(Life Update Below) The Printmaking stamps series from Simon Says Stamp is quite remarkable. There are Houses, Plants, and Flowers. My today’s card uses the Flower set.
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CARD DETAILS
These are very easy to use and stamp. You have the outline layer, which I opted not to use here, but I do find I like to stamp it anyway (onto a piece of scrap paper) for layering. I stamped the leaves in 2 shades of green and the flowers in yellow and pink. Next, I added a big bold “Hugs” heart stamped in Versafine Onyx Black and a sub sentiment – “Whatever happens, don’t worry. I got you” in Fossil.
I trimmed the stamped panel to 3 1/2″ x 4 3/4″. I used one of my previously made abstract backgrounds and adhered it to an A2 card base. Next, I stacked 2 sheets of scrap cardstock and used that to pop the main panel up. So this is a relatively flat card.
Lastly, I embellished the flowers with white gems from Spellbinders’ Crystal Mix set.
UPDATE
We are okay. It is emotionally easier on days when I try to limit my news exposure. Thankfully, the west of Ukraine is still safe. We are encouraged to go back to our normal lives, to work and support to country’s economy in any way we can – by going out for coffee, shopping, paying utilities and taxes, etc. While the 2 latter things are done without question, I admit I feel guilty even thinking about going out for coffee. What right do I have to treat myself to an hour at a cafe enjoying freshly brewed coffee and a croissant, when there are people living in a cold subway or even worse – a dark and moldy basement hiding from the bombs and explosions? But then again, the economy must function. And the cafe serving coffee here will go out of business if there isn’t anyone buying coffee. It is something I’ll have to get used to.
Big hugs and huge thanks to all of you for your support!
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Simon Says Stamp White A2 Side Fold Scored Cards Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Greetings Mix 2 Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Printmaking Florals Shop at: SSS |
 Tsukineko Versafine Onyx Black Ink Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Pearfection Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Bubblegum Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Sunbeam Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Fossil Dye Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Celery Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Crystal Mix Color Essential Gems Shop at: SSS |
Love the delicate colours you’ve used for these fun folk artsy flowers, Yana.
Happy to read you’re still safe.
Don’t feel guilty about the the little (or not so little) things that bring you joy.
In these times, we should all try to send out the highest possible amount of positive energy into the world.
It will have a rippling effect!
Sending hugs and good vibes only!
Marianne x
Yes, Marianne, a beautiful comment. I whole heartedly agree.
You feel guilty because you are better off than the east. We feel guilty because we are better off than you. If drinking coffee helps defeat Russia, then drink the coffee.
Love the card. Don’t feel guilty!. It’s the little things that keeps us going.
Hi Yana! I do the same thing about the news but not for the same reasons. I keep up with Ukraine but then I don’t look or listen to the rest of it, most of the time. I totally understand what you’re saying.
I guess dear Yana, there’s more than one way to fight a war. Maybe you could look at supporting business as one part. My husband and I did that during Covid. And I love your card today, pretty colors & wonderful message. ❤️
This is Beautiful!!!! I’m always happy to hear you’re safe. Go have a coffee, you deserve it!!!!<3
Dear Y –
Do not beat yourself up over coffee. Joan’s comment is succinct but spot-on. I echo it hardily.
Love and hugs to you and your family –
L in PA
What a pretty card! Sort of folk art-ish, which I really like. The sentiment is perfect. I understand “survivors’ guilt”. I’ve experienced it many times in my life and it can be rather tough to work through. As others have said here, when I’m going about my day or if/when I complain about something I think about what’s going on in Ukraine. On the one hand it puts things into perspective and, yet, on the other hand it can serve to put — or hold — me down (not feeling worthy or deserving). The former is a good thing; the latter isn’t helpful. What helps me is remembering that I survived (am surviving) for a reason. The people who are suffering and/or who have died (in my case from a deadly disease that I have suffered from but am in recovery for) are serving their purpose and I have no idea what that purpose might be. That’s where my faith comes in. I’ve asked the question: “why me? why did I survive?” thousands of times in my life. I still don’t have an answer to it!! My “job” (as I see it) is to “live my best life”, which gives thanks for what I have been graced with. Maybe, as Joan sort of said, as you drink coffee (or whatever) you could think about the message it sends to the guy in Russia. The best revenge, I’ve been told, is to live a good life. It’s hard to imagine that doing a small and everyday sort of thing might make any difference, but it’s part of the greater collective effort. I saw a woman recently with a t-shirt that had my favorite saying on it: “Love always wins”. Keep loving whatever it is you do. Happy Easter (if you celebrate). You and Ukraine have been in my thoughts even more recently as this symbolic holiday approaches. Hugs.
Awe, I sure understand your thoughts of feeling guilty. I think many of us around the world sometimes feel That guilt when we see the horrors happening around the world. It sure is very sad to see the suffering of so many of your people for such an unjust cause. It is extra horrible we have real life EVIL human beings on this earth who can do such horrid things to other humans beings. There is a special place in Hell for them. Greed is such a Evil thing. Your card is very pretty. This is the second set like this, if I remember correctly. Both times you did a fantastic job making me like a stamp set I did not think was my style. So glad to hear you are safe. I wish one day soon we hear your whole country is safe again.
These cards are so inspiring. I love the folk art feel. Yana, go have the coffee, and know that it’s okay to enjoy yourself because you are helping your country by supporting local businesses. Being grateful helps me to feel less guilty, I just thank the universe for the gift. And, know that just by being out in world, with an open and giving heart, makes a big difference. You can uplift others you see in the cafe and on the street. Putting these lovely messages (your beautiful cards) out into the world makes a difference: you are sharing light (your lovely color palette), and love (your carefully chosen sentiments), and hope (the uplifting feeling we all feel when we see your creations). You are doing everything possible with the gifts and talents you have to help your country. Know that, in your core. We love you, and are sending so much strength and hope. And, we are so very proud of you!
Yana, you are such a beautiful soul. You are following your heart and helping in many ways. Please don’t let “shoulds” burden your heart and soul. Continuing to pray for all of Ukraine!
Your card is beautiful, it has a Scandinavian feel. Love it!
Yes, what a lovely comment. You said so beautifully what I think I try to say to Yana. Thank you for such a kind and heartfelt message.
Oh Yana, I seriously cannot even begin to imagine what your life must be like … your leaders are encouraging you to keep your part of the country functioning so hopefully people in other parts of Ukraine can come to you when this senseless war is over. I feel guilty because all I can do is send good thoughts. You are amazing and an inspiration.
PS – gorgeous cards – you bring lightness and joy to so many people all around the world
I missed this Tuesday. Everyone else has said it all. I agree with them. I’m only responding so you can see one more shower of love and support. You’re doing your best. You shine! Stay strong, sweetie.
so very pretty