Saturday Sample

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a card using the new hostess set, Because I Care.  The artwork is gorgeous, the words are perfect, and the whole set is versatile.  I love it!  This card is a simple design and layout.  It's all Basic Black and Very Vanilla with just a touch of Garden Green for emphasis and interest.  The color scheme reminds me of those black and white photos that have just one thing in the photo that is in color.  The Dazzling Diamonds Glitter add just the right touch of brightness and dazzle to my hydrangeas, and the ribbon adds texture.

Can you believe this (Because I Care) is a Level 1 Hostess Set?  You can make gorgeous cards, scrapbook pages, and even gifts in just minutes!  The cherry on top:  the stamp set is free.  That's right.  You CANNOT purchase this stamp set.  But you can earn it by hostessing a workshop.  I'm booking workshops for late August and September.  Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me (just click on the button in the sidebar to your right) to set a date.  I'll tell you all about how to have a successful workshop.  It's super easy and absolutely free.  Even better, it's lots of fun, you learn how to stamp, and you earn free stuff:) 

When I held by first Stampin' Up! workshop (about 7 years ago), I invited everyone I knew.  I hadn't done any crafting in years and didn't know anyone else that was crafting (so I thought!).  But I had gone to a friend's workshop (I had no idea what I was attending, came in late from work, and had NO intention of purchasing anything) and loved it.  A good group came to my workshop (6-12 is an ideal size for a Stampin' Up! workshop) and some of them became my stamping buddies! 

So what are you waiting for?  August/September is a perfect time to start preparing for the rest of the year (translation:  holidays:).  Make it handmade and heartfelt this year!  Make it the best year yet for you and your loved ones!

Sunday Inspirational Post

For my inspirational card share today, I'm sharing a card I made last week for the passing of a very special lady in my life.  Ruth Bell, known as Sister Bell to thousands, impacted my life and that of my family in a way that changed us...forever!  Her passion for the things of God was infectious, and her example of a strong, unwavering woman of God inspired me again and again.  I was privileged to know her and was inspired and challenged all over again at her funeral on Friday.  She passed from this life at the age of 85, having served the Lord wholeheartedly from a young age.  She read her Bible completely through every year, from the age of 10 until her death, as well as reading the Book of Psalms every single month.  That's a lot of scripture!  She used to say, "Mark the Word when you read it, and let it mark you."  What great wisdom!  Needless to say, Sister Bell had a passion for God's Word. 

I wanted to create a sympathy card that was feminine yet simple and unfussy.  That was Ruth.  I heat embossed the hydrangea (from the new hostess set Because I Care) as well as the greeting (from a retired hostess set, Warmest Regards).  I watercolored with an aquapainter using Soft Suede and Pretty in Pink and did lots of sponging with Soft Suede.  The flourish behind the flower is from the new Notably Ornate which has some lovely and very versatile images.  The scripture for the inside is a favorite.  I simply typed it out and ran a sheet of cardstock through my printer.  Then I simply rounded the corners with my 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch to finish it off and give it a polished look and also sponged it with Soft Suede ink to tie it in to the front of the card. 

You, too, can create your own custom sympathy cards.  I think they are one of the most special cards to create and give.  In someone's time of mourning, reflection, sadness, and grief, give some of yourself with a handstamped card...made by you.

Because I Care

I created this card using one of the brand new Level 1 Hostess Sets, Because I Care, in the new Idea Book & Catalog.  That's right, this gorgeous stamp set is a Level 1!  (And I only used 2 of the 5 stamps.)  This card also features one of the beautiful new core colors, Marina Mist.

Would you like to make cards like this?  Book a workshop and I'll teach you how...free!  Contact me at 210-492-3218.  I'm booking late August-October workshops.  Get a date on the calendar, then sit back.  Once we get near the time of our workshop, I'll walk you through the process of getting a good group of guests and helping you earn the most free stamps and supplies possible.  You can earn the Because I Care stamp set and so much more by hostessing a workshop.  Call today!  Or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.