Twofer Challenge #37

So here we are in April already. How did that happen?! Even though I'm pretty much at home, time still flies like mad. Since last year, a couple of the grandgirls and I have been making cards and writing letters back and forth. Another granddaughter and I started writing a story in January. We take turns adding a few paragraphs or pages, and both of us eagerly anticipate seeing the newly added material. The excitement is like what readers must have felt in the Victorian period when Charles Dickens was serializing such works as the Pickwick Papers. And still other grandkids and I have been utilizing FaceTime to stay in regular contact amid the pandemic. So while I may not be traveling or off shopping and dining out, I manage to keep myself busy.

I have to admit that my card making mojo is extremely sporadic, and that my motivation has been hard hit since John passed. I've put that down to finding a regular routine for everyday life. It's starting to come along, but I know it will take time to bounce back. I am always, always inspired by The Twofer Challenge, however! This month is no exception. Our prompt is:

Leaves just might be my most favorite stamp/die to buy in the history of me. There's just something 'right' about them. But that's just me... Here is a photo of my cards together:

And individually:

For the birthday card, which went to one of my sons, I used some lovely gray textured cardstock that I'd been hoarding saving as my base. A strip of striped patterned paper, also (oh who am I kidding?!!) hoarded, secured down the left side. An oldie, but one of my most love Paper Smooches leaves die in a rich, dark gray was tucked behind the sentiment panel. That's a Hero Arts sentiment. So easy, but it's a design I like and may go back to for some of the other sons' cards this year. 

This sympathy card went out to my cousin who lost his wife to Alzheimers Disease early this year. For the base and the leaves, I used a very soft gray, and cut the card front with an RC die. Those are the same PS leaves as used on my birthday card. The sentiment is also from RC, and the patterned paper is from my scrap files. 

For me, this particular Twofer wasn't terribly difficult, so I hope you'll find this easy-going too. You'll want to stop by and see what the rest of the team, and our Guest Designers Alison and Natalie have created at The Twofer Challenge blog. Hope to see you in the gallery, and as always...