing, uploading, and posting pics of cards and gifts I've created. So much to do...So little time...I'll just keep taking it step-by-step. Hopefully by next week you'll be able to see my "Kodak moments" of craft projects! That's the goal!

A Whole New World

When you venture beyond the comfort of home, you discover a whole new world! Scary? Yes...but today I learned...it is so worth it! I've already met some wonderfully supportive women who welcomed me with open arms and encouraging words. To them I say...THANK YOU...I don't feel so scared anymore. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Another First

I just participated in my first blog hop with Papertrey Ink. The amazing talent and creativity out there in craft world is stunning. Someday my "prints" will come...and I will be ready to post pics. Off to see the wizard to learn more tech skills...

Ready to Learn

This new world of blogdom is like landing in Oz. New colors...so much to see and learn. I hope I'm ready for this adventure...and I really hope that friendly faces are ready to greet me and help me find my way on this virtual yellow brick road. I wonder where it will lead...