Paper Dolls

As a kid I always loved paper crafting.  In those days it was pretty much all paper dolls.  Even as a young teen I adored creating wardrobes, including shoes, gloves and hats for my self made dolls.
Now days it has become card making.
I started scrapbooking back in maybe the late 50's.  I have the first couple of years of my marriage in a scrapbook and some of my kids have gotten a kick out of that.
Then, about 10 or so years ago I began to scrapbook for my grandchildren, for my hubby and me and even for one of our sons.  But it got overwhelming!  I'd kept every little drawing the kids had made for me/us, I had photos by the thousands, and I came to realize that pretty much no one was all that interested in what I was doing.  So I asked myself, for whom am I doing these?  Will they just go to the curb when I'm gone?
And then I realized just how satisfying cardmaking was.  Wait for the creative inspiration, (or the need!), sit down, make it up and it's DONE!  And the best part?  Send it off and it's GONE!
So little by little I began to accumulate a little of this, a little of that...slowly because I am never one to go over board and spend tons.  Also, I had to take from what was already a pretty healthy budget for quiltmaking.
And then I made contact with a man who was interested in selling (read that "almost giving away") his late wife's cardmaking stash.
Wow!  Won't go into the entire stash here, but let me just say, I'd never have gotten all this by purchasing it from the shops and dealers.
This has led me to a personal challenge.  I've been trying to make a card a day, utilizing the things I have.  That way I'll know which of the items I really enjoy using and perhaps weed out some I don't need/want.
Going to share here some of the results of the past month or so.
Valentine's Day for Grandchildren, 2019

Get Well for a Friend

Get Well for Granddaughter

Front of card for lifelong friend

 Inside of one my first shadow box cards, for Grandson

First attempt at shadowbox card for dear friend

Inside shadow box...I made a dozen mistakes/missteps and still like it pretty well...and sent it off.  She will understand the learning process!

My idea of color pencil on black cardstock and butterfly thinlit

Card a day for inventory

Welcoming card for new neighbor...quilt theme

More card a day for inventory

Thank you card for a friend with new jar thin lit

Birthday for dear friend

Attempt at chalked leaf with Versa Mark.  Didn't like it

 One of my favorites...multi layer stamping, embossing in Gold.

More Stitches in Time

While the new sewing/embroidery machine has been in the shop, I've been busy at the old machine - made this "broken china" or "stack and whack" quilt after a friend described the technique to me....of course, I did a couple of "slashes" incorrectly, but the end result pleases me....I do love black and purples!

 

When Larry took me up to Pennington Quilt Works, I saw a pattern on sale that I thought was a pretty wallhanging and decided it would use up some of my extensive Christmas fabric stash.  Took it home and while my sister was visiting, we chatted as I cut.  And cut.  And cut.  Finally I thought, "this is going to be an awfully big wallhanging."  Checked the measurements....a bed sized quilt!

 I have been busy with card making too.  Our kids recently threw us a surprise (OMG what a surprise!!!) party to celebrate our 50th anniversary.  Leaving me with lots of thank yous needed.

 When we were in the UK, we were invited to tea at the estate home of a Welsh actress, and Denbigh Mayor, Gaynor Morgan Rees.  see
Ms. Morgan Rees is the most gracious hostess imaginable, presenting a warm, welcoming smile and a beautiful tea cart with delectable homemade treats in her absolutely gorgeous home.  This was our second visit and it was like reuniting with a dear friend.   Obviously we wanted to send her our sincere thanks for the pleasure of her company....

 

My effort.  Hope she likes it.