Happy New Year 2018

Happy New Year 2018
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Tube "59-2" by ©Anna Liwanag

PTU Scrap Kit "Happy New Year 2018" by Tammy Welt

New beginnings...a new year!  Hope everyone has a wonderful evening, filled with laughter, fun and joyful spirits!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Layered 25-1 Tube by ©Barbara Jensen

PTU Scrap Kit "Happy Holidays" by Dees'Sign Depot

A lovely old pinup by Barbara Jensen! Layers for all holiday's! I often use her in my valentine tags. I decided to use her for the first time in a christmas seasonal setting.  The mask I used is FTU,  #298 by WeeScottLass and can be found here. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful christmas holiday.  I spent it with family, very cozy and quiet. I've been battling a bout of asthma over the last week, which I am sure has evolved into bronchitis.  Not very inspired with all the beautiful kits for New Year's, but that's not the fault of the artists.  I seem to be too tired to do much but stare at the television screen, bingeing on Netflix's Pretty Little Liars. Hoping to catch some fire and create a new timeline/banner before New Year's Eve. 

Crosses fingers.....

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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PTU Scrap Kit "A Verymany Christmas" by Amy Marie

Winter Solstice 2017 occurred at 9:28AM on Thursday, December 21!  This is the shortest day of the year and the longest night.  The day has been celebrated by pagans for thousands of years and many traditions associated with Christmas have their roots in winter solstice celebrations...which includes our Christmas Tree! 

Dating back centuries before Christ, cultures brought evergreen trees, plants, and leaves into their homes upon the arrival of the winter solstice. Although the specific practices were different in each country and culture, the symbolization was generally the same: to celebrate the return of life at the beginning of winter's decline.

The fairy used was created by Amy Brown and she is officially retiring from CDO on December 31, 2017. As I am not sure if she will be offering any of her tubes on her website for sale,  I purchased several of her amazing fairies. They will work perfectly into several of my designs for future pictures. I used elements/papers from Amy Marie's lovely scrap kit, "A Verymany Christmas".  The mask is free to use by Kissing Kate and can found found here. 

Have a very blessed Yule! 

Christmas Cuddles

PTU Scrap Kit "A Verymany Christmas" by Amy Marie

"Dash" by ©Verymany

Isn't he adorable??? Dash is patiently waiting to greet his new family.  Left by Santa for a lucky girl or boy, Dash will provides lots of cuddles and licks of joy!

I purchased this scrap kit a long time ago and never used it, so it sat in my collection until I decided to try creating tags again.  Its a stunning christmas kit, with lots of elements and papers. Unfortunately, the mask I used is no longer available.  It's labeled in my mask file as KBH_2012_Mask 26.  I did not have luck locating the creator on line to give credit to this wonderful mask.  

I have been busy cleaning and baking for Christmas...haven't had time to actually sit and create. My mind is too tired at night and my fingers, with the cold creeping into Arizona, have been too swollen to manipulate the mouse to move elements within a picture. Even typing hurts! 😞 I am reading tutorials about creating actually pictures (cards) using the pre-shape tool and/or templates. Hopefully, might be easier on my swollen fingers. I did find some artists that have done beautiful work using this method. Crosses fingers (ouch!)   

Only one week to Christmas...hope everyone is ready!!!

Love & Peace

Love & Peace
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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PTU Scrapkit  "Crimson Snow" by Jackie's Jewels 

Christmas Candle by ©Verymany

Spreading love and peace around in generous quantities! 

Using FTU Animation by Simone, #244 which can be found here. The mask is by FTU Dangerously Delicious Designz, #NWM1, found here. Unfortunately, the scrap kit is no longer available. 

Busy Christmas season this year.  I don't know how I did it when I was working. I actually baked brownies yesterday...amazing right? I could never get them to come out the way I wanted before I retired.  Now it seems so easy.  I realized I was always pushing myself, trying to do everything at once...getting exhausted and frustrated. Now I am slowly going back to my pre-employment ways. Doing a little at a time. Good use for my work planner is making a list on what I have to do, not when I have to do it.  Most of the time, my notes get moved to the next day. 😊

Dazzle

Dazzle
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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PTU Scrap Kit "Christmas Shimmer" by Scrappin with Lil Ole Me

Kitty_2 by ©Verymany

Pretty kitty and a stunning beauty!

I love this tube by Verymany which gives us pause to appreciate those pets we whom we share our lives and love, especially during Christmas.

This is a lovely cluster frame by Dazzlin Diva's and is free to use, found here.  I used Paper 3 for the background of the cluster frame from a PTU scrap kit by Scrappin With Lil Ole Me.  The mask is by Dangerously Delicious Designz, Winter Mask 12 and is free to use.  Find it here.

Back from my too short trip to Scottsdale with my husband to celebrate our 39 year anniversary. We had a great time and as often, when you are having a good time, it flies quickly by. Before we knew it, Sunday arrived and it was time to say goodbye. We are not sure if we will be returning in the future to Scottsdale, but I will be returning to Phoenix in May 2018 for Taylor Swift! I am sure the time will fly by as well!

Silent Winter

Silent Winter
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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"Exclusive Purchase" Witch by ©Zlata_M 

PTU Scrap Kit "Silent Winter" by Pink Paradox Productions

This is what Christmas is all about....giving from the heart.  The lovely lady is sharing her small gifts of food with the local wildlife while the snow flakes sparkle down around them.

The tube is an exclusive purchase by Zlata_M.  She is so beautiful!!! I know she is classified as a witch, but for some reason, she reminds me of little red riding hood in blue! The mask I used is by WeeScotsLass, WSL282 and is free to use. It can be found here.  I seem to be favoring WSL masks lately...a tribute to her fantastic artwork! The animation package is pay to use and is by Rebel Dezigns.  Package 172 can be purchased at Creative Design Outlet here. 

Unbelievable how fast time is flying by!  I am off on a short trip to Scottsdale, Arizona and will catch up with everyone when I return.  Enjoy Christmas shopping...only 18 more days to go!!! 

A Christmas Fairy

A Christmas Fairy
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Alice by ©Alec Rud

PTU Scrap Kit "A Touch of Magic" by Gothic Inspirations

Beautiful fairy spreading fairy dust in the light of a full moon.

Just couldn't resist purchasing this tube by Alec Rud, she is absolutely stunning!  I created the background using elements and paper  from a wonderful kit by Gothic Inspirations.  The mask used in my tag is free to use. It's by WeeScotsLass Creations, WSL 298 and can be found here.  Animation 370 is free to use, by Simone Animations. It can be found on her website here. 

Happy Christmas shopping! 

Winter Party

Winter Party
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Wendy by ©Verymany

PTU Scrap Kit "Winter Party" by Pink Paradox Productions

It's party time! 

As Christmas grows closer I am sure you will be receiving many party invitations. Isn't this a wonderful time of year to celebrate?  I took the party idea and applied it to my artwork.  Our girl is patiently waiting for her guests to arrive, sipping a glass of champagne while enjoying the snowfall outside her window.  I wonder if they are late because of the weather? What do you think? 

The PTU tube is "Wendy" by Verymany, one of the very first Christmas tubes I ever purchased from my favorite artist.  I used a wonderful PTU scrap kit by Pink Paradox Productions,  called "Winter Party".  It's full of elements that are essential for any seasonal party.  I plan to use it throughout the holidays.  It is absolutely perfect for New Year's Eve! The snow animation I used is by Dragonfly. The animation is free to use and can be found here, along with instructions on how to use the animation. 

I am planning a trip to Scottsdale very soon.  Time for me to relax, dine out, maybe take in a movie or just walk through the Fashion Mall.  I do want to spend a majority of my time reading!! I am still far behind on my reading, although I am now closer to finishing "The Witch's Daughter".  Only a few more chapters to go...if I can stay awake long enough to finish.  Hopefully, I will be able to start my new book when I am in Scottsdale.  😎

Christmas Is Coming

Christmas is Coming
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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PTU Christmas Candy Cluster Frames by Roxi's Creations

PTU Scrap Kit "Christmas Candy" by Pink Paradox Productions

Christmas Is Coming by ©StellaFelice7

Gorgeous tube by StellaFelice7!!  I think she fits perfectly into this cluster frame designed by Roxi's Creations and can be found along with the scrap kit at Pink Paradox Productions.  Both the scrap kit and frames are pay to use.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  I am deep into creating more tags...so stay tuned! 😊

Winter Wishes

Winter Wishes
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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PTU Scrap Kit "Christmas Candle" by Pink Paradox Productions

"Fawn" by ©Nocturne

Just love this tube "Fawn" by Nocturne.  She's beautiful and the fawn is so precious. The PTU scrap kit by Pink Paradox Productions is amazing with a very large assortment of elements and papers! Can't believe I got this kit for only $1...her sale is still ongoing thru the end of November.  I really enjoyed using the kit to make this tag. The mask I used is free to use, Mask_363 by WeeScotLass and it can be found here.

White Wolf

White Wolf
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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PTU Scrap Kit "Silent Winter" by Pink Paradox Productions

White Wolf by ©Verymany

My FIRST winter scene of 2017!  Perfect picture for a greeting card!!! A beautiful white wolf resting on a bed of pine needles amid softly falling snow. 

I loved the background when I saw it posted as a tutorial, Polar Fox, by Dragonfly.  I wasn't too keen on using a fox, so I decided to make it my own, using Verymany's gorgeous white wolf.  I followed her tutorial for the background, making changes in the elements used. The tutorial can be found on her website here. 

The scrap kit by Pink Paradox Productions "Silent Winter" has a beautiful selection of wintery elements and I am already making it my "go to kit" for this season. Of note, Pink Paradox Productions is having a November sale, all kits and clusters are $1 each! I already had fun purchasing this kit and several other Christmas kits as well!

The mask I used is by Dangerously Delicious, Mask 11 from her winter collection. The mask is free to use and is found here. I added the snow animation, making the scene come more alive and picturesque. The snow animation is free to use and is also by Dragonfly. I love how the snow is falling in this animation, not so fast as to be a blizzard...just a perfect slow snowfall. It can be found with instructions on another tutorial here. 

Still adjusting to life after retiring, waking up suddenly at 5am, thinking I have to finish a report or attend an early morning meeting. Dreaming about people from the office doesn't help.  I never dreamed about these people before November 10th!  I think I am going through withdrawals, its only been a week. I figured by now I would be dancing around the house, but I'm still cutting that cord. If only I hated my job!!  I sure as hell wouldn't miss it. 😐 

My artwork helps...time passes so quickly working on a tag, my blog design or timelines/headers. It's keeping my creative spirit alive. Now I need my writing muse to return!  😊

Autumn Memories

Autumn Memories
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Jillian by ©Verymany

PTU Scrap Kit "Spiced Berry Cider" by Pink Paradox Productions

Using a new tube to my collection, Jillian by Verymany, a favorite artist of mine! She's beautiful and very appropriate for this autumn scene. I remember looking out of a window at a similar scene when I was younger and took the memory to create this tag.  Pink Paradox Productions created an absolutely wonderful fall kit which I just had to purchase.  So many elements in this kit, made it easy to select the ones I needed.  I also love the large choice of papers! This kit will be a favorite of mine in years to come.

Not feeling very well today. I think its allergies...or a reaction to doing some aerobic dance moves! I have been doing them the last 3 days, so perhaps its time to take a quick break and get back some energy. I hope I get my groove back....Thanksgiving is sooooo close now!  

Working on some winter tags to share soon! 😊

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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FTU Scrap Kit "Punkin Pickin' Time by HorsePlay's Pasture Designs

Tube 89-2 by Anna Liwanag

Love, love, loveee this kit by HorsePlay's Pasture Designs. It was originally purchased by me and now is being offered FREE.  It has so many wonderful pumpkin patch and harvest time elements. It's just a great kit to have on hand for the autumn season. Anna Liwanag's tube fits perfectly into this scene. Just love her work! 

I used a template for the background, Millie's #4, following a tutorial created by Rhonda's Rocking Designs. The tutorial and template are free to use. Tutorial is here and template is here.  The mask I used is also by HorsePlay's Pasture Designs, #29, is free to use and found on her website here.

Mornings are chilly...I spend time watching the dog play, sipping coffee early in the morning.  I can feel the weather changes in my fingers, the gathering stiffness in the joints when dampness is in the air.  Thinking it may rain...one day soon...😎

Winter Morning

Winter Morning
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Scrap Kit "Foxfire Afternoon" by Pink Paradox Productions

Winter Morning by ©Verymany

Its feeling more and more like fall here in Arizona. Nights are beautiful! Weather is just perfect for outdoor parties or just sitting on the patio with a glass of wine.

I actually started my tag with a christmas theme in mind, then switched to a more fallish look, adding orange and reddish brown floral elements. Love this scrap kit by Pink Paradox Productions! Lots of fall elements, animals especially. I am definitely planning to use it again.  Just love the colors in this kit...orange, deep greens and browns. The tube, Winter Morning by Verymany,  is absolutely gorgeous up close and I love the idea of the shawl keeping her warm. She fit beautifully into the frame. The mask I used is FTU Mask #035 created by Crispified by Basima, and can be found here.

It has been a very busy and emotional week for me.  

My birthday and retirement fell into the same week, although it was unintended. I had planned on retiring later, possibly sometime next year. Circumstances dictated otherwise, as life often does. I felt it was the right time with the practice moving to new healthcare software and more personally, my husband's aunt taking a fall. My own health issues also came into consideration as well. Arthritis doesn't get better, it just keeps getting worse. Those stairs at Desert were becoming harder and harder to climb.  😐

Going into the office that last time made me very teary-eyed. It was something I had done for so long, it's hard to think I'll never do it again. Believe me, I will miss the job...it was the most frustrating, but fulfilling part of my life. It challenged me! I loved working from home 3 days a week. I absolutely loved working with templates and creating new ways to assist the doctors in using the software.  I tackled meaningful use and made sure they all passed the measures for the last six years, and yes they passed this year as well, so make that seven!  

I loved working at Desert and was so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that I felt when I said goodbye.  Wonderfully thoughtful doctors and staff! I am going to miss everyone. I do plan on keeping in touch and hope to be included in any future celebratory events.

My family took me out to dinner at The Keg for my birthday. We then celebrated at home with cake and opening cards/gifts while sipping a glass of wine. Love being home and surrounded by my family. I spent the rest of the night reading birthday wishes on Facebook. I was touched by each wish and amazed at how many people took the time to wish me well. I don't know if they realized I hit a milestone I never thought I would live to...guess we all think that when we are in our 30's! 

I do have several things to keep me busy (besides house cleaning, cooking and keeping everyone else on their toes). I have my graphic/digital art, as well as 4 books that I want to read/finish reading. I have 2 books that I started, yet never seem to finish because I fall asleep reading! "The Witch's Daughter" by Paula Brackston and "Dark Lycan" by Christine Feehan. One more book I haven't started, "Day Shift" by Charlaine Harris.  Another book I want to read is Chris Matthews "Bobby Kennedy".   As a teen in high school, I was a big fan and supporter of Bobby Kennedy. I am also hoping to finish writing a short story I started several years ago...I just have to wait until my chaotic mind clears and the muse appears!

As for right now, I am taking time to relax, tackling one minute at a time.  

Looking forward to Monday morning and the 4:30am alarm!!!! By the way...I am not going anywhere on Monday...I just want the pleasure of clicking the damn thing off. 😊

Bonfire Nights

Bonfire Nights
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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"Nelly" by Alex Prihodko

Scrap Kit "Bonfire Nights" by Jackie's Jewels

The nights are getting cooler, time to start up the fires that warm the heart and soul. Its beautiful weather this time of year, reminds me of highschool football games, hot chocolate, cold morning walks in the woods.  Its also a romantic time of year... 

I used a gorgeous tube by Alex Prihodko to grace our bonfire. The fire animation is free to use by Simone Animations. Its #301 and can be found on her website.  The scrap kit is a favorite of mine. Lots of autumn elements and beautiful papers...perfect for the time between Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Sadly, the kit is not longer available.  I used Mask #200 by Insatiable Dreams, creating a circle of warmth for this scene.  The mask can be found here.

Witches Hollow

Witches Hollow
Designed by ©A Touch of Lacie
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Witches Rings by ©Vadis

Scrap Kit "The Witching Hour" by Gothic Inspirations

BOO!!!!!!

Beware the "witching hour"!! It's Halloween Night! Hope all the little goblins and ghouls have a safe trick or treat night.

Vadis is a new tube artist to my collection that does absolutely beautiful work and I will be purchasing more of her artistic endeavors. The scrap kit is rapidly becoming a favorite "go to kit" and I plan on using the more gothic elements long after the season of Halloween has passed.

Happy Halloween All!!!