An Elliethank. This is not a typo.

I had personal need of a thank you card this week, and wanted something unfussy but pretty. I dug out my Clearly Besotted elephant die and an old paper pad I though would do the trick.

Now normally I would use these dies with the matching stamps, but as I wanted to feature the patterned paper that was not on. I was happy enough that the dies alone give a recognisable elephant shape, but this meant he was missing his eye, a detail which the stamp would have yielded.

Seeing as I cannot draw ANYTHING, seriously my drawing skills are right up there with my neurosurgeon and trapeze artist ones, just the thought of adding as simple a detail as a nod to an eye, let alone an eyeball, lashes and twinkle made my blood run cold. It’s not just the eye itself, but the positioning. Supposing I end up with it half way down his cheek, or under where his ear will go? Then my cute Elliethank becomes a little more Elephant Man.

But I can’t let the little guy go eyeless, can I? How will he find his way about? Although, maybe bumping into stuff would not be his greatest trial. On reflection I don’t think I have done him any favours in the camouflage department…

Anyway, courage was summoned (wine helped) and after an infinity of hovering over him with a pen I just did it. Slightly off where it should be (I blame the wine, stupid idea) but bearable.

Today I put the card together with a subtle stamped sentiment, also from Clearly Besotted, and a nameless embossing folder. Actually now I wish I had gone for less embossed pattern, which was the original intention, but too late. I might make a second one though! The background is in fact the palest shade of pink, but winter light will not allow this to show.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!