A little personal history: when I first started stamping obsessively (back in the summer/fall of 2006) and discovered Splitcoaststampers -- a year or so before I started this blog -- one of my favorite galleries to follow was by a gal who went by the screen name of tayloredexpressions. I loved her fresh, clean style, use of bright colors, and spot-on little details. Today, I'm an even bigger fan of Taylor's and I'm proud to call her my personal friend. In addition to her mad crafting skills, I now know her as a fantastic business woman and an even better person. She's a true class act, and I'm constantly impressed by her integrity and thoughtfulness.
Take, for example, this new campaign that Taylored Expressions is embarking upon. It's called SHARE JOY, and this is how Taylor describes it, in her own words:
The Share Joy campaign is an invitation to celebrate the joy of card making and to share that joy with others. The gift of a handmade card can bring a smile to anyone’s face, and we want to bring as many smiles as we can to the faces of people around the world! Please join us in creating and sending handmade cards that will make a difference in the lives of others.
There are even more details about the Share Joy Campaign on the TE website, but here's the gist of it: TE will be collecting donated, handcrafted cards and distribute those cards to charities/organizations that will then, well, spread that joy.
For me, one of the reasons that stamping/card-making has 'stuck' as a passion is that it's one of the few hobbies I've ever found that I get pleasure out of at multiple times:
- During the creative process of making the card;
- When I share it here and in various online galleries and get positive reinforcement via comments;
- When I give it away, and the recipient oohs-and-aahs. (Don't you love it when you go to a friend's house, and see a card you gave her months ago still hanging on the 'fridge or perched on a bookshelf?)
For my project to help kick off the SHARE JOY campaign, I broke out one of my Adorable Abodes images that I've been 'collecting' but hadn't had a chance to use yet. I LOVE this series of stamps by TE -- they remind me of my beloved Snow Village houses (but they're a lot more affordable, I don't have to dust them, and I don't just put them during the holidays!) I've been itching for an opportunity to create a card with Lakeside Lodge, as my in-laws are big lake people who've had a place on Lake Texoma ever since I've known them.
The kraft card-base is larger than usual for me -- 5" x 7" -- so that I could incorporate so many elements into the sweet little scene. I was still in a hand-stitching mood after my last card, so I broke out the embroidery floss and stitched around the red layer.
This is how you can help SPREAD JOY:
- To participate, create one or more handmade cards and mail them to Taylored Expressions to be donated.
- Card size: A2 only (4.25" x 5.5" finished size) (note: I didn't read this requirement when I made my card today - d'oh! Fortunately, most of the cards in my stash are this size, so I will be donating several of those and keep this one to give to my aforementioned in-laws...)
- Cards only. No envelopes needed, as TE will donate those.
- Card Themes: General Encouragement, Spiritual Encouragement, Sympathy, Birthday (kids & adults.) NO Get Well cards, please.
- Products: TE stamps are NOT required to donate to Share Joy, Use products from any company. (Note: cards created with TE stamps/dies will be eligible for a special opportunity detailed below.)
- Deadline: All cards must be received by Friday, August 16th.
- All cards will be donated to Hospital Chaplains throughout the U.S. The more cards you send, the more Chaplains and patients we can help.
- Special opportunity: Would you like to have your name and your card featured on the TE Store homepage? We will be selecting a few of our favorite cards created with TE stamps and/or dies to appear in our home page slide show.
- Mail your cards to us at:
Taylored Expressions
Attn: Share Joy
121 SE Shurfine Drive Suite 3
Ankeny IA 50021
Ready for more? Of course you are! Then be sure to visit these awesome artists' blogs and check out what they've created to kick off the SHARE JOY campaign:
Supplies used: Stamps - Lakeside Lodge by Taylored Expressions; Paper: Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock, Kraft & Ridinghood Red (SU); Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Cloud Duo dies (TE), Copic markers & airbrush system, foam boosters, DMC embroidery floss # 799, ribbon, clip (SU)
What a fabulous card Carole. Love the great scene and the coloring. The clouds are awesome.
Posted by: Monika/buzsy | July 10, 2013 at 10:17 AM
Fantastic little scene you have here, Carole!
Posted by: Cassie T | July 10, 2013 at 10:43 AM
I love the scene and feel the same joy (x3) that you do when creating cards. I have friends who have saved every card I've ever made them!
Posted by: Julie L | July 10, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Whenever people ask me if I save money by making my own cards, I tell them (after I stop laughing) "No, but it's cheaper than therapy.". From your beautiful cards, it looks like you share the same philosophy!
Posted by: Doris | July 10, 2013 at 11:52 AM
Wonderful idea to Share Joy-Great scene, have a beautiful day!
Posted by: Chris Mott | July 10, 2013 at 01:36 PM
Wow! What a Fabulous scene Carole!! Would love to be sitting right there in one of those lounge chairs! ;-) Wonderful Fluffy clouds too! Just Love it!! 8-)
Hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | July 10, 2013 at 03:52 PM
What a darling scene, Carole...wish I was there right now sitting in one of those adorable little red chairs with a margarita in my hand...super cute!!!!
Posted by: Joan Ervin | July 10, 2013 at 08:55 PM
Gorgeous card, Carole, I wish I was IN your scene, relaxing and gazing up at those beautiful clouds!!! Love the added water for the rowboat too, sooo cute!
Posted by: Shelly | July 11, 2013 at 09:03 AM
Wonderful, Carole! Love this sweet scene, and I wish I was there right NOW! Your hand stitching is a fab detail!
Posted by: Stephanie Kraft | July 11, 2013 at 07:09 PM