You Are Strong and Courageous

This has already been a WEEK!!! Today we are celebrating my baby’s 18th birthday. But, we are doing it from a hospital room. Yesterday was his 5th surgery since December and while we all hope this is it, that’s what we’ve hoped every time. It was about six weeks after the first surgery before he started showing symptoms that it didn’t work and he needed another one. Then, it took a couple more weeks of testing to figure out that he and his parents were right and another surgery was needed.

Fortunately after that, the doctors started running tests at two weeks post surgery but unfortunately they would find he needed another one. And, here were are with surgery #5 the day before his birthday.

YUCK!!!

So, after a surprise surgery yesterday, I went home and tried to find the creativity and energy to create a birthday card for my grown-up baby boy. It was a good thing I had already designed this card in my head and knew where all the products were I needed to use.

When Your Energy and Creativity Is Gone

When I sat down to create these cards, I found my energy and creativity had flown the coop. Does that happen to you? Do find there are days where you can’t find an ounce of creativity? Do you start to try to create and your hands won’t do the things you tell them to?

Most days I would respond to that by not even trying to craft. At times like that, I think my body is telling me to rest and recharge. And, I would highly recommend you do just that.

What If You Can’t Just Rest

But, sometimes, the card you need to make is just too important to put off any longer. So, I forged ahead and got it done. Not quickly or easily mind you. My hands wouldn’t work. I threw away more pieces of mis-stamped paper than I like to count. I always say it doesn’t matter if you mis-stamp. That’s why paper has two sides. Just turn it over and try again. 🙂 But this card took more than two tries of stamping. In fact, for both cards I stamped the images at least four times before I was satisfied enough to use it for my card.

So, when you’ve had one of those weeks and are so tired you can’t see straight and your hands refuse to do what your brain tells them, it’s ok to rest. Walk away. Recharge your batteries. Take a nap. Go to bed early. And, come back to it when you’re feeling more relaxed and refreshed.

Plan Ahead

I would definitely recommend when you are feeling refreshed and your creative brain is firing, that is the time to think about your projects, design them in your mind, write them on paper so you don’t forget, and maybe even lay out the products you will use.

Then, if you need to rest and recharge, you will be ready to create the project when you do find more energy. And, if it takes longer than you expect, that’s okay.

I just need to remember that myself.

Both of these cards use the same design. I needed both a birthday card and a baptism congratulations card for my son.

Baptism Congratulations Card

For the congratulations card, I used products from the He’s the Man Suite including a pre-cut sentiment die.

That sentiment echoes Joshua 1:9 which I wanted to write on the inside of the card. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)

Click here to see and purchase products used to create this card.

Birthday Card

Now, onto the birthday card. The same card design was used. Products were used from the same He’s the Man Suite. But for this card, I featured patterns from the He’s the Man Designer Series Paper that represent his current interests. There are several different patterns in that paper pack to choose from. You’re sure to find something perfect.

If you liked these cards, here are links to others I’ve created using the He’s the Man Suite.

Design With Squares
Thank You Dad
Classic Birthday
You’re on Fire

Click here to see and purchase products used to create this card.

Also Used:
Happiest Birthday Stamp Set (Retired)

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