Lovely as a Tree sympathy

The reason and need for a sympathy card is never an easy time for anyone. I was contacted this week in a commission to make one. 

Knowing nothing of the recipient or her father, I had full creativity and with that, too many options. 

I have a new favorite layout design that allows for a focal image, so that was "easy enough".

I first looked at my options for the sentiment. So sorry, with sympathy, thoughts... Choices were all over the map. 

I picked, of all things, Rose Wonder. There is a border stamp that outlines the die cut (represented in grey). That die cut is a perfect match for the sentiment. Here's an image of the set. 

I'm still left with a stamp set. Neutral and masculine - that narrows it down a bit. Lovely as a Tree is a Stampin'Up! classic (longest reigning stamp set, only recently retired)? The Open Sea - nautical theme? Hightide with an inspiration for a beacon of light? 

I don't want to say I "settled" for Lovely as a Tree but it was the one that also allowed me to crack in to my blending brushes. I wanted to try and colour the land and do a sunset or sunrise. I've been told it shows the changing seasons (of life). 

My card focused on the image and using Whisper White (thick for the base) and Basic Black really framed the art. 

I used Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral and Petal Pink for the sky. Always start with your lightest of colours, you can always add more - but can never remove it :) 

I felt like it needed a bit of SUN so I used Daffodil Delight. 

For the 'grass' I used a variety of greens. First I pulled Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz and Granny Apple Green. Blending all those (layer by layer) didn't give the contrast/depth I wanted so I picked Shaded Spruce. 

And immediately regretted it. I forgot to start off the card. I forgot to test the level of ink on the blending brush. I had made a mistake - but, with all blending you just keep going and move the colour around in the hopes that it works out. 

This time it did! Take another look at the focal image. 

Do you see a tiny sliver of white, on the right, just above the green? Yeah. That's where my masking wasn't "perfect". 

Oh now wait a minute! What's masking? I'll explain. I stamped the image on a separate piece of paper, cut the 'top' from the 'bottom' and temporarily covered the areas I didn't want to have colour coverage. This allows to colour outside of the lines in a full range of motion without it affecting the final results. 

Now for more photos :) This card will be given to the family soon. I don't think my blog has enough readers to spoil it. 

If you have continued this far, thank you. I appreciate the time you have taken to do so. 

As always, if you have any questions on the technique, products or just in general - please ask. 

For now, JustSaying - Thank you. 

Christie

Beautiful Friendship

Creating a welcome to the team card is not easy. Where do you start? I have so many choices of stamps. I started with one that hasn't been used, just to use it. 

Now for layout. Enter Pinterest. It's so easy! Do a search "Stampin Up (set name)" and viola! Inspiration hits ya. 

Using Basic Black (for the base to frame the art) and Whisper White Shimmer cardstock (for a subtle twinkle). 

I used Melon Mambo (for the large floral), Rich Razzleberry (for the hydrangea), Flirty Flamingo (small rose), Crushed Curry (dual flowers), Shaded Spruce (leaves). 

I "stamped off" some of the leaves to vary the intensity of the Shaded Spruce. And honestly, this card was so easy. 

The stamps are created in a "distinktive" way. This particular set has 3 layers in one image. That means when you ink it up the intensity has different levels, giving dimension to the image, without stamping multiple times. Easiest way to see it is in the hydrangea. Look at the variations of purple. 

So after all that. Have a look at the card, inside and out. 

I did a quick video showing the card. Here's the link, there is no audio. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oEzaFcEDf35d61wy5 

This post will be published once the recipient has received the card. 

Thank you for reading and watching. Any questions on technique, products or just in general -send a message. 

Christie

Why I do what I do.

I've recently attended Stampin Up's On Stage at Home which was a gathering of Stampin' Up demonstrators in a virtual environment to come together to share ideas learn and be part of a bigger community. 

What I became aware of is a lot of people who know me, know that I love to craft with paper. 

What I also realized is people don't know why. Why did I start stamping. Why did I become a Stampin Up! demonstrator. Why do I like paper crafts.

I thought I would take this time to answer some of those so you have better insight into why I post my projects. 

Stampin' Up has been around for 32 years based on the United States. It came to Canada in 2002. I remember a friend asking if I wanted to come over and create cards. I had a lot of fun doing that. We'd get together and share stamp sets or supplies that the other didn't have. This must have been early in Stampin' Up with Canada 2002 or 2003. 

The product that I ended up acquiring was able to sustain me for a while. So that I could make cards on my own, at any time I had the availability. I did end up taking a break from using Stampin Up products and crafting in general. Life got away and the focus wasn't in the same place with work and life. 

It wasn't until I saw a post on Facebook, probably in a craft group, that was asking for people who were interested in joining a card making group that would meet monthly. The group had a minimum requirement but each month there was a different host and that person was able to have the benefit others in helping reach their goal of discounted or free product. It was exciting I got to get out and as a Mom that wasn't always easy but I had something to look forward to. I made a great group of friends. 

I think it's been 8 years since that group was formed. And it was nearly 2 years ago that I became a demonstrator. 

Now, to answer one of those pressing questions. Why did I become a demonstrator? I found a value in saving a percentage of the retail costs. I signed up under my friend Sheri. It's not that she lost me as a customer. I became part of her team which helps her as well. When I place an order and get my discount she also has a reward from that. I didn't lose any value from the Stampin'Up product and I see that I gained so much more. 

After nearly 2 years I have been able to stay as a Stampin' Up demonstrator by being my own customer. That may sound silly to some but I see it as a benefit. Over the last little while my discount on Stampin' Up product has increased. So what I would have normally bought anyways costs me less. I still have some of those same contacts that I met in the kitchen, at a dining room table, eight years ago. 

Over the last little while I have had customers use my online site to order directly from Stampin'Up through me. I am happy and privileged to have received a commission from that. When an order is placed I receive instant income. When a party is hosted, not only does the host receive discounts but my target goals usually are met. I look at it also as getting free product, not only cash money but free product. <Saving me even more.

Some might see my craft space as an unattainable goal but this has been a dedicated 8 years in the making 15+ years in enjoyment. 

Now for my last why. Why do I make cards and paper crafts? Because something that I can take the time for myself, to sit at a desk and play music and be creative, can bring joy to the people who receive the gifts that I make. I regularly offer my cards for sale so not only do people purchase my cards and they see the beauty in them, they have an opportunity to pass that joy onto their recipient. The knowledge of that chain reaction Sparks Joy and that's the reason why I continue. 

When a company has values that you hold close, it's easy to continue to stay a customer. 

We care about people first

We act with courage

We better our best

We own it!

If you have continued to read this far, thank you. You would be the reason why I continue to craft.

Christie