Today's card was fun to make. I tried a new to me idea by using paint and an impression plate. I wanted to use the sentiment Counting my blessings and thought about cutting out numbers with my Cricut but that seemed like a lot of work. I remembered my number impression plate and created a simple card. 

I'm playing along with PTI's March blog hop. The focus is on sunshine and spring using a color scheme of aqua and yellow. The inspiration photo had me envisioning a birthday party.

I made my card base using the file folder dies. They are so CUTE!!! I think I will make one in every color. Did you notice my background on the file folder? I created the pattern by using the Framed Out #2 stamp set.

I had this little 2 1/2 x 3 frame setting around. I think it would be great as a quick gift. The aqua mist buttons were the finishing touch.

I'm linking up for a special blog hop at Soapbox Creations to let Janelle know we are thinking of her.  You can read more about Janelle's journey here. 

The sentiment for my card is "When the world says give up, hope whispers try one more time."

 

Another week is already almost over! I'm thankful that my painters arrived on Monday to start the master bedroom/bath so we can finish this remodel but I don't think this particular card would impress the guys. :)

I decided to work with the flower fusion stamps/dies. Aqua Mist + Pure Poppy =  Happy Card!! The sentiment is from one of the fillable frames (many thanks). Just didn't ink the "many."

Thankful Thursdays are my opportunity to "Up My Gratitude." The goal is to make at least one card a week to thank someone. I LOVE when you play along by linking up below. I made a Thankful Thursday blog badge. I'm kinda excited. If you play along you could grab it!! Hint Hint! If you do use it could you let me know so I can see it in action??

On to the card!! Lots of pattern on this one. Stripes, graphic squares, and swirly circles. I am really enjoying having the mat stack dies in several sizes for layering. The graphic square is actually a pre-made paper. I tried using my background stamps but could never get them to line up. Frustrating.

My on-line classes are starting to pay off. I learned how to make subway art posters through a class at JessicaSprague.com 

I have found my go-to wedding shower gift!!! I ask the bride-to-be for those important dates that I'm sure she never wants her husband to forget. Where did you meet? When did you start dating? What activities do you enjoy together? When did HE propose? When is the wedding? where? What will be your first address?

I print these out and then adhere them to a stretched canvas that I spray paint black. They turn out so cute!! I have now taken them to TWO brides and they were so excited. 

Ten Thursdays into the new year! I continue to make at least one thank you card a week. Do you have those people around that seem to do it ALL? and WELL? My card today is for such a someone. She makes my life so much easier. I used my new PTI Sweet Spring stamps and the sentiment from Framed Out #1. The sentiment fit into the tiny tags perfectly.

The Craft/Office room is complete.The room is basically divided in half. One side is the computer and files necessary for the household and the other side is the crafty space. One of the things you can't see are the new can lights that we added. I have added over 30 to our home during the remodel and they make such a HUGE difference. 

I have a combination of open cubbies/shelves and file drawers. The desk between the bottom cabinets was my MIL's. I had always loved this desk. It was one of the items that she left me when she passed almost 2 years ago.

The left cabinet top is where I take my blog pictures and keep the sewing machine. My Cricut is in the cabinet below for easy access.

I also hang my scissors and rulers from hooks. This next pix shows another ledge with my clear stamping blocks and Memento ink which I am always using. I also have my Copics in a marker rack. A small bulletin board is perfect for keeping necessary info in sight.

The right cabinet is my die cutting station. I keep my impression plates and large dies in the basket. The red and black zippered binder is where I keep all the smaller dies in baseball card and photo page protectors. I use velcro to close the pockets so they don't fall out!! The magnetic knife strip is perfect when I have lots out at one time. I have accidentally thrown one away so this takes care of the problem.

Below the little drawer are two file cabinet drawers. The top drawer holds all my cardstock with room in the back for extra unopened packages. Wouldn't want to ran out!! The second drawer holds things like cardboard, cello bags, etc.

I'll share what is behind closed doors and in the closet another door. Hope you enjoyed the tour. ~Rhonda

I had a bridal shower last week. Guess what set I used?  Rosie Posie!!! and Happily Ever After. I even used the technique of a recent Make It Monday - stamping on the reverse of the die.

We are still remodeling a few areas of our home but my Craft Room/Office is complete. Thought you might like to see the process/results. The room is approx. 11x11 with a small closet and a couple of windows. 

The room has evolved as I have taken over more and more of this space. We used to say it was "our" office--now it is my craft room where my sweet hubby visits to pay the bills! 

I used to have open shelves with IKEA boxes to store everything. Over time this was driving me crazy visually. I do not do well with visual clutter.

The green wall color and picture molding was removed.

A wall of cabinets has been built to hide LOTS of stuff! Notice the nice calming wall color. It lets what I'm making be the focus.

My IKEA picture ledges to showcase my pretty buttons and ribbon have been re-installed.

The magnetic strip for dies is my favorite.

Everything had been stuffed into the cabinets till I had time to get everything sorted. The time is NOW.

School paper and die cut stars make for an easy card. Another perfect card to encourage our kids. Are you better than me at giving more positive strokes to offset the negative ones??? I can always use more work in this area.

I like the twine on top of the stars on this particular card. Don't you love The Twinery! The colors are wonderful. ~Rhonda

I am doing a combine with Thankful Thursday #9 and PTI's Make it Monday Challenge. The challenge is to use smaller frame sets to create a larger frame. I used a frame from Verve's Make a Statement. The PTI double ended banner die is perfect for covering the middle intersection. 

I love the Bloom Builder #3 die. It makes the cutest flowers.