Local Artists Need Support

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I am a creative soul and love to make 'something' every day!

Layered HELLO card

For too many years, (more that I can count now, but I have a few cards I made for my husband almost 30 years ago...) I have made hundreds and even thousands of greeting cards.  

They are such a creative outlet for me.  

I love that God has given me a gift that I try and use every day.  I practice all the time to make progress... which in turn, has become my version of perfecting what I do!

Get Well Soon

I hand doodle all kinds of cards.  Doodle, draw, sketch.... paint, computer generate, ink/rubber stamp... and all unique, one of a kind cards!  Yes, I admit that I am a copy artist!!! Sometimes I get my ideas from other places... but I do not trace or use someone elses image... unless it is from the paper I get from one of the craft stores.

Smiling Frogs

I admit that sometimes I'm like a kid in a candy store... there are so many cute ideas, posting, blogs, Pinterest and other adorable things out there on the internet....and I am greatly inspired to recreate some of the cuteness!

And I feel guilty.  But, I am often reassured that it is okay to Steal Like and Artist. by Austin Kleon.  So, if he says it's okay... then it's okay?   Right???

Gift Pack of cards

Birthday Gift

Oh boy do I love to make money supporting my habit, I mean my hobby! My cards mostly start at $3.50 each.  Yes, according to 'some' people.... whomever you are... I sell myself short!  I am blessed and fortunate this isn't my only livelihood.... but it makes my living lively!

 It's my gift to you, if you like what I do!

I'm on a resurgence if you will, a big kick, on the bandwagon...on my soapbox... support local artist!!!!  If you know someone who is a creative, buy from them.

Come back and visit me here again at my blog.  On the left side you can click on any one of the labels and it will take you a post of my made cards. It gives you an idea of the variety of cards I can make!

Send out more FuN MaiL

Brighten Someone's Day

Peggy Sue
prdesigns1@sbcglobal.net

Thumbs Up!

I needed some quick, one dimensional, simple.... yet cute cards!

I used ink and my thumb print... and then added a few doodles with pen or marker, to make these quirky:

 tweety birds.

funny frogs.

silly snowman.

and the rest.

Doodle cards are the most fun!  

Simplicity is great.

Stayed tuned, more cards to come!!!

Buy More Creaative Greetings!

Today I'm getting back to some of my whimsical paper crafting roots!

There is no doubt about it.... the satisfaction of creating a greeting card from bits and pieces of paper, some glue and doodles and a few other things too, makes me so happy!

 

There is a lot going on with this card!!! But, at least they are all in the same color scheme.... monochromatic.

 

I think maybe 9 layers of patterned paper.  A few doodles, a punch out and a sentiment.  Is it too much???  I was by the card aisle in my local grocery store and I saw they are selling Papyrus cards.

 

 

The word Papyrus (pah·pie·rus) comes from the earliest form of paper crafted from the papyrus plant. PAPYRUS was founded in the family kitchen of Marcel and Margrit Schurman in 1950.

Inspired by a love of fine art, they had a vision for products of uncompromising quality which provided the starting point from which genuine personal connections are made. They presented their products in an inviting gallery setting to encourage engagement with the products and with a friendly helpful staff.
Their cards start at $6.95

And yes, you can find some cheaper on clearance.

 

 

I went out and splurged on a cute die-cut set that has this HELLO punch, the arrow punch and the Instagram photo holder punch!

 

But to compete ( ha ha) I need to get up-to-date tools and embellishments, markers, paints and colors!

Know anyone that you'd like to send an original creative greeting to?  My cards start at a more reasonable price of $3.00.  And I definitely promise you will not find another card on the market that looks like one made by prdesigns!!!

Get on Board

Do. Or do not. There is no try. ~ Yoda

 

I put a little 'twist' on my post today of  discovery, to focus a bit on my evolving and learning.  I am super thrilled about Pinterest.  I've heard that some call it the 'fantasy football' league for women. 

 

Where in one place can you get so many ideas, from home decorating to fashion, from recipes to simple DIY projects?  And so much more....

 

So, a few months ago I saw this cute DIY post for a card board.  That sounds kind of funny when you say it... seems like you are saying cardboard... which you are.... it's a board to hold your 'greeting' cards. 

 

If, and when I actually attempt to sell my creative greeting cards at a craft fair you need to have a display to show the goods.  For a few years I've been looking for old indoor window shutters with the louvers, because I saw a display where they have the card behind the slat and you can display a lot of cards at once.

 

Simply said, I've not found what I have in mind.  But then I saw this card... board. Not only had to try and make it.... I had to DO.

It is 4 boards that are 4" x 4'.  Cheapest boards I could find at $3.49 each.  I actually had Menard's cut the 10' boards at 4 feet for me (they did it free).  I sanded the heck out of those four boards to
a: get rid of all the splinters and
b: to distress the edges of the wood.

I used paint stirring sticks on the back to hold the four boards together. On the backside using wood glue and a staple gun I lined the boards straight and flat and then put the stir sticks across horizontal and stapled the hell out of them.  I probably could use two more stir sticks, but that will be for next time.

I painted the boards with some extra exterior house paint I had on hand.  Sanded up the edges of the boards again once it was dry... distress is best.  On the raw wood I was supposed to use wood stain, but all I had was Distress Ink in my craft stash, but that worked.... it's all about making the wood look worn.

 

Wrap twine around the boards, overlapping and twisting along the entire board.  Tie with a secure knot on back.  Add clothes pins.  The more distressed and worn the clothes pins the better.  Don't want any of those pristine ones that you can actually get from the Dollar$tore.

 

I have floor space and room enough to display this four foot stand.  The DIY on Pinterest used it as a Christmas Card holder.  She used holiday floral picks with pine cones and red ribbon and attached it to a spot on the top corner.  But actually, you could make a 'clip on' pick and change this up for any holiday or celebration... for someone's birthday you could add a banner hanging from the top, you could use this to display photos, postcards, kids art.....

 

Or even, a cute, whimsical, one of a kind.... creative greeting!!!

 

Brighten Someone's Day

with FuN MaiL!!!

Go (to school)!

It's that time of year, again!!

 Like I said yesterday, school and fall go together!  And here's a creative greeting card that you will 'fall' for.  Lot's of parents are kicking their little birdies out of the nest... it's time for them to go and spread their wings... even if they have to flap their wings a bit before they can soar!

We are staring to become empty nesters...

It was a real tough few weeks last fall, but it was like we all joined this new club. I made this simple one layer doodled card as 4 families within a few houses on our block were all sending off our first born to college. 

Here with Bubba at his apartment door!

For the inside I found a great quote that I think works: Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!

~ Steel Magnolias

I think a card like this could be some great FuN MaiL!! It truly is the little things that make a big difference in any life.

A few more friends are going through this 'new' stage in their life this fall.  Maybe they are able to handle it better than I did... however, as you know, I probably can make a creative greeting for 'any' event.

Brighten Someone's Day! 

Hello, Nice to Meet You

Oh, I can't get that little song out of my mind, the new promo for the Jeff Probst talk show on tv.  He is the 'host' of the reality show 'Survivor'.  These guys don't have enough to do hosting a show about wacko people? They now get asked to host a talk show?  Do we really want to know what he thinks?

Well, I guess that's why I have a blog, I can tell the world what I think!

Simple and clean card above.  Months ago I got the Fresh Vintage stamp set from SU!  I hadn't found the right moment to try it and now I had the opportunity.  Nice and crisp image.  I added the Hello and the punched flower row from different sets.

Two things come to mind as I write this post.  The opportunity to use this stamp set.  By no means am I a craft hoarder.  Oh, just like the average crafter, I do have my share of 'stuff'.  Any none paper crafter who would walk in my 'craft studio' would be overwhelmed.  I'll say what most would say... "I might need that.... some day..."  Most all my 'stuff' is in organized piles.  (Sadly, I am waiting for the day, and it will be happening real soon, when Bubba cleans out his bedroom and takes his furniture plus the hide-a-bed couch from my office and haul it off to his apartment at the University) and then I will be able to merge and purge my 'stuff' in a more sensible order. (Stay tuned for that)

And then you had me at 'hello'.  I walk my neighborhood daily.  When you have two active fur babies it's kind of hard to ignore them when they are standing at the door.  I have found it strange lately how many new people I encounter on my walks.  Our neighborhood is not that big... or so I thought.  I keep my dogs on a leash, in tow whenever we cross paths with other people and dogs.  I can't tell you how many times I am walking right by someone and I greet them with a basic "Hello"  ( not even how are you, or tell me your life's problems) and they continue walking by as if I didn't say a word to them. Okay, so I've been told, maybe they have their ipod playing in their ear, they're deaf, they're not in the mood to speak, don't take it personally, they're socially inept... a simple bob of the head, roll of the eyes, tiny raise of the hand, a mumble 'hi'.... it's just one of those things that makes me go hmmmm.

Our mini Cooper

 Just a cool reminder how the weather used to be here about 6 months ago.  One day I made a snowman, just because I could and a snapped a cute shot with my loyal friend Cooper.  Isn't he handsome?  He has been an inspiration for many photo shoots and lots of cards.  I love my dogs!

Cooper turned 7 last month.  His muzzle is starting to show a little grey, here and there.  But he is still spry and spunky when he wants to be.  While walking the neighborhood we happen upon a new walker, and they often want to know how old our 'puppy' is... when we say 7 they are shocked.  He holds his age well, I guess!

I've morphed a doodle from Marisse Carrier and turned it a bit Cooper-esc.  I am trying very hard to clean my creative space (use up the old) and am going through my extra paper stash and my doodle bin to try and come up with unique and whimsical cards that are just lying in wait to be created!  I was inspired by a few blogs that had layouts and figured these left overs with my doodle shapes would make two perfect cards!

A few weeks ago I posted that I had fallen into one of our window wells trying to retrieve a small friend we named Chip.  Cooper is nothing but a vigilant and dedicated varmint dog.  He sits and waits for hours amongst the hostas and bushes around our house.  Waiting for a glimpse or a chance to play with small furry friends.  Well, I'm happy, or maybe sad to report that he finally caught "A" Chip.

Stop reading here if you have a queasy stomach: I helped in the demise of Chip.  Seems Cooper heard Chip and gave chase around to the back of the house.  Chip ran up a plastic down spout.  Cooper knocked the downspot off and started rolling it around the yard.  Mom (me) came out to find what the commotion was about and noticed a scratching noise coming from the plastic tube. I tipped it up and nothing, then I tipped it down and heard a scurry of scratching noises. 

Something was inside the tube.  Cooper started pawing at the tube, his eyes were intense, almost pleading with me... "Mom, I've got this one".  Not to be cruel, but I let Cooper have a go at the 'caged' animal.  He rolled the tube around the yard, stuck his snout into each open end, he pawed at the baffles in the middle.  Not that there are any gory details... but Chip did not make it.  Cooper was triumphant!  We showed everyone in the house Cooper's prize and awarded him with words of great praise for his catch!

With a nature wonderland like our backyard, there is MORE where that came from.  Every day, our loyal Cooper waits for hours hidden amongst the hostas, shadowed from the hot summer sun.  He is now waiting, and waiting, and waiting.... maybe for Dale to cross his path!

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our life whole. ~ pinterest

Happy Hellos!

Just like the weather outside, my picture seems a little warm and fuzzy!  It's been hot, hot, hot and very humid the past week.  We need rain!  If it isn't something... it's another!

What would life be without my fur-babies?  The UPS guy stopped by on Friday.  Didn't even need to ring the door bell.  Cooper made such a fuss, then that started Tucker with crazy barking up and down the stairs.

We always know when it's dinner time as they gather around their bowls, patiently, pleading with us and those beautiful brown eyes, blink FEED ME.... now!

And for walks, it's beastly hot out there, but both dogs lay with their chin in their paws and look at me.  Last night we wanted to walk 'outside' the neighborhood and even Tucker knows that when I walk over to get my car keys in the kitchen, it's not only a walk but a fun ride in the car with the windows open. Wheeeeee!!!!

I loved the bright basic colors of this card.  They were all scraps left on my cutting board from a previous project.  Doggie doodle is based on Marisse Carrier designs. Simple but fun card today.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our life whole.~ Roger Caras

Spot that

Either there is some exciting card making going on out there on the WWW that I get to do some fun CASe Study on.... or I'm finding all the right spots to hit to get my mojo going, or yes BOTH! Well, it really does help when you have a few orders... I want to cre8te some new and fun paper crafts to send to my customers. Thanks to those who are supporting my small business!! Love the simplicity of the card above with just a few punched flowers, swirls and colors that all match. There are so many ways to go with just this one layout and then incorporating different colors.

Can you spot Sissy? Her high school football team was on local TV as they won their 6A football state championship this past weekend. The college boy paused the action as the crowd was being panned and found her and took a picture. They all look so happy! (don't enlarge, it's a picture of a picture of a picture, gets blurry)

I was feeling a bit down thinking I needed to go shopping over the past weekend with Black Friday and all the other craziness. It sure was overwhelming all the newspaper ads and TV ads and people all over the internet remarking about their great purchases (or that they were done??).... making me feel guilty! I helped out the economy yesterday by doing a little cyber Monday on-line shopping and I went to M's and found a few things to add to my cre8tive stash. I feel much better.... but I'm thinking I need to visit a few more stores this week, just in case I missed something:)

Gnome-body Knows

Inside it reads: Gnome Sweet Gnome

A fun little friend card!

Gnomes still got it. I have 4 scattered throughout my not so secret garden. Gname the Gnome was on one of my very first blog posts, about 5 years ago.... I'll have to look up my blogaversary!!! I was going to follow the adventures of my spiritual dude because I didn't think I'd have anything to talk about. ba ha ha:0) Look at all the different directions my blog has taken me!

The Travelocity Gnome has a lot of snarky commercials. His cute and whimsical spirit makes us giggle. I even know of someone who wants to be a Gnome for Halloween... won't that be cool... a daring small humanoid creature, guarder of mines and under ground treasures, umpa lumpa-ing around!!!


I can just imagine the fun, whimsy and muse spirit of a hip and trendy Gnome being my leader as I go to a meeting at:

Hokey Pokey

Anonymous

A place to turn

yourself around!

- pinterest

I Just "CHOOSE" not to!

I bought these clear stamps(Soiree.... isn't that a fun word) some time ago from Archivers, I think it's Pink Paisley.... well I adore Heidi Swapp, a cute paper craft artist... she was selling them on her blog, or her USTREAM channel or whatever... And I wanted to get them so I could be just like her... hee hee... I know.. just kidding!

But she is an inspiration and I do love her creations.

Cute & easy and simple cards. Stamp and embellish.

I just don't want to make the effort to think outside the box..... it is just too easy for me to re-create all the fun stuff already out there, exposed on all these cute internet sites.

Just read this uber cute post on Pinterest.. Stop saying "I can't" You can. You just choose not to. So TRUE!!!

I just choose not to create 'new' when I can copy so easily!!! Can you believe no doodles from me on these three? Real stamps with ink, pressed into the paper. WOW! I actually CASed these from Janet Hopkins, she was a partner in design with Heidi.

A 'hello' card, a birthday card and a super cute tag (I did doodle the TO: & FROM:) All took about 10 minutes total to create, once I had all my supplies laid out in front of me.

The EARTH with out ART is just "eh".

pinterest

Top off A Gift

TAGS

Can be a separate special tiny card and put on top of a gift... can be popped up on top of the cre8tive greeting card with all kinds of fun embellishments spilling off,.... can be put inside a special paper holder on a cre8tive greeting and slide out when pulled, holding a top secret message.

On the Happy Hellos card above, I really like making these adorkable flowers with the small petals and the big middle with doodles all around, there is something funky about them that makes me smile. And below on the monochromatic blue birthday card, I am inspired trying to make the library pockets a bit different or creating other slide holders that hold a tag with a weird shape, with fun fibers and embellishments bounding off!

But you also can: play tag when YOU'RE IT on the playground, you can tag someone in a photo on Facebook, you can wear a dog tag, you can put your graffiti signature on a brick wall and that's called tag, your car has tags with the vehicle registration, when you fake fight you can be on a tag team, you can have little skin tags on your body, Theatre Arts Guild (TAG) , The Andy Griffith Show (TAG) and at least 10 more ways to use tag in the English language, from sports to computers!

Gift tags can be personalized to make every present you give just a bit more special!

Vase it: a flowers friend

*A vase, made of crystal or molded clay,
in and of itself beautiful in it's own way
By itself it is a lovely piece of decor
A delight to the eyes,
that is it what it's there for.


Besides being a beautiful vessel to hold cut flowers, a vase can be an expression of who you are... tall, short, glass, plastic, ceramic... and the kind of flowers in the vase can expose where you are in life, roses from a lover, dandelions from a child, daisy's in the the spring, carnations for a dance, lillies at the end(?) And how many vases you have can help determine if you are a collector.

Cre8tive Greetings can be a matching partner along with all of it...

A card can hold the poem or the verse you wish to convey,
I can design a type of flower or vase you wish to display
It can be very bright and colorful or in shades of gray
A greeting can really SH!NE and make someones day!
To read the entire vase poem click here.

Cut at a different angle

Found someone in our neighborhood who is a hairstylist out of her home. I like her. She's got spunk!!! Sissy is going to her tomorrow.

One day I thanked her with a cre8tive greeting... well, with the tip inside it... cuz I'm thinking every new person I meet is a potential customer. The next time I went to her, I gave her all my 'old' greetings... ones that didn't make the cut... or hadn't sold... she has a salon at a nursing home and I had read somewhere... not that you want to give them all your left overs... but they like to get cards.... so I gave her a pile... no envelopes... said if she wanted any... please take them... and if she could ask if the retirement community would like them.... I'd rather give them away then have them sit here getting dusty!

Then she said to me she was willing to post my info up on her bulletin board. So, here's the personalized card I made for her... and then I have a flyer with pull tab info. We'll see if that takes me anywhere! :0)

Surprisingly about a month ago I got an interesting phone call on my cell. This guy asked are you PRdesigns... I said yes... he had seen one of my flyers and really liked what I did.... how did I accept payment... I thought it was strange... but I said I take checks, and of course cash. Then he asks what about credit cards... I say... oh no! I'm too small of a company to do anything like that... he says... oh, don't sell yourself so short... your company is going to make it through yadda, yadda, yadda... he was trying to SELL me on whatever it is you need to set up a credit account to receive payment from my customers.... huh? what the hell? Thank you... bye.... the FIRST call I ever receive from my 'advertising'... it's not about me... it's about what he can sell to me.... aaaargh!!!!!

Any who... my version of the spunky stylist... hoping someone might see it and contact me for cardmaking!!!

Warning!! Warning!!

- Pretty Paper

Slow............. creating blog post... although I had a few hours of class up at Archivers this past Sunday.... just can't take pictures, upload them... cre8te... then post...play.... OMG! It saddens me... I can't do it ALL... no secret there... i love to make cards....

I'm not gaining that much from my job itself.... lots of boring data entry...but it sure is teaching me many things outside the work place.... self worth and pride.... oh the other thing.... so I was having a conversation in my head, I was even answering myself... then I went next door to talk to my cube mate... and I think I started talking to her in mid sentence... she looked at my quizical... I explained my comment... then she answered... later on, I realized I really didn't have the initial conversation with her... no wonder she didn't understand me... I've lost my funny mojo.... stay tuned.... I'll get my funny back... someday!