The image on the right is a Tenugui calendar from Japan. It inspired me to create the card on the left. It amazes me how something new can come into being based on the inspiration of something that already exists. I am grateful to the person who created the calendar design - the inspiration is priceless!

The card was created by paper piecing. It is hard to see in the photo, but each of the flower petals are individual - they are actually petals I cut from a flower punch that I have - great shortcut! The leaves are a Sizzix die (still loving my Sizzix Big Shot!).

The message is one to remember everyday - everyday, it's time to bloom!!!! :)

I try to check Louise Hay's website (www.louisehay.com/affirmations) everyday for her daily affirmation. Today's affirmation resonated so much with me I wrote it down on a piece of paper and I'm carrying it with me. Hopefully I will make a small plaque today that will display the affirmation - if so, I'll be sure to post it!

The affirmation is: No matter how others behave, I keep peace in my heart.

Hope your heart is filled with peace today!

(card: Always stamp set by SU!, white embossing, designer series paper by SU!)

My cat is sitting on the desk beside the keyboard as I'm typing - hmmm - she just walked away - maybe she doesn't like me writing about her :)

Today I realized what so many artists struggle with daily. Yesterday I really LOVED the card that I made so the pressure felt really intense today - to try to come up with something as good or better than what I did yesterday. I don't feel like I achieved that. And that is what it means to be an artist. To show up to the "canvas" - whatever your canvas is - everyday and create. To let the process happen. I know that what I created yesterday and what I created today will lead me to what I will create tomorrow. It is all a process and every piece I create will move me forward to the next one.

So today I am grateful that I showed up to the canvas once again. That I created something that would not have existed if I hadn't shown up. That I moved myself forward in my process. My wish is that tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow I have the courage to keep showing up! I wish the same for you :)

This card has a lot of meaning for me today. I was upset about a conversation I had with my mom and, when I was able to look at the conversation in a different way, it made me realize how blessed I am to have a wonderful mother who is always supportive of me and always willing to demonstrate kindness to me. I am grateful to be in a position to demonstrate kindness back to her and I called her back to let her know that. This card was created in between the two phone calls today and I believe the inspiration came from that change in my perspective. Enjoy!

The card was made using Versamark and white embossing powder (stamp set: Always by SU!). I also used my cuttlebug swiss dot embossing folder for one of the black panels and paper pierced the borders of all of the layers.

I'm just full of creating tonight! This card was inspired by a color challenge - using pumpkin pie, brilliant blue and garden green - not colors I would normally put together. These challenges are teaching me to go outside my comfort zone and play with combinations that wouldn't naturally occur to me. I love the feeling of stretching myself and moving into uncharted waters. Yes - there are a lot of life lessons that weave themselves into creating a simple card :)

This card combines the idea of stained glass with the technique of using sticky strip tape and glitter! I love it when you can combine 2 random things - when inspiration comes from 2 totally different places - and they come together to create something new! You never know what will happen :) Hope you enjoy it!

Ok, I admit it...I debated for quite some time about whether to purchase the Sizzix Big Shot machine and now I'm hooked!!!! This little purse was made with an XL Sizzix die. The bird is a Stampin' Up! exclusive die as are some of the flowers. I am crazy about my Big Shot!!!!! The 4 little cards and matching envelopes fit neatly into the little purse to make a great gift! Might have to whip up a few purses for Valentine's Day! :) (and yes, that it a crazy big cat post in the background...the cat loves the view out the window from the middle perch :)

I've already started thinking about Valentine's Day and this little gift bag seems perfect for sharing candy with someone you admire! Made with the SU! Top Note Bigz Die, it's a snap to put together! Can't wait to buy the candy to put in it :)