Hello friends! Happy Labor Day! Can you believe we’re in September already? The time goes so quickly! I’ve been helping my husband around the house so we can finish up some projects before the weather starts getting cooler on us! He does keep me busy since being retired! LOL!
As I had mentioned, although I wasn’t posting on my blog, I was still crafting. I’ve also been trying to organize my craft room with my husband helping me to move things around as my space had really gotten to be over-whelming. Carrying several card kits (many never used) and boxing them up to store, I realized how many things I actually have and never used! It’s fun to buy stuff, but I think it’s even better to use something I have…as I’m becoming my own store! So for this reason, my purpose has really shifted to TRY using what I already have if possible! I know many of us are in the same boat, so perhaps I can help inspire too!
Here’s a set of cards that I’ve been working on from a virtual class that took place sometime in July. It was supposed to be a set of 4 cards created with this gorgeous paper, stamp set and washi tape collection from Teresa Collins (Called “Create a Beautiful Life”). The purple and butterflies really spoke to me, and I got the kit…which I honestly didn’t need, but this is how it’s been! I was supposed to get some already cut butterflies with the kit, which I didn’t…but it was fine, as of course, I had some dies that worked just fine for these cards, and I decided to go off a bit on my own anyway.
Remember the post I had recently done about the washi tape challenge? This is what made me think about this card kit class and that I needed to finish it up! There are a couple ideas in there using some of the pretty washi tape from the TC collection. I think taking all of these virtual classes has taken a tole and burned me out a bit as well because although I’m making the cards (and have a huge stash of them), I usually still have extra product/material to use up too! It sort of compounds the problem and doesn’t really help much. I think it’s just time to consider a heavy freeze on it all! Or at least until some of my stash gets used up anyway! 🙄
Here’s a closer look at each one of the cards in the set. If you’re on my website, just click on each photo below to enlarge it or if you are set up with e-mail, it will probably show in original form. (There’s a caption under each card with the details too.)
I stamped some of the sentiments that were included with the stamp set from the collection, but there were also strips at the bottom of some of the pattern papers, so I took some of them and used them for some of the other cards.
I really like how they’ve turned out and this will be a nice set of encouragement cards to send along for my donation box this month to “The Butterfly Project” for domestic violence.
Really hope they were inspiring for you as well and that you’re reminded to use your own stash of papers, washi tape and other forgotten materials too!
Would love to play in these challenges for fun:
- Crafty Sentiments – Anything Goes
- Crafty Creations – Anything Goes
- 2 Crafty Critter Crazies – Anything Goes + animals (butterflies count!)
- The Crafter’s Cafe – Anything Goes
- Love to Scrap – Anything Goes
- Penny’s Paper Crafty – Anything Goes
- Cute Card Thursday – Anything Goes (birthday optional)
- Just Us Girls – 6 of anything (Didn’t realize it, but used 6 strips of pattern paper on the last card in the gallery!) Thanks Vicki D!😉
Stamped Smiles 
What a fabulous selection of cards Vicki,the colour palette is stunning,you made brilliant use of your stash,take care Meg x
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I can so relate to your stash issues! I’ve been on a buying freeze for over a year and if I live another 10 years, I probably still won’t use all my stash – BUT I’m trying 🙂 These cards are so pretty and being a girl who loves any shade of purple, I’m drawn to them immediately! Each unique design makes use of all those great elements, and the butterfly is beautiful! I’ve never bought a kit yet, but I’ve bought TC papers before and I love them! Great way to make your stash into fabulous cards – and all for a good cause too! Happy Labor Day!
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These are beautiful Vicki, great designs and like the lavender and silver co.or combo! Have a wonderful holiday!
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Wonderful creations with a great color combo, Vicki. Lovely butterfly.
I totally understand your stash issues, as here it is the same. I find it difficult to organize my room, as from now I can find everything and when I clean up, I know it must be in my room, but where…..?
xxx Margreet
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Great set of card! The strip one with 6 panels works for the JUGS challenge. You should enter it 😄 https://justusgirlschallenge.blogspot.com/2021/09/just-us-girls-challenge-600-word-week.html
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Thank you Vicki! I will add this to my challenge list! 🙂
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What pretty cards. The butterflies, the shimmer and the colours look absolutely stunning. What a great cause too Vicki x. Yes I really should use some of my unused crafty products too x.
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Absolutely beautiful! Love me some butterflies anyway! And purple! LOL! I share the intense feeling of needing to use what I have and not buying more stuff but somehow it never works out that way. I see something I love and I just HAVE to have it. sigh And then I find it in my stash a year or two later and it’s never even been opened. anothersigh Thanks for the inspiration! We’ll see how long I hold out, lol! 😉
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Beautiful selection of cards Vicki love the backgrounds,butterflies and use of washi tape.Well as regards unused stash you know I gave away and sold 99% of my stash in Dec just keeping basics and favourite stamps
Carol x
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Oh my goodness, I know what you mean about using our stash! Am trying to figure out a way to get rid of some of mine…suggestions are welcome! Your cards are all so very pretty! Each one is different, and I’m totally lovin’ the sparkle and shine! Thanks for sharing, and for blogging again! I’ve missed you terribly!
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Beautiful cards Vicki, love the colours and sparkle and lovely designs..I must admit I do not have a lot I haven’t used, I’m inclined to open and use my new stuff right away, then tuck away what is left and THEN it can sit..
Luv CHRISSYxx
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WOW Vicki, these cards are stunning! I love the purple, black & silver colors and your gorgeous designs! It’s hard to pick a favorite but I really like the heart window one! AND yes, I buy way too much stuff, lately it’s been paper collections… I can’t stop! LOL! 🙂
Hugs, Tammy
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Hi Vicki these are fantastic what a super selection you have created from Washi tape, I also love the images and colours, the story you have told is very familiar I love buying craft items, at the time I have so many ideas in my head but then they get stashed away, lol
hugs
lorraine x
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I fully understand the online classes and buying more stuff. Sometimes I just feel I need to improvise more with stuff I have. Watching videos for particular companies has the same effect – if I can’t post on their page is it a big deal? Love your lilac butterfly designs. Good luck with using your stash.
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so beautiful cards.
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Hi Vicki. I really like your card set. Great collages of patterned papers make these amazing cards. I’m glad you haven’t stopped creating your cards and that you want to share them with us now. Thank you for so much inspiration
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Fab ideas here, Vicki. Love the colors and the use of washi tape! TFS! Hugz
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Love your creative use of supplies you have- you have made some really beautiful cards- love the purple and the pop of shimmer in the silver. LOL, I cannot pick a favorite : )
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Getting an additional crafting room set up (now I have two) has really helped me to use my stash! But I haven’t done a very good job with the 3 drawers of washi tape. Your beautiful purple cards with all your pretty tapes should inspire me to pull them out and get to work!!
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They’re majorly inspired, sweet Vicki. What a serene, beautiful set and colour palette. I had a dear friend in high school who adored the pairing silver and lilac together, and seeing these wonderful cards instantly brought fond memories of her rushing back (TY).
Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
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Such a beatuiful card. Thanks for sharing over at Penny’s Challenge. Best of luck and hope to see you again soon. DT~Jana
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So much inspiration here! They are so elegant and you used the washi tapes so beautifully in so many great ways – love them 😁. Happy and creative wishes! Hugs Jo x
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What an amazing set of cards. Great colors and beautifully designed cards
xx
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