Sneak Peek

I have an idea... not a fully formed idea.  Just an idea inspired by some flowers I made.  I die cut plain white cardstock with my Arianna Blooms die and then water colored the flowers with Worn Lipstick, Faded Lilac and Peacock Feathers Distress ink.  The centers of the flowers are Heart of Gold prills.  After shaping the flowers, I used a lollypop stick that I stuck through a hole cut in the center of the flower.  Using floral tape, I wrapped the bottom of the flower down the lollypop stick to create the stem.  I poured a fair bit of Crystal Accents in the center over the step and covered with the prills.

If I actually finish the project, I'll share with you all the results.  Wish me well.

Our Beautiful World- Week #91 Shades of Pink

When I saw the Our Beautiful World word prompt this week was Shades of Pink I just couldn't resist putting together a photo collage of my beautiful daughter, Katie.  Her favorite color is pink and so this entire post is a tribute to her.

My pretty girl and handsome boy on the first day of school for the last year together (Tim graduates in May)

Do you see the pink hat, pink sunglasses, pink coat and the pink bands on her braces- peeking out of the lips.

Though Katie does not wear pink in this photo, she hangs out with pink wearers whenever she can!

Pink striped jacket- with her pink wearing friends out skiing in Flagstaff

Pink phone case to go with a different pair of pink glasses

Occasionally she adds an accent color

Couldn't resist a splash even on the football field

No self-respecting Katie can resist a trip to the pumpkin patch in pink!

Even her helmet for playing softball in years past was pink.  She had a pink bat at one point and pink shoelaces on her cleats.

Even when goofing around at a friend's 50th wedding anniversary, she picked the pink sombrero and glasses.

What does shades of pink mean to you?  Come join the fun over at Our Beautiful World.

He Is Risen!

As I celebrate my risen Savior, Jesus, I am reminded of these words:

I commend Jesus to you this morning, whoever you are. If he is not the joy of your heart, he wants to be. He says in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst"—NEVER! An unbroken line of satisfaction in Jesus from the now to eternity.

This is the word of the risen Jesus to us this morning—to all of us who will take him as our joy! "You will see me . . . and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." [John 16:22]

John Piper

May you rise with hope in your heart and joy in your life this Resurrection morning.

Saying Goodbye Again

We've had a rash of retirements at my workplace.  This isn't because the place is so hard to work at- although we are growing greatly.  It is largely because there is a group of individuals who have been employed for decades and they now see that they can have a life outside of the workplace.  Once I made the first few cards, I was cornered as the card maker.  Darn!  (healthy sarcasm, if you can't hear it)

Here's the details on this lovely:

• The flowers were made using my Heartfelt Creations Arianna Blooms die on white cardstock.  I colored the flowers with Worn Lipstick and Scattered Straw Distress Ink and then spritzed with water to create this cool look.  The centers are Heart of Gold prills.  
• The leaves were cut using my Heartfelt Creations Classic Leaf die and colored with Peeled Paint Distress Ink spritzed with water as well.  
• The lace was cut out of white cardstock which I had colored with Worn Lipstick Distress Ink (also spritzed with water to blend the color) using my Our Daily Bread Designs Beautiful Borders die.  
• I printed the sentiment out on the computer and cut with my Timeless Rectangles die.  While the cut was still in the die, I used a dauber to color the edges of the frame with Worn Lipstick Distress Ink.
• A corner punch and some foam squares finish out the card front nicely.

Inside I couldn't resist the opportunity to place one final flower.  They are too precious.

I will hope that Flory enjoys her well-deserved retirement.  We'll miss her cheerful willingness, but know this is the next, best thing for her.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp's Monday Challenge: Pastels

Word Art Wednesday's Challenge #177: Family Friendly Challenge

Shabby Tea Room's Week #248: Beautiful Blooms

Come join the fun or just stop by to view some pretty inspiring projects!

Outpouring of Gratitude

My mother-in-law asked if I would be so kind as to craft some thank you cards to be used in response to the outpouring of love and support at the loss of her husband of 60 years.  Of course, I was more than glad to help out.  She requested praying hands and the sentiment on the inside.  I happily obliged, though I did add a bit of watercoloring of the sleeves.  I think it set the right note.

We shared our day of mourning (can there only be one day?), the specific day where we honored Ed, with many friends, relatives, neighbors and loved ones.  In a family with 7 children, there are extended upon extended connections.  My heart warmed to look around and see the care, love and understanding heaped upon the family during this day.  While we miss Ed, we are heartened to know that he is well loved and missed deeply.