A blog devoted to the cards I make in my tiny upstairs space. When my sister stays there, she calls it an "artist's garret". I'm not an artist, but am an enthusiastic cardmaker - hence the title "Cardmaker's Garret".
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Thursday 4 June 2015

Welcome to my blog!


Welcome to the start of my blogging experience.  My name is Susan (known as susanbri at Splitcoast Stampers).  I've been making cards for many years.

I'm a retired librarian (I worked for many years at the public library) and have happily reinvented myself since retiring six years ago.  I now split my life between my volunteering (more about that in a minute) and my home life where I make cards, garden, cook, knit, walk my dogs, get together with friends for wonderful food, and read (how could a retired librarian not be a reader?!).

In my volunteer life, I'm a Friend of the Garden at the UBC Botanical Garden, I teach dog obedience classes, and most relevant of all, I volunteer at Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STARS).  You'll see that stars play a big role in my cards, and also the majority of them are Christmas cards.  That's because I make many Christmas cards each year to sell, with the proceeds going to Southlands to help fund their Therapeutic Riding programs for children and adults with special needs.  I spend two to three days a week at the barn, helping to get the horses ready for lessons, leading the horses or walking next to riders who need extra help.  It's incredibly rewarding and makes my retirement so very rich.

I have been a member of Splitcoast Stampers since 2009.  There's a link to my SCS card gallery in the right hand column, if you'd like to take a look at my previous cards.  I'd always thought I'd just stick with posting my cards on Splitcoast Stampers, but my dear card-making friend, Loll Thompson (Stamping with Loll) has convinced me I should start a blog to share my future cards, my volunteer life, and my love of gardening.  I hope you'll take this journey with me.

Since a post with no picture is kind of boring, here's my favourite photo from the therapeutic riding.  You can't see me very well but I'm up at the front on the left leading the horse.  The young rider is confined to a wheelchair with a whole host of physical disabilities but when he's on a horse, he sits up straight with just a bit of support and smiles the most wonderful smile the whole time.


Helping to fund his riding (and other riders like him) is the reason I make so many Christmas cards to sell, so please enjoy all the Christmas cards posted throughout the year!

I have to end by saying I would not be blogging without all of Loll's help to set up the blog and to teach me how to use it!   Thank you so much, Loll!



7 comments:

  1. Love your blog Susan!! Loll xx

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  2. Yay, Susan! Welcome to Blogland! Your blog looks so good and I can't wait to see some cards posted here!

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  3. Welcome, Susan! What a fantastic introduction. I can't wait to see some more posts from you. Your volunteering is amazing - thank you for sharing! xx

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  4. OMG Susan...look at you:-) Welcome to The Blog World! That Loll, she sure can Inspire us to do creative adventures we "Never" intended! I "Loved" reading your Bio my friend. I knew about your love for Therapeutic Riding, stamping, knitting and gardening, but did not know you were a retired Librarian. We have even more in common. Our oldest DD Jeani is also a Librarian :-) More later!

    Congratulations again and who knows....I may have a blog some day too :-)

    Can't wait to see another picture of you Susan. Even from the back you look cute!

    Hugs, Nancy

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  5. Hey Susan...so happy to see your new blog. Looks wonderful and I am looking forward to seeing all your wonderful creations. I remember how intimidating it was when I was asked to start a blog but once I was into it, it was easy. I am so happy for you. I have received such blessings from my blog and know you will too.
    hugs,
    Karen

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  6. I recognize 'susanbri' from SCS and am sure I've 'favorited' your cards. Arrived here from Loll, of course, and have enjoyed looking at your entries and now reading something about you. Congrats on creating a retirement you enjoy and doing good deeds as you do so. I'm away from home for an extended period at the time, but plan to Follow you when I finally return in August.

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  7. Hello Susan - found you at Loll's blog; anxious to see your creations.

    From a fellow Lower Mainland-er
    sue

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