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

Handmade with LOVE

Welcome to my blog!

I'm a card maker!

I create greeting cards.... and all sorts of crafty fun stuff!

to Brighten your day!!!

or

to Brighten Someone's Day

who is special in your life.

You can check out any of the card categories to the left of this blog post to see what I make.  Most cards are doodles (drawn by me) or they are a mix of stamped images, embellishments, computer clip art, water colored... pretty much anything!!!

I can recreate something or be uniquely original and whimsical just for you!

You just have to think slightly ahead to get my cards.  But I promise the special people in your life who love hand made, heartfelt and unique things.... know that you really thought of them when you got one of my cards!!

Contact me @ prdesigns1@sbcglobal.net

Brighten Someone's Day

Monday Creative Energy

I almost had a disaster over the weekend!

I got this little pop up on the side of my computer to upload the new version of Windows 10.  You know? I never really know what's legit or not anymore!! Pop ups for anit-virus, time is running out .... ways it seems that the cyber world is out there trying to scam you, get your information, selling you stuff you don't even know you need.

So.... I upgraded, clicked the button, did whatever it asked of me.... and after a few hours of trying to make adjustments and figure out what I just did.... I walked away from my computer and did some real stuff!!

Did you know that I like to make greeting cards?  

It's true!!

They bring me such an artistic satisfaction, at times I can't even explain what joy they bring me.

I enjoy making whimsical and fun cards.

I even like making more serious cards with bold color and bold shapes.

I especially love making cards that have doodle on them.

Not that card making is *easy.  It is a challenge that I love the beginning... middle and end result.

But then I got stuck.  I upgraded to Windows 10 on my computer.  I wanted to throw it out the window.  I couldn't 'make it do' what I needed or wanted it to do.  I wanted my old 'windows' back.

It appears many other people did also.  I did a search and found out that I could uninstall it.  In a heartbeat, I was all over that!  Don't get me wrong... I am loving all this computer technology.... but this past week, I wasn't up for learning anything new, or trying to figure out apps, or program layouts or updates.

Cross your fingers!!! Going back seemed to go really smooth. I was only updated for less than 24 hours.  I may go there again, but I'll leave that for another day, when I have nothing to do!

I will go back to my card making tried and true tools.  Need to move the mouse, computer, screens and papers, markers, and stuff to make a clear spot.... to make more creative greetings. Monday morning, let's start this week off in a great way!!!!

I've Got the Fever

It's that time of year.  Holiday stuff is cleared and packed away.  Superbowl is done and over.  And now, the waiting for spring to arrive because we've had it with winter!!!!

Do you feel that way?  Do you want sunshine and warmth?  Do you have Cabin fever!

Cabin fever is an idiomatic term, first recorded in 1838,^[1] for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in a small space, with nothing to do for an extended period. Cabin fever describes the extreme irritability and restlessness a person may feel in these situations.

Although I miss being able to just enjoy being outdoors.... I am finding I have plenty to do to keep me busy.  Recently, I got a few card orders that I was excited to create and complete.  Here are a few examples of the birthday cards.  I love how they turned out.  I hope the recipient likes them too!

I have so much fun card making!  But a great perk from my hobby is when I get  paid for them, so, I can go shopping and buy new and fun supplies to build up my stash.

It is also fun to check out 'hundreds' of crafty sites with so many ideas.  Finding the right card to make is a challenge at times. But again, it's so much easier with new technology.  I used to have to buy magazines to get ideas... now with a few clicks on the computer.... I can go from place to place! 

Too many ideas, so little time now!!!

What do you do when you have cabin fever???? Is Spring only 23 days away?

Keep Calm and Build a Snowman

Some people are worth melting for .... is a quote from Olaf, the snowman from the latest Disney animation move, Frozen. 

You don't always need snow and ice to build a snowman!

I needed to make a teenage girl birthday card and remembered that the movie Frozen is still a big hit. Some like the catchy songs, others like the strong characters and what they stand for, and others love the cute sidekick that bring humor to the story.  

Hi, I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs!

Once again, I give props to all those creative papercrafters who have come before me and figured out, took the time, had the vision of how to take some paper, use a punch and assemble some circles and dots and make those things pop onto the page and make something fun and cute.

I took the bits and pieces, the circles and odd shapes, added some doodles and created Olaf as well, and popped him on a cute happy birthday card.

I'm happy with the results.  

Let's Brighten Someones Day!

What can I create for you?

Any Combination Works

11-5-14

I recently had a card order that I was excited to create and complete. 

Here are my cute creative greeting cards for this week.

 

Just like I hear and read about all the time, paper crafters are paper hoarders.  We buy lots of pretty papers that we love.  We use our papers, but we also just like to hoard them and say .... oh, maybe on the next project I will use this paper.  Or, it has to be a real special card that gets this paper!!! Or we just like to touch and look at ALL of our pretty papers!!!!

 

This celebrate card can be be made in hundreds of different ways, just by changing out the color scheme for the stars.  For a baby card you could use pastel colors, more feminine? pinks ..... school colors for a graduation.... silvers and gold for a milestone birthday... or, quite literally any combination in-between .... for anything!

 

I'm liking the layers and the textures on this card.  You can even pull out the little 'note' and write a surprise sentiment on the back.... tuck it back into the envelope, open the card and sign something on the inside.... two for one!! Depending how thick you want the card... you could tie a pretty bow or even add a gift card.  Again, this type of card can be made with any colors of patterned paper.

 

The card above could be any color combination.  And to make the card a bit more whimsical, I could add my Bee stamp... or even make a cute paper punched little winged bee that would pop off the card.

And finally in this set .... thinking ahead, a 5 pak of Christmas cards.  Although there are lots of bits and pieces added to this card, it is very simple with a simple sentiment.

 

So, there you go.  Here are the creative greetings I've made over the past week. 

 

Can I make something for you?  And help you Brighten Someones' Day???

Weird & Confident

Always creating .... something!

Although I'm not blogging as much as I once did, I still am creating. Here are some of my latest creative greetings!!

 

I have some really cute fall patterned papers that I wanted to use.  So I made a couple of these Have a Good Day cards.

 

Although this one above doesn't look like a card, it actually folds flat, but when opened becomes a pop up box card. Some fav person of mine is working with a circus theme for their homecoming this year and I thought I would try to commemorate the idea.  I had so much fun making this. 

 

I really don't want to tell you how much time I spent with the details!!!  But while the boys were sitting just watching a football game this weekend.... I was keeping my hands busy and created this while I listened to the game.

 

 

Here is a high end copy cat card.  It's water colors and markers.  I loved how it turned out.  Fancy fashion fabulous for a friend who is turning fifty!

 

I found a quote the other day that I'm really, really liking.

 

If you're going to be weird, be confident about it.

I Still Make Greeting Cards

Well, there will be a final post to our vacation out to Missouri, but in-between time ... I thought I'd post a few creative greetings that I recently made for a special order.

Cards, designs, themes, colors, subject matter, size, captions, phrases .....There are so many choices!!! 

I don't know if I mentioned, but when we were in Kansas City, MO.... we actually stopped at the Hallmark Headquarters. 

 

We took a self guided tour through their entrance/museum.  It was filled with greeting cards throughout their history and then there were ornaments, and collectors pieces.  I must say it was very pretty!

 

For years I'd have people call me Peggy Hallmark. 

 

Seriously, I know my cards are good!  

 

We met a Hallmark artist who was sort of on display working in the museum.  I talked with her for about 10 minutes.  She was born and raised in the Kansas City area.  Most of the artists have worked for the company for over 30 years.  She had been there for just a little over 5 years, considered a newby.  But it was her dream to work for Hallmark, and her dream came true. Her degree was in commercial art and drawing. She has been a featured artist for some winter themed cards.

 

But with so many companies out there that create paper, and ink and stamps and die cuts.... it's not that hard to be your own card maker.  I truly love the satisfaction of creation.  And don't tell anyone, sshhhh, but I really can copy well!!!

 

So, for my latest order of 5 cards .... all generic birthday cards.... I used what I had on hand, and here are the results.... creative greetings..... handmade by prdesigns!!!

 

 

 

Sometimes, the most simplest design, is the best.

Here is my inspiration for this card.  It sells at the Papyrus (card site that promotes it's 'hand made' cards,)website for $10.00, called chick with a red balloon.

 

On and on I went, creating my own little images with the supplies I had.  Yes, I could duplicate these cards, but like I said before, I get very bored creating the same thing over and over and over again.  Five cards, 5 different designs.

 

It was also fun finding the supplies on hand that I could use to somewhat 'up-cycle'.  For instance, the candles on the cupcake below are twist ties in a small packet.... and they are shiny and perfect for just that little bling 'pop' needed for this card.

 

I was thinking the other day after our vacation was over.... I have been making greeting cards for over 25 years now.  I've truly got to be over the 5,000 made.  Not every card was purchased.  Some were given as gifts.  Others were bartered for other crafty items, and some were never sold.

 

I think I've been pretty successful.  Not often do people have a hobby that they get paid to create what they love most,  even if it's a few bucks here and there.  I'm determined to brighten someone's day.... where ever my cards are mailed to.

I Still Do

.... After 24 years I still do take Jeff to be my husband.  It's not that I didn't believe we'd make it 24 years of marriage, I just never thought on day one, what year 24 and a day would mean.  But here we are .... 2 kids and 3 dogs and 4 moves to 3 different states later....

Happy Anniversary Honey!!!

And, I still do make greeting cards ... if you were wondering!!  Were you???

 

Business is slow. 

 

I still like creating and playing with paper and ink and punches and doodles ... but ... I'm not getting any repeat business.  Some day.... maybe... it's possible... that I will actually work in a creative field and find people locally who are like minded in the arts.

 

Meanwhile ...

 

 

I still do make cards with Cooper the wonder dog doodles!!!!  Although Cooper  is going to be 9 this year, he can still go on a lot of adventures ... on paper!

 

And, I still do copy cat some of my doodles ... or I should say the ideas and then of course add my own whimsical twist to them! 

 

It's quite 'possible' that my faux business will pick up.  2014 is my year of Possibilities. I'm still on the search for that right niche!

 

By the way ... if you follow along on my blog ... on my last post (just scroll down if you didn't happen to see it)  I showed you some pictures from the window to my world.... my backyard!!! 

 

I posed a question.... did you think the picture outside was from a day that it was 88 degrees out and the air conditioning was on, or was it 48 degrees and the heat was on?????  

 

Wait for it..... The pictures were taken Thursday last week when it was 48 degrees out.  However, earlier in the week ... on Monday, it was actually 88 degrees and then....

 

Friday, May 16, 2014 it was snowing!!!!  In the same week we had a high of 88 degrees with humidity and then we had huge snow flurries and high of 32 degrees.  All I can say is wtf? 

 

I guess anything is, actually 'possible'!!!!!

 

How are you going to SHINE this week?

 

I plan to Brighten Someone's Day .... could it be yours?????

On the Board

In between all the other stuff... I can't help it.... but I still need to create 'something' every day. 

It just makes me happy.

I'm still making greeting cards and as always ... my cards and paper crafts are FOR SALE!

Most all cards you see are only $3 each. (that includes shipping)

Plus I have more in my stash ... <-- ....or="" a="" amp="" be="" card="" cards="" check="" create="" d="" different="" happy="" i="" of="" out="" p="" personalized="" the="" to="" types="" unique="" whimsical="">
Here are a few recent cards:

 These two are the same, but different.... masculine birthday.

 

I love the stache!

 

And here are two more cards that I'm 'highlighting' on the board ....

 

Welcome in Spring and Feel Better!

 

Unique cards for the special people in your life!!!!

Shameless Plug

Hey, I'm glad you stopped by!

Can you believe we are halfway into the month of January already??

I feel great when the sun is shining... blue skies today... it is beautiful!!! What are the POSSIBILITIES?

Currently I am watching 3 darling little squirrels frolicking in my backyard.  They love the bird feeder litter.  Cooper is watching out the window as well.  I told him he is not allowed to play with them, they are our friends... we'll see if there is any fun adventure that could come out of  this.

 

Back to card making... my first  (creative) love.  If you like my cards and I know that you do ... help a friend out... buy a few for your stash, buy a gift pack for a friend, or link my blog to a friend who loves to help a small business. 

My greeting cards are quite unique... you will not find them anywhere else ... all you have to do is think a bit ahead and figure out what events you have coming your way... birthdays, anniversaries.... someone who needs a bit of FuN MaiL.  Most cards start at $3.00 each and if you purchase more than 3 at one time... it will include shipping and handling!

 

Valentine's Day is coming up. And then card making season goes crazy... St. Patricks' Day, Easter, Mother's Day.... any day is a great day to send a card... 'thinking of you day' or just because day... they all work!!!

 

I do other paper crafts as well... all uniquely handmade.  The above is a Pinterest success... book paper flower wreath.... I love it!  I make mini scrapbook albums, tags, notebooks, invitations and personalized items.

 

Maybe this year, you've decided to give the little guy some of your hard earned cash because you want to support local artists. 

 

I don't want to shame you in buying from me :0) ... but the next time you are in the grocery store at the last minute buying a greeting card for $3.99 + tax .... slap your forehead and think you could have gotten a special creative greeting for less.

 

***** the only shameless plug I have planned *****

 

Brighten Someone's Day and send a Creative Greeting by prdesigns!!!

Beautiful Struggle

Live with ART ♥
it's good for you!

Week #34 LIFE'S simple pleasures - stage of change LIFE happens

We are approximately 238 days into this year!!  I'm looking back... slightly... but also embracing these new stages of my life.  And you know what.... I'm seeing the signs everywhere that LIFE happens.  We can try to stop it.... and hold on for the moment... but it keeps moving... and I'm happy to say there have been more good days than bad!!!

How timely I found this video posted on Facebook.... this mom says EVERYTHING I'm feeling.

And so.... LIFE after raising my children goes on!  And I get to continue... for the moment... I am truly blessed that I can't use up creativity, the more I use the more I have!

Sometimes when things are falling apart, the may actually be falling into place.

 

Can that be?

 

If the simple things in life don't put a smile on your face, then you will never be truly happy! 

 

So, I will make a point to do this as often as a can.... sending smiles   ... if I can't be in person to give them, freely!!

 

Do you see a theme going on here?  Not only in my quotes, but also my cards?   I am happy to incorporate my whimsical cards with a twist on LIFE!

 

If you find yourself out on a limb have a seat, enjoy the view!!

Life is simple when you live simply!

And so, we have choices!

 

Learn

Grow

make mistakes

(it'll all be okay)

 

Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things it will come and sit softly on your shoulder - Thoreau

 

Just so you know friends out there in blog land.... today's post was not planned at all... it all just came to me as I was typing.  All of my cards were made over the past two weeks and some how *wink it all just came together as the stage of LIFE that I am right now, at this very moment!!

 

Some day everything will all make perfect sense.  So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason!

 

*Bold and italicized text are quotes I have found over the past years

 

 

Brighten Someone's Day!