After my stamping buddy sent me her leftover kraft paper houses, I was inspired to dig out the stamping supplies and see what happened. Another friend from my teaching days had recently given me a stack of decorative papers. The ingredients from two friends plus my own collection combined to make the perfect recipe for these fun cards!
It is always a boost to start a new card project with ideas or the beginnings of the project. The houses and patterned paper were just right to kick off this crafting session.
I used thick cardstock, patterned paper, washi tape, sticky mesh, colored pencils, rubber stamps, ink, and a little glitter glue. I love the collage of all the materials. The creativity comes from playing with different pieces, rearranging them to find what works. I’m happy with the results. Nine houses, nine new cards.
My weekend was not spent doing what I wanted (and had planned to do for oh so many hours). Winter Storm Cora derailed (de-planed?) my travel plans and flights to attend a wonderful weekend of friends, missions, connecting, sharing, and encouraging. Many of us were turned back and unable to attend.
But on the bright side, I flew to San Francisco for breakfast at the airport. Continued on to Denver for a late lunch/early dinner, and then (after flight cancellations), made it home the same day! Just a leisurely tour of three airports and planes. If you add in Pasco, WA, and look at a map, you will see I made a pretty neat triangle of adventure with my airplane rides. The picture above shows the Golden Gate Bridge as we flew over San Francisco heading to the airport.
Come Saturday, when I was home missing the comradery, I decided I needed to do something fun and change my attitude. What better way for me to cheer up than making brightly colored birthday cards? Several bonuses here: I used up washi tape, created with some brightly colored cardstock that for some reason I have a hard time using, discovered that embossing anything was off the table (the 20+ years-old embossing pads were toast), and came up with a dozen new birthday cards!
One dozen rubber stamped cards is a great way to kick off a year in which I hope to create many more cards to add to my stash.
What about you? When have your plans been changed by circumstances beyond your control? What did you do to change your attitude?
Hey, friends. If you’ve been checking out my blog for any length of time, you may know a few of my hobbies. Gardening. Photography. Books. Reading. Cats. Tote bags. Grands (though they are not this far down the actual list, were I naming things in order of importance). Bible. More books. Art. Chocolate. Travel. Exploring. Seahawks. Oh, wait. I don’t post about the Hawks. But I LOVE watching them. (And it’s a LONG time until football season.) RV living. Hiking. Heart rocks. Beach time. Food. Thrifting. Reading. And books.
Let’s not forget-rubber stamping-the topic of this post.
Last year was an anomaly for rubber stamping. Because of surgeries (2), planning for and enjoying a lovely trip to Europe, taking my grand to the beach when he turned 10 (a Nana tradition for the grands), work, writing, and so many other things, my rubber stamping time was cut to the quick. My stash of handmade greeting cards is in the red. My creative muscles did not get much exercise.
Friends, it’s already the middle of February! This year will probably go as fast as last year, but I hope to exercise those creative muscles much more in 2024. Time to get this hobby in shape!
To kick off the year, I spent a part of last Saturday making a huge mess with my stamping supplies. Those rubber stamping muscles are so rusty! It took me quite a bit to get going. And I have to admit, I create better in the company of fellow creatives-the stamping buddies. Hobbies with friends is best.
But I persevered. I managed to make 8 cards. The struggle was real!
We watched the Super Bowl. I continued my personal Super Bowl of stamping by creating as I watched the game. Ended up with another 20 cards. All one basic design, but I will count each one as a win. My honey uses my cards in his job as chaplain and celebrant. Due to lack of rubber stamping exercise last year, even HIS stash is super low!
I wasn’t going to make valentines. But then I was inspired with one more idea as I was playing with a set of stamps I recently found at a thrift store (see above list of hobbies: thrifting). For one, I’m so proud of myself for actually USING a new/old set! For two, I made 12 more cards!
The mess is real. It’s still spread hither and yon. All worth it.
What hobbies do you enjoy? Let’s hear about it. Maybe I will find a new hobby!
My stamping buddy (aka college roommate and friend of many many years) and I were recently trying to figure out how long we’ve been stamping. We sort of came down to the correct decade and several-year span, but we couldn’t quite pin it down. Suffice to say stamping has been a part of my life for most of my life.
This hobby has become a habit. A tradition. A much anticipated gathering.
Actually, another college roommate joins us or we join her to feed our habit. Maybe being a college roommate is a prerequisite? LOL. No. We have other college buddies and friends that join crafting days or at least tolerate our obsession by bringing their own crafts or visiting with us while we crazily create.
I think it’s the creation part that is addicting. Playing with stamps, papers, inks, glitter (always glitter!), and stuff is exhilarating!
And just look! The benefits involve large stashes of beautiful cards, fit for any occasion.
Let’s hear it for the college buddies, friends, stampers, and crafters!
P.S. A recent stamping trip netted an addition of 45 lovely cards. Coming your way . . .
Yes, the sort of meeting in the middle that signifies compromise and working together – that works.
But also the physical, drive and meet in the middle between two far flung locations – that works as well.
Making the most of a federal holiday, a friend and I recently met in the middle for a fun day of rubber stamping, visiting, and eating. We’ve been discussing the idea for quite a long time, but could never put wheels on our vision.
Until we stopped talking and started driving. She booked a hotel room for her daughter and a friend and herself. I met them. We took over the hotel’s business conference room table, where we were front and center for the excitement of the day.
It was great!
Due to the limited amount of time, we really focused. We only brought some of our mountains of supplies and ideas. We only shared one meal. We only began some projects, stacking them for completion later at home (one of the best unintended parts of the day). We only spent a short time visiting a local thrift shop.
Success.
Now we know where the middle is and plan to take advantage of this knowledge again.
You should try it. Who do you want to meet in the middle?
Love, Laughter, and Life 