Growing up on an Illinois farm nearly 60 years ago definitely had its advantages. My days were spent outside on the back of a Shetland pony, while my evenings were spent curled up with a good book. I read every classic available to me, gleaned from the shelves of the “Bookmobile”, the library on wheels which visited our community every two weeks.
My days have changed radically since then, but one thing which remains unchanged is my love of books. Maybe that is why Stampin’ Up!’s Ex Libris bookplate stamp appealed to me so much. It reminded me of so many days gone by…
I hope you enjoy today’s card, created for this week’s Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge.
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
This finished card measures 5-1/2″ wide by 4-1/4″ long.
- A matter of interpretation! I am usually so literal when it comes to sketches. But this time, I put my own spin on it, translating the three circles into three elements: two punched butterflies and a mosaic image from the Lovely Romance set. A little Blushing Bride card stock blossom, punched with the Boho Blossom punch, was crushed to create a rosebud and adhered to the middle.
- Flutterby! A Butterfly, punched from the a second Ex Libris image, flutters by!
- Magic! A Blender Pen and Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, and Always Artichoke inks were used to tint sections of the ornate Victorian image. Of course, a few Pearls work their magic.
Don’t you just love it when a card evokes memories? When I look at this card, so many childhood memories come flooding back. I feel the summer breezes blowing through my open bedroom window in the old farmhouse, and the warm tears rolling down my cheeks as I read Black Beauty. The smell of horses and hay punctuate the air. Yep…I LOVE it when a card does that!
What do you think of today’s card? Won’t you let me know in today’s comment? Your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one. Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time…
(Lexi Update: We are pleased to announce that as of Monday, Lexi has gained back 6 of the 10 pounds she lost. Woo hoo! Mondays will be her weigh-in days. We are supplementing her prescription food with “Lexi Stew”: Chicken, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, peas, blueberries, pears and apples…all cooked up in a Crock Pot.
Here it is…just waiting for me to put on the lid, and turn on the heat. Lexi only gets a tablespoon or two at a time, but it is so healthy. Of course, the Twins get a spoonful, too!)
This is gorgeous!
The stew looks good. Glad it’s helping Lexi along. 🙂
Oh and I forgot to say that I am so thrilled that Lexi is doing better. Her stew looks so appetizing – my Lexi would go bonkers for it if she could. Although, she can’t have chicken and potatoes as she’s allergic to them (among a bunch of other things!). I am seriously super happy that Lexi is doing really well – makes my heart all fuzzy!
such a gorgeous card, Ann! I love the details you added and your childhood sounds so fun! I would have loved to ride a Shetland pony when I was little. Like you, I was a voracious reader (and still am) and have so many memories of reading books when I was younger. My nose was always in a book, even if I was walking. 🙂
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Ann sooooooo pretty. It reminds of a Bible cover from a large bible my mom had… OR it also reminds me of a Church Window! Go figure. Hugs.
Absolutely gorgeous Anne. Thank you for the update on Lexi. So glad she’s doing better.
We had the Bookmobile in my small New England town, too, Ann. What a thrill to get to choose 4 books! I usually had them read within the first couple of days….a long wait for another visit. Such an elegant card. The background is amazing!
Love the card, so pretty , So is Lexi’s food.
Where do you find pumpkin this time of year? I had to laugh at the Twins wanting what Lexi does. I am so happy she is eating healthy.
I’m so happy that Lexi is doing better. I was scared for her. Woof, woof! We girls have to stick together, right Muffy? Sigh, hi boyfriend . . . sigh . .
I’m so glad to hear that Lexi continues to improve. You are such a good mom.
great card
Ann, this is just breathtaking! I was studying the picture for the longest time to determine the stamp set, but I just couldn’t do it. I finally gave up and read your description. This is so beautiful!
So happy to hear that Lexi is doing so well…obviously being at home with her family – loads of TLC and mom’s stew!!!
You are truly the queen of beautiful!!!! My jaw dropped when I looked at your creation…absolutely fabulous – what a true work of art….I hope you keep and frame this beauty – all of the work you put into it is worthy of framing and hanging in a very special place in your home where everyone can marvel over it!
Beautiful Card! So glad to hear Lexi is doing so much better!! I hope she enjoys her stew!
Exquisite (did I spell that right?) what comes to my mind! This is just amazing what you created. So glad Lexi is doing so much better.
Chris R. from Iowa
One word–Gorgeous!!!
Glad Lexi is recovering (and that the Twins gets to enjoy the ‘stew’ too!).
Your card is gorgeous, and I’m so glad your Lexi is on the mend!
Ann – this is GORGEOUS! I’ve used this stamp a couple of times, but I love this completely different “take” on it! Every one of your cards is so beautiful and I love them all . .but this one is special! Loved your “background story” too . .. mine was similar (the books! . .. Minnesota (midwest) . .. “simpler time”. . . and so happy your furry baby is doing better!
A breathtaking work of art, Ann! It stopped me cold as I was scrolling through the PPA DT examples. A wonderfully creative use of that lovely Ex Libris stamp (I have it too and don’t pull it out often-thanks for the inspiration to look for different ways to use it).
Yay for Lexi! So glad she is making up ground with Mom’s TLC. Take care!
OMG! This gorgeous card creation is so vintage, so shabby chic, so Ann Schach!! This style is what drew me to your blog. Love, love, love it! We are from the same era, Ann. While I didn’t have a horse to ride (unless I got to ride the old horse at my Uncle’s dairy farm) I did and still do love books. Thanks for sharing this card…my favorite style!
Ann your card is beautiful as always!!
So happy to hear Lexi is doing so much better
Another masterpiece Ann! I’ve ignored that stamp set nicely but………
WOW! Just WOW, a stunningly beautiful card Ann.
A lovely Ann card. I’m am beyond happy to hear how well Lexi is doing. It just goes to show how loving care can work wonders. And Lexi’s stew looks like something we humans might like!!
OMGoodness!! Extremely Beautiful & Gorgeous!!!! Love, love, love your card Ann! It just takes one’s breath away . . . or at least mine! It’s just so lovely! You get an A++++ on this card! WOW! 🙂 Okay I’ll calm down now! LOL! But really what a creation you have produced! I never see this Ex Libris stamp being used and what you have done with it . . . amazing!
Great news about Lexi!!! She is going to love her special stew! Heck I think I’d eat it with her! LOL! 🙂 Have a Thankful Thursday!
Don’t you just love it when a card comes together like that by bringing childhood memories up to the present and showing it in a card. Your card is stunning by the way.
The ‘Lexi stew’ looks rather interesting.
Such Wonderful news that Lexi is doing well.
Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend
WOW!! Just wow! So grateful for the Lexi update too. Thrilled for the good news.
Another awesome card! We have the love of books in common too. So happy to hear about the improvements Lexi is making.
Ann…this card took my breath when I first saw it. And your background story make it even more interesting to think about. So glad to hear the great news about Lexi!
I love your card, it is always good to see how you can put a different spin on cards. You are very talented. I’m so glad that Lexi is getting better. Also, could you please send me the ratio of ingredients for the stew, we have a dog that has had some health issues. 66c@embarqmail.com Thanks
Wow – you had the childhood I wanted! It’s a good thing you put the frame around this card because it certainly is a beautiful work of art!! Amazing what your mind comes up with. So happy about Lexi – I want some stew too : )