Lynn Leusch

During the cool days of the winter months, there is a special day that comes our way that brings an opportunity to show how much we care about those we love. 

Valentine’s Day = The day of love and is famous for being a day to shower your loved one with enchanting presents, and is one of the most popular holidays of the year.

Over the past few years, Valentine’s Day has grown in popularity for not just giving gifts to a significant other, but has expanded to sharing sentiments of love with other members of the family, people they work with, and believe it or not…their pets. 

Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift For Signifcant Others

What might be the best gift to give the love of your life?

I find it a bit humorous that when I looked around the internet using the search words “The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift”, it came back with dozens of “perfect ideas”.

The truth is that the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is a gift that comes with heartfelt thought. It doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. Though there are times that that long-awaited trip to Hawaii, wouldn’t be appreciated. (Smile)

In my humble opinion, the perfect gift means that you have taken precious time from your hectic and busy life to give thought to what your loved one would cherish and appreciate.

* A Box Of Chocolates? Delicious chocolate or a fantastic fruit basket will function well. Do some research as to what you believe your loved one would appreciate, keeping in mind any diets and eating plans they are using when giving these presents.

* Leave love notes for your Valentine to find. This will take a bit of thought to think through what you want to tell them.

Write a full love letter listing all the things you love and appreciate about them. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

One of my fondest memories is when I came home from a long day of work. My honey had left little love notes throughout our home via a scavenger hunt. It was quite romantic and something that I will never forget.

* Give the gift of time. Spending special moments together is vitally important. Especially in our very busy and hectic lives. Schedluing a lovely dinner out together whether it’s at a fancy restarant or your loves favorite hamburgur joint can keep couples engaged.

Craft a special coupon or homemade gift card to be redeemed at a future time. This coupon could be offering a back rub, or a time off from caring for the children. A coupon gifting time away for a guilt-free day doing something they love to do by themself would be greatly appreciated. Dinner and a movie is always a great way to spend time together as well.

My hope is that this coming Valentine’s Day that you will take time to ponder what would truly show your honey how much you love them and appreciate them. Remember that showing how much you care doesn’t have to complicated. It can be as simple as saying “I Love You”.

I have always been quite inquisitive. I love to ask questions. Not just to ask questions for the question’s sake, but I truly am intrigued and interested in hearing the answers.

To me, the answers often give insights to the individual answering the questions. These answers can show confidence or timidity, bravery or fear, sincerity or silliness.

In the last few years, I have enjoyed playing the Would You Rather Game. This is a fun game where the players answer hypothetical questions.

See why I like this game? LOL!

The questions can be…
Fun and silly offering a great time of friendship and giggles.
Conversation starters to learn more about others.
Critical thinking opportunities to keep our minds sharp.
Ways to keep busy for long car rides.

How To Play Would You Rather

According to wikihow.com on how to play this game, the guidelines and rules are “simple and can be played with anyone, anywhere. You need to have at least two players and a creative mind to come up with interesting scenarios and questions.” The folks at wikihow offer a good overview of how to play the game suggesting a variety of different ways to have the most fun with the group of individuals you are gathering with.

There are dozens and dozens of Would You Rather questions and books available online for kids, history, love, silly, serious, history and more. If interested, here is a Would You Rather Pinterest Pin Board for you to look through.

Out of all the fun question themes people have put together, guess what Would You Rather questions I didn’t find? I didn’t find any for crafters.

So, I decided I would put together my own collection of inquisitive questions.

Thanks to some dear friends (Tracy, Robin, and Christine) we came up with some fun questions that we had fun gathering together.

Introducing…

Would You Rather – Paper Crafters Edition

I think this would be a super fun icebreaker for crafters who get together either in-person, online or as a way to begin a crafting retreat.

• The aim of this version is to have fun and share lots of giggles.
• Each player answering the question must choose an option. No player can say “both” or “neither”.
• Explain the reasons behind your decisons OR would you rather not share why you feel that way? See what I just did right there? LOL
• But really, do share your decisions, because part of the fun comes in to play when we can learn and understand different points of view.
• If another player disagrees…have fun trying to convice each other why your answeris better.

These questions are probably not as extremely thought-provoking as some of the other question themes you might come across, but they are intended to create conversations and quite possibly offer insights into a way of thinking that you may not have thought of before.

Would You Rather…

1. Craft alone OR Craft with friends?
2. Create in silence OR Create listening to music?
3. Liquid glue OR Double sided tape adhesive?
4. Glitter on everthing OR Never use glitter?
5. Snack of your choice while crafting OR Only eat before or after you finish your crafting session?
6. Fussy cut all of your project pieces OR Only be able to create using dies?
7. Markers OR Colored pencils?
8. Make mini albums OR Make scrapbook page layouts?
9. Only make cards with a traditional fold in the middle OR Only make fun and fancy fold cards?
10. Washi Tape Or Ribbon?
11. Put bling on every project you make OR Never use bling?
12. Make pretty bows using twine OR Make a bird’s nest of twine (lay and adhere twine in loose circleson card front?
13. Use Brads Or Eyelets?
14. Use Tweezers OR Use a Gem Pick
15. Clean up your craft area completely after finishing a project before starting on your next project OR Keep crafting even if your crafting area is a hot mess?
16. Use a guillotine paper cutter OR a slide trimmer?
17. Distress all project edges OR Never use distressing techniques on projects?
18. Use stickers OR Never use stickers?
19. Scissors OR Craft knife?
20. Make your own handmade ephemera OR Buy Ephemera from the store?
21. Purchase a Cricut OR Purchase a Scan N Cut?
22. Use a manual die cut machine OR Use an electric die cut machine?
23. Use a Crop o dile to make holes and set eyelets OR Use a hammer and chisel to make holes and set eyelets?
24. Make clean and simple cards OR Make involved / detailed cards?
25. Make colorful cards OR Make cards with monochromatic tones?
26. Pocket Protector sheets OR 12″ x 12″ page protectors?
27. Simon OR Tim?
28. 8 1/2″ x 11″ scrapbook page layouts OR 12″ x 12″ scrapbook page layouts?
29. Pigment ink OR Dye ink?
30. Blending with brushes OR Blending with daubers?
31. Chocolate while crafting OR Gummies while crafting?
32. Digital journaling OR Handwritten journaling?
33. Digital scrapbooking OR Physical picture/paper scrapbooking?
34. Decco foiling OR Hot foiling?
35. Virtual scrapbook show OR In-person scrapbook show?
36. Heat embossing OR Embossing with embossing folders?
37. Alchohol while creating OR No alcohol while creating?
38. Shutterfly photos OR Snapfish photos?
39. Bearly Art Glue OR Art Glitter Glue?
40. Michaels OR JoAnn’s?
41. Scrapbook Cards Today magazine OR Creative Scrapbooker magazine?
42. USA crafting styles OR UK crafting styles?
43. Slimline cards OR A2 cards?

I hope you have fun using these Would You Rather questions with your paper crafting friends.

I know for sure that I am consistently amazed by the amazing talents of others. I have decided I want to begin shining a spotlight on artists and creators that inspire me.

Today’s spotlight is on a pretty awesome designer that, for many paper crafters needs no introduction. Jennifer McGuire has been inspiring others for many years.

Her blog messaging says:

Inspiring the joy of creating and kindness of sharing handmade cards.

She has certainly lived up to her message.

I’m a firm believer that everyone has creative ability and we can learn to do most things we set our minds to. However, there are people I have been introduced to (virtually and personally) who far exceed the bar that I’ve set for myself when it comes to talent and ability. Yes, I know that practice can bring anyone a closer connection to perfection. But, Jennifer is indeed top-notch. She must never sleep because I feel she has reached her perfection. Enough gush, let me introduce you to some of her amazingness.

You could easily spend hours if not days inhaling and learning from the inspirational projects that Jennifer has on her blog.

I decided to highlight one of her more recent posts about creating cards using a stamping jig that you make yourself and a stamp positioner (i.e. Misti).

This post walks through how to stamp pre-cut die cuts with multiple flower and shape images at one time. This is a great technique when wanting to mass-produce. Jennifer does a wonderful job of making this process seem super easy.

The image link above will take you directly to the post I’m referencing. This link has the video as well as close up images of the cards she creates in her video

You can also view the video directly on YouTube here.

If this is your first introduction to Jennifer’s creative genius…you are welcome. If you’ve been aware of her and life just got busy and you haven’t seen some of her work lately…you are also welcome. LOL

Thank you to Jennifer McGuire for inspiring us for the joy of creativity and for the kindness of sharing your handmade cards with us so we can aspire to make pretty cards as well.

Today’s post may seem like a very unlikely topic for a crafting blog, but please allow me a few moments to share something I’ve recently learned about that has greatly touched my heart. At the end of this post, I have a special request on how you can share kindness to others with your special crafting and card-making skills.

A dear friend of mine was recently sharing with me that she is getting ready to make many cards for families who have lost a child at birth or at a very young age. My heart was immediately filled with compassion for this organization she told me about called Heaven’s Hummingbirds.

Heaven’s Hummingbirds is a non-profit dedicated to remembering parents after the loss of a child.

I am thankful that I have not experienced the harsh reality of ever losing a precious little one, but from what I’ve learned there is a unique sadness and pain that is experienced by the families that experience this loss during pregnancy and at birth. Unfortunately, this happens more often than I could imagine.

After the loss of their baby at birth, The Butson family experienced all too well that there were no support systems in place to help them through their grieving pain. They felt the tugging in their hearts and whispers from The Lord, to create a support system for others going through this same experience, of grief, pain, guilt, frustration, and all the emotions that go along with this precious loss.

As I was reading a bit more of their story online here, I was suddenly hit with the realization that my precious mom experienced this exact same situation over 60 years ago on the day I was born. You see, I was born a twin and at the very young age of 3 months old, my twin sister, Leslie suddenly died. Without the support of the father who helped create us (yes, that’s another whole story, but he’s not worth talking about), my mom had to grieve the loss of an infant, take care of me, and my 2-year-old sister, Sheryl. Wow! My heart is heavier and more connected to this special organization than I initially thought.

How Card Makers Can Offer Support

My friend, Amanda whom I mentioned earlier has been making Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards for these grieving parents, for several years. This might surprise you but there is a beautiful reason for making cards for these special occasions.

Time has proven that there is often a stigma on how these grieving parents should respond to this heartbreaking event in their lives and how loved ones should interact with them about the loss of these precious little ones. Every holiday brings a new sadness especially during the designated day of honor for moms and dads. Their sadness is often re-engaged.

The Heaven’s Hummingbirds group knows the importance of recognizing this loss and the importance of giving well-deserved acknowledgment to these grieving moms and dads.

Every year handmade cards are made with no greeting inside (blank). These blank cards are then handed to other individuals who have lost a child as well but are further along in their grieving process. These individuals write a special message inside these handmade cards sharing love and support and acknowledging that their status as a mom and dad is just as real on that day as it was at the birth and loss of their little angel.

Heaven’s Hummingbirds can use your help. Could you make one or more cards that you could then donate to this precious organization and help bring a bit of joy to a few hearts that are still grieving their loss?

Whether it’s one or more cards…every single card donation helps.

The card donation guidelines are very simple:

Mother’s Day & Father’s Day theme Only.

Remember to keep the inside BLANK and please refrain from using “happy” in your sentiments.

All card donations are appreciated!

Mail card donations to:

Dignity Health East Valley Foundation
ATTN: Heaven’s Hummingbirds
1727 W Frye RD STE 230
Chandler, AZ 85224

Wanting To Do My Part

I am currently in the process of making cards to share a bit of my heart with those who need an extra hug. Currently, I’m making Mother’s Day cards since that is the holiday coming up first. I’ll work on Father’s Day cards down the road.

These cards were made using free digital prints and sentiment sheets available from The Stamp Doctor.

As a donation for this amazing cause, Mechele, from The Stamp Doctor created special papers and sentiments that she is giving away at no cost, to help you make some cards for this great charity/organization.

If you are willing to make some cards and mail them to the organization listed above, please stop by and access these papers at no cost. Note: Mechele has additional papers to select from at a very low price point if you are interested.

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Order and download your no cost digital prints from The Stamp Doctor: Heaven’s Hummingbirds digital prints
To locate the no-cost digital prints, simply sort the page by price to easily locate them, add them to your cart, and check out.

Your card donations can be made using your choice of papers, but please note as stated above, to not use a sentiment with the word “happy” and leave the cards blank inside.

Amanda got an early start on her card making and has graciously allowed me to share some additional inspiration.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you are able to donate a card or two, I know it will be greatly appreciated.

Also know that your thoughts and prayers for those who grieve over the loss of a loved one no matter what their age, is a gift.

Blessings and Hugs to you!
Lynn

In August 2021 I launched a brand new product called the One Sheet Wonder – Full Die System™. This system is a collaboration with Mechele from The Stamp Doctor.

My excitement continues to grow about how cool and super simple this system is. I look forward to creating and sharing more and more ideas using this card-making system that I’m so very proud of.

The printed papers used on the cards below are from the Purple Posies Collection and use just a few of the numerous card sketch layouts available that come with the system.

As you can see these cards do not have any sentiments on them yet. It’s awesome to have card bases already made and when the right event comes along, I can simply go to the sentiments that are also pre-made and pick just the right sentiment for the card I want to use.

The Funky Flowers print is bright and colorful and the matching sentiment sheets offer a variety of theme options for any occasion.

I love making clean and simple cards. I can easily make multiple cards all at once and have the sentiments prepped and ready. The Funky Flowers print is perfect to use for many different events that come your way. The sentiment sheet for this print offers a variety of options to select from.

The chocolate print has a couple of different options to choose from and sentiments are fun and quirky.

I made a lot of these for an event I went to and gave one to each of the ladies in our group along with a little chocolate bar. They absolutely loved it. You will definitely want this print collection for your card-making adventures.

These cards are using the BIrthday Collection prints and sentiment sheets.

More cards made using a different print from the Birthday Collection.

Product Links

The original One Sheet Wonder – Full Die System™ fits an 8.5″ x 11″ die-cut machine

6″ x 6″ system fits a smaller die cut machine

Discover all the current One Sheet Wonder printed papers and sentiment sheets that are available.

5 Styles of Creative Journaling

Did you know there are several different styles of creative journaling?

If you’re looking to nurture and boost your creativity, it can be beneficial to experiment with different styles of journaling. So, what are the different types? Below, you’ll discover just 5 styles of creative journaling and the benefits they can deliver.

1. Written journal

Written journals tend to be the most common type of creative journal. Whether you opt for free-writing, or you use it to simply jot down your experiences and thoughts, a written journal can prove useful for all creative types.

It’s worth noting that a written creative journal is different to a traditional journal. While you’re still using it to write in, you’re not using it to get your feelings out or talk about your day. Instead, you’re using it for inspiration and to record ideas, thoughts and feelings which may ignite your creativity. These types of journals can be pickec up with lined and unlined pages depending on what you feel more comfortable with.

2. Art journal

An art journal is perfect for artists and graphic designers. Used to draw, paint, or attach cuttings out of newspapers and magazines, this type of journal can really get the creative juices flowing.

3. Scrapbook

A scrapbook journal is one of the easiest styles of creative journaling you can do. You simply cut out images, quotes or anything you find inspiring and stick them into the journal.

You can look over all of the things you’ve stuck into the scrapbook whenever you need a little inspiration.

4. Prompt journal

Another style of creative journal which can help trigger and nurture creativity, is a prompt journal. This is basically a journal which asks you questions each day. You can either pick these journals up online, or you can create one yourself.

The idea is, each question is designed to make you really think before you write your response. You’ll get used to analyzing the questions and answering them in as much details as possible. The answers themselves can help spark  creativity.

My son and daughter-in-love (Will and Holly) gave the above prompt journal to each family member this past Christmas. The request was to use the prompts as a guide to write down memories that our grand-daughter (Sarah) could learn more about us. I love this gift and the idea that the prompts in the journal open up journal conversations that would likely not lend themselves to the intermittent visits and conversations we have in person. I believe this is a true gift both to receive it and to share the memories that should be shared with those we love.

5. Mind mapping journal

Mind mapping is a fairly new journaling technique which can work wonders for creative people. It’s a visual style journal, similar to scrapbooking. However, rather than cutting out random images and sticking them in the journal, mind mapping works by recording your ideas in a visual way.

For example, write down the main theme of your idea, draw a big circle around it, then think of other ideas which relate to it. You then connect your sub ideas to the main idea, creating a mind map.

 

The Mind Map Journal above is listed on Amazon and looks like a great journal to write your main thoughts and ideas down and expand expand and help generate new ideas.

These are just 5 styles of creative journaling you can try out. Each has its own benefits and potential drawbacks which need to be considered. The decision as to which type of journaling can be determined by what you want to accomplish. In fact, there are many people who use multiple style journals all at once for different the projects and end results they are wanting to achieve. Think about the style you’re most likely to benefit from and remember, once you start it’s important to keep it up.