Card Design: Path of Positivity Ch. #49--Opt. Theme: PRESENT NOT PERFECT

Hello there my fine friends! It has been over a year since I have had the chance to create a card for The Path of Positivity Challenge and this month I'll be doing two! The first card I'm sharing is one I created for the the start of the challenge. It is the card I made for my hubby's recent birthday.

I'll also be sharing the sentiment I created for the start of the challenge, which you can find at the bottom of this post. Don't forget, even though I no longer have the time to share them here, you can always find two new free sentiments each month, always on the first and third Mondays of the month over on The Path of Positivity Challenge; so, be sure to check in over there. I'd love for you to join in our challenges as well. Things have changed slightly this year. While any of the projects entered must still be inspirational, positive or encouraging in some manner, the themes are now optional. Be sure to head on over to check out all the rules for entering.

Katrina Brown, one of my DT, came up with the optional theme and theme description this month which is all about the idea of being 'present, not perfect'. Here is the theme description to give you a better idea of what the optional theme is all about:

Have you ever been in the position where you wanted to participate, but you just didn’t feel you had the talent to compete or be accepted? Have you ever wanted to reach out, but you just didn’t know the perfect thing to say? Have you wanted to share, but simply couldn’t for fear of making a fool of yourself?

We’ve all been in one, and most likely all, of these situations at some point! The need to be perceived as perfect is so strong in some and it keeps us from being present and in the moment.

Our challenge for you this month is to step out of your perfection zone and be positive about what you have to contribute! Perhaps you visit the site and enjoy the work of others and share something with us for the first time! Maybe you’ve shared many times, but now you will try a new technique you’ve been afraid to try for fear of failing. Possibly you’ve wanted to try doing a video or pictorial teaching aid to go along with your art. Another idea, is to make a sympathy or encouragement card for someone who might need to know you are thinking of them. Don’t worry about the perfect words; a lovely picture can go a long way to convey your thoughts. Of course, you could always share a card encouraging someone else to step out of their zone or letting them know just how wonderful they are just by being present in your life!

Yes, there really is something to this saying, ‘present not perfect’ that is so positive and freeing. Just jump into the moment and give what is uniquely you!

 Cool right?! Katrina also helped me figure out how to fit my hubby's birthday card to the theme (Thanks Katrina!). Many people have the tendency to put things off thinking there will be a perfect age or time to accomplish their goals. Unfortunately, by putting things off they end up missing out. We think that a certain age or time in our life will be the RIGHT time to get things done. Unfortunately, that time comes and goes and we're nowhere further ahead. We may never have that perfect future we're looking for so we need to stop waiting around for it and start doing things NOW in the present!

When it comes to our birthday itself, we also need to stop hoping for the perfect day--the ultimate birthday. Many of us have a tendency to build up big expectations for our birthdays, especially the milestone ones. Sadly, we get caught in the idea of how we would like a certain birthday to be, instead of simply being present and enjoying the wonder of our life as we age. Having recently celebrated my 50th, I'm certainly guilty of that! I had such high expectations and as a result was a little disappointed with how the day actually went. I should have just allowed myself to be present and live in the moment instead of expecting it to be perfect. Perfectionism is a trait that I have been trying to break since I was a tween! I really need to get in the mindset of this month's theme and start thinking less of perfection and more of living in the NOW!

How about you? Do you struggle with trying to be perfect and miss out the present? We'd love for you to share your creations and stories with us this month over on The Path of Positivity!

This month our sponsors are...

Imagine That! Digistamp...

AND

Pickled Potpourri Designs...

I opted to work with an image from Imagine That Digistamp for my card for the start of the challenge. Of course what better image to use than the one that I requested Kristy make to honour my hubby and his love for frogs!

Raymond's Frogs

Here are my card and details...

General Info:

• This card was created 100% digitally and then layered in a Mock Up (courtesy of Frisk Shop). It has now been printed out and assembled.
• I was inspired by an old From the Heart Stamps sketch for this card.

FRONT

Digital Image Details:

• As mentioned above, the image is available in the Raymond's Frogs set. Click on the watermark above to find its location in the store.
• I have used the precoloured image and just created my own background. Credits include:
• sky/clouds pattern from Webtreats, Etc.

Embellishments:

• The button used in the lower right hand corner is from my Trick or Treat kit which comes with seven different sets, including the General Elements section previewed below. This bundle can be purchased in the Scribbles Designs store. You can find it HERE.

•  The three buttons used in the upper left hand area are from my A Touch of Class kit which comes with 11 different sets, including the Brads & Buttons section previewed below. This bundle can also be purchased in the Scribbles Designs store. You can find it HERE.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment:

• The happy birthday part of the sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC. For great freebies and inspiration be sure to click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and for awesome sets for purchase, click HERE to go to the home page of the store. The top part was created by me.

OVERALL
Digital Paper Products:

• The paper used for the background on the front and inside, along with the paper used as an accent piece on the front are from the Celebrate Summer kit created by Rachel Dickson available at {Computer} Scrapbook.com. 

Digital Embellishments:

• The circle shape was created in Photoshop Elements and the stitched circle was created using Libre Office Draw.
• I have applied shadow layer styles to give certain elements some depth. These styles were designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

Challenges I am hoping to enter...

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes
• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Always Anything Goes
• http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au (3E) (Max 10) -- Anything Goes
• http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.ca/ (3E) -- Always Anything Goes 

___________________________________________________________________ 

Finally, that brings me to the free sentiment that was offered up at the challenge start...

Please be sure to click on it to bring it up into the lightbox in its proper size before saving it.

Additional Credit and Font Information:
 

Fonts used

• Bunthok font created by Ront Beld of GroenS
• Flamingo font created by Jumbo Design

Click on the font names to take you to a download location. The first font listed was purchased as part of a limited time bundle with an extended commercial use license. While the bundle is no longer available, you may be able to purchase the font itself from the designer. It currently isn't listed in his Creative Market store but if you really want, you should contact him through the link above to see if it is still available for purchase. The second font listed was also purchased as part of a limited time bundle with an extended commercial use license. This bundle is still available and may be accessed through the link above. It is my understanding, that I am within my rights to use these fonts in my creations and offer them to others for free or for sale. Always check to make sure the terms haven't changed before using the font on something you sell.

You will notice that the sentiment may appear huge depending on what software program you download it into. You can always reduce the size without distorting the overall look.

Credit Notes For This Creation:

© 2017, Lisa L. Décosse. PUO. However, you are allowed to use the sentiment on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given. You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog or my personal blog, Decosse's Dynamite Doodles, should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the 'Download Instructions & T.O.U.' tab at the top of this page. Of important note:  Please do not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog(s) so they can grab the image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.

  _______________________________________________________________

I invite you to go and check out, not only, the fabulous creations the members of my Design Team had the opportunity to create over on the Path of Positivity but also the entries linked up so far for this month's challenge (click HERE for the start post). I also invite you to come over and enter a project yourself, if you haven't already. There is no better time to work on being present, not perfect. What is stopping you from entering?

Well, that is it for this one! I will be back with another post on Friday so I'll see you soon!!!

Until next time,

Motivational Monday & PoP Reminder: SHARING

Did you miss the special blog hop going on until July 28th to help raise funds for a special lady undergoing cancer treatment?  I created a special sentiment set and a digital paper set specifically for this fundraiser.  Click HERE for all the details.

Or, how about the Alice in Wonderland themed bloghop hosted by Create with TLC where there are freebies up for grabs and the chance to win extra goodies on my blog and also on Lynne's.  Click HERE for all the details.

Also, don't forget you still have time to win one of three sets of 50 Christmas themed digital brads. Click HERE for all the details.
 

To walk away with a set of five fairy themed digital brads, do the simple task listed HERE. 

Finally, it is time for...

 Motivational Monday

 If you are new to my blog and would like to know why I started Motivational Monday, please go HERE. 

Hello and happy Monday to those of you stopping by today.  I appreciate you taking the time to come over and read what I have to say.

This evening, I'll be sharing this month's Motivational Monday passage, along with a card I created and couple freebies at the bottom of the post.  

The reflection, and one of the freebies can also be found over on my Path of Positivity challenge blog as part of the midway post where the theme this month is SHARING.

 On with today's thoughts...

A Joy That is Shared Is a Joy Made Double

In this month's Pondering Along the Pathway,  Pat made reference to the idea that:

"The universe moves towards maintaining balance, so what you give to others eventually comes back to you. In fact, if you want to multiply the things in your life that matter—health, balance, happiness—you need to share what you already have!"

This is a concept that I learned about many, many years ago but I think I lost track of it for a while.  It was nice to be reminded again of how important it is share what you have with the rest of the world and if you are lucky enough, you'll benefit from the effort that you yourself have put out.

Now I know that many of us are not in a position to share too much of our money these days with the financial woes that affect people across North America and beyond.  However, it isn't always about sharing our money.  The simple act of sharing a smile with a stranger can potentially help lift that person's mood.  Can you imagine if the smile you shared ended up resulting in 1000 more smiles shared due to the ripple effect it caused?!  How wonderful would that be to know that a simple act could create so much happiness.

Or how about sharing a bit of our time with someone in need?  Whether volunteering with a charitable organization or simply spending time with someone who is going through a difficult patch, taking some time out of our busy schedules to come to the aid of another is definitely another way we can share ourselves with the world around us.

As card makers, we have the ability to do so much more sharing.  Our talents can help to lift someone's spirits with a simple 'thinking of you' card.  Sending a 'get well' card to someone recovering from illness may be just the medicine they need to give them that final push back into wellness. Sharing 'birthday wishes' with someone you normally wouldn't think to send a card to may help to bring just a bit of happiness to that person.  The simple act of creating and sending a card to someone shows that person that someone cares and that they are not alone.

Whatever it is that you share--your time, your money, your talents--remember that "a joy shared is a joy made double" (Proverbs).  If you are lucky, some of that goodness will be doubled back on you.

 __________________________________________________________________________________

This month our sponsors are...

Fresh Brewed Designs...

 and Limited Runs...

Next up, is the card I made using an image from Limited Runs...

True friends are a special part of life.  You can share anything with them and they won't judge you.  They'll sit back and listen.  They won't even offer advice unless it is asked for.  There is nothing better than sharing time with these special people in our lives.  As such I've created this card to share with one of the many friends I am blessed with.

General Info:

• This card was created mostly digital and then printed out and assembled.  The hearts were added once assembled.
• This particular layout was inspired by a From the Hearts Stamps Sketch.  

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• Sleeping Mouse:   This adorable mouse was coloured with a combination of digital paper piecing and coloured pencils.  It can be found in section #51-60 of the Furry Critters category in the store.  Click on the watermark to head over to that section.

• The blankets were digitally paper pieced using two of my papers (details below).  I just used some coloured pencils to give the blankets some shading.
• The teddy bear was paper pieced with a texture from Texturemate.com.
• The digital paper used to paper piece the pillow is from the Another Tea Party kit created by Correen Silke available at {Computer}Scrapbook.com.

Embellishments:

• The satin hearts are Crafts brand and were purchased at Dollarama.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment: 

• This sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  While I picked it up a while back as a freebie, you can purchase it in the Best Friends, Vintage Digi Image and Word Art set that you can find in the store by clicking HERE or on the watermark below. Click  To find more great sets in the store, click HERE; and to check out Paulette's blog, click HERE. I recoloured it to match the colours in my card.

OVERALL 
Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.

Digital Paper Products: 

• The  paper used as a base is from my Mommy Dearest:  Patterned Papers Kit.  The two accent papers are from the Mommy Dearest:  Textured Papers Kit. 

 Challenges I am hoping to enter:

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Always Anything Goes 
• http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes (2nd entry)
• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/ -- Anything Goes 
• http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes 
• http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.co.uk/ (3E)-- Always Anything Goes 
• http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/(3E)-- Always Anything Goes (2nd entry)
   __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Finally, that brings me to a couple of freebies.  The first was offered up at the challenge start and the second was just offered up today during the midway...

© 2015

Font Information:

• Classy Pirate font created by Design TNT
• Andalusia Script font created by Seniors Studio

Please note that the first font listed may be a limited time freebie but was listed for commercial use at the time I downloaded it.   The second font was purchased as part of a limited time bundle with a commercial use license but may be purchased from the designer by clicking on the link above.

© 2015

Font Information:

• Odalisque font created by Nick's Fonts
• Kathya Script font created by Seniors Studio

Odalisque is a free font and was listed as free for commercial use at the time this project was made. Kathya Script is one I purchased as part of a bundle.  You can buy it through the designer by clicking the link above. This font was purchased with a commercial use license.

Please be sure to click on the images to bring them up into the lightbox in their proper size before saving them.  Click on the font name to take you to a download location.  It is my understanding, that I am within my rights to use these fonts in my creations and offer them to others.  Please refer to my full terms of service for what you can and cannot do with this digital creation.

These word art creations are in png format and published at 300 ppi. They are quite large in order to accommodate different programs that people work with.   If you are a card maker you can always resize them smaller without distorting the quality.   

Credit Notes For These Creations:
© Lisa L. Décosse. PUO. However, you are allowed to use the sentiments on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given. You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the 'Download Instructions & T.O.U.' tab at the top of this page. Of important note:  Please do not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog(s) so they can grab the image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.

_________________________________________________________________________

 I invite you to go and check out, not only, the fabulous creations some members of my Design Team had the opportunity to create over on the Path of Positivity (click HERE for the midway) but also some of the great entries into this month's challenge (click HERE for the challenge).  I also invite you to come over and enter a project yourself, if you haven't already.  There are still two  weeks left to enter and I'm sure there is someone in your life you could share a card with.

Well, that is it for this one!

Until next time,

Motivational Monday & PoP Reminder: PERSEVERANCE

 If you are new to my blog and would like to know why I started Motivational Monday, please go HERE.

Hello and happy Monday to those of you stopping by today.  I appreciate you taking the time to come over and read what I have to say.

This evening, I'll be sharing this month's Motivational Monday passage, along with a card I created and couple freebies at the bottom of the post.  

This post should technically have been published last week at the same time as the midway post on Path of Positivity challenge blog.  Unfortunately, even though the card was finished, I didn't have it photographed and edited and I just didn't have it in me to get it done.  So instead, I figured I would wait and post it this Monday.

The reflection, and one of the freebies were originally posted last week over on PoP; so, if you've been there already then you can just bypass most of this post.  I'm just getting the card posted today and will add it to the midway post once I am done.  

The theme this month is PERSEVERANCE. 

On with today's thoughts...

 Don't Give Up Hope

So many people around me are dealing with very difficult issues in their lives right now.  Some are battling depression, some are battling pain and other illnesses, some have family members they are extremely worried about.  When living with these stressors, day in and day out, one can start to feel the world crashing in on all sides.  Hope seems elusive at best.

I've been there.  I know just how dark things can get.

We are quick with words of encouragement like, 'don't give up hope' and 'hang in there friend'.  We certainly mean the best when we say them and while the person on the other end of these phrases may need to hear them, don't fret if the immediate response isn't an encouraging one.  It is easy for us to spout these aphorisms but we have to be ready to acknowledge that the individual on the receiving end may not be in the best place to accept them.  It is easy to say 'everything is going to be fine', but when a person feels like they are hanging on by their fingernails, in no way do they believe everything will be fine.

Just as it is important that our friends and loved ones experiencing anguish don't give up, it is even more crucial that we don't give up on them.  Keep reaching out.  Keep trying to connect with them.  Sometime it feels like they are pushing us away but that is when we must dig our heels in and fight all the more.  True friends stick around through the really bad times just as they stick around through the really good ones.

Whether you are the person facing the difficulty or trying to help someone dealing with one...

Persevere

Persist

As much as you may want to give up the fight...

Keep Going

Keep Trying

Don't let anything or anyone sway you from your goal...

Be Determined

Be Stubborn

When you feel like giving in...

Stand Firm

Stay Resolved

When you are your most afraid...

Hang In There

Hang On

When everything is at its darkest...

Reach Out

Hold Fast

Stick With It

Stay the Course

There really is light at the end of the tunnel.  You just have to hold on long enough to see it again.

 __________________________________________________________________________________

This month our sponsors are...

Ike's Art...

and Deedee's Digis...

Next up, is the card I made using an image from Ike's Art..

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• My New Shoes:  As stated above, this sweet image is from Ike's Art.  If you are interested in purchasing this image, click on the watermark to head over to the section it can be found on in the store. I am so lucky that my card fits into Ike's current challenge.  Well, I think it fits the theme, I guess I have to wait and see if they agree. ;) 

 My New Shoes (located in the 'My Latest Designs' section)

Digital Embellishments: 

• I added buttons that I created using a template from Marisa Lerin, a designer with Pixel Scrapper. 
• The doily was created using a template from Sheila Reid, also with Pixel Scrapper. 

INSIDE 

Digital Sentiment: 

• This fabulous sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  I picked it up as a freebie.  Check out Paulette's wonderful blog by clicking HERE or click HERE to go to the store.

OVERALL

Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, black.

Digital Paper Products: 

• The shoe paper is from my Mommy Dearest Kit.

Challenges I am hoping to enter:

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes 
• http://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes
• http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes (2nd entry)
• http://ttcrd.blogspot.ca (2E)-- Anything Goes (2nd entry)
• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://ikesworldchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Historic (okay so I suppose it depends on your interpretation of what 'historic' is.  As far as I'm concerned 'historic' refers to any period in history defined by a style or the events of that particular era.  This image of the little girl with her new shoes has always represented something from the past in my eyes.  I see it belonging in the early 1900s, anywhere from the 20s to the 30s.  Much like the shoes in the background paper and also the vintage buttons I've used.  I hope that this qualifies for the current challenge.)

 __________________________________________________________________________________ 

Finally, that brings me to a couple of freebies.  The first was offered up at the challenge start and the second was just offered up during last week's midway...

© 2015

Font Information:

• WG Patchwork font created by Nathan Brown
• Muller-Thin-DEMO created by Fontfabric and Radomir Tinkov

© 2015 

Font Information:

• Odalisque font created by Nick's Fonts
• Forum font created by Denis Masharov

Please be sure to click on the images to bring them up into the lightbox in their proper size before saving them.  Click on the font name to take you to a download location.  The first three fonts were listed as free for commercial use at the time this project was made.  The last one, Butterscotch, is one I have purchased as part of a bundle and the licence states that it may be used for commercial purposes.  As such, it is my understanding, that I am within my rights to use these fonts in my creations and offer them to others.  Please refer to my full terms of service for what you can and cannot do with this digital creation.

These word art creations are in png format and published at 300 ppi. They are quite large in order to accommodate different programs that people work with.   If you are a card maker you can always resize them smaller without distorting the quality.   

Credit Notes For These Creations:
© Lisa L. Décosse. PUO. However, you are allowed to use the sentiments on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given. You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the 'Download Instructions & T.O.U.' tab at the top of this page. Of important note:  Please do not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog(s) so they can grab the image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.

_______________________________________________________________

 I invite you to go and check out, not only, the fabulous creations some members of my Design Team had the opportunity to create over on the Path of Positivity (click HERE for the midway) but also some of the great entries into this month's challenge (click HERE for the challenge).  I also invite you to come over and enter a project yourself, if you haven't already.  There are so many kinds of cards that would work for this theme, including encouragement, and even graduation cards.  There is still one week left to enter and I'm sure there is someone in your life who could be reminded just how important it is to keep fighting and hang on.

Well, that is it for this one!  If I can pull it off I am going to try and get one of my progressive posts published tonight. 
 

Until then,