Hello Life

In my profession, I have been around to see many people come and go. It's more fulfilling for me when I am helping new employees sign hiring documents compared to when I am there to present them with their final paychecks. No matter what the situation is, it makes me feel a little bit sad. The perfect adjective is actually bittersweet - when employees leave. I don't care what the statistics say or how high the unemployment rate is. It is very hard to find good employees. I am inclined to believe that perhaps, the really good ones are still employed. To me, in an odd sort of twisted way, it's like finding a soul mate. He/She does not have to be perfect, but it has to fit. Some compromise need to be made, but for the most part the set-up needs to work for both parties. The relationship does not have to be blissful, but it must be tolerable. 

When employees hand in that notice, they've more often than not have already left. I can try and change their minds (only if they are worth keeping), but only temporarily. No one searches for land if they're not ready to get-off the boat. I have real respect for people who know when to go and do it quietly. I appreciate it even more when they leave grateful and don't take anyone with them. I've had to say goodbye to co-workers who held very important roles and while awaiting for their departure, I worried how the positions would be filled. No one really is replaceable. It is very humbling to see how life continues to go on after people leave. It makes me remember that in the grand scheme of things, I am no more important than the next person. It helps me appreciate my job and my place in this world. We may limp or hit bumps from time to time after a person departs, but it's business as usual. The show must go on, so they say. So, I cannot really afford to be too proud about my significance, and definitely not too quick to conclude that I am a big deal. Only I know my value and what I bring to the table. Honestly, at the end of the day, that's all that matters. 

I still miss some people I used to work with. Most times, I think about how they always had the answers, and their contribution to my growth or how they made me smile. Sometimes, I wish I had the same courage. Then again, most often than not, I am glad I am still where I am at. After over a decade of working for the same employer, I have watched myself learn, mature and wise-up. I see myself now in a different stage in my life than when I started this journey and I have made my peace with that. I often feel I've been institutionalized (Shawshank, anyone?), and too set in my ways to go anywhere else. But deep down I am certain that I will continue as long as I am happy here... and when it's time to leave, I will be the first person to know it. When that time comes, I will be ready because things have run its course...and I will welcome change like I welcome the arrival of a new season.

My paper crafting hobby has been my refuge from the outside world. It has been my outlet and it definitely is the one thing that keeps me sane. That is why I want to share this card that says it all.

I used sponge daubers to create an Ombre effect on the paper

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Hello Life (137136)
Paper: Card stocks in Strawberry Slush and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Strawberry Slush, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette and Crisp Cantaloupe, Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black
Tools & Accessories: Stacked with Love Designer Washi Tape (137789), Project Life Corner Punch (135346), Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (133787), Thick Baker's Twine in Crisp Cantaloupe (135636), Gold Sequin Trim (132983), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Sponge Daubers (133773)

Thank you for stopping by.

Too Kind on Good Friday

It's Good Friday and I am enjoying being home. I want to share a very simple Easter card that I made using the stamp set called Too Kind. I have had this set for months and this was the very first time I used it. I've always found Two-Step stampin' technique challenging, but not since I learned to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig. I discovered how much I like Two-Step stamp sets. It has also helped me stamp my images exactly where I want them to be, most especially sentiments. I get annoyed with myself when my sentiments are not stamped straight. That's why the Stamp-a-ma-jig has truly been a lifesaver for me.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Too Kind (W 130447 C 130450), Delightful Dozen (retired)
Paper: Card stocks in Blushing Bride, Elegant Eggplant and Very Vanilla
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Blushing Bride, Strawberry Slush, Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive
Tools & Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch (119275), Pearls Basic Jewels (119247), Baker's Twine in Old Olive (134579), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Well, that is all for today, folks. Have a wonderful Easter weekend! 

Green Beers on St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone. Everybody's Irish today, right? I want to share a card I made using an oldie but goodie stamp set called, Cheers to You. What an awesome masculine card, right? 

I used Crystal Effects and then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to give a 3D look on the foam of the beers.

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set(s): Cheers to You and Happy Hour (W 132013 C 126642)
Paper: Card stocks in Early Espresso, Old Olive, Crumb Cake and Whisper White
Ink: Memento Ink Pad in Tuxedo Black (132708)
Tools & Accessories: 1 3/4" Square, 1 3/8" Scallop Square and Corner punch, Crystal Effects (101055), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (133751), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) and Old Olive ribbon (retired), Smokey Slate, Old Olive and Lucky Limeade stampin' write markers

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by...and Happy St. 

Patty's Day.

Black & White Cards

I just want to stop by and share the cards we made during our Black & White SAS (Stamp-a-Stack) class a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun making these cards. You can never go wrong with this combo. Very versatile, simple and easy to put together. 

SAB stamp set Big Day and Gorgeous Grunge. Color with markers for extra effect.

(CASED from Dawn Griffith) Flower Shop stamp, Pansy and Petite Petals punches with Back to Black DSP

Love & Sympathy stamp set with Big Shot's Top Note Bigz die

From My Heart stamp set, Fancy Fan EF and Labels Collection Framelits

(CASED from Deb Valder) From My Heart, Something Lacy, 2" Circle and Scalloped Tag Topper punches

Well, that's all I have for now. With the DST, I am already behind with my chores. Thank you for stopping by and have a nice and relaxing Sunday.

Retired BNF Friday #28

It's been a long time since I posted a card under this category, so I thought I'd share with you this beautiful card I made a couple of months ago. This stamp set was a Hostess set from a couple of years back called Faith in Nature and to this day, it's still one of my favorites. I just love the versatility of the images and the quote is just timeless. It's as uplifting as Annie's song, "The sun will come up tomorrow." Whenever I find myself losing my balance, I always try and remind myself that everything is temporary...that I must not lose hope or courage. 

I also used card stocks from the new In Colors: Tangelo Twist and Mossy Meadow. Love this color combo, so very rich and autumn-ish. 

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend, everyone!

Love is Kindness

It's Valentine's Day weekend after all, so I would like to share another Valentine card we did in class last month. It's one of my favorites. Very easy to make, yet so beautiful and classy. Plus, it only required one stamp and not that many supplies. 

I used the paper piecing technique by stamping the image twice and cutting the newspaper that wraps the flowers then adhered it on the stamped/colored image with stampin' dimensionals to get a 3D effect. It's really quite lovely. 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Love is Kindness (137131)
Papers: Card stocks in Basic Black, Whisper White and Real Red
Ink: Memento in Tuxedo Black
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Spring Flowers Embossing Folder (137365), Stampin' Write Markers in Real Red and Mossy Meadow, Paper Snips and Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by.

Valentine's Day 2015

Well, hello everyone! Happy Valentine's Day and for those very few who follow my blog, thank you for sticking around. The new year has been pretty hectic that I have not had much time to play. I did not even send out Valentine cards this year. 

Personally, I don't celebrate Valentine's Day and my hubby knows this. He gets a pass today. I've never wanted flowers or chocolates on Valentine's Day. I don't dare go to any restaurants or movie theaters because I know for sure those places will be crowded. So, this weekend I will stay home in my pajamas and make cards. Happy Valentine's Day to me, indeed!

Here's one of the cards we made in class last month. It's so cute, I just love red and pink combo. 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Groovy Love (W 134243, C 134246), sentiment - retired

Paper: Card stocks in Real Red, Blushing Bride and Whisper White

Ink: Classic stampin' pads in Real Red and Tempting Turquoise

Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Happy Heart Embossing Folder (137364), Bitty Banners Framelits (129267), Hearts Border punch (133784), Sweetheart punch (133786), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

That's all for now. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day and President's Day weekend, everyone. Thank you for stopping by.