Test Model

Annie was a test model today for Mr. B's lighting system. We are getting ready for the Itatani family reunion pictures. Of course to get Annie to sit still, there is a tennis ball being held off camera. 
It will be a busy weekend and looking at my calendar, it will continue to be that way for a long time.  I will be starting my beginning stamping classes next month. It's been a few years since I've taught a class. Looking forward to getting the creative juices flowing. 

Super Simple Easter Card

One of the cards we will be making in class tomorrow. Super simple and a great way to use up all those washi paper scraps!

My office space

My Office Wall

This is one of my walls in my office. I love having handmade art and family photos around me. Helps keep things moving forward.
Mr. B out did himself for my birthday. Thoughtful gifts (XL canvas photo of Annie), silly gifts, surprised gifts, hike on the beach and a wonderful dinner. Really made the day special for me. I'm one lucky woman.

Finally getting little yard work done!

When I moved into my little studio I knew I had to make a little garden space. Well, after 10 months, I finally got my little patio area. I live up in the hills, so everything had to be level, still it only took one day to do. Looking forward to planting some deer proof plants and making a stone bench. Almost ready for a summer!

High speed camera

Dating a guy with a high speed camera can only mean I will be posting a whole lot more photos. This was one of Barry's favorite photos. Life it good and I'm one very happy woman.

Christmas photo 2012

I've wanted a Christmas photo of me and Annie ever since I got her as a puppy.  Mr. Barry finally made my wish come true.  It took over 100 shots with a high speed camera to get this picture. Annie just knows when I want to take a picture and starts to ham it up with her tennis ball. There was a whole lot of wrestling going on to get her to stand still. 

Card Class - November

One of the cards I will be doing for my class down at the Wellness Center. Still going with the old school techniques. Simple cards with lots of interest, the way
the ladies like it.

Hiking Mt. Whitney

I am putting together an older woman's group (40 and over) to hike Mt. Whitney sometime next year. If you're in the area, we will start training together by walking and doing core work. The exercise class is being tailored just for our group and will move at our pace. Two months before we leave for the hike, we will start our practice hikes carrying full backpacks. Once or twice a month will we have field trip hikes to the different trails around the Bay Area.

You don't have to be in top shape to start out, we will get you there before the hike. I know for many woman having a goal to work towards and others to share the journey with helps. So don't be afraid to join us!

Quick Card Class

Masking & Sponging

I did promise to post more samples from my Quick Card classes. It feels like my life is on full throttle, with the gas pedal all the way down on to the floor. Work as been super busy and all the side projects to rebuild my life, just keep me hopping.
For the current set of card classes, I've gone back to the old school techniques. We did some sponging and masking. Very old school but a great way to use the products you already have at home. The butterfly card used two colors I would never have put together - Pinterest!

Masking

Sponging

Crazy Color Combo

Quick Card - Sort Of......

Memory Box Tree Die and Leaf Die

This was suppose to be a quick card for my class here at the center. The Memory Box tree die is a pain to cut out in one good piece. I was lucky that one of the ladies came in early and help punch them out. It was great to use up some very "vintage" scrapbooking paper I have in my stash. I don't know how this paper made it through the great big purge when I sold my house but it did.

Simple Butterfly Punch Card

This was one of the cards I had the ladies make for my monthly card class here at the center. Last month we made some watercolor backgrounds using twinkling H2O paints. I saw a card on Pinterest (great site if you have not visited it yet) and CASE it. Very simple card to make. The butterfly punch is one of those you can get for dollar. Less if you can find one at a used rubber stamp sale. You can't tell by looking at the card but I punched the butterfly out on white card stock, then punch the butterfly out. I punch the watercolor background with a circle. Gives it a much cleaner look. Center one is popped up.

Just a little update

Rare photo of me sitting at my desk

More card projects coming up soon, I promise. Things have been crazy in my life this past month. Design time has once again taken a back sit to other life issues. I've done some private design work but it's not mine to be able to post.
There isn't enough time in the day as I try to live life to the fullest.
Several challenge have been checked off my list and still moving forward to a more positive future.
The new budget at work was passed last week so work life is good.