happyplanner – Anxious Crafter

Self Love

When was the last time you took some time for yourself? You did something to feed your soul? Something that helped your grow as a person?

For me, being a first responder, that concept is considered selfish. As a firefighter, we go to work, save lives and go home to our families. Many times, we do not think about the stress we place on ourselves or our families. The sacrifices we make to save others are huge.

Since my diagnosis of work related PTSD was given to me, I have learned that I am important. Important enough to take time for me. I took time off to feed my soul and enjoy life again. Its been tough but so enriching.

This card is dedicated to those afraid to let go and enjoy life. Do what makes you happy.

I intended this card to have calm and muted shades of yellow, greens and blues. I accomplished this by ink blending my card stock with tumbled glass and shabby shutters Distress Oxide ink. The paper was embossed with a technique using Altenew’s Geo Cover Die B. The paper was misted with water to prevent cracking because of the intricate pattern.

The muted flowers were cut from Altenew’s Wild and Free stamp set. I used my favorite shade of Blue Lagoon Crisp ink with Mango Smoothie and evergreen. The special 3D butterfly was a stamp cut from vellum and embossed with nuvo navy metallic powder. Dimension was created with foam tape.

Finally the sentiment from the same stamp set was embossed with the same navy powder to match and handwritten “be” was added with fineliner pen. Topped off with yellow and blue nuvo drops.

Its a simple reminder to take time for yourself. Wake up just a little earlier each day and enjoy the calm.

Thank you to everyone for all the comments and support.

Tell me what you think.

As always, Be still and create something beautiful. 💘

Push forward…

As I begin to push 2020 out of the way, I am feeling some excitement. 🎉

Much like everyone else around me, I am so done with 2020 and can’t wait to ring in the New Year with so many things I want to experience. Some are new and some are renewed.

Every year, I begin by creating lists…. Lots of damn lists… 😔

There are “to do” lists, workout program lists, meal plan lists, goal lists, book lists, budget lists. This is simply too much. Sometimes baby steps are needed. Quite often, small changes are more effective and lead to better habits without even thinking.

For example, one small change I made last year was substituting a scoop of protein powder instead of cream or sugar in my coffee. Guess what? It resulted in less of an afternoon crash and not feeling “hangry”. Why? because protein fills your fuel tank and makes you feel full. Sugar absorbs quickly and makes you want more. The wonderful result of a small change was more muscle.

Reflecting on this past year no matter how much it hurts, has to be done.

Growth needs to happen. If you never planted a seed last year, your going to fall on your face this year. 🌴 Bet me!

Your love gives me Hope. Welcome to 2021, its going to be grand!

And there it is….. This was my project for lesson 2 of Layering techniques 1 and my inspiration came from my readers. Enjoy! 💘

Are you ready for 2021 …..

Wow! I am really enjoying these creative art classes. Here is my first project.

I incorporated my daily planner into my Altenew Academy Lesson 1 assignment.

I tend to think outside the box a little and I am loving that I can use my planner in other ways.

The assignment requests a double layer effect. Here is my version, on my planner page. I love the way it turned out.