Every day can be a challenge. Every little issue can seem like it’s dragging you down. The flip side of these annoying little niggles is that they build strength, resilience and character.
This ATC is a reminder that no matter what is going on today, you have come a long way and are stronger than you were yesterday.
Using that ethos as a theme, I created this.
I thought that the tiny little rock poking its head above the water level was a good visual metaphor for the message of building a little island of strength.
If you would like to know a little more about this project, here are a list of the supplies used and a quick step-by-step of the method.
Supplies
- Blank Artist Trading Card,
- Stampscapes Rubber Stamp – Set 2B “Nature Sheet 2”,
- Tim Holtz Distress Inkpad – Squeezed Lemonade,
- Tim Holtz Distress Inkpad – Tumbled Glass,
- Tim Holtz Distress Inkpad – Evergreen Bough,
- Tim Holtz Idea-ology – Small Talk Stickers,
- Ink Blending Tool,
- Pigma Micron Pen,
- Large Acrylic Block,
- Pritt Stick,
- Post It Notes,
Method
- I began by masking off the upper half of the ATC with a post-it note and using the ink blending tool to apply some of the tumbled glass ink, graduating from top to bottom.
- I then cleaned the blending tool off and applied a fresh post-it note over the inked area and applied some of the squeezed lemonade colour to the bottom half.
- The evergreen bough colour was then used to stamp out the ‘Rocks In Water’ stamp from the Stampscapes Rubber Stamp – Set 2B “Nature Sheet 2 set. I used the Pritt stick to temporarily affix the stamp to the acrylic block.
- A few drops of water were flicked over the design.
- Finally, the sentiment was stuck in place and then edged with the Pigma Micron pen.
Once again, something so small contains such a powerful statement. Is it just because of the personal reason behind it or does it speak to you too?
What do you think? Would you have done anything differently?
Oh by the way, again, if you would like to see more from the ATC range that I have created, please feel free to raid the blog archive.
As always, if you have any questions or comments about this post then please feel free to use the comments section below.
I’ll see you again with another blog post very soon.
J :)
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
Hello John.
I’ve missed some of these ATC’s. I’ve missed quite a few posts, not just on your blog but on all the blogs I follow, due to being poorly. But .. after over 6 years of investigations I’ve now been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 3 weeks ago. It would seem that an awful lot of us are getting that diagnosis, I see from the comments here.
(I had no idea what Fibro was, so I’m trying to learn by reading and asking questions).
This ATC today spoke to me. It’s a fabulous little work of heart, and I love it and the message it holds.
I promise to try and catch up with all of the ATC’s, for I know that all the ones I’ve missed will be incredible.
Sending bundles of love and bunches of squidges ~ Cobs. x
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Glad to hear that you have found the cause of your issues and that you can now find a way forward. My sister was diagnosed with this some years ago and has found a fair few online support groups, maybe worth checking some out and talking with other folk in a similar position.
All the best,
J :)
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Bless you, and thank you John.
fond regards ~ Cobs. :)
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Fibromyalgia is an other silent alment, but to be able to put that on to paper or a little A T card is a challenge maybe i will be able one day to do that with John’s inspiration, thank John xx
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Gorgeous card John, not only the card but also the sentiment, so true. Thank you and have a nice sunday.
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Your beautiful ATCs always give me food for thought and sometimes a little tear. Even though I am quite ancient I realise that I should stay strong and carry on as long as I can. Thank you John for your inspirational words
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Bless you. Yes, do stay strong and keep on trucking! :)
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Wonderful card John. Lovely words and meaning xx hazel
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I love your ATCs. I am always amazed by how much you can get into such a small space, something I really struggle with. This one is an inspiration X
Chris K
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A message which could be applied to most of us at some point John. I had to say goodbye to my beloved greyhound, Murphy 2 weeks ago & I try telling myself this each day. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas you share with us. XXX
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Sorry to hear of your loss Jackie. Stay strong :)
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Hi Jackie
So sorry for your loss. I have had Lurchers or Greyhounds around me all my life so know how special sight hounds are as a group of breeds. Sending you a big hug & I’ll be thinking of you.
WheelyBad xxx
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Beautiful x
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Hi John this little gem really reasonates with me. I’m slowly recovering from a lumber strain only to be diagnosed with shingles today! But tomorrow I will be stronger than I am now…..fingers, toes and anything else that can be crossed. I’m keeping this one in the forefront of my mind for when I can sit comfortably to put my own spin on the theme. Always a joy to see what you are doing. Keep well, happy and bringing your ideas to inspire us all. Karen c
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Difficult times but glad to hear that you are staying positive through it all :)
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Unless you have shingles….you can’t describe the pain ..I was six but have since been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia which means my pain response is dialled up soooo hopefully you aren’t suffering as much. It does pass : )
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Wowza, that’s gotta sting! Hope you manage some good days too :)
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Beautiful and lovely work you genius
Xx
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