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Monday, August 12, 2013

Masking Tape Block Technique

Hey friends, 
Before we get into the project today, let me share a few personal notes with you. After you read them, I'd love to get your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks!

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about how I divide my time between my life and my business and how I can best serve my family, my friends, my church, my clients and stamping friends. 
With the life changes we are experiencing and more of my time being needed to take care of my Mom during her illness and keep up with Emma's ever busier schedule, I find myself stretched so thin, you can see through me. (Well, not really, but it's a great visual, dontcha think?) We've recently made a lot of changes and decisions at home including the heartbreaking decision to adopt out our sweet pups. We anticipate that my Mom will be leaving the nursing home soon to spend her final months at home with us and that wouldn't be a good mix for her.

There have been a lot of gut checks these past couple of months and I've even considered stepping back from Stampin' Up! for a while as we sort things out. 
Since financially that's not possible (a relief to me because I LOVE my job!), I've had to consider other changes to decrease the demand on my schedule and allow me to structure more strictly in a way that will still bring in the income we need.

Among the changes I'm considering are consolidating my class schedule, doing more online business through videos and tutorials and eliminating some online groups I'm involved with. I've also considered shutting down my blog, but since that would be counter-productive when I ramp up my online presence with my video channel, I've opted to keep it - and I'm very comfortable with that decision. 
I love sharing my projects and ideas here with you - it's part of me, this posting of photos and essays. And the relationships we've built together here mean the world to me. I believe you'll continue to support me through the changes to come and the plans I've made for us. 
So, while things are still "under construction" I'm going to continue to share here with you - even if I can't always share all the details of each project. 
I figure hey, if there is something you want to know, you can leave me a comment - that's what that little comment box is there for - and I can reply back.
Whatcha think? 
Are you in? 
Oh, I sure hope so and I'm ever grateful for your support of my creative endeavors and this business that helps pay the bills. 

Now that you know what I'm thinking, let me show you a card I created last month for my Technique Geeks class:


We used the Masking Tape Block Technique for the background and I love how each project was unique! It's a super simple technique - just cover a clear acrylic block with either painter's tape or masking tape and ink it up like a stamp then apply it to a piece of cardstock. Cool, huh?


My color scheme was Island Indigo, Pistachio Pudding, Soft Sky and Whisper White. I used the Beautifully Baroque stamp from the Idea Book, some Silver Glimmer Paper and a Vintage Button with Island Indigo Twine. 

My geek girls loved it and I hope you do too! 

As always, you can order from my Online Stampin' Store at this link here:
Robin's Online Store

Thanks so much for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator! 
Until next time, 
~~Robin

7 comments:

  1. Hey Robin - prayers for you as you discern where your life will take you and what the road will look like! Me? I'll still look forward to seeing what you write (if and when you write). Have a wonderful week and God Bless you and your family! ~Cynthia <><

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  2. I understand your feelings all too well as I have been experiencing those too. I'm happy to hear that you are continuing with SU and as your schedule allows for sharing, we'll be here cheering you on with support regardless :). Be sure to take time for you to fill your bucket. Hugs XO

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  3. Just blog what you can, when you can. The rest of the time know that your readers understand and we are praying for you. I love to see your beautiful cards, but if its not in you to create or photograph I understand. I would love it if you just pop in once in awhile to let us know how you're doing and how we can pray for you.

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  4. I can certainly understand the pressures you are going through but you need to do what is best for you and your family. You will not regret one moment spent taking care of your mom. Praying you will find peace and understanding. I will be here for you whenever you post and know that when you don't you are taking care of your family. You are so precious to all of us. God bless.

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  5. My prayers go to you and your family. You have an awful lot on your plate now and please do what you need to do and be where you need to be; post when you can. I have so enjoyed following your blog and thought your masking tape technique was awesome. Don't forget to take care of yourself during all of this. Your Mother is lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring daughter.

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  6. Having just gone through my own mother's illness and death, I understand how we can be pulled in so many directions, all with competing objectives. While you will never regret the time and attention that you give to your family, be sure to the care of yourself mentally and physically. For me, it was being creative. Hang in there.

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  7. I just stumbled across your blog from a Pinterest pin, and even though I don't know you, I just wanted to empathize with you about your mother's illness. My mom is in hospice now too, though she's much older (96). These are precious times. I wish you strength and peace.

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