I thought it would be easy....

I have been working with Printmaster card designing software for years. I have used it for the printing and artwork. I have put off getting upgrades thinking I had everything I really needed in my older program. One sunny day an ad came in with a deal I couldn't resist. I said yes. I was suppose to be able to download it, but instead I got the CD. I should have seen it coming.

I downloaded it and decided to un-install the old program. Yiks, the old program was 600 mg and the new 2600 mg. Ok, right there I knew I was going to be in trouble. My computer is slow and old. I took a breath and started the process of learning a new program. Freeze, freeze, etc. What was I thinking? Compulsive buying, I know better than this.

While working and not freezing I realized what this new software would do. Great art and special papers to print. I have now decided to use it sparingly until I get a new computer and using my old software when doing just print.

I have to say that I am feeling pretty good. I have not only survived the process but learned how to use everything without throwing the computer out the window.

I always never say never. And I didn't. I posted a card I did on it with help from the old software. What do you think? The bird is printed over background artwork, the shadow behind the bird is also part of the software. This is so cool.

Carol

I love summer.

I have to say the last few cards I have designed really reflect the summer that just started a few days ago. On the other hand it feels as though it's been here for over a month. Not complaining. So I decided to design some really summer feeling cards. Hope you enjoy.

God Bless everyone who wants to be. For you others...have a nice day.
Carol

Look whats new in my studio

Not many words needed. I am really having fun now. This card is for the new kitten owner. I also have a new puppy card on my etsy page.

This card has three pages. Sure to make the new kitty owner feel the love.

You know what day this is....

It's my turn.

While Austin is enjoying and often falling off his perch, I am designing my Valentine's Day cards. And loving every minute. I can't show you everything but I love this one. Don't you just love when you step out of your comfort zone and do something you love. This card incorporates the paper lace doily. Yummm. I also venture into pop up cards. I might show you one of those if Austin will give me back my keyboard.

Happy Blessing from the designer in the house.

Carol

No words needed.

Send love for pet loss.

Yesterday I spent time designing a dog sympathy card, while John was out in the back digging more holes. Tomorrow I am going to post an updated picture of the work going on in the back yard. However, it's a long way from done.

But today is sympathy card day. I am proud of this piece, mostly because often while designing, I loose my way and find myself wondering how the card will be finished. The point is always the finishing mark on each card.

The main piece here are the hearts. One heart didn't do it. After about an hour and may heart tries, I did two hearts and it made the card. Just thought you would like to know even creative people get stumped. But the will to create a great card always wins and I never quit.

Have a great weekend

Carol

Old Birds have to Celebrate too.

What's more fun than giving your friend something to laugh at? I also love the use of fall colors. I don't have a lot to say due to my husbands health and not knowing what it is yet but I thought you would love this card.

God Bless those who visit my little world
Carol

Halloween Already?

Not for most of the country, but for a graphic designer making designs for her up and coming greeting card sales, it has started. I wanted you to see my first one for 2010.

What do you think, is it a keeper. I say I can even do better.

Carol

When reality drives you to Dunkin Donuts

Tuesday morning, the week after Father's Day, I picked up my cards from a really cute little gift store. This is always a tense thing for me because I know the sales of my cards are going to be slight. I'm not a negative person but realize the death of greeting card sending or even giving is upon us.

Now you might say, what took you so long....well it's not that it took me so long to figure this out, it was my hope that sending a beautiful card to someone was not a thing of the past.

When I get a card from a friend or family member I place in a special place so I can see it everyday. It's takes me weeks to take it down because to me, that extra time it takes to buy it and send it means I am not a last minute thought. I am considered worth the effort.

Today I decided to close my little business, not making cards but selling them in many stores. I have a great shop in Minnesota that will continue to get my cards. The owners are not only good friends but strong supporters of my creativity. I will also stay in Etsy for the fun of it.

So, you say what does a Dunkin Donut have to do with it? I try not to eat too much fun foods. However, I always find myself going to a donut when I really need to food hug. What's your vice, let me know.

After eating this delightful fritter, I am feeling better, maybe it's because this wasn't a decision made today but the closing of a chapter in my life. But look out, I never quit I just improve.

God Bless

Carol

Father to be....

I wanted to show you a new design for Father's Day. I was ask last year if I could design a card that didn't say happy father's day but say, you are going to be a father. I designed one for last year it sold right away. But this year I wanted to make it lighter in color. Did I go too far? I am sorry it's so soft looking but the card is soft. Yiks, what was I thinking. Tomorrow I will put my last years picture on the site.

Have a great Saturday

Carol

Whaaat.....

I have designed money cards over the last two years. Tweaking the design, reworking the template. I designed my own template so tweaking was a slow process, always saving it on the computer, I have used this layout feeling secure that all I had to do was change the words, save and print. This is what happened yesterday. I know it's hard to see but the total card is truly one quarter off from top to bottom. Money cards have to hold cash or checks so size is important.

I am sharing this with you because I want you to laugh. It seems the harder we try to make life easy, the harder it is to be to be perfect. Yes I said perfect. I am a real fan of perfection, and know too well that I'm not. But I love my allusion and will strive to stay there.

Got to go, back to the proverbial drawing board. Giggle.

Have a great day.

Carol

Vintage Easter

I loved this piece of vintage art and wanted to make a card that resembled the era in which this artwork was common. My mom would have loved it.

Hope you like it.
Carol

Aren't the colors wonderful.

When I design I most of time have an idea what the end product is to look like. But this card was different. As I started with a look in front of me, I realized it needed more. However, that is often a problem when you have already started the layout. By the time I was done, I had so many layers on the front of the card that I was totally in love with the end product and felt the extra paper and time was worth it. I just wanted to toot my own horn this morning. Giggle.

God Bless those who visit my site and my heart.

Carol

No Words Needed.

I'm humble and honored.

Today in the mail I received the most wonderful card. It was a thank you card from Cordaye and Wolfgang. I wanted to share it with you. I hear that Mom helped, Cordaye put most of the hand labor in it. The thing that made my heart warm, once again, was that Cordaye wanted to have Wolfgang sign it also. So darn cute. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

God Bless those who travel through.

Carol

A New Creation.

Hi you, fan club. Giggle. I am in a great mood today. I found something new and am loving it. I found a scrapbook store called Funkie Monkie, here in Greer. I plan to do a blog about her. But today is about a get together called "Card Salad". It is held on the first and third Thursday of every month. When you go, Kim the get together brains behind the activity. Has baskets of designs and equipment. You can choose as many as you want. With a five dollar charge and the products you us from the store, you can have a world of fun.

The first time I though it silly, because I do my own designing. About a week later, while eating my fill of turkey, Thanksgiving dinner, I realized how many products, ink, pens, techniques I never could just try. So, I attended the next gathering and picked cards that had different techniques. Than proceeded to play. This is a card I loved. So I found different papers and added my own touch. Added my own words and learned a lot. What do you think?

God Bless those traveling through my little world.

Carol

Wahoo

I just finished my first Thanksgiving card in my new design area. I know you will think this crazy but I always feared that I would loose my touch and not be able to design my next. What do you think?

A Christmas Wish

I know for many of you this is too early, but as an artist and retailer this is running late. I decided to sell a few package deals on my Artfire and Etsy site and than a few separate. So here is a card that will soon grace the stores. I love this because of the words. Hope you enjoy it.

More cards can and will be seen on the stores to the right of the page. Please visit and if something makes you smile, it will than make someone you send to smile.

God Bless those who travel through.

It's Time to Let Go.

Thursday we took both vehicles into the Houston Ford to see what our trade in value of both would be for a 2010 Ford Taurus. As we waited, I watched one of the guys driving my Crown Vic out of the parking lot I felt a lump in my throat. What was this, I never saw myself as a person who was in love with the ride. A car was to get me to one place and back.

When John gave me this car I couldn't believe it, me getting this black beauty, me once the owner of a Ranger pickup now an owner of a Crown Vic. What was he thinking? Then I slid into the seat, I could live with this. Fit like a glove. But did I like it too much, what was this lump in my throat for?

I've had time to think it over it's not what the car means to me it is what it did for me. About a year later my mother took her final journey, one she feared the most, going to a nursing home. I made a commitment to go once a week and spend time with here.

She was two and a half hours away and so I would leave early in the morning, the process was the same, my trip started with Big and Rich, a funky country group that I always tried to sing along with. Followed by a soother CD that would take me into the nursing home.

The visit would be anywhere from a hour to four, you never knew because of the sadness she was experiencing, or how she felt. But the trip home was different. As I slipped into the seat and clipped the seat belt into place the first tear would start. Rolling down my cheek and resting on my chin. As I left town I was free to cry. Safe in my car, Cruise control set, radio off and left with only my thoughts from my visit, I cried till I couldn't cry anymore.

That's what it is, I have a bond with the car, it protected me at my saddest time. It comforted me with it's smooth ride, it comforting interior but mostly with the privacy I needed. Thursday when I slipped into the seat of the Taurus I prayed it would not have to comfort me but get me from one place and back. Just that and no more.

I feel good about letting go, it's time.