June Card Class and Catalogue Launch Party

Hello Stampin' Friends.

I've talked before about being a caregiver, and I imagine there are some of you out there too. If you haven't seen https://elizz.com/ I recommend you check it out. They always seem to have articles with information that are right on target for me. Today, I read an article about dealing with your emotions as a caregiver, and since I often find self-regulation (keeping my emotions in control) is exhausting, I thought I should take a look. The article talked about some things I already know - recognize your emotions and/or sensations that accompany them, and take responsibility for your emotions. But it also had some good tips for me. I tend to feel overwhelmed and victimized by the circumstances of being a caregiver. The article suggested that you tell yourself that you can handle your feelings, and to explore the thoughts that precede your emotions. I confess that I'm not good at positive self-talk, so giving myself a positive message, rather than dwelling on my negative feelings seems like a step in the right direction. The second tip, exploring the thoughts that precede your emotions, helped me realize that I had unrealistic expectations of myself. I was trying to "fix" the emotions of others. Feeling frustrated by the limits that come with aging, particularly when accompanied by dementia, is understandable. Sometimes, I can help by using humour, or by providing a distraction from the negative feelings of others, but I am not responsible for the fact that they sometimes feel frustrated or angry. The article also recommended taking a daily inventory of your emotions, and trying to temporarily change your state of mind. For me, crafting certainly gives me an avenue to change my state of mind. Focusing on creating something beautiful, sharing what I love with others, or giving encouragement to others, all help me to shift from the negative to the positive. Perhaps you can relate?

So over the last few days I have been busy planning for my June 30th Card Class and Catalogue Launch Party. This event will be held at Friendship House in Brantford, ON, from 1-4:30 pm. The cost of the class is $15, or free with a purchase of $45. There is no charge to drop in for the Catalogue Launch Party. Check out the new products, do the make 'n take, and add your name in the draw for the door prize.

The first card for this month's class was cased from Narelle Faruggia. I have been loving her card designs, and you may see others cased from her designs in the future! This card uses Lemon Lime Twist (I have a stash, as it is a favourite of mine), Black and White, as well as a little Sahara Sand thrown in. You'll love the details with this card using some Basic Black and Sahara Sand under the sentiment to balance the bold contrasting colours above. Not one, but two ribbons to add texture. And of course, Stampin' dimensionals to add depth.

 

The second card also uses a pop of colour showcasing the Lovely Lipstick foil from the Saleabration catalogue. Although this foil is retired, there are plenty of other foil papers in the new Annual Catalogue to get your creative juices going. There's just something about the shine that foil paper gives to a card. 

The third card for this class was cased from Julie Tomaszewski Gilson at Stampingala.com. I met Julie on a cruise this past April, and I've been loving her designs. For this card I used Highland Heather Gingham Paper, as well as some more Botanical Butterflies DSP.

The final card for this class is called a tri-shutter card (I think!). I did use some non-Stampin' Up Black 12" by 12" cardstock for this card, as I wanted to make it close to a standard size. It's 4" by 5 1/2". This card was so fun to create. Thanks to Cheryl Healy for introducing me to this type of card fold. 

The card does fold flat to fit in a medium Stampin' Up envelope.

Whether you're a caregiver or not, if you feel like you need an outlet for creativity, or something to help you change your mindset from negative to positive, consider a paper crafting hobby. For those of you in Canada, I would be happy to help you with purchasing supplies and finding projects just right for your skill level and the time you have available. If you don't live in Canada, I would be happy to help you find a Stampin' Up Demonstrator who can help you out. 

If you're able to attend, please mark your calendar for my Card Class and Catalogue Launch on June 30th. You must pre-register for this event, so please send me an email at kellyapulham@gmail.com. 

For more creative inspiration, join me Live on Facebook, at Craftin' Granny's, Thursday evenings at 7 pm. While you're there, why not like my page and join my closed group, Craftin' Granny's Stampin' Friends, to stay current on all of the latest Stampin' Up News and Products. 

Happy stamping!

Craftin' Granny