Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder

I was trying to make a card last week when I was feeling really crummy and I felt like it was really showing in my work. The flowers did not come out the way I wanted. I kept dropping things, The colors did not seem to turn out the way I wanted. (And so on)

i was so frustrated with it all that I considered just tossing the card out or ripping the flowers off and starting over. About that time, my hubby comes home and sees the card. With out me asking him what he thought, he starts going on and on about how pretty the card was. He even said it was his new favorite. He talked about how much the lady I was making it for would love it. I was shocked.

I started thinking about how we sometimes do things that we don't see the value in but turns out blessing others. 

This new found perspective caused me to look at the card differently. I decided it was not so bad and even took the time to add a few pearl pen embellishments.

So what am I taking from this? Sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder so I should not be so tough on my assessment. More importantly, no one sees the frustration that can go along with making the card. All they see is a nice homemade greeting and they appreciate the lesson. :)

Black and White with Open Flowers

Another black and white step card with splashes of red. 
This time I used some paper from a black and white K & Co stack and made Open Flowers (instead of Open Roses) This is an easy flower that gives a lot of punch. You can see the video tutorial for this flower here. 

Open Flower Tutorial

I added some Recollections bling and a Diamond Edge border with colored seam binding.

Orange Butterfly

I made this card a while back for a lovely young lady who had a birthday. She loves orange and this Mariposa paper from K and Co. seemed perfect. Of course I added some flowers and a Stickled butterfly.

I used Ripe Persimmon and Stormy Sky Distress Inks. I am really liking the combination.

Floral Greetings

Well, I have been making cards. I just have not taken the time to post.
Here are a few cards I made for my church. I used tattered flowers, pretty flowers, and open flowers along with my butterfly.

Open Roses

Well I FINALLY got the videos and cut files ready for the "Open Rose"

I spent soooo long trying to figure out how to explain how I made them. It was one of those things you knew how to do but could not describe it.

Well, I ended up coming up with a new solution that is even easier.

I am thrilled with the results.

Here are a few examples.

I am selling the cut files and links to the instructional videos in my Etsy store.

It cam out to a little over 1 hour and 20 minutes worth of instructions.

Of course it does not take that long to make one, I just wanted to explain everything really well and take my time so people could see what I was doing. :)

You can also make another flower with the same cut files. It is easier and is called an "open flower".

It is pretty quick to make too. You can use this same technique for most flowers that have broad petals.

Here is a video tutorial for the open flower.

If you have ever purchased flower instructional packages from me before, I will be emailing you soon with a 50% off discount code for the "Open Rose" package.

I am also offering all my blog followers a 25% discount on any purchase from my Etsy store.

I will be sending out an email later tonight with the discount code. If you do not get an email, just send me a message at papercompulsions@gmail.com and I will send it to you.

I also added several new files to my Etsy shop as well as the actual paper roses you see in the pictures and video.

You can also custom order flowers in any color and size. 

I used Tim Holtz Distress Inks to color my petals so if you want one of his colors but don't see it pictured, just let me know.

I will also be offering a chance to win some free flowers later this week!

Thanks so much for your patience.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and video.