Mixed up selves

I love the unpredictable nature of March. You never know what you are going to get. I wish I could remember March of 2009 in DC but I believe that I was actually in Zambia so I missed it (although for the record I was mixed up about other things instead). Lynn, you will have to keep me posted on how March declares its self this year since it seems that March in Ghana will be, well, hot. (This is just a prediction but I dare global warming/mother nature to prove me wrong!) Last March, Lynn was in study mode and preparing to get her full certification as a social worker. She also reflected on a lost friendships and writes: "It makes you think about how hard (staying friends) is/what an accomplishment staying connected for years is. I think paces of life can be part of the 'cracks' as can distance. It make me glad we are still good friends."

Me too, pal. Me too.

First Tutorial!

This is a post I am so excited to do!!! Here is a card that even Miss Jess hasn't seen yet. She encouraged me to make a tutorial of my own because the style of my cards, and because I have uses so many books and blogs for inspiration to make them. If you would like to try your hand at making a moving card like this one- check out my tutorial. Making a moving card is easier than you might think- when you first open the instructions don't be overwhelemd I had to put in a lot of measurement instructions so it got wordy. Hopefully I can inspire a few people to try making their own version! I did a penguin waddling because of my recent bird obesssion but you could do a moving arm that raises a glass (as in "cheers") or a hand that moves (as in waving "hello!"). Enjoy!

A quilted heart

Its valentines day again. I almost forgot. We are planning a staff conference here in Ghana, which will start on the day of love, and sadly my co-worker and I didn't realize it until someone pointed out that perhaps employees would want to be with their loved ones. Ha! Shows how used to being single I am. Last Valentines Day though I remember well since I arrived back to DC from Zambia on Valentines Day and went directly out with my eharmony adventure of the moment. I was so tired. I distinctly remember thinking over dinner: I wonder if I am making in sense. It was nice to have someone to go out with though. On the back of this card, which got wet in the February weather, Lynn writes of a V-day that included parental visits and basketball playing. Lynn, do you have plans this year? Also, do you remember that you had wondered if you could have made this card in a more traditional quilt pattern? Perhaps this will be good inspiration for future quilt cards. Love to all this holiday!

Tiny little spaces

Jessica's cards in January of last year began a new theme for her. Cut out designs. She wrote "this is a change of pace. I have been playing around with an xacto knife since christmas. Its something I haven't done since High School." I think this gets at what this project has done for both of us- get us in touch with our creative sides. Which we have always had but didn't always make time for. I remember as a child having bins and bins of Crayola markers to draw with. Something comforting about it, and something enriching!