Gorgeous Grape Goes Country Floral

Hello friends.

Today I'm reflecting on how we human beings deal with challenges. Some of us dig in and get ready to fight our way through. Some of us take flight at the first sign of a conflict or challenge. I admit I tend toward the latter, even more so as I get older. I've had enough upheaval and just want to stay away from dreaded drama!

I've even noticed that in creating, I tend to play it safe. I stick with colours that have worked for me before, or stamp sets that are familiar. Well, for today's card I decided to try using a colour that many people love, but I just haven't used much - Gorgeous Grape. I hope you love the card as much as I do!

Being a peacemaker can be a real asset as a caregiver, but I'm learning that sometimes it leads to me feeling rather lost. So much of my energy is spent trying to find an encouraging word for others, or swallowing my frustration when dealing with seniors who just don't share my need to stick to a schedule (or even have a schedule!), or responding patiently to the same question that I've answered three times already today. As I struggle to stay calm and supportive, I lose track of how I really feel and what I really need. Recently I let my church family know that I was feeling completely overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for my Mom. Several women in the church approached me to offer various forms of assistance and encouragement. They literally gathered around me, and I realized two things. One, I very much need their support, and two, I need to let others know when I need help. So whether you are a caregiver or not, I pray you have people in your life who allow you to be authentic. People who will love and support you when you're overwhelmed.

I'm learning that being a caregiver is not a solo activity. I'm not a superhero (you're not surprised LOL!). I'm just a daughter who cares for her parents and wants the best for them. Thank you to those of you in my life who pray for me, offer encouragement, and continue to reach out even when I'm not at my best.

So back to my creative challenge.I was inspired by Penny Behr, who shared a card on the Demonstrator Planning Place using Vibrant Vases, and Kerry Tims, who posted a card on Pinterest using the Varied Vases Stamp Set.  I decided to pull out the beautiful Country Floral Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (149698) and see what it looked like in Gorgeous Grape. It's beautiful! Then I pulled out my paper and started looking for another colour that worked with it. Okay, I admit, at this point I went true to form and picked a neutral - Sahara Sand. But look what happened when I added a few gold highlights to the card! I used Gold Embossing Powder (109129) on the flower and vase outlines from the Vibrant Vases Stamp Set (148656)/ I also added some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (147044) to the wood Butterfly Elements. Can you see the shimmer! Unfortunately the Butterfly Elements are sold out and no longer available in the Sale-a-bration brochure, but there are some wood Frames Elements (146906) in the Annual Catalogue which you might be able to substitute if you don't have any of the others. Finally, I couldn't resist adding some Metallic Pearls (146282) to the focal piece of the card.

I think the card turned out beautifully! When I started designing the card, I was thinking "country", but I may have added a little "elegant" with the gold features. What do you think? All of the supplies used in the card today, with the exception of the Butterfly Elements, are available in my store, which is linked at the top of the page.

I hope you'll take a minute to leave me a comment below to tell me what you think of the card, and share a little bit of your experience in care giving, or just dealing with life's challenges. If you've enjoyed the blog today, I would love it if you'd click on the Subscribe button at the side of the blog to hear about future posts.

Also, I hope you'll check out my Craftin' Granny's Facebook Page and watch for my Live video on Thursday evenings at 7 pm Eastern time.

Happy Crafting, Friends!