Thanks!

Hello!  There are many times I have been astounded by the kindness that exists in this paper crafting community.  I have "met" and been inspired by many wonderful people...just one of whom I wanted to talk about today.  I've been a long time fan/follower of Cristina Kowalczyk.  Her cards and projects always amaze me.  She is an author, too, and I am thrilled that her recently published book is already receiving fabulous reviews.  (Read more about her book here.) I have always thought Cristina was a wonderful person, and recently I was the blessed recipient of her kindness and generosity.  I wanted to send Cristina a thank you and decided that a card from my stash just wouldn't suffice...I wanted to create something just for her.  Remembering that she had a Pinterest account, I searched her boards for inspiration...what better way to be able to see what a person likes? :) I chose this color scheme and this piece of art (by Marius Roosendaal) and got to work creating this card.  

You would think that since I had my color scheme and design literally spelled out for me that this card would have come together in no time.  It probably would have if I had a die that cut circles in the size I wanted that I could then place the negative image on the card for a template.  Instead, I worked at snail's pace the "old fashioned" way -- punching out circles, placing them on a grid I'd drawn on my card base, and then using a ruler to check and correct alignment.  It isn't perfect, but trust me...the effort was there. :) I really didn't mind how many hours it took to create, though, because I was making it for someone special, and I figure the labor was just another way to reinforce the sincere gratitude I feel.  

ETA: So after much debate I'm linking this up to the wonderful Darnell's NBUS (Never Before Use Schtuff) Challenge celebrating her having 500 followers (yay for you, Darnell!).  Why the debate? I wasn't sure if the style counted as my comfort zone.  I'm still working out the kinks on my dream comfort zone and my actual comfort zone, but in the end I decided it worked because CASEing a beautiful piece of art is most certainly in my comfort zone. :) To meet the other requirements, the stamp set is deliberately NBUS, and I don't know what could emphasize friendship more than a note of thanks.  Plus, the kindness and generosity that inspired the card are certainly two of the best qualities in a friend...even if you've never met them in person. :)

Card Supplies

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp (Thanks)

Ink: Hero Arts (Navy)

Cardstock: PTI (Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry, Soft Stone, Stamper's Select White); from my stash (grey, navy blue)

Other: hole punch