Well Aloha again everyone & Happy Monday to you all! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter yesterday! I am still in Maui thru Thursday and will get home on Friday (sob, sob)! We are having an absolute blast here and I have enjoyed every second, minute and hour in Maui with my family. We have had more laughs, more memorable experiences and just really enjoyed each other. I have to type this blog post up super quick as they are waiting for me to go on an evening walk on the beach after I'm done & I can only do work down in the lobby, LOL! Today we did a Maui Hike/Tour of 5 waterfalls and ecological tour that was hands down FANTASTIC--we got to jump off waterfalls, swim and hike through the rainforest. And guess what? NO SNAKES in Maui or rain days or bad weather--I think I'm gonna have to move here for sure now, hee hee! After our hike we stopped at Mama's Fish House and ate and it was so worth it. The day before we did Surf School and it was a BLAST but I am soooo sore, LOL. Alexa and James were naturals, Riley got the hang of it halfway thru and my instructor said "I was his special project---his challenge", LMBO! Yeah right! I did finally hang 10 the last hour but apparently my wanting to do everything "super fast" does not rollover well in surf world where you need to be slow and graceful----two things that I am NOT, LOL! But we had fun, got some sun and had a great experience--I enjoyed every minute and I'll share our photos of our surfing and trip when I get back home!
Today is ALEXA'S 15th BIRTHDAY and we are going on an all day snorkel/cruise to Molokina Island and whale watching as well! Since Alexa was 3 years old she has always said she wants to work with marine animals---so one year we took her to SeaWorld on her birthday and she ate with Shamu & talked to the trainers. She is researching colleges that specialize in Marine Biology/Psychology programs with Oregon State & SC University topping her list. So today will definitely be super fun for her and James & I are thrilled we get to spend an awesome day with her. We'll top it off with an Italian dinner "Maui style" :) So just a couple pics below for you and then I'll share the rest when I get home with y'all!
Since it's Alexa's 15th Birthday I just chose a few pics of her alone or with one of us for this slideshow--the rest will be up next week! She's a goofy, fun-loving, laugh-out-loud, smart, beautiful, stubborn, silly, mini-me who is growing into a beautiful young woman. I can't wait to see what the next 15 years bring both her and us! Love you and Dad and I are so lucky to have you in our lives! See the slideshow to see a bit more of this gal at her best (and ummm silliness, lol)! Happy Birthday Lex & many more to come!
Slideshow Pics:
I get to share two cards with you today featuring 2 NEW sets by Gina K that you will love and want to add to your collection. This first set is called "Follow Your Dreams" and its great for so many occasions and people in your life. I really wanted to create a masculine card since I tend to not do those as often and I like how this turned out. I used both the boat and tree stamps to create my scene and then colored it all in with my Copics.
The papers I used are by BoBunny and I loved the masculine colors and patterns---perfect for this card! This might be my Dad's birthday card this year since he loves boats so much and still sails his regularly! Some twill ribbon, distressed edges and buttons finish off the card--no frills on this one! LOL
The images were colored with Copics and I added a stripe of dark red on the boat to pick up the reds in the papers. A little bit of Stickles on the water adds some sparkle without "glamming" it up too much!
The second card uses the beautiful set illustrated by Melanie Muenchinger called "Branching Out"! This set is just so elegant and there are so many ways to use it (see the post below this for another idea). I really needed a sympathy card for a friend of mine so I decided to use this set to create it. It's a gate-fold card that is easily made--my papers are from Paper Trey Ink. The colors are all monochromatic & elegant--perfect for this type of sentimental card. I created a belly band to go around the gate-fold to keep it closed and it easily slips off.
The images all got embossed with gold EP and the sentiment is from another Gina K set that was perfect for this card. The image and mat were cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities.
On the inside I used the same papers and embossed the longer branch image across the top & bottom of my paper leaving a space for a note for my friend. This set is so versatile that I know you can find 100 different & beautiful ways to use it!
- Gina K
- Giovana Smith
- Janice Whiting
- Jennie Harper
- Jimmi Mayo
- Lee Murphy
- Melanie Muenchinger
- Michelle Woerner
- Sharon Harnist
- Suzanne Dean (that's me)
- Tami Mayberry
- Theresa Momber
- Tina Gilliland
- Valerie Stangle
- Vicki Dutcher
- AJ Otto
- Carolina Buchting
- Cathy Tidwell
- Deb Felts
- Donna Baker
- Emily Giovanni
Oh, Suzanne--Maui sounds wonderful! We went there for our honeymoon so I recognize many of the places you've talked about! Soak it up girl!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful coloring of that boat scene--you are a coloring goddess!
The cards are so lovely! Thanks for the insight on the inside of the card - what a great way to finish off such a work of art!
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards, Suzanne!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Love how you coloured the first one. The second card are so pretty with those golden branches.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if you and your family are having a wonderful vacation together. Enjoy every minute of it -- that's what memories are made of. Great cards -- the second is my favourite!
ReplyDeletereally lovely cards. I love the belly band on the sympathy card. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTruly love your use of colors and paper. Your cards are eye catching!
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo very stunning Suzanne! and Happy Birthday to Alex! She is truly a beautiful soul!
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are just gorgeous........thanks!
ReplyDeleteI adore your cards. Have a great time in Maui. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the fabulous vacation. Love what u created with the new stamp sets. They are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWowza, Suzanne, your coloring is so stunning! Gorgeous cards!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! You did a good job on this!
ReplyDeletelove your cards. sure am glad you guys did this hop 'cuz I didn't realize just how cool the branching out stamp set really is.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThese are great cards, Suzanne! And a very happy birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteOoh Suzanne your birthday card is so rich and lavish. Love the layout!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, I loved your pictures. You guys are sure having a lot of fun!!! What memories you will always have!! Now to your cards!! Beautiful as always!! Love the boat scene. Your sis different from all of the others, so far. Looks like to me, the season is over and the little boat is all alone!! I love the fold on the 2nd card. Never seen this before. I love it!! Continue having fun!!
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful cards!!!
ReplyDeleteYour sympathy card is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAloha ,lol to you !
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your precious doughter Suzanne.
Love your sympathy card.
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards Suzanne. Have a great vacation.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and pictures of your family in the Aloha state. thank you for sharing your vacation with us....as well as your wonderful coloring...
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - Your masculine card today is my favorite. Loved the colors and patterns you have used. As always, your coloring is perfect.
ReplyDeleteLove the boat with the trees behind. Both are great!
ReplyDeletelove the deeper tones - it really accents the boat. Also love using the leaves on the outside and inside of your gate card
ReplyDeleteWow your cards are so beautiful! I'm loving all the pics from Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, just awesome!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! Sounds like the holiday is a blast....lucky you....we still have some snow on the ground here!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are really great! Love the touch of Stickles on the water. Great job combining the sentiments with the images! Will have to have both these sets. Enjoy your family and Hawaii !! Some of us are just plain jealous! :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely work - great stamps! TFS!
ReplyDeletepam_lash at yahoo dot com
I love the colors and papers in the first card & the sympathy card is lovely. Such a difficult subject to get right - & I'm def going to use that idea for decorationg the inside of a gatefold. tfs. Pat x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job!
ReplyDeleteI love your work. Your coloring techniques are always an inspiration!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love both cards.. but must ask where the "So Sorry For Your Loss" came from. I'm always looking for stamps for sympathy cards. There so hard to find.
ReplyDeleteLove your coloring work...it's lovely!
Very lovely cards, the "sorry for your loss" card is very nice.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Alexa!
ReplyDeleteNice cards!
Beautiful cards, Suzanne!
ReplyDeleteI am so loving the new stamp sets. I think it is fun to see how differently each of you have put them to use. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove both of these sets and your cards are just lovely!Your coloring & artwork on the boat looks so serene & relaxing- very pretty.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of lovely- aren't vacations GREAT!!!
Just got back from Punta Cana-HEAVEN!
Kim
Oh, my, I'm seeing so many beautiful renditions of the boat scene. Yours is fabulous! I must have that set!!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are adorable, Suzanne!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beautiful cards Suzanne!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful daughter.. They do grow up fast.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, loving these new sets.
Suzanne, both cards look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHugs and smiles
Beautiful cards!!
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for sympathy cards and yours if super fabulous! thanks! Enjoy your vacation and create many memories!!
ReplyDeleteLovely!!! Ty for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the leaf background -- very elegant!
ReplyDeleteI like both of your cards - the coloring on the first one is really nice!! I'm always looking for sympathy cards and this one is over the top!! TFS!!
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Hard to believe that you'd still have to time to make such lovely cards! Do love the boat but the sympathy card really touches me...like the inside! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove that first card! Enjoy your vacation.
ReplyDeleteLove both of the cards! Wish we had some of that warm weather here in Wisconsin.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time...love the photos of Alexa...those Elvis glasses are fab!! Great cards too :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the boat card, such a nice job.
ReplyDeletewonderful cards thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sympathy card. They are hard to come up with.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love the colors you used on the boat scene card. Both creations are beautiful.
ReplyDeletevery nice cards--love the gatefold card
ReplyDeletethese projects are fantastic Suzanne! i love the gatefold and your coloring on the boat is OTT awesome! Your daughter is beautiful, how exciting she has always known what she wanted to do and stuck with it! Great pic and love to hear you are having such a wonderful trip! hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love both of your cards. The one with the boat would be a great "guy" card. They are hard to find. So thank you.
ReplyDeleteReally really love both your cards, your color choices are great as well as desing, these are such great stamps sets, love what you did.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are enjoying your trip, sounds awesome, your daughter is so pretty, hope she does well with her choice of college!! Good luck to you all.
Donna Przy....
Love your cards
ReplyDeleteSuzanne what a beautiful masculine card...I love it! And the gatefold card is just as wonderful. Thanks much
ReplyDeletedid not think I would like anything better than Hop #1 but I do! Love this design.
ReplyDeleteI need new stamps to get my mojo going!
Diane
Beautiful cards as always. Looks like you are having a great time on your well deserved vacation.
ReplyDeleteNice card, Suzanne. That's some dedication to be posting your work from Maui!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your vaca photos as well as your beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the colors used on the first card, the boat scene. Your examples continue to show how versatile these sets are.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are beautiful. Love the red with the boat....and all the way from Hawaii, too! Happy Birthday to that daughter of yours!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. Love your choice of colors
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sympathy card and I like the little scene on your masculine card.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! You are Amazing! Love your blog! Thanks! Happy Birthday to beautiful Alexa!!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards and Happy Birthday to Alex..tfs
ReplyDeletehttp://auntiemargsblog.blogspot.com/
What gorgeous cards, thanks for sharing your fabulous talent!!
ReplyDeletegreat cards, thanks for sharing. i'd love to go back to Maui, my husband and i celebrated our 10th anniversary there, this year is #40
ReplyDeletelinda patti tpatti@windstream.net
Lovely job on your cards! TFS!
ReplyDeleteKris in Alaska
funamom at yahoo dot com
Beautiful cards. I love them both and I am sure the sets are fun to work with.
ReplyDeleteLooks like life is wonderful in Maui. Seize the day!
Beautiful cards, Suzanne, and I loved your slide show too! Alexa is beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Alexa! Loved the cards and the stamp sets. Love your blog!!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, you make me yearn for Hawaii...some MORE!! My hubby and I will be going to Oahu for 3 glorious weeks pretty soon!! Nothing like looking out at the ocean and watching those spectacular sunsets with the people you love around you!!! Hawaii is truly a paradise for the soul.
ReplyDeleteI love, love the birtday card, such great colors. I'm sure the Hawaiian memories will continue to translate through your cards. And I especially love the sympathy card. Very ELEGANT!!
Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Suzanne...I just KNEW you would have "fun" written on your card! Coloring job is so good on your boat card. The sympaty card was very elegant and understated. Your trip sounds amazing and I loved the pics of your "mini-me". She is a beauty for sure and looks so much like her lovely mom!
ReplyDeleteSo Very Nice Cards!!! and your Daughter is Beautiful!!! Sounds like you are having a dream trip and Oregon State does have a wonderful program. Our Oregon Coast brings people from all over the world because of its' beauty and marine life.
ReplyDeleteFaith
LOVE your Maui slideshows, Suzanne! Happy Birthday to Alexa! :) Your trip looks like total fabulousness!
ReplyDeleteYour cards for the blog hop are as always BEAUTIFUL. Great job!
Congratulations Alexa! Happy 15th birthday! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, love them.
I love the gatefold card. That's just beautiful
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Alexa!!! So happy to hear you are all having a wonderful time, that's just great, that's what vacations are for, remember!!! And, Hawaii is the place to have that memorable vacation for sure...... Love the pictures you're sharing, they are just fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so beautiful, thank you for leaving your bit of "Suzanne art" for us to enjoy while you are gone!
Love your boat cards. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletekim
k1i2m3@cox.net
Great cards, Suzanne! Sounds like such a fab time you all are having!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're having such a spectacular time in Maui, Suzanne. Lovely cards! I can only aspire to color so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteTwo wonderful cards -- love the colours of your masculine birthday card and the unique design for the sympathy card. Enjoy your trip and happy birthday to your beautiful daughter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing you two wonderful cards. My favorite is the gatefold - so elegant and I am always in need of sympathy cards.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your beautiful daughter and sure glad you're having a wonderful vacation!! I DO love the coloring of that little boat....sooo realistic!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards both of them. I love the way you used a belly band to close your gatefold card. Happy 15 to Alexa!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful young lady you have there, and Happy Birthday to her, the big 15!
ReplyDeleteEverything about these cards is beautiful. I especially LOVE the gatefold card...:)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful colors on the birthday card!
ReplyDeleteAnd what an amazing design for the sympathy card - so nice.
Awesome cards! Happy birthday to Alexa too. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Alexis! I loved Maui, everything is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love your cards, too. The coloring on the boat scene is amazing.
like your boat
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards. The masculine BD one is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
PeggyS
Always looking for "masculine" card ideas...this one is great!
ReplyDeleteOMG You're killing me here. I was born and raised on Maui. DH and I lived in the apt. building just around the bend from Mama's Fish House when we were first married. I watched both of your slide shows and have fond memories of each location. DH is to ill to travel so I haven't been home for years. Now I’m homesick. Maui No Ka Oi!!!
ReplyDeleteENJOY!
BTW your cards are all smashing.
Aloha and Blessings
Bernie
Happy Birthday Alexa! Have fun in Maui. Your trip sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteWow Wow Wow, Suzanne. Beautiful cards and Hawaii, too. Happy Bithday to Alexa.
ReplyDeleteLoved the sympathy card - thanks for sharing from Maui!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are great. I'm sure Maui will be an inspiration for future cards.
ReplyDeleteReally like these cards! I didn't get to see Day before and caught it this time! Love, love love, that one, too. Kathie
ReplyDeleteJeepers, those creations are off the charts!!! Either you created Copics OR you were separated at birth because you go hand in hand!!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cards are lovely but I REALLY like the layout of your first card Suzanne. I hope Alexa had a wonderful birthday. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your work! Thanks for sharing a sympathy card..don't see too many that actually look like sympathy.
ReplyDeleteGreaaaaaaaaaaaaaattt job on both cards. TFS!!
ReplyDeleteJean McGee
Awesome card Suzanne!!! Happy Birthday to Alexa. Enjoy the rest of you time in paradise.
ReplyDeleteYou have such inspiring talent. Thank you for sharing.. Lv the Islands too.. Hugs, Dottie
ReplyDeleteVery nice cards.
ReplyDeleteOh my are these wonderful! Your work is just so nice. Enjoy your trip and look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteOk definitely keeping track of your blog!! Love what you did and the colors you chose!!!
ReplyDeleteJackie
jmpresearch@gmail.com
beautiful cards. Your family looks so rested...ha ha. When did you find time to craft? Happy 15th to your daughter, and many more.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty cards.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards... love the gatefold card with the "belly band".
ReplyDeletecrafty teacher
What great cards! The layout design of the birthday card is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThose are just gorgeous cards. Sounds like you are having fun!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Alexa!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. TFS
You sure did justice to the Follow Your Dream stamp and the lifelike coloring. Your second card using Branching Out is a nice touch on the center opening of the card. Branching Out is so TOTALLY versatile. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite card so far that I've seen from the new stamp sets is your first one. The colors are so vibrant and work so well with the boat image! It sounds like you are having an amazing time on your vacation.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, your cards are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty cards. I like gate fold cards, they help change the same routine and add interest.
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking! I want both, NOW!
ReplyDeleteI love both cards as always. Great job.
ReplyDeletejOAN
Glad you are having a blast on your trip and Happy Birthday to your daughter! She'll always remember this birthday! Love both of your cards.. beautiful as always!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing masculine card - I have never seen that from you! Just stunning!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Love love love them.... Continute to have fun and be safe.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful cards Suzanne! The boat with the evergreens reminds me of the Northwest where I grew up! Your sympathy card is truly beautiful!
ReplyDeletePer usual your cards are STUNNING. I can't get enough. I love stopping by here. Thank you so much for sharing. ;0)
ReplyDeleteTraci Lord
3team3lord3@comcast.net
Really pretty cards. Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards & looks like a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteLove your cards as usual. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii. Enjoy it to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards!! Sounds like you are having so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteStunning sympathy card. I love the idea of the belly band
ReplyDeleteBeautiful projects! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCarol B
ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow great vacation pics! Your cards are beautiful...love the belly band on the gatefold card!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous! So glad you are having a great time!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
marie
Suzanne, I loved both of your cards, they remind me of the really expensive cards I used to splurge on for special occasions, you know the $5.00 ones. Now I make my own. LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat cards.
ReplyDeletemmlmn at polarcomm dot com
Suzanne, your colouring is fantastic. I really love both cards. I bet your Dad will love that card, I know mine would (I could take it off you if you like... LOL). The sympathy card idea with a belly band is an idea I've not tried, but it looks so elegant that I think I'll add a few to the stash. TFS
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your trip with us. love your cards and ideas
ReplyDeleteI love your masculine card.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards Suzanne! Glad that you and your family are having such a good time!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and beautiful pictures...looks like you had a wonderful trip!!!
ReplyDeleteJan Castle
Aloha- enjoy your vacay!
ReplyDeleteYour sympathy card is absolutely gorgeous. Those leaves are lovely embossed like that!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are gorgeous, but I especially love the sympathy card..it's perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love Hawaii. Glad you are having such a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the cards. So beautiful.
Just lovely cards what can i say Karen TB Ontario
ReplyDeletegreat pictures, Happy birthday Alexa and love those cards x
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are gorgeous, love the first one especially. Your coloring is amazing! Hugs, Karen
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm your newest follower!
Your cards are just gorgeous! Thanks for the ideas and inspiratoin.
ReplyDeleteyour cards are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour projects were great. Thanks for the ideas.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful trip. I hope your DD had a great birthday. Great cards
ReplyDelete