2026: (sigh) Another Sympathy Card [Card #139-140]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

(sigh) When you see this Erin Lee Creative stamp set on my desk, you *know* I have to make MORE sympathy cards😞  

I used my TapeRunner adhesive to attach the kraft cardstock to the cardbase, as well as the embossed cardstock to the front panel. 

I know that sympathy cards are usually saved for years as family members remember their loved one and there is only ONE adhesive I would use to help my cards stay strong for a long time--- TapeRunner adhesive.  

I pray that this sympathy card brings comfort today and always to our sweet friend who lost her mother a week ago❤️

 

That's it for me today.

THANKS so much for stopping by! MORE to come 💌

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

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Supplies: 

TapeRunner adhesive

The Stamp Market cover die

Erin Lee Creative Take Care stamp set

Unknown embossing folder 

 

**Don't forget to use code SAVANNAH10 to save 10% at TapeRunner.com!!! 

2026: A Special Pet Sympathy Card for my Brother's family- Piper [Card #110]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

I needed yet another pet sympathy card this past month- this time it was for my older brother's family as they lost their 14 year old pup, Piper. 

I struggled with this card design (like I always do with sympathy themed cards)... but it was because I wanted to create something that would look like and be like Piper.

I used some Pink & Main stamps/dies, as well as a stencil from The Stamp Market. 

 

I will admit that I messed up the sentiment and had to rethink what to do to cover the mistake up-- I love the way the sentiment is now!   

 

Piper will be  missed 🐾 ❤️

That's it for me today.

THANKS so much for stopping by! MORE to come 💌

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

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2026: TapeRunner + YourPaperInsider Box 14 Purple Sympathy Cards [card #079-082]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

I've been MIA because I spent a week with my family here in SC while they were on Spring Break- it was so much fun! I can't wait for them to come back and visit again! **You will see a few photos of my family while they were here SOON- they helped me finish a project:) 

I was able to get into the studio again today, but unfortunately, I needed to make three sympathy cards😭 I do not like making these cards- it breaks my heart! But I'm hoping that these cards bring comfort and peace as they remember their loved one ❤️

 

I used some of the purple cardstock from the YourPaperInsider Box 14 papers- they added just the right amount of purple with this watercolor patterned paper design! I love that velum- it's so soft and yet deep with the purple hue! *See supply list below for specific papers used! 

 

I also used my FAVORITE TapeRunner adhesive- I loooooooooooooove my TR adhesive! It's so smooth, easy to apply, and can be used on almost any piece of your card [see THIS post on how I add adhesive from a TapeRunner to a SMALL die cut letter]. 

These cards look simple but have layers and dimension because of the YPI papers and using the TR adhesive for all layers!  

 

That's it for me today. Unfortunately, I think I need to make MORE sympathy cards so I can stock up my stash... be on the lookout for MORE designs soon 👀

THANKS so much for stopping by! MORE to come 💌

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

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Supplies Purple Sympathy Cards: 

• YourPaperInsider Box 14: Wisteria Purple Vellum, Violet Curious Metallics, UltraWhite Smooth cardstock 
•  The Stamp Market: Floral Filler die 
•  ErinLeeCreative: Take Care stamp/die sets 
•  TapeRunner adhesive -- don't forget to use code SAVANNAH10 for 10% off your order at TapeRunner.com 

2025: THANK YOU so much [card #315]

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving, sweet friends! 

Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday- that's one of the reasons why Trav and I got married in November😍 

I love the food. 

I love being with family. 

I love having seconds of the food (I said I loved the food! LOL!).

I remember looking through the newspaper for the Black Friday ads and planning my shopping spree for the next day- oh how fun the good ol' days were!  

Thanksgiving is also my FAVORITE holiday because I have so much to be thankful for--- my life, my husband, my marriage, my dog, my church, my friends... I have loads to be thankful for. 

Another thing I'm thankful for is YOU! This card is for YOU!

And while I'm thankful for YOU.... I still struggle😞 

Recently I've been pretty down. I have struggled to find the joy in creating because it's no longer about just creating... it's about social media. 

For the past seven years [possibly more] I've struggled with my blog and social media. I hate how it's changed over the years. It used to be fun writing blog posts, adding all the details and sharing your heart for creating or sharing more about your life. Social media was a way to connect with other crafters and friends. It was real (or at least that was how I shared my stuff). 

Now... everything is based on likes, comments, or shares that you have. It's all about an algorithm. 

I started a hashtag #washeduphasbeencrafter and #washeduphasbeen because I'm washed up; I'm a has been. I'm no longer seen because I don't fit the algorithm. 

I struggle to get my creations seen. I struggle to create "trending" reels or posts. I struggle to keep my views up and this jeopardizes the design teams that I am currently on. How can I possibly keep a job on a team if I get ONE "like" per creation? How could a company want me on a team if no one sees my project or buys from the link I share (which I also hate- I hate those affiliate links! I don't think companies should have to pay us for how many clicks we get on a link... maybe it's because I don't get any clicks... but either way- I've never liked these affiliate programs!)? 

Social media and all the demands of "likes"/etc. have caused me to question and not be thankful. It's easier to see the negative than the blessings. I see a small number of "likes" or comments... but it is a blessing that even ONE person would want to leave a comment or share my projects! 

I see the threat of being fired from my teams... but it's been a true blessing to be considered a part of a team and work with companies for over 10 years. 

I see how low I get when I compare myself on social media... but I need to remind myself that I create for the joy of it... for the smile that is found on recipients' faces when they open an envelope to find a handmade card... for the gift of giving cards... I need to remind myself that I am a child of God- loved, creative, gifted, blessed. 

I'm thankful for YOU because you continue to show up despite my blogging breaks... despite my "likes" or trending posts... YOU continue to love, encourage, and support me despite social media algorithms. 

(sigh)

Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday--- I'm thankful, truly I am. I'm just struggling a bit this year (and for several years). THANKS for everything! 

I guess that's it for me today. Thanks for listening to my rant and reflection.

THANKS so much for stopping by! MORE to come 💌

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

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2022: Spellbinders Stylish Ovals Collection [cards #24-29]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

I am beyond excited to share that I was asked AGAIN to create a few special projects for the amazing company Spellbinders!!! Can you believe it!?!? WOW! 

**Bonus---there's a great sale going on! Check it out!!! 

You can find the newest collection HERE- Stylish Ovals.  

I posted yesterday about my injury [HERE]. This injury has caused me to put a hold on crafting and working... and life in general. But Yana contacted me a week or so ago and asked me to create some projects using the new SO goodies... and of course I said YES!! I wasn't sure how I would do it since I can't move my wrist and barely can move my fingers. As of February 1, 2023 I had created a total of 23 cards. For 66 days I have been recovering and unable to move. But just in the last three days, I have made FIVE more cards!!!

The bad news is that it took ALL afternoon for a card. 

The good news is that I did it🎉🎉🎉 I can't wait for you to see these beautiful cards. I had soooooo much fun creating each- especially the last two as they reflect my "cardmaking style" the most!! 

**All links for the supplies can be found at the bottom of this post. 

First up, a card using the new 3D Beautiful Butterfly embossing folder. This was my first attempt at crafting again... so I pulled out some EVO papers I had inked up a year ago and embossed it to create the background. After that, it was easy to finish this card. I love it!

Next up is a trio of cards. I had an idea... it didn't work out... so I did two other versions. LOL. 

The idea was to foil the sentiment over the embossed background or before I embossed. I realized after creating the background and embossing that it would be impossible to get the sentiment foiled and flat. So I foiled it on colored cardstock and FUSSY CUT it out--- yes, FUSSY CUT with my injured hand! It took forever and I was in so much pain. When I say my wrist doesn't move... it doesn't! So this task was impossible. That's why you might see lots of mistakes on this card. LOL 🙃

So I tried again by foiling on a transparency sheet. It worked but I messed up cutting the card base... again, my wrist doesn't do well with pressure from the cutting board. So I made that into a birthday card and created ANOTHER base for the foiled transparency. Finally, I loved how that transparency looked and finished the cards. 

These last two are my absolute FAVORITES!!! These cards took me back to my roots of cardmaking- I used to use so much patterned paper!!! I love the layers and the colors and the designs...I love it all😍

This first card used the new Fill My Heart Sentiments stamps(see the gray inked labels?!!--I wanted a soft detail on the labels and those flowers were the perfect touch!!!) and the Stitched Floral Flip Frame dies but I only used the solid die. I thought it looked really cool as an element of interest. 

That's it for me today. My wrist/hand is hurting from typing so much... but it's SOOOOOOOOOOO good to be back😉 I have a long road of recovery ahead of me, but I'm sure I'll be back to share more crafty goodness soon- at least I hope!!

THANKS so much for stopping by!    

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

Instagram: https://bit.ly/Savannahland2INSTA 

Facebook: Savannah O'Gwynn

Purchase cards HERE: https://bit.ly/Savannahland2forsale 

Supplies Butterfly Birthday: 

Paper: ETC Paper EVO synthetic papers; white; vellum

Inks: Ranger Alcohol inks (Purple Twilight, Pistachio, Limeade, Stream); Imagine Crafts VersaMark

Stamps/dies: Spellbinders Fill My Heart Sentiments STP-183

Accessories: Spellbinders Beautiful Butterflies 3D embossing folder E3D-055, Frame die KOM-Oct21, glimmer machine, Mini Everyday Sentiments GLP-260; Pink & Main gems; WOW! Embossing Powder Opaque Bright White Super Fine; white thread

Card #24

Supplies Trio: 

Paper: The Stamp Market Lagoon; transparency; vellum; gold cardstock

Inks: The Stamp Market Lagoon 

Stamps/dies: Spellbinders Yana's Layered Script Sentiments S5-496, Mini Everyday Sentiments GLP-260, glimmer machine, Polished Brass foil, Beautiful Butterflies 3D embossing folder E3D-055, Thanks A Million foil plates GOM-May20 

Card #25-27

Supplies TOY Sympathy: 

Paper: Project Life Becky Higgins Polka Dot Party ED.; white

Inks: The Stamp Market No Line/Gravel; Imagine Crafts VersaMark; WOW! Embossing Powder Metallic Gold Rich Super Fine

Stamps/dies: Spellbinders Fill My Heart Sentiments STP-183, Stitched Floral Flip Frame S4-1267; Hug Snug Snow White ribbon; Ranger mini stapler 

Accessories: The Stamp Market Confetti 

Card #28

Supplies Special Day: 

Paper: The Stamp Market Color Crush Solids 6x6, Miss Modern 6x6, Bloom Street 6x6

Inks: The Stamp Market Peach; Imagine Crafts VersaMark; WOW! Embossing Powder Opaque Bright White Super Fine

Stamps/dies: Spellbinders Fill My Heart Sentiments STP-183

Accessories: white/black twine; The Stamp Market large gold paperclip

Card #29

2022: Catching up [card #153-193]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

I know--- I am failing at posting regularly! I just can't seem to catch up 😞 Like I've mentioned before, blogging isn't the same. It's almost tooooo much work to share on here when everyone just goes to Instagram or Facebook instead. That being said... I still like to blog because I can share more details or share more photos, but then again... it's a lot of work. LOL #catch22 Apparently I really struggle with social media and blogging 🤦🏼‍♀️

Anyway-- if you are here, THANKS for stopping by! 

I've got a few creations to share today. I've been busy making custom cards for friends/neighbors. I love making custom cards- it stretches my crafty comfort zone and skills; it makes me have to think outside the box or use colors I might not use or learn a new technique. 

I really enjoy when someone likes one of my cards and asks me to recreate it using their specifications or colors. These custom cards are easy to make since I'm just recreating my own card design. LOL 🙃 This first card was based on THIS confetti wishes card. (card #193-194 I had to make two just in case I messed up the custom card! Now I've got an extra to share with someone else!)

Next I made a custom birthday card for Trav's grandma- she turned 92 earlier this week. (card #174-175 I needed two so Trav could pick which sentiment he liked best. Again-- another card for my stash!)

I was inspired by THIS card on Pinterest for the next CAS card. I needed a few sympathy cards to have on hand, but this design just didn't work like I wanted. So instead of throwing it away I changed the sentiment and now I've got an extra friendship card for my stash-- I see a theme here:) (card#182)

The sympathy cards I ended up making took a bit longer and turned out so beautiful! I really love how these little dots (scraps from a die cut image) made this card design pop! I like that these cards bring comfort to those who are hurting and sad, but I hate using them. I already had to use one💔 (card #153-158 I figured I would make several just in case I needed more. Hopefully not!)

I have A LOT of scraps on my desk... I don't throw anything away #SAVfact. Some of these scraps include alcohol inked papers [Etc. Papers EVO Synthetic papers-- my FAVORITE alcohol ink papers]. I created this quick CAS card using scraps and a die cut sentiment. EASY!!! (card #183-184 I actually made another one with the sentiment "Hello" but the photo doesn't look good so I'm not going to share it! LOL!)

My final creation was actually just a design/idea that I wanted to try to create based on THIS layout. I miss using patterned paper in my creations (not sure why I don't anymore). I tend to use more "WHITE" backgrounds now, but I originally started cardmaking by using patterned paper and wanted to go back to my roots. #semiFAIL I still see A LOT of white on this card... but I like how it turned out😉 (card #193)

That's it for me today. I hope to share MORE soon. I have really enjoyed hanging out in the studio this past week... I hope I get to work in there more often on a regular basis!

THANKS so much for stopping by!    

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

Supplies: 

Most supplies are by The Stamp Market, Etc. Papers, Paper Smooches

Card #153-194

2022: Paper Smooches Get Well [card #143]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

It's been awhile since I posted... I'm creating but have been busy with different things. 

I'm also struggling with social media/blogging. It's not the same anymore. Companies only want you to create for them if you have a huge following or if you get the most clicks and/or likes on your posts. I never started crafting for approval or to be liked but that's where everything is headed. You also have to have a YouTube Chanel (I do... but it took me 24 hours or more to make a video! I don't have time for that anymore.) and you have to post reels and stories and blah blah blah. It's too much! 

I want to craft and share because I love what I do... I want to share with my friends because I think they will be inspired and share what they make after seeing my creation... I want to go back to 2012, or even 2015. I miss the "old" crafting world ❤️ 

That being said... I pulled out my OLD Paper Smooches stamps to make this get well card. **NOTE: Just because a stamp or die is "retired" doesn't mean I can't still use it! Honestly- some companies come out with too many images and designs that I want or think I need and by the time they get to my house I've already ordered the next month's release, never to use what I bought previously. To help me with overspending and never using items, I'm just going to shop my stash and use what I have right now. #retired #retiredstamps #stillgood

This card was a custom card for a friend who's client broke her ankle. I love the watercolor design- not perfect but I'm working on "waiting" for the paint to dry. LOL 😂 I also LOVE my PS stamps/dies. I miss Kim and PS lots <3 

That's it for me today.

THANKS so much for stopping by!    

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

Supplies Sympathy Friend: 

Paper: watercolor paper

Inks: The Stamp Market watercolors 

Stamps/dies: Paper Smooches Tiny Hearts dies (retired), Well Wishes stamps (retired)

Accessories: Nuvo Crystal Drops, Stickles red glitter

Card #143 (I've made several cards since I last posted... taking photos/editing them takes a lot of time too....sorry for not posting them)

2022: Rainbow Hello [card #109]

Hello again, sweet friends! 

I’ve got ANOTHER quick project to share with you today— add alcohol inks, ETC. Paper (EVO synthetic papers) and a vellum rainbow together and you get the most beautiful card to send to a friend! I love how this card turned out. 

This was actually a left over piece of EVO synthetic paper that I wasn't sure how to use. I also found this vellum rainbow in my leftover stash. Sometimes it's possible to put together leftover and make a beautiful card:) 

That's it for me today.

THANKS so much for stopping by!    

Be blessed ❤️

Sav

Supplies: Rainbow Hello 

Paper: ETC. Papers EVO Synthetic papers; vellum, metallic gold, white

Inks: Imagine Crafts VersaFine Onyx Black; Ranger alcohol inks

Stamps/dies: The Stamp Market Cosmo Cluster stamp, Mod Rainbow cover die; Paper Smooches Tiny Hearts (retired)

Accessories: white thread

Card #109

first try rejects and the final project after try #2

Hello, friends! 

I have soooooooooooo many projects to share... and I've come up with a quick way to share them all within a few posts. You might be seeing lots of different designs (and not a lot of details) per post to make it easier on me! LOL! 

Today I'm sharing a project that I created in April for a sweet and dear friend, Kim! I love celebrating her birthday and this year she turned 50. That meant I needed to make a super special birthday card. 

I had a few ideas that included watercoloring a piece of paper one solid color. I tried this with a teal and navy (you can see them in the watercolor bin). I thought that I could then add colors to the areas where the flowers would be... but that didn't work out at all! #totalfail I set those two papers aside and started again focusing on watercoloring after I die cut the paper with the design first. I posted about it HERE on Instagram. 

HERE's stage two. It's looking much better than my first attempt! 

I finished this card and absolutely loved the design! Best fail ever! I think Kim enjoyed it too. My mom loved it so much that she requested I make another one just like it. *It was hard to replicate but I did it for my mom! LOL! 

Supplies: The Stamp Market watercolor palette, Just Add Flowers stamp set, Floral Cuts cover die

So what did I do with the first try rejects? Well... I used them for another project two weeks later! It took me that long to figure out what I wanted to do with them. The papers were watercolored teal and navy with different hues and markings. I wanted that to stand out and so I used them on a CAS white card base with a few die cuts and sentiments. EASY! And to be honest, I love how they turned out! Rejects aren't really rejects unless you throw it away. #lifelesson 

This "Thank You" card was created for a sweet couple that became family to me during Covid. They took private aqua fitness classes from me to stay active before they moved back home to WI. I knew the husband loved flowers (his wife's name is Rose! LOL!), so I made a simple white embossed flower bouquet the focal point of this card design. 

Supplies: The Stamp Market watercolor palette, Framed Floral, Gorgeous Greetings, Emboss ink

The navy rejected paper was big enough to make two cards! I love the bold navy with the white background.

Supplies: The Stamp Market watercolor palette, Botanical Print, Botanical Beauty die, Palm Leaf die, Navy/Slate paper and ink

I never throw anything away, and it's a good thing! These cards are some of my favorite! And I learned that rejections are not always bad; good can still come from it. 

That's it for me today. I will be sharing more soon! THANKS so much for stopping by!    

Be blessed ❤️

Sav