Earlier Seats at the Table
Earlier Seats at the Table is a collection of past projects, seasonal creations, paper experiments, and stories that once occupied the work surface at Atalanta's Table. While newer projects move through Latest Creations, these archived pieces remain part of the ongoing creative journey.
It's Your Birthday!!
Every weekend is a little treat because I spend one full day at the Table doing what I love.
This past weekend, I sat down and looked around at piles and piles (and more piles!) of projects that were started...ish. Instead of reaching for something new, I decided to pick one up, blow the dust off, and start cutting.
The collection I chose included two coordinating paper packs and a package of coordinating ephemera—36 sheets of double-sided 6" × 6" paper and more embellishments than I could count. What amazed me most was how many cards could be made from those little sheets of paper. For the past few weeks, I had been so focused on die cutting that patterned paper had quietly moved into the background.
After eight wonderfully relaxing hours at the Table, I had fifteen unique birthday cards spread out in front of me. Even more surprising? I had only used the equivalent of about five sheets of patterned paper. Looking at what was left, I honestly think I could create another sixty cards without batting an eye!
Each card found its own personality. Some grew from a one-sheet wonder, others were inspired by stamps, and a few really let the ephemera take center stage. Every one of them was simply fun to make.
If there's one thing this afternoon reminded me, it's this: before you rush out to buy something new, spend a few minutes looking through what you already have. You may rediscover a collection that catches your eye, sparks your imagination, and surprises you with just how much creative potential is still waiting inside.
I hope these birthday cards encourage you to pull something off your own shelf, sit down at your craft table, and simply enjoy making.
Added to the Table: June 2026
A Different Side of the Table:
Let's Make It Manly
The first retreat of 2026 came courtesy of Love From Lizi and a creative challenge that immediately caught my attention: Let's Make It Manly.
One of the things that first drew me to paper crafting was the opportunity to create things I genuinely love. And what I love is bold color, metallic accents, and a little bit of creative grunge. Don't get me wrong—florals, butterflies, and beautiful scenes are wonderful to create. But my heart naturally gravitates toward darker palettes. I'm not entirely sure what that says about me, but I know exactly what it looks like when I sit down at the table.
The timing of this retreat could not have been better. After a very busy season filled with schedules, deadlines, and obligations, it gave me an opportunity to spend a full day with creative people and simply make. The kit did not disappoint. It explored a distinct design language built on geometric patterns, metallic accents, bold contrasts, and masculine-inspired color palettes.
What I enjoyed most was being reminded how much variety can be created within a limited palette. Navy, black, gold, and neutral tones became the foundation for cards ranging from birthday greetings to everyday sentiments. Some designs felt sleek and modern, while others leaned toward a more industrial style, but all of them encouraged me to think differently about balance, texture, and composition.
The experience was also a reminder that good design does not depend on flowers, ribbon, or a single butterfly. Sometimes a few strong shapes, a thoughtful color combination, and a well-placed sentiment are all that is needed.
Most importantly, this retreat marked a return to the worktable after a very busy tax season. There is something deeply satisfying about finishing a project, photographing the results, and giving it a seat at the table.
I suspect a few of these designs may make another appearance in the future. After all, every maker eventually wonders what might happen if a project receives a second look—and perhaps an Atalanta-style remix.
Added to the Table: June 2026
Thinking of You:
An Unexpected Paper Story
Every once in a while, a paper collection arrives at the table and immediately leaves me wondering what on earth I am supposed to do with it.
This was one of those collections.
The colors felt loud and disconnected at first glance — plum purple, raspberry pink, mustard yellow — all paired with a linen texture that was decidedly outside my comfort zone. I tend to gravitate toward smoother cardstock, cleaner layering, and more controlled texture, so opening this particular package felt less like inspiration and more like a creative challenge.
Naturally, I decided to cut into it anyway.
As the papers were separated into smaller pieces and layered more thoughtfully, something unexpected began to happen. The mustard tones started behaving more like antique brass accents, while the deep plum grounded the brighter florals and softened the stronger colors into something warm and vintage.
This Thinking of You batch became an exercise in restraint — allowing the papers to speak without letting them overpower the design. Layered strips, offset panels, and soft floral elements created cards that felt warm and dimensional without becoming visually crowded.
Ironically, the collection I nearly dismissed became one of the more interesting creative sessions to visit the table lately.
And perhaps that is part of the joy of making: sometimes the papers you are least certain about simply need a different approach, a little editing, and the willingness to see them in a new light.
Added to the Table: May 2026
Some cards come together quickly... and others feel like they are meant to be.
This was the first card I made after finally taking a deep breath and sitting back down at the table.
It started with a handful of pieces—legs, wings, a bundle that did not look like much on its own.
But somewhere in the middle of putting it together, everything softened. The colors settled, the scene took shape... and it began to feel like something more.
And then... it all came together.
The soft sky, the bright sun, the fresh green grass—it all felt like the beginning of a story.
And then, of course, the message:
The littlest feet make the biggest footprints on our heart.
Some cards are meant to be sent.
Others are meant to be kept.
Seat Taken: May 2026
Back at the Table
After a long stretch of tax season, I sat back down at the table.
Four hours. A bin full of scraps. But only one small piece made its way through—this friendship bracelet for The Confetti Foundation.
It's not much, but it's a start.
Seat Taken: April 2026
