Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Back From Hiatus and Sunflowers

So a few months ago I decided to take a break from blogging. There were some good reasons I decided to lay low for a little while (which I’m still not quite ready to talk about here) but the past few days I’ve been just itching to get back to my blog. Hopefully I can make up for my sporadic posting habits with some cool (and consistent) posts. After all, it is the first of the month. It's a great time to start something new - right?

I actually love the month of September….back to school, farmer’s markets, cooler weather, football season, new TV shows, Stampin’ Up! Regionals, and one of the things I love most about this time of year … sunflowers! They are so bright and cheery and just make me happy!

We have a big field at the side of out house where tons of sunflowers grow. My girls are so tired of me saying every time we drive by, "Look at the pretty sunflowers!" I even made them go for a walk to cut a bunch of stems to put in a jar for our house. Here’s a picture from our walk. How can any one think of these as pesky weeds?!Well a couple of days ago when I drove home from work, and just look at what my sunflower field looked like:
They must be getting ready to build something because it’s just a huge pile of boring dirt – I’m so sad and sincerely getting a little bit teary as I type this. Maybe they'll build somthing really cool like a Krispy Kreme, that might make it a little bit better.

To fill my sunflower void, I attempted to make one out of paper. I wanted it to look realistic - the hardest part was trying to get the center to have that velvety texture of the real blossoms. I think it turned out alright. It wasn't even that hard to make. I used the Scallop Circle Die - let me know if you'd be interested in directions.

Happy September Everyone!!!

18 comments:

stampsndeidre said...

Carrie,
Sunflowers are my all time favorite! My kitchen is covered in them. I would love to know how you made the paper one....it is gorgeous!
Deidre

Amy C. said...

I am so happy to see a post from you. I've been wondering if you were done blogging. I am going outside right now to cut sun flowers growing amongst the tumble weeds in my yard. Thanks for the idea!

jaimey said...

Carrie, your sunflower is so pretty! I love the center of it and the way you distressed the petals so they look like they're flowing in the wind. :) You are so creative. :) That's so sad they bulldozed your sunflowers . . . :(

I'm glad you're feeling like blogging again. I always love seeing your projects and keeping up with what you're doing.

Loralee said...

I know what happened to your field...Call me and I will tell you. Way cute card but I don't want directions(are you surprised)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card and hoping that your well.....glad your blogging again! Loved seeing you at convention and hoping your coming to Maine next month!!
Hugs to you, oh and yes I'd love to know how you did the sunflower, it's beautiful....sorry I missed out on my prize.....wrong place at wrong time...my life story. :-)
Deb M

♥ Kristy Woods ♥ said...

Gorgeous card, so sad about sunflower field.
TFS
Kristy

Anonymous said...

Oh, please do share your directions for the sunflower center. I just moved from FL to Kansas where the sunflowers are everywhere. I grew 10 foot sunflowers this summer! fernsler@bellsouth.net
Thanks so much, take care, thank you for your happy, "sunflowery" pesonality,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Carrie! So glad that you are back to blogging! I missed seeing your posts.
I love your sunflower card! It is amazing! I would love to have directions to know how to do it! My email is stlouisstamper@yahoo.com
Many thanks!
Kim

Christina Giese said...

i'd love the directions to this if you will share them...thanks!! czgiese@shaw.ca

Lisa said...

Cute Card :) You are so creative!

Shannon said...

wow where have i been--i guess i stopped checking your blog altogether. love the sunflower! sad but at least we will always have card stock, right?

stampurr said...

Hi Carrie, boy your kids have gotten big, but u look the same...i love you sunflowers and would love the direction. stampurr@roadrunner.com

hope to see you at leadership...

cindi thurmond
hemet, ca

Anna Haase said...

Carrie,
Your sunflower is divine! Can you send instructions on how to recreate this beautiful card? I would really appreciate it and would love to recreate it. I love seeing your talent displayed so keep posting your creations. Thanks so much!

Anna Haase

Anna Haase said...

Sorry Carrie...forgot to include email.

annahaase@aol.com

StampingBetty said...

so interested in instructions or a little help with making sunflowers if you have the time to share....
stampingbetty@hotmail.com
you are an amazing mother and inspiring stamper!

Anonymous said...

hi carrie

i found your blog while searching for how to make sunflowers. Sunflowers are my theme for my wedding and I'd love to know how you made the card! If possible can you email directions to porterwedding2011@gmail.com? I'd love to get started this weekend!

thanks!

carol

StampingBetty said...

i am i am
nice job!

Anonymous said...

Hi Carrie! Your sunflower is just beautiful. I would love to know how you made it. My email address is padalino@bellsouth.net
By the way, you did a great job at the Charlotte Regional. I hope you will be presenting at the Birmingham one as well.
Vita