Fast Time and Thanks

Howdy!  As some of you may know, I have started running again this year.  I have also started exercising and eating better.  Yeah, a New Year's Resolution.  I'm not incredibly over weight, but I'm not happy with my weight.  So, I decided that I needed to do something about it.  I joined a gym, lost 13pounds.  Not crazy.  I also learned what to eat for a healthy diet, a clean diet, and what foods actually make me feel better.  

My New Year's Resolution was for my happiness.  I have had several rough years at work.  To the point that I thought about quitting every single day.  But, I'm stubborn.  So, I decided, that I needed to do something for me, for my sanity.  And I am super happy I did.  {smile}  

Anyways, back to what I started with: running again this year.  I did a quick and 'dirty' training (6 weeks) for my first half marathon this year - May 1.  Not the greatest time, but one I am happy with.  {smile}  Well, that whole experience has only made me hungry to train harder, run faster, and feel better at my post runs.  So, I signed up for the local Summer Race Series, in Albuquerque.  I did a charity run this past Saturday - Polly's Run.  A quick pace, a quick distance.  5K [3.1 miles @ 36 minutes (11:16 min/mile)]  I also did this race with my bestie - Nichole B.  She has supported me and my 'pacing' since we started running, and I wanted to say 'Thank You'  to her for her enduring support this past Saturday.  So, I made her a card.  She is also a fellow crafter, so she can appreciate the effort and work that goes into making a card.

I stopped by Mojo Monday to use their current sketch, and get my creativity flowing.

here is what I created:

Recipe:  I created a A2 size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")  I used Bashful Blue card stock (retired) by Stampin' Up! for the card base, and the matt.  The navy blue and floral pattern papers are from the same collection: Think To Remember collection by Photo Play Paper Co.

I wrapped a white doily around the upper left corner of the main panel.  The sentiment is from the water color trio stamp set (retired) by Stampin' Up!  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of white card stock.  I hand cut the flag end.  I adhered the sentiment banner with a single staple.  I tied a triple loop bow with pale blue crinkled seam binding and adhered the bow over the staple.  To add a little sparkle, I added a trio of silver sequins.

Clean.  Simple (for me).  And beautiful.  Just like my bestie!  I hope you find some inspiration and play along with the current sketch challenge from Mojo Monday its 'contest' week!

Endureth Forever

Welcome.  I'm so happy that you stopped by.  I have been busy creating, and I wanted to share with you my latest creation {smile}.

I recently played along with a great group of ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday, and well, I had such a great time, I decided to play along again this week.  Their challenge blog is very inspirational, and I would recommend playing if you can.  You will have fun, promise {smile}.  

This is this weeks scripture:

I found their words very inspirational and motivating:  'When we base our lives on the truths of God's Word, on His precepts and His plans, our lives are rich in purpose and meaning.  Our foundation is rock solid and eternal.  God Himself is our foundation.'   and in these times, we do need some sense of it ALL.   

I also stopped by the Craft Hoarders Annonymous challenge blog.  This week it is to use all those pretty flowers you have been hoarding collecting.  I don't know about you, but I do have quite a 'collection'.  I purchase what looks pretty to me, and in hopes use them on a wonderfully creative project.  {smile}

And finally, I stopped by Mojo Monday for this week's sketch.  If you aren't aware, the first Monday of each month, is a contest challenge.  That means that you can potentially win a prize if your card is randomly selected {yahoo!}

here is the sketch:

and here is what I created:

I used some more of this beautiful pattern paper I ordered from Sweden: MajaDesigns.  I love it!  The collection is called Vintage Summer.  And it is just gorgeous!

The paper blossoms are from a store in Poland: Lemon Craft.  I really do love the colors and the style of this collection of different blossoms. {smile}

I started with Pastachio Pudding card stock from Amuse Studios.  The card stock is not double sided, therefore, the inside of the card is white.  I machine stitched on both pattern papers.  I matted  the floral block onto bashful blue card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I also did a double stitching around the edges.  I printed the verse on whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  And used some of the scraps of the the green and blue and matted with those, too.

The paper blossom petal tips are brushed with clear crackle paint and sprinkled with dazzling diamonds glitter.  I added a strip of light blue seam binding around the card, and created a multi-loop bow with it, also.  I added a trio of light green half faux pearls to the left side of the card.  I also added a faux green rain drop to the blossoms on the upper right side of the card.

This card is now available for purchase in my Etsy shop, HERE.  Also, stop by my shop to see more photos of this beautiful card.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you are having a restful weekend!