Today is a big day! Today marks exactly one year since I started blogging and it just so happens that today’s occasion coincides with the Papertrey Ink monthly blog hop – so of course I’m playing along.
Before I get to the projects – and boy are there some projects – I wanted to share some more of my ramblings about the oh so wonderful world of crafting. Yesterday, I brought up my struggle with competition and letting it take over my passion for this hobby. It was great to read everyone’s thoughts and insight on the topic. I loved the dialogue! As frustrating as it is to feel my competitive nature creep up when it comes to crafting – there is a much bigger and better side to this hobby that makes it easy to stay motivated!
I have been 100% amazed at how supportive, friendly and kind this community is. I’ve certainly come across my fair share of nasty commenters, nay-sayers and generally unpleasant people – but those experiences are in the minority, by far – although they do make for a rather amusing stories! (Some people can get really nasty about cardstock and stamps! Geez Louis!)
I’ve come to “know” several crafty people and each has been a true gem! I remember going to Stamp-A-Faire and having dinner with a room full of crafty ladies. We had the best time and it was wonderful getting to know everyone! I truly get the sense that this crafting community is full of cheerleaders and go-getters who enjoy encouraging each other – I love it!
It’s a blessing to have found this creative outlet and a community of supporters who are always ready to lend a hand, give a compliment or simply come by the blog to say “Hi” – it’s positively fabulous!
Now onto today’s projects – this is a long post so I hope you’ll hang in there!
The assignment for this month’s Papertrey Blog Hop is to pick a favorite project from the past year and use it as inspiration for a second card!
This challenge totally fits in with my recent “Project Do Over” posts. Today, though, I’m taking a break from the projects that I don’t like and choosing two do-overs that are favorites of mine.
First up is a card I made for another PTI Blog Hop:
It’s so much fun to play around with stamps to see how they can be combined!
To create the symmetrical design, I started by using a pencil to divide the piece of cardstock into four quadrants, with the top two quadrants being a little bigger to account for the twine I planned to tie at the top. Then I stamped the design using the pencil lines as guides for keeping things even.
My second project is a card make-over and a CASE – I’ll explain:
This card is one of my all time favorites:
stuning cards. Your second favorite is my favorite of your cards. Love the cased card and your creativity is amazing.
You AND your cards are amazing! I love coming here and soaking in your creativity!
Melis
Gr8 cards. I especially love the last card ur leaf stamping looks great overlapped and the flowers stand out with the middle added. Very stylish.
Wow, I love that card! I love the white negative part for the flowers and the green leaves look so soft and pretty. Love it! Great idea with the fun foam!!
Wow is about all that I can say! That second card is so original in execution. I check your blog daily for inspiration!
Your creativity is amazing! Thank you for the inspiration xx
Oh. My. Wow.
I have got to get to CASEing this amazing one layer card. It is just amazing!
Congratulations on your one year anniversary, Amber! Your artwork style and creativity continue to inspire me. Thank you and here’s to another GREAT year! 😉
OMGOODNESS! I love all the cards old & new! I especially love the last one with the negative images. I only recently found your blog & I’m enjoying reviewing all your old posts! What a great inspiration! TFS
Oh my, Amber! You have out done even yourself on this one! Just fabulous! I adore the masked Beautiful Blooms and the green/black combo can’t be beat. Wonderful!
Oh my gosh, this is amazing! I need to try this. Thank you for sharing!
SERIOUSLY!!?? That masked card is as gorgeous as it is clever! Absolutely amazing and SO CREATIVE!!! Your work is stunning….love, love, LOVE!!
I totally meant to comment on this at the time Amber, but y’know how life gets in the way! Anyway, your final card, using the fun foam, did and still does completely blow me away!! Nothing short of amazing and I knew I’d have to steal the technique from you!!
Your work has come on so very much in the short time you started this hobby. You’ve probably matured several years’ worth in just one year, it’s unbelievable just how amazing you are after such a short time!! If this was year one I truly can’t wait to see year two!!
Hugs in anticipation of the Big Day – it’s coming fast huh?