Inspiration comes in many forms. In this case, it was in the form of an adorable card from a fellow dog lover and downline member, Bonnielee. I will admit that I was in a panic. As usual, I had started my holiday cards way too late. How would I ever get them all done in time? Sure, I had a few that I had created for challenges, and I also had the Stitched with Cheer cards, which I loved, but I was quite short of the number I needed. Was this going to be another year where I was sending out Christmas cards in February? And then Bonnielee’s card arrived in the mail. It was too cute! I knew I could find in my stash of stamp sets a cute image that I could stamp into the corner of a note card. Jar of Cheer was just the ticket! Not only was there a snowman in this set, but I could also use the candle image, the tree, and the ornaments. A day of despair turned into a day of cheer and a family affair! I stamped the images and did most of the coloring. My husband, Kim, did the embossing, because he loves using the Big Shot. My son, Brady, helped with the coloring and placed the completed cards into envelopes. Here is the source of my inspiration:
Thank you, Bonnie, for your inspiration and your friendship!
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
For this design, I used Stampin’ Up!’s Note Cards and Envelopes. The completed card measures 5″ x 3-1/2″ when folded.
What could be cuter than a snowman in a Santa hat! This little fellow was inked in Archival Basic Black ink. I used Blender Pens and inks to add color. His hat is Cherry Cobbler, his nose is Pumpkin Pie, and his scarf is Garden Green. The snow is shaded with Soft Sky, while Clear Wink of Stella adds a beautiful sheen.
After coloring, the card was embossed using the Softly Falling Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. A few Rhinestones were added for a touch of bling, while a Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine bow completes the look. Now to be truly honest, Brady did have trouble stuffing the cards into the envelopes with the twine on them. To make it easier for him, not everyone received a card with the bow. But it is still cute even without it!
The Boxers
While Jackie and Kia relish romping in the snow, the older Twins prefer snuggling up in front of the space heater. Black masks have faded to silver, but they still have hearts of gold. It’s hard to believe they will be 7 their next birthday. It seems like yesterday I was posting about bouncing puppies. In fact, as I was traveling down memory lane, I looked up my first Muffy post. Many of you were on that journey with me. Here is the original post:
You are looking at the reason I have no card to post today! “Muffy the Boxer” arrived at her forever home late Tuesday afternoon. It was a bittersweet day of sorts, as this marks the end of the “Missy the Boxer” era. But, Missy will live forever in my heart.
Muffy really has beautiful brown eyes…but I don’t have a “Doggie Blue-Eye” Fixer!
It is amazing how we canonize our pets after they are gone. Monday evening, as we reminisced about Missy, I remembered her as a natural at leash training. My husband reminded me that she used to drag me down the street when we first started out. I remembered Missy as a “snuggle-bunny” in bed, and once again my husband reminded me of how more than once we woke up freezing because a certain “somedog” had managed to weasel all of the covers during our bitterly cold Iowa winter nights! I remember the wonderful car rides, and seemed to forget the trips we made where I ended up with 55-pounds of Boxer butt on my lap. I remember a well-mannered lady, who never tore up a thing…except for Brady’s Homecoming King crown! But I attributed that to sibling rivalry!
As I write this short post, I have another sweet lady on my lap, and am typing this post with one hand. Obviously this will have to change, but for this evening I wouldn’t change a thing. Muffy is everything for which I could have asked. She’s an adorable, “puppy-kisses-in-the-face” type of baby. She’s “swassy”…both sweet and sassy. In the eight hours that we have had her, she has pottied outside five times with NO mistakes! She is training me well! She has learned to sit already, and stands quietly to have her “necklace” put on…we don’t call them collars at the Schach house! And she has done an amazing job at walking on the leash.
I can already tell that she is going to be another Velcro dog, and I am just fine with that! She will be my muse, just as another Boxer was for so many years. I had always promised Missy that we would have so much fun when I retired…now I will have to keep that promise with Muffy!” End of original post.
Here is my beautiful baby when she was showing for her grand champion title:
Muffy enjoying the “dog chair”…
And my beautiful silver lady tonight:
GCH Cimarron’s Do You Know the Muffin Man ~ Group Winning ~ Multiple Group Placing
She did indeed turn into my constant companion. My friend. My muse. She owns my heart.
Thank you for allowing me my little journey down memory lane! I’ll be back soon with the delicious “Momma’s Candy recipe, more Boxer fun, and more details about my Occasions Catalog shares. If you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, don’t hesitate to email me! Until next time…
Note: I will be posting all of the specific details about the shares after Christmas, but for those who have asked: The Paper Share is $27 (includes postage) for 52 sheets (6″ x 12″ size when possible); the Ribbon Share is $14 (includes postage) for 15 total yards (2-1/2 yds of 6 styles); the Embellishment share is $9 (includes postage for 28 pieces); and the I Want It All Share (all of the preceding plus a bonus) will be $45 (includes postage). Email me if you already know you are interested. Invoices will be sent beginning January 1st. Orders for filled shares will be expedited on January 4th. US addresses only. Once again, specific details will be released later.
Ann, I thank you for sharing all of the wonderful cards you make and the “how tos” but my favorite thing is the way you have shared your love of the pups! My favorite remains Jack. Seeing him from baby to now has been soooooooooo fun! Thank you for sharing them. Georgia Tuttle
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Hi Ann, I understand making “saints” out of your “children” when they’ve gone to the “Rainbow Bridge”. I thought I was the only one that did that, but I’ve found my grandchildren do the same thing!!! I guess it’s like when we lose our human friends, it’s better to remember the good things and forget the bad. Bless you!!
Apparently I have been following your blog for over seven years since I distinctly remember when Muffy became part of your family. Hope your family and fur babies have a beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I loved the story of how your sweet little snowman card came together.
Love reading your posts about your fur babies and walking down memory lane with you. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Will be looking forward to new post in the new year.and also have a blessed new year. Always love your cards.
Love this inspired card and your continued peek into the life of the Schachs and their boxer”babies.”
Tears foe Muffy
The card saved me. I have a friend who is sort of pretty much confined to her bed. She was upset she didn’t feel good enough to stamp a few cards and I didn’t think about making her a set to send. So, I will find a snowman and use a pack of my note cards and she can send them out for New Years!
I can’t believe the twins are that old! Time sure flew by! Love all the photos of the wiggly butts! Maybe the twins can show the new kids on the block how to use the ‘puter and walk down their memory lane!
Happy holidays my friend!
I have always thought Muffy was the most beautiful dog. I can’t resist that Fawn coloring.
Merry Christmas Ann and family including all those “puppies”, I love love love all your updates Ann. Even the last bunch of babies are getting older as are we. Even though it is so cool it is sad to know Muffy is getting older and the memories even can bring a slight tear. I feel all this because of my Urban which I have e-mailed you about too.
Thank you so much for the great cards and all the older babies and the min muffins of a few years ago.
Diana from WI
Oh my what a reminder of how years fly by. Your journey is a beautiful one, full of love. May all the good memories stay in your heart forever. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Oh my goodness, it can’t be seven years! Wow, she was a beauty as a pup and she’s still a beauty in her golden years. I just can’t get over her gray mask. Hugs to all the wiggle butts.
Adorable card. Love the whole family creating together. Perhaps next year the furry Schachs can contribute too and lick the envelopes! Thanks for the walk down Muffy memory lane and for the cute photo update. Merry Christmas.
Ann,
I can’t believe it’s been 7 years already. Your dogs are all so beautiful! And so lucky to have you.
You saved me with your card today. I need a Christmas Thank You card and didn’t know when I would find the time to make one. This fits the bill. Adorable! I love it!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Ann, I have been reading your posts for over 7 years and I’m not sure if its because of the cards or the boxers. Because of you we adopted our first boxer 4 months ago. Tyson is exactly like you describe your four legged kids and we couldn’t be more in love. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and and Happy New Year. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Oh thanks for the memories…isn’t that a song? I love and miss reading about your babies. Speaking of gray muzzles, my baby’s is also graying. Love them don’t we? Have a wonderful holiday. God bless.
Thanks for the memories. Hard to believe that Muffy will soon be 7years old already. My, how time flies.
Wishing you, your hubby and son, along with your 4 legged family members; a Very Merry Christmas. Stay warm
Oh, cute cards by the way.
I bet you have enough snow outside to make your own snowman
Thanks for the walk down memory lane; cannot believe it has been 7 years! Each of your fur babies have brought you and your family much joy and we are happy to be part of that love. CUTE card, so simple but so darn cute! Hugs and a very Merry Christmas to the Schach Family!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww I have been with you and the journey of your beloved fur babies. I have enjoy all of your post telling us about all of the boxers. I remember the morning I read your post and the loss of your wonderful friend Missy. I cried for you and for your breaking heart. The feeling that only another loving dog owner could know.
Then came Muffy into your life and you posted her picture and told us all about that little cutie! Now it is really hard for me to believe Muffy is turning silver already. It doesn’t seem possible that she could be almost seven years old in human years. Wow wasn’t it just yesterday she was in the ring showing how grand she is?
Thanks Ann, for sharing your post about all of the Schach family boxer members!!!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year Ann!
Yvonne