My first idea was to design a birthday card for my Dad using my Tim Holtz Idea-ology stash. He has some great masculine themes in his collection. But then I ran across Stamperia’s Clockwise. Much better. Loved the rich browns, teals and blues, coupled with clocks, keys and gears. And time is a topic my Dad and I discuss in just about every phone call. I’m in my 70’s; he’s in his 90’s. We both wonder what the future holds for us. Time: Do we have enough? All we need? Do we worry about running out? (I do.) This much is true. We both want more.

This project was inspired by a Joy Fold card that Kathy Clement designed last year. I liked that building the base was easy, although once I changed the dimensions and style elements, there was a lot of thinking and rethinking until I got it right. With each handmade card, my skillset develops a tiny bit. I made zigzag, layered pockets which I really wanted to try after watching Cori Dahmen’s tutorial (I can’t wait to create my first journal. Flips. Flaps. Folds. Oh My!), and I fashioned a tassel of sorts. Fun. Enjoy.