Retired, Reimagined, and Ready to Shine: August’s Color Me Whimsy Challenge

Who says retired can’t be radiant?

This month’s Color Me Whimsy challenge features one of my favorite kinds of stash diving — the kind where I open the “retired SU” bin and let the creativity chaos begin.

Using the Linked Together stamp set, coordinating dies, and a pile of purples, I created two cards that both say “Enjoy” — in style. One’s clean and bold, the other is layered and grungy (in a cute way). And yes, those little die-cut flowers are working overtime.

No DSP for this one, but who needs it when you’ve got a good lattice die and a sprinkle of sass?

Check out both designs below, grab your supplies, and share your purple-powered creation for this month’s challenge! Don’t forget to tag your post with #ColorMeWhimsy so we can all be inspired by your brilliance.

The Pinky Promise I Might Not Keep (and That’s Okay)

There I was, standing in the middle of my craft room with a Melon Mambo ink pad in one hand and a very questionable floor situation beneath me. The kind of mess where you’re not totally sure if that’s cardstock or last week’s grocery receipt under your foot.

So I did what any self-respecting crafter would do.

I raised my pinky. Smirked. And made a very non-binding vow to myself…

“I pinky promise I won’t open another ink pad until I tidy up the craft room.” Wink. Wink.

Spoiler alert: I opened it. And it was glorious.

Because let’s be real — some days the creative spark wins over the vacuum. And that’s okay.

This space may be chaos, but it’s also comfort. A reflection of ideas in progress, happy mail in motion, and the reality of being a one-woman creative whirlwind.

So if you’ve got a space that’s more “loved” than labeled and a project calling your name? Go for it. You’re not alone. The tidy-up can wait. The inspiration can’t.

Now… if you see my fairy godmother, send her my way. She’s clearly off the clock.

The Happy Mail Challenge: One Card a Week in August

Ever gotten a card in the mail and instantly felt a hundred times lighter?

There’s just something about opening that envelope and realizing someone thought of you. Not for a reason. Just because. This month, I’m challenging myself (and you, if you want in!) to send one handmade card each week. It could be for a friend who needs a smile, a family member you haven’t talked to in a while, or even someone who popped into your head for no reason at all.

I’m calling it the Happy Mail Challenge—because the world could always use a little more kindness tucked between envelopes.

📬 Want to join the fun? It’s easy:

• Send 1 card each week in August
• Share a pic on socials and tag me @WhimsyandBling
• Use the hashtag #HappyMail to inspire others

Need card ideas? I’ve got plenty coming your way. Let’s spread a little handmade happiness together this month.