Saturday, August 1, 2015

I'm Still Alive!

Hi there!

I know it's been forever again since my last post and I want to thank those of you who left comments, sent messages, and emails to ask where I've been. I've been here - well, not right here at my blog, but I'm around on the web all the time. Mostly over on Instagram, but on Flickr too, running the Simon Says Stamp group over there. I love doing that but it takes up a lot of my time. 

I have also been visiting many of your blogs, looking at everyone's amazing creativity but I just don't always have time to comment and I feel so bad about that! It's something that I really love doing and I miss it!

I've been very busy with work, family life and gearing up toward retirement too. There is so much to think about and do when planning to retire. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. My hubby and I will both be officially retired at the end of this year, and I know I'll have more time then, to get back to commenting more on all of your wonderful blogs. Can't WAIT!

Anyway, I've also been creating. . . . .A LOT! No, really I have! Here's the proof:

Love this stamp by Clearly Besotted! Lots of water coloring on this one.


Another Clearly Besotted image - this time colored with Copics.


Here's a beautiful image from Penny Black - water coloring again.


And another Penny Black image, colored with Copics.


LOVE the Crazy Birds set by Tim Holtz! I used a Simon Says Stamp die-cut as a stencil to create a fun background for this funny guy!


These are all little stamps by Art Impressions and they are soooo fun to watercolor!


More pots with flowers but this time from WPlus9. I stamped and die-cut the flowers and colored the pots with Copics. 


Last one. Love the "shadow technique!" Stamped these adorable flowers, by Simon Says Stamp, first in white pigment ink, then over top of that with Audrey Blue ink from SSS. Love the look on kraft cardstock!

Sorry no links to products but if you have any questions, just let me know!

Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate your visits and comments! ♥


27 comments:

Arlene said...

Barb, have you been busy!!!!!!!!! Wow. All the cards are just so beautiful. Hugs to you.

Arlene

Dawn T said...

Hi Barb. Good to see that you are still so busy. LOVE all the beautiful floral cards you have been doing. I see you on the Flickr SSS -

Lynn said...

I'm seeing all of your gorgeousness over on Instagram and loving it! So exciting to be planning for the next stage of your life!

Nora Noll said...

WOW!! You have been busy!! I am loving all these beautiful flowers that you are coloring. Stunning work!!

Ann K said...

WOW - I am blown away. I especially love the potted plants (the first one) - absolutely GORGEOUS! I have to get on Instagram to see more.

Unknown said...

Glad to see you had some crafty time and posted these cards. They are lovely. You're gonna love retirement. It took me a few months of allowing my brain to think retirement..there were many times when I thought I must prepare my work wardrobe for the week. Then it dawns on me...no I don't. Great feeling. And your alarm clock....TOSS IT!!!

Kristie W. said...

All amazing cards!! Love the first potted plant one with the watercoloring.

Nancy said...

WOW Barb, you sure have been busy. Gorgeous, gorgeous cards! Love them all! You will like being "retired." The word is a curious one for busy on the go people:) Retiring from alarms and schedules and finding time for what makes you happy!

Pam said...

Wow! So many gorgeous cards. You've been very busy & I love them.

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous gorgeous cards, thanks for taking the time to share them.

Helen F. said...

Your cards are seriously gorgeous, Barb! So happy to see this beautiful post and know you are preparing for the next chapter of your life. Best Wishes to you and your husband.
PS: I have been retired for 3+ years now and busier than ever enjoying life. :-)

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

You HAVE been busy, Barb! Just love all your colorful flower cards but the Art Impressions one is my fave. Hope you're having a great summer!

I Card Everyone said...

You have been missed, Barb ... so happy to see you in my feed this morning! And look at the wonders here! Love every one... why didn't God make blue tulips? Yours are breathtakingly beautiful!
=] Michele

Karen L K said...

Wow Barb you created some fantastic flowers. I noticed you weren't "around" as much but obviously you have been busy. What fun to think about retiring. It will be great.

Cindy C. said...

Barb so nice to see your many beautiful cards!!! They had brighten up my day!! And they are the best flowers to enjoy if one has allergies (like moi)!! ;)

Barb Ghig said...

Hi Barb! I'm glad to know you're ok, but I must say, I've missed you a LOT! Thanks for the update and for sharing all of these gorgeous cards with us...you sure have been a busy girl! Sending hugs your way, and I will keep you in my thoughts as you prepare for the next stage in your life...you're gonna love it!

Virginia L. said...

I am relieved to know that you have been in GOOD kind of busy....you are going to make some adjustments for retirement for sure, but you are gonna enjoy it so much, I know that already! Your gorgeous cards simply exude with creativity and awesomeness! Glad to see your blog post :)

alexandra s.m. said...

OH Barb you have been creating tons!
And it's all so inspiring.
I particularly love your shading and your designs are always marvelous!
THank You and good luck with your plans, sounds exciting!

Nat said...

always nice to see your creations Barb. Very beautiful designs. Hope your enjoying the Summer weather too! :)

walchowDesign said...

OMG! Love what you have been creating, Barb! All of them are so beautifully coloured with different techniques!

Michelle said...

Wow, Barb! You have been very, very busy! What a beautiful collection of cards you've created!

Greta said...

Amazing, Barb--you've made wonderful cards! I especially love the one with the Art Impression stamps--a company right up the road from me! So exciting to be retiring--I'm right behind you!

Leni said...

Hi Barb, Lots of cards here! Great source of inspiration. Th flowers of Clearly Besotted are always lovely, love the blue tulips. But what I love most are the pots with flowers from Art Impression. Looks a bit like the left side of my little garden ar home, were I have a lot of pots. At the moment we are on Kefalonia, and I enjoy the oleanders and bougainville so much! Greetings from Leni

Martha said...

Hi, Barb! WOW, you've created so many beautiful cards.
I love the pretty stamping & coloring.
IF I had to select a favorite, I would select the 4th card.

I know you must be counting the days. ;)
Have a wonderful week. ♥

Annette Allen said...

wow these are all gorgeous..

Kelly Latevola said...

Holy shhhh that's a lot of cards. Well your mojo certainly is back. They are beautiful. I miss you <3

Helen Gullett said...

WOW... gorgeous and gorgeous :) I was wondering why I had not yet got any update emails from your blog. Glad you are okay!