It's the new year!! And it's time for a new sketch at
Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by
Judy.
I have a friend's birthday coming up (so sorry friend because my timing was off and you'll see this before you receive the card!) I wanted it fresh and simple - preferably with a flower because she lives in a very wintery climate. I had this flower die in my not-yet-used stash; I love its graceful look. Then I had to use my favorite new sentiment sets - the "suites" from The Greetery.
A new year brings some changes for me. My husband and I became empty-nesters last fall but I was surprised that it didn't feel all that different. I realized that I still had so many "have-tos" in my life - and I wanted more "want-tos". I still have to go to work and I still have to pay bills. And I'm not paying for a house cleaner or a chef - so I still have to clean and cook. But many of the things that I enjoy in life had also become "have-tos" - the main one for this post is my cardmaking. I have been serving on various design teams since 2011. I've loved it all, but it definitely means I have to make certain cards even when I'd rather make something else.
I decided to let go of the Taylored Expressions design team. That was a very hard decision because I adore their products. They have such a fun mix of sweet, elegant, sarcastic, Christian and so much more. I was with them for four years so definitely some regrets; however, it's not like I'm banned from their store!! (They had a new release yesterday! Did you see the new Mini Strips sentiments and the new die?!) So you will definitely see their products regularly on my blog.
But I am staying on with the Freshly Made Sketches team! It's a "have-to" but it doesn't feel like it - because I can use the stamps, dies, and themes that I want to use for that week. I felt very fresh and simple this week - and it shows in the card. Besides, it's an amazing group of designers who have really bonded over the years. They are friends - and that definitely keeps it in the "want-to" category!
I want to create cards as much as I ever have but you may not see quite as many posts from me or you might see more when the mood strikes. And that's how I envision my empty-nester years!!
SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: The Greetery Sentiment Suite: Birthday
Dies: The Greetery Sentiment Suites Basic Die, Simon Says Stamp Floral Bundle
Paper: Sunny Studio Dots & Stripes Pastels
Awe. Big hugs to you. Hope you enjoy your creative freedom. Excited to see what these changes bring for you. :)
ReplyDeleteI like this delicate die cut with the black accents. Pretty card Kim! I enjoy your posts and cards of any variety. Enjoy the new direction you've taken!
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you....life gets in the way of our card making! Glad you are staying with us...I feel the same way....a wonderful group! And your card is beautiful...the die cut is sweet and elegant!
ReplyDeleteLove your posts whenever they come, Kim. Your card is beautifully simple and fresh! The bold black accents complement the delicate die perfectly. Rooting for your creativity to be free and fun for you!
ReplyDeleteI love your light and fresh card, and I appreciate your attempt to balance the "have-tos" and the "want-tos". It's not easy! Personally, I am so glad that FMS ended up on the side it did. :)
ReplyDeleteBlue and white- a classic color combo, and yes, very clean and fresh. I have been where you are at more than once- on a team(s), off the teams to reclaim my life. And back on. And back off, lol. Unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day and we each have to make choices that are best for us and and our families. Kudos to you for making that tough choice.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I love the delicate floral die cut image!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean! The "want to" craft is a whole lot better than the "have to" craft. Our FMS team is special for sure and you are a big part of that! And I love the simplicity of this card - the die cut is so dainty and elegant!
ReplyDeleteI know you will be missed at TE, but am so happy we still have you at FMS! Love this fresh & clean design, Kim.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful take on the sketch, Kim! I love how fresh and soft your card is.
ReplyDeleteTime for a much *want-to* catch-up on your posts, Kim! Your musings on have-tos and want-tos really strike a chord with me. My card making, in some ways, has become a bit of a chore and as much as I do love receiving products from some of the teams I design for, I have a mountain of self-chosen goodies being neglected. I can well imagine that leaving TE was a difficult decision but kudos to you for putting what you want to do first. I may be following your footsteps soon!
ReplyDeleteAs for your card: classy, delicate, beautiful! Wonderful that you're staying with FMS!
~c