Simplicity will be key for me in 2011. Staying organized (not usually a problem, LOL), managing my time (always a problem–but sounds like a contradiction to staying organized) and finding even more opportunities to create are just some of my goals. Eating healthier, continuing my walking routine (a resolution from last year) and reading more books (my recent favorite is Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver) and simply more "hang" time with my family will continue to be at the top of my resolutions list.
How about you . . . do you have a resolve to do more stamping (maybe try a PPA challenge) or make a personal life change? Please leave me a comment at the end of this post. I would love to hear what's on your mind.
Today's card exemplifies simplicity in both style and the minimal number of products needed to assemble it. Although I adore experimenting with a few more layers and accessories, too, a clean and simple style always stays closest to my heart!
NEW PRODUCT ALERT: I'm nutso about the "You're a Gem" sentiment stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog (just 3 more days to "launch"). This sentiment calls out for our fabulous Rhinestone Basic Jewels, yes? Click for more Occasions Mini Sneak Peeks.
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Stamp Set: You're a Gem (WM 122268, CM 122270, available Jan. 4)
Paper: Crumb Cake (120953), Whisper White (100730), Poppy Parade (119793)
Ink: Poppy Parade (119782)
Cool Tools: Fancy Flower Punch (118073), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (119860), 3/16" Corner Punch (119871), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)
The Perfect Touch: Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (119263), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Hi, Mary! This is much delayed from the time that you posted your beautiful card, but I’ll be honest and admit that sometimes I don’t catch everything the first time I read through and when I was browsing your site again today I saw your comment about “Pigs in Heaven” and just wanted to say I love Barbara Kingsolver. If you’ve not read “The Poisonwood Bible,” I would recommend it to you. It was the first of her books that I read, and I loved it.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations with us. I love coming to your blog.
Hi Mary, I just LOVE all your cards:) They are all very beautiful!! I stop by every day to view your fabulous card!!! Happy New Year!!! My resolutions this year is to get better at stamping because I really love it!!
Hugs,
Norma
My stamping resolution is to unload unwanted stamps! I have a ton and not enough room to store them! Looking forward to selling them and getting some more spending money for…..MORE STAMPIN’ UP!!
My Stampin’ resolution is to actually stamp and scrapbook.
My resolution is to de-clutter my entire life , including my stamping area.
Great post, Mary (and great card, BTW!) Love the colors – the card really pops and would bring great cheer to anyone.
As for me – I just want to carve out more time for my hobby and try the PPA challenges. I’m committed to doing them for one month just to see if I can get it rolling. 🙂 Then, hopefully I can keep it going. So please wish me luck! 🙂
I recently found out I have Chiari Malformation of the brain (and will ahve to undergo surgery soon) and I would like to find more Stampin’ Up stampers with disabilities or life long health issues. I like to make Stampin’ friends in general though, don’t get me wrong. I just think this would help me “deal” a little more. It’s definitly something new I am bringing into 2011 with me, even if it isn’t that good. I also want to think of a really creative way to incorporate Stamping…. like maybe a journal to get all my thoughts down or something. The reason I like your blog is that you make stamping so beautiful and inspirational (which I think I mentioned in my email that I need to respond to, haha… procrastination definitly needs to get OFF my list for 2011) and it incourages me to do more with it!! Keep up the good work! <3
I will try to make actual physical challenge cards. I usually make them in my head but now I need to get in the stamp room and do them. I need to have cards ready to go for when dh comes in and says I need a birthday card in 5 minutes. I don’t post on your blog very often but I do read it. Thanks for all the fun and inspiration you gave me in 2010. I can’t wait to see what 2011 brings. Lourdes- stamp with friends- it is amazing what it does for that shell.
Carey Rogers
aka Roscoe’s mommy
Wow Mary!! Love this card. It is so simple… yet so PERFECT. I am always thinking I have to add a little of this and that to my creations. Where I probably don’t need to.
My NY’s resolutions… are to Create and Post more on my blog. Starting to see more rewards (from Family and other blog friends) and it is fun!! Exercise more to keep up with my kiddos and to not remind myself that I am over 40. Hang out with my family as much as possible. I have a ton other… but those are the most important.
Hi Mary,
My goal is to organize my stamp room. Can you come and help me!!?? Also, to lead a more healthier life in 2011.
Happy New Year!
My resolution is to do more things for myself, things that help me keep a mind-body balance. Stamping more and sharing more. I want to better care for my blogs and force myself to step out from the shell that Major Depression usually keeps me in. Exercise my aching body due to Fibromyalgia so it would ache less. I have done it before, I can do I can make it again. All the talented and caring brothers and sisters from the Pals group will be there to support me, I know that.
My New Year’s resolution is to finish what I begin. This list includes: really making my SU business go,build a web site, get the rest of my grown children’s belongings out of my house and to someone who needs them (anyone been tnere?), continue the card ministry I started at church last February (Veronica, huge success! The cards have touched so many of the elderly, shut-ins and sick. We are expanding to birthdays and anniversaries.). Finally, and as my children say, the most important, get out of the abusive marriage I am in…..
Oh Mary – Your resolutions look like my journal entry 🙂
I will strive to touch more lives for Jesus…by my homemade cards, visits, and just a smile for everyone I meet..so many people are hurting..I want to help…In Jesus Name
Oh my, I’ve forgotten my resolutions already, I had to go look at my notes… not a good sign. I will exercise and lose at least 10 lbs, if that looks good, I will go for 5 more, at a time. I will play in at least 2 challenges a month. I will put money back every 2 weeks for Convention. I love this card so much… its perfect!!! Hugs,
My stamping resolution is to use multiple techniques I have learned. (Get out of the same old same old.) Personal goals: walk at least three 1/2 marathons, learn as much as I can about traveling in Alaska (RVing in August), finding time to connect with teen sons, and praising myself more and critizing myself less for not getting it “all” done.
wow—simplicity is everything; I’m enjoying your ‘simple’ cards, as simple has a new meaning; they’re elegant, bright & not cluttered; H.N.Y & all theee best with your goals & blogging
I love this card … well actually since I have been getting the email updates all your projects are brilliant. thanks for sharing.
No resolution set this year but am hoping to keep to healthy eating and start walking for excercise.
Am gonna have a go at some of the challenges too, it seems a good way to get card layouts.
My stamping resolution is to simply stamp more! Personal goals are to lose weight and resume my walking routine! A classic Mary card, by the way!
I really love this card!
Hi Veronica: I make a point to give cards in as many situations as possible. Having a stash on hand of simple cards that you can rotate the sentiments on is a good idea when you are in a rush. Recipients are so appreciative of the kindness and special touch of a handmade card! Hugs, M
Happy New Year Mary! I am setting some goals this year, as resolutions never seem to work out for me and my main goal is to get healthy again (eating healthy, exercising, etc.)! And for my crafting goal…I am hoping to sharpen my card making skills, learn all about my new SU kit and host a workshop at least once a month!
My stamping resolution is to actually MAKE some cards this year. I gave birth to twins 4 weeks ago, and I have a feeling my stampin’ days are gone fora while…. So – simple may be my savior. I like this simple card you made. I’ll have to remember it for when I need a quickie!
Among the many things that are on my list of resolutions is this…..I want to notice more the people around me. By that I mean see when people need a kind word or gesture and try to give that to them. I would like to have a sort of “card ministry” and send cards to those who are going thru an illness or some trial or those who I know are lonely or when they have something good happen and I want to let them know that I am happy for them. I have thought about this before but have always lost track of doing it due to focusing on my life and I want to be a kinder more thoughtful person. This is my new life resolution!