Thursday, May 22, 2008

Taking a Break....

Well, as many of you know...there is a lot going on in our lives right now....and in the next month or so!

With school letting out soon and with our move getting closer--I have decided to take a break from my design team work. Actually, I tried to quit them all (some a few times!) because I felt that it wasn't fair if I disappeared for a while but knew that it was MOST important to help my children with this time of transition. All of the crazy people I work for did not accept my resignation, instead, they are allowing me to take a leave and return when I am ready. What amazing people I work for. Now I can rest easy knowing I am doing the right thing for my family without compromising my work.

With that being said, I am sure I will pop in and out here and there up to post a few cards until our move (middle of June) and then I will be gone for awhile when we actually move and set up our new home (as my computer and stamping supplies will be packed up!) I will keep you updated and I can assure you I will be back. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I thought this card would be appropriate as we fast approach the summer season. I ADORE this Inkadinkado image. It is called Fun on the Beach. I stamped the image in Brillance black ink and colored it with Copic markers. I used the shell collage cuttlebug folder to create some texture in the background. This folder has an awesome design, unfortunately I covered up some of it with the image--but you can see the folder if you click the link above. The final touch was a little heart charm I received from a friend for my birthday (Thanks Cindy!) I tied it on to the card with silver cord which is attached to the sheer May Arts ribbon.

The ribbon, stamp, and cuttlebug folder can be found at Stamper's Dream!




Here is a close up of the image. I popped out the Nestability scalloped circle to add some depth to the card.

Materials used: Stamps-Fun on the Beach (Inkadinkado); cardstock-bayau, whisper white, soft sky, bannana; My Mind's Eye designer paper; heart charm (Dollarama); silver brads (Stampin' Up!); ribbon (May Arts); cuttlebug (Provocraft); silver cord (SU!); shell embossing folder (Provocraft); Spellbinders Nestability dies-circles, scalloped circles, petite ovals; slit punch (Stampin' Up!); Copic Markers; Dimensionals (SU!).

Thanks so much for stopping by!

53 comments:

Melanie said...

nooooo, don't gooooooooooo!!

Shelly said...

Oh Caro, your card is beautiful. I am so glad your DT's were smart enough not to let you get away. Good luck to you with your transition. I am on RSS feed so I will be tuned in when you post.

Denise Marzec said...

CAROLYN! Awww, we'll miss you!!!!!!!!!! Oh my word....I totally understand...but awww, you really will be missed. :(

Good luck with the move!

Chris Scrappin and Stampin in Texas said...

Rest assured, we will be here for you when you are ready. I wish you nothing but a smooth transition and move. I agree with Shelly, your design teams were wonderful and you are truly a talented and wonderful person, I am sure they wanted to hang on to you. You know I am here for you when you get moved in..and heck even for a break. RR is not that far from me, a great shopping expedition and starbucks awaits. Hugs, and you have my telephone numbers. Chris

carole (TruCarMa) said...

You have your priorities straight, girlfriend. We'll be patiently waiting for your return. I know you won't be able to stay away for too long -- you'll miss me too much! : ) And your crazy if you think either Gina or Kim would let you fly the coop -- you're too important a part of both of those companies and they're too smart to let go of you. Take good care of yourself and your family and visit when you can. {{{{{Carolyn}}}}}

Denise Marzec said...

P.S....I *LOVE* your card. I was JUST looking at this image at AC Moore earlier *TODAY*....it so adorable. I love the colors you chose, the scallops, and the hardware/ribbon combo. Beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Our house in IL was on the market since Aug 07, and now ours sold too!
I know how you feel, packing up is hard work. We will miss you, but FAMILY FIRST!
I know your mind will be buzzing with ideas waiting to burst free when your stamps are unpacked in their new home!
BEST WISHES to you in your transition!

stampmonkey said...

I love that card -- that image is so sweet!

As for your taking a break, I totally understand (we moved in the summer of 06 AND 07!). Even if packing isn't fun, you can still enjoy the time with your family.

I'll be looking forward to whenever you are able to post, and when you're back to your design work again. ;)

Blessings!

Amy said...

Of course they won't let you go...you do AWESOME work! I'll miss seeing your creations and will look forward to your posts as you can. Good luck with the move and everything else in your life!

mimiburroughs said...

DARLING card!! You did a great job...we will miss your special creations...but know we'll be here waiting for your return!

Christina Fischer said...

You're doing the right thing, and the crazy people you work for know it! :)

You'll be missed -- but I will eagerly await your return! I hope all goes smoothly with the move and the transition -- take care of yourself, too!

Dawn Easton said...

Carolyn, I wish you and your family the best of luck with the move and through the transition period. I'm happy to hear you haven't QUIT(and they didn't let you) your DT stuff. I adore seeing your new creations all the time! Sneak peeks are always fun with you!!
I LOVE that card and the sketch you used...need to jot it down in my new book I made/found...haha!
Good luck with everything!!

Anonymous said...

You will be missed. I know how hard a move is, especially with kiddos. It is always so hard on them. Wanda in CT

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Beautiful card, Cammie! What a sweet image. You will be missed! Hope all goes well with the move!

Meow said...

We will miss you dearly, but will be here when you come back. The DTs know when they see a good things.

Good luck with the move.

Pinky Roth said...

Cammie, I totally understand why you must take a leave of absence...you are an amazing stamper and I love your work. This card is so adorable...it is an outstanding example of what you can do w/a single stamp...love, love it...

Pinky

Bee's Zen Garden said...

Good luck for the craziness of the next months and enjoy the time off, and try and come back recharged! :-)

Kira said...

This card is beautiful! And just when I get back you're away. :( Well, like everyone else I will be waiting (im)patiently for you to get back! I wish you all the best in the next little while. I definitely know how crazy and tough moving is, and definitely wonderful that you will be there to help your kids get through it and adjust! Good luck and I look forward to stories and cards when you get a chance. Or just a hello to say how it's going!

Cathy Rulli said...

Best of luck - you will be missed. Time will fly though and you'll be back before you (we!) know it!! Take care!

Judi said...

Oh, how I can relate. I have so many days of your postings to catch up on, maybe by the time I get caught up, you'll be back to posting. :) Good luck on the move!!!

Angie said...

You DO work for some awesome people! Take it easy and try to enjoy your move. Moving can be so stressful, but I look at it as a big new ADVENTURE and that makes it so much funner!

Ila said...

This card is Absolutely Beautiful!! ..love the image and your fabulous coloring!!
Smart girl....leaving a little room on your plate to be able to move things around.
I wish you well with your move. I will be watching for you and looking forward to your updates here and there!! Take Care and God Bless.

Libby Hickson said...

Best of luck with everything Carolyn! You definitely have your priorities in order, and we'll all still be here when you get back. And this card is gorgeous!

Lee said...

Ohhhh.........another fabulously adorable card!! I love the layout and the wonderful colors!! We're sure gonna miss your regular posting.......but KUDOS for being the BEST mama ever for your kiddos!!! And I'm so glad nobody accepted your resignation...........you are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooo talented for that!!!! Big hugs as you move and pack and make a big change!!!!

Rita said...

Beautiful card Carolyn! Luv the colors you used.
We will miss you like crazy, but family must come first & you have so much to do, so we all understand! We will be here when you get back! Good luck dear friend!

Keri Lee Sereika said...

Hey girl, I know all about the moving thing...so if you need anything please ask!! Where are you moving from - to? Anywhere near SC???? :D

Elizebeth said...

You KNOW you will be missed! I hope you have an easy move and lots of fun with your family this summer!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card! Big hugs during this time of transition for you and your family. As we just went through the same thing I can totally appreciate you taking time off. Moves are not easy! Doing what is best for you family is the right decision. Big hugs

Janine said...

Carolyn, the card is beautiful!
We will miss you and your work but you go and look after your family..Have a great weekend.

Christi Flores said...

I can totally understand where you're coming from but just know that you will be greatly missed. :) I have you on Google Reader so I will never miss a post.

dpkennedy said...

Fantastic coloring-your card is awesome! So sorry that we won't be seeing daily works of art from you, but you will be busy with bigger and better things this summer! And the best part is we know you'll be back! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
~Hugs~

Laura lok said...

You have your priorities right thats for sure. looking forward to you coming back full time but a move is never an easy thing

Anonymous said...

Good for you for making such a beautiful decision. Being a mom these days is SO hard - I'm glad that you can see what's really important to you and them! The world doesn't make these decisions easy. Bravo to you!

liannallama said...

good luck with moving and getting set up--enjoy your time with your family--I will miss your cards! I love the beach cars--so sweet and pretty.

Barbara Schram said...

Thoughts and prayers as you navigate through the moving venture!

Dawn said...

Carolyn, I LOVE THIS CARD!!!! My family is the same boat as you are!! We are packing out next week and headed back to the coast...those are my kiddos on your card...they will soon be at the beach and running around! I cannot wait! Enjoy the break...at least you'll know they are eager fans waiting in the wings:)))

Alex said...

Your card is gorgeous and you are right, PERFECT for summer!

We will miss you but certainly understand! Good luck with your move and we will all be here when you are ready to come back!

*STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Alli Miles said...

I too will be on the moving boat some time in the next 3-9 months...I think you made a wise decision to take a break. I bet you feel liberated too! I will miss you my friend...make sure you keep in touch and drop me a line one of these days with your new info...I might need to send you a card *grins*

Theresa Momber said...

Good luck with your move and take care! We'll be here when you get back and look forward to any updates you manage to squeeze in. Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Beautiful card. Will miss seeing your work for a while, but it is so admirable that you choose to help your family when they need you.

Julie Koerber said...

Having just been through a move, I can completely relate! It's a crazy time! Good luck on getting everything from here to there and know that we'll be checking in to see when you've made it back safely to the stamping world!!! :-) Take care! Hope the move goes well!

Carolina said...

What exciting times for you and your family - change brings so many possibilities and at the same time gives you the opportunity to reflect on you past experiences. I hope your move goes well and so glad you have such amazing company owners that both understand and embrace the importance of family and your amazing talent. We'll be waiting patiently for your return! HUGS!!!

Unknown said...

Oh we'll miss you Cammie but sometimes you just gotta do what's best for you and the family! :) Best wishes for a smooth transition and hurry back! :)

Maria said...

OH, Carolyn you can't go!! Well seriously, you have to do what is best for you family. Moving is hard work and wouldn't leave much time for stamping. Maybe you should pack a suitcase of materials in case you have withdrawal. LOLOL!

ALl the very very best during your transition and hope you will be back real soon!!

Love your card. I have seen that image just recently and loved it myself because since it's a little boy and girl it reminds me of my twins, I may have to get it!

Good luck!

jjcreations said...

I love the card that you have created here....the colouring is amazing. Take care of yourself and good luck to you and your family on your move. I'll keep popping by and look forward to seeing more of your fabulous creations when you return. Best wishes. Joan

Nicole said...

Having moved over 20 times, I KNOW you are doing what is best for your family! DO IT GUILT FREE as we all will be here when you are ready to return, as will your employers. They know good things come to those who wait, I am sure! So, once you get this out of the way and settle back in, I KNOW that you will be even more creative than ever! BIG HUGE HUGS! Nicole

Jennie Skaggs said...

WOW...just gorgeous. It definitely reminds me of summer. They don't open the pools here untill June. :) I hope you have a fantastic move. Jennie

Jessie/knightrone said...

Seriously, what are we gonna do without you???? I will miss you so much!! You are one of my favorite stampers, and super sweet on top of that!! Good luck with everything and the move and I look forward to the time when you are all settled and we can have you back full time!! Hugs!!

Kelly L said...

Aww, Carolyn, this card is SO SWEET! I really like this image, too. Great colors, great cb folder . . . gonna have to check that out. I am so glad you are still stickin' with your DTs. We wouldn't want to miss ANYTHING! Like Shelly, I too have you on RSS feed, so I will see you when you get back from the move. Not a problem. So happy for you and your new home!! :) Kelly

Louise said...

Will miss you and your great cards! But good luck with the move! Enjoy this time with your children - they grow up so fast!

Looking forward to seeing more of you this summer!

Louise C.

Rose Ann said...

Your card is adorable, Carolyn!!

I wish you the very best with everything you have going on!! Of course your DT's won't let you go, you silly girl!! ;)

Jennifer Buck said...

Very cute card! Good luck to you! I hope that your move goes smoothly. Take care! :) I look forward to more fab cards and projects soon! :)

Erin... said...

Beautiful card! the image looks like it's just out of a book!

Wishing you the best with your move and settling in to your new home.

So happy to hear you'll still be providing my daily dose of WOWs when you get caught up. See you then:)