I can’t wait to give this card to my parents. It offers encouragement and a little fun to this stressful time. My mom and my sister-in-law have been working all summer sorting, shredding, donating, and shuffling things around to get ready for this week. Their house is officially for sale! The apartment in Florida is being prepared for mom and dad while they wait for the sale of their home here.
If you are curious here’s a link to the listing. I hear the neighbors are great!
Interesting Mix of Soft Watercolor and … a Gnome
It’s a pretty personal card. Isn’t that the great thing about handmade cards? They can be tailored to styles, colors, interests, and occasions. “Faith over fear” and “everything will be ok”; these are good mantras for my parents right now. They have both really questioned this decision. My brother and I and most of our family lives nearby. It’s hard to think of being far away, of missing holidays and birthdays. And it’s hard to part with stuff.
Speaking of Stuff
The gnome is meant to resemble Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. If you don’t know who he is I’m not sure we can be friends. I love to play ZZ Top loudly while straightening up my studio. It makes the time pass quickly and makes me feel good. Billy is an amazing guitarist. My dad is not. But he has remembered and uncovered his guitar from its home in a closet. 40 years ago my dad learned 1 chord. He’s decided to take the guitar to the new home. The new home is less than 1/3 the size of the current home. My mom doubts the need for the guitar, and she has painful memories of the one and only chord. We may have to explain the gnome – Billy connection, or we might not. It might best be left as an inside joke.
Paper Supplies and Dimensions
- Starry Sky card stock 5.5 x 4.25
- Starry Sky card stock 4.25 x 11, scored at 2, 3.75, 7.25, and 9
- Starry Sky card stock 4.5 x 3.25
- Mint Macaron card stock 3.25 x 4
- Basic White card stock 3 x 3.75
- Basic White card stock die cut rectangle
- Designer Series Paper – 2 pieces 1.25 x 4 for card base, 2 pieces of same pattern 1.75 x 4 for outside panels of long piece
- Designer Series Paper – 2 pieces of coordinating pattern 1.5 x 4
You can take these basic dimensions and ideas and make lots of different cards for all occasions. It is pretty thick and will probably require extra postage. I think it’s worth it.
The Live Stream – Facebook and YouTube
I was pretty anxious about today’s live stream. Huge shout out to those who jumped on live and helped me be creative. I’m now able to stream to my Facebook page and YouTube channel simultaneously. Pretty cool, right? It’s all the genius of Glen and Ken at Ecamm Live. They created this streaming software and made it easy to use.
When you jump over to YouTube to watch the replay I’d love you to subscribe to my channel and leave a comment. You are helping my channel grow; thank you so much.
Other News
Over the weekend I spent time crafting with church friends working on our card ministry. We are very excited to get this ministry going! On Sunday, our family got together to celebrate my birthday. I hope you enjoy a few photos. Next week I’ll share photos from our team new catalog card swap – our first ever!
Michele’s Summer Scoops Stamping Special – I added 10 scoops to the drawing today! Teresa, Lana, Be, and Laurie all earned scoops in the last week. Good luck!
The fundraiser in honor of Wyatt continues through August 10. Wyatt is the 2 year old grandson of a my dear friend, Hope. He is recovering from open heart surgery far from home. His big brother Owen is at home with his Mimi and Hop; he’s been separated from his parents and brother for almost 3 weeks. Please keep this family in your prayers. If you would like to know more about the fundraiser and Conquering CHD – Tennessee links and details are below.
I am donating at least 20% of my commission on the purchase of each Nourish & Flourish kit. (You must purchase the kit through me by August 10.) You’ll find all the details and options for purchasing here. If you are local to me and would like to purchase a kit and pick it up from me, I may be able to save a little in shipping costs. Reach out if you would like more information about this option. hello@michelesalchow.com.
Here are a few more photos of the kit. The canvas bag is thermal and can be used as a lunch bag. It would also make pretty storage for cards; consider adding dividers by occasion or month and store completed cards ready to send. The first 3 photos indicate what is included in Option 1 in the Warriors for Wyatt fundraiser. The 4th photo shows the additional products in Option 2 as well as a few completed cards.
Thank you to those who have already ordered one or more of the kits. I appreciate your support. Ordering is open through August 10.
Product List
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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