What’s New since 2020!

In March of 2019, I was hired by my very favorite paper crafting company, Heartfelt Creations, to be their “Traveling Classroom Teacher”. This was an amazing opportunity and I jumped in with both feet! Soon after I began, the pandemic hit the US and life drastically changed for all of us. There were no more “in person” crafting events, no more crafting expos, and no more classes. The “2 weeks to stop the spread” turned into 2 years of isolation. Finally, in 2021, I did get back in the classroom for a short season, but it was not to last. Eventually, Heartfelt Creations asked if I would like to be one of their “on-line instructors”. Again, I jumped in with both feet.

More Cards for Kids

This Pandemic has upset so many routines of life. My Daughter-in-law, Jaci, is a third grade school teacher in Fort Worth, TX. She said farewell to her students for spring break expecting to see them in a weeks time. However, with the shelter in place rules and the cancelling of the school semester she will not have the opportunity to see her kiddos again. She called me one evening and asked if I would be willing to make some handmade cards so she could give each child a handwritten note. Of course I was eager to help out. I made five each of the following cards.

“Big Hugs” is the perfect sentiment for this project.

Cards for Kids! – With an Out of this World twist!

As in my prior post, the following are cards I made for a church project of sending cards to each child in our youth ministry. Creating cards specifically for children was so fun. They ranged from toddlers to preteens so I created a wide variety for both boys and girls. Brianna, my son’s fiance, helped me by creating all these cool ink blended backgrounds. This was her first time to ink blend and I think she did a fantastic job!

Heffy Doodle and Gerda Steiner stamp sets

Quarantine Crafting!

I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful to have this awesome hobby during this time of “stay-at-home-orders”. I am content to sit in my craft room and create. Some sweet friends of mine had the great idea to send every child in our church youth program a card. What a special thing for each child to receive mail addressed to them while stuck at home. Not everyone received a handmade card, but an awful lot did. I will have several posts about this project and the many “Kids cards” I made.

Some of the product I used for this batch of cards

Catherine Pooler Club Sursee – March

One of my favorite packages of the month is my Club Sursee goodies. If you love stamping and card making, I highly recommend Catherine Pooler products and her club sursee is worth every penny.

All the great products from March Club Sursee

Creative fun with Electro Pop Neon Ink

Last weekend I went on an annual retreat to the Rockin R Ranch in Temple, Texas. It is always a fun and creative four days spent with friends and fellow crafters. My goal for the retreat was to play with some new products that I hadn’t had a chance to bust out yet. One of those was Rina K’s Electro Pop Neon ink. Once I opened it, I couldn’t put it down! This stuff is awesome. It stamps a beautifully bright, solid image in just one stamp.

Wow, this ink is so FUN!

Catherine Pooler’s “Call Me” Cards

I fell in love with Catherine Pooler’s Call Me stamp set the second I saw it. Something about that retro phone just called my name. Paired up with Catherine’s incredible inks, I had a great time creating some fun cards.

Catherine Pooler’s “Call Me” stamp set is so fun!

February Card Club

We had a great time making our “gift card” albums for February card club. You can check out the details on how to make this little album in the previous post named How to make a Gift Card Album. I enjoyed crafting with everyone who could make it on club day and am looking forward to meeting with those of you who will be coming to the make-up day on The Third Thursday Craft Night.

Look at all that fun going on!

Shen Yun inspired Cards:Using Heartfelt Creations

My heart and prayers have been with the people of China during this time of sickness in their country. For Christmas, my husband gave me tickets to see the Chinese dance production Shen Yun. It was an entertaining night of beautifully choreographed dancing. There was no photography allowed during the show, so I purchased the souvenir postcards. As I was enjoying the postcards, I couldn’t help but think of the fear and suffering going on in their beautiful country as the Coronavirus continues to spread. I was moved to create some of my own cards inspired by the dances and costumes of Shen Yun.

How to Make a Gift Card Album

I learned to make these little albums at the Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie, Texas at an event they call the Christmas Carousel. This wonderful brick and mortar store has incredibly talented and helpful staff that put together many awesome kits and classes. I adapted the album into what I like to call a Gift Card Album. It comes in handy when I want to give a gift card as a present, but I don’t want to just hand the person a boring envelope.

Gift Card Album – Perfect for Gift Giving

I start by cutting 6 pieces of heavy duty cardstock into 8 1/2 x 5 1/2″ pieces. I usually use Bazzill cardstock for this. I then score the longer side at 3 inches. Do this for all six pieces. Fold and burnish each scored line.