Today is blog hop Tuesday with the amazing Tech 4 Stampers team. I am very blessed to be part of this talented and creative group. I’ve learned that anytime I start a sentence with “I’d like to learn” several friends in this group are going to come to my aid very quickly. In the last 16 months I’ve built a website, learned how to blog, learned the basics of Asana and lots of other apps. And I’m part of a blog hop! I never imagined any of that.

Yesterday had me a bit frazzled. I was juggling several responsibilities and thoughts. My head was swimming a bit. My daughter is 26 weeks pregnant and not having a smooth pregnancy. She had a big appointment late afternoon, and I wasn’t available to help her. My mom had invited friends over for a stamping class. It was important to me that they have the best possible experience; this was their first time making cards. And I had just discovered an event for my son that required me to break 2 commitments. It was a lot, and I’m sure you can relate.

Luckily I play with ink, paper, and stamps every Monday and create a YouTube live. Being crafty is soul restoring and grounding. Creating a sweet card for my daughter, Haddie was very good for my soul. I hope learning how to create this card helps you feel the same. Please consider adding her and baby Nolan to your prayers. She’s been diagnosed with a high risk pregnancy. She went into labor quite early with Hazel, and her body seems determined to follow the same path with Nolan. He needs to stay put for many more weeks.

The class with my mom’s friends went very well. Everyone had a great time and created some beautiful cards. I’ve shared a few photos below. One is considering hosting a stamping birthday party for her grandchild. Another recognized that the Stampin’ Up! kits would make great gifts for her sisters. We even talked about giving the kits as gifts and then creating a zoom to be crafty together if they can’t be physically together. The retired kindergarten teacher in the group swore that cutting and pasting have always been challenging. Her cards are lovely; she’s been selling herself short.

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The YouTube Live

The card for my daughter was inspired by Michelle Litwiller and the January-June Mini catalog. Interestingly, Michelle’s card was for her daughter’s birthday. Michelle is a great inspiration; I was grateful for her tips with glue dots and the reminder to use adhesive sheets.

In the video you’ll see how I created the background on the Coastal Cabana layer. The same technique is pictured in the catalog on page 13. This is super easy to do using grid paper. I did consider using the hinge technique with the stamparatus. I tried grid paper first and achieved the look I wanted so I didn’t break out the stamparatus.

I also stamped details that add subtle definition. Stamping with Coastal Cabana ink of Coastal Cabana card stock is soft, or subtle, and I wasn’t sure what the impact would be when I added the die cut pieces. I love the texture and depth that this combination achieved.

I really sweated adding the accents behind the beads and shaker dome. The image is within the smallest fraction of where I intended it to appear, and I’m calling that a win. There are probably other ways that would have ensured the placement, but trimming the edges to the edge of the dome was what came to me in the moment. That may not make sense until you watch the video.

I absolutely love the embossed detail in the silver piece. I ran it back and forth in the Stampin Cut & Emboss machine to create a strong impression. I shared a close up photo below.

I hope you love my card. I can’t stop shaking it and can’t wait to give it to Haddie. I’ll load up the real gumball machine with m&ms and give her an extra sweet treat.

I know you will enjoy all the projects in the hop. Have fun hopping along. I’d love you to leave a comment and let me know if my card sparks sweet memories for you. Let me know if you’ve had a play with this bundle or if it’s on your wish list.

What’s up next?

I’m filling up March and April with in person events, hosted classes, and even online parties. If you would like to get crafty with your friends, have a special birthday party for someone, or even host a team building event, please contact me. 615.854.0376 or hello@michelesalchow.com. I have ideas and solutions. I’m even holding a high school reunion with stamping.

BINGO and the 4th Annual St Patrick’s Day Retreat are marching in soon. Be sure to reserve your spot now. Today is the very last day to register for the retreat in person. All the projects are great, but the technique class is out of this world.

Visit my classes page or my calendar page for more information and to register for upcoming classes. You need to subscribe for the monthly card club by March 20 in order to receive the March class. Register by the 20th for the March class without subscribing. The March event features the Plentiful Plants bundle from the annual catalog.

Join me Wednesday at 11 am cst on Facebook Live here.

If you subscribe to my YouTube channel and allow notifications you won’t miss my Monday YouTube lives at 11 am cst.

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I would love to hear from you and know what you are creating today. Please drop a comment or email and let me know. hello@michelesalchow.com. If you would like to receive an email with every blog post please complete the form at the bottom of the post.

Stamped Blessings,

Michele

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