Monday, February 17, 2025

Happy Accidents! (V- Day style)

When I'm on autopilot (or get in a hurry) and space off, mistakes emerge. However, I LOVE it when I can easily fix them!

On this back flap, I started lettering Park Lake as one word (with a small "l"), but was using India ink, so after gently scraping, it was too obvious. Granted it's just the back flap, however, it's the address. SO, I got a little clever by adding some non-distracting hearts to help conceal the mistake!

Then, on this insert for another env., when signing and dating, i put '24 instead of '25 (as, after all, it's still the new year!), and I tried to cover up with Sharpie marker ink. But that just made it MORE pronounced. So, I thought a few more unintentional hearts wouldn't hurt!

Finished piece. (Hope they don't notice or care!)

 

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Vday to Karen K.

This is another that was last minute. I LOVE this color combo! Wasn't sure what to do for her, and just decided on some drawn letters. Feel as though it turned out somewhat perfect!



w/letter. Name in new WoS glitter brush pen.


Close ups of details:


I didn't have time to make an insert, as I want it to arrive by or b/4 the 14th.

Friday, February 14, 2025

Vday to Laura (Austria -- extra Penpalentine)

For this exchange, they send all addresses and groups in one big email, and add that you can send to any additional people, if you wish. I did this last year, as I looked through the group to 1) see if there were any other Iowans on the list, and 2) see if there are any fun int'l. countries to send to!

I came upon Laura's, and since my family and I visited Germany and Austria in 2013, thought I'd send to her, in hopes of getting a new penpal from Vienna!

I loved how hers turned out (except for the name... grrr.) 
I'll explain the other lettering below, but for the name, I used a white calligraphy marker. However, it wasn't very opaque, and not crisp either, so i had to outline with pp and India ink. I actually like this "technique", but hate the mess of the name. Hoping I disguised it well! (added her last name in pp at the end in pink metallic ink. And I like the "A")

for the other lettering, i lettered variations of "hello" in diff. languages, using metallic inks. It's a bit hard to see, but I was so happy with it. 

Better view of the silver.

Diff. view


I enclosed this handmade heart card I made last year. This would also be a fun idea for a mini book. 
Can't remember if I made the abstract design specifically for the card or if it was a failed wc piece.

I then lettered a little note to her (about the card) using a tiny pp nib I rarely utilize. As someone who had difficulty slowing down to pen a letter or note using a pp (and as someone with terrible handwriting), I was extremely pleased with how this turned out!)

"hello" with a Posca on the left side.
So much detail on this card -- I'm sure it was time consuming for me. Hope she likes!

(and hope to hear back from her!)

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Vday to Zoe

Just when i thought I was all done with my Vday env.'s, I heard from some pen pals, so I scrambled to get Vday cards out to them.

For Zoe's (I forgot the dots above her e! grrrr.), I used heart stickers along the side, then added other embellishments. Hope they stayed on!

Drawn Dancing Caps and pp (attempt at Stunt Roman) for her name.
Not bad for a last minute attempt!

 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

VDay to Cyndi B

I can't believe I forgot to take a pic of what all I sent Cyndi (new pen pal via SMC!), but it must've been "a lot" of items, as I used an international stamp. I'm sure I re-gifted some stickers, and washi tape, and maybe an original insert or 2.

i had this env. from last year... It's repurposed, as I'm running low on red env.'s. There was probably a small name on the front (to me or a fam. member), and it was in good condition, so I didn't want to toss. 
I used silver metallic ink to cover up the name, then added these 3 abstract hearts.

It's always tricky when the design is in the middle like this. But I like! (esp. the pink with the red)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Vday surprise (First Graders)

Saw a post on Jean's blog (from Mary S.) so thought I'd partake! It was from this teacher, asking for Valentines from all 50 states. Hoping mine arrives in time and that they're able to meet their goal!



I wanted to do more than just this card, but I'm glad I was able to do this.

Close up of card. I actually started this years ago, and the 2 bigger ones are actually bleach. I had it set aside in my Vday folder, so I thought I'd finish this year. I added a little decorative gold heart, and other embellishments as well as the hello.

Inside:
You can see the bleach that soaked through. I wish I had written the text in print vs. cursive. Wasn't thinking to do that so the kiddos could read it. Hope the teacher shares the sentiment!

Before pic of env.


Monday, February 10, 2025

Vday to Hannah (Penpalentine)

This is one I'm really upset with, b/c of the border.  😞
I did the insert after, and wish I had done the env. border to match better,
It was ok at first, then I tried adding some accent lines, but it came out too cluttered on the left, and this was my failed attempt to fix it.
I could redo, but I love how her name turned out. Maybe I'll add a sticker or 2 to try and distract from the mess.

So close.

Happy with this. (Sigh.)