TCC173 My Help Comes From The Lord

 

Hi Friends!

I apologize for the delay in posting to my cards for The Card Concept challenges to my blog.  Some of you who follow my blog know that my hubby has been battling different cancers (five in total) since 2003.  His battle is over.

My beloved hubby, Dave went to be with the Lord on April 24^th , due to a glioblastoma.  He started exhibiting memory issues on February 25th, was diagnosed with a UTI on February 28th  and his memory continued to decline during the week, so he had a MRI on March 7th,   The MRI revealed a lemon sized tumor so we rushed off to the emergency room to wait over 12 hours to have Dave sent via ambulance to Johns Hopkins.  Dave had brain surgery on March 9th  at Johns Hopkins and they could only remove half of the tumor, he had a week long hospital stay and several weeks at rehab until April 8th  I brought him home for supportive/palliative care.  Home Health Care came in on the morning of April 9th and felt (as I did) that Hospice should be called in.  Hospice was ordered and started to assist with his care on  April 16th and my darling Dave took his last breath on earth and first breath in heaven on Sunday the 24th.

Dave and I had discussed at great length over the years that we never wanted to be a burden on anyone and our worst fear would be that we would lose our memories/brain function,  On the day of the MRI and after surgery, Dave had no short-term memory at all, could not walk on his own, had to be reminded to eat/drink, and could not do anything for himself.  

While I did not want to lose my husband here on earth, he was not the same since the MRI and after surgery, he continued to decline mentally and physically due to the location of the brain tumor.

Glioblastoma has no cure and is a difficult cancer to endure.  I am thankful that Dave did not seem to have pain (until the Wed. before he passed and we were able to get him on pain meds so he did not feel any pain).  Plus, he did not really seem to know that he had a brain tumor.  He remained my sweet husband as far as demeanor and so many have had worse symptoms, I was so blessed to have had such a wonderful husband. 

I know that Dave is with the Lord and take great joy in knowing that I will see him again one day along with Jesus!  We both accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior on June 8, 1996 and had almost forty years together (twenty-five as Christians and serving the Lord)! He was my best friend here on earth and while I am heartbroken and miss him terribly, I am also at peace.

This verse is one that has been special to me during the time of being Dave’s caregiver-

 Nehemiah 8:10b ESV

“And so not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is my strength”.

Also the verse on my card for this challenge is perfect for how I felt during this time-

Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

“ I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.”   

Thank you for your prayers during this time- I am truly blessed beyond words!

This card was designed for The Card Concept #173 {Vintage Style} and I was inspired by the florals on the pillows along with the black script to create a Clean and Layered vintage style Mixed Media card.

I have a personal goal to create a card using stamps and supplies that I already own and have not inked up in a while.  I pulled out this gorgeous Roses & Prayers (collage stamp) from Unity Stamp Co and paired it with a verse sentiment from the Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps, Be Encouraged clear stamp set.

I also have a personal goal to create a card for each of the Splitcoaststampers’ sketches and I used the SC470 Sketch Challenge for the layout on this card.

If you have not had a chance to visit the Splitcoaststampers’ gallery or our Design Team/gallery at The Card Concept Challenge, I hope you will find time to do so- so much inspiration from all!

To create this card:

De-static a piece of black cardstock with an embossing powder tool, stamp the verse image from So Encouraged with Versamark™ ink onto the prepared panel, apply White Embossing Powder and heat set with a heat tool. 

Once cooled, trim close to the edge and create the “flags” on the end by hand.

Die cut a piece of white cardstock with a stitched rectangle die, de-static with an embossing powder tool, stamp the Roses & Prayers image with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink onto the prepared panel, apply Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with a heat tool. 

Once the embossing has cooled, watercolor the image with water-based markers and use a flourish stencil with Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide ink to add a bit of color in the background (hard to see in the photo).

Mount the floral image layer onto black cardstock, trim close to the edge.

Emboss a piece of white cardstock with the 3D Diamond embossing folder, trim to approx. 4 ⅛” x 3 ½”, mount or a piece of 4 ¼” x 5 ½” piece of black cardstock.

Add a layer of striped designer paper to the lower portion of the black panel.

Die cut a piece of white cardstock with the Tim Holtz Crochet Die, mount onto the background panel with the edges facing up.

Add a strip of 1” black satin ribbon to cover the cut edges of the designer paper and lace, wrapping the ends behind the panel.  

Mount the background panel onto a white card base.

Adhere the main floral image panel on a diagonal (per the sketch) using dimensional foam (or chipboard).

Add the sentiment layer and a few pearls in the upper right hand corner.

Use a clear glitter marker to add shimmer to the rose petals to finish off the card,

Stamp Sets:  Roses & Prayers (Unity Stamp Co.), Be Encouraged (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps)

Ink/Mediums:  Versafine™ Onyx Black, Versamark™; Stampin’ Write markers- Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Mossy Meadow; Black Watercolor Pencil (SU!), Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Marker, Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide

Cardstock/Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black, retired red striped designer paper (Stampin’ Up!)

Accessories/Tools: Gemini, Jr.™,  WRMK 3D Diamond Embossing Folder, MFT Stitched Rectangle A2 Dies, Square Punch (to create banner), Sizzix Tim Holtz Crochet Thinlit Dies, Embossing Powder Tool, Clear and White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 1” Black Satin Ribbon (from my stash), Pearls

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- I hope you have been inspired to join us in the future at The Card Concept!

Nothing Is Impossible With God

Hi Friends!

This is another card designed with retired The Wilderness Awaits and Notable Notions stamp sets (Stampin’ Up!) along with the digi stamp sentiment from Be Encouraged (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps). 

I am making a concentrated effort to create a card using each of the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenges and used the SC237 Sketch for the layout on this card and will also be linking this card to the 2 Crafty Critters #40 “Anything Goes with a Critter” Challenge.

In addition to using the retired stamp sets, I also pulled out some of my older Stampin’ Up!  designer paper along with an antique brad and satin ribbons from my stash.

If you have not had chance to check out the above challenge sites yet, I hope you will do so- such gorgeous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

Ink the elk image using Versafine™ Onyx Black Ink onto white cardstock, heat set he ink with a heat tool.  Watercolor with water-based markers and distress oxide ink.

Die cut the elk image with a stitched square die, mount onto suede cardstock and trim close to the edge.

Trim the designer paper panel for the vertical layer on the sketch, stamp the Notable Notions script image with suede ink, mount onto suede cardstock, trim close to the edge.

Mount a piece of white cardstock onto suede cardstock, trim close to the edge.  Add the designer paper layer, add the gray satin ribbon along with the pomegranate ribbon (wrapping the ends behind the panel). Adhere the entire panel onto the white card base.

Mount the elk layered square onto the card front with dimensional foam (or chipboard).

Using photo editing software, import and re-size the sentiment, print out onto white cardstock.  

Trim and create a banner, mount onto suede cardstock, trim and add to the card front along with the antique brad.

Use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the clouds to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: The Wilderness Awaits (Stampin’ Up!), Be Encouraged (Digi- Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps)

Ink/Mediums: Printer Ink; Versafine™ Onyx Black, Stampin’ Write Markers- Early Espresso, Petal Pink, Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Gray Granite, Smoky Slate; Tim Holtz™ Distress Oxide- Peacock Feathers, Picked Raspberry; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

Cardstock/Paper:  Whisper White, Soft Suede; retired Stampin’ Up! Holiday designer paper

Accessories: Gemini, Jr.™, Dies- MFT Square Stitched STAX; My Digital Studio™, AquaPainter™, Heat Tool, 1 ½” Gray Satin Ribbon, 7/8” Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, Antique Brad

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by- I hope I have inspired you to create something with your stash this week!

SC684 Be Encouraged

Hi Friends!

Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day celebrating with the ones you love :-)

This card was designed for the SC684 Sketch at Splitcoaststampers.  I love Diane’s sweet sketch and decided to create a masculine card using several sets from Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps- Scene Silhouettes: Woodland,  Scene Silhouettes: Trees  and Be Encouraged.  

While this may not seem to be a typical Valentine card to most of you, my hubby and I love to go to Shenandoah National Park and the highlight of our trip is when we have a chance to see a black bear :-)  From a distance, mind you, but we love watching the bears.  

We also feel so close to our Lord and Savior when we travel along Skyline Drive.  The majesty of the mountains and vistas reminds us that "Our Help Comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth".  I know he will love this Valentine card :-)

As I mentioned in my previous posts, Sweet ‘n  Sassy Stamps  has a really cute set for their February Stamp of the Month- Hoppy Easter!  This set is free with any $60 order (not including shipping and after any other discounts) plus you also earn free shipping and handling on any order over $75 (after discounts). 

As you know, I enjoy participating in online challenges so I am also linking up to the WordArt Wednesday #320-#321 “Anything Goes” Challenge.

If you have not had a chance to visit the above challenge sites or the SNSS Blog/FB Page yet, I encourage you to do so- gorgeous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1).  Stamp the tree image from Scene Silhouettes:Trees with archival black ink onto a piece of designer paper, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Use a distressing tool to distress the edges before mounting onto a piece of black cardstock and adding to the white card base.

2). De-static a piece of white cardstock, stamp the bear image from Scene Silhouettes: Woodland  with archival black ink, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Once the embossing has cooled, die cut with a square stitched die and mount onto a piece of black cardstock (also die cut with a square stitched die).  Use a stencil brush to apply antique linen distress ink over the entire image.

3). Ink the sentiment from Be Encouraged with archival black ink onto a piece of white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool. Once the embossing has cooled, trim and create the fishtail banner ends by hand, mount onto black cardstock and add to the layered bear image.

4). Loop a bit of hemp twine onto the card front (I used hot glue to adhere behind where the focal image would be located). 

5). Finish off the card by mounting the focal image with dimensional foam.

 

Stamp Sets:  Scene Silhouettes: Woodland,  Scene Silhouettes:Trees, Be Encouraged (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps)

Ink/Mediums:Versafine™ Onyx Black, Tim Holtz® Antique Linen Distress Ink

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, retired designer paper (all paper Stampin’ Up!)

Accessories/Tools:  Big Shot™, MFT Stitched Squares STAX Dies, Distressing Tool, Clarity® Stencil Brush, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Polished Hemp Twine

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- hugs and I hope you will have a chance to join us at the Splitcoaststampers SC684 Sketch Challenge this week!

Nothing Is Impossible

Hi Friends!

Today I am sharing a quick Clean and Simple (CAS) mixed media card designed using the February release stamp set,  Spring Blossoms along with the previously released stamp set, Be Encouraged from Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps. 

The  Spring Blossoms Clear Stamp Set has so many great sentiments as well as the beautiful tulip and daffodil images and is part of the Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps February release.

Also, don’t forget the February stamp of the month is Hoppy Easter- it is so cute!! For every $60 purchase (not including discounts or shipping), you can receive this stamp set free until the end of February.  Plus, Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps has free shipping and handling on your $75 order (in the US) so this is a great deal!!

 I decided to go Clean and Simple for the CAS on Friday #125 “Color Me Pretty” Challenge, the Addicted to Stamps and More#277 Make Your Mark Challenge and the Tic-Tac-Toe #033 Challenge (center row across- Free,Die-Cuts, Sequins).

 If you have not had a chance to visit the above challenge sites or the SNSS Blog/FB Page yet, I encourage you to do so- wonderful inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). De-static a piece of white cardstock with an embossing powder tool, stamp the daffodil image from  Spring Blossoms with embossing ink, apply white embossing powder and heat set with the heat tool.

2). Once the embossing has cooled, color the image with alcohol markers, water-based markers and watercolor pencils (I went a little crazy and kept adding color- see all of the colors and items used in the card recipe below:-)).  Use a stencil with ink from the water-based markers and watercolor pencil to add subtle stenciling to the background.

3). To partial cut the image with a stitched rectangle die, trim around the left hand side of the flower, lift up the petals and place the stitched die over the panel and die cut. 

4). De-static the panel again with the embossing powder tool, stamp the sentiment from Be Encouraged with archival black ink, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with the heat tool.

5). Mount the die cut panel on an angle onto the card front using dimensional foam.  Mount the entire card front onto the white card base.

6). Use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the flower petals and background (it is so hard to photograph the shimmer but it is there :-)).  Add a few sequins to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Spring Blossoms  , Be Encouraged (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Versamark™; Stampin’ Write Markers- Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Peekaboo Peach; Derwent® Watercolor  #33 Light Blue Pencil; Spectrum Noir™ Alcohol Markers- GY1, GY2, BO2, VB2, Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

 

Paper/ Cardstock: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay

Acessories/ Tools: Big Shot™, MFT A2 Stitched  Rectangle STAX Dies Set 2, Embossing Buddy®,  White and Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Memory Box Chevron Stencil, Sequins- Craft Medley

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by- hugs and I hope you have a blessed week, sweet friends!