Scrapping For Less September 2018

I entered my first sketch card challenge in September!  What is that you might ask?  Well certain sites post a challenge using a sketch.  See the sketch below.

The rules were to use something you had purchased from Scrapping for Less.  That was easy since I subscribe to their monthly kit.  Here is my interpretation of the above sketch and the card that I created:

This morning I received a message that not only was my card one of the top three choices, but I was the challenge winner!  I can tell you that for crafters, this is an honor!  

If you would like to check out the Scrapping for Less site....here is a quick link: 

https://scrappingforless.com/

Now back to my crafting...

Until next time,

Happy Crafting!

-AJ

Gratitude

As I take a break from making multiple thank you cards, I consider the word "gratitude".  Defined it means the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness.  Which actually is very fitting given the reason for the thank you cards.  Not only am I a craft addict, I'm also a volunteer member of a local outreach group for people who have lost someone to suicide.  The cards I am making are going to the sponsors of an upcoming event.  Because of their willingness to sponsor, the event will be free to the community.  The goal of the event is to spread awareness and hope on the difficult topics of mental illness and suicide.  So I want the cards to be special.  I felt like the sponsors not only deserve to be acknowledged for their generous gift, but shown appreciation and gratitude.  I didn't think a generic store bought thank you card would be fitting.  Instead, I retreated to my craft room (aka therapy room) and I created a special thank you card just for them.

And as I write this post, I ponder the fact that I need to practice "gratitude" more.  How often do we get so busy thinking about the things that we have to, that we should, or that we need to do that we forget about all of the things that we are thankful for?  Too often.  Life is busy.  It is stressful.  It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of trying to make a living and raising a family.  We are constantly trying to balance so many things.  But what kind of balance do we have when we are so focused on the chaos?  Not a lot. 
Studies show that people who practice gratitude regularly, find a shift in their own attitude.  They gain a new perspective and have a great sense of appreciation for the things around them.  Who doesn't need that?  So I challenge you to take a few minutes every day to think of what you are thankful for.  It may seem silly at first, but after some practice, I bet it will become easier and easier to do.  Think of what would happen if everyone spent a few minutes every day showing appreciation and returning kindness to others.

Until next time,
Happy Crafting!
-AJ

May 2018 Flavor of the Month Kit from Scrapping for Less

Have you ever been so behind on something and the more you think about needing to catch up, the more stressed you get?  Well that is how I have been with my card kits.  It may or may not have to do with the fact that I have joined a couple more monthly kits which do make it hard to find the time to dig in and craft.  However, I have decided that the kits will be there and I just need to relax and get to them when I can.  I am doing a quick post to try to get caught up. 
This kit was May's kit from Scrapping for Less and the theme was Countryside.  If you go to their site, I believe there are still some kits available under the "past kits" tab. Here is a link: https://scrappingforless.com/
Here is a picture of the kit contents that I received with the banana split level.

And here are a handful of the cards I made from the kit.  I have to tell you that I have so much leftover that I could make a ton more cards....however, those other kits are calling me :) 

Like I've said before, I just love this card kit.  It gives you 4 small collections that include a stamp set, paper, sequins, extras, and an envelope.  There are also card sketches on their website that you can download.  The kits allow me to use materials that I may not have purchased otherwise.  It kind of challenges me to use stuff that is out of my comfort zone.  The kits are also great stash builders!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

AJ

The Little Blue Tent

When I was a little girl, every year an “opportunity” would come in the mail. Through it you could earn yourself a prize. All you had to do was sell so many boxes of stationary, gift wrap, greeting cards, etc. and you’d get a chance to pick out the prize of your dreams. One year I earned myself a little blue tent. You know, the kind with the “waterproof” material, two flimsy metal posts, and string to hold it all up? The floor of the tent was made out of a hard plastic material and the front opening had a screen with zipper closures. You had the option to tie the two blue flaps to close the front all the way. Total privacy. Safety from the elements. Yes, I loved my tent.

I first pitched my tent in our front yard. Right off of the front sidewalk that led you to the concrete steps of my childhood home. I felt independent. I felt like I had claimed my territory. Looking back, I wonder what the neighbors thought… Oh well. I’m just glad my parents didn’t oppose it.
I would spend a lot of time in my little blue tent that summer. It was sort of my hideaway. I had blankets and pillows in it. I took books out there to read. It was my comfort spot away from the world. When I entered my tent I didn’t think about anything but what I was reading between the pages of a book. It was my escape from reality. I loved my little blue tent.

Looking back, I can still sense that feeling of comfort and of being able to escape the world for just a little bit. That’s the same feeling I get when I enter my craft room. No, I do not have one of those fancy craft rooms that one might see online or in a magazine. However, the space that I have is designated for my imagination and is equipped with years of fantastic craft store finds. Oh how I love my craft room. Just like my little blue tent, it allows me to escape reality for a bit. It is my paper therapy.

I know that many of you can relate. I know you know the feeling that I am talking about. And that is why I wanted to start this blog. To share with others. I cannot wait to share my stories and crafts with you and I hope you will do the same! Let’s take this journey together. Crawl into your little blue tent and let’s create something fantastic!