The Amy Doodle Of It All . . .

Saying goodbye

It's 2am and I can't sleep. I never really post about the serious stuff in my life. I keep it close to my chest and while that's fine it also tends to make me isolated. So, what am I contemplating? The canceling of my blog account. Not a big deal, right? I have spent over 20 years in this industry designing for stores, companies, catalogs, created my own lines with my artwork, and created product for others. I love this industry. I love the creativity, and the people. I love writing and sharing info on my blog about the techniques that I love so that you can fall in love with them too, but at this time in my life I am needing to say goodbye.

My husband is dying. I am his full-time care-provider. This was no surprise for us because I knew when I married him, we would wind up here one day. He has Huntington's Disease. An awful disease that slowly robs you of your ability to walk, talk, and eventually breathe on your own.  It's harder than I ever imagined. I never thought when we got here, I would be disabled and crippled by 3 rare disorders that I became diagnosed with during our marriage. It's debilitating and all I can do to manage the courage to get through each day. I didn't think I would still be caring full time for our adult son with Autism & seizures. I NEVER thought I would be so sick and so taxed physically, mentally and emotionally that I would have to say goodbye to the industry that has had my heart for over 20 years. In never dawned on me that I would have to walk away. My heart literally aches.

 

I'm not sure why I am sharing it all, but I know I feel a sense of wanting to say a formal goodbye. Goodbyes while brief in their moment also mark an ending and perhaps, I wanted to feel like I completed something, and it meant something. This may only be read by even a few people at that, but know that I appreciate you for being witness to my farewell. Someday I hope to return, but one can't predict the change in your heart after losing a piece of one's soul, and I have no idea how I will be after my soulmate is gone.

I know that after teaching hundreds at conventions, designing displays for countless stores, helping privately tons of crafters find their voice and teaching them techniques, beautiful souls giving me my chance to shine, releasing my own artwork and designing fun new product to be sold, and of course sharing the part of myself that is so passionate about making art I must say to this industry and my fellow crafters . . . my cup runnith over. 

Thanks, you for the open hearts who listened to what I had to say, thank you for the over 90,000 page views on my blog and those who interacted, and finally thank you to the crafters who supported me on my journey. I truly love you all and I hope you continue to find so much joy in making and creating.

 

 

Gel Press Backgrounds

You ever have one of those days where you want to craft, but you aren't sure what to do? I get those from time to time and I find the most cathartic activity is creating Gel Press Backgrounds. What is that you say? Gel Press plates are these amazing Printing Plates have the look and feel of a gelatin plate – but they are completely gelatin free! Each plate is transparent and has a flexible, receptive surface perfect for printing. With them you can create one-of-a-kind backgrounds for card making or scrapbooking.

Why use them when you can just use pattern paper?
Because you can create one-of-a-kind elements as well as it being incredibly relaxing! I love taking a couple hours to just keep making background after background. Gel press printing is like magic for crafters – it's messy, unpredictable, and utterly delightful. Start by slapping some gel onto your press; the squishier, the better. Spread it around like you're Picasso on a paint-spattered rampage. Just creating for the sake of making something beautiful that not only is relaxing but also can provide you with a huge stash of creative backgrounds!

I love having a stack of these ready to go. They make backdrops, but you can also use them with die cuts to create really interesting paper pieced graphics. 

Your cards will have something no other card makers have...
a little piece of your own creative genius!

Tips for Gel Press Success:

1. Embrace the Mess: A messy workspace is a sign of a creative mind at work – let your cheekiness shine through the chaos.

2. Mix Patterns Fearlessly: Polka dots with stripes? Why not! Cheekiness thrives on unpredictability.

3. Experiment with Colors: Be bold, be bright, and let your colors pop like confetti at a surprise party.

4. Let Imperfections Reign: Perfection is overrated. Embrace the quirks and let your cheeky creation be gloriously imperfect.

So, there you have it – gel press printing with a cheeky twist! Unleash your inner rebel, have a laugh, and create backgrounds for cardmaking that are one-of-a-kind and uniquely all you!

Inks
Gel Press

MFT Color Challenge

My Favorite Things has these great color challenges from time to time and they are a great way to challenge yourself to kickstart your creativity. 


This is color challenge #211 and its a combo of these really pretty pastels.



Not a combo I use often so I enjoyed the challenge.
I used My Favorite things stamps:

BB Hanging with My Gnomies

Distressed Patterns

I colored it very simply and just used all those pretty pastels to
surround the image and just added one sentiment. 
Keeping it super simple.

You can join the fun on their blog and enter for a chance to win $50.00!
Give it a try by going
HERE

Expressing Love Through Handmade Cards

 

 

Stamping and card making are great ways to express your creativity while also showing someone how much you care. With the right techniques, you can create beautiful, unique cards that will make your loved ones feel special. In this article, we'll focus on stencil techniques that are affordable and easy to use, and we'll discuss the advantages of making cards as a way to express love. I know my family and friends always feel really grateful that I have taken the time to make something that is unique to them and the things they like.

Stencil Techniques for Unique Cards

When it comes to making cards, stencils can be a great way to add unique designs and patterns to your creations. With stencils, you don't have to worry about drawing or painting the design yourself, and you can use the same stencil to create multiple cards, making it an affordable option.
You can also see a few more techniques in this stencil video HERE
Here are a few stencil techniques that can help you create unique cards:

1. Ink blending: With this technique, you can use stencils to create a gradient effect on your cards. Simply place the stencil over the card, then use a blending tool to apply ink over the stencil, blending it from light to dark or from one color to another. You can create a simple inked background or something with more texture.  Here I used blues and greens going from dark to light and added glitter paste in a coordinating color over a stencil for added interest.
   
   
   
   

2. Embossing: Embossing stencils allow you to add texture and dimension to your cards. Simply place the stencil over the card, then use an embossing tool (or run it through an die cutting machine. I like to lightly mist paper with water to take the design better) to create a raised design. You can then add ink or paint to the raised design for an extra pop of color.
   
   
   
   
   

3. Glitter and paste: Stencils can also be used to create designs with glitter or paste. Apply the paste or glitter over the stencil, then remove the stencil to reveal a unique design that sparkles and shines.
   
   
   
   
   You can also use adhesive paste to use with foil to create a background that really pops!
   
   
   
   
   

Big Results for Little Money

One of the best things about using stencils for card making is that it's an affordable option that can still yield big results. Stencils can be reused multiple times, so you don't have to keep buying new ones for each card. And with the variety of stencils available, you can create a wide range of designs and patterns without breaking the bank.

Additionally, card making is a great way to show someone you care without spending a lot of money. A handmade card can be just as meaningful, if not more so, than a store-bought card. By taking the time to create something unique and personalized, you're showing the recipient that you value and appreciate them. Expressing Love Through Handmade Cards  can also be a powerful way to express love and affection for another person. By creating a card with your own hands, you're putting time, effort, and thought into something that's meant to make someone else happy. It's a tangible way to show that you care, and it's a gift that can be cherished for years to come.

So the next time you need a card for a special occasion, consider making one yourself and see how much joy it can bring to you and the recipient.

EDS Blog Hop

Welcome! I am so glad you made it to my blog for the blog hop! 

A small blurb about . . . EDS. You might be asking yourself . . . "What is it?"
Simply put, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of thirteen individual genetic conditions, all of which affect the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue keeps everything in place and provides support, like the mortar between bricks. Our bodies create faulty collagen (the stuff that makes your ligaments into snappy rubber bands) so for people with EDS we have no snap back in those ligaments making it impossible to keep our joints in place.



We can dislocate just about all of our bones on a regular basis as well as many other symptoms. OUCH! EDS is often an invisible disability. Symptoms commonly include, but are not limited to, long-term pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, palpitations and digestive disorders. If you're wondering why the zebra is associated with EDS it's because in medical school doctors are taught "When you hear hooves think horses not zebras" In other words, it's very unlikely you will come across a rare disease so think of the more common diseases.

I have lived with this disorder my whole life and because it is not widely known, not even in the medical field, I was only diagnosed 6 years ago, and I am 50! It's been a long brutal road and I still struggle to understand how to care for my body daily because depending on what I dislocate it changes daily. So, you guessed it . . . I am a walking ragdoll! LOL It's a serious disorder that my family and I have chosen to approach with a certain amount of humor, to keep from going crazy! When I found out about this blog hop, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it and help spread the word about EDS. With that said, let's get crafty!


I used an old stamp set that I created for a stamp company I was once a part of, and it is near and dear to my heart. It features this adorable little zebra tucked in bed. I really wanted my zebra to stand out so I thought I would stencil the inside of the card and cut a circle out of the front of the card and cover it in transparency sheet. Then cut a smaller circle and glued it in the center of the larger circle, where I place my zebra!




First step was to stencil the inside using a zebra print stencil and Catherine Pooler inks in Something borrowed and Flirty Fuchsia. 
I stamped my sentiment on a circle I cut from white cardstock and adhered it, but the same thing could be achieved by laying down a circle mask inside the card before you stencil.

First, I glued down black cardstock to my card front, and then I cut a large circle out of the front of the card and covered the inside with a transparency sheet. (You could also use a sheet of clear plastic that comes on the back of most stamps). I adhered a smaller black cardstock circle to the center of the large circle. Next, I stamped my image and colored my little zebra using Copic Markers.

Zebra's face and hair - C1/C2/C3/C7/100
Flowers - B000/B00/B05 (center flowers - B66/V04/FV2/B05)
Pillow - B000/B00/0
Blanket - B66/B05/FV2



I used foam tape to adhere my little zebra to the center circle and added a sentiment and some stamped flowers as little embellishments. I also added Crystal Stickles to the center of each flower for some sparkle. To finish it off I thought it needed a small silver glitter sticker border.

Please be sure to check out everyone's videos for lots of inspiration and there is also a giveaway! Alison and Michele will be offering giveaways on their channels. Winners will be chosen by Alison and Michele on 2/11/22. Comments will close on 2/8/22 at 12 pm EST. In order to be qualified to win, you must comment on each of the ten videos and be subscribed.

You can find the videos for the other designers Here:

 

Michele from Scrap Secrets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbuNZp89wlE

Amy from Amy's Wares:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqa2PZyeUo4

 

Lauren from Lauren Taylor Made:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVK3qBU3tGs

 

Marie from Marie's Vermont Creations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuDNyE6sSmQ

 

Candice from Candoodle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPKsMuGsNpI

 

Mary Polanco:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5qz8dbxa5U

 

Amy Hurley Purdie:

You are Here!

 

Terra from Mayhem Crafty Cards:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ7uoIbgO08

 

Alison Heikkila:

https://youtu.be/UHm5oqw1w2c

I would like to leave you with a final note. Anyone with a rare disease or chronic pain disorder will tell you that support from caring friends and family is everything.
If you aren't sure what you can do, try these simple things:

Ask them what they need,

listen and believe them,

love them as they are,

be flexible with plans,

and send cards!

We all love getting a handmade card, but chronic pain and rare disorders can be crippling and leave you feeling isolated and alone. A card really can make all the difference and make you feel like you aren't battling your disease alone. Reach out and give someone battling this horrible disease, or a chronic pain illness your love and support. You won't believe what a difference you will make.

 

To learn more go to:
Home - The Ehlers Danlos Society : The Ehlers Danlos Society (ehlers-danlos.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrappy Boy Christmas Cards!

I know I know it's not  Christmas yet, but you HAVE TO SEE these adorable Christmas stamps!

Trust me you are going to want a set. If you are anything like me you love to watch all those amazing PBS Victorian shows, and this stamp takes me right back to all the pretty Victorian themed clothes and Christmas baubles!
It's the set Victorian Christmas! This cute 6x8 stamp set has 27 image stamps & 5 sentiment stamps. 
You can find it here: Victorian Christmas and they have dies to match!


For my first card I had this idea in my mind of the front being outside the Victorian house, and when you open the card you would be inside of it. There are so many little scene stamp pieces it's just begging for you to create a scene!

Here is the outside of the card. I used an old house stamp I had from Artist Impressions.
I thought the little boy would be adorable on the outside just welcoming you into his home. I used some of the smaller element stamps to decorate the house, and I used the tree stamp to create my background.

Doesn't he have the cutest little face!


Next for the inside of the card I stamped all the things and used the handy cutting dies to cut all out. I used some patterned paper for the wall and floors, and I just glues white cardstock rectangles and squares together to get that wood panel look.

I used foam tape on some elements to raise them up and give them dimension.
What a perfect little Victorian Christmas scene, and I think this would be a fun card to display on the mantel at Christmas.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!
Before you go I want to share a bonus card. I know there are peeps out there that really love the blue/purple Christmas color combo so I decided to make a sweet and simple wreath card. I used a 3 window cutting die, and Catherine Pooler inks in Something Borrowed, and Flirty Fuchsia to create my little colorful squares for the wreath to sit on.


I used a "Family" cutting die from Honey Bee Stamps to coordinate with the stamp sentiment from ours to yours, and I was so to add a ton of glitter paper and bling!

I hope this inspires you to create some of your own fun Christmas scenes, and if you haven't already . . .
You are going to want to check out Scrappy Boy Stamps!


I will leave you with 2 other sets that I adore to check out.

Tomb Town, and Future Family
GO SEE HOW CUTE!!