Create Your Path

 Let me first start by reciting one of my favorite quotes:

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - -

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference."

~Robert Frost 

 

I've been wanting to play with the Woodland Wonders - August 25 Whit Kit for awhile now.   I was smitten by the looks of it last year at this time, as for so long, I had considered becoming a Whit Kitter.  I decided to take the plunge with this first kit.  The funny thing is, I got crazy busy with 2025 holiday orders in my chocolate life, that I never had the chance to stamp away.  Many kits later, pretty much all, I have had the chance to design with, for some reason, I was afraid I couldn't do justice with this one.  My clear vision, or maybe need wasn't guiding me, as I didn't have one.  (Well, you always have a need, as I thought finishing this card...I'll suggest at the end of this post, where this card could find a home.)

 

Pretty much lately, I'm only working on Craft Roulette projects, dabbling a TINY bit on a massive gift project that may never get done, I'm thinking 2028?  2029?  It's massive...  I did join a small Halloween card swap, it's the first real swap, besides Paperganza that I've joined in about 20 years...  I like this kind, a small group, of which I suspect I might develop a couple good friendships out of, the host and I have become craft buddies, I'm excited to get to know the others as well.

 

What triggered me to use this kit was the designer papers that were included.  If I recall, they were all subtle, "dusty hues" kind of designs and colors, so...I instinctively went to it.  I did peruse a tiny bit through my giant collection of other stamps, seeing if any "K" word jumped out.  I could have literally gone any direction, but...I speed perused, so I have a hunch my mind was made up before I started.  I was ready for the challenge of a style that I'm not that savvy with, although, it's super easy, so not sure why I was intimidated from the get go.  I think it's those silhouette trees that were spooking me.

 

This week's parameters: 

 

1. Joyfold Card Project:  These are fun, but to be honest, not easy to get photos of for me.  I see shadows, I can't size adequately, yada yada yada....that being said, they are fun to make, (they do take a little longer, as I have the urge to cover every space possible, I still can't get that editing vibe down...)  
2. Dusty Hues Colors:  I did mention my soft hues in the designer paper and ephemera accents.  I also knew, using my distress oxide inks for blending, I'd get that "chalky" dusty appearance as well, so if it doesn't jump out at you one way (like my photo editing here might make my atmosphere on this card a little more vibrant than it actually is...) you should see the "dusty, soft hue" of my grass.
3. Starts with "K".  I love it when this kind of parameter pops up.  I googled "K" woodland animals...and guess what I found:  Kodiak Bear, Kit Fox, Kloss's Porcupine, Kabyle Rabbit, and a Kirtland's Warbler.  I'm pretty sure I covered that parameter, although I'm not sure they are all habitat in same kind of "woodland"...or my Warbler is the right color.  Oh well, we will pretend here.
4. Torn Paper Random:  I do not feel it's stretchy pants one iota on this.  I take these parameters almost too literal at times, so when I do a "generalization" of one, like colors... some parameters can be justified with every color under the sun...it's almost a free parameter...and if that's all that's in me at the time, then so be it...but, I TRY to be very specific...  I used a piece of torn paper to make a template for my grass stenciling...you also can see the "dusty hue" of the sage and shabby shutter greens that I used for my base grass...kind of 2 parameters getting knocked out here at the same time!  lol!  It also dawned on me, my die used for my panel, is a torn looking edge.  I like my torn paper stencil for my justification, however...I didn't intend to use the torn edge die cut, it was left over sitting on my table and it was my "practice" piece.  I didn't feel the urge to redo another, since I was satisfied with the results from the get go...
   
   So, who would I send this card to?  As I was adhering my many ephemera strips to the inside fold out panel....... I felt this card would be perfect for someone like my daughter, who recently took a HUGE career opportunity, moved to a new state, new experiences, rather independently.  It would be great for a college kid, leaving home for the first time.  It would be good for a graduate, or really anyone starting a new venture.  My only regret using all these strips is that I used my one and onlies of each of these sentiments.  I've never been a ephemera person, but, am kind of loving that vibe lately.  
    
   

   
    So, there you have it!  The kit included a stencil, paper clips, and cute little clothespins, plus designer paper, sentiment ephemera, and a stamp set (13 unique stamps).  I used a paperclip out of my stash, it was a dusty color that matched, lol...  I preferred not to use one, but...my card wouldn't close.  I don't think it would have from the getgo, but, it certainly couldn't after I kept adding a new inside sentiment panel...first one was crooked to the eye, second got a smudge, 3rd showed a bend in it...yikes...
    
   So, super fun card to make.  This.is.the.original.  I most definitely would have edited BUNCHES had it been a regular week for me.  I should not have impulsively glued things on, cut things up, etc...but after I had...I just kind of kept going where the arrows pointed.  
    
   I feel somewhat caught up in the factory this week....I'm going to sit back and enjoy card making day on Saturday I think...and probably be up late Friday night with my 131st Craft Roulette in the making!  
    
   By the way...that Robert Frost saying?  It is one of the many stamps in a set I purchased from a company called "Cornish Heritage Farms", way back in the early 2000s.  They sold their art library sometime around 2008ish?   (I see one of their lines prominently in craft land)... I'm pretty sure, at the time, I felt they had the best quality and selection of stamps on the market.  I still believe the quality is one of the best, I feel Unity Stamps is in similar superior quality...(I prefer rubber stamps every day, all day)...  My only regret is, I didn't purchase a few more things before they were 100% unavailable.  I use this sentiment actually quite a bit, it might be my most used sentiment set...  I felt it was worth a mention here!   
    

 

 

Good Bye Summer!

 I think this CR card is perfect for an official ending to summer....  The warm days are behind us, and I'm seeing beautiful fall weather starting.  Before you know it, and I'm hoping this doesn't happen anytime soon...that dreary gray skies, cold weather will be here, tempting us with snow, which I am definitely NOT a snow person...I'd rather be a beach gal....  Anyhow, VERY QUICK entry today...as I'm up to the ceiling in holiday orders, and I've got zero spare time....so, discount my poor grammar here if you see any, or typos or rambling, etc...you know ME!  My 129 Craft Roulette Entry...oh how I wish this goose we me!!!  I can't wait for the real deal when I go someplace tropical in the future!!!  lol

 First observation here....I did NOT do this purposely, as I intended first for this to be a "Lazy River", which was more of an effort than the time I had.... AND ... I had my "pool" positioned differently, I attempted a horizontal card, instead of a vertical.  It looked like my embossed pool "pavement" had a little too much of a crease on one of the "checks", so I wanted to cover it up...I then rotated my card.  By doing so, I decided not to over think, I had already been up since 4:30 a.m. working in chocolate, and it was going on 10:30 p.m., knowing 4:30 a.m. comes awfully fast.  This card, was a RUSH card...I am not 100% on board with the results, but, I sure can "feel" that cool pool water in my mind!!!  :)

The parameters this week:

1.  Traditional 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

2.  Pool Party Colors:  Summery/Citrus

3.  Cold or Chilly Element:  This COOL Goose is in a COOL pool, drinking a COLD bevvy.

4.  Checks Random:  Emobossed "checks" on the "pool pavement"... plus a little strip of teeny checks for trim above and below...kind of like grass?

I used the July Whit Kit Cool Goose Summer set...  I'm a Whit Kitter, so I get the full deal, included is the fun summer paper...I love it so much I bought an extra pack of  Float Club.

Well, back to chocolate!  I look forward to next week, and promise I will NOT have a similar looking style of card IF I can fit the time in to participate!  I'm getting awfully stressed in my day work, I may need to sit out and work while it's quiet.  I hate to start doing that this early, but, it's not fun being behind on orders either!  
 

Aliens Made Me Do It!

 I got my morning laugh when I was attempting to get a decent photo of my latest Craft Roulette entry...

  Before I get too lengthy with this post, which I probably won't, I'm on very little time today, I have zero extra... I recognize my photos are not up to professional photo lab standards...I will tell you, taking a photo of SILVER metallic card stock...is next to impossible in my chocolate facility...and it turns out looking GOLD...  what made me laugh, was my "originals"...had a unique looking HAND in the image, sort of alien like...haha...it was my hand/reflection...  as I attempted the second time...it was my MORNING FACE...  I am NOT a morning person, so, to get a little laugh out of me, was perfection.  I'm in a funky mood today, and I suspect for at least the next 1/2 a day, it will be my only chuckle.  Later, my sweet daughter is flying into town, I cherish those times together, now that we live 1500 miles apart!  yikes!  Ultimately, for my pictures, I took them at an angle, where the reflection was the ceiling...ahhh our ceiling is pale yellow, ok, I see why it's gold looking...  I give up...  for now, this picture will have to do.

Inside of my alien card! 

 

 I'm going to be fast here...and brief...here are the parameters and my justifications!:

• Project:  A belated birthday card!!!  Unfortunately, I need these more often than I should!
• Colors:  I googled and this is what I found: 

 

• Element:  I chose an alien spaceship!
• Random Sparkles:  Sparkles, sparkles everywhere!!!  Wink of Stella (spaceship), Holographic Star Film (Blended background, planet), Star Shaker Sprinkles, Star Rhinestones

 As a recap... I don't know what I think of this card...I feel it's missing something, and if I were to redo, I'd probably NOT go with the metallic silver card stock.  Don't get me wrong, I really love that card stock, but the last few times I've used it, it's hard to hide glue messes, it needs to be polished, otherwise you get fingerprints, and now, learning how hard it is to photograph....I think I'll put it on hold for awhile!!!  lol!

NOTE TO SELF and others about this card stock...  Be careful IF you glue it on...I love my needle nose applicator on my white glue...if you touch the tip on the back of the card stock, when applying the glue...it will show lines on the front side...trust me...this lesson, I've learned MANY TIMES.  Tape might be better...  another NOTE TO SELF...if you use that really cool zip glue..DON'T USE IT ON THE BACK OF ANYTHING THAT HAS THE HOLOGRAPHIC FILM APPLIED TO IT!!!  I might actually have someone argue with me on this one, but trust me...I've learned the very hard way...your film will PUCKER when that zip glue dries...  I LOVE that zip glue, but...it will not work with everything...

SUPPLY LINKIES 

Zip Glue :  I LOVE this stuff otherwise

Holographic Laminate Star Sticker Paper :  Do yourself a favor and order this!  A crafter suggested it, and I go through it like crazy!!!  It's not pricey either, and so fun!!!!

Aliens Landed in Roswell (Scrappy Boy Stamps)  Fun company that specializes in fandom. 

So, there you have it!  Another week went by...  I do want to emphasize...  I am NOT an affiliate with any of the above mentioned suppliers.  I just like the supplies and love to pass on info to others.  To be honest, I don't even know how to go about being an affiliate, and often wonder how that works!

Well toodles!

 

 

 

 

Aloha!

 Aloha!

I have been waiting to get my tropically fun Hula girl, island flowers, Hawaii themed embossing folders and the rest out to create with!  The supplies I used were components to the June Spellbinders  clubs.   I started subscribing to the All Crate membership, there are some extra freebies included, and a couple exclusive dies as well.  I know it has sold out early in recent months, so I dare not let my membership go, although you can pause, I believe.  I haven't felt the need to, however, because I fell in craft love with each month since I've joined.  My link will show you September's offering, there are a considerable amount of elements in the Large Die Set, and I really liked what I saw in the remainder of that kit....that little fox, well I'm smitten...

So, ALOHA!  It's been 4 decades or better since I've been to the islands, and I'm over the moon excited to say, I'm headed to paradise within the next few months.  I remember the last time I was sitting on the stretch of beach where our family time-share condo is, telling myself, that if I ever found my soul lost, I will find it there on that beautiful little stretch of land in Maui.  I recognize I've been through some personal, deeply hard stuff, and it's time for me to see that sunset...  My lil family has traveled, just not over the aqua marine ocean, where the first whif you smell off the airplane is orchids...  We used to travel there yearly, when I was a teen/young adult, I just never did after I grew up and started my own family.  I'm excited, to say the least, and my grown up kiddos are coming too, so...it will be even more fun.

(my little stretch of beach on the insides here) 

 

 I LOVED this episode of Craft Roulette.  I wish I had had more time, because I kind of rushed my card.  I definitely want to use these dies again in the near future.  As always, I learn something with every single card...and this one, I kind of took the plunge without trying to figure out how things actually are put together.  The hula girl can be a little tricky with her hula skirt, and I skipped extra little components like inside fire, etc., simply because I didn't have a ton of time.  All in all, though, I'm ok with that...my goal isn't to take 10 hours making a card...  That being said, it did turn out to be about 4...lol...

So...here's the scoop:

1.  Project/Gatefold:  I don't make many of these, for one, they are hard to take a photo of.  That being said, they are incredibly easy, and something different.  No matter how much I score, or adhere heavy card stock to the front, it still pops open... oh well, inside an envelope, it won't.  In the meantime, pretty fun to make, so, I don't freak when I see this parameter pop up.  I've made more Gatefolds since I started participating in Craft Roulette than I have in a lifetime....hahahaha...I don't think I ever had..it would be interesting to see how many I've done in my 127 contributions.

 

2.  Colors/Vacation:  Aloha and Island vibes here....  Oh, how I can't wait to see that crystal clear ocean!

 

3.  Element/CAS From Last Week's Gallery:  I CAS'd Pam Kennedy's card!  I loved the patterned paper she selected and the kraft card stock backing.  I pulled similar leaves out of the pattern on her paper, and tried to go with similar colors!  I will say, there were a few others in the Gallery that I was inspired by as well, it was very hard to choose.  I did pull from a couple other cards, I loved the layout of Brie Barron's card, if you picture my card without my hula girl...you'd see a similar layout.  Lastly, Xal Storm, when I saw the image on her card...I knew I was doing a hula girl...I kind of already knew I was going to anyhow, but seeing her card, sealed the deal..."Vacation" sent me in that direction from the getgo.

 

4.   Random/Paper Strip(s):  Had I paid attention to the parameters closer, I could have finished this card sooner.  Not sure why I was thinking THREE "Paper Strips".  Well, I have 3 now, lol...  My beach on the inside of the card, are not ONE, not TWO, but THREE paper strips!  lol  (I could also be stretchy pants here, and say, I used paper strips to die cut my hula girls tiny little flowers on her arms and ankles...)(I like my beach much better...my THREE beaches, lol)

 

So, what did I do different or learn this week?  Well.. for starters...I am getting in the habit of IMMEDIATELY using a  Magnet Sheet when I pull apart and use my dies.  Otherwise, I risk losing a tiny little die...sort of like I lost some ephemera last week, that I NEVER found.  Gone gone GONE goner there.  I honestly do not know where my "changed my mind", "I decided not to use paper pieces" disappeared to!  (you can read about my blunder if you choose...I promise you, I have a ghost in my room)

 

I have a big ole mess on my desk...but I'll share one more thing I started doing.  For starters, it isn't going to help me use up my GIANT supply of colored card stock...  BUT...  I started  cutting all my die cut pieces out in WHITE...and coloring up with my alcohol markers...this card, I decided not to dig through my scraps, but go all white, and color accordingly.  Now, call me lazy, which I am...I simply didn't want to get up and rummage through my scraps, cut into a new sheet of some color, or even move my body to my Big Shot, on the other side of my table.  My room is busting at the seems with inventory, and it gets hard to navigate to the "other side" without something falling on the ground off of my conference size table.  That, plus I have a bad hip and either my room is shrinking, or....or....yikes...  you know, covid or baby weight there...  Instead, I used my  Intri-Cut Die Cutting Machine I purchased awhile ago...it's more portable (stored on my side of the table) , and IF I can find surface space...I can cut away without having to move, lol.

 

I think I covered my bases here, and then some.  I realize I'm chatty, and I often don't proof read...it's not because I don't think I need to, it's because my time is so pulled in 10 different directions, with lots of distractions, I do this sitting at my desk in the factory when I need to play hooky for a few!

 

It starts again tomorrow night!  I may need to skip, I have 1000 fortune cookies shipping all over the nation, that...and so much more, like chocolate horseshoes, purple candy coated milk chocolate owls, and HALLOWEEN is starting to ship to our retailers, it's crazy town already!

 

BOO!
 

 

Aloha! 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap Cards Paperganza 2026

 Swapping.  I used to do a lot of that back in the day.  I corresponded with a few other paper crafters on the AOL message boards, so LONG ago....  I vaguely remember when those ended, and we all talked about this thing called Facebook.  It really dates us here.  Several of these online acquaintances have continued to keep in touch, and I consider many close friends of mine, even though we have never met face to face.  (I did get to meet up with one in Minnesota years ago, it was fun!)  Although I haven't participated in an online swap literally for over 15 years or so, I did join in recently while Kansas City at Craft Roulette, Paperganza retreat.

Paperganza by Craft Roulette 2026 continued the "swap" like the year before.  At a certain time, we all entered the hall and like a swarm of bees started busily trading cards.  Here was mine:

I chose to do a dreaded A9 size card (5-1/2" x 8-1/2") since that seems to be vetoed consistently on the Craft Roulette night.  (Every week the guest gets to "veto" one thing off the wheel)...  I personally, LOVE it when the wheel lands on something out of my comfort zone..  I think it stretches my imagination more, and I tend to think my most creative cards came from a not very (at first) wanted parameter.  

My supplies here, are worth a mention...

First, I have to say, one of the best stamp purchases I feel I have bought is:  Thinking Out Loud, which is great for anchoring sentiments.  I have other dies too, which I equally think are great to have, you can do a lot of fun things with either the stamped or die cut version of a thought bubble. 

When I saw the release of Pam-Purr Yourself, I thought it was the cutest thing.  I didn't really start out with thinking I'd be making this for my swap cards, I just kind of started coloring the cat up, and then found myself coloring 19 more.  (I gave one to each of our pod-mates too)...  I originally planned on a completely different card, but...this was fun to color, so I ran with it.

I also used stencils for the bubbles on the inside, various dies and an embossing folder.  If you are interested in my suppliers there, just let me know.  They are all pretty basic to find, and there are many companies who offer similar supplies.

 A couple of fun things to share here...

 Starform Deco Stickers - Small Glitter Dots have become a new favorite supply of mine.  Instead of enamel dots, I applied my little round stickers, that I colored with alcohol markers.  I was able to match my fun patterned paper that way, and not  have a clashing accent.  These mail flat, and the sheets overall are extremely cost efficient, aka...cheap...as compared to packages of enamel dots, which may clash or even come off in the mail.  I chisel both (enamel dots and these stickers) with my little pokey tool and both can go "flying" across my desk trying to get off the backing.  I'll wake up sometimes, with an enamel dot, or now a little sticker stuck to me that I didn't realize.  I mention this because I'd rather lose an inexpensive sticker dot, than a precious enamel dot...it seems like I'm always "short" one in the color I need...not the case here...you get TONS on a sheet, and we all know how many alcohol marker colors there are.  (a sharpie will work too!)  

 Another find I'm happy I stumbled upon is the Silver Metallic Card Stock I used for this card.   I can't complain about the quality one iota, nor...the price.  I'm not afraid to waste a piece and more apt to use that special paper, when it's not costing me $1 or better per card!  It's more like $ .28 a sheet, and I can get 4 cards off of one since I typically glue my card front to a lighter weight folded card.  

Lastly, for convenience, I'm sharing a link to the envelopes:  A9 Envelopes.  What I didn't know, is that assuming your card is flat enough, or not too heavy, it requires the same postage as a regular card.  I really enjoy making an A9, I'm glad it landed on the wheel Episode #317 a few months ago!

If you popped on here yesterday, you would have read some additional comments on swapping.  I enjoy swapping, but, with everything, there are pros and cons...  I am choosing to not speak of the cons here, although had you read yesterday, you may have gotten a bit of it, yikes.  My take on swaps, is more of an opportunity to meet new people, and get new ideas and, hopefully spark some inspo along the way too.  I can honestly say, all of those boxes have been checked for me.  It's not supposed to be stressful.  It can be a learning AND teaching experience, it can be introduction to something new experience.  All and all, it's supposed to be fun...and like gift giving, no expectations, only if you agreed to swap, you really should follow through with that ... I know, life happens, even to me, I had to flake after my niece was killed, but habitually flaking on something you agreed to do, is not good swap etiquette...

I want to finish this up by telling you a story...one that to this minute gets me teary eyed...  

When I was in high school, I was one of a few students who was selected by our counselors to be a "friend" to a student who may need a little help.  It was sensitive and I had to be trained to do this.  I did this for a couple years in a row, and each year, I was a "mentor/friend" to 2 different kids.  I won't go into details too much here, as both had very private situations, that is not my story to share, it's not fair of me to divulge such hard situations, and I did somewhat take a "sworn to secrecy" oath.

My first "friend".... I think my relationship with her, may contribute to why I am so passionate about not taking anything for granted.  I know there are times, where we may forget how blessed we are, but, this individual truly saw horrific life as she fled from her home, even some of  her family, watching a few perish where she traveled to a land away from her own.  (I will not go any farther with where she is from/circumstances, but trust me, I'm a little choked up here still, 45ish years later...)  So, it's Christmas time.  I'm pretty sure she never EVER celebrated Christmas, it was not her custom.  I was so excited to give her a little gift...fully knowing I was not going to get one back.  I carefully picked something thoughtful out (I believe it was a necklace, I know I wanted to do something special)...  I was so excited when she opened that gift, saw the smile on her face....  Then, she reached down into her backpack... and slowly pulled out a package and slid it across the table to ME.  I honestly didn't know what to think...  As I opened it up, I saw those eyes so wide, and the biggest smile...  under the paper sack wrapping, was a doll.  It was one you might find at a dollar store, in a simple box...  I can't tell you how much that gift meant to me, and still does.  I have kept it safely preserved in my redwood chest of childhood keepsakes.  I KNOW she didn't have the means to buy me this doll, but, yet she did...  and it may have been one of the most treasured gifts, satin yellow dress, still in it's box to stay in good condition.

So, my story of LC and my gift?  What does that have to do with swapping?  Maybe nothing, or maybe something.  Just know, swapping can be fun, it's not supposed to be stressful...and perhaps expectations aren't all that...there certainly is something to learn in everything...one person may have a different style than another, but with heart...can mean more than you know.  

 And LC...I would have LOVED to know where life sent you!!!  I suspect you are a doctor, retired by now.  You were so SMART...  I think you helped me more, than I helped you!!!   

 Til next time!   

Nice Lil Autumn Mice!

 I recently took the leap of becoming a subscriber to the Unity Stamps Kit of the Month.  I find the kit to be of huge value, with savings and member benefits to go along with.  I thought I'd give it a whirl for awhile, and I have enjoyed having the decisions made for me.  I can expect a delivery each month that will give me hours of entertainment, plus t's a good deal.  The kit includes the contents of 5 stamp sets that are new and fun each month.  You can opt out of a month too, in the case you already have similar stamps in your stash...in that case, you can purchase any of the "sets" individually.  

 This set is called Mice & Cozy and might be one of the funnest set of images I have ever colored!

I felt the simplicity of these cute little mousies merited the same with the card...  not my typical style, I decided to go very light on embellishments and layers.  These went quickly...I colored 15 card fronts in one night, the hardest part was probably getting a smooth blended sky.  (I'm still learning, although I will say the brush, ink and card stock will play a huge role on success.)  I decided to do that prior to my coloring, and I didn't put a lot of masking effort into doing so, like NO masking at all... That being said, I didn't get any distress oxide inks inside my uncolored mice or leaves or acorns, etc...I was fearful if I did, I might ruin my markers.  (Tell me I'm lazy without telling me I'm lazy)...  It wasn't that I wanted to prove a point that I could do something fast.  I actually was a little overly critical of my work towards the adhering to the card stock part....in fact so much that I got flustered and said a few words that I can't really share...hands shaking and STRESS...it was my GLUES fault... (another topic for another day)

I couldn't decide...vanilla base or white base for my card stock choice....  so...I did both for each mouse...  I think originally I thought white, but felt Autumn is more of a golden color, so perhaps the ivory cream shade of card stock would be a better option....  then in the end... I preferred the white. . 

I made these for a gift to give to someone near and dear to me.  I did decide to make extra and plan to mail a few out this week.  These will only require 1 postage stamp, I know the dimension isn't too thick, and I left them simple to leave space inside for any occasion, from a simple "Hello" to a "Happy Birthday".

 

I hope to make more simple cards in the future.  It truly is interesting to see my style change over the years.  I just go with what feels good and makes my eyes happy.  I do like the crisp and clean look, and will probably do more and more.  I find all of this relaxing, and goodness knows, I have the supplies!

 

Lastly, a few things to address:  I am not affiliated with any company, I just like to share with others some of the vendors I love to use along the way.  Unity is a great company, and if you haven't already heard about them, I can say my experiences have been top notch.  I also often times will publish a blog post with a typo or grammar error.  I will try to go back and fix later on, but in defense to me, I'm usually doing all of this on the fly, and won't catch things until after I'm at home in bed reading my tiny cell phone!

 

Well, be on the lookout for some recap of Paperganza this week!  If I have time, I plan to share some of the fun we had here!!!! 

 

 

With Lemons...There is Lemonade!

 I'm suddenly craving lemonade.  The mere mention of a certain restaurant in Spokane (Tomato Street) is making me want a Huckleberry Lemonade.  (My daughter and I were just talking about this place...)  I know, off topic, but this wonderfully fun place to eat is a MUST GO TO if you are ever in Spokane.  We've been during volleyball tournaments, it's a charmingly fun place to go to, and the food is exceptional...you MUST order a signature lemonade while there too!  It's known for their signature lemonade drinks....

OK...enough about that....

 I actually found inspo last night, to start and finish my card.  I have bloopers on this one...and I even lost a couple of cut out ephemera pieces that I chose not to use...I had them, put them in a bag to stash with the rest of the super fun components that came with the  You're the Zest June 2026 "Whit Kit"... then POOF they disappeared.  It was only 2 pieces, and even after today, cleaning my desk...I still can't find them.  yikes yikes and more yikes.  I choose today, to NOT stress about 2 ephemera pieces that came in this kit, there remains to be what's left, plenty of fun that I didn't lose on that ephemera sheet.  I may never find them, but...it is what it is...no stress..this is supposed to be fun...although it was driving me batty last night, and even a little today.  It appears I have a craft ghost playing along with me.

 So a little about the parameters and my reasons why I went this route....

Number 1:  Include an ATC

For starters... I have never EVER made an ATC card.  I'm under the impression, an ATC card is made to trade with others, similar to a business card.  I kind of like that notion, but, I wasn't under the impression I needed to spend hours and hours on cranking one out ... not only because of the small size which is:  2-1/2" x 3-1/2",  but also IF I were to crank out a big ole stack one day to trade, I honestly wouldn't want to spend hours and hours doing so...so...I went with simple and fast...  I will say, my original ideas, were ICK...so I wasted an hour, trying to make ICK work...  but, when I finally settled with keeping with lemons, things went faster for me...  I absolutely LOVE coloring these lemons, I might make a little stack of these to trade one day at a card retreat.  I know I received some really fun ones this year at Paperganza, 

 

I wanted my ATC to be removeable, so my lemon branch, served as a pocket...

 

 Number 2:  Produce Aisle Colors:  

I have a feeling I had lemons and limes on my mind....  I have planned to cook a chicken, jalapeno &  pineapple taco dinner thing, and I was gathering limes, next to some lemons yesterday at the grocery store....  I also have been wanting to ink up these lemons, so..my produce aisle is the lemons & limes, in a kraft colored produce box.  I can picture this in a grove actually...  I love these colors.  For a brief moment, I was trying to justify the blue on here...  well, it came with the kit for starters, and it goes so well with this set of cool patterned papers that is included in this kit.  It's called Limoncello Garden, and it just gives me that European vibe, or maybe the vibe you feel when you walk into the MGM Park, kind of the bistro, cobblestone street vibe you'd see in a village in Italy or France.  I am probably watching way too many cooking shows, but, I truly get that vision in my head...  wish I was actually there!  lol

 Number 3:

 Lemon tree!!!!  So today, after looking once again the parameters...  I really do think, a Christmas tree would have been SUPER EASY... especially since I just got the Spellbinders July Crate full of Christmas dies, including a tree, and a stencil with circles.  The colors too, would have been  produce aisle, lettuce and veggies.  yikes.  I'm glad I went the lemon route though, and although this is only a branch...it does come off a TREE... I do not feel this is a bit of "stretchy pants"...  we assume that this branch is connected to a tree...  I guess if we want to get technical, we also could graft this branch to become a tree.  (We have grafted fruit trees here on the farm, and in our beautiful state of Washington, orchardists here have developed world famous varieties by doing so.  (Think Cosmic Crsip, which personally, I believe is over rated...just my opinion...I'm a true and true Golden Girl for multipurpose use, and I sure LOVE Fujis..crisp and sweet)  That being said, each variety does have its perks.

Number 4:

I actually prefer parameters that make me think of some unique way to get them on there...but...after my hours of working on this card last night, I did see those circles in the pattern of the background paper jump out at me...so...my 3 circles are featured in the pattern of the paper.

This is now ready to mail to someone.  That's been one of my hopes this year, is to finish up each card to have ready..rather than leave insides undone.  My next goal, is to actually mail them out.  lol  

 Moving forward...

I have a bunch to share.  I made a simple set of cards, that I will share on there this week...and I do want to show you a little of what came home with me from Paperganza.  That being said, I've been spinning my wheels now for a couple of weeks, or I feel that way.  Our holiday season hit me while I was away visiting and having fun in the Midwest!  So, I've been playing catch up with many chocolate quotes and holiday gift design.  As much as I want to play with stamps and ink and card stock...my day biz, has to take priority...I think I'm mostly caught up....but, I see possibly a big 4th quarter, I just go with the flow...

 Till next time!

 

I'm not following a particular recipe, I'm going to wing it...but, I HOPE to make these for dinner...I'll eyeball quantities, I'm not wanting to follow a recipe for this, I really don't want to dig out my instant pot, and it's too late for crock pot.... so I found these instructions, looks easy enough! 

Instructions

Simmer Sauce: Combine pineapple juice, honey, hot sauce, paprika, and jalapeño in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes.
Add Chicken & Fruit: Stir in the shredded chicken and pineapple chunks, cooking for about 5 minutes until warm and coated.
Assemble & Serve: Warm your tortillas, spoon the chicken mixture inside, and top with optional slaw, cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream.