Saturday, May 24, 2014

Why I do this

I make cards. You make cards. Beyond the addiction to it, and the satisfaction in the creation process, there's a real reason I make cards. You all get this. You all know why you make cards. Yes, it's fun. Yes, it's cheaper than buying ready-made cards. Yes, winning challenges, peer recognition, and even being published are all meritorious reasons to make cards. My reason? The real one underneath all the other reasons? Hard to put into a description, but let me tell you what happened this morning.

I was making a card for the Inskpirational Challenge, where dear friend Carol has just joined the design team, when I got a text message. My nearly 21-year old granddaughter, Jessica, asked if I had a baby card in my stash. A friend of hers just delivered a baby boy, and she wanted to give the family a nice card. Now, she could have gone to the Walgreens or CVS and picked up a nice card, but she chose to text me and ask if I had one. I had a couple actually, so I texted her back and included photos of both. A bit later she came and got the card she liked best. It didn't have a sentiment on the inside yet, so while we were talking, I quick made up an appropriate sentiment all decorated to match, and even added a matching sequin. She said to me, and I quote, "I love your cards." That's the simplest way I can tell you why I do this; why I make cards. Because they delight the people I love. I give bunches to all the grown up kids at Christmas, and I always hear things from them like, "Oh good, I was almost out of cards," or "Whenever I give one of your cards to someone, they are thrilled to get it." Ego stroked, yeah, but my kids actually LIKE getting a stash, and that means so much more to me. Jessica has asked to be put on that "grown up card stash list" this year for Christmas. Sometimes I'd much rather she were still a teeny-tiny little girl who would come and sit on grandma's lap and cuddle, but I'll admit she's grown into quite the wonderful young lady. She's got Berkeley in mind for Law School, where she can get a J.D. and a Ph.D in Social Justice. Smart girl. All grown up now. And she likes grandma's cards.

Moving right along.... I finished the card after Jess left, and like the way it turned out. The Word Prompt is:



I went all literal with my card. Found some Echo Park cut files for flowers in my Cameo's library, and found the perfectly colored scraps for them. And while digging in my sticker stash, hoping to find something appropriate, I found perfection. Take a look:




Thought about adding stems and leaves, but decided I liked the floaty look of them. Can you see the little sticker on the bottom? Yep, it says "bloom!!" I added a Michaels blue bling to the center of the little flower to pull a bit more blue into the whole scheme. The base is Neenah white, but all the rest of the papers are scraps. I put some Wink of Stella in the flower centers, but it's hard to tell in this photo.  Now I'm off to get a card sent to Belgium, then who knows, since I don't feel like fighting the crowds at the garden centers, I just might skip gardening today and work in my craft room! Happy dances everyone!

15 comments:

Ardyth said...

Love the primary feel (colours and simple design) of the card, and thanks for the reminder. It's easy to get bogged down in this hobby that's supposed to be fun, and it's easy to forget why we really do it!

Lynn said...

Oh Bev, your post spoke to me. I've been super busy lately so haven't been commenting as much as normal, but at the same time reminding myself why I create. It is the one thing that truly can relax me and I LOVE giving my cards to others just like you. It means the world to me when it creates a connection with others. So thank you as always for being you and sharing your heart with us. Love your happy card. The colors are fabulous against the white.

Bobby said...

It IS great when those you love like your cards. I gave my daughter a stash for Christmas and she loved them so much she hated to send them to people. I never hear what the homebound people from church think of theirs, but it makes me feel good to send them, and that's enough for me.

Your blooms are so colorful and I love that you added the green "lawn".

Susanne Vargas said...

What a cheerful card and heartwarming story! Thanks for both!

Darnell said...

Love your card, Bevie! And I love how you spoke about this wonderful hobby! You are especially blessed because you have lots and lots of family who love your beautiful cards!! There's no better reason to do this!! Hugs, Darnell

Geri said...

Dearest friend...your story about why you make cards sure seems to strike the same chord with us all!

What REALLY made me smile was the part of Jessica asking to be put on the 'grown up card stash list'....now that is THE best compliment ever!

Sweet card - fun bright colors and polka dot grass and the perfect find in the treasure chest of embellies!

Kim Heggins said...

Miss Bev...fist your card is just so fun and I love your floating posies, just too cute! Second, I love your sweet story and it is so true and the same reason that I make cards. When a co-worker or even better my daughter asked me for a card my head swells and I can barely get in my craft room to pull one out! So keep on making your fabulous and gorgeous card and sharing them with your family and friends. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

sandie said...

I love your post Bev, it is so true, it is a delight to give our cards to our loved ones and I like to send the odd one out of the blue 'just because' and I love doing that,must to remind someone that they are in your thoughts. So much more personal than an email! And your card is a joy, the bright colours really bloom. I have just got to know Carol and she is just wonderful, always there for a chat! Thanks for joining us at Ink

Anita in France said...

My dear friend, what a wonderful post ... so beautifully put ... and so full of joy and love for your family ... I so enjoyed it ... thank you! Such a bright, fun and smile-making card ... rather like you really! Anita :)

Anonymous said...

How fun that you know our new DT member, Carol! This is a sweet card. I like the flower placement and I never thought to actually put the inspiration word on the card! Thanks for playing with us at Inkspirational!
- Shauna

Vicki Dutcher said...

The personal validation is the best! So nice to know family [and us too] appreciate your creations! :)

Marina said...

Fabulous bold blooms - perfect for our challenge.
Thank you for joining us at Inkspirational Challenges. Come back next time! Marina

cm said...

Sweet Bev, your words about why we create have touched my heart, because you've conveyed all the aspects so eloquently and with such heart! I, too, love the positive strokes, and the 'jolt' of creativity card-making inspires, but it's the "I love your cards' that mean the most. My sister loved the sequin shaker I made for her - and knowing that it meant more than a store-bought one...well, that makes all the difference! Your grand-daughter asking to be put on the 'grown up list' is poignant. it's wonderful to see the 'little ones' transform into beautiful and handsome adults, but I'm with you: little for longer would be great! My weekend with my niece and nephew reaffirms that...I want them to stay 'carrying size'! Your flower card is bloomin' awesome; you are bloomin' fabulously awesome! thank you for the shout out; thank you for joining in the challenge over at Inkspirational Challenges! You've brightened my spirit immensely, especially on this day where I'm having 'missing my family' pouts! Hugs~c

Kim M said...

Your card is just delightful! Love the bright colours! Your reasons for making cards are much the same as mine. It warms my heart when my family and friends say how much the love my cards. They are really who I do it for. :-). Thanks for playing along with us at Inkspirational! :-). Hope you play with us again.

Nonni said...

Your card is super cute and what a great blog post. We all want to make our loved ones happy and it's wonderful to do it with something you've made by yourself! Thanks for joining us at Inkspirational!