Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kristin ~ Good to see you back. I was kinda worried about ya! I know just how you feel about being so busy. I am in the same boat right now, as are a lot of us stampers...Love the card and the technique!

Jennifer_GlitterInMyHair said...

Very good to see you back Kristin. We had the same crazy busy-ness here too so I feel your pain! What a great color combo for this card, I love your background piece and your "paper piercing" on the teapot. Looking forward to seeing the new stuff!

TA Carbone said...

Oh Kristin I am so happy that you made a post and everything now is ok. I know I missed you.

TA
http://carbonescorner.blogspot.com

Someone who just loves your stamp line

Jessie Lubyk said...

Love your card. The layout, the colors and technique...I haven't tried it yet myself but I will definitely give it a try after seeing your card. Thanks for the inspiration.

Kim Teasdale said...

Glad to see your back and all in one piece :) Sometimes you just have to put that superwoman costum in the back of the closet to gather your family and your thoughts for awhile! I just wanted to stop by to wish you a Happy New Year and to wish you all the best with your clean slate :)

Hugs and smiles,

Kim

Michele Kovack said...

So glad to see you back! I was getting worried about you! Sometimes life DOES get a bit crazy, so I think we all understand! Love your card, BTW!

Julia Aston said...

Good to see you back up and running Kristin - I appreciate the opportunity you gave me having me on your Design Team - I had a lot of fun designing cards with your wonderful stamp sets! I totally understand the busy-ness of life!

Anonymous said...

This is GORGEOUS! I love that you used the technique on the teapot, too.