My First Digital Stamp!

Hi, everyone!

Today I wanted to try something different.  I've been hearing about digital stamps for a while now, but I haven't really tried to look into it.  Until Scrappy Moms Stamps announced that for their Terrific Tuesday Challenge, we need to use a digital element in our card to play along.

What an awesome excuse to try something new!

I picked out a free digital stamp from Digital Delights by Louby Loo, Rowena the Fish.  She was perfect, because one of my cousins got engaged, and I wanted to make her an engagement card.

Before I share my card, I do want to say the following:
1.  This is my first digital stamp (I was not sure how to use it, but Digital Delights by Louby Loo actually had instructions on their site, so that was really helpful for a newbie like me)
2.  I was never good at coloring when I was younger (and the skill did not improve with age, as you can see)
3.  I wanted to use a circle framelit, but I do not own one (boo!), so now I have an excuse to hoard buy more tools/supplies.
4.  I used Stampin' Write Markers, which are the best quality markers I own currently.  The faults in coloring are mine, and is not a reflection of the markers (I love my Stampin' Writes!).  Do I hear anyone say Copics?  Please see #3 above. :p

In short, please be gentle with me when looking at my card.  Comments are of course always welcome, and very appreciated.  Tips/tricks/suggestions, as well. :)

My card:

And because I'm a glutton for punishment all about sharing with you what I make, here is the digital stamp up close:

I used the following to make my card:
Digital stamp:  Rowena the Fish (Digital Delights by Louby Loo)
Sentiment stamp:  My Pink Stamper (now retired)
Paper:  Light blue, light green, and white card stock from my stash
Ink:  Jet Black StazOn
Embellishment:  Blue-green rhinestones from my stash
Tools:  Scalloped Squares Nestabilities; Seeing Spots embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Big Shot, Stampin' Write Markers

Thanks for looking, and have a great day!

When Things Don't Go Your Way

What do you do?

Several weeks ago, I took a big risk.  Sadly, it did not pay off.

It took me several weeks and several drafts before I can even blog about it.

Now, I'm glad I took the time before I hit "Publish," because it gave me time to put things in perspective.  When we don't get what we want, when we fail at something, when things don't go the way we planned, it's natural to feel sad, disappointed, devastated, and discouraged.  But after the initial shock had worn off, we still need to figure out what to do next, how to pick up the pieces and move on.  I think that was the hardest part for me -- getting up after I've been knocked down.

So I took stock of my blessings:
1.  My family -- my husband and my son, my parents, sisters, and in-laws, who love me unconditionally and support me fully

2.  My work, which is fulfilling, despite being a great source of stress; for being a source of financial security for me and my family, and for being my excuse allowing me to have my papercrafting/scrapbooking/cardmaking/hobby-baking hobby

3.  My hobby, and this blog, which are sources of joy and calm when things are swirling out of control; for the quiet time I get when indulging in my creative pursuits that lets take a step back and evaluate what really matters

4.  My readers, who view and read my blog to see what I've shared.  I hope what I share and what I create gives you inspiration.  Please know that you inspire me to blog, and to keep creating (every chance I can).

And I realized that I have all that I need to try again, to take more risks, the same risks, different risks, to face challenges, and to overcome them.

I'm writing this post and sharing this, first for myself, because I know that there will be many, many more times in the future when things will not go the way I planned, and I need to remember all these so I can get up and try again.  I am also sharing this to maybe inspire someone who is trying to overcome a hurdle that life threw their way.

I don't know if you can tell from the picture below, but the card stock has this beautiful sheen to it.  It makes a very pretty card.  Making this card definitely lifted my spirits, and I hope that whoever receives this card will feel the same way.

And lastly, the sentiment, which I felt was very appropriate:

I really don't know what the "end" is for me and my "risk," but I am hopeful that everything will work out for the best for me and my family.

Thank you all for looking, and I hope you have an encouraging day!