Remember my New Year Resolution to use what I have and ink stamps never used?  That is the concept behind this project.  I have had these white gift boxes for a couple of years and decided it was time to do something with them so I used alcohol inks for some color and added a decorative snowflake embellishment.  The most difficult part is "What should I put inside?"  I may add some glitter glue to add a little sparkle to my project.

I at last finished planting all of the new bulbs I ordered while the ground was still workable.  Tulips in particular don't survive many seasons where daffodils seem to multiply and come up every year so it was time to plant more tulips and be surprised at what comes up from previous plantings.  A  total of 150 tulip bulbs and 25 daffodil bulbs have been re-located in our yard from Holland.  Below is a collage showing the varieties. 
We have bright yellow daffodils and if I remember correctly huge red, orange, purple and pink tulips from previous years.  We'll see what mother nature displays come spring.

Yes, I did complete more than three but not nearly as many as my friend, Barb, who made almost fifty. I was too distracted to try out the new dies and experiment with various papers to stay focused on my main goal.  I love to experiment and with all of the new toys everyone shared it was very tempting to just play.   The main images on these three were created years prior and I did continue on with "use what you have and destash," an ongoing new year resolution.

Just returned from an art retreat with friends in McCall, Idaho, a beautiful mountain area on a gorgeous lake.  One evening we were driving to a restaurant for dinner and came upon these deer.  I thought you might enjoy the scenery as well.

My goal while in McCall was to work on holiday cards rather than wait until the last minute.  As soon as I unpack my stash and find the cards, I'll upload a couple just to show that I did indeed finish a couple of them.  It is always a thrill to enjoy art with close friends and it also feels good to return home to a hubby and our golden retriever who missed me.

Hope your last couple of weeks have been creative and you are all well and happy.

I have missed viewing your art and creative pieces so much.  My computer is not working properly and will go into the shop tomorrow for a workover.  I will also be without a computer mid October for five days; however, I will catch up with blogs and all of the eye candy ASAP. 

Just wanted you to know I haven't deserted my blog or my treasured readers.

Carolyn

On my first attempt at Barb's design I glued the card shut....DUH....so I brought it home and remade it and found I had a similar stamp so made a second one.  It just so happened I had previously made a flower which matched the colors perfectly and attached it to one of the cards  The shoebox projects are fun because I end up with cards to mail to friends and family as well as learn new techniques and styles.  Of course the best part of all is having fun with the group.  In a few weeks we will travel to McCall, Idaho, for an art retreat.  I'm so looking forward to a few days of solid fun.

I really liked Merine's design and plan to use it for some holiday cards. 

I used the same Center Step Card design for my shoebox project for our September meeting at Artistic Souls (Circle of Friends).  We have a new member Bobbie Horder and we're pleased she wanted to join our group.  WELCOME BOBBIE!

Splitcoast Stampers had a very fun stand alone card design which I used for this card.  When open it will stand by itself and fold flat for mailing.