Challenging Myself

I have an abundance of paper crafting supplies!  In my current efforts to simplify, I am acutely aware of how much paper and how many stamps I possess. I tell myself it's time to purge, yet something keeps me from it. I suspect this is related to my desire to create additional income through my creations. 

This struggle needs to be resolved. I either need to use these supplies, or I need to let them go. So, I have given myself a challenge. This morning I stumbled upon The Deconstructed Sketch website. Here there is a treasure of card sketches. I printed off sketches 1-40. Now I am challenging myself to create a card a day based on these sketches. 

Here is my take on Sketch 1. 

I have been so anxious to use this DSP from Stampin' Up that I have refused to put it away!  So my color decisions and stamp choices were based on that paper. 

I am pleased with this card. To improve it, I would do something more with the corners of the blue rectangle. Also, my placement of the white border was a bit wonky. I do like the colors, balance, and flow. 

:):  it's your choice!

Cathy

New Beginnings

"And suddenly, you know, it's time to start something new and to trust the magic of new beginnings."

- author unknown

I am living alone again.  Emily and Thomas have moved to their own home for the first time in over a year. I am happy for them, but selfishly, I know I will miss their company. I spent the weekend crying and feeling sorry for myself. But, now it is Monday morning and time to accept life on my own. I acknowledge it as a gift. However, frankly, it can also be a bit of a chore!  

This morning I have begun the process of reclaiming my spaces. The cat food bowls are now back on their mat. I have changed the pictures in the dining room to better reflect the season. (I was able to do that because I can get in the closet again!). I feel confident that it can slowly expand and feel comfortable in the whole house.  

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

I believe I have taken that step. 

Week End Update

This morning I was playing with Pea-Nuckle. Of course, I am constantly drawn to anything that looks like it's coming out of a hole, so I tried to combine the techniques!

Combating Clutter

I have spent the past week or so fighting the clutter bug!  Actually it started last month when I invited (paid) 1-800-GOT-JUNK to my home for a major clean up.  They hauled away 3/4 of a truck load worth of junk.  Much of this mess can be attributed to my son, who moved away and left me with much of his gaming horde.  But with three room cleared, my home took on a new life. 

With such a large load cleared, I have been tackling smaller jobs.  Last week my DD helped me clear much of the stuff from my closet.  It almost echoes in there now.  We also purged the bookcase in my room.  With e-books, I no longed feel the need to hang on to most books.  I held on to the few books that cannot be downloaded.  That took up one shelf.  The bottom shelf is for my notebooks. 

Today, I will continue to climb the mountains of paper.  It is a daunting task, but I will succeed!

Challenge #4

This was a color challenge. Ripe Avacado, Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, and Enchanted Evening were the designated colores. I actually love all of these colors, so I wasn't too worried about completing this card.

However I did run through a few different ideas before I chose this extremely simple card. Again, simple is my style, and I'm sticking with it!

Paper: PTI (White, Ripe Avacado, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, Enchanted Evening)

Stamps: PTI (Wonderful Words Additions)

Ink: SU! (Old Olive)

Tools: PTI (Wonderful Word die, medium scallop edge die); Sharpie pen

Challenge #3

Card Challenge #3 was to design a card with an image peeking through a hole. I have school on my mind, (I start back August 1st!) so this little apple seemed a good choice. There is always a need for a thank you card at school. So here's my simple little card.



Paper: PTI (Kraft, Pure Poppy, White)
Patterened Paper: PTI (Dotty Biscotti)
Stamps: PTI (Fruit Fusion: Apple, Think Big Favorites #2)
Ink: PTI (Fresh Snow); Palette (Noir); Stampin' Up (Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green)
Dies: PTI (Fruit Fusion: Apple, Limitless Layers: 1-3/4" Circle Collection)
Other: PTI (1/8" New Leaf dotted ribbon); pop dots

Challenge #2 This card challenge was to create a card using hot pink and grey. I have always loved this color combination, and it put me in mind of my little grey whale stamp. So here is my second card:

Paper: PTI (Raspberry Fizz, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, White)

Ink: Stampin' Up! (Rose Royal, Going Grey)

Stamps: PTI (Take Note, Whale Wishes)

Dies: PTI (Whale Wishes); Nestabilities (Circle, Scalloped Circle)

Other: Stampin' Up! (Punch); Stash (white ribbon, wiggle eye)