My trip to Puerto Rico and a Thank You card

I am including in this post some pictures of the samples from the classes that I took/attended while staying there. The first weekend, we were lucky enough that Yanitza Ramos agreed to come to Ivonne's house to teach us the "Basic Distress Inks Coloring Technique" class. We didn't know what to expect, given that it was a new technique for us, but also someone we've never met before. We only communicated via email with her prior to the class, so we were a little apprehensive. But life has a funny way of proving us wrong sometimes. {insert smile} After the first few minutes, we started talking like we've met before. We are new at this, but it amazes me how this craft opens you up to the best vibe! You can't stay negative or sad once you start learning or just crafting with other people.

It was the best class ever! She is very patient and came well prepared, with everything we needed for the class. I'll tell you, now more than ever I respect anyone that color stamps with Distress Inks. Hats off to you! That being said, below are the pictures from the class. As you can see, I numbered them. The first one is the final product from that class. Yanitza can tell you that I was not too happy {insert frown} but I made the effort and tried. After she left, I tried with the ones she left so we could practice the technique. That's what you see on 2 and 3. The last one (4) is the final one from that practice. As you can see it looks a little bit better!

The second weekend, we attended an all day class at the Memory Box store with Angie Hunt accompanied by Mindy Baxter. In the morning we had the "Color Techniques with Copic" and in the afternoon the "Color Techniques with Distress Inks". Yep, I don't give up with those inks...

Below are the two projects of the day, the second picture is unfinished:

To finish this post, I'm including pictures of a Thank You card that my husband asked me to do for him for his friend's fiancee. She helped my husband and oldest son. Her favorite colors: pink and purple; style: modern; and this is the result. I hope you like it!

Front of the card:

And inside of the card:

This card was created using Gemstones paper from Coredinations, paper from the Charlie line from Stemma, sentiment rub-on from miniMarks, Tim Holtz Alterations die cut, Inkadinko stamp, brads and ribbons from my stash.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

http://paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/2011/11/11-week-47-being-thankful.html
http://littledarlingschallenges.blogspot.com/2011/11/challenge-12-thank-you.html
http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/2011/11/challenge-14-giving-thanks.html
http://movingalongwiththetimes.blogspot.com/2011/11/challenge-ribbons-and-bows.html

I'm back...!

It seems like ages and at the same time not, since the last time I did a post. We've been MIA from the blog, but otherwise busy with our craft. As Ivonne mentioned before, I went to Puerto Rico. We took classes, worked together, and most importantly: just had fun. Every time we get together, even over the phone, is guaranteed laughter...even when we are sad, because we pick each other up and then say something that will bring a smile or a good laugh.

I hope everyone that celebrates Thanksgiving had a great day. This year was a little different in my house. It was just us... The day before I asked my husband and two sons to write in a piece of paper 3 things they were thankful for in the year 2011. Before blessing the meal we proceeded to take turns and recite our lists. I just wanted to remember this year and our many blessings. We've had some difficult times, but we still know that we are blessed. And of course Ivonne was on my list. I am so thankful for her being in my life, for our kids getting to know each other better, for this blog a labour of love, designed and built by her; and for her being that sister sent from above.

I want to share the birthday card I made for my oldest son. He turned 27 at the end of October, omg! He loves music and rocks a spanish guitar big time. He is self-taught and I am soo proud of him!

This is the fron of the card:

A view of the guitar:

He also loves skulls. I colored the image with distress inks and stickles:

And a picture of the envelope I had to make because of the size of the card:

This card was created using DCWV Mariposa Collection paper, EK Jolee's Boutique Steampunk Music Flourish, Cuttlebug Script Folder, Hambly Scrapbooker's Sonata screen print acetate, distress inks and stickles.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/11/cupcake-169-teenage-boys.html

http://dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/11/ddcc-140-recipe-stamping-boutique.html

http://stampsruschallenges.blogspot.com/2011/11/crafty-sentiments-bling-it-on.html

http://crazychallenge.blogspot.com/2011/11/cch94-shaped-cards.html

http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2011/11/week-89-colors-of-nature.html

Christmas is here!!

It's official, Christmas is here, my favorite holiday season. It's a time to share with family and friends, a time to celebrate, a time to give.  I just love it!! 

And here is my first Christmas Card.  I created it using Magnolia's Reindeer Tilda Stamp, which was coloured with Copics Sketch Markers.  The card was embellished with ribbons, green and red gems and paper flowers.

Here is Tilda:

Take a look at the paper flowers:

Another view:

I am submitting the card to the following challenges:

Magnolia-Licious Challenge Blog - Inspiration
Totally Paper Crafts - Christmas

Magnolia Mania Challenge - A Present
Creatalicious Challenges - Something for Christmas and Make sure it Sparkles

Believe in the Magic!!

Another Artist in the Family

Finally...my daughter has discovered the pleasure of creating.  She is taking an art class at school and little by little, she is starting to develop a passion for it.  And everything she has done so far, has been a piece of art!!  Of course I'm a little biased, I'm her mommy!!  But it is not only my opinion, her teacher is also impressed with her talent.  Take a look at her lastest creation. 

We submitted it for the "A Little Bird told me..."  daily post at the Brave Girls Club site.

A Mini Album for a Great Friend

Well my friends, even though I haven't posted anything in the last weeks, I have done a few things.  Here is a mini album I created for one of my daughter's best friends.  So cute, so colorful, just like her.  Enjoy!!

I'll be submitting this project to the Fussy and Fancy Anything but a Card Challenge.

So Thankful....

Well, it's been a while since our last post.  We have been very busy, a few tough weeks at work and a lot of mommy duties, but we also had time to improve our Distress Ink's and Copic's colouring techniques.  Kathya came to Puerto Rico two weekends in a row...YAY!!! We always have so much fun when we are together!!! 

We took a Distress Ink's class with Yanitza Ramos, one of the Magnolia's Design Team member.  It was the first time I coloured with Distress Inks, and for me, it was not easy at all.  We also attended a Distress Inks & Copic's class with Angie Hunt and Mindy Baxter.  The class was sponsored by Memory Box. Please take a look at the samples from both classes below.



 The samples above are from Yanitza Ramos' class, the before and after.





These two samples are from Angie Hunt's class.  The stamps are from her Little Darlings rubber stamps collection and they were both coloured with Copics.

This was the Make and Take project.  The stamp is also from the Little Darlings collection and it was also coloured with Copics.

We also had time for lunch with my beautiful daughter Monica and our dear friend Edgardo. 



Kathya and I



Edgardo and Monica

Before I go back to work, I want to THANK God for all his blessings and all the GREAT things I have in my life, my beautiful daughter, my lovely family and my amazing friends.  For past experiences, good and bad, for new opportunities, for being able to let go and see a beautiful day every day. And thanks to you, for visiting our blog and share our passion to create beautiful things.  God bless you all!!