There is so much pain in this world. Some is broadcast on the national news. Some is hidden deep down in the depth of our souls. When I get overwhelmed with feeling like there is nothing I can do, I focus on what is in my power to change. Sending out cards to those in your life is one way to impact the your world. Who needs a card right now? Is there a person in your life who needs to know you are praying for them? Has a friend lost a loved one? Did your neighbor get a promotion? Who can your reach out to?
Here are the cards I’m sending:
For this card I used Very Vanilla as the base, a layer and the focal image. The Eastern Palace Specialty DSP (144147 $13.00) as the background layer coordinates perfectly with the Eastern Beauty stamp set (143657 $21.00 usd). I loved the fresh look of the pattern on this piece and the Dapper Denim (141394 $6.50) and Lemon Lime Twist (144086 $6.50) made me think of spring. To create the focal point I used the Eastern Medallions Thinlits (143725 $33.00 usda) die. I stamped “a note for you” from the coordinating Eastern Beauty stamp set. This one is going to a friend I haven’t talked to in a long time! If you have thought of purchasing Dapper Denim and haven’t done it yet, don’t wait. It is going to expire at the end of May.
This one is going to a friend that I just found out is facing some really hard times and doesn’t see a silver lining in sight! I stamped the image from Mediterranean Moments stamp set (Wood-mount 143188 $28.00, clear-mount 143191 $20.00). I colored in the images using the Stampin’ Blends premier alcohol markers (p. 31 or the Occasions Catalog $4.50 per marker or $9.00 per Combo Pack. The sentiment was from Here for You (wood-mount 141541 $25.00, clear-mount 142164 $18.00) This set is also available in French. 
I love the way the images pop up off the card because of the dies used on the layer. This card was made with the Eastern Medallions Thinlits (143725 $33.00 usd) and the Eastern Beauty Stamp set (143657 $21.00 usd). I used Very Vanilla for the card base and Fresh Fig as the layer. The images were stamped with Tranquil Tide (144085 $6.50), Lemon Lime Twist (144086 $6.50), and Fresh Fig (144082 $6.50) (These are part of the 2017-19 In Color collection). The images were finished off with the Pearl Basic Jewels ( 144219 $5.00). This card is going to go to one of my friends from Texas that I haven’t talked to in a while. She is a stamper and I know she’ll appreciate the card but even more the sentiment!
Tranquil Tulips is one of my new favorite stamp sets! This set is only available to those who host a gathering. (143757 $10 worth of hostess rewards). I used the eclipse technique to create the frame. Lemon Lime Twist (144086 $6.50) ink was used to create the stems of the tulips. The background of the tulips was stamped in Pink Pirouette (126956 $6.50) while the foreground is stamped in Sweet Sugarplum (141395 $6.50). The inside of the tulips is stamped in Early Espresso (126974 $6.50). This card is going to mailed to a friend of mine from Michigan that lost her mother recently. If you love Sweet Sugarplum like I do, don’t wait to purchase it. It will no longer be available after May.
I hope that you take part in whatever way you feel you can make a difference in this world! Why not send a handmade gift or card to someone who could use a little encouragement!
