Yikes! It’s a blizzard out there as I am writing this Tuesday evening! And the poor Twins! At first Brody thought all the snow was tons of fun…until the wind really started to pick up. We have had gusts of up to 50+ miles per hour. The drifts are deeper than a Boxer’s head! And some are waist high to a short Iowa gal! I would no more than get a space shoveled out for them, and it would drift back in immediately. I felt so badly for poor Muffy and Brody. They were such little troopers and insisted on ringing their potty bells to go outside.
On a happier note, I have a peek at this week’s Pals Paper Arts card for you to peruse. And I think that I can certainly say that this week’s challenge was a challenge for me! But as I have said before, it is good to step outside your comfort zone. The full reveal will take place Thursday. In the meantime, please check out this week’s Pals Artist Picks.
Remember, your comments are important to me. Since this isn’t a very big peek, how about a comment about something that takes you outside of your stamping/card making comfort zone. One thing which sends me right out of my comfort zone are color challenges that include colors that I seldom use. I simply become fixated on that color and the creative juices cease to flow! Has that ever happened to you? One lucky person who leaves a comment sharing what takes them out of their comfort zone will receive a brand-new roll of retired Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon. Obviously this ribbon took me out of my comfort zone because I bought it in every color it came in…and never used a snippet! Arghhh! Why did I do that??? It really needs to go live with someone else! I will announce the new owner at the end of Thursday’s post. Until next time…
Looking forward to the full reveal! Out of my comfort zone is clean & simple – although I love this look, I seem to add layers and embellishments galore!
It seems like everyone’s been getting slammed with snow! I empathize with your poor pups! Mine hve been doing their business under the trampolene because of the lack of snow under there…that makes for “fun” clean up! LOL
I have to agree with having trouble with certain colors! With me it’s usually bright yellows or bright pinks…or even purples! Earthy colors are definitely easier for me!
{SMILES}
Ann, this week’s challenge challenged me, too! I could not get started, but once I did, I really loved the results and I’m sure yours is wonderful, too!!
Bet it will turn out to be another stellar card!
Comfort zone – do I even have one?
This blizzard business is getting plain nasty! Poor Henry with his short basset legs didn’t know where to go potty let alone how to jump over the drift at the door just to get out! At least the twins are taller. Some of our drifts around the house and garage were 3-4 foot high. Henry could see grass over by the trees but didn’t even try to get through the drifts to get there. At least we didn’t lose power. We lived in Houston when there was that ice/snow storm several years ago. I think Mother Nature must really be ticked off at us this year!
Chris R. from Iowa
Sorry to hear about the Midwestern blizzard. I know the twins are going crazy. What takes me out of my comfort zone is having to color in. I’m definitely not the pro that you are with this technique.
My ‘uncomfort’ zone is vintage! Too much snow here in Joliet also! 3 hours for hubby and me just to clear our driveway! I’m thinking spring, that’s for sure!
Wow this is a widespead storm then. East of Toronto…I couldn’t open either door this a.m. about 4 feet of sno drifted in front as I am NE! I pushed about 10″ to get the pups out and then did a huge U turn. I quickly shut the door and “where did they go”…similar to Muffy and Brody!!! Poor things…peeing underground! I love this peek. Looks like a cut out of the stamp…Intriguing Ann!
It sounds as though Muffy and Brody are braving the cold, snow and wind. I hope that the blizzard has left you today. We have had snow for two days and plenty of it. ๐
It is very hard for me to see from yur sneak peek what the challenge mught be. But that is the idea right? ๐
I have a very hard time using bright colors or when I make a card any thing but simple. That does not happen very often.:) I look forward to seeing your card tomorrow. Stay warm
Mary
The thing that is most out of my comfort zone is detailed cutting, I think some gals call it fussy cutting. I tend towards more straight lines and clean & simple things.
Thanks for the opportunity for getting the ribbon! I love Rose Red!
I am just like you Ann! I lose all mojo when it comes to a color challenge! I will get stuck on it and not be able to create anything else.
Out of the comfort zone goes directly to watercoloring, lots of detail on a card, cutting detailed images… I am thinking I am figuring out my style which is quick and simple! Heavy on the simple!
Oh my, keep warm Ann and twins. Wow the weather is getting crazy isn’t it. I’m in Calif. and I forget it is winter sometimes, we get rain and frost at night and semi cold winds that’s it. I could not imagine what a blizzard would be like. Stay warm OK!!!
I get stuck using red, white & black. Or rose red, brown and kraft. I have a hard time with pastels that’s for sure.
I feel for you and your poor puppies with the cold windy snowy weather!! I hate being cold. Keep thinking SPRING! The peek is looking good! Rich Razzleberry, pearls, embossing folder and perhaps the Bliss set?
Out of my comfort zone would have to be using all of the colors and not just the same ones over and over.
Stay warm and safe, Ann!
Used to live in MN and I remember all too well how bad the wind gusts and snowdrifts can get. Sure don’t miss that at all. Vintage style cards take me out of my comfort zone. Eager to see your intriguing card! Thanks for the chance to win your “unused” ribbon!
bdlakebum at yahoo dot com
Ann can’t wait to see the reveal.
My biggest challenge is making masculine cards… I “struggle” so much… first because most of the stamps I own are girly or feminine (IMO), and even when I do nature themes I find it hard not use flowers or such……. so guess that’s my “outside my comfort zone” so far.
We are also experiencing some horrifically cold weather here in Colorado! My boys have been out of school for 2 days now (I’m going NUTS)…who knew it could be too cold for school?!
Something that really took me out of my comfort zone lately was when a girlfriend, who I make cards for all year long, asked me to make a baby girl card using Camo paper and a hunting theme. My first thought was REALLY??? For a new baby girl??? After a day of thinking it through (and thinking there was NO possibly way I could do this for her), I made a Camo onesie card that ended up being really cute!! But I did NOT put any guns on the card…I mean, really, that would be insane!! =o)
I have a hard time making other than the most basic ribbon use look neat and tidy–I keep trying but it’s a challenge. Thanks for the daily challenges! Challenge is good! ๐
Jeanie in Wenatchee
We got around 10 inches here but you were in a zone that got more I think.
Can’t believe your twins are trained to ring their “potty bell”. That is just too funny….sure a new one to me. ๐
Trying to make detailed cards like you do would definitely take me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes trying new techniques.
Stay warm!!!
I am intrigued! It looks very vintage and I can’t wait to see what you have come up with!
Those poor babies! My lab peeks her head out the doggie door and immediately comes right back in. I thought about you yesterday when they said it will probably snow here thursday. The city will most likely shut down because most people here in Houston don’t know what snow is.
It is very difficult for me to add lots of layers to my cards. I like to use a couple but when I see sketches with multiple layers, I just can’t manage to add them.
I agree with you that color challenges take me out of my comfort zone. I don’t think to use some sparingly (if I don’t like the color) and use the ones I do like more prominently! I just panic!
We were expecting the storm, but only got 4 inches so far. Our Golden LOVES the snow! He eats so much when he goes out to go potty, that he needs to go back out again soon! But he doesn’t ring a potty bell he just gives me “the look”!
Cards for children and clean/simple cards are 2 things that are outside my comfort zone.
Oh my, the poor Twins. When will Spring ever spring? My mother said Harry charges through the snow and makes his own paths in the yard.
So, would could have challenged you this week? Looks like you stamped with Rich Razzleberry. Can’t wait to find out tomorrow!
Lace? Hmmm, what will it be? The colour challenges are difficult for me especially if they seem to be a bit off and not something I am used to, but that is what challenges are all about…to get outside the comfort zone. The other area is placement of elements if I don’t go by a sketch, should it go here?, should it go there? It takes me longer to decide these 2 things than to make the card lol. Have a good day in your winter storms, stay safe and warm.
Ohh, so far so pretty! Cant wait to see the whole card.
Brrr! That winds reminds me of when we lived in ND. Shoveling those snow drifts are no fun…as soon as you turn around they just come right back, even bigger. Boo! ๐ Poor Muffy and Brody!
I have to agree with you that right now color challenges can definately be a “challenge” for me and CAS cards…ugh! They are not simple for me for some reason. I always want to keep adding to them…I’m working on that! Haha! Your sneeky peek looks like it’s going to be another beauty. Can’t wait to see it! ๐
Funny, but your thing with color challenges is pretty much what can send me the other way, too! Super bright colors and me: we don’t get along!
I would have to say that out of my comfort zone would be vintage cards. I love them but cannot create them.
I have to say that we are fortunate to have power. ๐ Ice was hitting the windows last night with 40+ mph winds, so it was questionable in my mind! I’m happy to have the kids home and time to stamp. ๐
tionyalynn at yahoo dot com
Am anxious to see the rest of your card, I love anything with pearls.
Out of my comfort zone would definately be working with the bold brights I am a earth tone type of gal. Hate to tell you this, Mother nature is having herself a ball today with the nation, I live in Maryland and it 55 degrees here, I’m sure that’s a record!
They ring the “potty bell”? Wow, obedience school is awesome! lol. Especially in the deep deep snow. Be careful out there.
I like the color combination on your snippet. Color combining is my out of comfort zone. That’s why I love S.U. dsp because it already tells you what colors will look good with it, lol. And they are all matchy, so that helps.
Aw, poor little babies! Hope that storm makes its way past you quickly.
I think that color challenges are most difficult for me. I see the colors and sometimes it’s like “Really?” I guess that’s why they are challenges, lol. But I have found some challenges that I thought were way out there only to love the combo after making the card.
Color Challenges using dark colors take me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes light colors if I dont like the combination.
Good morning Ann, I have been thinking and praying for you guys out west. My cousin called home yesterday and said that a blizzard was coming and that it was rough weather out there. Poor Muffy and Brody. Here were’re getting frozen rain, over 1/2″ of ice covering everything…lots of power outages and now snow and high winds today. Second day the girls with no school.
Out of my comfort zone….Bright colors and sometimes color challenges. I’m not real fond of 3D projects unless it’s a home decor item.
Stay warm! Many blessings-Tana Conley http://tanaconley.blogspot.com
Hopefully you are now able to dig out and not have to deal with the winds anymore. Those blizzards are just the worst! Hope the twins are doing better today. Can’t wait to see your card tomorrow!
As for me – what takes me out of my comfort zone is much like yours. I struggle when I’m given a color challenge and I need to figure out how to make it work if the colors are not my cup o’ tea. But I have found that it has helped me improve my skills and made me a better crafter. I still have a long way to go though! LOL
Your peek looks vintage!
Sketch challenges I am so intimidated by them! BTW, I love your blog, Ann! Sorry you’re going through some rough weather! The winds here woke me up last night. Hope it gets better for you soon!
Pretty peek — look forward to the full reveal. Out of my comfort zone? Anything 3-D (unless it’s just decorating a Mason jar, and even that I have to really psych myself up for). I’m just a card makin’ gal! ๐
Hi Ann…we are experiencing a storm too. Our power was gone by 8:30 pm last evening. We took the dogs and went to bed. Of course we really wasn’t ready for sleep but we did keep warm.
Out of the comfort zone hmmmmmmmmmmm Bright colors!
Yvonne
The Bully went pottie right outside the door. The Lab didn’t mind the weather so much.
Lovely peek, it looks exquisite with the pearl in the midst of it! Outside my comfort zone encompasses really cutsey images for adults. I can do cute for my three grandchildren but other than that, it’s difficult for me.
Sorry you’re experiencing such harsh weather, what an amazingly strong storm that has gripped so much of our nation. Take care, sweet little boxer pups (and mom)!
Looks intriguing… Lace? I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
Two things I find difficult and are out of my comfort zone, are clean & simple cards and sketch challenges.