Feels a little odd to be making spring themed cards in December, but that’s what most dedicated card makers do–plan ahead. Me, I usually wait for seasonal inspiration, and then the season is over before I finish my projects unless I pull some late night sessions. Not so this year. Di’s Country INKers are swapping spring cards next week.

 

This is the first card swap that I’ve been part of, and it has been quite an adventure. Since I’m new to the group, I want to make a good impression. Not just any card will do.  Eight cards? No problem, right? Oh, no…these people are dedicated crafters, not my appreciative friends and family… Can I make eight perfect cards? (Answer is no. Each card has unique, unintended qualities 🙂 Use only products from the current main catalog…oops! Better place an order quickly, as I don’t have any current spring-themed stamp sets! Designer Series Paper…thank goodness for the free packages I received when I rejoined Stampin’ Up! recently.

 

Let me just say that if I had to charge labor for these cards, they would be some pricey cards. Just deciding on a design took days of trying different combinations, making samples and tossing them. “What have I gotten myself into?” I asked more than once. Then at one point while watercoloring 10 little pictures (always make extras, just in case), the words “never again, no never again…” looped through my thoughts.  Fast forward, though, to this afternoon. The cards look so cute in their shiny clear envelopes. I am back from the post office where the clerk assured me that they would arrive next Monday or Tuesday, in plenty of time for the swap. Now I can anticipate receiving eight handmade cards from the other INKers. Hmmm… this swapping stuff may be worth it after all.

 Supplies

Stamps: For the Birds, Perfect Pennants
Paper: Coastal Cabana & Crisp Cantaloupe card stock, In Colors 2013-15 (Coastal
Cabana Polka Dot), Lullaby DSP
Tools: Apothecary Accents Framelit, Tuxedo Black Memento Ink,
Coordinating ink added to stamped image with Blender Pen