"RE-Purposing" ... What a GREAT Word!

Since I turned 50 I have found that I have been trying to find a use for things before I just throw them away.  It used to be called "being thrifty" but these days we have a new word:  RE-PURPOSING:  to find a alternate use for an unwanted item to make it WANTED again!  I just LOVE this word!!

myStamp Box set used: Wishing you Sunshine; Fluerishing Punctuation; and Lovely Houses

Today I am sharing with you how I Re-purposed some old playing cards, turning them from garbage into little pieces of happiness by creating mini-truth cards.  A Truth Card is a  message from the Universe that speaks to your soul.  You can create one for yourself or someone you care about.  A truth card is always uplifting and NEVER preachy, it comes into your life at just the right time and speaks directly to your heart.  It is a wonderful gift to receive a truth card and nothing makes ME feel more loved and cared about than getting one unexpectedly! 

to create these mini canvasses I covered the front and back of each card with gesso and allowed them to dry overnight.   I then used my dylusions sprays, stencils and babywipes to create different colored backgrounds.  On some cards I used my Fluerishing Punctuation stamp set to create a second background. I then stamped and colored various myStamp Box images and used Mod Podge as both a glue and a sealer.  I typed some of my "truths" out on the computer using a wonderful old typerwriter font called "my Underwood" and others I just used my colored pens to doodle.  You can use whatever method appeals to you.

  

Here are a few tips before you start:  Use a waterproof ink for stamping like Archival or Stayz-on.  And if you use water soluable inks and sprays or watercolor paints like I did, remember the Mod Podge will cause the colors to run and smear, so to prevent this I apply one thin coat of mod podge to my card very delicately without brushing back and forth and allow it to dry.  This seals the inks and sprays so I can apply a second thicker coat, or paste on the sentiments at this point without fear of smearing the inks. 

 

That's It... you can decorate your truth cards any way you choose, you can do one side or both, many truths or just one... the sky is the limit.  

If I am making a truth card for myself I like to put it somewhere that I can see it everyday, like my bathroom mirror.  If I am making one for a friend I don't "overthink" the sentiment but let the Universe guide my hand.  It is amazing to me how many times it is the absolutely RIGHT "truth" at the perfect time.  But don't believe me, try it for yourself today ane then come back and leave me a comment .... I'd LOVE to know how it worked for you!