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I read a comment in a Facebook group the other day that really resonated with me. "Unexpressed expectation is premeditated resentment."
I see this a lot with crafting. Especially cards. People post stories of having given a card to a relative or friend and that relative or friend threw it away, and then they are super upset.
But here's the thing - most people when they receive a gift of any kind, are instantly grateful that they were thought of, and that the person took the time to give them a gift. What they are not usually expecting is an unexpressed obligation.
So let's say you give a complete minimalist a ten piece Russian nesting doll spice shaker kit, for example. If you give that freely, with no expectations, expressed or unexpressed, that minimalist will experience the joy of receiving a gift, but as it doesn't fit into their ethos of minimalism, will also experience joy giving it to someone else. If you later find out about it and are mad - that is premeditated resentment, because you didn't put a tag on it that said - I am giving you this ten piece Russian nesting doll spice shaker gift fully expecting you to carry it around your entire life and then be buried with it.
If you send a card to someone with the expectation they will put it in a shadow box and include it in their will so that it never leaves any blood relative of them, then you should a) say that or b) don't send the card.
I opt for the philosophy of gifts with no strings attached. If I send you something, it's because I wanted to. What happens after you get it is your business. I'm not going to follow up in five years asking for a picture of you with that day's newspaper and my gift or card.
The real magic is in the giving. Just give freely. And if you can't give freely, don't give! Or give to people who understand your expectations very clearly. Then everyone wins. Life is short. Let's not have too many rules!
There is some fun new stuff out today, so I actually had a chance to stamp this week. Work has been absolutely insane, so I appreciate the break with pretty things.
I love their giant florals, and the new peonies are no exception. This stamp is amazing for detailed coloring but I opted for simple - just three markers - royal blue and neon violet blue Karin markers (coupon code in footer) and a special black copic and BOOM - a very delft looking pattern! I stamped the image in Blue Belle Ink before coloring. The sentiment is from the AMAZING new double cut alphabet which created three different styles of letters with just one die set. I cut the letters from holographic cardstock.
I brushed Gina K Kraft ink onto a draft card base through the Coloring book stencil for the background. The sentiment is from BFF Favorite Hello and the sequins are Spring Fling.
I won't tell you the embarrassing story that led to this card, but let it be said that I'm not that bright! But I recovered and am bringing you an ocean themed card with the Ocean Waves die and the Nautilus Shell stamp and dies. But what's so super exciting is the new dies for the More Fancy Sentiments Set - I love how crisp that looks. I stamped the shell image in Fadeout and colored it with Daniel Smith.
There's a reason we call Maddie Toothless - she looks SO much like Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon! So I cannot resist a dragon, ever. This sweet boy-themed set is great for birthday cards, but I decided on a friend card, using the Big Hugs die with holographic paper and the Aurora Borealis background stamp.
Finally - this lovely Lavender Frame die. I love how it's sized just right for a card front. I ink blended Lovely Lavender and Wild Wisteria inks with the Slim Line Rising Sun Stencil on the card front and then just added the die cut! The sentiment is from Wild Peonies.
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What are you up to this weekend? I sense a weekend of cleaning and organizing!
Loveyameanitbye.
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15% off anything at Marker Universe or any of their other sites - Understandblue15.
10% off the whole store at A Colorful Life Designs - LydiaFan10
5% off at LBC here with code LYDIA5
Phone stand for filming link below in the banner - 20% off sitewide with code UNDERSTANDBLUE
You have opened my eyes. Both with your comment and your lovely cards! Now, I need eye drops or maybe glasses LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat message and beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteThese are all just so stunning! Yes - I totally agree with your free gifting philosophy.
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, several of your links go to 404 Not Found
ReplyDeleteThese cards are amazing! Love the painted shell and the apple reminds me of a 1¢ postage stamp (naturally,lol). This release is fantastic, I will look for links in the class group.