Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Trimming Down

Stamps: My Sentiment's Exactly 'Snow Fun'. Cardstock: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Textured red, Basic Grey 'Figgy Pudding'. Ink: Riding Hood Red. Accessories: Circle punch, SU scallop border punch, buttons, Stardust glitter pen.

Trimming down is my theme for the new year; in fact, 'Downsize' is the word I'm adopting as my own for 2010, a concept I first learned of from Sparkle' blog (Sparkle's Creations). Right now 'downsize' has very negative connotations in our family since my husband has been downsized out of a job, but I want to use the word for good, as in downsizing my clutter, downsizing my spending, downsizing myself so my clothing fits again, and most of all, downsizing stress about the things I can't change!

This card fits with the downsizing theme, in that it's a Clean and Simple style inspired by Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-To sketch #73 and the Opus Gluei challenge #36: 'Let's Trim Down'. Trim in this case also refers to the buttons which is the challenge in Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge Week #5. I went with a winter theme since not only do I not need quite so many holiday cards, but I'm also not quite ready for Christmas projects yet.

Now it's off to finish downsizing the contents of my kitchen cabinets!

16 comments:

  1. I really like this card. I never know the right way to put it (because I am an amateur) but I like the colors and the fresh look of it, makes me smile!

    So glad you are participating in our challenge too!

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  2. Love these colors together. The scalloped border along the side is a great touch. Good luck with your downsizing, it's a great goal for the new year.

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  3. What a beautiful CAS card Jess. How clever to use the dp in those circles, especially the snowman!! Good luck with your downsizing!!

    hugs,
    Chris

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  4. Now this is just adorable sweetie!! I like the way you've taken a normally "negitive" concept and turned it into something spectacular!! This layout is so creative! TFS! HUGS

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  5. I love the idea of reinventing "downsizing" to a better meaning!!

    Your CAS card is perfect!

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  6. I love your word. Downsize is so much nicer than a lot of others that can be used. (ie, reduce, purge,...)
    LOVE this card. It is so perfect for winter. Thanks for playing with us at Opus Gluei.
    And thank you for your nice comments on my blog too.

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  7. Jessica
    Funny you should mention that, because that is exactly what I have been working on today. Cleaning closets, downsizing the amt of clothing I have as I don't work outside the home anymore I don't need as many and I am working on organising my craft room and "WILL" use my stash this year. Our financial situation has become very unstable so in order to keep crafting one must do what one has to do. Mine, like yours is downsize.

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  8. Such a darling card! I think your word for this year will be a great one!

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  9. This is adorable Jess and a great way to use these small images. Your paper is my favorite color. Hope you have a super day. I don't think I could stamp a Christmas card even if I HAD to..

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  10. What a great concept; I might have to adapt this as well! Super cute card; love it!

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  11. Love the simplicity of your card. It's beautiful

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  12. Jessica, I love that you can always put a positive spin on things - a great positive outlook!! Good luck with all the downsizing you and your family are doing!! love the card, especially the circles -- I love circles, especially when they are an inch in diameter -- that's an inchie, right??!!

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  13. Adorable Jess!

    I love the downsizing idea! I told the family we're going to declutter this year as if we were selling the house! If we wouldn't move it, get rid of it! lol I'll let ya know how that goes! lol
    take care
    Blessings, Maria

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  14. Hi Jess..great idea even tho your card STILL looks marvelous..just perfect infact!

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  15. This is lovely, the colours and the simplicity!

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