The {Leaves} They Are A-Changin'

Gotta love a little Bob Dylan, right?

I set out to make thank-you cards last night (always behind on those!), but I gotta tell you my brain it's not a-workin'. See that beautiful sentiment? It's one of the quotes from Verve's Beautiful You set. (That was the one-year anniversary commemorative set where each of the Verve designers contributed a meaningful quote. SUCH a fabulous set, by the way, and totally worth checking out if you missed it back in August!) I digress, though. Back to the card. I wasn't thinking when I grabbed the sentiment that there aren't any blossoms on here, just leaves. Does that create a disconnect for you? (Can you see the sentiment? It looks a little fuzzy in the photo ... it reads "Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul" - Henry Ward Beecher.)

The card itself is deceptive in its simplicity. Believe it or not, this took me forever! I can't really say why, except that all my projects are taking forever these days. Must be an "advanced age" thing ... it's steadily been getting worse and worse ever since I turned 40 last month {giggle}. True story!

Check out this alternate version (which I like much better):



Here I've just mounted the branch and leaf panel onto a 4 1/4" x 3" Old Olive card base. Wouldn't this be a great little note to tuck in with a small gift? I could have used a slew of these a few years ago when I was returning dishes to families who had provided my family with meals after my daughter was born. I could also see this version working well as Thanksgiving place settings, with the person's name in place of the sentiment.

My oldest two are in school at the moment and the littlest is napping, so my hope is these hands they'll be a-stampin' very soon! But before I go, let me direct your attention to a mid-week challenge that posted today on the Our Creative Corner blog. Julee Tilman is hosting this one, and it's a technique challenge using "Vintage Values." All the how-to's are on the blog. It looks really fun and the samples so far are to die for. Best part for you is the free Verve set you could win if you participate. Head on over if you're interested! I know I'm still planning to try out this fun technique. Hope you will too!

One last thing ... a funny story that maybe you can all relate to? I picked up my daughter from a birthday party Friday night. One of the other mothers, a friend I hadn't seen in a while, actually suggested that I come out of my craft room and "get a life" (her words, really!!)! Well it didn't take much consideration to conclude I like my life - why do I want a different one? To each her own, huh? I supposed I could be spending my time on more valuable pursuits, like updating my Facebook status or giving away pieces of flair or even completing online jigsaw puzzles! (Oooooo, snarky, but she's gonna love it! Off to send her an email telling her I just posted about her on my blog. Better yet? I'll write it on her Facebook wall. Snort!!)

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back. I'm a nice person most of the time - really! LOL!



Stamps: Out on a Limb (Papertrey); Beautiful You (Verve)
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Chocolate Chip craft
Accessories: brown twill (Offray); acorn charm (Karen Foster); distressing tool, paper piercer, clear embossing powder, and scallop border punch (Stampin' Up); Copic markers