Laughing Lola takes center stage

We can never have too many birthday cards in our gifting arsenal, can we? 

To make this card, I used Close To My Heart's new "Laughing Lola" paper (on the top edge of this card, shown at right), which is one of my favorites.  The colors are rich and have a beautiful design.

I cut complementing paper chevrons for the bottom edge of the card -- and added one of my favorite Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon, in Caddy Blue ...

And it still looked like it needed something....

So I took out a new tool introduced by CTMH this autumn, called a "Stitch Guide." (Z1852, $12.95) and, using an embroidery needle, I punched the swirl stitch patterns on the card and on the paper pieces.  I then joined each of the holes, using a white opaque gel pen (Sakura Gelly Pen). 

Now for a message from me ...
a personal update:

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to many of my blog followers who have selected me to be their Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.  As you know, I retired due to disability in December 2012; CTMH has allowed me to modestly supplement my fixed income and retain some of the dignity of having purpose of working within my abilities.  The Craft Classes at Kathy Davis Studios also help, both financially and with that sense of purpose.

Let me give you some details, which I seldom discuss here:

I know none of us has the "brain power" we once had when we were younger.

My issues run deeper than normal aging, as I have had several brain injuries (strokes and concussions) that have affected my memory, word-finding, executive decision-making capabilities, and mood.

I battle depression, fatigue and near-constant headaches -- and while I am treating with a new neurologist to see if there's much I can do about what is likely "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy" (CTE) -- I have found that crafting and cardmaking is the greatest therapy.

Having you, "my blog family", is self-affirming. On days when I confuse the word "upstairs" for "inside", or tell my husband I'm putting his clothes in the "bottle" instead of in the "dryer" (who knows why?!), you make me feel as if there's nothing wrong with my brain. My juicy, creative brain can do no wrong. So thank you!

Your support is vital to me, in more ways than I can adequately express. You make me feel whole, normal -- and often super-powered!  Other than my family, nothing else brings me more joy. Thank you.   

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

Classic Sympathy Card

Of all the cards we make, no doubt the most difficult are those where we need to send a sympathy card. Whether death or another kind of loss, these cards are best remembered, most often saved and savored, and allow us to express an emotion that's difficult to touch.



With general loss in mind, but thankfully no one in particular to whom I need to send this card, I designed the card at left for my stash.

I incorporated both Close To My Heart's Laughing Lola designer paper, with black ribbon to add a classic touch.  The sentiment is stamped with a beautiful new CTMH set called "Words of Comfort (C1524, $13.95), using CTMH Exclusive Ink in "Gypsy."  The metal flourished flower is also from Close To My Heart.


I hope never to have to use this card -- but realistically, I'll be glad to have it on hand.  Take the challenge to make a card that's difficult for you before you need it, when you'll probably not feel like crafting.