Gratitude Inspired by Loll

Susan, at Simplicity, has kicked off her 2012 Gratitude Campaign.  In her words, "The Gratitude Campaign is my annual attempt to save Thanksgiving from the commercial limbo between Halloween and Christmas. I resent that Thanksgiving only gets an end-cap at Target...So every year for Thanksgiving, I send cards to random people in my life, telling them how grateful I am to know them."

I thought this was a fantastic idea last year but didn't get around to doing it.  I was really sorry that I didn't make the time.  This year I'm determined to do at least a few Gratitude cards.  Here's the first one.

One of the things I'm grateful for is inspiration from amazing card makers.  The Queen for the Day at SCS this week is one of these people.  You can see the card that inspired me here.  Loll does beautiful CAS cards and manages to add the WOW factor to each one.  Her blog is Stamping with Loll.  Have a peek.

And as if her inspiration isn't enough, Loll has given me the Liebster Award.  

Here's the details of the award:

ABOUT THE AWARD

This award was designed to be a blog award in the pay it forward fashion. Once you've been nominated, you award it to blogs that you like that have fewer than 200 followers, to encourage new visitors to visit these new blogs.

RULES FOR ACCEPTANCE

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog. Post the award onto your blog. Give the award to five bloggers who you appreciate that have fewer than 200 followers. Leave a comment on their blog letting them know that you have given them this awesome award!

Thank you Loll.  I am honored!  I have so many favorite bloggers that I don't feel like I can choose just 5.  If you look at my profile, you'll see the fantastic blogs that I follow and I try to link to them for you from time to time.  I hate taking time away from visiting all your wonderful blogs by naming just a few.

Another note on Gratitude.  Susan has also started another blog called transforming common days. It's a place to express "Radical Gratitude".  That caught my attention.  I don't get there every day but I'm always glad when I do.  I'm trying to at least add a special blessing to my journal each day and sometimes I get over to Susan's and share it.  It's helping me to be able to express the gratitude that I feel and just don't take the time to express.  There's so much negativity in the world.  This is a bright spot with lots of positive thoughts and sharing.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Bright Blessings (retired Jumbo Wheel)
Ink:  Cajun Craze
Paper:  Heavy White, Watercolor (non Stampin' Up!)
Other:  Re-inkers, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Aqua Painter, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Woodgrain EF

The panel behind the cut out leaves is a piece of the Watercolor Splotches technique.  You can see the tutorial here.

Thanks for coming by.  I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

Enjoy!