Gratitude doesn’t always need grand gestures — sometimes it’s the whisper of a thank-you card, the memory of a shared laugh, or the calm that comes from pausing mid-project to appreciate the process itself.

Focus on warmth + texture (embossing folders, layered dies).

Add a natural accent — linen thread, twine, or vellum.

End with a reflection: “What part of your creative process are you most thankful for?”

share one moment of gratitude in the VIP group or comment below.

After a long week navigating my childcare state renewal (which always leaves me feeling like I’ve run a marathon of checklists and paperwork), I gave myself a different kind of weekend reset — one rooted in rhythm and restoration.

I simmered ten gallons of beef stock to freeze dry, turned over 80 pounds of pears into juice, sauce, and vanilla spiced butter (thank goodness for my Amish water bath canner — 45 jars at a time, yes please!). I chopped, blanched, and freeze-dried about 40 pounds of green beans.

But it wasn’t all work — I hiked around Hoyt Arboretum with one daughter and our dog, carved pumpkins with another and my grandkids, and ended the weekend being a total couch potato watching my favorite Jackie Chan movie, Big Little Soldier.

As Jackie says, “I embrace the cycles of life, finding peace in both light and shadow.”

That feels just right for this season — honoring both the hustle and the hush. 🍂💛

Last weekend, I’m stepped out of my craft room and into the wide-open beauty of Oregon’s Painted Hills. The colors, the quiet, and the connection to the people I love reminded me why I create — to hold onto these moments a little longer.

The natural layers in the Painted Hills felt like a scrapbook page built by the earth itself — textures and colors that tell stories millions of years old. It’s a perfect reminder that connection is also layered: between family, friends, and self.

Spending the day with my best friend and my daughter grounded me in joy. It reminded me that creativity doesn’t always look like paper and ink — sometimes it’s laughter echoing on a trail, or a shared snack after a long hike.

Try This:

• Print a few photos from a recent outdoor adventure.
• Use natural colors — clay reds, sky blues, wheat tones — in your next layout.
• Add handwritten journaling to capture the feelings behind the photo.

Where do you feel most connected — in nature, at home, or in community? What colors or textures remind you of that feeling?

Join me this week in documenting the moments that ground you. Share a photo or journaling snippet in the VIP group — your story might inspire someone else to pause and reconnect.

There’s something special about gathering around a table — whether it’s for crafting, sharing a meal, or laughing with friends. This week’s Celebrate Together Double Layout is all about capturing those shared moments that make life feel full.

As part of our Cozy Connections theme, I wanted to create a layout that honors the joy of belonging — because celebration doesn’t always need a reason; sometimes it’s just about being together.

Creative Notes:

• I used the Boho Vibes Suite Collection for its grounded textures and earthy tones.
• Layered photo mats help each memory stand out while still feeling connected across both pages.
• Add journaling strips or handwritten notes to capture real voices from the day.

Reflection Prompt:
Think of your favorite gathering — what made it memorable? Was it the food, the laughter, the people, or just the feeling of being together?

CTA:
Every story deserves a place to belong. Join my VIP Group or explore this month’s Stampin’ Up! specials to celebrate your creativity and connections with others who get it.

Intro:
Sometimes, all it takes to turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary is a little burst of color. 🌈
This week, we’re celebrating Shared Tables & Gatherings — those joyful moments when creativity, conversation, and connection come together.

The Fun Fold Rainbow Card perfectly embodies that joy. It’s bright, unexpected, and playful — a reminder that sharing our creativity is one of the most beautiful ways to spread light.

Creative Details:
I used the Boho Vibes Suite Collection again here, blending soft boho tones with a pop of rainbow. The fold adds surprise and movement — the kind of delight that makes the recipient smile before they even read the message inside.

Tips to Try:
1️⃣ Play with dimension. Use foam adhesive for layers that pop.
2️⃣ Balance your rainbow. Mix warm and cool tones to create harmony.
3️⃣ Leave room for a personal message. The fold gives you extra space — use it for gratitude, encouragement, or love.

Reflection Prompt:
Who brings a burst of color into your life? Send them a little joy today — even if it’s just a message that says, “You make my world brighter.”

CTA:
Creativity is joy in motion. Join my Gems Paper Scissors VIP group to connect with others who believe in sharing light and love through papercrafting.

As we move into week two of Cozy Connections, our focus shifts to Shared Tables and Gatherings — those moments where creativity, comfort, and companionship come together. Whether it’s crafting side-by-side, sharing a warm drink, or making time for laughter with loved ones, connection thrives when it’s shared.

Project Focus:
Today’s Hello Darling Card is my little invitation to joy — cheerful, heartfelt, and perfectly cozy. The warm autumn palette from the Boho Vibes Suite sets the tone for togetherness, while soft textures mimic the feeling of gathering around the table with friends.

Creative Notes:

• Use cozy neutrals paired with pops of sunshine yellow or coral.
• Add texture with embossing or a ribbon accent for that “woven together” feeling.
• Stamp your sentiment as a personal hello — a reminder that small gestures make big connections.

Reflection Prompt:
Who could use a friendly hello this week? Maybe it’s someone you haven’t seen in a while — or someone you share quiet creative moments with.

CTA:
Want to bring warmth and connection into your crafting circle? Join my VIP Group or explore Stampin’ Up!’s October Starter Kit special — where community, creativity, and joy come standard.