Monday, August 27, 2018

sometimes . . .

Hi friends~
How has your 'nearing the end of Summer' been going?  I hope you have been blessed~
I've been visiting around Blogland (not always leaving comments, but just enjoying your spaces and artwork,)  And all the while - hoping, waiting . . .(tic-tic-tic . . .) wondering if my 'creativity' will come back and re-friend me :)    Even  just for a little bit.

And then a few days ago I really needed a birthday card and small gift bag~  Hmmm what would I do?
I just couldn't come up with anything new or clever or different.  And I said to myself;
 "now, myself!!  You need a card and your mojo just isn't stirring.  Forget new and clever and different!
And go back to your roots  & just make a card"

Sometimes I need to go back to what I first fell in love with (when it comes to paper crafting)
and visit those simple idea's, those 'roots' from long ago.  Those places when it was all new to me and held such
lovely possibilities : )
                                            ~ Simple Shabby-chic~
So I put together this paper bag card with a few pretty papers, ribbon, bits of lace and tags.
The 'stitching' is stamped on (I know - - -)
The 'spool' shape tag was traced from some old Melissa Francis packaging; used as a template.
  I used some older Bo Bunny & My Minds Eye papers 

 I just attached my layers to the front of a small Kraft paper bag - & added the small gift and tissue~

Let me share with you two of the websites I used to frequent  when I was first learning to scrapbook and make cards~    I used to spend hours visiting around blogs and what-not, just looking . . . but these old friends truly caught my eye and inspired in me a lasting love of papercrafting!

 Beatriz Jennings (@ iralamija)  taught me how to tie a bow many years ago (don't laugh! I couldn't do it right, and she has a great little video that helped me discover the trick to it) and she made me swoon over her beautiful shabby-chic style; to whom I still mimic~
And though over time I grew toward a love of grungier/vintage shabby;  She still influences me today.  She has a wonderful shop on Etsy where she sells her creations and also many papers and tags to print out~
http://iralamija.blogspot.com/

Gabrielle Pollacco was so kind to be a friend to me and encouraged me greatly in my early scrapbook years.  Her style is absolutely
and unforgettably gorgeous.  I found her blog (I don't even know how) and was hooked on watching her Youtube videos and reading her blog  tutorials on "how to" create~  Some of us need lots of help!  LOL
She was always there~
Gabrielle's blog is here -->  Such A Pretty Mess blog
 Gabrielle has spent the last few years more involved in designing  her own templates, stamps and stencils, but she does manage to blog every now & then <3 and I'm always so happy to see anything she creates~

 Sometimes I just need to go back to the beginning; (for me that was around 2009-2010,) and use it as a jumping off point.  Not sure where it may take me, but I hope it's someplace happy : )

Thanking God for all of you and the loving support and inspiration I find in each of you!
Blessings,
Karen~


10 comments:

  1. Hello Karen,
    What a lovely paper bag card you have created! I love all the fine details and the spool shaped tag is so sweet. I wish I had more time to play with paper! It is so much fun and actually a bit addictive! I've got quite a bit of catching up to do (reading blogposts) but happy to stop in and say hello! xx Linda

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  2. Dear Karen , so glad to see you and your beautiful card , here today .
    I love your shabby style, the romance and sweetness, and will never get tired of it - this card is a wonderful gift to your friend.
    I`m sorry I have been quiet, yes not having felt well , I will write you very soon.
    I hope your life is quiet and good , and that you love your new surroundings.
    Thank you for the two blog ladies links - I will love to have a look.
    Love from Dorthe - xo

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  3. A wonderful make Karen ! Your style is precious!
    Big hugs, Susi

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  4. So good to see you posting Karne and this is just Gorgeous, I so love shabby chic and so I am swooning over this beauty! I love the spool shaped tag, sweet flowers, like the touches with the stitching and pretty lace ribbon, I too love the work of the two ladies you mentioned!! Beautifully done!

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  5. Hello Dear Karen! So lovely seeing your post and your gorgeous creation. I'm going through much of the same thing right now .. my mojo has totally flown the coop and I am having difficulty even working up any enthusiasm. I really love the beautiful, shabby chic paper bag card you have made .. it is so sweet and so gorgeous! Love the bits of lace, the stitching (even though it may be stamped) and the spool-shaped tag is the perfect focal point. On this side of the fence, your mojo is alive and kicking, but I know exactly where you're coming from. Perhaps I should try going back to my 'roots' too, you never know! Thank you for the links you shared. I have been a fan of Gabrielle's for a long time but had not heard of Beatriz before. Will have to take a look at her site.
    Have a lovely day my dear! hugs and many Blessings. xx

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  6. Oh, Karen!!! This little creation is simply divine!!! And I loved reading your post - going back to the beginning is such a wonderufl way to re-discover your passion. I often find myself doing the same, not just in crafting but in so many avenues of life! I was so fortunate to work with Gabi during my early years in crafting and she is one of the kindest, sweetest souls with an enormous talent! And Beatriz has always been such a sweet wonderful inspiration for me too! I love that you took a moment to reflect on these sweet ladies and your wonderful journey in this crafty world! (I remember when I first learned how to tie a bow too! It's sort of a big deal, isn't it? lol) Thanks so much for this wonderful post and for all of your love and support over on my blog! I have been away from blogland for a little bit, but hopefully returning soon in full steam! Sending so many hugs and love to you!! xoxo

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  7. Love your art Karen~ so unique and beautiful :) Glad you are doing good :)

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  8. It's always a blessing to visit you, dear Karen. And I must say your sweet tag brought a smile to my face. You create the loveliest things.

    Thinking of you and sending love and hugs your way!

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  9. Welcome back muse!! Your card is so lovely and i am guessing the recipient just adored it! I would!
    I agree about going back to your beginning, sometimes that is all that is needed to jump-start that muse!
    sending hugs to you!
    Karen!
    Jackie xo

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  10. I popped back to say thank you for your visit and lovely comments - very much appreciated. I can't believe I've only just stumbled on Simply Neutrals. This is a really charming card - and I agree, sometimes it's worth going back to those starting places and remembering what fired your inspiration right at the beginning... and also sometimes the simple things are the most pleasurable. The shabby chic layers here frame the vintage rose image beautifully. "My self" often needs a good talking to too... I'm happy to see I'm not the only one.
    Alison x

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