How Voting in Polls Can Help YOU !

We've seen these polls in lots of places before. And yes sometimes we like to put our 2 cents worth in. And sometimes we say to ourselves, "Nah. What's the point?..... Right?          On the other hand.....

I thought the same thing until I started taking part in a poll of my mentor and inspirational blogger, Becca Feeken at  www.amazingpapergrace.com The more weeks I took part, the more I began to learn new things about myself and other crafters. (Because the poll gives you stats too. So you see if your opinions or feelings are popular or rare.)

For one thing, me and about a million other people find her and her work incredible. But I couldn't put my finger on what was the most special about it to me, until she asked me. And I was curious what others thought too.

So, before I could answer her question, I had to ask myself the question too. Then I realized that I originally began loving her beautiful cards because they are mostly faith based. After that, I kept coming back to see what she'd made next, and to learn from her amazing techniques tutorials. 

I use to have trouble finding my style in my paper crafting. I understand that this is true for a lot of people. Sometimes this problem would put me in a slump or cause a creative block. 

However, after a few more polls like this, I am beginning to learn so much about myself and what I love. I am so intrigued by this, because I'm finding that the more I have to ask myself this stuff, the more it's giving me answers to my style question.

I know you can take an online motivational quiz to answer questions designed to help you find your style. But the beauty of these polls verses those quizzes is that they are more specific. And usually right on the blogs of the people you admire, with their work right in front of you to help you answer the questions. These wonderfully talented people also generously share tutorials to help you get there in your own way. And they do this with encouragement and enthusiasm.

So, if you put all these polls together with the people who's work you admire... You can get to that "ah-hah" moment that gives you your style! After that you just put your own spin on it, like colors you love, or textures you like the feel of, or use your things that you love on an unexpected item.

 Then you have a unique design that becomes your signature.

I hope this makes sense to you and that you can use it to find the clarity that maybe you've been searching for in your own style. It's certainly taking me in that direction. I've included a poll on my blog in the bar to the right. I hope you decide to take it and vote.

 In the meantime, hop on over to amazingpapergrace.com and take a look at her fabulous blog and take her poll. Bet, it will inspire you too. ;)


Good Luck, enjoy the polls and learn something about yourself in the process!

Blessings to you all,
-Kim K.

How to make Flower Pot Cards

Good Saturday Morning to everyone!

 I thought I would show you the inspiration for my blog header today. These are some flower pot cards I made a couple of years ago. I found a similar template for them just browsing around the web. I'm sorry, it was too long ago to remember where specifically. I was looking for something unique to make for a family birthday card.

These cards were so much fun to make. And they are so simple to do. But have dramatic results.

• I created the pot base first by then chose the size I wanted. After that I made a template for it. Then cut two pieces of heavy cardstock in brown to represent the pot. I like AC cardstock for it's strength and solid core.

• Once I chose the size of the "pot" I wanted, I made a slider 1/4" size smaller than the pot. Then typed out the card message on contrasting cardstock. But you can use type of message paper you desire.

• THAT'S IT! YOUR DONE WITH THE HARDEST PART. NOW YOU'RE FREE TO USE YOUR IMAGINATION TO PLAY!

• After that, just embellish as desired.

I used mainly felt or silk flowers and silk leaves on the pot as well as the slider.  Then wrapped a flourish diecut around the pot.

For the 'because of you" message I used punches for the message.

For a nice finished look, I softened the edges with chocolate chalk, some butterflies a ladybug and a metal dragonfly.  

 Very easy and so much fun and versatile to play around with. You can use this technique to create as many different "flower arrangements" and pots as there are in a florist!

Best of all....They never wilt!

I hope you have fun with this this technique.

Blessings to you,

-Kim K.

What are Your Crafting Priorities?

What are your crafting priorities? For fun, family or your business? I know I would stay here in my craft room all day everyday if I could. I think everytime we make something, we improve our techniques and things turn our just a little more polished.
That seems to be my motivator, when I'm doing anything. If I get burned out or feel like I just can't grasp a technique, I just pull out another piece of scrap paper and try again.  Everything I've read so far points to practice makes perfect.

But sometimes the real problem is getting my crafting priorities in order. Like now. I've been working diligently on making things for and promoting my Etsy store.  I'm really trying to find that balance of making things, like long neglected scrapbook pages for my family and still not neglect my store.
  But I'm spending so much time on the computer that, not much is getting made. So, now it's time to turn that around. Mind you, I'm still going to post here everyday. Gotta keep working on those habits I'm trying to keep. Although, I promise I'm working on keeping posts shorter.



How about you? Do you have radar for when you need to log off and pick up the scissors instead? Where is that balance with you? I would love to read all the ways people prioritize their work.
In the meantime, I'm also working on improving my blog by adding a little tip, printable coupon, a helpful link or giving bragging rights here to spotlight people and work I admire.



Well here's the promise for shortening things up. And the little something for you I promised.



Hobby Lobby Coupon Link


http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/coupon.cfm


Blessings to all,
-Kim K.