Catching Up and a Sympathy Card

Coffee/Tea of the Day - Maple Walnut coffee

Surprise! I am back! :)

I know that I have been away for a VERY long time, but so much has been going on over here. for those of you who have stuck around, I am very thankful. sending you big hugs and much love! :)

I am still dealing with seizures. yeah, yuck, I know. have several a day still. am trying something different that SEEMS to be working, but they haven't gone away yet. crossing fingers, toes, eyes, ears, and everything else I can think of in hopes that it helps. those things wear me OUT! ;)

had another health scare that we are trying to figure out on top of that. yeah, when it rains and all of that fun. but hey, still blessed! :D Palmer & Moon Pie keep me smiling every day, as do the lovely birds I watch at the feeder and the squirrels & chippies that scamper along below it. gotta keep smiling!

I am also working behind the scenes on Ryan & Elizabeth's wedding as well as getting things ready to hopefully open my Etsy store in February. exciting stuff!

Dave's dad passed away on Christmas Day. just going to say that it's been very difficult for everyone for many reasons.

a dear friend's son passed away suddenly, leaving behind a wife and children. it has devastated them, needless to say. a card seems so inadequate, but it is something that I can do, in addition to prayer. so I went into my craft room and made this....

used the "Waterfront" stamp set by SU! and sentiment is from the Reverse Confetti set, "Tall Blooms."  it was inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest using the Waterfront set. the gingham plaid paper is my favorite from Authentique. card base is stamped with the "Burlap" bg stamp, also by SU!

vintage buttons & ticket are from my stash, little flowers & leaves are by Petaloo, linen thread is from SU!, washer is a found item (much to hubby's embarrassment when I picked it up off of the ground! grins!), and tab punch is by EK Success. celery green ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I will have blog candy to post, hopefully over the weekend, to say thank you to those of you who have so kindly stayed as followers of my blog. you will need to be a follower to be eligible, which I don't normally do. this is just my way to show my appreciation for those of you who have hung around! :)

much love to you and have an absolutely fantastic day! :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Crop Stop - anything goes w/a vendor carried in the Crop Stop store (Authentique, EK Success, Scotch foam mounting tape - for main image)
Get Creative - anything goes
Make My Monday - use words or a sentiment
Fashionable Stamping - anything goes w/rubber stamping
Corrosive - anything goes
Inkspirational - use kraft (card base and one of the ink colors)
Artistic Stamper - anything goes w/rubber stamping
Happy Craft - anything goes
Southern Girls - anything goes
Dream Valley - anything goes

With Deepest Sympathy and GIU Winners

Coffee of the Day - Bourbon Pecan

I hope all of you had a most joyous holiday, whether you were celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah. for a few short hours, all of my sons were home and it was absolute bliss for this mom! :)

but you didn't stop by for that. all each of you wants to know about is who won the Unity Stamps. ;) it's okay. I'm the same way when it comes to free stamps and prizes.

I do want to share a card with all of you very quickly though. in the midst of preparing for the holiday, we had some sad news come our way. David's aunt suddenly passed away last week. he, Tyler, and Ryan made a fast trip to Pittsburgh for the viewing. Dave's sister from San Antonio was able to fly up, too, so they all had a nice visit with Dave's dad and family.

I made a sympathy card using the Unity set, "You are Important."  I thought this flower was just gorgeous and so perfect to convey our feelings. the sentiment stamp is by Memory Box. I don't have any yet from Unity that would go with it.

paper is from the Basic Grey Kioshi collection. shimmer ribbon and pretty purple twine are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and buttons are from my vintage stash.

the flower was stamped onto watercolor paper with Versamark, embossed with white ep, and then watercolored with multiple shades of SU! inks. I love the look this gave. :) edges were distressed and inked. I went back over it all with the SU! ink squirty tool.

and now the winners of the Unity Stamps from my GIU week are:

KENNETH SIMMONS

(just so you know, your various numbers actually came up 3 times!!!

you were really meant to win this prize! grins!)

DEBRA DAVISON

Please send your mailing address to me at jenscull (at) yahoo (dot) com. You have until the end of the week to contact me or you will forfeit your prize.

Thanks to everyone for leaving such kind and thoughtful comments on my GIU week projects! :) and a very special thank you to those of you who were so VERY amazing and left comments on each one of my posts!!! y'all rock! :)
Jennifer

So Sorry Rose Tag Sympathy Card

Coffee of the Day - Pecan Toffee

Some very dear friends of ours recently lost their mother (and mother-in-law), so I needed to make a sympathy card for them. in fact, we are getting together with them tonight, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to hand deliver it. I am not one who can make sympathy cards ahead of time. I need to think and pray for the people I'm making for. it's just what I do. ;)

I used an image from Bugaboo called 'Rose Bud Tag.' papers are from the Basic Grey Tea Garden collection, and gorgeous mulberry rose is from Wild Orchid Crafts & was dyed with SU! ink refills, seam binding is from Zipper Stop (and distressed with inks), lace is vintage, and burlap doily is from Hobby Lobby. buttons are from my vintage stash.

I hope you have a most amazing weekend! :)

Challenges:
Stella Says Sketch - monthly sketch
QKR - anything goes
Crafting with an Attitude - anything goes
Crafty Girls Creations - anything goes
DL Art - gardens
Crafty Addicts - anything goes add lace and/or pearls (lace)
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes
Melonheadz - hand colored image
The Crazy Challenge - burlap and/or twine (burlap)

So Sorry For Your Dog Loss

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Some very dear friends of ours recently lost their dog of many years. he was such a sweetheart, and I just couldn't let the moment pass without making a card to tell them how very sorry I was at his passing.

the card works perfectly for the new challenge over at the Bugaboo challenge and inspiration blog where the theme is 'anything goes.'

I had not seen such perfect images for these types of occasions until I came across a card someone shared on another blog. I'll be picking up the cat version soon. here is the link to the one I used on my card, 'Sign It - Dog Condolences.'

papers are from the Basic Grey Oxford collection, main die is by Spellbinders & pet item dies are retired ones from Whimsy Stamps, seam binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and buttons are from my vintage stash. corrugated cardboard and die were distressed with Prima chalk ink. flower centers were dotted with distress stickles and dog tag was painted with shimmerz.

thank you for stopping by! enjoy your weekend! :)

Challenges:
Crafty Calendar - punches and/or dies
The Pencil Case - anything goes
Crafting With Friends - anything goes
Just Add Ink - 'S' is for sympathy, spots, shimmerz, stickles
Polkadoodles - use a ribbon or twine
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
4 Crafty Chicks - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes

Sweet Hour of Prayer Sympathy Card

Nothing soothes the soul like a bit of vintage, a touch of shabby, and the sweet sound of an old hymn. add some pretty ribbons & trims, and we have the makings of a beautiful card to bring some comfort when a heart needs a hug.

I found a lovely old digital postcard image of a rose cluster that I knew would be perfect for a sympathy card I was making. when out on an antique adventure a month or so ago, an old hymnal was being given away. I quickly grabbed it because I love to use the pages on cards and other paper craft projects. a run through the printer and I can use this hymn as often as I like without worrying about running out of pages or songs.

The Edna crochet lace I used is currently out of stock, but there are many others that could easily be substituted. Forsythia seam binding was distressed with several shades of ink to age as well as lightly moistened and wrinkled before tying into a bow with natural burlap string. a pale yellow magnolia was lightly painted to match the image and then a leaf added for accent.

papers are from the Basic Grey Vivienne collection, buttons are from my vintage stash, and burlap doily is from Hobby Lobby. distress stickles edges the vintage postcard image that was overstamped with a SU! French script bg stamp. I also used my SU! ink squirty tool on it to add a bit more distressing.

be sure to check out the current challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon, too! we'd love to have you play along!

Challenges:
Allsorts - vintage
Bunny Zoe - lovely layers
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Incy Wincy - texture
Card and Scrap - flowers

Psalm 9:10 for Word Art Wednesday

The Crafter's Cafe Winner
Top 3 Pick at Scribbles Designs

Coffee of the Day - Carrot Cake

Hello! So happy to be on the Word Art Wednesday blog today with my last post as a guest designer for them. what a privilege to have been asked! thank you, Karen!

Today's word art is especially poignant since I have been needing so very many sympathy cards lately. there is so much comfort to be found in the hope & promise of Scripture.

in our church district, Dave & I have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. we travel to various churches over the many states served in the District. this card will be going to the pastor and his wife at one of these churches, since they are sadly in need of a sympathy card.

digital papers are from the Prima Anna Lee collection, butterflies are by A Day for Daisies, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons are from my vintage stash. several of the butterflies were printed and colored twice, then adhered only down the center to give a more dimensional effect. the centers of the butterflies are coated in distress stickles while the wings are covered in Mr. Huey's clear shine spray.

Turquoise plaid ribbon that I distressed with ink sits over the top of pink satin double ruffle ribbon. a re-purposed postage stamp adds interest next to a doily snippet.

thanks for stopping by! check back in just a bit for my Really Reasonable Ribbon post. :)

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes with tic tac toe twist (opted to not do twist)
Digi Choosday - things with wings
Retarte (StampArtPapel) - anything goes
Artistic Inspiration - anything goes
Melonheadz - pastel colors
One Stitch at a Time - anything goes with wings
Robyn's Fetish - anything goes
Card Mania - spring
Crafter's Cafe - what season are you in? spring
Crafting Musketeers - spring is in the air
Creaine Ch - spring
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - anything goes with a butterfly twist
Open Minded Crafting - Easter/Spring/pastel colors
Paradise of Stamps - pastel colors
Scribbles Designs - A Little Note to Bug You
Di's Digi Designs - pastel colors
Creative Corner - words

Always in My Thoughts Sympathy Card

Top Winner at Crafting With An Attitude

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Hazelnut

Sadly, needing more sympathy cards.

I chose this pretty 'Daisy Bird Bath' image from A Day for Daisies, paired with a sentiment from Create with TLC and papers from the Basic Grey Kioshi collection. buttons & lace are vintage, flowers & leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and lavender seam binding (which I distressed with several shades of ink) is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. main image die is by Spellbinders and senitment punch is from SU!

Challenges:
A Day for Daisies - add lace
Outlawz Tues Color Ch - color board
Jade's Sparkling Butterflies - anything goes/buttons and bows
Crafting With An Attitude - anything goes
Star Stampz - use a digi
Fab 'n Funky - winged things
The Crafty Addicts - girly
Clear it Out - theme: nature, stash: greenery: leaves
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Come and Get It - things with wings

Bird Blooming Sympathy Card

Coffee of the Day - Dulce de Leche

It's Friday! the weekend is almost here! :) I hope you have some fun things on your calendar! I have LOTS of craft projects that I simply MUST get caught up on.

Today is my cousin's funeral, so it's fitting that I am sharing the last of his family's sympathy cards. I also want to show a photo taken of him with his children. it's several years old, but definitely captures the love they all share for one another. :)

RIP, Dan. we love and miss you.

my card uses the pretty image from A Day for Daisies called, 'Bird Blooming.' papers are from the Basic Grey Hillside collection, dies are by Spellbinders, grass green seam binding is from Really Reaonable Ribbon, flower is from Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons are from my vintage stash. once again, that all purpose sentiment is by SU!   you can tell I sure do get a lot of use out of it!

a few accent dots were added with a white gel pen. I did add some little touches to the mulberry magnolia with inks and watercolor brushes to have it match a bit closer.

thank you so much for stopping by today! :)

Challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches - sketch turned on its side
Cre8tive Hands Friends - anything goes
Star Stampz - flowers, flowers, flowers
Inspiration Destination - anything goes
Lemon Shortbread - anything goes
Animal Friends - birds

General Store Sympathy Card

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Hazelnut

Almost finished sharing the sympathy cards for my cousin's family. seems appropriate since today is the viewing at the funeral home and tomorrow will be the service and burial. it's been tough making all of these and knowing I can't be in Texas with all of the family. hopefully the cards will bring a bit of comfort in the days ahead. if you have a moment, I know they would appreciate a prayer. thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful comments you have left here on the blog and on Facebook. they mean a great deal to me. :)

Today's card uses a wonderful stamp I received as a prize. it's a fairly new release from Little Darling Stamps, Dove Studios, called 'General Store.' gingham paper is from Die Cuts with a View. a bit of torn paper bag was added, along with some burlap ribbon from May Arts, vintage buttons, ticket, and tag tied with seam binding from Really Reasonable Ribbon. sentiment stamp is by SU!

thank you ever so much for stopping by! :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Dragonfly Journeys - Tag, You're It
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Retarte - anything goes
Artistic Stamper - distressed
One Crazy Stamper - anything goes
Paper Creator's Crafts - polka dots or gingham
A Place to Start - upcycle a common household item (paper bag saved from shopping)
Our Crafty Corner - anything goes
Come and Get It - Tag, You're It
4 Crafty Chicks - scenic

In My Thoughts and Prayers Daisies

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Hey there, blogging fans! I'm treading in tender waters here, as I've been fighting migraines off and on for a while now. a nasty one hit yesterday and really hit me hard. makes it tough to get any crafting done, that is for sure, those rotten things! ;)

anyhow, sharing another sympathy card for my cousin's family today. this one uses the pretty 'Daisy Window' image from A Day for Daisies.  papers are from the Basic Grey Vivienne collection, pearl flourish is from Michael's, seam binding (that I distressed) is found at Really Reasonable Ribbon, sentiment stamp is from a set by Unity. flower centers are covered in distress stickles and little accent dots are made with a white gel pen.

again, keeping the design fairly simple.

hope you have a most wonderful day! thanks so much for stopping by. :)

Challenges:
Scribbles Designs - a song in your heart (My Prayer by The Platters)
ADFD - add glitter (stickles)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
CCC Digi Creations - anything goes
Pearly Sparkles - anything goes with pearls (pearl flourish)
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Through the Purple Haze - flowers

Bird on a Limb Sympathy Card

Coffee of the Day - Highlander's Grog (butterscotch and hazelnut flavor)

Sharing another of the sympathy card's for my cousin's family. Your prayers for them are greatly appreciated, especially with the funeral coming up in a few days.

This card uses the Wild Bird image from A Day for Daisies, paper from the Basic Grey Vivienne collection, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, burlap ribbon from May Arts, and buttons from my vintage stash.   little banner punch, linen thread, and sentiment are by SU!  accent dots were made with my white gel pen.

I've been keeping all of these cards fairly simple.

thanks so much for stopping by. hope the rest of your weekend is amazing! :)

Challenges:
Li'l Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes
Catch the Bug - anything goes
My Sheri Crafts - Thinking of You

I Will Give You Rest Flower Fairy

Top 3 Pick at Robyn's Fetish

Coffee of the Day - Carrot Cake

It's the weekend! Hooray!

I'm sharing with all of you yet another of the sympathy cards I'm making for my cousin's family. I'm almost finished with them - just a few more to do. hope to get them completed this weekend if all goes well.

Today's card uses a precious little image from A Day for Daisies called 'Baby Cherry Blossom' and a verse given away over at Word Art Wednesday.

I confess that I first saw the verse this week and knew immediately that I wanted to use it. I was looking through my ADFD images on my computer and came across the cherry blossom one. it wasn't until the entire thing was printed and on my craft desk that I actually saw the little flower fairy hidden inside the image. C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien were both Christians and used fairy folk in their writings, so I guess my one little card should be okay. ;)

papers are from the Basic Grey Typeset and Dear Heart collections, buttons are from my vintage stash, bay leaf seam binding (that I aged and distresd) is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, mini sweetheart blossom is from Wild Orchid Crafts, and little banner punch is by SU!  a wink of stella glitter pen was used to add sparkle to the main image.

enjoy your day! :)

Challenges:
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Robyn's Fetish - add a doily
ADFD - add glitter (used the glitter pen)
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Digitally Sweet - fantasy
Craft Rocket - mythical creatures
Simon Says Stamp Work it Wed - pastel

Thinking of You Sympathy Window

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia


Today begins a new challenge over at Crafts Galore Encore with a fun theme of 'Anything Goes'! We are sponsored by Beccy's Place this month. I hope you will play along with us. it's such an easy theme and gives you lots of options for linking. :)

I have used the pretty 'Spring Window' image on my card, using it for one of the many sympathy cards I need. paper is from the Basic Grey Dear Heart collection, lace & buttons are vintage little pink seam binding snippet in the upper corner is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and flowers aer from Wild Orchid Crafts. leaf flourish die is by Cheery Lynn. card base is embossed with a Tim Holtz embossing folder.

thanks so very much for stopping by today! :)

Challenges:
Classic Design Team Open Ch - anything goes
4 Crafty Chicks - anything goes
Crafty Girls Creations - anything goes
Southern Girls - anything goes
Paradise of Stamps - ribbon or lace
Left of Center - embossing (card base)

2 Simple Sympathy Cards

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

Sadly, one of my cousins died on Easter morning. although I have to say, if I could choose, that would be the exact day I would pick to go to Heaven! oh, the rejoicing and partying going on! lots of comfort in that mental picture, I tell ya.

anyhow, I am busy making lots of sympathy cards to send to his family. I'm not one of those who can make sympathy cards ahead of time. I need to make these as I need them so I can really think and pray over each one.

I'm also a fairly slow crafter, so I'm afraid y'all are going to be seeing these for a bit. I apologize in advance for this.

I'm sharing 2 today, made with a beautiful feather image from A Day for Daisies. papers are from the Webster's Pages Painted Passport collection.

ribbons and trims are all from Really Reasonable Ribbon with the exception of burlap which is May Arts and buttons are from my vintage stash.

1st card - little banner punch and sentiment used on it are by SU!
2nd card - banner die is SU! and sentiment stamp is by Unity.

thanks so much for stopping by. I hope your day is amazing! :)

Challenges:
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Digi Choosday - spring colors
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Love to Scrap - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
Ribbon Girls - any image and ribbon
Outlawz Mon. Greeting - anything goes
Paper Shelter - buttons
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes

Spring is Sure to Follow

Can you believe it? I actually made it into my craft room! really hope to get back in later today if I can. :)

the mother of a special bloggy friend of mine recently passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. it's a nasty beast, isn't it? I wanted to send her a card to let her know I was thinking of her, but also send her a bit of encouragement, too. I so remember the days feeling so hopeless after my dad died. it was really hard to find the joy, even though I loved Dave and  my boys so very much. the little bits of pink pay tribute to her mom's hard fight and the hearts represent not only the love the 2 of them shared, but the love she can find in so many of her friends.

it's a lot to pack into a card, isn't it? this is the reason I prefer to make sympathy cards as I need them. I try to put little touches into the card that might not be noticeable to anyone else but me, but are so representative of the people. I also like to pray for the ones I'm making them for and think about them the whole time I'm crafting.

the image is by From the Heart and papers are from the Basic Grey Highline collection. flower is Prima, leaf flourish dies are Cheery Lynn while the heart banner die is from La La Land. little touches were added to the flowers on the main image with my spica clear glitter gel pen and faux stitching to the 2 decorative paper panels. the heart banner was cut from a piece of transparent packaging, and then the edges were painted with acrylic paint. buttons & floral trim finish the card.

Challenges:
i {heart} sketches - sketch #63 (flipped on side) and insp. photo twist (colors and flowers)
From the Heart - monthly progressive ch
As You Like it - fave item to recycle and why: I really like to re-use the transparent packaging. it's great because it can be die cut into so many shapes and then either left clear or painted. I re-use many of the containers as they are for altered projects. my other fave item is buttons. I take them off of any clothing that is too worn to go to a charity store. of course almost every project I make has buttons somewhere on it! :)
Card and Scrap - add metal (staples)
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes
Shelly's - April showers bring May flowers
Crafting by Design - April showers bring May flowers
Creative Moments - anything goes/spring
Inky Impressions - recycle it (clear packaging & buttons)
WAW - anything goes encouraging
Card Makin' Mamas - recycle (clear packaging & buttons)
Creative Fingers - anything goes/bingo: die cut, pearls, flower
Craftitude - anything goes or Spring/Easter
Sister Act - anything goes
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - Spring or Easter
Fan-tastic Tues - anything square or rectangle goes
Created with Love - in the garden
Squirrel and Fox - use a die cut or punch

You've Been On My Mind

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia Nut

Hello and happy Friday! it's snowing like crazy here. We got the news last night that both Tyler and Ryan are coming in this evening to spend the long weekend with us. you know that makes me a very happy mom! :)

I did manage to get another card made to share with you. We needed a sympathy card for a gentleman in the Church District Office who's mother passed away last week. Since I am still out of ink in my printer, I'm a bit limited as to what I can use. I thought these stamps from Unity worked out pretty well.

Stamps are from the sets 'Cherish Your Dreams' and 'Debby Girl'. papers are from the Basic Grey Hopscotch collection, washi tape is Tim Holtz (I think), baker's twine is from The Twinery. flower centers are dotted with antique linen distress stickles. oh yes, the little kraft reinforcement sticker comes from The Kraft Outlet. it's a fairly simple card, but I wasn't sure if it was going in the mail or if Dave was going to deliver it the next time he goes to the District Office.

I hope all of you have a most wonderful weekend!

Challenges:
Unity - friends with flair
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Frosted Designs - polka dots
Sister Act - anything goes with cards
Aud Sentiments - any sentiments
Crafting Cafe - anything goes
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
TTCRD - anything goes
Card Mania - anything goes

May Flowers Sympathy

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

Happy Sunday to you! We have a new challenge going on over at Pile it On this week - 'April Showers Bring May Flowers.' We are sponsored by Gingerloft. I chose to use the image, 'Birdhouse Swirl' for my card.

About a week or so ago we received the sad news that one of David's childhood friends had a son pass away from a genetic disease he has had since he was a young boy. The young man lived until he was 19 years of age. Our hearts are just breaking for them. No matter whether you are anticipating a death or not, the hurt and loss are still devastating. They are in our constant prayers.  I wanted to make a card to let them know we are thinking about them.

Papers are Basic Grey Serenade, flowers are from my VERY old Prima stash, burlap wired ribbon is May Arts, buttons are vintage. the bird is cut from a Tim Holtz die, covered in glitter, and then SU! glass glitter. a vintage button serves as the eye.

Challenges:
Clear it Out - button up
Stamping with the Dragon - spring has sprung
Stampin' for the Weekend - die cuts and/or punches
Digi Haven - digi and button
My Time to Craft - kraft
Pumpkin Spice - nature
Shelly's Images - April Showers Bring May Flowers
Art Impressions - layer it up
Creative Belli - spring (flowers are all old Prima stash)
QKR Stampede - favorite things (vintage buttons, Basic Grey, kraft, Prima, birds)
Crafting by Design - anything goes
Creative Moments - spring
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - flowers
Love to Scrap - cut it out
Stamp and Create - use at least 1 die cut
Dream Valley - things with wings

Floral Sympathy

Coffee of the Day - Santa's White Christmas (see yesterday's post for story behind it)

Hippitty Hoppity Hooray it is Friday! and all of my family will be together this weekend! hooray! yep, I'm a happy happy mom! :) Tyler and Mick come home today, plus we will see Jocelyn, Mick's girlfriend on Sunday. yipppeeeee! oh this momma loves her little ducks, I tell ya!

I hope all of you felt properly LOVED yesterday..... and everday as well!  David absolutely adores his coffee. as you can see we are having it again this morning. makes us miss the fabulous coffees we found at Barnies in Florida... the flavored coffees we can get up here just aren't quite the same. Ryan was able to drive down to spend the day with his girlfriend, Ashley yesterday. they had a lovely time together and also celebrated their one year anniversary of dating! :)  oh, do you remember when you counted those milestones? I do... still remember my first date with hubby. even the date. yep. those dates always have an importance, even all these years later.

I want to share the 2nd of the sympathy cards with you. I had mentioned a few days ago that I needed a few for some of my blogging friends. I tend to make these 'as needed' because I am able to really pour as much love and prayer as I possibly can into each one as they are made. Since I'm not a quick crafter, that means for several hours I am thinking and praying for the people these cards are going to. never is this needed as much as when someone you love has died. the range of emotions run the gambit, and often you feel so very alone. I don't know if the people who receive these cards can tell, but at least I know and God knows that I want them to find just a small bit of peace & comfort between the folds of the paper.

The image is Buttercups by Doodle Pantry, paper is 5th Avenue by Melissa Frances, trim and buttons are vintage, wonderful flocked and glittered flowers are Prima, stitching stamp is Gina K, and rhinestone flourish is Want 2 Scrap.

Challenges:
QKR Stampede - anything goes
Sparkle and Glitter - all the things I love (my vintage trims and buttons along with Primas & distressing! only thing missing is zombies! tee hee!)
Polkadoodles - shabby chic
Doodle Pantry - anything goes with one of their images
Incy Wincy - add texture
Lia Stampz - anything goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - distressing
Sweet Pea - use a digi

Blessed are they that mourn...

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake

Today begins a new challenge at Digi Makeover that is a photo inspiration. Sadly, I have 2 sympathy cards that I need to send to blogging friends who have had special people in their lives pass. The flowers and clouds of this photo spoke to me of the peace of Heaven, so I hope the first of these sympathy cards brings some measure of comfort to my friend.

I took the sunflower from the 'Faith, Hope, Love' set and changed the color to red before printing. The sentiment comes from the 'Be Still' set. designer paper is Basic Grey What's Up. clouds die is MFT. they were lightly inked and then edges were covered in stickles. some crochet trim, linen thread, and buttons complete the card. I did add a bit of faux stitching.

Wildflower Jar Sympathy

well I have another post for today, but sadly, it's a sympathy card. I know a lot of people make these ahead of time, and sometimes I do, too. but the really special ones, for people who are close to our family, I make as we need them. that gives me a chance to really concentrate on the project, but also pray the entire time I'm making it. it's so comforting for me to be able to do this and helps me in a small way to get through the grieving process......

A very dear friend of ours passed away last week. She was the mom to 2 daughters who are close friends of both Tyler and Ryan. we've known this family for quite a while. Her passing came fairly quick, and the girls are devastated, obviously. Our family is still shattered by it.


So I turned to A Day for Daisies to find an image and Create with TLC for a beautiful verse. I hope this card brings the family some small degree of comfort.
papers are Echo Park For the Record, little yellow flowers were painted with shimmerz, and stamens on red flowers & jar handle were highlighted with shimmerz.

Until tomorrow, know that you are loved. :)