Keep Calm and Stamp On.

Happy World Card Making Day, folks!! Hope you get crafty this weekend! I know I am! :)

It's been kind of disheartening that I've had to defend my making cards lately to others. I envy those of you who have full support from your friends and family...

Lots of people ask why I stamp/ make cards/ scrapbook... I'm sure everybody has their escape. I'm lucky enough to be able to afford many hobbies. For me, coloring stamped images are relaxing. And to see them come to life with just the ink and brush strokes from Copic markers are remarkable! I love patterned papers and textures and adding dimension and design with them just leave me with a wonderful feeling. And, of course, giving my cards to a special person just warms my heart.

Homemade gifts aren't always cheap and kitschy. I, for one, have a lot of stamps. I finally got to print digi stamps with my own printer though (if you are a long time follower of my blog, you know I had problems and always relied on other people for this). So I've been buying lots of digi stamps instead (cheaper).

And not everybody is a supporter of my hobby, and I can understand that. It takes time and money and space. But to each, her or his own. I craft when my kids are napping or playing. I still play with them and cuddle with them and read to them and spoil them more than I should. I think crafting makes me a better mom because it allows me some time for myself. As for money, well, I've stopped buying designer purses or clothes. It's been a while since I've stepped inside a mall or had my hair done. Instead I buy my crafting supplies. I work full time and have a great, rewarding career. It is very stressful, having someone's life in your hands. After 12 years of nursing, I've learned to leave it at work when I get home. But it's not always easy.

Bottom line, I think I'm getting quite good at my coloring. I'm very proud of that. Last week, I got my Intermediate Copics Certification. I love that I'm well rounded enough to want to pursue something other than my career or being a mom. It is definitely not easy to balance everything. But I am grateful for my hubby who's watched the kids while I holed myself up in a room for a couple of weekends and studied for my promotion and my certification. And to my mom, who's watched the kids while I'm at work. Any hoo, I wouldn't change it for anything. And thank you for all of your comments and visits. And to my friends who cherish my cards in their treasured collections, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

XOXO,