Hi there friends, I'm sorry I have not been around much this summer.
There has been so much going on in my little corner of the world and it's keeping me out of my craft room. My daughter applied for and accepted a job transfer to Ottawa. So instead of being 5 hours away from me now she is only 4 1/2! The move was big, how she managed to accumulate so much furniture in 2 years of living on her own, I don't know--lol! However she and her boyfriend of 5 years have a lovely and cute condo in Ottawa and she hasn't stopped smiling.
My generation are seeing our parents live well into their 80's and 90's, mine are 91 or 94 as so lucky to have one another. They prefer live in their own home which is wonderful but also concerning for the family. My father has been in the hospital the last three weeks with pneumonia but he rallied back and his chest is clear and he has come home with some restrictions. A nurse twice a day and my mom looking after him. Lots of time checking in on them, setting up schedules and lots and lots of hours of phone calls and being on hold. Really busy times but it's my turn to look after them.
So crafting has taken a bit of a backseat but not forgotten!
I used the Crafter's Companion Sumptuous Sunflowers Embossing folder with four different white core pieces of cardstock. After I embossed them I sanded them lightly with my Tim Holtz Sanding Block I have had for years. I love how they turned out simply embossed and lightly sanded to bring the white core to the surface giving a very organic vibe.
They looked so good I simply attached them to a card base, added a sentiment from Waffle Flower and there they are--done! Easy Peasy!
You've definitely had a busy summer! Congrats to your daughter! I'm sure your parents appreciate having you near enough to help them through these trying times. Your cards are lovely! Sanding block? I'm quite sure there must be one tucked away in my craft room. Time to search for it. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful set of cards, Tracey!!! It's great that you had some time to get crafty again :) Congratulations to Brooklyn! I'm so excited and happy for her! Glad to hear your dad is doing better. Hang in there. And with all that's going on remember to take time to care for yourself as well. Big hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been where you are, Tracey, and I totally understand. My parents lived to be 97 and 5 days short of 100 and it was my pleasure to be able to live in the same community and be able to take care of them. Now I've moved parttime with my daughter so I can do things with her before I get older and need her to take care of me.
ReplyDeleteYour cards have me regretting giving away all my white/kraft core cardstock. Those sunflowers look wonderful lightly sanded.
Tracey, the sanding adds such life to the cards. Beautifully done. Family first.
ReplyDeleteHappy for your daughter & hope the new job is everything she wanted. At least it's 1/2 hour closer instead of farther away! Very difficult when parents age. I went through that. So glad your dad has improved & can be home. Your cards are beautiful--just the kind I'm drawn to, Tracey!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful set of cards, Tracey. Wow, the sanding block really takes me back. Hope it is making a comeback. It's a lovely effect on an embossed card.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your girl and a half hour closer to boot! Sorry to hear about your dad being ill, but happy to hear he's home and doing better. What a blessing for them to have you helping out. Wonderful quickie cards today and so pretty. Take care, my friend XO
ReplyDeleteYour break from crafting was well worth it, Tracey! I'm betting your girl is as happy to be closer to her momma! You and your parents are blessed by their longevity, and I know you cherish every moment.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a sanding block - well except for the one I used MANY hours sanding plaster on walls! Hey, I wonder if that would work? ha! Love your gorgeous, embossed sunflowers with their details showing through!
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Absolutely beautiful cards today. Nice to see you creating. :-)
ReplyDeleteTracey, I know how busy it can be taking care of parents. My dad lived until 99, 7 months short of 100 and actually his birthday is tomorrow. Wonderful to get your daughter a little closer.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so cute and another technique I have forgotten about. Hope things slow down a bit so you can get back into your craft room.
Nothing better than seeing your kids happy and successful! I'm delighted for you guys and for Brooklyn and her beau that they now live closer to you. I'm also delighted to hear that your Dad kicked poomonia's butt and is able to be back home with your Mom. They are blessed to have you looking after them and making arrangements for their needs. It's not always easy as you learn to take one day/one task at a time.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are taking some "me" time, too, Tracey, and finding release and relaxation in crafting. These beautiful and colorful sunflower cards might be QACAS, but they pack a wonderful punch! Love, Darnell