Monday, December 31, 2012

Hi Blog Friends, I hope everyone is having a good New Year's Eve.  We're staying home, having a nice dinner, watching a movie and probably falling asleep before we can ring in the New Year. 

I'll keep this short today.  I wanted to share a bookmark I made for Kathy and her friends from Kerrville.  They come to Santa Fe, every Fall and enjoy a few days of fun and friendship....and some shopping.  I thought this bookmark would be a good one to share to start off the New Year.  The bling on the wine glass is a Swarovski crystal.








We wish you and yours the very best in 2013.  Happy New Year!



Sunday, December 23, 2012

Merry Christmas Dear Blog Friends!


and Merry Christmas from Piper's Paper Wings..............









As promised, here is our Christmas card.  The little snowman is
by QuicKutz, and the snowflakes punches are by Martha Stewart.  The tree line is from Tim Holtz, the embossing folder is Cuttlebug, and I used my handy dandy paper crimper....hadn't used it in ages, and it came in very handy for snow; and of course, I had to use Stickles.  :o)

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!   

Saturday, December 22, 2012









Hello Blog Friends.  Well, just another two short days before Christmas.  We're still scurrying around trying to get lots done.  It doesn't do any good at the end of every holiday to swear that next year we'll get started sooner.  It just ain't gonna happen.  lol  Oh well, as usual, it'll all get done and come together as happens every year.

Today I'm sharing a card I made at the Guadalupe Stamp store when Stamp A Mania was teaching classes the weekend of December 7-8.  As Mark calls it....."The Dreaded Brayering Technique" (it's a joke between us because I dread doing  brayering demos at convention for them).  Actually, I'm getting much better at it, and I told Cynthia I was going to conquer brayering if it killed me.  My DH demoed brayering at the last convention because I was sick with the flu.  He loves to brayer....can you believe that!!!  Well, here's a card using a Kaliedacolor ink pad....brayered!  Cynthia is a wonderful teacher, and it helped listening to her step-by-step instructions and tips.  Thanks, Cynthia!  The stamps used:  Castle Rock SF 6517-J, Yucca Cluster Lg. JD-1201-J, and Happy Birthday Script MH7146-F.  The Happy Brithday was stamped with Brilliance Starlite Silver BD-000-093.  It's really cool the way the Brilliance ink shimmers on the Kaleidacolor brayering.  The Yucca Cluster was stamped with Brilliance Coffee Bean.  Sorry, the angle on the picture doesn't show the rich brown color.  It appears much lighter than it really is on the card.  I used Liquid Pearls on the yucca flowers.   I'll be be back with one more card before Christmas.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I'll be back soon.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

"Ready for Christmas"










Hello Blog Friends!  The card I'm sharing today is a stamp called "Ready for Christmas" by guess who?  You guessed it!  Stamp A Mania (SAM), and it's MR305-J.  I did this card about a year ago, and fell in love with the little luminarias (we call them faralitos in Santa Fe) so the Ready for Christmas stamp was perfect to use with them.  One of my other favorite stamps is the Christmas Tree lg, JD4300-K, because it can be used as pine branches to frame scenes.  I used it on yesterday's card.  Today, you're looking at the entire tree!  Then once again, I stamped, colored (Copics), and cut out all the little luminaria/faralitos.  They truly represent a New Mexico Christmas.  We had a progressive dinner in our neighborhood last Saturday, and Sara, the young woman who organized the event, surprised us all by placing faralitos up and down our street.  They were lit by Brian, Sara's hubby.  What a neat surprise to walk from house to house with all the little bags and candles lightening our way.  The evening was wonderful.  Good food, fun and friendship. Thanks a million, Sara & Brian!  Oh, before I forget, I used a hole punch to make the ornaments for the Christmas tree.  Thanks for dropping in today!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Southwest Nativity







Hi Blog Friends!  Well, we got the predicted snow, so Randy hasn't taken any new pics.  He's been busy shoveling snow at three different houses, and driving our daughter to work.  The roads were sheets of ice this morning.  Okay...I'm ready for spring and summer again!  lol  I must say though, we are very grateful for the moisture.  I just don't like it when the streets gets so icy and dangerous.





I was going through my card pics, and came across this card that is a southwest nativity scene.  I love the "faralito" stamps that comes in two sizes.  All the stamps are from Stamp A Mania (SAM).  The faralito is called a luminaria in the SAM catalog (for your reference), and it is MR620-E.  I believe the luminaria stamp now comes as a peg stamp with the four sizes, or 4 cling stamps (four different sizes) in the unmounted.  The nativity scene is MR601-K, and for the pine branches, I used the Christmas tree, and turned it so that I stamped the top of the tree to make it look like pine branches framing the scene.  The Christmas tree is JD4300-K.  I really like that stamp, because you can use it so many ways.  I hope you're all staying warm.  It was 5 degrees here this morning.  Even little Zoe (our Welsh Terrier) has been making pretty fast trips outside.  We'll be back soon with more cards.  Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Silver Metallic Christmas Deer






Hello Blog Friends,

I'm posting a card I made a couple of years back.  It was an easy quick card.  The deer die is Tim Holtz, the paper is a silver metallic, although the picture doesn't show it very well.  The Christmas embellishment with Santa came from a package of assorted chipboard embellishments I found at Michael's.  The snowflake is another embellishment I had in my Christmas box.  I'm sure it must have also come from Michael's, or possibly Hobby Lobby.  The white dot background is a Cuttlebug folder.  Randy's going to take some more pictures soon, so I'll be posting this year's card in the next few days.  It looks like we'll finally be getting some snow and really cold weather on Sunday.  Get your hot chocolate fixings ready!  I'm off to meet Mark and Cynthia at Guadalupe Stamps for classes they're doing today and tomorrow.  Stay warm, and I'll be back soon.  Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Mimbreno Round Christmas Ornaments







Happy Sunday Blog Friends!  Gosh, I don;t know where my days are going, but they are flying by.  Today I'm sharing a card made with the beautiful Southwest Ornaments from Stamp A Mania.  The stamps are:  Mimbreno Ornament #1 Lg. SF6581-J, and Mimbreno Ornament #1 Sm. SF6580E.  The stamps I have are on cling mount for easy storange.  They clean up nicely as well.  I used a metallic paper background, strung the ornaments on metallic thread, then punched out three different snowflakes to finish the card. 

By the way, Cynthia and Mark from Stamp A Mania will be teaching in Santa Fe, next weekend...Dec 7 & 8, at the Guadalupe Stamp Store.  If any of you are interested in taking a class with them, please call Lee at 982-9862 to sign up and get all the details.  I promise you....it'll be fun!  I'll keep this short today.  Our nice weather is still with us, but I hear that next weekend will be much cooler.  We do need snow, so let's hope it gets here soon!  Stay warm and thank so much for dropping in. 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!












Howdy Blog Friends.  I've not been feeling well for the last week, and I'm sorry I haven't been posting on the blog.  Feeling better today.  We made it to our son, Patrick's house for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday.  Pat, Yvette and Desmond are such good hosts....it was wonderful.  My daughter-in-laws folks were there and we really enjoy visiting with them. We spent a nice relaxing afternoon with all.

Last week a group of Santa Fe stampers took a road trip to Albuquerque, and we visited three stamp/scrap stores.  Our frist stop was China Phoenix 2, where Nancy taught the card class I'm posting today.  The turkey on the card front is by Stampa Barbara, as well as the turkey inside the card.  The Stampa Barbara line is now being sold by Stamp A Mania.  I believe the sentiment is also a Stampa Barbara, but not really sure.  Nancy had us make a pop-up card (the inside turkey pops up when you open the card) and we colored the turkeys with Prismacolor pencils.  It was a lot of fun.  Thanks Nancy!   :o) 

A friend wrote today and asked if we were braving the Black Friday sales today.  I watched the pusing and shoving on TV this morning and decided it would be best to stay home today.  lol  I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A Card we made at Lydia's Class




Hi Blog Friends!  I got an email from one of my friends in Albuquerque, asking me if I was up till 2:30 am, posting pics on my blog.  I guess that's the time that appears on screen when the pictures and text finally get posted.  I can tell you that there is no way I'm up at that hour.  We go to bed pretty early.  It just takes Google forever to post blogs.  So now on to today's card and info.







Today I'm sharing a card I made at the class that Lydia Carrell taught our Santa Fe group of stampers.  It's a really cool collage technique that I'd never done before.  We used old dress patterns, tissue papers, gel medium, stamps, handmade papers, Stickles, and Liquid Pearls.  It was a lot of fun, and I love the end result.  I'm planning to try this technique again.  Thanks so much Lydia....you are known in our group as the "Technique Queen"!  If there's a technique to be had, you can bet that Lydia knows how to do it.  :o)   Thanks for stopping in today!

Monday, November 12, 2012

"Stampa Barbara" Turkey Day





Hi Blog Friends!  We are up and ready to go again after a whirlwind weekend at China Phoenix 2, with Cynthia and Mark, owners of Stamp A Mania (SAM).  A BIG THANKS again to all who attended the four classes, and to those of you who stopped by to shop at the SAM show booth set up next door, and at CP2 as well!  Thanksgiving is only 10 days away, so today I'm sharing a Stampa Barbara Turkey, SB9059-H, Pumpkin SB9067-B, and the sentiment is Bountiful Blessings SB9063-E, found at www.stampamania.com   Really fun coloring the turkey.  I used Glossy Accents on the turkey's waddle, although it's hard to see that in the pic.  Spellbinder die is S4-292 Beaded Circles.  I'll keep this short today.  Thanks for stopping by and stay warm!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

A Southwest Mimbreno Thanksgiving Turkey







Hello Bloggers!  It's Veteran's Day, and we woke up to snow on the ground.  Just a light dusting so far, but  it's really cold outside.  Today's a perfect day for a nice warm fire and some hot chocolate with whipping cream on top.  Today I'm sharing a Southwest Turkey from Stamp A Mania (SAM).  We had a great two days of SAM classes in Albuquerque, at China Phoenix 2, with Mark and Cynthia (SAM owners) and they had their huge show booth set up for some serious shopping.  Also, we had the best four groups of ladies join us for classes on Friday and Saturday.  Thanks so much for joining us!  We had so much fun and the ladies kept us on our toes with questions, sharing information and lots of giggles.  Scarlett, you little Sweetie, thanks so much for the best chocolate cherry cake we've ever tasted!  And you're other chocolate/peanut butter dessert was also delicious.  It was a perfect two days and even the weather cooperated and it didn't snow till last night.  The stamp today is Mimbreno Turkey SF6596-J, at www.stampamania.com  Pots are SF1402-F, and the sentiment is Thanksgiving Script MH7028-G.  In the morning, Cynthia taught her famous brayering class with Kaliedacolor ink pads, and stamped the images with the gorgeous shimmery Brilliance inks.  I love the new colors of shimmery Brilliance.  In the afternoon classes, we colored with Spectrum Noir's, then Mark taught his fun "puddling" class, again using the Spectrum Noir's.  The ladies loved it.  Some very cool backgrounds were made.  Nancy at China Phoenix 2, has several of the Spectrum marker packs.  Stop by and check them out if you get a chance.  I'll be sharing another turkey soon.  Thanks for dropping in and stay warm!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

It's an Orange Cactus Day










Hi Blog Friends!  Slipping in another Stamp A Mania (SAM) card before tomorrow.  This stamp is part of the FP-012 Framed Stamps Set.  Again, I used the Spectrum Noir alcohol markers....(Stamp A Mania sells Sprectrums), to color the image.  Can you tell I'm loving "orange" these days?  :o)  The sentiment stamp is "Dakota Tracks MH7012-F mounted or MH7012-U unmounted.  Such a cool sentiment.  I especially love it because our Doberman who we had was named Dakota.  In addition, dear hubby is from North Dakota. You can access the Stamp A Mania webiste at www.stampamania.com  We'll figure out how link it soon! Thanks for stopping by!

Meanwhile Back a the Ranch..............









Howdy Blog Friends!  Today I'm sharing one of my fave stamps from Stamp A Mania (SAM), that is part of the FP-012, Framed Stamps Set. The sentiment is "MH7006-G, Meanwhile Back at the Ranch."   Spectrum Noir alcohol markers (very afforadable markers) were used to color the image.  The colors I've used on the set series is different from the colors shown on the set cover online.  I wanted to show what other color combination could be used for varied effects.  I love playing with different color combos.  The Spectrum's blend nicely and offer an array of colors. Don't forget, Stamp A Mania will be at China Phoenix 2 (CP2), tomorrow and Saturday.  Four classes are being taught by Cynthia Stansell - SAM owner/teacher extraordinaire!  Two classes on Friday and two on Saturday.  Also, Stamp A Mania will host their trunk show with their fabulous stamps right next door to CP2.  Come by if you can.  The Stansell's would love to see you!  Thanks for dropping in today.  Snow is coming on Saturday so stay warm! 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers & Stamp A Mania











Hello Bloggers!  Today I'm sharing a card I made for Stamp A Mania (SAM).  Mark and Cynthia (SAM owners) are now selling the Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  They'll be in Albuquerque this Friday and Saturday.  Cynthia is teaching four classes.  Two on Friday and two on Saturday.  The afternoon classes will be coloring with the Spectrum Noir's (very affordable alcohol markers).  The card I'm sharing today was colored with the Spectrum's.  By the way, SAM will have their show booth set up in the former flower shop right next to China Phoenix 2.  Mark mentioned that they have some new images, but I failed to ask him if he'll have those available this weekend.  This card today is from the SAM set "Framed Stamps Set" FP-012.  I believe you can buy the individual stamps.  If you look at the originals on the SAM website, you'll notice that I took off in a different direction on the coloring.  "Thinking outside the box" coloring.  I love vivid colors, and used them on this set.  I'll be posting each design in the set in the coming days.  So, if you're in ABQ this weekend, please stop by to see Mark and Cynthia and you'll be able to buy their stamps before next stamp convention next year!  Thanks for dropping in today!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Halloween Bat......this little guy flew in from the North












Happy Monday Bloggers!  Wow, did this weekend fly by.  There just aren't enough hours in the day anymore.  Today I'm sharing a card I received from my friend MaryAnn, who lives in Los Alamos.  She used little bits of papers here and there for her background.  Maybe MaryAnn will share her technique with us on the blog.  Hint hint.  :o)   The bat is a Sizzix die and I hope you can see his little red eyes....spooky looking.  Once again, DH took 2 pics of this card, so I will share both.  One is a close-up.  We're still learning as we go, so will try to shoot a close-up of cards in the future.  Finishing up some cards for Stamp A Mania today.  We'll be back with those soon!  Enjoy our beautiful weather while you can....snow is in the forecast for the weekend.  I'm not ready for it, but we do need whatever moisture we can get.  Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Another Big Boy Raven flew in from the South









Newly revised pics:
Dear Blog Friends....PS....DH took a new "close-up" of Liane's Raven.  Here's a better shot of him close-up.  Enjoy!

Hi Blog Friends!  I've been busy getting some new cards ready for Stamp A Mania.  I will be posting those cards in the near future, but wanted to post another Big Boy Raven (he flew in from Bosque Farms) that my friend Liane Ceglar sent to me. DH (dear hubby) has been doing all the card photography for me, and he took two pics of this guy, so I'm sharing both pics.  I love the way she colored the raven a royal purple color.....and look at his eye.  That gives new meaning to "there's a little twinkle in his eye"......so cool!  His  hat also has some color added.  Aren't the background colors great?  Then there's the neat fiber and flower with the jewel.  Thanks, Liane....love your work! 

Tomorrow, I'll post one more Halloween card from another friend.  Stay tuned.  Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Big Boy Raven Halloween!






Happy Halloween Blog Friends!  Are you ready for the little ghosts and goblins to come knocking at your front door tonight?  We're ready, although we don't get as many kids as in years past.  There are lots of Ravens flying around this Halloween.  This image is by Stampendous.  I love ravens and have a few raven stamps that I use quite often.  As a matter of fact, I have a dear friend who goes by the name of  Raven.  She is a wonderfully talented beader (Raven has an Etsy shop) and is such a talented artist who makes the most beautiful Pysanky eggs that she sells at Susan's Christmas Shop right next to The Shed restaurant in Santa Fe.  The raven I'm sharing today is my biggest boy.  I hope you enjoy him on this spooky Halloween day. Thanks for checking in today and have a fun and creepy Halloween!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Fifty Shades of Book Club






Hello there!  Today I'm sharing a book mark I made for some friends from Kerrville, TX, who come to Santa Fe, to spend a glorious weekend in the New Mexico.  Kathy hosts the book club members at her Santa Fe home for a few days every Fall.  They were here last weekend and I'm glad the weather was good for their stay.  Kathy and friends enjoy the gorgeous Santa Fe weather, great shopping, and eating out at some of Santa Fe's finest yummy restaurants.  I'm so glad the book club members have a good sense of humor!  I really wouldn't want to offend anyone.  I thought this stamp was so cute, and would be cool to use for their '12 book mark.  This is the fifth year that I've made book marks for their club.  They are nicest people you'll ever meet!  Thanks for stopping by today.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

A Creepy Little Ghost







Hello Bloggers!  I've been absent for awhile.  Lots happening and not enough hours to fulfill all my obligations.  Today I'm posting A Creepy Little Ghost.  You know that saying, "less is best", well this applies to some of the cards I make.  Halloween is fast approaching, so I wanted to get this posted today.  Our beautiful weather is coming to an end, for a few days anyway.  We've had the most wonderful fall this year.  I'm not ready for cold and snow.  Oh well, it's inevitable...cold weather.  Hubby's got a nice warm fire going, so I think I'll go fix him some hot chocolate with whipping cream on top to thank him.  You all have a safe and fun Halloween....watch out for those little creepy ghosts!  Thanks for stopping by.

Friday, October 19, 2012

The Halloween Bride





Happy Friday Blog Friends!  Today I'm posting a card that I made awhile back.  I took a class with the fabulous Cheryl Valadez at China Phoenix 2, in Albuquerque.  Cheryl is a wonderful Copic certified designer, and I noticed on her blog that she has taken the next level certification.  Congrats, Cheryl!  As soon as hubby can do it, we'll be adding Cheryl's blog link to my blog.  Thanks, Cheryl for saying it's okay with you to add you to my blog.  I love this stamp, and want to make more cards with her.  Please forgive me, I can't remember what she's called, or who the stamp company is that makes this cool spooky bride.  Isn't she a cool one?  I hope you all have a good weekend.  So far, we're still having beautiful weather in Santa Fe.  I don't want it to end, as I'm not ready for cold and snow.  Thanks for stopping by, and I'll be back soon!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

It's a Southwest Christmas.





Hello Blog Friends!  What a beautiful Sunday it has been.  Nice weather, fun watching the last day of the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque on TV (and I am so happy to watch it on TV after seeing the turtle-moving traffic that is backed up for miles and miles), and dinner is already prepared.  Life is good.  I thought you might enjoy the card that I just finished and got in the mail to Stamp A Mania.  I have the honor of being on their design team.  Cynthia and Mark Stansell, the owners of Stamp A Mania, are the most wonderful people you'll ever meet.  If you get a chance to go to the Albuquerque Stamp Convention, please stop by their booth.  They introduce new stamps all the time, and I know you'll enjoy visiting with them, and watching Cynthia demo.  The Stamp A Mania link is on the right hand side of my blog, check it out.  The stamps used on this card are the Mimbreno Ornaments, small and large.  I colored them with Copics, and the snowflakes are by Spellbinders.  Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Another Take Ten Style Halloween Card

Hello Blog Friends!  First, I forgot to thank my friend, Liane....for the adorable "treat box" pattern.  Thank you Liane!!!!  Sorry, I forgot my manners and failed to say thank you when I posted the pic of the treat box.  Today tho, the dim light bulb came on and I remembered my manners!  Yay!

Here's another Take Ten Style Halloween card.  I like making cards once in awhile that don't require coloring or stamping.  I did do some "punching" with some of my Martha Stewart punches.  I sure like her punches.  They're good quality and there are some really cool designs out there.  Making progress with my darn left knee today.  Not sure what I did, but I've been limping around all week.  Not fun!  Much better today, so I'm a happy girl.  Again, the background is a Cuttlebug embossing folder, and the rest is by Recollections and punches by MS.  Easy peasey.  :o)   Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Halloween Treat Box

Hello Blog Friends!  Friday is here and boy, has our weather in Santa Fe changed.  Cold, windy, and we're supposed to get rain too.  I'm not ready for cold weather, but guess it'll come whether I want it to or not.  Halloween's just around the corner, so I made a little treat box.  The partof the box where you put your treat in is on the small side, but will hold several Hershey's Kisses, or other candy about that size.  I'm sure you could put other things in the box if you don't want to use candy.  Have a good weekend!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

A "Take Ten" style card today!

Good morning Blog Friends!  Are you familiar with the Stampington magazine called "Take Ten"?  If you're not, the magazine shows an array of cards that you can make in about "ten" minutes.  Trust me, I have never been able to make a card in ten minutes....but wouldn't that be nice?  This is my version of a take ten card.  I made a few and will be posting more later.  I'd picked up some really cute little ghosts, monsters, sentiments and such last year, and finally got around to using them this year.  I needed a few Halloween cards for friends and family, and my stash of things from last year came in handy.  Quick cards, altho no stamping or coloring.  Sometimes it's fun to make this type of card too.  The spiders are "puffy" and the kitty also has a puffy tail....so cute.  The background is a cuttlebug embossing folder, and I used some of my punches to add other embellishments.  This card went to my friend, Anna at SFCC!  Okay, enough babbling....on to the quickie card.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

A Glitzy Sunday posting.

Happy Sunday Blog Friends!  We're back from Roswell, NN and Amaraillo, TX.  Whew....it was a whirlwind trip.  Randy (DH) entered our 9 month old Welsh Terrier in a dog show.  More on that later.  Today I'm posting a card made with a glitzy high heel.  Just love this stamp and the words that go with it,  I hope you're all having a wonderful day and enjoying the beautiful weather!  Thanks for stopping by.  :o)

Hello again! A "long" get well card

HELLO BLOG FRIENDS! It's been a very long time since I've blogged.  You know how life gets in the way of things, and we have cer...