Runs with Scissors and Valentines

Welcome! Let me turn up the heat a bit. It was a bit chilly when I arrived at the Penny Black blog today. My friends “down under” may be enjoying some summer sunshine, but the rest of us are currently being reminded of last winter’s “arctic vortex”.

Well, it’s been another week of “Guest Designer Extravaganza” here on the blog. Micheline Jourdain’s works of art capped off an amazing week of inspiration. It’s amazing what Micheline can accomplish with a few stamps, some paper and inks.

One thing to love about January – Valentine’s Day is approaching. What fun it’s been making Valentines using the stamps and dies from Penny Black’s Love and Friendship release. Who doesn’t love surprising a friend or loved one with a handmade card?

Stamping is not always necessary; sometimes the dies have it! I love that large Cupid’s Wish die for many reasons; one is that the apostrophe and period remain attached when you remove the diecut from the die. No more trying to keep track of an itty bitty speck of white! Thanks, Penny Black! The little birds from the Tweets set add another level of cute and balance out that large message.

While I love cute and girlie, I had to remember that there are guys in my life, too. I’ve stamped the hedgie image from Furry Affection three times directly onto patterned paper. I trimmed with very skinny Washi tape and added a die cut sentiment from the Heartfelt die set. (Hooray for using Washi tape!)

Of course, we all need ideas for masculine cards. By using khaki woodgrain paper and a more graphic design, the result is a card the fellows can enjoy. I’ve used the stamps from So Very Much and added arrows from the A Pocketful die set. The little hearts add a punch of color.

Mr. RWS is not the most romantic husband in the world, but every now and then he gets it just right. When we first moved into this home, the laundry closet was an eyesore. The builder had left bare drywall, choosing to save the probable $7.00 it might have cost to add some paint. I really, really wanted those walls painted as I knew the laundry area would be a significant part of my life. Mr. RWS didn’t think it necessary as the walls functioned perfectly just as they were. And in all fairness, he had spent days painting the main living areas, trying to cover the lipstick red walls with a more civilized neutral color. I lived with those bare, scuffed walls for more than a year, trying to be a good sport about it. (Meaning I didn’t whine more than three times a day).

Well, what I found one day upon returning home from a visit to Wisconsin was the best out-of-season Valentine ever!

Mr. RWS had definitely painted the walls of the laundry, and added a surprise in the corner where two walls met. Using a small amount of paint from every can we used to paint the interior of the house, and some copper glaze left from our previous home, he created this tree. The best and most romatic part is the initials “carved” into the trunk. I smile every time I see it, especially knowing he didn’t think it necessary to paint at all. I worry about how we will take it with us should we move!

Who doesn’t love Mimi? This Love and Friendship release includes enough Mimi’s to satisfy my craving … for now. I colored the image with Copics and then cut it out and attached it to my card front. I stamped the bow image a second time to add dimension. After cutting the banners from the Hugs and Kisses die set, I gathered the little letters that had punched out and added them to appear as if they had fallen from the banner. Just ‘cause!

As if having a choice of Mimi’s isn’t enough, this release includes many adorable “Furry Affectionate” critters! Combine these cuddly little mice with red gingham and a bed of hearts and what could be cuter??

Childhood Valentine memories include lace doilies as a mandatory part of making Valentines. I’ve used the Stellar intricate die to provide a lacy background for this sweet image from the Mimi’s Love set. It is too beautiful to be put away with the Christmas supplies. I’ve left off a sentiment as this could be a welcome baby card, as easily as a Valentine for a little baby boy (I happen to know just the one!). The hardest part of making this card was deciding which pastel note card to use as the background. I tried pink, yellow, bright green, lavender and even white … each more lovely than the last.

My heart is smiling from my cute and lovely card making today! The bright reds, the darling images, and the thought of bringing a smile to the recipient of these cards … priceless!

And why is there a photo of an IPad here? It is to announce that I have joined the 21st Century, thanks to this lovely gift from the Wisconsin Christmas kids. I have wanted one ever since I saw my techy kids using theirs; yet, I was dreading having to learn any more new technology.

Before I could begin using my amazing gift, we needed to have WiFi installed in our home. I delayed calling to set up an install date as I knew once we had WiFi, there were no more excuses; I would have to climb that learning curve! I called, assuming there would be a wait for an appointment, but as fate would have it, they could come the next morning!

The installer kindly showed me a few basics, my daughter had done some things when I was still in Wisconsin, but I realized I needed some serious professional help.

Off I went to my trusty tech friends at the big box office supply store. I fully expected them to duck behind their desk when I showed up, as they were the ones who set up my new computer a year ago and I’m sure they haven’t forgotten me yet!

I was very nervous when I approached the young man behind the counter and my voice trembled as I shared with him how much I wanted the IPad and how frustrated I was not being able to set it up.

Well, not only was this young man very knowledgeable, he was kind and patient! He did everything on my list and showed me how to navigate, how to shop for apps and all the functions everyone else seems to know instinctively. Of all the functions, I think I am enjoying reading books electronically the best! I do share with Mr. RWS who uses it to play computer games when it is too cold to golf.

When we adopted Cooper, we purchased a “dog-o-pedic” mattress for him, guaranteed to provide the most comfort anywhere. Cooper was never interested and the only time he slept on it was at his doggy vaycay, otherwise he preferred sleeping on the carpeted floor. Evidently Santa felt sorry for the little guy and brought him a bed this Christmas. Happy to say, he loves it! Guess the “dog-o-pedic” wasn’t cozy enough.

It’s time to set the thermostat back, put away the scissors and scoot on home. I’ve had a great time playing with the “Love and Friendship” stamps and dies and sharing my cards with you. Be sure to share the cards you make by posting them in the Penny Circle Flickr Gallery. I enjoy them all and love being inspired by your work. Happy stamping!

P.S. And, no, I haven’t started purging and sorting the craft room … too busy on the IPad!

Shop for today’s featured Penny Black Supplies:



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