life – GemsPaperScissors

As October begins to wind down, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude — not just the kind we feel, but the kind we share.

There’s a beautiful unfolding that happens when we take gratitude out of our thoughts and put it into action.
It could be a simple “thank you,” a note, or in our creative world — a handmade card that carries warmth and care beyond words.

That’s exactly what today’s Hello Fun Fold Card represents. Each fold reveals a new layer, just like each expression of gratitude reveals something deeper within us.

There’s something deeply healing about expressing gratitude — especially when it’s shared through something handmade.

A few years ago, I received a card from a friend during one of the hardest seasons of my life. It was simple — pastel paper, stamped words, and a note that said, “You make the world softer.”
That card stayed pinned above my workspace for months because every time I looked at it, I felt seen.

That’s the magic of shared gratitude.
It connects us. It reminds us we’re not alone in this creative, messy, beautiful life.

When we take time to make something from the heart — and share it — we create ripples of kindness that extend far beyond our own table.

Gratitude isn’t just something we give — it’s something that grows.
Every time you express it, even in a small way, it strengthens the threads between you and others.

So this week, I invite you to create your own ripple.
Make one card, write one thank-you note, or simply reach out to someone who’s been on your mind.
It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be heartfelt.

Because when gratitude moves from your heart to your hands, it becomes something living.

Listen to Episode 35: The Gentle Art of Shared Gratitude 🎧

This week’s podcast episode dives even deeper into how creativity, gratitude, and healing intertwine.
I share stories of how handmade cards and heartfelt connections have helped me — and many others — navigate life’s ups and downs.

💛 Listen now:

Join the Conversation

✨ Share your own gratitude story or photo in the Gems Paper Scissors VIP Group.
✨ Leave a comment below — who are you grateful for this week?
✨ Tag your creative gratitude projects on Instagram with #CozyConnections and #CreativeGratitude.

Closing Thought

Gratitude deepens when we share it.
Whether through color, paper, ink, or words — each gesture is a reminder that we’re part of something bigger, something warmer, something beautifully human.

So go ahead. Fold your card. Write your note. Share your heart.
The world could use your gratitude today. 💛

A Little Sunshine Goes a Long Way

As we settle into October, I’m reminded how even small touches of brightness can warm a season of change. The air may be crisper, the nights a little longer, but creativity always offers us a cozy glow.

Today’s project, the Hello Sunshine Card, is all about bringing that glow to someone’s day. Sunshine doesn’t just come from the sky—it comes from our words, our gestures, and the connections we nurture.

Cozy Connections: Warm Welcomes

This week’s affirmation is:

“I welcome comfort and connection into my life with open arms.”

Welcomes don’t always have to be big or grand. Sometimes it’s saying hello in the simplest way—just like this card. A cheerful “hello” can be a warm welcome, an open door, or even a reminder that we are not alone.

Creative Inspiration

For this card, I leaned into the Boho Vibes Suite for warm, earthy tones balanced with a splash of brightness. It feels like a cozy autumn morning where the sun peeks through the window and lights up the room.

Try this for your own cozy creations:

Pair warm yellows with soft teals for balance.

Emboss or layer textures to create a snug, tactile feeling.

Use a “hello” sentiment as a welcoming anchor.

Join My Team – October Special

This season, I’d also love to extend a warm welcome to YOU.

Stampin’ Up! has made October the best time to join, with two incredible Starter Kit offers. Beyond the savings and early access, you’ll be stepping into a community that shines light and joy every single day. Creativity is brighter when shared, and there’s always room for more sunshine in our circle.

Tag: life

The Gentle Art of Shared Gratitude