Turning something old into something new

 I love finding unusual papers and creating something new with them. The inspiration for this new set of cards came from a roll of vintage French wallpaper that I found in Carmel, California. The images were meticulously cut out and mounted on a subtle ivory patterned background with a soft pink blush card as the base. I added just a bit of glitter for that sparkle that I love. The urn, basket and wheel barrow designs have a traditional French feel and I love the whimsy of the windmill. Très joli!

Happy Spring!

This bunny is ready to hop! I've been busy getting ready for Easter, inspired by my beautiful new nephew who will be celebrating his first Easter. I love the Babaloo font, designed by my friend Lisa Holtzman. It adds that perfect touch of whimsy!

Papier Amore

What is it about paper?
I still read books, ones made with paper. So, I make bookmarks, ones made with paper. I like the weight of a book in my hands. I like looking at a book and seeing how far I've moved the bookmark, how close I am to discovering "whodunit." I have a dictionary that I keep in a bedside drawer that has a really crisp feel every time I turn a page looking for a word. I love the feel of the heavy deckle pages in a journal my sister Alston gave me. I love how tear stains on a letter my friend Max wrote to me after my mother died have made the paper all wavy. I like that I can open up my copy of Jane Eyre right to the page where Rochester proposes to Jane, because the pages are so worn from re-reading them. I like that I can make a card out of paper that I love the look and feel of and send it to someone I love.
One of my favorite quotes is from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: "Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius." How do I know that? I read it in a book.

In Memoriam

My cousin Jack Lewis passed away on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the age of 24. That information goes in my head, bounces around and disappears. And then it comes back. He was smart, sweet and full of love. This card is for him. 100% of the sale of this card is donated to the Humane Society of Napa, California in Jack's memory. Each card is $5.00, plus $1.00 shipping.

Jane Austen Flower Power Again!

"I cannot help but think that it is more natural to have flowers grow out of the head than fruit. What do you think on that subject?" ~Jane Austen, letter June 11, 1799, on buying a sprig for her sister's hat.

The minute I read that quote, I filed it away, knowing I'd use it at some point. Just in time for the JASNA SW Conference on Sunday, I was able to put the quote together with a wonderful image. Now if I can just find the perfect hat to wear, I'll be set!

New! Jane Austen Notes!

I'm getting ready for Sunday's JASNA SW Conference with a few new notes. These are a smaller size (3.5"x5") than my greeting cards and I've been adding bits of organza to them, for another dimension. Some of the images are Jane Austen postage stamps that were issued in the UK (in 1975) and some images are idyllic Georgian scenery. Jane Austen never ceases to be a source of inspiration!

Jane Austen Flower Power!

"Indulge your imagination in every possible flight."
~Jane Austen

I'm getting ready for the annual Spring JASNA SW Conference in May with a few Jane Austen Flower Power framed cards! These 5" x 7" cards have a burst of spring color and pattern, with lovely Jane the center of attention.
I will also have on hand some new Jane bookmarks in spring colors.
At the end of May I will be launching a Jane-inspired store on Etsy. If it sounds as if I have Jane Austen on the brain~I do! How could I not, when I come across a quote like this:

"I cannot help thinking that it is more natural to have flowers grow out of the head than fruit. what do you think on that subject?"
~Jane Austen, letter June 11, 1799~on buying a "sprig" for her sister's hat.