Hi Everyone. Happy Thursday night. I am happy to report that tomorrow is Friday and it is officially the weekend come 5pm CST! And a long weekend at that :-) I am also happy to report that my SU order is finally in. It took me 2 hours refining, adding, deleting, refining again, checking, checking it again, and then I finally pressed the submit button. So, you will be seeing lots of new things in the future. I'm really excited about the new colors, stamps, etc. I even ordered some of the old stamp sets. I realized that for the card drive cards, I was really missing a few essentials – like children's birthday cards, teenage cards, etc. So, spent a little money to fill that gap.
Tonight's card introduces Bertha – she's Charlie's cousin. If you don't know who Charlie is, or didn't read my post where I introduced Charlie – check out the Hello Baby post. I made this card for the CAS-tastic challenge…. a white and blue card – with a little bit of yellow.. well, this is another one I didn't get the chance to post 🙂
Tonight's card isn't an SU stamp… In fact, there's a story around this stamp. I'd seen a stamp used in a British magazine (whilst I was looking for magazines for Trish's chemo day care package) and saw this really cute baby set with a baby in a pram. We didn't have a really cute baby set like that, so I decided to buy the one I had seen in the magazine. So, what happened? Well, 2 days after I had ordered it on the internet, the SU preview came out and…. well… you know the deal…. there was this uber cool baby set "Baby Bundles" – which I absolutely love and adore….. well… it was too late to cancel the other one. So I thought I would use the other stamp from the non-SU set. Charlie's cousin was nicknamed Bertha… why? I can hear you asking. I have no idea…. 🙂
Meet Bertha!
And here's a closeup
Isn't she just adorable? I had such fun coloring her and I used my Crystal Effects on all the bubbles and the water in the bath – although it's pretty hard to see that. Once again, I had to stamp this image 5 times before I got a relatively clean image – and it still isn't perfect as you can see from the heart in the baby bath. But, the image is so cute, that I will forgive the manufacturer of the stamp set:-)
Card recipe:
- Card stock: Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
- Inks: Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Pacific Point
- Accessories: Crystal Effects, Daffodil Delight ribbon, dimensionals
- Stamp: Non Su, sentiment "hello baby" from Teeny Tiny Wishes
- Tools: Big Shot, Polka Dot texturz plate, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Sanding Blocks
Card instructions:
- Cut Marina Mist card stock to a be a 5" square card – folded vertically.
- Yellow layer is run through the Big Shot with the square lattice folder and is 5" x 1 3/8"
- Marina Mist horizontal layer is 5" x 1"
- Adhere Marina Mist layer to Daffodil Delight layer and wrap ribbon around and tuck under the edges. Secure well with glue
- Run the Marina Mist card base through the Big Shot and the large polka dot texturz plate
- Cut Whisper White layer to 2 11/16" square – this gives the image just a little breathing room – and stamp image onto square using StazOn and a stamp-a-ma-jig
- Color using markers, ink and blender pen – whatever your favorite coloring medium is. I used Blender Pens and inks. You can see that I kept my Blush Blossom ink pad….. its THE only color for coloring bodies that I use.
- Once coloring is dry, apply crystal effects to the water areas in a fairly thick layer and allow to dry.
- The Pacific Point layer is 3" square.
Tips:
- I wanted the polka dots on the background card base to echo the water bubbles around the baby. To make the dots a little lighter in color, I used my sanding blocks to take off the top couple of layers. This really highlights the dots. and makes them feel as though they are a natural extension of the bubbles.
- The Marina Mist needed a darker blue to make it pop – and Pacific Point is the perfect accompaniment for that purpose.
- I added just a little more color to the cheek areas of Bertha, this helps to add a little dimension to her face, but I kept the coloring very light all over – just a wash really.
- IRL the card has great texture, from the square lattice embossed Daffy layer, to the raised dots, to the raised water in the bath and the bubbles. I love it when I get a card in hand and it has texture.
So, I hope you like Bertha. I have a feeling that you will be seeing a lot more of Bertha and Charlie.
On a personal note: The card drive is over. I know that Adelle and Trish have both sent me cards – so I am really looking forward to seeing those and adding them to the collection. Cherie also has more for us. We really have a fabulous selection of cards for the drive. I am really excited about it. I will be photographing more of the cards this coming weekend and will start to showcase them. Bilbo will be doing the draw tomorrow, so don't forget to come back tomorrow night to see who won the draw. I promise …. it will be very easy to spend $100 in the new catty. I know it was very easy for me to spend that… and then some!
Ann, you asked me about the next card drive…. I'm thinking that doing a drive for Christmas seems like a logical thing. So, if anyone is up for it… I'm happy to do another card drive for Christmas and to offer up another $100 shopping spree with me . I will be making cards, so would be very happy to run another drive if you guys are interested. It also gives you plenty of time. I will also be making some Spanish language Christmas cards, as maybe the Spanish speaking troops don't get catered for as much…. I will also be doing some Kwanzaa and Hannukah cards. I got both of those sets as part of SAB this year, with this in mind.
Today has been a very long day… I was presenting at 7.30 a.m. and I am NOT my best at that time in the morning, I can tell you. Tonight is a very late night – and then I have a meeting at 7am tomorrow. I REALLY need to win the lottery!
Earlier this year, I was asked to join a card swap group. I received my swap cards today… oh… boy… I cannot wait to share some of them with you. Drop dead gorgeous. Seriously, just amazing. So, I will post them for you so that you can take a peek and give you a link to the websites of the talented ladies who created them.
Oh… and talking about talent and blog links… I have to share this one with you. I am a great fan of this particular lady…. her cards always leave me awestruck…. here's a perfect example for you… you really have to go check it out – it's jawdroppingly fabulous. Oh…. and if that one isn't enough….. let's check out this beauty. Intimidating they both are… but totally inspiring.
And Trish – just for you…. I came across this talented lady from down under a couple of months ago and couldn't find her again. I saw a card that she made and really wanted to bookmark the site – but forgot… anyway, I found it again. You are going to LOVE her cards and the way she decorates the inside. Just amazing. So, pop along and check out Teneale's site – I promise you will be there for a while!
Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to give me your thoughts on the blog and how it can evolve. I am still collecting thoughts and suggestions, so if you have any others, let me have them. I will compile a list from you all and let you know what changes you can expect based on your feedback!
Before I go, I have one last pic for you tonight….. A picture of the Big Girl's Blouse Bailey….. he so loves boxes… he really gets more excited about the UPS man arriving at the door than I do… mind you… he doesn't care who arrives at the door so long as they are bringing a box!
I opened the box, turned around to get a drink of water before looking through the cards…. and what do I see… Bailey inspecting the cards. Yep… I think he approved!
Prayers as usual for Trish, Germaine, Pri, T, Arthur, Missy, Rach and Robin.
As always, thank you so much for spending a little time in my area of the stamping blogosphere. Your visits, your support, your comments – and your feedback, are greatly appreciated.
I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and if you are traveling – safe travels.
Hugs
Jaydee
10 Responses
Jaydee, about what I like to see on your blog. Hmmm… Well, I like it how it is! I like that your cards have COMPLETE recipes so people can CASE them or at least know exactly how you made the card. I also really enjoy your personal notes – what you’re doing, weather, life, etc. And I like how you always mention the gals who are commenting on your blog – makes it more than a blog – more like a group of friends that we can get to know.
As far as suggestions, don’t know that I have any major ones. I always LOVE stamping videos on blogs, but don’t know if that’s something you’d want to do or not!
The card drive was great – I’ve never sent cards to anyone before (I mean a BUNCH of cards) – I very occasionally actually SEND one of my creations to someone, not often, though! So it was a “big deal” for me to send you that box of cards. It makes me feel good that the guys and gals fighting for our country and our freedom can get use out of something I’ve made!
Hugs,
Soozie
Your card today was absolutely adorable! I love the texture and the “blueness” of it. Oh my gosh! Imagine my surprise when I clicked on the link to the jawdroppingly fabulous card and it was my card! And then I clicked on the “this beauty”! Whoa! Thank you for the day brightener, Jaydee! That was so sweet of you!
Hi All-
Adorable card Jaydee. I loved you studio sketches one as well. You have such a talent for watercoloring!
Arthur is preparing for his angiogram as I am writing this. The kids are keeping Granny busy so she isn’t worrying about it and Tony went with his dad. Thanks for all of the prayers everyone. I will let you know how things turn out.
Brenda
Bertha is a beauty! That card is just stinkin’ cute! I love it! Bailey is too! Love that picture!
Oh yes- you’re right about Ann’s & Teneale’s site! They’re so talented like you Jaydee! I have been subscribed to both of them for awhile now!
Prayers to ALL of you wonderful cyber friends who are in need of them! I truly pray for you ALL everyday! I feel like we are one big happy cyber family! Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful 4th of July!
To everyone who is in the service or has a member who is or has been I salute you! Thank you for sacrificng your life for my freedom! I truly appreciate it! Like Trish- you are HEROS too!
Oh, how cute is Bertha? :o) I LOVE the idea of another card drive. I just wish I had some alternative stamp sets language wise.
I visit Ann’s blog daily, and can see I’ll be adding Teneal to the list. :o) Thanks for the link!
My prayers for everyone, Brenda, for you and your DH today, especially. HUGS!
Soozie… your cards are fabulous! You are right.. .there is something very rewarding about making these cards – or sending these cards – knowing that it may brighten the day of someone far away from home and knowing that it will brighten the day of someone back here stateside. It truly is a little gift of creativity that keeps on giving.
Hugs
Jaydee
I just love visiting your blog Jaydee! I am sometimes in a big hurry and do not get to write much, but please know that I do visit everyday! Your card today is so cute! I have the square lattice folder on order and cannot wait to get it! I love how you used that on this card.
I will be anxious to hear how many cards you received for you card drive! Have a happy 4th!
I think Bertha is downright adorable!! That little duckie on her head is just too stinkin’ cute and I love how you did the bubbles and background! Sweet stuff 🙂
TFS the links to those great blogs, I always enjoy finding new ones to read. Your blog is always warm and inviting, like a friend inviting me in for coffee, and I personally wouldn’t change a thing!
Bertha is a little doll isn’t she! So cute. I don’t know now which one I like more! So cute.
Another card drive would be fantastic.
Lynn
Hi Jaydee, what a cute Stamp from across the Pond! I love the wonderful, sweet, light hearted card that you have made up today. The bubbles especially nice with the Crystal Effects on top of them, great choice there. I like how you sanded off some of the upper color on the Cardstock, another great choice on your part. What a lovely expression Bertha has on her face, just makes you want to smile even if you feel lousy. The color combo that you chose for this card works out fantastically well. I have to tell you a short story here…I have an old black and white photograph of me when I was about 6 months old, taking a bath in a metal tub, about the size of the one in the picture. I have a smile on my face from ear to ear and I also have both of my arms raised up in the air. The tub and I are sitting in front of an old coal burning fireplace to keep warm. Now, that brings back the old days of no central heating.
I have a quick little tip for you: the next time that a Stamp doesn’t stamp all the way, like the “heart” in this one, just take your Black Marker and go over it. No one will ever be able to tell the difference! So now, there is a hint I have given you, that is one less that I owe. hee, hee.
Thanks for the links today…I have been a subscriber to Ann’s site for quite some time. I found her quite by accident and just couldn’t believe her level of work. It is right up there with the rest of all of You great ones. Isn’t that Dragonfly just fantastic? So simple and yet it speaks volumes. I would love to have that card. Will try to duplicate it one day. I also have the Bella Toile Stamp and am trying to think of something special to make with it. Teneale’s site I had never seen before, that you so very, very much for sending us there. A true treasure of it’s own to be admired. I just looked around briefly, but I am going back to stay longer. I can’t believe the amount of time and effort she puts into decorating the insides of her Cards. Simply wonderful. Who wouldn’t love to receive a card, open it up and find the inside just as beautiful as the front? Once again, thank you very much for sharing Teneale’s Link with us.
Perhap’s you might think of having a “Share” day maybe once a month, where anyone that wanted to could upload thier favorite card, or theme card, or color combo card to your site for everyone to see. I really do wish that I had a Blog, but don’t know the first thing about it and would probably make one big mess out of it. Lol.
That’s right, Mr. Bailey, you keep right on being on top of Jaydee, and checking out everything before she get’s a chance to. He is after all the Master Inspector General! Thanks for the picture, always good for a smile and a memory.
I was thinking of Everyone today, I didn’t feel well and couldn’t sleep, so just lay awake thinking of us all. I Prayed and sent Well Wishes to All that need them at this time. I do hope that you are All able to draw on the strength and presence of the Spirit.
Jaydee, wonderful Blog entry today, thank you. May you also be Blessed with Prayers and Well Wishes along with Lou and the Fur Babies. Looking forward to the next Post…
Cyber hugs, Trish in Wisconsin