I said that I would never do it. I believed that too! Yet this past Saturday, on World Card Making Day, I did it. I demonstrated LIVE on my public Stamped With Aloha Facebook page for the very first time. That may seem like no big deal to you, but it was a huge step forward for me out of my comfort zone.

I have learned that a comfort zone may feel good, but nothing grows there. So, with that in mind I pushed the “LIVE” button on my laptop and there I was, not once, but 4 times throughout the day. Each time felt a little easier as my fears faded and I was able to celebrate another step forward.

As you can see in the photo below, I didn’t step out totally alone. My dear friend and team member Laura DuBois was by my side, even though she lives 4,828 miles away in Virginia. That made stepping out a little easier and definitely way more FUN!

Laura and I had been working together coordinating a Poinsettia Pledge A Thon. We were collecting pledges from people willing to make poinsettia ornaments for Hope Lodge. We had a goal of 2,000 ornaments by October 10th, 2020. We hoped to reach our goal on World Card Making Day and we DID!!!

During our 4 sessions, we gave the latest pledge counts and then shared projects that we had designed with the Poinsettia Petals Bundle. We got amazing feedback on the things we shared which made both Laura and I very happy.

Today, I want to show you one of the ideas I shared on Saturday. It is a fun fold card that features the Poinsettia Place Designer Series Paper.

Of all the cards I made using this fun fold, I like this one the best of all.

I also tried a couple others using a different piece of the Poinsettia Place Designer Paper.

I like the one on the right best because of the shiny brown leaves. Are you wondering where I got the glossy Espresso Card Stock? I actually made it!

On Saturday, Laura taught us how you can take ANY color card stock and make it glossy by adding clear packing tape to it. I call this technique the “LTT” or Laura’s Tape Technique.

You can see how I used Laura’s Tape Technique on the heart in the gratitude card below. This is the exact same fun fold that was used in the cards above. This one features a die cut piece of Festive Felt that is backing the sentiment on this card.

I love the Gilded Autumn Specialty Designer Series Paper, it is perfect for this type of fun fold card.

Here is another version of the card that also uses this gorgeous double-sided Gilded Autumn paper.

Here is what the card looks like when you open it up.

I added a piece of Very Vanilla Card Stock so you have a place to write a message.

Would you like to learn how to create this card and hear more about Laura’s Tape Technique? Just click on my latest video tutorial below.

I am so grateful to have a friend like Laura who inspires me and encourages me to keep taking steps out of my comfort zone. It is because of her continual encouragement that I took another step forward.

If you liked the Poinsettia card I shared above you will probably LOVE this month’s class offering. From now until October 18th, 2020, you can sign up (while supplies last) to get one of my Poinsettia Petals Project Kits.

Here is a photo of the projects you’ll create in this month’s kit.

CLICK HERE for more information regarding this kit.

The cards I shared today all featured Designer Paper. Did you know we have a Designer Paper Sale happening now?? In fact the Poinsettia Place DSP is on sale. You can read all about the sale by clicking the link below.

DSP SALE HAPPENING NOW

Also, be sure to check out my new online store. You can CLICK HERE to shop and it will automatically input my October Hostess Code which is N3PEPA6H.

October is the launch of a new Stampin’ Up! year. As I take another step forward, I am grateful to have a job I love so much. I am also thankful that over the years, I have grown through the challenges I’ve faced. I am blessed that I have had amazing people in my life who have encouraged me and surrounded me with so much love.

As I draw this post to an end I want to share a word of encouragement that someone recently shared with me. They said, “what you aren’t changing, you are choosing”. Change is hard, it requires us to move out of our comfort zone. As we choose to overcome fear and take a step forward we will learn and grow with each step we take. Some steps will be harder than others but as we move forward we will gain wisdom and understanding and we will experience growth. Just being willing to step forward is a victory that is worth celebrating.

Let’s move forward with gratitude and thanksgiving and not let any fears hold us back any longer!

I wish you joy on your journey! Keep moving forward!

One step at a time,

Cindy

Another Step Forward

Pumpkin Pals

Grateful For You

Stamped With Aloha