Thoughts of Super Woman, Tea, and Clean Slates

Some of you may already know that there is no such thing as Super Woman, but honestly, it was news to me! I generally believe that everything will fall into place, if I can just keep up. I happily run two businesses (AI and our family delivery business), while raising three great kids with the help of my loving hubby. But about 2 months ago, I realized that there are a limited number of hours in a day, a limited number of days in a week, and a lot of people depending on me...and I was slowly falling behind! Add the stress of the holidays and multiple family illnesses and I was sunk! So instead of trying to fit myself into that ever shrinking Super Woman suit, I dug out my loving mommy smile and wore it with pride! I gave my family the part of me they needed and wanted with no strings or stress attached over the holidays and was there for all the memories and excitement. It really was worth the trade off! My businesses didn't suffer, but my creativity and participation here did. I missed you all, and I soooo missed stamping and creating and I cant wait to get back into the swing of things now that things are settling back to the way they should be.
As they new year starts, we all have a clean slate of sorts, a new beginning. To fit in with that feeling, I have given my blog a new, clean look with a banner featuring our Plant Prints and Pressed Petals stamp sets. Be on the look out this month for some more fresh changes, fun ideas and more.


As I worked on my blog today, enjoying a cup of herbal licorice tea, I was inspired to make the card above...my first creation of the year. The background and paper for the teapot, were made using the shaving cream technique...one of my favorite techniques! If you don't know how to achieve this look, click here for a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. The colors were inspired by the envelope my teabag came in and the tea set stamp comes from one of our newest sets, Warm Drinks For Cold Days. And there is a little twist...some twisted wire to add some interest to the corners of my main image. Fun, huh?

On a sad note: as the new year begins, it is time to say goodbye to our fabulously talented design team. Their tenure with us is up but I sure hope to see them keep in touch! I am in their debt for doing so much to get the Artful Inkables name out there! Thanks so much ladies!