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Good, good, good, good vibrations!

That song just keeps going through my head. Yesterday it seemed like everywhere I turned I found someone who was going through some really rough times. A divorce that just rips your heart out to hear the details, ailing parents, deaths, rapidly spreading melanoma for my FIL.. and the list goes on. It was just one of those sucky days, ya know? I just felt like I needed to send some good thoughts out into the world, so I sat down to make a card.

As I was sitting there, I started thinking about how much time I spend making cards, writing about cards, photographing cards, buying stuff for cards... but rarely do I take the time to sit down and actually send the cards out! And isn't that the whole point? While I try not to ever miss the big occasions, it's really the little ones that matter the most, isn't it? Those days when you just need a little lift, an encouraging word, a small little smile - to know someone's thinking of you? So today, I'm going to mail out cards. If you've got a stash I challenge you to do the same. It only takes a stamp and a little time to make a big difference in someone's world.

A few weeks ago when I was all drugged up on pain medication I steeled myself up long enough to head to the local LSS for their annual sidewalk sale. I'm so glad I did because I ended up walking away with about 10 different gorgeous Penny Black stamps that were all about 70% off when it was all said and done! Penny Black is my all-time favorite stamp company so I was walking on Cloud 9. Although I'm not really into Fluffles and all the critters I just LOVE the sentiments and the beautiful flowers. This Prince of Orange stamp was one of my super finds and I'm just grinning ear to ear as I look at it.

I stamped the Penny Black Prince of Orange in Ancient Page Coal Black on White Conqueror cardstock and then colored with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol. I added just a touch of accents to the flowers with Orange Peel Stickles. Next I stamped the Thoughtful Phrases Sending you Smiles stamp on the side and used my Mat Pack and paper piercer to pierce holes down the side. And guess what folks, I - the worst seamstress in the world, hand-stitched that line down the side! Next I took my Acrylic sheet from my Stamp-A-Majig and lined it up on the stitching and used it as a mask to sponge Pumpkin Pie ink down the side of the white cardstock. I matted this whole piece on Black cardstock and then added some reversible satin May Arts ribbon in the lower corner at an angle and placed a big button on top of it.

The background of the card is from the Tres Jolie Handsome paper and is Cuttlebugged with the Textile embossing folder and then sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink. I then matted on Basic Black and tied some Black Grosgrain ribbon down the side and added a piece of the orange ribbon for a double knot. The whole thing is on a regular size Pumpkin Pie card base.

23 comments

Anonymous said...

I love this card...it's so beautiful! Your idea about cards is so true. I've been feeling the same the last month or so and have trying to keep up with sending out cards to friends. It's amazing at how a little encouragement goes a long, long way! Thanks...and let's get those cards sent!! :-)

Amy said...

I'm there with you on the sucky day thing girl! But I love this card and what you did with the sentiment up the side and the doodling to enhance it--so cool. Hang in there, there will be brighter days ahead for all of us.

Hugs,
Amy

Dottie K. said...

Julee this card is awesome. Just love your work. Lucky you to snag such great deal on this beauty. I just sent a card out yesterday that a friend ask if I would mine. Of course not. It's nice to give someone else a surprise lift they might need. TFS :)

Anonymous said...

I love the layout of this card - love the card too! I really like how the sentiment is done! I'm terrible about sending out cards, too. I think I;ll make it my mission to get some sent today - thanks for the inspiration!

Dana said...

This is beautiful. I really like the colors and that stamp is awesome. Mt favorite part though, is how you stamped the sentiment! So clever!

I'm taking your challenge and sending out some cards...you are so right.

Anonymous said...

So pretty!! :)

Alhambra Club said...

What a beautiful stamp, love this card.

Anonymous said...

What abeautiful card. I LOVE the colors you used. Great idea about sending cards out for "no special reason". You are 100% correct; those are the ones that make people smile!

Bethany Paull said...

I just started getting a few RAK's together yesterday, because I have to keep moving my card stash to bigger boxes. That's just silly. In the mail they go. I'm trying to do at least a few each week.

This card is beautiful! I love how you used the little Thoughtful Phrases sentiment and then added REAL stitching.

Anonymous said...

This card is so lovely! The colors are beautiful and rich. Plus a stamp for 70% off is fabulous! I agree about sending cards. I really need to get better about putting them in the mail to the people I love instead of putting them in a drawer.

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Gorgeous card!

michelle sturgeon said...

Very pretty card!

Michele Kovack said...

This is gorgeous! I agree that I tend to hoard my cards...no more! I am vowing to start sending them...even if I have to make up a reason! Pay it forward so to speak!

Chris Scrappin and Stampin in Texas said...

This is stunning..Off to mail my stack to. I was thinking the same thing. I bring my cards to work and they all ask me "who is going to get this wonderful card" and I am like...don't know, I am working on challenges. Time to put those stamps to good use & brighten someones day! Chris

Beth Thomas said...

You are so... right! My envelope stash is getting low but I'm going to mail cards 'til I run out of envelopes today! Your card is wonderful. What can I say but I love everything about it! Take care!

Alli Miles said...

You are so thoughtful my friend! I love your "push" to send out the cards. I know what you mean about reading or hearing about what seems to be a bad news cloud hovering in the lives of everyone.
This card is wonderful, cheery and bright and just the thing to brighten someone's mailbox.

Kendra Hernandez said...

what a beautiful card julee that is gonna brighten somebody's day! :)

Heather Leech said...

What an absolutely gorgeous card!! Now I may have to find it and buy it for myself!! It's a fabulous layout and the colors are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!
Heather L.

joslyn said...

love this card. but i love how you expressed yourself. i tend to hang onto my cards and i really need to share. we all need little pick me ups. thanks

Rose Ann said...

What a gorgeous card! Love it!

Anonymous said...

This is just beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Your card is gorgeous. I love the colors especially since fall is my favorite time of the year.

Colleen Schaan said...

This card is just stunning...and your sentiment about sending cards out is sooo true. I go through phases...just sent a bunch out yesterday!