Tag Archives: butterflies

May1

Abounding Beauty

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Wow. The past month has really slowed us down. And, though it has been shocking and frustrating and crazy, I believe the slow down has been good. There’s beauty in every situation if you take the time to look.

For this month, I used the Beauty Abounds stamp set. Which most people purchase it because of the butterflies (which are beautiful and coordinate with punches and they’re great). But sometimes looking past the obvious reveals more beauty. Like this flourish stamp. I just love it. Though it comes many other stamps in the set, this stamp can hold it’s own as a artistic centerpiece on any card (or calendar). Kind of like the space we are in now. Slowing down, looking at what we have as opposed to what we cannot do. Realize that the slowdown has helped us strengthen relationships. Build (and test…hahaha) the sibling bonds, create connections with neighbors. Value life. And there’s beauty in all of that.

I am CONTINUOUSLY amazed at how God has PERFECT timing in all of his plans. I don’t always understand, and I’m realizing that I don’t need to understand. Just appreciate. We had a major health scare. And, (I realize that I’m being completely egocentric here…) this global shut down actually came at the PERFECT time for us to weather the health scare. We’re off work and can concentrate on recovery. And, I’m realizing one of our vehicles is probably in need of major repairs… but ALSO PERFECT TIMING… as we only have 1 driver and no place to go anyway! Now, all of this really hurts when you think about the negative. But, searching for the beauty helps me realize that this is perfect timing for all of this to happen…

I’m more anxious than anyone to get back to ‘normal’ (if that is even possible). I miss my students. I miss my freedoms. But, it’s important to stop dwelling on the parts we’ve lost and realize that , “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Keep trying to find the good.

Go check out Anne and Cheryl today, on this Beautiful May Day.

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Apr28

Beautiful Butterflies

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So… I bought the Papillon Potpourri stamp set when this current catalog came out.  And, used it once in my easel calendar class back in December and that was it.  But I LIKE it.  And it makes beautiful cards.  I’m sorry I didn’t use it sooner!!  Image

We did this as one of our April Stamp Club projects.  I love how the big butterfly fits the elegant butterfly punch (and, everyone thought that it was DSP, but it is a stamp–which is great cause it comes in ANY color).  I made this sample as mother’s day (from teeny tiny wishes) but you could add any sentiment.  I wish I could say that I made this idea up, but I didn’t.  I copied it from Krista Fenton.  Pretty much completely copied.  Colors and everything. (I did change some little details…)  She did such a beautiful job, I figured I shouldn’t mess with that!!

Here’s a little closer look:Image

Colors used are Baja Breeze (retiring!!), Summer Starfruit an Elegant Eggplant.  I used the scallop border punch and the Summer Starfruit ribbon to add a little embellishment.  It’s so nice and simple.  The small butterfly punch is from the Spring Occasions Catalog, but it is going to be available in the 2013-14 catalog as well!!  You could make sets of cards like this, with different colors, and change the sentiment.  Yeah, And, I know it is white layered on white.  And, I used to think that it was a huge waste.  And it probably is. But, even in it is subtleness (??), it still gives a VERY nice effect.  And, that makes it all worth it.

AND… The second purpose of this post is to announce to you that Mother’s Day is in 2 weeks.  TWO WEEKS.  So, don’t forget.  You can’t say you weren’t warned.  And, if you need a card, you can make this one.  If you need a gift….well, I can help you there too.  If you order soon, it will come by Mother’s Day.  If you don’t know WHAT to order, you can get a gift certificate from me.  And, let me tell you, as a Mother, I do believe I would LOVE a Stampin’ UP gift certificate…  🙂  If you would like for me to forward the link to this blog to your significant other as a ‘subtle’ reminder that a. it’s mother’s day and b. this is what you should buy…  I’d be happy to do so.  We aim to please…

Anyway……