Cards - different styles, different occasions and some personal talk

Hello my lovely friends :)

I am so happy that you're still checking back with me, even if you know that I don't post a lot over here. (I sometimes remember the days back when I posted up to three posts a day - and I miss extreme-crafting a lot.)

I spend a lot of time for Create A Smile of course.

• designing new products (Stamps, dies, paper, chipboards, stencils,... yes - I do this all by myself and I am beyond proud of it because I was never taught how to illustrate, use vector files and stuff - it was all learning by doing),
• answering customer emails and questions on social media
• working with retailers 
• packing orders
• coordinating the Design Teams (well, okay, I admit that these girls ROCK - and they coordinate themselves pretty well, but they mean the WORLD to me and I need to connect, talk to them, get to know them better, ask for their opinion and take their advice - the Create A Smile family talk is not "work" - it's what makes this the most fun part!)
• preparing releases and graphics
• promoting and marketing
• caring for giveaways and Guest Designers
• keeping an eye on our stocked items and re-ordering
• connecting to people all around the world via social media (especially facebook and instagram)
• packing products (yes, stickers, stamps, dies and stencils are packed here in the CAS headquaters)
• ....

I do all this and I love all this - but it is not even my day-job. I work in a youth centre 20 hours per week, traveling there by train (which takes up some time as well....).

So when I come home at night I usually cook, eat, sit on the sofa with Michael and the cats, color one or two images or practice my lettering skills while watching TV and then go to bed. The nights are family time. In the mornings I get up to care for CAS before I rush to work. That's how it works - I am a busy busy girl.

Don't get me wrong, I am HAPPY - I love my job and I love my business - but sometimes I can't make up any time (and more than that- ENERGY) to write up blog posts. I usually post my cards on the Create A Smile instagram account, which means I don't get to share many of my cards using other companies. But if you still want to see most of my cards subscribing to the Create A Smile instagram account will be helpful. ;)

Today I decided to write this post sharing some cards - and add some info on how life works over here and why I am so MIA most of the time.

If someone was ever worrying: I am doing fine - I think I have never felt that well-balanced before, full of motivation and feeling that I am appreciated and loved. (Of course there are days when I would like this world to stop for a moment, so I can take a deep breath and pause, but that's a rare case - and to be true - it MIGHT have something to do with hormones now and then ;) ) I don't go out a lot like I was used to and I don't meet friends a lot - but I have some wonderful ladies that I met in this crafty online community whom I call close friends, even if we mostly connect via facebook. I know I can talk to them whenever I need to and we share similar interests, hopes and values. I am blessed.

So, if you've come this far - thanks for reading this personal stuff and spending some time with me. :)

Now, here are the cards I'd like to share today:

 1) It's your birthday
this card is pretty untypical  - no one would ever guess this is my card. I finally had time to get crafty but had a complete lack of mojo, so I tried to combine come challenges and fin the end this came out. And I really like it :)

Allsorts - Clean and Simple

Addicted To CAS - Bloom

Freshly made Sketches -- Sketch

2) Happy Birthday

I got some new Copic Markers today, so I really wanted to color. IN the end I used a combo of markers that I've had before - but well - at least I colored :)

Seize the birthday - anything goes

3) Post zum Geburtstag

This card is completely inspired my my muse Laura Bassen (oh boy, how I LOVE her work and her videos!). She posted a card using diecut numbers with inkblending and I started with that idea in mind. Of course I like her's better - nothing beats the original!

Challenge up your life - no design paper

Addicted to stamps and more - CAS

 4) Let's have some coffee
When I got my last inkpads from Simon Says Stamps I stamped this background to play with my new inks. It's been lying on my desk for more than a month now and now I finally managed to use it.

Simon Says Stamp - Have a heart

Thank you for your visit, for your lovely comments, for being there even if I can't see you. I appreciate it. A LOT.