Statistics tell me that this card is not going to appeal to the masses. I am certain of that. There are over 285 million people living in the United States. Of that population, less than one percent claim farming as an occupation. The vast majority of farms, about 90 percent, are owned and operated by individuals or families. About 40 percent of farmers are over the age of 55.This card was insprired by this card on Stampin' Cub's blog. Our cards are quite different. The appeal of his card was his clever use of the Stampin' Up Spiral punch. For me, this punch was one of those "gotta have" items that, once I had it, I had no clue what to do with it. Do you have any items like that in your stash? I think we all do. In fact, once I get tired of the Friday Favorites posts, I'll do a "Wednesday Why Did I Buy That ?" series. Just kidding . . . I think.
As for the card, I will send it to my brother who, while he's among the one percent, isn't among the 40 percent. He farms the farm our father and grandfather farmed - a farm that I believe to be less than 10 years from being a Century Farm. Our mother continues to live in the house that my grandparents built in 1929 when my dad was six years old, and my brother lives on my maternal grandparents farm, where my mother lived as a child, about three miles away. While, as a young woman, I was anxious to leave the farm, I love going back there today where the air smells fresher and the sounds, in the wide open spaces, seem sweeter. There's a sense of pride there, too, that three generations of my family have tilled the same soil. It's funny how one's perspective changes over the years, and now I'm thinking that if only one percent of American's workers are farmers, the other 99 percent don't know what they're missing. Tune in tomorrow for Day 13 of the LOVE countdown.
Materials & Tools: Barn Red, Outdoor Denim, retired CTMH Natural, and Stampin' Up Kraft cardstock; Barn Red, Outdoor Denim, and Bamboo ink pads; My Farm stamp set; Stampin' Up Spiral punch; Stampler; Sanding block.
6 comments:
My dad would love your card! He still farms with his brother on the fields that his dad farmed in Illinois. Your description is right on and there is just something about being there. I think you've stirred up a desire to visit in the spring or summer. Thanks for your beautiful artwork, I've seen it on the CTMH bb's and now enjoy your blog regularly!
Carla
I spent a lot of time on a farm growing up and tractors remind me of an innocent time in my life. Especially playing with my brother. I dont think you have to be a farmer or rancher to appreciate the life style. I miss that out in the middle of no where, shared phone line, and sugar sammiches of long ago.
I've not lived on a farm, but your description sounds lovely. What a legacy for your family.
While the card may not appeal to the masses, your heartfelt story does!
Well done!
Kathi,
I loved reading about your family heritage and it warmed my heart to read about the farmland passing from generation to generation. What a legacy that is!
And, I - although I am a city girl - know of a couple people who would love that card too. (Funny that a city girl knows farm folk, eh? -- That was supposed to make you chuckle!)
OK - and LOL - that I just bought that same SU punch. In fact, I think your blog singlehandedly made me INVEST in SU punches earlier this month.
I'll tune in for the Wednesday series when it starts. Hah.
I grew up on a farm, and my dad and my brother are still farming! I have been wanting to buy this set. It will make some great birthday and Father's Day cards.
Hello Kathi, I love this card and I love the stamp you have used. I loved reading about your heritage too! I live on 5000 acres in Australia where we farm and breed cattle. The lifestyle is wonderful - peace and quiet living.
That spiral punch is great isnt it.
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