Rita's Country Creations

A Valentine Tag

2012-01-29T11:15:00.001-06:00

I made this tag for a Valentine swap I am in…and I must admit I really do like it. I love the colors..I used soft browns and blues over the red and pink. I love this saying…I have it in my Arthaven displayed and love it.

Altered Frame and Card

2012-01-27T14:02:00.001-06:00

I made this altered frame and card for a very special lady. It will be on its way in tomorrows mail. I usually make the shadow box frames, but decided on this one I wanted to just alter it as it was…and no shadow box. I must admit it was really fun to work with and I love the way it turned out. I used my stamping set I bought from Our Daily Bread Designs . I love this blog and their stamps are just awesome. I also used some flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts. Two of my very favorite sites to order from. I use to make the flowers from Penny Duncan’s files, but sometimes with my hands hurting, I find it hard to work the flowers like they should be.

I am off to start working on another special project. Hubby is working this weekend…as usual…so this is my time to play with paper…my very favorite thing to do.

A Valentine Art Day

2012-01-20T18:54:00.001-06:00

I created these for a few swaps I am in…The first one was a Valentine card with a coordinating envelope…I love pink..and hope my recipient does too….although I know her favorite color is blue.

This is the Valentine Hangie I made for a swap. I was to use red, gold and lace…and I did all of this. This is headed out to my recipient also. I love the little borders I found at Hobby Lobby…they seem to just set the card off.

And this is for the ATC swap…We had to use a heart somewhere on the ATC…and I did this also. I truly do love making ATC’s….at first I didn’t care for them, but I really like them now.

On another note…Romeo is now chicken soup…he attacked my Jacob for the second time and this was not going to happen again. So Gary shot the bugger. I have little holes in my patio screen where he tried to get in after me. No one knows what it is like to go check your mail carrying a broom unless you have been attacked by a mad white rooster…and it wasn’t a fun moment. Jacob says Poppy shot the feathers off the bad chicken. We feel a little more comfy around the farm now. And he isn’t missed one bit.

Romeo the Rooster

2012-01-04T14:41:00.001-06:00

I live on a farm…45 acres of God’s country. Or so I thought until this Rooster came upon us one day while my husband was working in the barn. He just appeared. We do have some distant neighbors who have chickens…so we thought he would wander back their way later that afternoon. NOT…he has been around for about three weeks. In my opinion…three weeks too long. I was outside a few days ago and was attacked by this rooster…he chased me down and I barely got in the patio door before he was jumping at the door trying to get at me. I hit my elbow and bruised it…hit my head on the side of the door…not to mention the near heart attack I nearly had. I am being held captive in my own home…due to fear of getting out and Romeo running after me. My dear friends have named him Romeo..since one of my friends decided Romeo only wants to make me his woman…NOT!!! I can’t get wood for the fireplace because he keeps watch for me to come out so he can chase me down again and hang on to my pant leg. He has hit the patio door several times trying to get at me. One of my friends sent links to how to get rid of this critter. I share these links with my husband – Gary and he only giggled. He thinks this is funny. I don’t. I want the dang rooster gone. This big mean bird has it out for me. Sooo…today my son Brandon ( who by the way has been attacked by this rooster also ) has decided he will catch him in a trap and and and…we don’t know after that….Gary doesn’t want to kill him….( I do ) chicken soup sounds pretty good right now. I told my son to take him back down the road to the place where the hens are…he can choose a woman from them….not me. So we will see if we can catch him and move him to another farm.

So if you have been wondering about me…this is why I haven’t been around..I have been on the run…or held captive in my own home.

New Blog Layout

2012-01-01T20:15:00.002-06:00

I am starting the New Year off with a new blog layout. With blue being my favorite color..this one really suits me to a T.
Happy New Year to all my blogging friends and those who just stop by for a quick visit.

An Altered Frame

2011-12-19T17:53:00.001-06:00

My son asked me to make an altered frame for one of his co-workers in a Christmas gift exchange. I struggled with this for days. I wanted to use her name in this and decided after lots of thinking on it, that I would use her name. I looked the name up and it said “who resembles God”. I thought this would be perfect.

My son came today to pick it up and just loved it. It always means so much to me when one of my sons admires the art I created. Matthew is taking this tomorrow for his exchange and will let me know how his co-worker liked it.

So what do you think of this altered frame I made?

Christmas once again….

2011-12-15T11:17:00.001-06:00

I made four more cards…to share with you. I really like using the embossing folders. I have had these for quite some time and had rarely used them. I am also loving the color white with my cards. The poinsettia is made from svg file from Penny’s blog. Ih ave had these little christmas tree brads and used them also.

The trees I used on this card is a graphic I had and printed it on Shrinky Dink and then added it to this card.

A Christmas Card

2011-12-14T13:30:00.001-06:00

I have been working on some cards and it is taking me longer than I expected….lol…too many interruptions. I have a couple I did finish and wanted to share them with you. I used the foil on one of my cards and love this. On the other one, I used a stamp I bought from a dear friend and I love this stamp.

Wow…its been too long

2011-12-07T18:37:00.001-06:00

since I last posted to my blog. I hadn’t realized it had been so long. I made this card for a friends birthday…this will be going in the mail this week. I love seeing cards done all in white. I thought I would try my hand at one and I do like this one. I plan to work on a few more.

White always seems to elegant and soft to me. I am still working on my Christmas cards…this seems to be taking longer than I would like.

Happy Sunday

2011-11-13T17:38:00.001-06:00

I am in a swap where we are to make a handmade Christmas ornament… I had some Shrinky Dink and wanted to use this for my ornament. So I found my graphic and printed it on my shrinky dink paper and then baked it. I then embellished Mrs. Gingerbread and now I have my Christmas ornament. I am really pleased with how nice it turned out. I first used my Heating Gun to shrink the shrinky dink, but I didn’t care for the finished product. So I then used the oven and it shrinks it all at one time.

This little lady will be put in the mail this next week and sent off to my swap partner…so she can hang this on her tree for the holidays.

Thank You

2011-11-11T09:39:00.001-06:00

I have had these papers for quite some time and have never used them….so I pulled them out and put this Thank You card together. I am working on a few thank you cards so I can send them to my friend Shirley…who takes them to the cancer patients. She also takes journals for the cancer patients. This is something she started quite some time ago and it is an ongoing project. I wanted to contribute to this cause, so I have started making some thank you cards and have plans to work on a few journals also. These journals mean so much to the cancer patients…they can keep reminders in them…keep medication notes, Dr notes, personal notes or even their progress.

After a few more of thank you cards…they will be making their way to Shirley. Others have started doing this because of Shirley…and this has touched so many hearts. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful cause…you can email Shirley at SRCattle@aol.com . She will be more than happy to give you details on how you can be a part of this.

Happy Anniversary to my parents

2011-11-08T16:04:00.001-06:00

My parents anniversary is November 12th…they will have been married for 56 years. I made this anniversary card for them. My mother is from England and my dad is from Kentucky. My dad was in the Air Force stationed in England when he met my mother. They married and traveled the world while my Dad was in the Air Force. Now they are retired and living in Texas… Sometimes I am amazed at where life takes one.

I loved the colors of this card…what do you think?

Give Thanks

2011-11-01T13:59:00.001-05:00

I made this card for a swap I am in…and I must say I really like it. I don’t usually make 6x6 cards…but I did on this one and I really like the extra room I have to work with.

Ok…off to work on some Christmas projects I keep meaning to get to. It seems as though the Holiday season is approaching much faster than I am ready for.

Thank You

2011-10-29T17:42:00.001-05:00

I made this for a swap and the colors to use were blue brown and the letter b..so I used my CuttleBug…and added some flowers…oops I mean Blossoms….lol. I like the way it turned out if I say so myself. I added the silver Thank You and now it is a nice little thank you card.

Now on to see what else I can do. I now have my own Craft Room and am truly loving it. If I had it my way…I would probably be in here all day…lol.

Leaves..leaves…leaves

2011-10-29T15:12:00.001-05:00

I love the different colors of leaves in the Fall. From where we live we can see down to the creek and we have so many different kinds of trees that the leaves are so colorful. I love looking at this change of the season. This card is a fall card with the theme being leaves. I think I one of my favorite trees is the Oak tree…those leaves are just beautiful. Fall is one of my favorite seasons.

A Crafty Week

2011-10-27T16:33:00.001-05:00

I had made these cards a few days back. They are for a couple of swaps I am in…and I loved the outcome of the Twisted Double Easel card. That was a challenge, but one I enjoyed. I think I will be making one of these again. I also love doing ATC’s. I haven’t done them in a while and after doing this one..I found that I had missed making them.

My dog Peanut my son gave me…was killed by a big black dog….I was devastated…but Gary bought me a little red dachsund…and I adore her. She reminds me of my Chelly. I still have sad days…and more sad ones that I would like, but Cookie…..has captured my heart. She is a mini doxie…and so sweet. Losing a pet is so hard…my pets are truly a part of my family. And I take losing one very hard.

A dreary day today…so it is a craft day…and my Rangers play tonight…and I am hoping for a BIG win. I know they can do it. Baseball is my sport.

Off to browse some blogs and get some great inspiration.

My post it note card

2011-10-12T16:08:00.001-05:00

I had seen where my friend Paula made a post it note card and I loved it. I wanted to try my hand at it and asked her where she found the tutorial and she shared it with me HERE. The instructions are very easy and you can see the pictures posted as you take each step. I made mine simpler just to see how it was put together and next time I will go into more detail on my front card.

I really enjoyed making this. I think they would make cute little Christmas gifts…what do you think?

For my sweet friend Paula

2011-10-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

Paula made me a beautiful tote designed special for me…with my name on it. I was so thrilled when it arrived. I use this tote everyday. The personalization on it just makes me feel so special. The card and tag was amazing. Everything was matching. If you would like to see what Paula made for me…Go HERE. So in return I offered to make a frame for her. She gave me a few of her favorite verses and I chose this one…I loved it as well…and went to work on making this special for her. I like it. Her favorite colors are pink and green….lol..you can tell from her blog. By the way I love her blog as well…makes me feel peaceful. Okay…so below is the frame…NO PEEKING Paula….!!!

I used the frame for the phrase from Penny Duncan files. The flowers I had ordered from Wild Orchids in UK. I had been making my own…but when I was under the weather, I was struggling a bit with making them myself…so my friend Paula….told me where she got hers and off to order I went. I love the flowers from this company…and they ship fairly quick also coming from the UK.

Anyway…I just wanted to share this latest creation with you. Now I am off to clean up the mess I made…which was a big one..but oh so much fun.

A busy little bee in the country

2011-09-26T14:44:00.001-05:00

This is for my Cuttlebug swap. I use one of my very favorite folders. And then added some pink blossoms which really matches the background paper. This has already been mailed out to my swap partner..and she should have it by now.

This swap was for the colors blue, brown and cream. Some of my favorite colors. I love the blue color on this card. This is my Fall swap. I really enjoyed making this one….especially since it got me into the Fall mood while making it for my dear friend Shirley.

This one is for my Layered swap…I love the colors of this paper. I even used it for the inside of the card.

This card is for my Flower soft swap. I used pink flower soft with my roses…I love these little roses. And they match the paper I used perfectly. I think this is one of my favorite cards I have made recently. This goes in the mail along with my last card tomorrow.

I certainly have enjoyed spending time in my Lil Crafting Corner.

Saturday

2011-09-04T21:18:00.001-05:00

I just love these graphics….the sunflower is so country and that is where my heart is…in the country. I was just playing around and made this frame…it is shadow-boxed and I am going to use it for one of my swaps in CCC. Shhh…my partner doesn’t know yet…but soon she will…this goes out in the mail Tuesday. I used my flower soft in the flowers…something else I love to use. I make my own flower soft and color it according to what color I am needing.

This frame I made as I was just playing with some graphics and embellishments. I really love this quote…one of my favorites.

I haven’t been crafting too much the last few months…but I am feeling much better and have started some wonderful meds that are working for me now. Some days I still struggle, but I always look forward to the days that are good.

It’s been too long….

2011-08-09T09:54:00.001-05:00

It has been quite some time since I have spent anytime in my Crafting Corner. I did get in there just a few days ago and made this for my dil…Jessica. Her birthday is this week and I decided to make this frame for her with a verse she loves.

Hopefully I will get back in my little corner and do some more creating…lets hope so.

Happy Saturday

2011-05-14T19:49:00.001-05:00

I finally worked on a couple of swaps….One is for a swap next month for our CCC group. And the next one is a 3D swap for Gloria…I am mailing this out Monday.

He Is Risen

2011-05-03T13:48:00.001-05:00

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This is a card I made for a challenge in our group CCC. I was the winner of the challenge. Thanks to the ladies who voted for me. We have yet another challenge Gloria is hosting…for a Mothers Day card. So off I go to see what I can create for this challenge. Gloria has been a huge blessing to me in our CCC group. She has no idea how much I really appreciate her. But I do.

Thank you Gloria for being such a sweet friend…

Birthday Card

2011-02-28T20:08:00.001-06:00

I love the Graphic 45 papers..I think I am addicted…my friend Patti warned me about these papers becoming addictive…and she was right.

I made this birthday card for my daughter in law Liz….The picture didn’t come out as nice as I hoped. I may try it again tomorrow in the daylight.

I am in a crafty mood right now…so off I go to work on something else.

A Crafty Moment

2011-02-21T17:48:00.001-06:00

I had a little time for a crafty moment. It hasn’t been easy lately having some craft time…my hands have been giving me fits…although I am on a new prescription…it isn’t taking all the achiness away.

This is just a little card I put together….I love flowers on my cards…and use them whenever I can….which is nearly all the time.

I am off to tweak my Crafty Corner…there are some things I want to organize…and I think I will do this at a slow pace.

OWOH Winners

2011-02-17T13:17:00.001-06:00

I have so enjoyed this journey meeting new people and sharing our blogs with one another.

The winners of my two pieces of Art is

Diane with My Art Journal – she is the winner of the first frame posted. Congratulations Diane.

Sue with Dreamscape Studio is the winner of the second Surprise frame posted.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit my blog and left a comment. I look forward to what Lisa has in store for us next year.

I will email the winners also and get their addresses and mail off their frames.

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-16T17:55:00.000-06:00

OWOH is now closed - I will post the winner and email this afternoon... Thank-you all for your lovely comments and good luck!!!

Hello and Welcome to my blog!! My name is Rita, and I have been a mixed media artist for about ten years. I love all kinds of art and love seeing what others create.
It is time for One World One Heart 2011 blog event, and I am thrilled to be participating this year...

This is open to all active bloggers worldwide... to have a chance to win my giveaway all you need to do is leave me a comment on this post, with a way for me to contact you if you should win.. I will randomly pick a winner and announce the winner Feb 17th here on my blog, as well as send them an email.
For my giveaway I am giving a 5 x 7 frame I altered with my handmade flowers I love to make. I hope the winner enjoys this as much as I did making it.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit, and will continue your journey through OWOH making many new friends along the way...

I am also adding a Surprise giveaway.....so someone will be receiving this.

To see all the OWOH participants go here: http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart-1.html

Diamond Dust

2011-02-11T14:54:00.002-06:00

I had seen my friend Paula use some kind of sparkle on her flowers for her cards. I loved how it looked and wanted some. I asked her what it was…and she told me it was Diamond Dust…well I was off to find some and I did. I made my first flower with some diamond dust sprinkled on it….and I love it. It just seems to make the flower more elegant. This card is for a swap I am in over in over in one of my yahoo groups and I do like the way it turned out.
I have been making my cards 5 x 7 for so long and decided to start making them a bit smaller. I use to make them this size when I first started making cards and then later decided to make them a bit bigger. I like this size…everything seems to fit nicely on there.
This weekend is suppose to be nice here in Texas after some nasty ice and snow…I don’t do cold. So I am looking forward to some nice 70’s weather and some much needed sunshine.

My Crafting Spot

2011-01-26T10:39:00.002-06:00

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This is where I create…I love my little corner. I may not have the glamorous craft room as some do, but I love my area and I am very comfy in here. I love looking at where everyone creates…so I am off to check out some blogs and see where they spend their crafty moments.

A little 3d time

2011-01-25T14:30:00.001-06:00

I had some time for playing again….I used a couple more of my 3d sheets that I have had stored away. I didn’t realize how much fun they were. I had been working on altered frames and shadow boxes so much lately, I had totally missed working on just cards…and this has caused me to be behind in birthdays…not anymore. I am ready for the next family birthday. I have two other birthday cards I need to make for late birthdays…eeek…I better start working on those.

Evening bloggers

2011-01-23T17:41:00.001-06:00

I love the color pink…and of course I made these roses from Penny Duncan’s rose file. I do believe I am addicted to flowers. I also love pearls…and this card has it all. I plan to mail this off to my sister-in-law for her birthday….I am a little late, but better late than never…right?

This one I made with a 3d sheet I had and totally forgot I had them….so I sat and pieced them together and made this card today. I am not sure you can tell it is 3d…but it is so pretty sitting off the card like it is.

To be honest with you…I am trying to work in my Arthaven as much as I can…..I am so missing my Chelly….my heart still aches for her and I am having a hard time moving on. So anything to take my mind away…is nice…she use to sit under my table while I played…and now that spot is empty…just as my heart is.

Nana time

2011-01-23T11:17:00.001-06:00

My daughter in law Liz and Cheyenne

Camryn

Matthew and Cheyenne

Cassidy

Cady

Cheyenne

Cheyenne and Jayden

Cassidy, Cheyenne, Camryn and Cady

Ashlyn and Cady

My son Cody and his wife Liz and their girls are finally here from New Jersey. They are now in Wichita Falls settling in at their new base. We had a great visit.

A new blog layout

2011-01-09T14:51:00.001-06:00

I have been playing with some graphics and decided to make a new layout. My son Cody and his family are on their way to Texas….and they just left today. There is snow in NJ…so I am of course doing my fair share of worrying about them while they are traveling. The snow doesn’t help anything either.

Looking forward to spending some time with my grandchildren all at once…you know this Nana’s camera will be on overtime. This will be the first time in a quite some years that all of my children are all together at the same time.

Now off to do some crafting while the snow falls..and hopefully melts before my son and his girls get close to Texas.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T14:13:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful new year. I am looking forward to a new year…..I lost my little doxie December 18th….I had her for nearly 16 years and I am so thankful for that time with my precious baby girl. She was my companion and best doxie. I loved her dearly…I am still grieving….and I miss her terribly. RIP my dear Chelsea ( Chelly )…I love you so very much and will miss you always.
I changed my blog layout for the new year also. I have several new years resolutions I plan to keep. Now lets see if I can really do it.
Wishing all my blogger friends a Happy New Year.

A very good day today…

2010-12-18T13:57:00.001-06:00

I have had a very busy evening last night and then today….I have made such progress on some much needed projects I needed to finish. I have always bought gifts for my family in the past…and I know I truly cherish a handmade gift more than a store bought one. So I decided to make my family something handmade by me. I had no idea how much it would mean to ME to do this….and I hope it means as much to my family recipient also. I made two frames for family members with the Promise poem. I then made some Kitchen frames with the names of my sister, daughter in law and I loved how they turned out so I made one for myself. I still have a few more to do…but I know my sneaky daughter stalks my blog so I am not putting hers on here. Sorry Christina…but I do know you well. LOL

I made one for Ashy as well…and I have more to make for my other grandchildren as well. I am so enjoying doing these frames….

Some of the pictures aren’t the best, but I had already put them in the plastic wrap and didn’t want to take them out again…but you get the idea of what they look like.

On a side note…a very precious friend of mine has been attacked once again….Penny Duncan…I am so amazed at this time that someone can be so ugly to someone as giving and caring as this wonderful Christian lady. Penny is such a giving person…with nothing expected in return. It hurts my heart to know there are fellow crafters out there who are so cold hearted and so filled with envy and hatred. I will continue to pray for these individuals ….that God will open their hearts and let them see a person for who they truly are. Penny has been my friend for many years and I love her with all my heart. I call her my Lil sister…and I want to protect her, but I know that I don’t need to do this….that God is already doing this. I wish many blessings on all of my fellow bloggers and crafters this holiday season. May your hearts be filled with love, joy and forgiveness.

Friday

2010-12-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I have made a new post.....sorry. I have been having some medical issues...
While I was visiting my parents and taking care of my Dad who had his second surgery, I became ill and was taken to the ER by Chrissy....she was visiting also...and they told me I had a terrible allergic reaction to something and also a possible viral infection. I was having such trouble with my hands being stiff and in such pain also. When I came home...I was in the ER once again with the pain in my hands going up to my shoulders.....I finally went to my Dr and was ordered to have some blood work done and xrays....they are thinking I have RA
( Rheumatoid Arthritis )...which has just devastated me. I am now seeing a RA Dr for this and am now on Predisone which is helping so much...I can now use my hands again....I have another Dr's appointment this next week with my Family Dr and one again in January with my RA Dr. I know this is just the beginning of a long process....I thank God for two friends who have shared with me their same problem and have been such a comfort to me.....ladies you know who you are... I have my family in CIF that are so very supportive of me and praying for me...and I can so feel those prayers. My own family has been very supportive and I am so thankful that I have them also. I have felt really good since I started the Predisone...but am aware I can't take that forever...so we will see what happens next.

I have been doing some art in my Arthaven...and will share that later today. I just wanted to update my blogger friends on what was going on with me.

Enjoy the holidays.......

Friday Noon

2010-11-19T12:03:00.001-06:00

It has been a while since I have updated my blog….my Dad had surgery for a blood clot and we are so very fortunate it was discovered when it was…we might have lost him sooner than we even imagined. I spent the entire time with him in ICU until he was released. I am now home and in my Arthaven listening to some wonderful Christian music and creating….this is what I created this morning….I have been working on some Christmas gifts, so this will be one of them.

I am heading back up to my parents house on Monday...my Dad is having another surgery on Tuesday.

I hope everyone has wonderful Thanksgiving…I won’t be back until after the holiday.

Blog Layout

2010-11-09T14:49:00.001-06:00

I was just playing around with my graphics again and made this blog layout….feel free to use it if you like. I just ask that you give me credit for making it and put my blinkie on your blog as well.

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss294/ritaloyd14/ritanewblogrcc.jpg

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss294/ritaloyd14/rosebackgroundrcc.jpg

If you decide to use my background and header, and have any problems….let me know..Iwill help you.

My New Etsy Store

2010-11-07T10:01:00.001-06:00

I decided to open up a little Etsy store so I could list some of my Shadow Box frames I make to sell. I have had a few people tell me I could sell these, and my husband is my biggest fan…he has convinced me to open up the little store and see how it goes. My friend Penny has been very encouraging to me also. I only have one shadow box listed right now, but I do plan on making more. My Daddy is having surgery next Friday…so I am leaving Thursday and will be home sometime early that week after.

Thanks for looking….I do appreciate it.

Friendship Shadow Box

2010-11-06T14:06:00.001-05:00

Here is yet another shadow box I made for a dear friend Celeste. I know she loves the color pink…and butterflies…so that added butterfly made this personal for Celeste. This will be on its way out to Celeste next week. I sure hope she likes it. Of course I used my files from my soul sister Penny..without these files I would be lost.

For my sister Kathie

2010-11-05T17:16:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make something special for my sister Kathie…and this is what I made. I took the design from a gorgeous frame my friend Penny made for me. I love the design she used so much that I used it for this frame for Kathie. This poem is also by Penny Duncan. Penny has a way with words and shared this poem with us. I love it. I am heading up to visit my parents next week. My Daddy is having surgery and I need to be there. All prayers are welcomed…

Now I am off to work on a couple of projects I need to complete for swaps in my CIF group. I plan to spend the weekend in my Arthaven working on these.

Enjoy the weekend.

My Grandbabies

2010-11-01T23:50:00.001-05:00

This is my Ashlyn Mishell Lytle – she is 5 years old.

This is my Jayden Chase Lytle – he is 2 years old.

This is my Cady LeAnn Loyd – she is 6 years old.

This is my Camryn Elizabeth Loyd – she is 4 years old.

This is my Cassidy Danielle Loyd – she is 2 years old.

This is Cheyenne Taylor Loyd – she is 1 year old.

I love my grandbabies with all my heart…and just wanted to share a picture of them with my blogger friends.

And then this is my Jacob Ryan Loyd – he is 3 years old.

My little project…

2010-11-01T13:21:00.001-05:00

I was just playing with some clothes pins…and made these. I had been blog hopping when I saw some that someone else made…and they looked cute…and they are so easy to make. I put a magnet on the back so I can put them on the fridge or filing cabinet or whatever. These might must make some really cute stocking stuffers.

Wall Display

2010-10-29T19:58:00.000-05:00

This is what I made for my partner for the Wall Display swap in CIF....I just happen to send to my daughter Christina....so I personalized it for her. I got this idea off a youtube video I saw and loved the idea of how it was done. I sure hope Christina likes this...I am pretty sure she will.
I used wallpaper to make the background with and the layer folded back. Then of course my roses and hibiscus flowers....which just sets this off. I added some pearls and used her initials also at the top.
The funny part is Christina made all these flowers for me when she was here last week...and here she is getting them back on a swap made just for her....

Rainbow

2010-10-29T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is the beautiful rainbow we saw looking out from our deck... Can you see the double rainbow beside it?

Blog layout to share

2010-10-29T08:27:00.000-05:00

I was just playing this morning and made this blog background and header...and decided to share it. If you would like to use it for your blog...feel free....I just ask that you leave me a comment and let me know that you did. I really enjoy making them. If you have any problems with the background or header you can email me.....ritaloyd@live.com.

The direct link for this background is: http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss294/ritaloyd14/tapestrybackgroundrcc.jpg

And then this is the header.

Amazing giveaway

2010-10-13T13:44:00.001-05:00

You need to go and visit my good friend Yolie's blog...she has some giveaways on her blog...They are awesome....become one of her followers and you have a chance to win this.
Here is her link to her amazing blog JustYolie.

My bff Angee

2010-10-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

I made this shadow box for my bff Angee....she has been a friend to me for a very long time....she has seen me through hard times...good times...and joyful times. She supported me through our process in getting custody of our grandson Jacob Ryan. We don't have to talk to each other every day to know how we are....we just know. So to show my appreciation of her friendship and to remind her of how much she is loved by me...I made this shadow box for her. I am proud to call her my friend....and she has blessed me more than I can say. Thank you Angee Torrence for being my bff....always.
Love you more...... This is going in the mail Monday.

Shadow Box Swap Altered Again

2010-10-05T15:22:00.000-05:00

Okay...I had made this shadow box for a swap I am in over in my group CIF...and I decided to add some more detail to it. I am really glad I did since I think this just adds to the design. This is going to Nicole...I hope she likes it. This is going postal this week.

And a couple more

2010-09-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

Ok..I have been a busy little bee making more of these shadow boxes for gifts....and I must say I am still not tired of working on them. They are so fun to make and design and I am loving every minute of it.
I also purchase some 5 x 12 frames and will start working on them this week. I am hooked...for sure.

Another shadow box frame

2010-09-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

I am having so much fun making these shadow box frames....I have big time mojo for these right now. I used a mixture of flowers on this one...and I just love the phrase I put with this frame. I am also using digi graphics for the background....and most of them that I use are some of my favorites.

I can't wait to hear what you think of this shadow box frame.

For my treasured friend Penny

2010-09-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a special project for a special friend... Penny and I own a group together CreativeInspirations&Friendships....she made me an altered frame...and I was in awe of this piece of art....you can see it on her blog....but I am going to add a picture of it at the bottom of this post. Penny always puts so much love into everything she creates and never expects anything in return...this is her way of serving our Lord. I have come to realize just how special this lady is. I adore her and treasure her friendship always. I so wanted to make something for her in return and I made this shadow box frame and am mailing it off tomorrow. I used the same poem Penny used for my frame since I wanted her to know she was my Soul Sister as well...and I felt the very same way. I made up the roses from her svg file...I am so addicted to these...and I used her cut file for the swirly.

We meet so many different people through the internet and I have found some very special friends..and they are dear to me as well. I just wanted to thank Penny for her friendship and let her know how special she is to so many of us who love and adore her.

This is the altered frame she made me.....Isn't it gorgeous...you can just see the love she puts into her art. I feel so lucky to be receiving this...something I will treasure always.

Using my Cricut Embossing Stylus

2010-09-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, here is first attempt at using my Cricut Embossing stylus. I just received this yesterday and have been playing and perfecting it....and I think I have it down now. It makes such a wonderful looking background on the metal...so elegant looking. My friend Penny Duncan has this also...you should check out what she has done with her Embossing tool. I can tell for sure I will be using this for a lot of my art. I also just love the flowers which are from Penny's svg files she shares also. I also used the pens from the CriKits....and those are amazing. They write so nicely...overall...I am thrilled with the way it all works. Now I can't wait to start on something new.

An Altered Can

2010-09-17T12:07:00.000-05:00

In our CIF group...one of our members Yolie mentioned having an Altered Can swap....and I jumped on this. I used a hot chocolate can...and just playing around...made this. Wow..I like it...I am thinking of decorating every container I have. It just makes things look so much nicer in the container. And they weren't hard to make at all....just some creative thoughts. And lately I have had plenty of them.
This is just my first one and I will be keeping this one...and getting even more creative with the one I use for my actual swap.

Another shadow box frame

2010-09-14T12:11:00.000-05:00

I have made another shadow box frame. I love love love making these and I am sure it is because they turn out so pretty. I made this one for myself...and used our last name.... Loyd. I also used the elements from my blog layout...since they are some of my favorite elements. I found some really nice frames with a little frill to the frame for about $3.00 at Walmart....once you add your design to the inside...it makes for a nice gift without having to put more money into it than time, love and art. And I am sure when one receives a hand made gift...they are more appreciative....at least this is how I feel.

Wall Hanging

2010-09-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

This has been a very fun but not so fun weekend...I have fun playing...but Jacob has been sick...no fun for him. But he has been watching tv and resting on the sofa...this has given me a lot of time to play in my Arthaven .....which I am thoroughly enjoyed. This is a wall hanging I made for another swap I am in. I just love stepping outside my comfort zone and making things other than cards. I can see so many ideas coming to me for the holidays. I am having a blast with Penny's rose svg file. Those flowers are awesome...I can't think of anything I want to create that doesn't call for a rose on it.....lol.

Shadow Box Swap

2010-09-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

This is the shadow box I made for a swap I am in over in Creative Inspirations & Friendships .
I really like the way this turned out. I have made one before for my daughter-in-law Liz and she loved it. I used a phrase from Penny Duncan's files...and the roses are from Penny's svg files she shares also. Thank you Penny for these wonderful files .. my shadow box wouldn't be anything without these additions. We haven't exchanged names yet..so I am not sure who will get this....but I am sure hoping they enjoy it as much as I did making it.

Jacob has been sick today...so it has been a play day for me. He is content laying on the sofa watching tv and resting...he is now sleeping...so I will go and start another art project. This day hasn't been so bad after all.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend....

A Happy Birthday Card

2010-09-06T20:51:00.000-05:00

I am still working on family birthday cards. I love these little roses. Penny's rose svg file is amazing. You can make them any size you want them to be. These are small ones and they were easy to work up also. I have several cards made up for the family birthdays now...so I think I will work on something different.

Yummmm chocolate again.....

2010-09-05T17:35:00.002-05:00

I created two more cards....I really like the name chocolate for my browns...thanks Wendy.

As I said before I am trying to get ahead on birthday cards....I usually stay so behind, this time I think I will have a pretty good start on the family celebrations.So here are the two I made...

I am now going to start my shadow box for a swap I joined in CIF. I made one a while back for my daughter-in-law and she loved it. So, I am excited about making another one. I will share that as soon as I get it finished.

Birthday Cards for my family

2010-09-02T14:19:00.001-05:00

I needed to work on some birthday cards for the family...and since my sister in law Becky is the next one...here is her card...ready to go out in the mail. I am really liking the color brown....not sure why...but it is fun to work with.

This is for my father in law...he lives in the country also...and has cattle....I am sure he will like this picture on the front...his birthday is at the end of this month. It is nice to be ahead of the game...I am usually late in sending out the birthday cards..but not this time.

This one is for a very dear friend of mine....can't say her name or she will know it is coming her way. She and I met through one of our groups and we have become good friends...Again this is brown...I love the flowers with this color....I am sending this one out tomorrow...her birthday is next week.

Then I was just making this one...I bought this paper at the Hobby Lobby in Houston...and loved it...decided to play with it last night. Not sure what I will use this one for, but I love the butterflies. It is layered so it is raised a little, you can't tell that in the picture..I took it late last night.
Okay...I have been busy...and now with the rainy day ahead of me...I am off to see what I can create next.

An Altered Frame

2010-09-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

In our group CIF...one of our swaps was to alter a frame. I finally finished mine today. I admit I struggled with this a bit. I do like the way it turned out and will mail this out to my partner tomorrow. I sure hope she likes it. I made the roses with Penny Duncan's file....you can find this on her blog. They are so easy to make and she even has a tutorial to explain how to make the flower. I have made several of them and plan to use them on anything I can. She also has a tutorial for the hibiscus flower....and that is just as easy to make too.

Since Jacob is now in PreK3, I have three hours in the morning to do whatever I like...and you can guess where I spend that time...of course in my ARTHaven.

Enjoy this wonderful day....

Award from Penny

2010-08-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

I received this award from my very dear friend Penny Duncan. I am honored she chose me to receive this.

This is the details of the award:

As part of receiving this award I am to give the Trendy Blogger award to 10 other bloggers whom I think display their talent and time and effort on their trendy blog…. I am also to list two reasons I started blogging and why I continue to blog…

I started my blog when I began making my own cards and expanding out my art even further. I love sharing my art and seeing others as well. I have made so many wonderful friends through my blog and visiting others. There have been many times I have been in a slump and decide to blog hop and it never fails that I find such wonderful inspiration.

I will add my ten bloggers in the morning...

Thank you Penny for this award and thank you for being my friend....I love everything you share with all of us...your generosity is amazing....Love you my friend.

And one more to share

2010-08-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

Here is the header.....

and the background....

the direct link is --

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss294/ritaloyd14/floralbackgroundrcc.jpg

Another layout to share

2010-08-19T15:20:00.000-05:00

Okay here is another one....hope you like this one also.

Here is the header....

and here is the background.

The direct link for this background is --

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss294/ritaloyd14/floralbackgroundrcc.jpg

Blog layouts to share

2010-08-19T15:03:00.001-05:00

I have decided to share the blog layouts I made....if you are interested in using them....please feel free....I only ask that you give me the credit for making it. Also leave me a comment so I know you liked the layout and will be using it. The first one I am sharing is the Country Layout.
I am going to give you the direct link for the background. and the header you will save as and add it.
This is new to me..so bear with me...if it doesn't make sense...you can email me.

Here is the direct link for this blog layout...

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss294/ritaloyd14/countrylayout2.jpg

You can email me if you have any problems at ritaloyd@yahoo.com.

Another New Layout

2010-08-15T12:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I have yet to make another layout. I love making them...but this one is really a favorite one so far. It seems soft and gentle to me....so lets see how long I stay with this one.
I hope everyone has a great Sunday...

My New Blog Layout

2010-08-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

I received my journal from Penny ....and this inspired me to change my blog layout to the same theme idea. I looked and looked and finally found just what I was looking for. I love this and give the credit for the inspiration to Penny.... I just wanted to share my new layout and see what you think...it is so country isn't it? It is soo ME...
Have a great Sunday......

A Very Special Friend!

2010-08-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

I recieved this absolutely beautiful journal in the mail this morning and was thrilled with it. My very special friend Penny sent it to me. We decided to do a journal swap and I received mine today. I just fell in love with it immediately. Just my style and she knew it. And it is all MINE....It looks even better in my hands....lol. I truly love it. The sunflower is just gorgeous. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart Penny...this means so much to me. I will treasure it for sure. The bottom picture is of the card she sent with the journal....isn't it pretty too?

Penny and I have been friends for quite a while now...and our trials and tribulations have been a part of our lives....we have overcome so much and truly do treasure our friendship. God brought us together years ago...and He has brought us together once again...and I thank Him for that.

Love you Penny....

Wednesday

2010-08-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

I made these ATC's for a swap I am in..... I kept it simple....since I love the background paper....it is so pretty....the blues are just my favorite color.I completely moved my entire ArtHaven around....and have found myself having very little mojo to make anything. Not sure why....but I could use a push....lol. I am sure someone or something will push me into making something artsy.
Our weather has been around 106 this week...so the pool has most of my attention...and Jacob loves playing in the pool.

Hope everyone else enjoys their day...

I am so excited...

2010-07-29T09:17:00.002-05:00

about our new Aimoo group. I was introduced by a very good friend....to aimoo. We both checked it out and decided to start a new group over there. The new forum is so cool and easy to adapt to. If you would like to check it out ..please do.

We have our own Chat Room…..some awesome topics we’ve come up with and will be have some FUN swaps……alot of Mixed Media…..we just want to have alot of FUN creating and inspiring one another…….and along the way build some amazing Friendships!!!! So….if you want to come check it out we would LOVE to have you!!!!

Summer Afternoon

2010-07-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

This card is for our Summer Afternoon swap over in CCC yahoo group. I don't use digi's as often as I would like. I just don't care for the coloring part...I see so many that do such a wonderful job coloring and I feel as though I lack in this area. I really prefer them already colored.
Anyway...this is my card for this swap. I do love the image though...reminds me of my grandson.

A crafty evening...

2010-07-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

A crafty evening I had indeed. I am trying to be ready for those birthdays I seem to forget until the last minute....maybe now I will be a little more on time...lol. These are two more svg files I used and I love them. They are from Wanda's svgs she has on her blog.
I have using my Cricut more and really am liking what I am cutting.
I also made some flowers my daughter Christina told me about and they are so pretty and so easy to make.
I have a few more cut out,so I am off to play with those.

Birthday Wishes for Patti's Mom

2010-07-10T11:55:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Patti's Mother is having a birthday and she will be turning 99. Patti has asked us in our CCC group to make a card and send her way...and we were all very willing. This is a special occasion. I used a svg file from Wanda who shares her svgs on her blog. I love this one...and then I embossed it with distress ink and it makes it shimmer a little. You can't see it in the photo...but it makes for a nice effect on the edges. I am hoping Carol will like this card.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Happy Birthday Angee my bff

2010-07-03T09:50:00.000-05:00

This card is made mostly with the Cricut...one of my toys I really need to use more often.

My bff Angee's birthday is today...I hope she has a special day. I so wish we lived closer, but we live states away. One day we will meet and have a blast together. May you have a very special day Angee...I love you so much.

Flowers and Sunshine

2010-06-26T23:03:00.000-05:00

I made yet another blog layout....I think I am truly addicted to them. I must blame this on my daughter Chrissy for guiding me through my first one and being so patient with me. Now I am enjoying making new blog layouts. Just wanted to post a quick note....I am off to bed...

Trendy Blog Award from Patti

2010-06-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

I received this Trendy Blog Award from my dear and cherished friend Patti Senter.

She sure made me feel special by choosing me to share this with. I am now to choose five blogs to share this with also....

Christina at Christina's Creative Moments

Gloria at Gingerbread and Pansies

Deloris at Card U Now

Jennie at Bloomin Paper

Paige at She Who Must Stamp

These are all great blogs and I love browsing through them when I need some inspiration.

Weekly Challenge

2010-06-16T17:51:00.000-05:00

I joined in on this Weekly Challenge in our CCC group. The challenge was for us to create a 3 fold card. This was an easy one for me...and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Christina for giving us a great challenge and making us get out of our comfort zone.
I also made this last one...and used my corner punch....and another flower my daughter made me with my FSS flowers.

My blog layout

2010-06-11T20:33:00.000-05:00

Well...I finally did it. I made my own blog layout and though it is simple...I am pleased with it. Christina helped me with it...thank goodness. They are not easy to do...takes a lot of time and patience. I so appreciate her efforts on blog layouts now more than ever. It took me three hours to do this one....seriously.
I am off to play a little and maybe blog hop.
Enjoy the evening....

My Craft Corner

2010-06-02T18:43:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share pictures of my Craft Corner..I love being in this little corner of my house....and it is all mine...

Love Letter Swap

2010-06-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

I made this one for a Love Letter swap I am in over in CCC. I had a background sheet with love quotes on it...which was pefect for this swap. My flowers are also perfect for this since they have love words on them.
Our weather is really hot today...and seems to be staying that way for good. I do love Summer though.

My son left today for a deployment to Afghanistan. I hate those deployments...I always worry about him. I just pray for his girls and his wife that time just flies by.

Tuesday Afternoon

2010-06-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

I worked on this card for quite a while....and really liked the way it turned out. I added the flowers on and then really liked the looks of it. Sometimes you don't want to add too much...but sometimes a little more is nice.
I used my Cricut with this card and think I am going to try and use it more often...it does add a nice touch to the card.

I am off to do some tweaking in my Craft Corner.

Monday Mojo

2010-05-31T11:43:00.000-05:00

The latest cards I made. I used wallpaper on the first one. I really like using the wallpaper books for cards...helps with the theme and idea. Second card is a FSS image...as I have said before I am addicted to FSS. I love their images.
I am now off to work on a little project and will post that later.
Have a great week....

Christina's Flowers

2010-05-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

Christina made me some flowers and gave them to me a while back...I used one on this card and was just amazed at how it just sets this card off. She glittered the edges of the flower..which really sets off the flower. This is for not certain swap...just something I created sitting at my Craft Table. I love the colors...some of my favorite.

Thursday Fun Time

2010-05-27T17:37:00.000-05:00

I just love this yellow flower with the bee....so country feeling to me. This is also my Image challenge swap with the heart made into a magnet....I just wanted to do something different with this swap and was happy with the magnet.

Busy...Busy...Busy as a Bee!

2010-05-25T18:11:00.000-05:00

I have been busy in my Craft Corner and loving every minute. One more creation and I am done with my swaps for my group CraftyCardCreators. I have been so behind in my blog and my fellow blogger friends....but I am on my way to being caught up and it sure feels good.

I think I am becoming addicted to FSS images...they are so pretty. Ok..just wanted to update my blog and get back to playing some more. I am on a roll now...so off I go.

Cheyenne First Birthday on Saturday

2010-05-12T12:10:00.000-05:00

I made this card for my granddaughter Cheyenne who will be 1 year old on May 15th. I am so behind on cards...and this one I am trying to get out on time or close to it. I used wallpaper with this card...and one of my favorite stamps...Tilda....also used my Cricut. I hope she likes it...although I am sure her mommy Liz will frame it and put it on the wall...she likes cards that have the kids names on them.
Off to work on some more...

Wednesday late night

2010-05-05T23:38:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I have updated my blog....I have had so much going on....but things are getting back to normal now...and I am playing in my Craft Corner again.
This is a card I made for a swap in my CCC group...this is for the Touch of Elegance swap. The colors aren't showing up as nice as I wish they would.
With Summer coming along....I am spending more time outside...Jacob loves to be outside, so that is where we are most days. I just wanted to get this posted...it is late and I am ready for bed.....

Been way too long

2010-03-31T22:37:00.000-05:00

since I have posted on my blog. I have been visiting with my Aunt Gail and Uncle Chris --- and my cousins Cherie and Marty from Australia. This is my mothers only living brother. He surprised her with a visit and she was thrilled....and so were we. It just doesn't seem fair when family lives so far away. We had a wonderful visit and it was soo good to see them. I am going to post a picture of my Aunt, Uncle, Christina and me....along with a few swaps I did complete for my CCC group.

I just love my House Mouse stamps...and my FSS images. I must work on a birthday card for my daughter...her birthday is Friday..April 2nd...shhhh...don't say anything...but if you know her..be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday on her blog...that would make her feel really special.
Hope your week is a good one.

My Gift for Liz..

2010-03-01T18:52:00.000-06:00

I wanted to make something special for my daughter in law Liz's birthday. So, I thought about making a shadow box picture for her. This really came out nicely..and I think I will be making them again. I watched a tutorial on this and it seemed really easy..and it was. I am thinking this might work for an Altered Art piece also. So...tell me what you think...
Liz's birthday is tomorrow...this will be late...but hopefully worth the wait.

Altered Art

2010-02-28T15:17:00.000-06:00

I was working on this Altered Art swap for our group CCC and this is what I created. I love the colors and the entire theme. I am sure my friend Gloria would love it also. I used a smaller journal and used a sheet of stickers I had and copied them to make a cover for my journal. Added a bow and an embellishment and have a beautiful journal for someone soon.

Blog

2010-02-27T19:00:00.001-06:00

My very sweet talented daughter made me a new blog layout....and I love it...
Thank you Chrissy....

Matthew and Nala

2010-02-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

This is my son Matthew and his puppy Nala....she loves to sit in his lap...we call her our lap dog...lol...just wanted to share this with my blogger friends.

Tuesday evening

2010-02-23T20:11:00.000-06:00

This is my card for our CCC Image Challenge. I love these little bird houses...and I used my new MS punch with the fence. I am still working on a few more books for my grandkids....as soon as I finish those I will add them to my blog.

A Morning for Bookmaking

2010-02-23T16:04:00.000-06:00

I made these little books for my granddaughters who live in New Jersey. I haven't seen them in a while and it makes me sad. Sooo, I made these books for them. They can draw, color or just doodle art in them. I also made one for a little boy who broke his arm and his Grandmother is in our CCC group with us. Some of us in the group are sending him a card and I thought I would make him a little book also. This is going in the mail tomorrow to Nolan. I used wallpaper books for these....I love my wallpaper books. They make special little things like this for special little people.

The snow finally quit...and I am hoping it stays away. I am more than ready for Spring. I am off to play a little more...I am in a crafty mood and don't want to wait another second to continuing playing.

Mojo Monday

2010-02-22T12:05:00.000-06:00

Last night I made this card for a swap for my group CraftyCardCreators and I am really pleased with it. I love the background with the embossing I added. Such a soft look. Sometimes the simplest cards make the prettiest cards. And I think this is one of them.

It is another cold dreary day...a perfect day to play with paper. That is what I am doing now. Enjoy your week.

For my sister Kathie

2010-02-18T08:52:00.001-06:00

I made these two cards for my sister for her mother in laws birthday and a baby due in her husbands side of the family. I liked the way they turned out...

I also have a new blog layout compliments to my daughter. She is one patient girl..I am not an easy Momma to please and she tries so hard...but this one is just perfect. I like a change..and often. Be sure to check her new layout out. It is gorgeous.... Christina .

A Snowy Day

2010-02-11T18:57:00.000-06:00

OK...I have been a busy little bee...we are having a blizzard here in Texas...and I am ready for Spring. Yes...the snow is so pretty...but I am ready for Spring. It started snowing this morning and hasn't quit yet. They say it won't stop until midnight tonight....ugh... So this made it a perfect day to stay inside and play with paper...or rather wallpaper...lol...which I love playing with. These are my latest creations with wallpaper... I just don't seem to get tired of working with the books.
My daughter in law in New Jersey has about 30 inches of snow and it is still snowing...and she couldn't believe we had snow also. She said...not in Texas....haha..but we do.
Ok...I am off to play a bit more and enjoy the snow falling still....NOT!!!

My Wednesday evening....

2010-02-10T21:01:00.000-06:00

I am having a wonderful Wednesday night...I made these three cards and wanted to share them with you before I moved on to my next one. I used wallpaper books ....they are so pretty. My daughter gave me 14 wallpaper books...she saved them for me since she said she knew they were calling out my name....and I am so glad...since they are the best books and I love them. I am off to make some more cards...tome the colors are so pretty and the patterns are so me.

Tuesday evening

2010-02-09T20:13:00.000-06:00

I created this card tonight...with wallpaper from the many books Chrissy gave me. I love the wallpaper designs and the feel of the paper. I love looking at the books...they give me ideas and often just the inspiration I need to get started. I am becoming addicted to my MS punches....they just seem to set the card off for me. And ribbon is also something I am using more and more...I love the look of ribbon on my cards for a finished creation.

A Valentine's Card

2010-02-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

I worked quite a while on this one. I was wanting to use this svg file so this is what I came up with just to see how it would look. I think I will be using this again. It has an elegant look to it, don't you think?