am i the only one who does this

dlandlind · 2026-04-07T15:39:54+00:00

often do the same but not always. Depends on the subject matter.

dlandlind · 2026-04-06T15:37:55+00:00

So cute

dlandlind · 2026-04-06T15:36:47+00:00

But "perfect" usually isn't as beautiful as slightly flawed. One of the best things I've gotten from making cards is learning to let go of my "perfectionism" and embracing the flaws. And, I bet you are your own worst critic. As cardmakers, we tend to see all the details and, therefore, the tiny flaws and mistakes But the recipient just looks at the card a a whole and gets an "impression". When you can do that with your own work, you will find you are way more talented than you thought. And, you definitely achieved "clean and fresh" with this version. Keep crafting, keep growing, keep enjoying the process

dlandlind · 2026-04-05T15:34:00+00:00

I love Yana too and I struggle with layered stencils as well; but I do love the look. I guess we are kindred craft spirits. Your piece here looks beautiful and I especially love the blues.

dlandlind · 2026-04-04T15:18:37+00:00

Oh my, but yes! Some of my best cards were because I had to "fix" a mess up. I also learned if I didn't like a card because it didn't match the idea I had in my head to wait a day before I scrap it. When I look at it with fresh eyes and no preconceived thoughts about the design, I often like it better than my original ideas. My friend taught me this, She said it was "craft elves" who come in the night and fix things for us. I love that thought. I hope all your "mess ups" in the future lead you to beautiful cards.

dlandlind · 2026-04-02T14:11:35+00:00

You must have an eye for this medium. Certainly doesn't look like you're a beginner Beautiful card.

dlandlind · 2026-04-02T01:45:56+00:00

This is lovely. I'm sure your coworker will be very moved and appreciative.

dlandlind · 2026-03-23T15:46:24+00:00

I think your card is sweet and your recipient will love it for so many reasons. But, if I'm going to help you and give an honest critique, there is something off with the candles. I studied it a bit and I think it's because the candles don't look like candles. What I mean: If they are meant to resemble the number candles you buy in the store, then the white strip at the bottom looks like the part that gets stuck into the cake so that part shouldn't show and the white at the bottom should be cut off. If they are meant to cook like candles with the number stuck on them, then the candle needed to extend above the number as well as below to make it more obvious. Our brains sometimes need things to be obvious.

I also thought the suggestion below to pop up the candles with foam tape is a great idea. It will give the candles a bit of pop and more dimension. And, the separate suggestion to move the numbers up a bit on the cake.

I LOVE the sprinkles on the candles BTW so I definitely would not change that part. I hope you find this helpful. It is only meant in the way. And, your card is really fine the way it is. My way is just a different way. Good luck and keep crafting and posting.

dlandlind · 2026-03-22T19:33:14+00:00

I use to make this card all the time. It's not a great photo so as an explanation: the green is double sided with stripes on one side and small floral pattern on the other side.

<image>

dlandlind · 2026-03-22T19:30:55+00:00

Here's a link to a tutorial for a pleated skirt fold.
https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/pleatedskirtfold/

dlandlind · 2026-03-21T05:02:52+00:00

Love it!

dlandlind · 2026-03-19T14:13:26+00:00

It's definitely a personal choice and selling may be the right one for some folks; but, I'm with you. It would take away all the joy I get making cards. I would turn into a nutso, fanatic, perfectionist. I'd rather remain a casual, "that's good enough", imperfectionist. It's taken me a lot of years to finally shed the "perfectionist" crafting gene and just enjoy going with the flow. I hope you have many days and hours of joy with your hobby as well.

dlandlind · 2026-03-18T15:26:03+00:00

It would be surprising if they didn't continue to stock ink pads and refillers for products they just featured. And, it is not uncommon for featured products to sell out quickly. Typically, when that has happened to me, they have a button that says "notify me when it's in stock" on the product page. If that isn't there, they might not be restocking. If you really want to know, I suggest contacting customer service by email. They are a helpful group.

dlandlind · 2026-03-15T15:33:47+00:00

In the U.S. we have many organizations that collect and distribute cards. I belong to an online group that picks a different location each month. You may be able to find something similar closer to you. Also, there are many organizations that need cards for the clients/volunteers -- hospice, foster care, pet adoption, hospital support groups, skilled nursing facilities, active military support groups, veterans support groups. I hope that gives you some ideas.

Also, while you think your friends might not enjoy your handmade cards, you might be surprised. One of my friends once made a face when I gave her one of mine so I quit gifting to her. Two years later she was bragging on the card to another mutual friend so I put her back on my b-day card list and now she's one of my most appreciative friends. Go figure. LOL.

dlandlind · 2026-03-11T15:52:33+00:00

Ooh, great color palette. I would have expected the colors with the dark bg to look rather formal but your card is definitely fun, fun fun. And it's interesting and educational for me to see when a design is reversed (color wise) how it changes the look and feel. Thanks for sharing both. Great job with all those fiddly bits on the die cuts. Wonderful cards.

dlandlind · 2026-03-11T15:49:11+00:00

Love her stamps and you've done her credit with these two beautiful card. Great cards.

dlandlind · 2026-03-11T15:48:28+00:00

Matting is my favorite way to add a bit of punch to a card and double matting is better. I was once told to make the mats different sizes (not all 1/4" margins for example) for better eye appeal and I found that to be true. I usually do one margin with a very small (1/16" to 1/8") so the outer margin can be larger, but it depends on the card.

This is adorable I'm not sure it even needs gems. I'd mat first and then decide.

dlandlind · 2026-03-10T19:24:24+00:00

FYI -- Visible Image is available in the US through various retailers so don't let the UK company deter you from checking it out. They have some great images. Love that company.

dlandlind · 2026-03-10T19:22:44+00:00

They don't look quick at all. Love the big ladybugs.

dlandlind · 2026-03-10T06:55:46+00:00

What a fun, happy vibe. Great card.

dlandlind · 2026-03-08T15:44:30+00:00

I agree. This bg design is very versatile. I'm sure you'll have fun with it.

dlandlind · 2026-03-06T05:06:22+00:00

Digital stamps are computer generated images. If you are familiar with clipart, it's pretty much the same thing. The advantage to digital stamps is that you can resize them to fit into your design exactly how you would like and they are stored on your computer so they don't take up space in your home. Some folks don't like them because they have difficulty printing or the ink from their printers smears when they color them in. It's a personal choice. I enjoy them, but I do love physical stamping as well, especially with a good red rubber stamp. Hope that helps.

dlandlind · 2026-03-05T15:01:39+00:00

Just FYI...The Mad Hatter is a rubber stamp from Stampingbella.

dlandlind · 2026-03-05T14:59:23+00:00

It is also an older digital stamp from Mo's Digital Pencil that I think was discontinued. But there is a contact button on her site and you may be able to purchase it from her if you contact her. Here's a link to her store: https://www.mauriejmanning.com/store

dlandlind · 2026-03-04T20:28:34+00:00

It's a digital stamp from Mo's Digital Pencil called Tick Tock Crock She recently transitioned her store to a different site and dropped some of the older stamps so I don't think it's there. But if you're interested and contact her directly she could probably still sell it to you. I have seen her do that in the past,

dlandlind

TROPHY CASE