I could not get Random.org to work for me today so I had Wayne choose a winner at random for me.The winner is ........ Cheryl Sims .Congratulations Cheryl. :) If you would please send me your home address I will be able to get your set of stamps out to you ASAP.
I was blown away with how many people are cutting back on Christmas. I should not have been but I was. If any of you read all of the posts as I have then perhaps you have learned some excellent ways of cutting back during this tough economy. I know that I will be using many of the ideas that I read not just while times are tough but even when our economy gets better. And it will get better just not as fast as we might all like it to. I was sad to read that some of you have been out of work or have recently lost your job or have a spouse who has lost their job. I could go on and on about this subject but I wont. At least not here. I hope to update my personal blog within the next few days and write about the different ways that we can all cut back. Thank you to all of you who took the time to write and share some really good ideas. I wish that I had a stamp set for all of you.
My post is also about a butterfly/flower photo that I took this summer and what I have done with it. I did another post like this one last month I think. This time I changed it a bit. I hope that you like my ideas.
Like many people I take lots of photos of nature and like lots of people I develop my photos and then store them away only to be forgotten. Last month I decided to share how I used to make my own cards using my photos and then expanded the idea into making them using materials I already had instead of buying the cards that my photos could slip into. Well not only have I made a card using one of my favorite photos but I also used it on a digital scrap page and I had note cards made from Shutterfly.
The first thing that I did was make a card.
To make my card I used my photo as my image. I used Old Olive and Basic Black card-stock from Stampin'UP!I used Versamagic on the Paisley Backgrounder from Cornish Heritage Farmsand stamped it onto the base of my card. The ribbon is from May Arts and the sentiment is MSE! stamps. I had all of the materials that I needed to make this card so it was cheap and very easy to make. The adhesive that I used on my card is from UHU glue.
Next I took a photo of the note cards that I ordered from Shutterfly. I have to tell you that I am quite impressed with the quality and the customer service. I intend to order more using different photos and then giving them away as gifts. It's nice because you get a set of 12 with the envelopes for 9.95. I can split them up into a set of six and Voila! I have 2 gifts. :)
This card looks so much prettier in person. I could not get the photo the way that I wanted it and I did not have lots of time to keep trying so this was the best that I could do. The colors on the card are much more vibrant.
Lat but not least I made a digital scrap page using this photo. It is simple but I really like how it came out.
The digital paper that I used is from Lumapix. I added a washed out frame and a quote and that was it. Another quick project. If you visit my blog often then by now you know I *love* digital scrapbooking. I have finished both books for my granddaughters. Now all I have to do is wrap them up and they have a Christmas gift that will last then their life time.
On a personal note I'm doing well. I still have more healing to do but I am so happy that I have been able to stamp a little more. I'm also doing other things that I was not able to do. Funny how we can take the simple things in our life for granted.
I have been walking as often as possible. I walked on Sunday and Monday. Both days it was only 42 degrees and both days it was quite windy. I admit that yesterday had me thinking that my days of walking outdoors would be over soon at least for awhile. Today it was only 34 degrees so I decided to take a break. Although it is suppose to be the same temperature for the rest of the week I just might try walking and see how I do. I will be getting my flu shot this Thursday. Friday I have an appointment and then on Saturday Wayne and I are going to have our portraits done at sears by Colleen. My oldest granddaughter Molly and her boyfriend are coming up this way to have Colleen do their portraits too. Then Molly and I are going to have a few of just the 2 of us together. It should be a fun day. :) So that is how the rest of my week is looking for now. Can you believe that Thanksgiving day is just one more week away? Yikes! I'm not quite finished shopping for what I need that day. I suppose I ought to hurry up . :) Okay enough of my being a chatterbox.
I hope that all of you are having a good week with warmer weather then we here in NH are having and I hope that your all set for Thanksgiving day. Stay warm and stay healthy. Smile. :)
Mary, I love your butterfly cards. Great gift ideas too.
Thanks for visiting my blog and as you can tell I too love digital scrapbooking as well as card making.
I enjoyed your blog alot!
Joan
Posted by: Joan Fricker | November 19, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Mary,
Wow, what a great picture and I just love the cards and digi page. I just love using photo's to make cards. Fantastic job! So glad that you're feeling better and how cool that you get to spend time with your granddaughter, that's awesome!Enjoy your turkey day - Cheryl in Maine
Posted by: The Queen | November 19, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Hi Mary, Wow!!! That picture is stunning. Love your card and beautiful scrapbook page. So glad to hear that your healing and getting better day by day. Hope you enjoy your time with your granddaughter. :)
Posted by: Dottie K | November 19, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I can't believe that Wayne chose me!! Thank you Wayne-big hugs to you. Mary, thank you so much. I will be emailing you my address. Your page is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Sims | November 19, 2008 at 07:49 AM
These cards & scrapbook page are beautiful! It's a beautiful photo! Glad your doing well Mary & enjoy your time with your granddaughter, sounds like fun.
Posted by: Rita | November 19, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Hi Mary!!
Congratulations to Cheryl!!
I rec'vd my stamps that I purchased from you off your stamps for sale section here on your blog, and just want to thank you so very much. They are in mint condition, and LOVE the set, I have many ideas for this set, now just need to find the time! ;)
Hugs,
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny Bamford-Perkins | November 19, 2008 at 03:29 PM
The photo cards are such great gift ideas - your butterfly cooperated beautifully!
Posted by: Peggy Maier | November 19, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Congratulations to Cheryl for the win.
Your photo is amazing. I'm glad to see that you actually develop your photos, something that seems to be lost in this digital age.
Your card is wonderful, too. I really like using a photo for the main image. You could have used that card as your UHU glue template, because it's a real winner.
Glad to hear you're on the mend. Thanks for the update.
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 20, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Beautiful picture Mary! Love what you did with it... making different cards... Hope your walks will be fun... it's too cold for me. Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Monika/buzsy | November 20, 2008 at 07:25 PM
What a lovely update Mary. Beautiful card and I love your digital scrapbooking. Its in the low 20's here in MN so there!! Talk about cold...I'm freezing. Miss you Mary.
I'm so happy you are feeling better. How fun getting your portraits done. The two lovebirds. And how sweet to get it done with Molly.
Talk to you soon. I'm so busy with classes.
Posted by: tami | November 21, 2008 at 07:22 AM