Sunday, August 26, 2012

A Fleeting Miracle

A few weeks ago I couldn't wait to write this post to make an announcement I've been waiting a long time to do.  But I was asked to wait awhile longer.  Today, though, I write with sadness for the loss of unknown promises, butterfly kisses that now ride the breeze, and a fleeting miracle that still brings joy and hope.

On July 20 I found out I was going to be a grandma for the first time!  My son and daughter-in-law, now married over a year (already!) were giddy with excitement when they gave us the news.  Unfortunately, last Wednesday morning my son called.  Any morning call from him makes my heart stop, and this time was no different, except that I just knew before he told me.  They had a miscarriage.  My daughter-in-law was at about 11 weeks, and is doing well.  Both of them still have their moments, but are very hopeful that good news will replace the bad soon enough.

Sympathy cards are always tough, but I couldn't even fathom a card for a miscarriage or the loss of an infant.   Thanks to an internet search I found some lovely ideas and sentiments.  Below is the card I made for them.

The image is digital by Sara Burrier at Crafts and Me.  She is colored with Copics and highlighted with Stickles crystal.  The background paper is from the DCWV Mariposa stack, one of my all time favorites.

I couldn't decide between two sentiments I found, so I put one on the front and another inside.  Neither one had authors' names to give credit to, and I don't remember the sites I found them on.  

What a charming image!

This is the second verse on the inside.  Accent papers are Bazzill metallic and the die cuts are by Spellbinders.  The border punch is Martha Stewart.

Since the ultrasound was done early, the baby's gender was not determined for sure.  But "collective intuition" declared it was a girl.  For baptism and christening she was named Emma Sam.  She will never be forgotten and will be waiting in Heaven to meet her parents someday.
You're very much loved, Emma.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Happy Birthday, Norma Jean!

Today is my dear friend Norma Jean's birthday.  Last night we celebrated with friends and enjoyed lots of laughs, delicious food, and wonderful live music by our talented friend Steve Crawford.  I wanted to do something special for Norma Jean and since she loves bling I knew the birthday card should be filled with it.  I also have some fine photographs of this lovely lady, so I selected a favorite, converted it to a digital sketch, then hand colored it with my Copics.

Here is the photo...........
Isn't she beautiful?

Here is the sketch........... 
Of course the watermark wasn't there.  :)

Here is the finished easel card..............
Lots of bling!


Norma Jean's hair is snowy white with a shine like a halo!  I used silver Liquid Pearls over the Copics and added a few streaks of white Enamel Accents by Ranger.


The letters are by Sticko and lining them up was more challenging than the coloring!  Materials I used include red textured card stock, black glitter paper, large swirl by Prima, and pieces of assorted rhinestone sets.  The labels are cut with Nesties dies. 


Norma Jean loved the card and was clearly surprised.  That's the best thing about our craft .... bringing smiles and good feelings!  

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Facebook Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop


On the third Wednesday of each month the Facebook chapter of the Design D.I.V.A.S. has our Oldies But Goodies (OBD) blog hop.  This is when we use neglected and forgotten items from our stashes.  The Design D.I.V.A.S. is a private Facebook group which is a branch of the Original Design D.I.V.A.S. on the Splitcoaststampers website.  The acronym for the D.I.V.A.S. is Divine Inspirational Virtuous Artistic (or anointed) Sistahs.  This is a very talented and supportive group, which I'm blessed to be a part of.  Thank you for stopping by and we hope you enjoy the hop. If you came here from the lovely Maria's blog you are on the right track.  To start at the beginning hop on over to  my awesome friend Cindy's blog

For my card I used this luscious image of Anastasia by Make It Crafty


The photo looks darker than I intended, sorry.  Basically the red, black and silver combination seems to be a favorite of mine lately.  The image is new, but the flowers and brads are from my neglected stash.  The frame is Nestibilities and one that I rarely use.  It's not that I don't like it --- I actually LOVE it but I often end up with images too large to fit.  This one is just right!  The papers are from my scrap pile and the border nearly hidden underneath is a Martha Stewart punch.  


Here's a close-up.  I colored the image with Copics and highlighted the red roses and hair with more bling. I like how this turned out and I'm happy to share it with you.  Now, be sure you visit all the talented D.I.V.A.S. in the hop!  You'll be so inspired!  Your next stop is my talented friend Sue's blog.  Thanks for stopping by!


Friday, August 3, 2012

Sassy Cheryl Challenge #126 - Pretty Papers

It's been awhile since I joined in on Sassy Cheryl's challenge --- but I've been taking peeks at all the deliciousness from the design team.  I've been back in the groove a bit lately and actually have a card to show tonight.  The challenge this week is "Pretty Papers" which is not a problem with me!  Like all of you I love my papers, almost to the point of hoarding them! 


This glimmery pretty paper is from the DCWV Nantucket stack, which is all so beautifully coordinated around a nautical theme.  I used this stack when I made lighthouse gift boxes a year ago for my son's wedding rehearsal dinner.  (I can't believe they have been married a year already!)

This is Precious Callie all colored in pretty lavender Copics.  She's such a cutie pie!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you all have a great weekend.  Keep cool wherever you are!