Hardest Cards To Make

We've been going through a pretty emotional time in my family as of late. We've had a few deaths of people very close to us, a tragic death of a neighbour, a serious medical situation of a family member, as well as an extremely dangerous illness of a close friends child. A lot to process. I have had to make more sympathy/thinking of you cards in the last 3 months than I have in the last 3 years. They are the hardest ones to make in my opinion. Your heart is hurting, you may have tears and creative inspiration is hiding beneath. My new plan is to always have a few cards handy for such a time as this. I kept all the cards I received from when my Grandma passed away and they still touch my heart that people cared enough to reach out during my saddest time. A handmade card, to me says, "I'm really thinking of you. I could have stopped at the store but instead I reached into my heart and created something to give you small comfort." You may not have the words to express your sorrow and empathy, but when it's handmade I believe the recipient notes the emotion that went into it.

As I was making yet another one of these cards, and thinking about this blog post, I began to think of those who have lost someone, and a month or two has passed people have moved on. The phone calls are fewer, the flowers have long since been tossed the food people have brought has been eaten. Life has marched on. But for the closest loved ones left behind, time is on hold. You know days are passing but the hole in your life remains the same. I decided today that thinking of you cards aren't just meant for immediately following. Perhaps we should mark down on our calendars every few months to send a card off to that person. Perhaps it will bring them comfort that people are still caring, and understanding that grief isn't quick to heal. So I will make a few more of these today. Send them off in the mail and hopefully bring a little kindness into someones day.

Thanks to those of you who placed an order with me this past week to pull me out of pending status with Stampin'Up! I will now be able to continue being a demonstrator and as my kids schedules are freeing up a little bit, I am able to put more time into my love of paper crafting. I would like to thank those of you who sent me emails and phoned to tell me how disappointed they were that I wouldn't be demonstrating any more. It warmed my heart to hear such kind words.

I am starting a Stampers 10 group that will take place towards the end of the month. If you are interested in getting together once a month and can commit to buying $20 worth of great products each month the hostess benefits will rotate through the 10 members. When your month arrives you will receive a free stamp set as well as free product of your choice. Each month we will focus on a new technique or product as well focusing on a seasonal theme. All supplies will be provided. I am happy to have these take place at either my home or yours. This is a great way to meet new people as well as having some productive and creative "me time"! Please get in touch if you are interested in joining my group, or even starting your own with your own group of friends.

I'll be holding a two classes on May 25. One in the day from 12:00-2:00 and again at 6:30-8:30. They will be masculine cards in honour of Father's Day. They will be the same cards at both classes, I'm trying to accommodate as many people as possible.

Stamping isn't just for the "Martha" types. Anyone can do it! If you think you can't-I promise you can!

Thanks again everyone for your support!

Peggy

Christmas Already?

How does time pass faster this time of year? I'm starting my Christmas Cards, and will be having a craft sale at my house the first Saturday of December. I am also taking orders, for cards and teacher gifts. Pictures of some great gift ideas, and the cards available will be posted soon!

Christmas Loot Bags

These little loot bags are a perfect size to hold gift cards! It can be a little impersonal giving those, but really are the perfect gift. This makes it just a little more thoughtful I think!

Mummy loot bags for Halloween! These were so cute I absolutely fell in love with these!

Baby steps in big girl shoes

Time has gotten away from me yet again! I have more of it now that my babysitting days are over and I have some time to myself! For the first time in 16 years I do not have a child under the age of five to care for. While I wouldn't trade a minute of those years, it is strange but nice to not have Treehouse TV on in the background, and be able to speak in a grown up voice all day! I will miss the smell of baby things, the squeeze of a little hand in mine, and the sound of a little one breathing softly after I have rocked them to sleep. I have so many wonderful moments I have been able to share in and I have loved them all like they were my own. But now it's time for me to figure out who I am going to be. I hope to spend more time creating projects that bring joy to others, learn to walk, and stay on the path that I have strayed from over the past few years, and learn a little bit about who I am as a person. Some people say that being a SAHM must be easy, no deadlines, no bosses, etc. But really I've been a SAHM to other children including my own for so long, that I have lost myself. While helping all those wonderful children grow, I kind of forgot to keep growing myself! I'm going to take baby steps in my big girl shoes! First step, get this house in order! Some moms can work out of the home, that just didn't fly for this family! Second step will be getting into my craft room and start on my Christmas ideas! Can't wait to share them!

Been Gone Way Too Long!

My goodness. I can't believe I have gone so long without posting! I have been very busy with my two children. Between hockey, basketball, soccer and a very demanding Irish Dancing schedule I haven't really had time to so much for myself. But two more school days left! I have set a goal to get caught up on my scrapbooking this summer. Even though the break is two months I know it will be September faster than seems possible.

I have been busy however making invitations for showers, birthdays, and weddings. I've also started making some pretty great paper favor cakes as well. They are very time consuming but oh so lovely. I will post pictures of the one I'm working on for a shower as soon as Mr.UPS delivers the rest of my supplies. Grrrr! I also have to come up with some 4 teacher cards and gifts for Tuesday. Best get at it!