Heartfelt Thanks

>> Tuesday, January 31, 2012

If you've been to the Scrappin Patch blog recently you'll have noticed that there is lots going on there, and most recently, its time for the February Sketch challenge! We were asked to use Becky Flecks Page Maps sketch this month, and while I struggled at first to trasform the image into a card, once I got started the mojo just seemed to flow. I'm very happy with how this card turned out. Thanks to the girls at Scrappin Patch for the wonderful inspiration this month.

Since being married, I moved away from my Mom's wonderful craft room and sewing machine so I decided to do the stitching by hand. It certianly takes a lot longer that way, but it only adds to the personal aspect of the card. Even if it isn't nearly as straight as it should be!


SUPPLIES:
My Minds Eye Paper
K & Co Tags
AC Thickers
Recollectiosn Alpha Stamps
Vintage Songsheet paper, ribbon, buttons
DMC Floss

thats all for today. Thanks so much for dropping and looking. Be sure to check out the Scrappin Patch blog for more fun inspiration!



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Why do you create?

>> Monday, January 30, 2012

There really is no rhythm of reason to the why and how I craft. I pull out a blank card, add a little bit of this, a little bit of that ... But the result is always the same, I always take a step back and mutter "Did I really make that?" Sometimes the question is asked in delighted surprise, while other days it is asked in defeated disgust (like this one!). I have a tendency to look at all the other blogs, racks of cards, and everywhere, all those talented ladies and wonder how it is that every single creation they seem to make is always perfect while only about half of my attempts are even remotely good enough to share. Its easy to get down on certain days because I feel like I will never attain the status of "good enough to sit down and make a masterpiece every single time".

But its not about creating masterpieces that I about scrapbooking and card making. Its about preserving and creating memories for the and about the people I love. My pathetic little attempts at uninspired creativity are just reminders that the reason I craft, is not about me, but about others. Creating things of beauty to give away, share, and express just how much I love the people around me. Its usually the cards and layouts that I think are the least attractive or technically correct that I get the highest compliments or praises about. Its because the people look deeper than just the surface. They see the smudge marks, and glue drips, or in some cases, misspelled words and hasty corrections. There is love there that will never compete with the fancy store bought cards you can get with their witty sayings. But my cards carry part of me and the love I have for the recipient.

That is why I create.

Why do you create?

SUPPLIES:
Scrapbox full of ancient tidbits.

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Flutterby Wednsday

>> Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Two posts in one day after having been absent for over a month? Might be a little much, but I'm just so happy to be sharing again. I've done lots of crafting these past few weeks and now that I am actually getting around to posting, seems a bit of a shame to stop at one :)


This card was made for Mom's upcoming February birthday. Not much to say except that I'm quite happy with the way it turned out, and hopefully she will be too! Of course, because it has a butterfly, I'm entering it in this weeks Flutter By Wednsday Challenge. Butterflies and bright colours, why yes, I think this fits!



SUPPLIES
My Minds Eye Paper
American Crafts Thickers
Jillybean Calender Tag
Making Memories Butterfly
Misc Brads, dewdrops, and tickets


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Its been a while!

Life is slowly coming together again after the Christmas rush and my house is once again in order and tidy most of the time. That is, except when I decide to craft and pull my supplies out, suddenly the organized setting becomes a disaster zone. It never ceases to amaze me just how much creativity, can bring out the monster in me :)

 

Since being married, my birthday card requirement every year has doubled. Now, instead of only having to make 25 cards for the family, there are more like 50 every year, plus anniversaries, babies ... I've determined that I am not going to wait until I need cards, but try to make a few every now and then when I'm feeling crafty or have spare time. That way, I'm never pressured into making anything. I find that I'm not very creative under pressure! 


I raided my scrap box the other night and came away with three cards that all used the same paper, one of my favourite lines from My Minds Eye, the Fine and Dandy line. All the cards are more or less simple but with so many cards to make, sometimes thats best!

 
 SUPPLIES FOR ALL CARDS
My Minds Eyes Fine and Dandy Paper
ANtique Buttons 
DMC Floss
Basic Grey Alphabets 
Misc Brads

After taking quite a long break from design teams, I've applied, and been accepted, by the wonderful team over at Scrappin Patch! So excited to be designing for a team again, especially one with so many talented ladies as are on the Scrappin Patch team. Be sure to check the blog and store out, so many great deals and fantastic inspiration! Look for Scrappin Patch inspired crafty goodness on the Polkadot Door coming shortly!

Have a wonderful day!

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