Happy New Year!!

Hope you didn't celebrate too much last night - just enough to have a good time. And I also hope you've found time to reflect on the past year. This is a great time to go over what was good or bad about the previous year, and how you would change your actions or maybe reactions. It's wonderful that God gives us a chance to make a new start each year and use the time to learn to become better people. Of course we all will have our failings, and yes I'm probably the worst offender here. But the slate is wiped clean and it's time for a fresh start. Take the time to think about who you really want to be a year from now, and figure out the steps you need to take to get to that reality.

One of my goals this year is to lose some of my extra weight that's been added the last couple of years. For me that's going to be a really hard thing to do because I hate to exercise! I know hate is a strong word, but it really fits here. I know I'd feel much better and my clothes would fit better too if I got this weight thing under control. shhhh.... Don't tell my hubby. For some reason when we both watch our weight, he loses his and I just watch mine! How unfair!! And it does get very depressing. So I'm not even telling him what I'm trying to do so he won't be comparing how we're doing on this. So what's your biggest goal for next year? Is it physical like mine? Or is it spiritual? Or is it business related? Let's help and encourage each other to be the very best we can be!

Ok, on to sharing a card with you all! I had looked at the Stamping 411 site earlier in the week, but didn't get around to getting my card made in time. Well, the card's finished, but the link to the site is closed. So I'm just sharing it with you instead. It's still a classic layout that's good for so many occasions. And one I need to get out and use more often! Hope you like it.

Stamps: Friends Never Fade

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and the new Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper

Ink: So Saffron and Baja Breeze Markers and Not Quite Navy Pad

Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Vanilla Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and Dimensionals

The two prints I chose for the card is on just one sheet of paper. I thought they went together so very nicely that I had to add a strip of the backside to the card.

The flower accent was colored with the markers then used the rock'n'roll technique on the edges with the Not Quite Navy pad. It gives the flower a bit more dimension. And then adding the glitter really sets it off nicely. Instead of adding leaves, I punched the Artichoke cardstock and layered it behind. It still needed something, so I added the snippet of ribbon.

The card can be used for any occasion at this point depending on what words are chosen for the inside. I think I'll save that decision for later when I need a card at the last minute.

Wishing you a very blessed New Year with all the best that our heavenly Father has in store for you! Let me know what you're planning on working on this year, and I'll keep you posted on any progress that is made in the weight department!!

Hugs,

Sharon