Sometimes...

... there is that one, amazing person that you meet, and while they're there they make a heck of a difference but there comes a time when they have to leave again.

I had the fortune of meeting an incredibly bright young man who was a summer student on our .Net project. As with the end of August looming school starts again and he has to go back. I have only met someone this intelligent, humble, and pleasant person with a wicked sense of humor twice in my life before. One of them helped me launch my career, one I married, and this one... he could literally be the next Steve Jobs but much kinder and more considerate.

Anyway. We are sending him onto his 3rd year of university with a Nespresso and a card.

Today's inspiration: Case Study 151 : Second Interpretation by Jocelyn Olson.

 I just had to do some shading and coloring with my Copic Markers with the July 2013 SOTM, Sweet Life and I used a ribbon cut from Florentine to give it a bit of pop. I cut out the leaves, the apple and the flower which is raised up with foam tape.

Other:
* White Cardstock
* White ribbon
* Copic Markers R29, R24, R22, R20, YG67, BG10, YG63,E39, E33

CTMH:
* Solid color cardstock for card base
* Sweet Life (July 2013 SOTM)
* For A Friend
* Scrapbook Statements - Poets
* Saddle Pigment Ink
* Black Ink
* Mocha Adhesive Pearls

Congratulatory card...

... there is nothing like seeing my little sister (in law) accomplish her dreams of becoming a doctor. And touching to be able to be there to sit through her convocation ceremony. Didn't understand a word of it however, but that's ok.

It may have taken me six months to get all my stuff together and find her a pretty necklace as well as come up with a card.

Inspiration that triggered it: Case Study Challenge 148 : Iwona Palamountain's interpretation.

And I brought the roses inside along with a saying from Scrapbook Statements - Everyday Life. I learned so much from a Copic tutorial on blending that Iwona Palamountain posted a while back and it has made a world of difference - my colors blend better and I learned to work dark first as opposed to light first. I also realized through that post that sometimes you can use all sorts of combinations of colors - you don't necessarily have to stick to one set of shades.

I was so thrilled with  my blending technique... but I think pigment inks would be a better choice for not bleeding next time. I've picked up a set of these mini pigment pads - basic - and can't wait to play with them.

CTMH:
* Dreams Come True (retired)
* Scrapbook Statements - Everyday  Life
* Happy Valentine's - Jan 2013 SOTM
* La Belle Vie Level 2 Paper Pack
* Adhesive Pink Rhinestones
* Adhesive Opaque Pearls
* White Daisy Ink
* Outdoor Denim Ink
* Smokey Plum Ink

Others:
*... will post the Copic Marker #'s later!!
* Cream cardstock

Congratulations again to my little sis for becoming a doctor - she's gorgeous, smart and has a huge heart. I wish her all the success in her career.

Two Year Work Anniversary

My boss made it to his two year anniversary on Thursday last week. My coworkers were talking about buying a card until they remembered the work that I do and I volunteered my card making skills.

Today's inspiration is from Case Study #117 : Maureen Merrit

I always find boy cards a challenge because a lot of the images I have are more female centered than male centered. However, by using boy-colors: blue and brown it helped to give it a more boy-type feel.

My favorite technique is to bring the colors and images to the inside of the card to tie it all together.

Other:
* Solid cardstock

CTMH:
* Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack
* Blue & Green Adhesive Rhinestones
* Silver embossing powder
* Hello Blooms
* Jardin
* Scrapbook Statements - Poets
* Card Word Puzzle
* Artiste Cricut Cartridge
* Cocoa Ink
* Outdoor Denim Ink