That was an interesting Friday. I found out at work that they are having cuts and my job has been eliminated. I have to go in on Monday and see if there are any other positions available that I would be interested in. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so I need to think about what I want to do. I would like to get a job that I really enjoy or maybe find some way to work for myself. Any suggestions would be appreciated! To go along with that cheerful news it rained here all day yesterday. But I’m off to Manhattan this morning and then at The Ink Pad tomorrow so it will be a good weekend!
And yes, Michael has yet another post for you! That’s three in a row! He’s definitely on a roll! You can take a look at his latest creation HERE!
Now on to today’s card, it’s for this week’s Pals Paper Arts color challenge…
I went with a birthday card, they are something that I need to add to my ever growing stash! The card base is Neenah Solar White 110lb Card Stock. It’s cut to 4″ wide and I heat embossed the chevrons from the Simon Says Stamp I See You Photopolymer Stamp Set in Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder down the left side. A piece of Always Artichoke is embossed with the Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and adhered next to the chevrons with SNAIL. My frame is cut from Sahara Sand using the Simon Says Stamp Birthday Frame Die. I heat embossed the heart image from the same set in Hero Arts White Embossing Powder on Blackberry Bliss and adhered it to the frame with 2-Way Glue. The frame is then adhered to the card with Fun Foam and SNAIL. The happy is also from the same set and is heat embossed in White on Always Artichoke and adhered to the heart with Foam Tape. To balance the card a bit I cut out the 2 and u from more Always Artichoke using the Papertrey Ink Block Alphabet and Numbers Dies. They are adhered to the card with more 2-Way Glue. You knew there had to be some Pretty Pink Posh Gold Sequins on there somewhere so I did a scattering of them around the heart. I love that geometric heart and the typed sentiments in the I See You Set, so cool! I hope that you enjoyed my card for this week’s Pals Paper Arts color challenge! Thanks very much for coming by today! I wish you all a fun Saturday! 🙂
Products used:
Stamp Set: I See You Photopolymer (Simon Says Stamp)
Specialty Ink: Versa-Mark
Embossing Powder: Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder (Stampin’ Up!) and White (Hero Arts)
Card Stock: Solar White 110lb (Neenah), Always Artichoke, Blackberry Bliss and Sahara Sand (Stampin’ Up!)
Dies: Birthday Frame (Simon Says Stamp) and Block Alphabet and Numbers (Papertrey Ink)
Embossing Folder: Woodgrain (Stampin’ Up!)
Embellishments: Gold Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)
Adhesives: SNAIL, 2-Way Glue, 3M Foam Tape and Multi-Matte Medium (Ranger)
Tools: Big Shot, Heat Tool and Fun Foam
Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
Jason, so sorry to learn about your job cut back. No doubt it’s a mind numbing shock! It’s happened to me before — I worked in an expenditure dept, not revenue dept — so I know. I’d suggest to negotiate a very nice departure pkg, including a letter of high recommendation, avoid the desire to take time off, temporarily take any job they have to offer as you look for another position, or think through a home-based biz. Much easier to find a job when you have one. I’m sorry to learn about your situation. Unpleasant even if you didn’t love your job!
Wow Justin, sorry about your job. You are right though, everything does happen for a reason. Hopefully you will find a job that you love. It makes life so much better if you enjoy your work.
Your card is awesome! Love the birthday frame die cut . The embossing on the chevron and the heart is outstanding.
Thanks Gerri, I am hoping that I can find something to do that I love, hmm… wonder what that would be?! I need to love what I do!
Glad that you like the card too! The Simon dies are really fun! 🙂
sorry to hear about the job! i am certain something great will come of it though. follow your heart and cherish the moments. Beautiful card as always.
Thanks Jodi, I’m hoping that great things do come, I mean they will! Positive thinking! Thank you!! 🙂
It’s difficult when you hear your job has been eliminated. You have my caring thoughts. Like you have already said in another way, when one door closes, another opens. This is an opportunity to take a path doing what you love. I’ve heard you mention several times about setting up computers and/or resolving tech issues at work, and also for friends and family. So it sounds like you’ve got some great technical skills. Hmm, a business of your own? And of course your love and happiness for paper crafting, blogging, and teaching card classes just spills over! Wouldn’t it be awesome to be tied to, or have your own business in arts and crafts. I could see you now!
I was actually not shocked Carol. The company wasn’t that great, they say one thing and do another. I appreciate you thinking of me and I’m sure that something great will come of this! I definitely need to do what I love for a change! I am hoping that I can find something to do in the craft industry, that would be awesome! Thanks!! 🙂
Well, Happy Friday to you. 🙁 If your experience ends up anything like mine, in the end it will be one of the best things that has ever happened to you. Good luck!!!
I’m sure that it will work out for the best Melanie! Thank you! 🙂
Hi Justin:
Boy, what a shock. Why do companies always do this stuff on a Friday? I’m surprised there weren’t any rumors about cut backs as that usually does leak out. With all your technical skills I’m sure it won’t be hard to find another position where your skills are appreciated. I suggest you contact Hofstra regarding a computer system maintenance position or even the NY Islanders sports facility. How about sending a resume to Apple. You could also run an ad to tutor us technology challenged people. I’d love to have someone sit down and work with this tablet until I could feel comfortable using it.
As for opening a business of your own – that would be amazingly wonderful however it takes a lot of capital and a good business plan. Take some time to really think about what you want. I’m so sorry you are going through this but I think most of us have gone through the same thing at some point and it’s true, everything does happen for a good reason.
Extra huge hugs. XO
Hello Grace!
They do stuff on Friday’s because they are not kind people. I had a feeling that things were not good for a while. What can you do? I’m not going to lie and say that I loved my job. It will all work out for the best. You have some good ideas, thanks! I do computer tutoring now and enjoy it maybe I can expand on it!
I know that owning your own business isn’t easy but I really am sick of working for people in a corporate environment. I need to be somewhere that I’m appreciated and not abused because of all of the things that I know. And yes, everything does happen for a reason!
Thanks!! Hugs to you!! XOXO 🙂
Oh, Justin, I feel for you! Of course, after all the complaining you do about your job, this may be a golden opportunity. Think several times about being self-employed. The benefits are horribly costly! Yes, it sounds great, but trust me, you have no retirement package, no medical, no paid vacation, you pay for your own workers comp, higher taxes because you have to pay the company’s share, no help unless you pay for it, etc. Some company out there would jump at the chance to get an employee with your experience and skills! Now you will have the chance to pick and choose! Aren’t you glad you got to take your glorious vacation first? We are all wishing the very best for you, my friend. Best wishes and good luck on Monday! Love, Nancy B
LOL! I do complain a lot about the job don’t I?! That’s because I didn’t like it at all! I will have to think about what I want to do going forward. I have faith that it will all work itself out. I appreciate your confidence and hope that I can either find something or make something else work. I am glad that I took my vacation first for sure! Thank you Nancy! Love you! XOXO 🙂
WOW, Justin, I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
🙂
Thanks Nancy! I appreciate it! 🙂
I’m so sorry, I lost two jobs that I loved due to cuts backs, and I agree things happen for a reason biut when your caught in the midde its hard to see the reason. I have a great job now, I love it, and less stress. Abd if O was never laid off I would not be where I am today. I know it doesn’t help but things do get better. It just takes a while.
Great card! Love how these colors work together, I too love this heart and this stamp set. I need to play with it. Happy card making day!
No worries Linda! It is what it is! I’m hoping that I too can get a great job and love what I do! I’m sure that I will. Thanks, glad that you like the card! The stamp set is great! Hope you had a nice Saturday! 🙂
Justin, I’m sorry to hear about the cut backs. I am so glad you have a positive attitude! I was laid off at the peak of the economic slump about 6 years ago. I tried to stay busy with positive actions to a secure new position and maintain an upbeat attitude (even though the fear hung out in the pit of my stomach). I ended up in a MUCH better situation and I hope you find the same is true for you. Best wishes!
Thank you Dana, it’s is what it is. You have to have a positive attitude, you can’t be upset about things that you have no control over. I will end up in a much better situation too!! Thanks again! 🙂
Jason, this is a new beginning! I love how you say you want to find a job that you will love-so many people don’t take that chance- I worked for over 25 years in jobs I did not love. This can be such a positive move and I truly hope you find something that is fulfilling. I will be praying for you!
Yes Kathy, I agree with you! I have to work at something that I love! I appreciate you praying for me! I’m sure that it will all work itself out! 🙂
Hate to hear your bad news but I agree with you about everything happening for a reason! As creative as you are any company will be so fortunate to have you! I’m sure it will all work out for you ?
Thank you so much Teresa!! I appreciate that!! 🙂
That’s a bummer :-/ but you will find something else perhaps with the same company. Might be making a few less craft purchases though for awhile :-/ Love the card, as always. Keep calm and carry on, Justin
It is but onward and upward, right Lynne! Thanks, glad that you enjoyed the card too! 🙂
Hey Justin, wow, you have so many friends who care so much about you, and I’m just going to say the same things – I’m really sorry this has happened, it’s a huge shock (our family has been thru this in the last year). You have so many skills and connections (particularly in the stamping world) and on top of that, you are a really nice guy – so I’m sure you won’t have trouble finding another job, hopefully one you love! And I’ll be praying also. Great card too, and I love that big ‘J’ 😀 Hugs for you Justin xoxo
Thank you very much Kelly! I am lucky in so many aspects of my life and I’m grateful for that! Everything will work out and it will be much better than before! You are way too kind to me and it means a lot! Thanks for the prayers and I’m glad that you enjoyed the card! Hugs back to you! XOXO 🙂
I hope you find the job you really want to do. You seem to have the right attitude to make lemonade out of the lemons. This is your time to do something amazing.
Your birthday card is fun and filled with texture to greet the recipient. They will know they are special.Thanks for playing with the Pals.
We all need to be more positive Michelle, if I can’t control it I just deal with it! I’m hoping that things will work out and I do get something that I love!
Thank you! Glad that you enjoyed the card! have a super week! 🙂
Awesome! I love how you used this week’s challenge colors! Thanks for having fun with the PALS this week!
Thank you Sandra! Have a fun week! 🙂