Monochromatic Birthday Card

Hi there!

I have a new card to share with you today.  If I'm entirely truthful, I started this card with the best of intentions and then after deciding on the card base and the tab sticker, didn't know where I was going with it and set it aside...for a few months.  Oops.

But determined as ever to catch myself up on back-logged cards, I dug it out and finished it nonetheless!

The approach I finally decided on to finish it?  Very simple: just keep adding and layering!  Sounds silly, I know but I really enjoyed putting together this hodge podge of emphemera - banner, washi tape, View Master slide reel, mustache sticker, brads, die-cuts, chipboard, staple, letter sticker accents - just go crazy and pile it all on!

Here's a little close-up of the layering.  And you know, that October Afternoon bear brad in the top right corner up there?  I never really liked it when I first saw it and now, I think it's pretty awesome.  Go figure.

With all the layering on the right side, there was a heavy lack of balance on the left side so I filled up the space with some repeated date stamping.

So the next time you find yourself stuck with what to do for a card, why not try the just add and layer until you can't anymore approach?!  It just might work for you, too.

Kiva - November 2014

Welcome back to a new year and a slight backlog of Kiva loans!  :D

Remedios (Philippines)

A loan of $175 helps Remedios to pay for her children's school expenses this school year.

Remedios is married and has 5 children. Her husband is a fisherman. They live in Plaridel-Danao, Philippines. Remedios supports the daily needs of the family by selling the catch of her husband and by buying the catch of her neighbors to sell. In January of 2014, Remedios applied for membership in Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC) after she learned of the benefits offered by the Co-op to its members. She became a member in good standing and has received several loans, which were repaid in a timely manner. She is a persevering mother who wants nothing more but to see all her children achieve their diplomas and have stable jobs. Remedios is in need of financial assistance. She requested a loan of 7,000 PHP to pay for her children's school expenses this school year. Someday, she hopes to build a concrete house for the family.

You too can get involved and contribute to a loan today!

UPDATE: As of June 26, 2015, Remedios' loan was fully repaid.  See the update here.