This year, the Path of Positivity is challenging you to Embrace the Unexpected! This month's theme is "brighten someone's day by creating something that you can send as a good surprise to someone special (or give in person) or send a card that has a surprise in it" (More theme information can be found HERE.) Note- This theme is optional, so as long as your creation is positive or encouraging in some way, enter it into the POP challenge for a chance to win $6 worth of images from our sponsor, Scribbles Designs, and/or be honored as one of our special "picks"! My card features an eagle image from a Personal Stamp Exchange (PSX) wood mount rubber stamp that I’ve had for over 25 years. Which is nearly as long ago as I met the wonderful friend who will receive this card. I met Ron G. in 2003 when I worked on a national training team with the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), providing alcohol and drug abuse training across the nation. Ron worked with a regional center that coordinated training for several Wisconsin school districts, scheduling the training at a conference center a few hours south of the Canadian border. After flying into the region, I used a rental car to travel to the conference center. The scenery was incredibly beautiful. As I drove through miles of trees and passed several lakes, every turn in the road held new and wonderful scenery! The first morning I saw a sight that took my breath away. I was driving near one of the lakes when I saw a huge bird soaring in the sky, then quickly swoop down, skimming the water and rising with a large fish in its claws. Then I realized that the bird was a Bald Eagle. I’ve lived in the United States all my life… but this is the first time I’ve ever seen our national bird. A few hours later, I was still thrilled with the experience and excitedly mentioned it during my introduction to the group. I was surprised when my words were met with knowing smiles and even a few giggles, until Ron smiled and said, “Kathy, the Northwoods are full of eagles. Seeing them is a regular part of life up here, and we love that!”
When Ron and I talked at day's end, I learned eables are revered by members of the state's Tribal Nations and are a federally protected species. A bit of web research tells me that there are around 1,500 breeding pairs of bald eagles and 1,684 occupied nests in the state, which was one of the top states for bald eagle numbers!
I had the pleasure of working with Ron for five years, but haven’t talked with him since a family move in 2009. When thinking of people who have been special in my life, and whom I could surprise with a handmade card, Ron came to mind. I think he’ll not only like the eagle on this card, but since Ron is one of the most positive and optimistic people I've ever known, he'll appreciate the sentiments on the card. And, I know he will be surprised to find the packet of cards that I'll send with it. I know he’ll put them to good use!
Supplies:
· Eagle image from a wood-mount PSX stamp (Company no longer in business)
· Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
· Scenery was added to the card front with a green ink pad and w wood-mount stamp from Stampscapes (Reeds)
· Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.
· All other misc. items and tools from my stash.
Entered into:
I'm glad there are still a few fall-themed challenges around, so I get to post this card that I made a short time ago. It features an easy-to-make faux quilting block (video tutorial link is in my supplies list) and the cute little ghosts (a freebie from Patties Creations a few years ago) were traced onto vellum, making them a bit transluscent. Oooohhhh... spooky! The black cats patterned paper on the inside of the card is also a freebie, available from Beccy’s Place.
· Quilted Star made with paper scraps and the tutorial found HERE
· Ghosts traced on vellum from a Patties Creations Freebie (Although this freebie is no longer available, Pattie offers a freebie the first Friday of every month. Right now, you can find an adorable pair of chickens ready to roost as your place! )
· Sentiments are from a Hero Arts Spooky Labels digital set (no longer available)
· Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.
· Kitty patterned paper (on inside of card) is a freebie from Beccy’s Place HERE
· Other patterned paper, misc. items and tools from my stash.
Entered into:
The Paper Shelter- #657 AG (opt-Haunted Pictures) Outlawz- Tuesday Color Challenge- Color Board-Oct (twist-Jack-o-lanterns)
It's November, which means that it’s time for Beccy’s Place Annual Month of Holiday Cards Challenge! This is the 13th year that Beccy’s been offering all kinds of fun on her blog. This Valentine’s Day card, featuring a sweet bear from a Beccy’s Place digi set helps celebrate Day 2 of the challenge “B is for… Bear”!
Supplies:
· Bear Image is from a Beccy’s Place Digi Set, which is no longer available. (Business recently changed to clear stamps/wholesale only)
· Front Sentiment from We Are 3 Digital Sentiments Set (Etsy Shop is closed)
· Floral-patterned mulberry paper, blue heart stickers, other items, and tools from my stash.
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