Crossing the Finish Line (with Ink-Stained Fingers)

Reflections on my AECP Journey

Cards serving as the model for my workshop

When I first signed up for the Altenew Educator Certification Program, I don’t think I fully understood what I was stepping into. I knew there would be classes. I knew there would be challenges. I suspected there might be moments of mild panic involving deadlines and creative decisions. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much this journey would stretch me: creatively, technically, and personally — not to mention the many prayers to the tech gods in the weeks leading up to the final challenge.

One of the many cards I made to show alternative card designs

Alternative card design

Looking back now, it’s hard not to marvel a little at how far I’ve come. There were classes that immediately felt like home — the kind where ideas sparked faster than I could write them down, where techniques clicked, and where I found myself thinking, oh, this is why I love making cards. There were others that pushed me outside my comfort zone — always a sign that something interesting is happening. And throughout it all, one of the true highlights was the community: the friends I made along the way, the encouragement shared, the generosity with ideas and feedback.

Alternative card design

Receiving feedback from Erum was such a blessing. Thoughtful and genuinely encouraging, it helped me see my work more clearly — its strengths and its potential. It felt less like being “evaluated” and more like being guided forward, which is a gift at this stage of a creative journey. Thank you so very much, Erum. I will miss your comments and very much hope that our paths will cross again.

Alternative card design

The Workshop: Joy, Energy, and a Large Head

And then came the workshop — the (almost) final step, aptly titled Mess to Magic (my fingers are still stained). As for the magic, just look at the marvellous collection of gorgeous cards made by the participants featured throughout this blog post.

Angelique Vuur created these dazzling cards:

I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful group of participants. Every single person arrived on time (a small miracle worth celebrating), and from the very beginning the energy in the shared virtual space was warm, enthusiastic, and kind. Everyone was engaged, curious, encouraging, and fully present. Crafting alongside them (even if only via zoom) was an absolute joy.

Carol Pope created these exquisite cards and envelopes:

I designed the workshop to be a celebration of creative play, joyful experimentation, making without a care, and surprising beauty. The overarching learning objective was to explore experimental watercolor and mixed-media layering techniques to create unique card elements. We then looked at how editing, cropping, and die-cutting transform exploratory artwork into refined card designs.

Kimberly (Creative Corner) created these gorgeous cards:

Using analogous colors, we created a large loose watercolor panel with no pressure, no tiny brushes, and absolutely no perfectionism. We layered white organic and black geometric shapes, added raised patterns with Shimmer Relief Paste and a few playful gold splatters. From this single sheet of “creative chaos,” participants chose their favorite areas, cut out striking card panels, die-cut large elements and small sentiments, and turned these into beautiful, elegant cards.

I loved giving pointers, explaining techniques, answering questions, and watching ideas come to life. There is something deeply satisfying about experiencing someone try a technique, make it their own, and then proudly hold up a finished card — and there was plenty of that.

Here are the striking cards that Irene Smith created:

Of course, no workshop is complete without a few learning moments for the instructor, too. For example: I learned — somewhat late — that my head is very effective at blocking participants’ views of my demos. (Note to self: next time, monitor the screen more closely and more often.) I also learned that when I’m enjoying myself, time becomes a very flexible concept. We went over. Not a little. By a lot. Thank you again to everyone for your patience and good humor — I promise I noticed, and I’ll do better next time. And then there is the case of the panel that dissolved into thin air until two minutes after the workshop had ended when it magically materialized again. Had I worn my glasses, I would have noticed that it rested innocently on the model card.

Here are the elegant cards that Jill Kennard created:

Gratitude, Above All

What stays with me most, though, is gratitude. Gratitude for the participants who made the workshop such a positive, encouraging space — and for those who participated in spirit. Gratitude for the creative community that supported me throughout this process. Gratitude for wonderfully talented, kind, and generous Erum. Gratitude for Altenew, for developing this program, for creating such inspiring products that challenge our budgets on a monthly basis and make our creations what they are: special, beautiful, unique. Gratitude for Bridget Casey who gave me the opportunity to practice teaching an online workshop over zoom — and discover just how badly I needed to pray to the tech gods. In the end, they did come through for me on the day of the workshop. Gratitude for all who attended that practice workshop and were so very kind, patient, and encouraging. Gratitude for all the talented artists who teach the classes that I took as part of this journey. Gratitude for the chance to grow, to learn, to try, to fail a little, and to try again.

Berit Kyllo-Steinmoen created these mesmerizing cards:

Becoming an Altenew Certified Educator is a milestone I hope to achieve when the last word of this post is typed and Erum will give me her final feedback. I will be incredibly proud when — if — it will happen, but what makes it truly meaningful are the people who were part of the journey. Thank you for crafting with me, learning with me, and cheering me on. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to take this final step.

And yes — I’m already looking forward to what comes next. 💛

Kim Darling created these breathtaking cards:

Here are the stunning cards that Onalie Gagliano created:

Deborah Romero created these captivating cards:

I can't wait to read your comments on these many fabulous makes. Thank you so much for spending a little crafty time with me today. I hope you leave with a little sparkle of inspiration. Happy crafting 💛