The WYSCWI Card

Hello!

Well, here is the "Why You Shouldn't Create When Ill" card. I decided to post it as I had made it for two challenges and it has been such a long time since I had something to share because of feeling so ill with that wicked virus. So, after making a new image 3 times and changing the patterned paper twice and the stars a ridiculous 4 times, here it is. I used one of Sassy Chery's digital images called 'Winter Birds In The Trees' which I love - and that is the good part of this card! :<)

The theme at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge is to "use a punch and something shimmery". I used Crystal Lite on the trees, bird houses and birds and also put a drop of it on each star. A star punch was used to punch the 3 individual stars from the patterned paper. Go to http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/ to see all of the awesome creations.

The 2 Sisters Challenge Blog provided a sketch for this challenge and you can see all of the great entries using this fun sketch at http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ Using sketches is something new for me and I am really enjoying it.

I am happy that you came to visit my blog today! We are having very warm temperatures here in this part of WI - it was 48 degrees yesterday! I love this kind of winter but I think we need some very cold weather to kill all of these virus germs.

Barbara Diane

This WOYW Wednesday is a WYSCWI Wednesday

Hello!

Well this 'What's On Your Workdesk Wesnesday' turned out to be a 'Why You Shouldn't Create When Ill' day for me! I have been making and re-making this card all day - and the end result it not pretty! I will post it tomorrow simply because I am too weary to make another but I think I best not try this again until I feel much better! You can see my tissue and cough drops and bottle of water and they helped but it is just too much yet. The worst is over but this was one wicked virus and I hope to never get it again!

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog - I hope that all is well with you! I may decide not to post the card tomorrow - we shall see! :<) What a way to start a new month! Go to Julia's blog at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and check out the wonderful creations that were made this week.

Barbara Diane

Amaryllis In The Early Morning Sunshine

Hello!

No cards to share - today is 10 days now fighting this viral nastiness. I have not been this ill in many years. So with no cards being made I thought I would share some loveliness with you - photos of my blooming Amaryllis in the early morning sunshine. The colors are so beautiful!

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope to feel well enough soon to get back to creating! Wishing you good heath and sunshine this week!

Barbara Diane

Play It Again Sam

Hello!

Today's card is showcasing one of Sassy Cheryl's digi images "Play It Again Sam Snowman" and he is putting so much love into the playing of his song. I am entering the card into Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog where the theme this challenge is "Something Bright and Cheery to Chase Away the Winter Grey". Go here to check it out http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/


I'm happy that you have stopped by to visit me today - I hope that you like the card. I have been ill these past few days with a severe cough and sore throat - wheezing - cold symptoms with fever. I may not be posting for a few days until I feel better. Going out in the cold and snow to clean and move the car every day and then no heat here in the building on Saturday hasn't helped the situation.

It is snow/rain again here this morning - icy road conditions - supposed to snow all day into evening. I can't think about going out again to do the clean off and move the car thing - want to just stay on the couch under my blanket with my Puffs with lotion, Vicks, cough drops, Tylenol and my library book. But no, it will be coat, hat, gloves, boots and snow brush - coughing non stop, eyes watering so I can't see because of my glasses and trying to use my Puffs to wipe my nose and eyes with my gloves on and not drop the stupid brush. :<)

Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

Final Response To Questionnaire - Question #9

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Hello!

Today's responses are to the final question of the Questionnaire - #9:

Do You Leave A Comment Each Time You Visit A Blog?

I will leave comments on pages that wow me or if they have visited my blog. I leave comments on several entries in the same challenges I enter. I try to word my comments with some interest and not just the normal short reply, but that can be time consuming.

Yes, most of the time.

Not each time (internet connection is slow). However, every time I see something inspiring or a creations that I love I will always comment on it.

I am not leaving a comment every time I visit a blog because I follow over 250 blogs so that takes a lot of time. But I try to comment as often as I can. Maybe when everybody has no word identification on their blogs, I will comment more because then it’s easier to leave a comment.

Mostly, not always.

Hmmm – I try. Especially if the post is about something that really inspires me or catches my eye. It’s like peeking into someone’s house without letting them know you are there, quite rude IMHO. BUT if the site is covered with ads or things they are selling, then I feel it’s really a store and I don’t always acknowledge each visit. Same as when I walk into a brick and motar store. If I find nothing to buy, I don’t usually run over to the clerk and tell them they are doing a great job, KWIM. If I stop to watch a video or follow a tutorial I always let the blogger know I did and thank them.

No, only occasionally as I read blogs from Google Reader.

Always if I have the opportunity.

No, in fact I seldom do. (sorry)

No, not each time.

Most of the time I did leave a comment when I visited a blog.

Only when I think “WOW” with something I have seen.

Yes, I think it is very important for the owner of the blog to know of my friendship and the affection I feel for her and her work.

No.

Most of the time. Sometimes, when I’m rushed, I’ll look ad run, but I try to come back later.

Sad to admit that because of time constraints I don’t always leave comments, however I like to try as I think this is what keeps people posting.

I don’t always because of time constraints, but I do let them know when I really like something.

Not each time. I leave comments if a project really stands out to me. I follow over 50 blogs (managed through Google Reader) and comment only when something touches me.

Yes, sometimes when they ask.

I usually try to, unless it is something I really hate.

Not always, because I visit so many blogs. However, if I’m really inspired or just really impressed with something I definitely leave a comment.

So ends the Blog Candy Questionnaire. Thank you again to all of you who took the time to respond - your input was wonderful and I was happy to be able to share it with everyone! We have LOTS of snow here in this part of WI - snow falling all day and I just now cleaned off my car and moved it for the last time today! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Barbara Diane

We have no heat in the apartment BUILDING – all 3 floors. This should be an interesting day. I have my birds in the bathroom where there is a small electric heater – I have been ill with a cough and sore throat so this is not too good for me either. Management just put in a new furnace this summer – guess it doesn’t work. The temperature here this morning is -6 degrees. The high for today is to be 23 degrees – think we will get down to that inside? People started calling at 5:00 am and it is now 8:30 and no one here yet.

Questionnaire Response To Question #8

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to Question #8:

What Keeps You Returning To A Blog?

If I feel a personal connection with the blogger or if they return comments on my blog. And I use the dashboard to get a quick view, if I see something interesting there I’ll check it out.

Genuine creativitiy and information, not just plugging a company.

Beautiful creations. Regular blog posts.

I am always curious what they have now created again.

Same as 7.

Same thing as in #7.

Beautiful and inspiring creations.

Same as 7.

Regular posting (at least once a week which is about how often I make the rounds of all the ones I have bookmarked).

The addiction of blogging. I love blogging.

My friendship with the blog owners plus their beautiful creations.

A good sense of humor and fab ideas!!

Friendship and the beauty of the work that I find.

Fun ideas, new things to look at.

I mainly return to a blog that continuously has content that I like and ideas and techniques I would like to try. Also when the owner of the blog is friendly and lets you know they appreciate your visits, it’s nice to go back.

All of the above, something unusual, regular posting, and quirky journaling.

I like their work, creativity, personality!

Interesting projects, a dedicated and personable blogger, and unique posts.

What’s new there.

Same answers really as in Number 7.

Really good work.

Tomorrow's responses are to the question #9 - the final question of the Questionnaire:

Do You Leave A Comment Each Time You Visit A Blog?

I am happy that you have visited my blog today!

Barbara Diane

Questionnaire Response To Question #7

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to question #7:

What Do You Look For When Visiting A Blog?

Inspiration/Beautiful cards/a personal glimpse.

How people have used tools and supplies in a way that is creative and different.

I’m looking for beautiful cards that will inspire me to create my own beautiful cards. I like it when bloggers post regularly as I love to get lots of inspiration from my favorite bloggers. I like to find out how they did certain things on their cards (such as a tutorial), but I prefer photos and written instructions instead of videos (only because my internet connection is slow and it takes a ridiculous amount of time to download and watch a video).

I love to see what other people create, because often you can see the love that they put in their creations. I also am inspired by other blogs.

Exciting and different work, someone creating something different.

Some I check for new ideas, some for inspiration, some for the personalities of the blogger. I have found some fantastic blogger friends whom I know I will probably never meet but we cheer each other on. Great cyber buddies!

I look for tutorials, beautiful and inspiring creations, candy.

Interesting creations that can inspire me.

Inspiration and tutorials (or at least good photos as I’m fairly good at copying on my own with out spelled out directions). I also like variety.

I look at blogs for inspiration – techniques – versatility, etc.

I love 3D and I always look for 3D projects and any unique creations.

Fab ideas!!

I like to see the imagination of people and also their creativity. It is wonderful to make new friends.

Instructions, a pretty project, a clean layout (not too busy).

I mainly look for inspiration. I love to get new ideas and learn new techniques.

This is a hard one to answer. I think when I visit a blog there has to be something that catches my eye, a project that isn’t the norm. Perhaps a 3D item that I haven’t done before, or someone making something with a specific die, but turning it into an item you would least expect.

Imagination! Pretty ideas that help my imagination come to life.

Unique project ideas and ways to create that I haven’t thought of before. Also, simple cards and projects are good too!

I look at creation, read about personal information, try to learn from it.

Like minded friends, who show their ideas very generously, in a clear and readable manner. I also prefer an uncluttered layout that is easy to read.

Ideas for cards, scrapbook pages and 3D items. I really like Clean and Simple WOW cards as well as the more detailed work. It’s obvious to me when someone has put a lot of thought and effort into their creations.

Tomorrow's responses are to the question #8:

What Keeps You Returning To A Blog?

I am happy that you have come to visit my blog today! We are getting ready here in this part of WI to be hit with another snowstorm on Friday - at least 6 inches! It is so cold here - 1 degree and 25 below wind chill!!!! I don't even want to think about going out tomorrow morning!

Barbara Diane

Questionnaire Response to Questions #4, #5 & #6

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to a combination of questions #4, #5 and #6:

Do You Sell Your Work/Tutorials On Your Blog?
Do You Create Videos?
Do You Advertise?

(work/tutorials) No. I wish I could. I need to learn more about that.
(video) No– would like to but I don’t have the necessary technology.
(advertise) No, does it help?

(work/tutorials) Yes.
(video) Yes.
(advertise) Yes.

(work/tutorials) I don’t sell any of my work on my blog. Nope.
(video) Don’t have the time. (I have 2 boys, aged 4 ½ and 2 ½ - I say no more!) (advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) I am not selling on my blog, but I have my own website and there I sell my creations.
(video) No I don’t.
(advertise) No I don’t.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) No.
(advertise) I link to companies but don’t advertise as such.

(work/tutorials) No. I don’t sell anything or charge for teaching, but I love to help anyone who asks for it.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) Yes, sometimes.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) N/A
(video) N/A
(advertise) N/A

(work/tutorials) Well, I would love to sell. I have posted tutorials as well (to date only one).
(video) Not yet.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) I sold my finished creations at craft shows.
(video) I did not create a video and will not create a video.
(advertise) I don’t advertise.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) Yes, when people ask me – but I do not live this work.
(video) Do not create videos.
(advertise) Do not.

(work/tutorials) I have an Etsy shop, but have only sold one item. Again, I don’t have enough confidence. I think that there are millions of crafters out there that can make beautiful things on their own, so why would anyone want to buy mine? (video) No.
(advertise) I have an FB page.

(work/tutorials) I have a link to my Etsy store on my blog where I sell some of my cards.
(video) No.
(advertise) I occasionally advertise things like blog hops and events for stamp companies.

(work/tutorials) I don’t sell anything on my blog. However I do have a few shops that do sell handcrafted items and they take a lot of my work.
(video) I have a few DVDs that I provide for local crafters in SA as well as I do a few workshops a month.
(advertise) No I don’t advertise. Mostly people know about me by word of mouth and since I had a shop and have been working in the industry a number of years, they know me. I also have been a guest on a few TV shows locally.

(work/tutorials) I don’t sell on my blog, but I sell on my website – only my work, no tutorials.
(video) No, I don’t know how to do that yet.
(advertise) I tried but it’s only costing me money and not generating work so I’m stopping.

(work/tutorials) I have used my blog to show people the kits I have for sale and have sold kits that way.
(video) I created a few videos, I would like a tripod before attempting this again, as my homemade “camera holder” crashed a few times.
(advertise) No. I think it’s a good idea tho.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) I’m trying to learn – it’s tough.
(advertise) Nope,

(work/tutorials) No. Anything on my blog so far is free for anyone to try. All I ask is that they give me credit for anything that I created.
(video) Not for my crafting.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) No, but I’ve thought about it.
(video) No, but I’ve thought about it.
(advertise) I have a Facebook page, but other than that, no.

Tomorrow's responses are to the question #7:

What Do You Look For When Visiting A Blog?

I am happy that you have come to visit my blog today! Thank you!

Barbara Diane

Questionnaire Response to Question #3

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to Question #3

Do You Enter Challenges?

I love challenges and I find it’s the only way I get any traffic to my blog.

Sometimes, not always, as very early on in my blogging experience I was in a swap and got ripped off with a heap of tags I had spent hours on and got nothing in return.

I do enter challenges and I really enjoy them. I particularly enjoy sketch challenges and theme challenges. I don’t really enter to win the prizes (although that would be a bonus), more to just inspire me to create.

Yes, I love challenges.

Yes, lots.

Not usually. I have entered a few things in a couple scrapbooking forums I belong to but not on card site challenges. I feel way out of m league when I look at the ones already entered.

Yes.

No.

Very infrequently. I scrap so slowly and am not the type that can force my work.

Yes, I do.

I enter challenges only if it fits with what I have created like “anything goes” challenges.

Yes, I love to be challenged!!

My challenge is to make a smile on people’s faces when visiting my blog.

Not very often. I don’t have enough confidence in my abilities, so I have not done any.

Yes, as often as I can find one that fits my project.

I do enter challenges, not as much as I would like to, but I don’t really think this hobby is about reward and prizes. For me it’s a pleasure to enjoy at my leisure, after the kids go down at night and I can unwind.

I try to when I have time.

I enter challenges within my team and use the challenges in my creating, but often find little time for online challenges within the challenge deadlines.

Yes, I do.

Occasionally, but not often.

Occasionally.

Tomorrow's responses are to a combination of the questions #4, #5 and #6:

Do You Sell Your Work/Tutorials On Your Blog?
Do You Create Videos?
Do You Advertise?

I am happy that you have come to visit my blog today! Wishing you a day of sunshine!

Barbara Diane

Questionnaire Response to Question #2

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to Question #2

What Motivates/Inspires You To Create?

Anytime I have available I want to play with all my tools and supplies.

Looking at other people’s creations and everyday objects.

I love sketches and challenges. I love cardmaking and I have a lot of supplies that have been sitting in my desk for ages that I need to use! I hate purchasing cards from shops, I think it’s much nicer to create something for people.

Everything inspires me, sometimes it’s something that I see or hear that gives me an idea. But sometimes I go to create and I don’t know what to make and then my hands create something by themselves.

OK – how long do you have for me to answer this one lol! My surroundings and the changing seasons, other people’s work and blogs, themes, challenges, the need for a card for a reason, sometimes just to try to keep my sanity.

I have always liked paper and glue glitter so it wasn’t a far stretch to get into paper crafting. I enjoy the hobby just for the sheer pleasure I get from it and not necessarily to give.

Beautiful projects by bloggers, manufacturer’s websites, challenges sites.

Making cards calms me and gives me great pleasure.

Seeing lovely things that others have made.

Hmmmm – anything which matches my taste inspires me.

Comments that are left by lovely people like yourself and inspiration from other’s creations.

Many, many other creative crafters who have blogs. I never tire of seeing other’s work.

I have many ideas in mind and a great imagination.

I see crafting as a therapy of sorts. I am a homey type of person. My children are still little and we don’t get out too much, but crafting makes me happy. To see something made out of nothing is so much fun. I love to blog hop and get inspired by others and try to recreate stuff that they’ve done.

Everything, holidays, my kids, birthdays, DT responsibilities, trying new things.

I love to be busy. I come from a family of hobbyists, is there such a word, so it was inevitable that I should have a hobby. I started out as a scrapbooker and was teaching for quite awhile as I had a shop, then it developed into this passion for all things paper related. I am inspired by the everyday things in life, color as you walk down a street on a summer/autumn day. Where I live in Africa we have such a vast canvas for inspiration, so every day just taking in the wonders of creation I guess inspire me.

Looking through blogs online, or when I have a card order, or a friend/family member’s occasion.

Other people’s creations and special occasions (birthday, Christmas, baby, wedding).

Everything that I see around me.

I love playing with crafty things of all kinds. I also enjoy creating something special for others.

Usually something I’ve seen on someone else’s blog, Splitcoaststampers or Stampin’ Connections.

Tomorrow I share the responses to Do You Enter Challenges?

I am happy that you stopped by today! Wishing you a happy one!

Barbara Diane