Hi, friends!

Yesterday was National Card Making Day. I spent most of the day basically recovering from an exhausting week, so I spent this morning dusting off some of my very favorite tools and hoping that my ink pads weren’t too dry.

They could’ve probably used a refresh of ink, but I made do. The hardest part is usually deciding what type of card to make. Years ago when I spent a lot of time in the crafting and cardmaking community, we would do workshops with a set agenda. Most of our cards would then get donated to soldiers overseas since they often have limited access to cards for sending back home to loved ones.

Today was easy. I based it on my events of the week. It had already been a rough one, but Friday morning, I saw a hummingbird at the feeder. This is the time they’re migrating south, so I keep the feeders up to help fuel their journey.

I watched it and felt happy, just cherishing what might be the last sighting of the season and not wanting to take it for granted. I always say that fall is my favorite except for the hummingbirds leaving.

All of a sudden, from nowhere, a cat jumped up and grabbed the sweet hummingbird from mid-air.  I ran out and tried to save it. I picked it up, cradled and pet it, finally setting it in a flower pot on the front porch, knowing it wasn’t good.

You guys, that whole scenario would be rough any day at any hour. But today? Before I have to leave for work?

Crushed.

It was already “gone” before I had to leave, so I’m glad it didn’t suffer long, but I cried off and on all day. These little birds are sweet, majestic, elegant, and simply amazing in so many beautiful ways.

So I decided to do a hummingbird card with a fall vibe. This particular stamp was gifted to me by one of my all-time favorite people, so it’s special in its own right.  I love stamps because they’re so versatile and you can give them any sort of character you want.

Cue the heat gun and embossing powders.

When I’m embossing, I like to use Versa Mark ink because it has a good amount of tackiness and takes a few minutes to dry, so you have plenty of time to get your powders on. Once they’re on, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get the heat gun. You could do it now or next week.

I sprinkled on some different colors–pink, ruby, green, black, orange, and one with an icy, iridescent glitter.

Glitter makes everything better.

After that, it was just layering and distressing with vintage-style paper. I stamped a medallion onto a pattern for a little extra grunge feel.

Some hardware with ribbons finished the look. The only question now is, do I keep this card or send it to someone? It’s kind of like the saying, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.” Cards are meant to add a special something to someone’s day.

Other ideas for National Cardmaking Day include:

• donate to teachers to give to students
• donate to classrooms for students to write special surprise notes to their parents
• donate to soldiers overseas
• donate to churches who may send an uplifting message to those who need it
• get a jumpstart on holiday cards
• donate to women’s domestic abuse shelters

The day may have passed, but these ideas can be used for any time of year. Happy stamping and cardmaking!

And happy, positive thoughts for a new, healthy, less stressful week!

 

xo.