LIFT OFF!!!

I've taken the plunge and started this blog to document my "adventures" in art. I have been creating since I was very young and have delved into numerous crafts and art mediums. My current obsession is for paper crafts. I think what I love most is a challenge and the learning and discovery process!! I've recently been making greeting cards using rubber stamps. Greeting cards seemed like the best place to start paper crafting because they are small so I don't feel bad if I have to pitch a few of them. I can experiment and not feel like I am wasting money on supplies. People seem to be really pleased when they receive hand made cards even if they aren't the greatest in the world. Most seem to appreciate the time and thought that went into making something just for them. Also they don't have to display it in their home for the next 5 years! That is one thing I always worried about giving people home made crafts. If they really didn't like it, or it wasn't really their style, I worried that they would feel obligated to display it in their home anyway!! I also thought I could save money by not buying those expensive store bought cards, therefore not feel guilty about spending money on supplies and tools. Don't fool yourself!! LOL Once you really get into this hobby it isn't cheap, but it doesn't have to be super expensive either. I love to make my own embellishments and try not to go overboard buying every stamp set I see either! Part of the fun and creative outlet for me is to see something and find ways to make it myself or get the same effect without spending a ton of money. I have been amazed at the progress I have made in a very short time. I am going to be brave and post my first attempt at making a card that I have a scan of.

Now be nice!! I am just posting this for people to see that however "bad" (bad is a relative term) they think their first attempts are they should not just give up. If you keep at it and keep learning you will find that you will start really liking some of your creations!! I have also had the experience of not liking a particular card I made and when others looked though my cards it was many of their favorites!! Go figure!

Below is a more recent card for comparison made with Stampin' Up stamp sets In Full Bloom and Touch of Nature. I colored the flowers with colored pencils and blended with Gamsol. See any improvements?

So here I go off on my journey... follow along with me or meet up with me occasionally to see where I have traveled!!