Yeah for Friday!

I woke up tired this morning. Not tired physically, but tired. Tired of thinking. On top of that, I'm grouchy. I don't know if it's because I haven't been able to draw a deep breath for weeks, due to the oppressive heat and humidity, or if I just need a break from the mental gymnastics of life. Well, at least the weekend arrives in 8 hours.

Fellow blogger and card diva Amy Westerman is having a challenge at her blog, Heartfelt Greetings. Until tomorrow midnight (she must know stampers often don't have time to create until after everyone else has gone to bed!), she is having a business card design contest to encourage those of us who make cards and want to market our expertise and products to create a functional tool for that purpose. This was a good exercise for me, as I have had some business cards on hand that I made using an online Avery template, but I didn't like them all that much. What happens when you don't really like your card? You don't hand it out! NOT GOOD.

I knew I wanted something that would detail what I can provide, and that drove the layout. The flap created a place to add some color easily--the whole card is backed with designer paper--and also, I hope, added some intrigue--"what's under here?"

The services I provide are listed (click on the picture to read them), as well as the cogent details of my cell phone number, my email address, and my blog address. I do want to increase this side of my business, as I find great satisfaction in helping people bless those they care for with unique items tailored to the recipient. I designed a bridal shower invitation for my friend/customer whose friend's daughter was getting married. The friend had received some of Carol's handmade cards, and wanted something special like that for this significant occasion. That's what it's all about! It was simple--she had to make 90 of them--and yet elegant.

I have another friend who contracts with me to create card packets, a 3d item, and a paper container to hold goodies. She gives all this to her writers at a corporate retreat. She doesn't have the time to make them herself, but she loved the idea when I pitched it to her. The response from the women has been tremendous, and they know that she values them. Again, communicating value to those we care about is a big part of why I do this. Okay, being reminded of the "why" behind the doing has alleviated my grouchiness.

My parents left here Wednesday to fly to Albuquerque to visit friends (cheaper flight from here), and they return Sunday afternoon. My sister and her family arrive tomorrow evening, hopefully in time for supper. I'll be busy entertaining, but you'll want to check in here next week, because I'll be posting pictures of the projects for the Anything BUT a Card class that I'm hosting Sept. 15.

The heat's supposed to break sometime early next week. Imagine, being excited that it's only going be in the upper 80s! Hope you find some way to enjoy the weekend. I'd love to hear what you'll be up to.