A close-up shows the background, stamped in Memento's angel pink, which is very, very light. The flower is from Mama Elephant. I chose a flower background because the bird's long beak indicates it's a nectar-sipping bird rather than an early bird who gets the worm.
After stamping the bird and sentiment, I knew something was off. The single pop of pink looked sort of floating and awkward, so I pulled out Faux Ribbon and added a pink border to the left side of the panel. That balanced the design nicely, at least to my eye.
Now for a little celebration!
This blog has been around for over seven years and contains over 2100 posts. When I started it, at the urging of several people at Splitcoast, I didn't see it going anywhere. Yet here we are. YOU are the reason for that. You read. You subscribe. You comment. Over 330 of you follow Simplicity on Facebook. Over 500 of you follow it on Pinterest. Over 1,100 of you subscribe via email. Over 725 of you put it in your Bloglovin' feed. Over 900 use Google Friend Connect. Thank you!
To celebrate, I'm going to give away a little grab-bag of supplies and a $25 (US) gift certificate to the online store of the winner's choice. To enter, just leave a comment ON THE BLOG POST* answering the question below before 12:00 midnight, eastern daylight savings time, Friday, June 24, 2016. The winner will be chosen at random and notified via this blog on June 25, 2016.
Here's the question:
What do you like best about papercrafting?
Don't overthink...just share the first thing to pop into your head. Good luck!
Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Birds of a Feather, Faux Ribbon; Mama Elephant Freestyle Florals
ink: Memento angel pink; Memento Luxe rose bud, black
paper: Papertrey white
accessories: craft foam, glue
*Note that comments left on Facebook or other websites, or emailed to me directly, will not be included in the give-away...but are still very much appreciated!
I really like the very faint background flowers. It adds the design element to compliment the bold pop of the bird without distraction
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 7 years of blogging! Blogging takes a lot of time and dedication. I admire those who can manage to blog often and do it well (something that I was/am NOT good at!).
Paper crafting is a much more instantaneous reward than other art medium for me. While I truely enjoy many art mediums, I can satisfy the creative need in a much shorter amount of time with paper crafts
I like the fact that papercrafting gets me into a peaceful state rather quickly and takes away my stress w/o thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteWow, congratulations on 7 years! Such a great accomplishment, especially since you've had so much content over that time as well. Here's to another 7 years!!
Did you know you also have 479 followers via Feedly too, Susan ... I'm one of them! Congratulations on being a source of inspiration, creativity and fun for seven years! My favourite thing about papercrafting is the community we're part of ... such a supportive, encouraging and nurturing place to grow creatively! Beautiful pinkness, BTW ... both gentle and bold! Anita :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anita. I don't have a Feedly account and don't know how to check that. Wow! And I love the stamping community, too. It's amazing!
DeleteThe best part of papercrafting for me is focusing on something that's pretty and (usually) calm. You are such an inspiration and have taught me so much. There's no way to tell you how much to mean to us, your followers! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe best part of paper crafting is the joy of giving the final project to someone and making their day special. I don't think I have any great talent but I've never had anyone tell me that the card I gave them was ugly! (Now I have had my son tell me that something looked like I made it left-handed and he was correct, I did make it left-handed! That was always his way of saying that he thought I should do something different but I usually left it the way I had made it because it was my project not his!)
ReplyDeleteI am wondering on what size card stock did you use to stamp your image? Do you cut the card stock first, then stamp or do you random stamp and then cut the card stock to be a size you think is appropriate?
ReplyDeleteIt's 1 3/4" x 3". I cut first (usually, as in this case) and then stamp. Occasionally, I do stamp a larger panel and cut it down, but that's definitely the exception.
Deletecolors, beauty & mixing this with that & coming up with a new something wonderful!
ReplyDeletethanks for an awesome blog! i think you're one of the virtual stamping community's role models!
Love this one.
ReplyDeleteI think the best part of papercrafting for me is that allows me to be a little creative and a little artistic, and keeps me happy!
I love the creative aspect of papercrafting. And it's also quicker than counted cross stitch (usually).
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that papercrafting gives me an immediate work of art! It's easy fun and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your blogging!
Another beautiful card, love that bird you stamped over the flower outlines. I'm one of your feedly followers, wonder how Anita knows how many Feedly followers you have. Thats a deep question you know, I have always wondered how peole can find out if they are being followed that way, obviously you can!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen you add up all your followers thats an amazing number of people who follow what you have to say so major congrats to you.
Why do I papercraft. Well I use to paint but it took too much time to prep and get going, my time became less my own so I thought I would try cardmaking. I love that I can spend as little or as much time as I want on it. Its for me to enjoy making and even more giving away what I make cause I never remember to post it.
I can see why this card makes you happy, Susan. i love the hot pink silhouette bird agaonst the subtle background and the border on the left to balnce twhe design. Thank you for inspiring us all with your cards and design insights.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about papercrafting is that it helps me develop my creative side to balance out my left brain activities during the daytime. I also like the instant gratification it gives, and being able to send the cards out and share them with this wonderful crafting community is an added bonus.
Both pinks together on this card are perfect. What do I like about paper crafting? Hmm how do I put this succinctly ... I think it's the peace of mind I get while crafting and the sense of achievement on completing a successful project. Also I love the online community who share their talent.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best is that it is not only stress relieving but the recipients appreciate them. Thank you for contributing to my knowledge and inspiration. 💜
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best is that it is not only stress relieving but the recipients appreciate them. Thank you for contributing to my knowledge and inspiration. 💜
ReplyDeleteI like the complete change of pace from the "real" world. It can frustrating but it's different kind of frustrating. Most people you meet on crafty blogs are very nice (and I guess the enabling part I need to blame on myself).
ReplyDeleteSimple, 'the feeling of calm when I escape into my cardmaking world'.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best about papercrafting is that I usually make cards that feature the recipient's name as one of the focal points on the front of the card. Often the recipients have told me that they never throw my cards away, and I have seen some of my cards, sometimes years later, still displayed in their homes, mounted on walls, kids' bedroom doors, displayed on windowsills or on top of their pianos. Thanks, brilliant Susan, for all of your inspirational posts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for customizing!
Deletesitting with a friend and creating cards with all the colored paper we have!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about papercrafting is . . . the paper! I could paper all the walls in my apartment, perhaps twice over, with my paper stash.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about papercrafting is the feeling of artistic creativity it brings. No matter what technique I may use on a card, I get to be creative, and it's good for my soul.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing is sending happy birthday mail every month to the ladies on 2 birthday lists. If I didn't do that, I know I would have a lot of unused STUFF in this here messy room....yup...that's what I call my craft room.
ReplyDeleteGiving a piece of myself in this cookie-cutter world. Enhancing meaning and emotion of my default--words. Escaping to a place with beautiful choices. And,apparently, draining my bank account for things that will last. Thank you, Susan, for your inspiration every day.
ReplyDeletePlaying with lines, shapes, textures, and colors to create something that's both practical and beautiful. Your card is lovely, and the pink stripe on the left works nicely to balance it.
ReplyDeleteI love creating and giving someone a paper hug that I was thinking of them in good times and during challenging events too . Congrats and thank you for all your inspiration and I enjoy every one of your cyber visits!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to try new techniques with papers, paints, embossing, dies, stamps and inks...I make cards for my family and friends. It makes me happy to be able to give them something I have made just for them. I also love the incredible inspiration shared on blogs - all my blogland 'friends' that I have never seen, but 'meet' with several times a week.
ReplyDeletePapercrafting allows me to bring a small spot of joy to people while also giving me a creative outlet.
ReplyDeletePapercrafting lets me build what I've seen inside my head. I feel so good about the product I've created and that feeling can't be matched. Papercrafting brings a world of blogging friends' ideas right into my home.
ReplyDeleteLove your style, thanks for sharing. What I like best about paper crafting is that it is an escape for me, a brief period of time to go in another room (by myself) and create. That feeling of accomplishment when I have a card in my hand is rewarding!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I read it almost every day. And when I can't get to it; I look forward to binge reading. I love your cards, humor, observations, teaching and enabling.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best about papercrafting is that I can make it from just about anything. I can use old cards, stamps, punches, embossing folders, ribbon, stickers, beautiful papers, glitter, glue, tape and some creativity and make something beautiful.
I love the creativity and the chance to explore different mediums.
ReplyDeleteI like how relaxed it makes me feel.
ReplyDeleteLove the balance that the colour strip gives to the card. I'm loving this series of small panel cards.
ReplyDeleteThe best this about paper crafting is that it takes me to my happy place ... the instant pleasure of getting a beautiful image from an inked stamp to paper, the fun and adventure of playing with different techniques and the joy of sending it on to others.
Thanks for sharing your creations on your blog.
ReplyDeletePaper crafting has become a way to create, learn new techniques and send unique cards to friends to let them know I care. And I am having a lot of fun doing it.
I'm one of your many email readers, though I never comment -- I read your blog every morning on my bus commute to work. You really brighten my mornings! Congrats on 7 fabulous creative years! I get so much inspiration from you.
ReplyDeleteI think the best thing about papercrafting for me is that I can create something for another person and put all my love into the creative process -- so I'm basically handing over a hug and a piece of my heart. Thanks for the chance to win!
Super neat card Susan. You do simple so well. Me? Not so much. I'd add corner elements, or some such thing. Occasionally I pull it off, but ....... you know!
ReplyDeleteWow, seven years of blogging! I don't know how you keep up with that every day. But I sure do appreciate it!
I used to sew, a lot....because it fed my creative soul to create something, either for myself or for someone else. But that usually took a lot of time. Then I went to a Stampin' Up party at a friends, and made a card. Then took a card making class from a lady at our church, saw how I could make something quickly to feed my creative soul, and a new passion was born. It's kinda like that Calgon commercial - it 'takes me away' from everyday chores and feeds my soul. Stamping and coloring especially soothes and calms.
Thanks for a chance to win!
Let me add my congratulations to all the others! Since I discovered your blog and delightful cards, I have been inspired by your creations, and my card making skills have taken a huge leap. Thank you ever so much for giving me such wonderful inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of paper crafting is that it is like making a small, unique gift for each recipient. They often honor me by keeping and displaying them.
Always a fun thing in the morning to see your talent!
ReplyDeletePapercrafting is my way to express my creativity in service of other people
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 7 years! Papercrafting helps me feel like an artist (I can't draw, but I can stamp and then color the images and it makes me happy).
ReplyDeleteI have had an obsession with paper, markers, pens etc. as long as I can remember. My first Stampin' Up party I attended in 2003 was like coming home! This craft was tailor made for ME!
ReplyDeleteSo, I guess the short answer is it feeds my soul.
The best thing about papercrafting is being able to make a card in under an hour and then being able to give it away to encourage someone else.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about papercrafting is being able to make a card in under an hour and then being able to give it away to encourage someone else.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog perseverance! Just like your marriage, you keep it going with humor and love. :) And you touch so many, you have no idea - also just like your marriage. Who knew a blog could have something in common with marriage!
ReplyDeleteI love paper crafting because I can custom create a card for every situation and I often do! It's love in paper form and sometimes the recipient appreciates it and sometimes he/she doesn't realize what went into it, but that's okay because it was therapeutic for me, too. It's a win no matter what.
I love stopping by to see what you've created and read what you've written. :)
The best is allowing me to find some creativity within myself, then being able to share it. Your creativity often leaves me in awe.You truly have a gift for simple perfection. I hope Leslie knows how grateful I am for the introduction. Not at all surprising you have so many followers. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's sweet. Leslie was such a generous soul and she is so very missed.
DeleteColor! With so many delicious colors in inks and paper you can't help but be delirious with happiness.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best about papercrafting is the joy of creating "card stock hugs" to send to others! Thanks for inviting all of us to join you in celebrating your blog successes!
ReplyDeleteThe best part of papercrafting is the chance to do something nice, and being absorbed so it is like meditation for me. Very calming.
ReplyDeleteFirst thing that popped into my head to answer your question is "the people". I love those I craft with in person, but the online ones who share on their blogs really are friends too.
ReplyDeleteWhen I create a card ,it brings beauty/joy into my life. When I send that card, it brings beauty/joy into another's life.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about making cards is that you can create a thing of beauty whether you have a few minutes or a few hours.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on seven wonderful years! Even though I don't do much paper crafting anymore, I always enjoy your posts, and use your cards almost exclusively for my inspiration. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best about paper crafting is being able to use my creativity to make something for someone else to enjoy, and they don't have to buy it!
Papercrafting is THERAPY. My craft room is where I go for quiet, for contemplation, for creating...It's not "cheap" therapy, but it IS what makes my heart sing.
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ReplyDeleteLove the wowie zowie pops of pink in this.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many reasons to love paper crafting but the fact that I can then send happy mail to people is my motivator.
My favorite thing is all the pretty colors! Not just on cards, but the supplies themselves (pencils, paper, markers, stickles....) can make me smile even when my card making mojo has gone missing. Having little creations to share with others is a close second.
ReplyDeleteIt's great therapy and at the end of the session you have something to share! (whether the session is a twenty minute card or a two hour card!) and there are so many truly talented people that are willing to share their artistic abilities!
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about papercrafting? Just playing and creating. I've always been happiest with paper, pens and scissors in my hand. Doesn't have to be a masterpiece, doesn't have to be "good enough" to send out, a lot of it ends up in the trash, but it's just so much fun to play with my stuff and see what happens no matter what mood I'm in. I started making my own cards over 35 years ago and I still love every minute if it.
ReplyDeleteI love papercrafting because it makes all the other cares and concerns of the day disappear and my mind is totally into the craft! Love reading your posts. You are a creative crafter and a talented writer! Congrats!
ReplyDeletepaper crafting makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteand it is so much fun!!
congrats on the wonderful blog and thanks for sharing your creativity with us.
you are quite an inspiration!
marty ferraro
I love papercrafting because it keeps me close to my mother. She signed us up for a stamping class through the city in 1998, and the rest is history.
ReplyDeleteShe passed away in 1999 and even though I have 3 sisters, stamping was something she and I did. So it keeps her close to me. When people ask me how I got started, I tell them that it's my mother's fault -- that first class was her idea.
What a wonderful way to keep that connection going!
DeleteWhat I like best about paper crafting is there is always something new--new techniques, new tools, new supplies. I never have to do the same thing twice unless I want to. That keeps my hobby interesting and exciting. I also like seeing the way people react to receiving one of my cards.
ReplyDeleteIt gives me a creative outlet. I can't draw, but with stamping the drawing is done for me, and I can just design. It is so gratifying to create something beautiful. I also like that my cards have a use, a purpose. Congrats on your blog, Susan! I am a huge fan and loyal reader, even though I don't officially subscribe or follow anywhere. I just regularly check your blog and love it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What I love about paper crafting is that I can complete something in a short amount of time! Love this card so much. Thanks for sharing your talent. (I don't need to be in the contest, just wanted to wish you well.)
ReplyDeletePapercrafting gives me a chance to play... whether I feel like getting inky, or pulling out all the toys... it's playtime. Plain and simple :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the blogging milestone! I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who keeps it up cause I know from experience that its way more time consuming that non-bloggers realize. I tried for a year and mine is collecting dust. Love your blog Susan!!!
I am very new to your blog, I found you via Bloglovin only a few months ago but I love it. I just love the simplicity yet beauty of your designs. I am quite new to paper crafting but I love it and get so much from it. I find it so relaxing. If I must choose one thing I like I would say it is the satisfaction of taking a piece of plain card or scrap paper, a bit of ink and a stamp and turning them into something that, hopefully puts a smile on someone's face. Thank you so much Susan for giving me so much inspiration, I do appreciate that. Take care.
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ReplyDeleteI love that you can take just a few simple supplies - paper, ink, glue and create something absolutely beautiful to make people smile
ReplyDeleteI love when I surprise myself and make something great. I'm not artistic but I enjoy monkeying around.
ReplyDeleteLovely card!!
ReplyDeleteI love creating things... And then giving them to other people!
I like making pretty things. I think it's just the feeling I get from making something. Cards are a bonus because you can share your art.
ReplyDelete