Guest Blogger :: Christa + Making your own cards + a little give away!!

Hey all!  I am super excited to have a very good friend of mine write as my very first “Guest Blogger”!! eeekkkk!

I am going to be asking people to blog about whatever their heart desires. (interested? Email me! info@jodielemke.com) You have a voice! People are listening! They want to hear what you have to say! My Goal is really to put some different stuff out on the blog! You’ll notice that the guest bloggers will all be very different. Some of  the guest’s pictures are going to be just regular ‘ol pictures! Life is meant to be enjoyed! I am thrilled to be starting this new venture! I love Photography but I love life and love the people I am surrounded by!

I am so thankful for my friendship with Christa! And for all those who love to make their own cards.. you’re in for a treat!!
Thank you so much Christa for taking the time to spill your heart! I appreciate you!

xxoo

Jodie~

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Last year, I was lucky enough to be there when Jodie lost her Keith Urban concert virginity.That means it is Jodie’s turn to push my limits and break one of my virginities – blogging. Yes, this is the first ever blog I have written.

When I was asked about being a guest blogger my first thought was “why me, I know nothing about photography!” but then she added the very happy line “you can write about anything” ooooo, free rein to stand on an imaginary soap box and talk? OK! I’m there! So if you are reading this, its your chance to stop now, as there is no photography in this post — I’m here to prattle on about a different fun and creative outlet – card making

 

I started making cards nearly 3 years ago now. I started mainly because buying cards was a waste – no one keeps them, they cost money, and the sentiments are often just not quite right (or far to froufrou to be anything I would say). And yes, froufrou is a real word! That said, I am still a sucker for the $0.99 cards from Lifesong. My challenge this year is to start making my own encouragement cards instead of buying them. Its a great chance to learn more Bible verses, and to really pay attention and focus on my friend’s individual needs ….

Did I mention I tend to lose track of what I intended to say?
The first card I made was almost an accident – I saw a pack of stickers that was just right for a little boy’s birthday and thought, “I can make a card with that”! So I did. And then it snowballed! I went from having a few items in a pile on my desk, to a box of supplies, to a carry-able folder, to a rolling-six-drawer-kit of supplies which then added one box on the side, and another … and now I’m dreaming of enclosing my patio with glass so I can have a craft roomMy small desk is no longer sufficient for making cards – I’m often spread out over the dining table, with storage carton’s open on each of the chairs I’m not using.

 

Card makers have become more and more frequent – there are so many crafters out there doing them. I look at photos of their projects and I’m amazed at the level of creativity and complex designs patterns.  Do I feel like mine surpass them? Nope! I love my more simple designs, and I love taking an idea from a card making magazine and simplifying it. I love each of my cards for what they are – a chance to show someone I care about that I’m thinking of them when I’m making a card for them (even if it gets thrown out – which I am surprisingly ok with!)  I really enjoy knowing that I’ve created a card that speaks to someone and shows them they are special to me. Using colours they love or a design that catches their eye. I even love it when the littlest of my friends starts to pull the stickers off! I like to think its their way of saying “I want that” and therefore, they like my card.

One of the “funnest” things about making cards is talking to other people and seeing what they’ve made. There is A LOT that I don’t know how to do – which means there is always something new to learn, discover and become better at. The people who make cards tends to be very open about sharing ideas and success/failure stories. Their support as you learn is amazing. There is always someone willing to help you out or teach you (and the classes are good for a number of fantastic laughs!)

Want to try making some of your own cards? Do it! Here’s a few places to get help:

My friend Tarie occasionally teaches workshops in Penticton, watch her facebook page for updates on classes, ideas and links to cool new ideas:

http://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/groups/196859887004024/

This is one of my favourite places for ideas:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/su

I almost always buy my (brand name) stamps second hand; most crafters are compulsively good about keeping their stamps clean and in good shape so I highly recommend this route. If you buy a “retired” or older stamp set there is still an abundance of good ideas available on the web – just go into the alphabetical listing of the set you have and voila – lots of options for inspiration.

If you’ve read this far through – THANKS!And thanks to Jodie for letting me give this a go! To wrap up my first blog, I’m offering a little prize – the 1^st three people to comment on this post will get a card made just for them! Jodie will give you my email after you post below. Send me an email and we can talk about what you want from your card — if you want me to just present you with anything I randomly create or if you have an event/ theme/ colour, etc in mind, and I’ll make you a card to keep or give away as you wish. I can mail the card to you anywhere in Canada for no charge.

 

Christa