A New Season

Wow. Last time I posted was at the end of August, just as I was heading back to school. And since then I’ve barely had a minute to catch my breath. I’m currently teaching high school chemistry full time, and also teaching general chemistry at a local college two nights a week. Which is a lot of work. I haven’t had a lot of time for the fun stuff. And by fun stuff, I mean basic self care. Kidding. Kind of. I’ve definitely had limited time for the things that make me feel refreshed - creative projects, reading, etc. I’m working on making better choices. Because we have time for what we choose to prioritize. But it’s always a struggle.

I’m working on being comfortable in the season I’m in. I know back to school is a busy time, and that there are peaks and troughs in the workload vs. time graph. I definitely feel stretched too thin at the moment, but at least I can look forward to the easier times of the year.

I’m also working on my outlook. I chose to take on the adjunct position because I know the extra money will help me meet my financial goals. So I’m focusing on that, and on being glad to have the opportunity. Because I’m real tired and I need to put a positive spin on this situation.

To be honest, it’s the busy times that make me really appreciate being on a creative team or two. It forces me to carve out some time to do what I love - play with pretty papers and stamps, make some things, record some memories. And the September release from Kelly Purkey Shop was such a fun one to work with. I’m such a sucker for fall stamps and fall colors.

For this layout, I made a bunch of cards using stamps designed by Tina of Life Love paper. It’s been a while since I’ve broken out the watercolors, but watercolor and stamping is one of may favorite combinations, and I was really inspired by these stamp sets.

I also used the main kit stamp set on this one. I’m a big fan of the days of this unique spin on a days of the week stamp set. The main set includes day of the week outlines, with words, phrases, and sentiments that can be inserted into the outline. There’s also an additional solid alpha stamp set that coordinates with it. Definitely check it out. Both are still available in the shop and are so versatile!

I love the days of the week set so much that I built a whole traveler’s notebook layout around it. Because one of the phrases you can insert is “I’m in love”, and I can’t resist an excuse to pay tribute to The Cure. If you saw my bedroom in high school, you would understand why. Seriously. Wallpapered in Cure posters.

This layout is a little bit about The Cure, but mostly about how I’m so freakin busy right now. I used only the main kit stamp set for this one.

The set comes with circles that make a fun pattern builder. The last project I did with this month’s release used the traveler’s notebook kit and stamp set, which is unfortunately sold out.

Honestly, I wish I was a pumpkin spice person because it seems like fun. But my coffee order is the same every day of the year. Hot coffee. Dark roast. A little half & half. Or sometimes just black. Can’t do sweet coffee. But I loved the stamp set so much that I had to fill a whole page with pumpkins.

Most of the stamps and kits are still available in the shop, so check them out if you haven’t yet! The link above is an affiliate link, so thanks in advance if you swing by the shop!