Since all the new stamps are still on my desk, I figured I would see if I could make some work for Texas Tuesday. Here's a Texas tree. Of course the state tree of Texas is the Pecan (as I'm sure everyone knows, right?) but this one is nutty in a different way. I wish the Mini Texas were just a little smaller - maybe I'll make a cluster of even smaller Texas shapes next time... Anyway, I clearly wasn't going for realism so I chose to avoid green and went with a variety of shades that I thought look good together. I also made sure that I had colored pencils in similar tones to color the Ornate Texas which I cut out and popped up along with the Howdy Flag.
And a close up of the pop ups. Notice how I trimmed a little away from the edge of the letters - so much easier and it looks just as good!
I am loving the Beads and Chain stamps! Here they are embossed in silver with a longhorn charm added. I found it at the bead store in Salado - don't know if they have more so you're on your own. The Vertical Texas is also embossed and layered on a piece of silver mirror paper. This would be a great card to do in burnt orange for that rabid UT fan! I am far too busy and sophisticated to care about college football but I hear they have a following.
And an update on my neighbor's Christmas decorations. Yes, they are still there and yes, I am aware that some people traditionally keep them up until the Epiphany (January 6). However I have a funny feeling that my neighbor is just lazy and couldn't care less about the 'piph' seeing how it's a giant blow up Santa and not a baby Jesus swaying in the breeze. If people had tasteful displays in their front yard, I might not mind so much, but trust me - Jesus wants that hideous blow up Santa out of my neighborhood, too! He told me so the other day when I came across a potato chip in the shape of his face. I'm also pretty sure he's not in favor of an inflatable baby Jesus but I ate it before I had a chance to ask.
LOL! "piph"?!! OMG you are hilarious. I also need to start looking at my potato chips more carefully before consuming them, or at the very least put my ear to the bag for a listen. Your mini Texas stamp is perfect for the leaves on your tree. When I saw it, I immediately thought that it would also make a great background. Love your chain card too. That longhorn charm is perfect for it. I love the mirrored paper behind the Texas too. Great stuff as always! Best, Curt
Posted by: Curt O'Brien | January 04, 2011 at 09:34 AM
I am so looking forward to the new stamps! Love the chain and have some ideas on how to have fun making cards with it.
As for the Christmas decor, my neighbors santa blew away in the high winds we had with single digit temps. I wish for high winds for your neighborhood too!
Posted by: Lee Kellogg | January 04, 2011 at 10:03 AM
You've outdone yourself again! I love both of the cards and all of the stamps. I think I already have the little Texas stamp, but I don't have the tree, or the "embellished" Texas stamp...I'm planning a trip next month, so I'll be seeing you and buying stamps!
Mary
Posted by: mary Harvey | January 04, 2011 at 10:55 AM
these are both fantastic Mark! Love the blue with the longhorn charm and the "TEXAS HOWDY" on the other.
I'm with you when it comes to inflatables. They are gawdy and garish and not at all what I believe is the real reason for the season. We keep it simple at our house - all white lights - but we do keep them up until the Epiphany.
Hope 2011 is a good one for you!
Posted by: Betty aka ZacksNana | January 04, 2011 at 11:00 AM
You always give me a giggle! Thanks for that! I love the Texas tree card. I WANT that little Texas stamp! So cute! Great job! Tina
Posted by: Tina | January 04, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Awesome cards! I see some new stamps I need!!! Hopefully Monica(Stamp Asylum) will have some for the conventions!
Posted by: Dani C. | January 04, 2011 at 12:29 PM
I'm always laughing out loud when I get to the end of your posts. It's good my daughter is napping or she might think her Mommy is crazy.
I love the Texas tree card. I think I might have to use that idea for some background paper.
Posted by: Jennifer Moore | January 04, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Card is great, Mark. The popups really do make the card stand-out. LOL. Love the new bead stamp, and of course the longhorn charm. :)
Posted by: Geeta | January 04, 2011 at 02:37 PM
What super cards! I love all of the stamps and will have to have them come live with me soon. And the story of the neighbors decorations is an absolute HOOT! There's nothing sadder (or funnier, for that matter) than seeing a half-inflated, or is that half-deflated, Santa in somebody's yard during the holiday season. I agree completely - the blow up yard art should be banned!
Posted by: Karen M | January 04, 2011 at 07:51 PM
I am laughing out loud (right before I run into the other room to unplug my tree lights)! Lol...actually, we're not lazy, but had tons of monthly reports to crank out last week, so decided to put off the un-decorating for this weekend! Am off to do some shopping! Need some chains, but need them yesterday - any luck with that??? lol!
Posted by: Patti J. | January 06, 2011 at 11:24 AM
What a fabulous card! Too creative for me. :)
Posted by: Rebekka | January 06, 2011 at 02:34 PM
LOVE this tree!!! Of course you know how much I loved your Texas Christmas tree, too. And boy I should not admit to you the yard decorations we bought on clearance after Christmas this year...! My yard would be a nightmare to you I'm thinking. But... if the main problem is taking them down in a timely manner, THAT I do. Usually on Jan 1, but this year we took everything down on Dec 28, mostly bc we got a real tree on Thanksgiving weekend and by Christmas it was the driest fire hazard you could imagine. Yikes!
Posted by: Libby | January 10, 2011 at 01:38 PM