What She's Doing Now

 *An update from the woman behind the glitter, stamps, and questionable life choices.*

Here I am, popping back into my stampwithamber blog after a rather extended absence. And by “extended”, clearly I mean the sort of absence where you start wondering whether anyone will remember you, whether your website still works, and whether the password I wrote down approximately five years ago is even remotely correct.

But! It seems that some of you are still finding my cards, projects, and tutorials. Which is rather lovely, actually. Things I made years ago are still out there, doing their thing and finding their way into people's creative lives. I'd love to see any of the projects you've made that were inspired by my projects! Please share and tag me!!

Meanwhile, I've been off doing… well, *other things*

So, what *am* I doing now? A little bit of this. A little bit of that. All of it fun and exciting, naturally ;)

Quite possibly too many things, if we're being honest. There's been plenty of adventuring, some spectacular scenery, and a continuing appreciation for the fact that creativity doesn't always have to look like sitting at a craft table with every supply neatly organized and a project in mind.

Sometimes it's colouring at a dining table while sailing through the Arctic aboard the *Ultramarine*. Or while camping along the Yukon River!

Sometimes it's collecting ideas for things I'd like to make. Sometimes it's looking at a pile of materials (whether that's in the thrift store, or in the garden), and thinking, “Oh, that could be interesting.”

And sometimes it's looking at the project pile again three months later.

You know how it goes. The creative itch, it turns out, doesn't disappear just because life gets busy.

It simply finds other ways to express itself, often while you're distracted by seventeen other things. Paper crafting (and stamping) in the traditional way it's been shown still has a place here, along with the projects, techniques, and little creative discoveries that make me want to pull out the supplies and see what happens.

BUT, I've also been thinking about creativity (and stamps!!) beyond the finished card: mixed media, fibre arts, experimenting with materials, and making room for the pleasure of creating without needing to turn every single thing into a masterpiece...

There may be opportunities to get together in person, share some creative time, and make a bit of a mess along the way. I've been exploring the idea of a small, women-centred creative retreat in Waterloo Region after Christmas, this December. Think paper crafting, fibre arts, mixed media, good company, and the chance to spend some time doing something for yourself. It's still an idea in development, not a finished plan. But it's one I'm excited to explore. Are you interested?

So, what happens next? I'm not going to promise a perfectly regular posting schedule, or a new project every day in December like I used to or anything ... Let's not get carried away.

Instead, I'm going to start here: reconnecting with this little corner of the internet, sharing what I'm up to, and seeing where the creative side of life takes me next. There are old projects worth revisiting, new ideas worth experimenting with, and probably a few things that will go spectacularly sideways. Ask Me How I Know. 😆

So, if you've found your way back here, hello again! And if you've just discovered stampwithamber, welcome.

Tell me in the comments below what you'd like to see more of? Postcards and paper crafting? Mixed media? Tutorials? In-person creative gatherings? I'd genuinely love to know.

Here's to making things, trying things, and leaving a little room for whatever comes next...and absolutely, if you've ever dreamed of an Arctic Expedition, reach out!!
..am