You Are Loved

Finally - back to stamping!  I'm still in a brace, but my thumb is free!  It makes all the difference!  That and my Misti, not sure I'd be able to stamp without it right now!

While I was in the cast and couldn't stamp, I found another way to scratch my stamping itch!  Stamp shopping!   (Yes, I realize I have an addiction!)   Now this was probably not the best way for my budget, but I kind of figured out what I would spend before I went crazy!  I also watched lots of YouTube videos!  I have learned so much from all the talented stampers that share their talents and creativity with us!  I wish there had been something like YouTube when I first started stamping.  There turned out to be beginner tips that I didn't know, even after about 15+ years of stamping.  There also been a lot changes over the last 5 years of so.  The development of incredible new tools, awesome new techniques and a huge increase in stamping companies has really changed the quality and style of my of my stamping.  I'm truly getting an education at YouTube University!

On this card I'm using some of my recent purchases from Catherine Pooler Designs.  I'm crazy about this new Grateful Heart set and the great Black Tie Gala Paper Pack.  It's pretty simply actually. I started with a top folding card base from Neenah #110 card stock.   I determined where I wanted my diagonal cut so the awesome striped paper would be displayed on the bottom of the card.  I cut my choice of patterned paper to fit these dimensions and attached it to the card base.  On Neenah #80 card stock, I cut a 5.5 x 4.25 inch card front panel.  I lightly drew a pencil line where I would cut my diagonal.  I the  stamped the pretty flowers so it would hang off that line.  I went ahead and stamped the greeting I had selected too.  To cut the diagonal line, I lined up the matching floral die but made sure that the top plate on my Big Shot lined up with the pencil line.  The machine will only cut here there is pressure.  This allows only the bottom part of the flowers to be cut.  I used my paper trimmer to trim  the straight line on either side of the flowers to complete the diagonal cut.  

I used my Prisma color pencils to add a pop of color to the flowers.  I basically just did short little flicks of my pencil, partly because this is about all I could do at this point with the brace on my right hand!   I was happy how it looked, to my surprise!  I attached it to the card base and added a few pink  sequins to finish it off.

 

I also stamped the flower on the inside of the card and an envelope.  I just think everything feels a little more finished.  I don't always add a sentiment on the inside.  Personally, I like it blank so I can write a personal note.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog.  I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.   I'm still really new at blogging, and would really like to hear how to make this better or what kind of things you'd like to see.  I hope you're having a wonderful day!

Jan

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THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES....

When Dan became ill and after the initial shock, we decided that we really needed to approach the time we had left together with a couple of things in mind:  first, to live in the moment.   That  just meant that  the past  was done and over, and the future was something we shouldn't worry about and not focus on.  That the only thing that we could control was the moment we were in.   We could decide how we were reacting to each moment we were in.  So our choice was to cherish each of those moments and make memories out of as many of them as we could.  Second, was not to worry about things that were not important in that moment.  When things would happen, we would ask each other - is this something we need to deal with - is this something we're even in control of - does this even matter?  Kind of "don't sweat the small stuff"!  When faced with that diagnosis, there wasn't much that seemed important!  It helped us to be able to focus those last months on each other and make the most of our time together.  I can honestly say, that nothing was left unsaid between us.   It was recently pointed put to me that I need to remember that those approaches to life  because they are still relevant and a great approach to deal with all the changes in my life.  I've been trying to remember that lately and am starting to feel like I'm applying it more.  Well, I'm proud to say I'm doing it now and that my sense of humor is definitely back!

So, I have this wonderful new apartment that I'm getting ready to move into.  Everything brand new since it was just remodeled.  It is smaller though so I'm not only packing, but downsizing as well.  Now its only been 3 years since we moved to Oregon from Denver, where we had done major downsizing!  So basically, I asked myself 2 questions.  Have I used it since we moved from Denver?  Is this something that brings me joy?    My incredible daughter, Andi, was helping  me would add, "is it something that Devon (her incredible brother) or I would want to keep once you're gone too".  Sometimes that was the deciding factor!  I also found out that were a few things I gotten rid of in the last move that she was very,very sad about.  It's an interesting perspective and not a bad guideline.

As Andi was taking a final load of Goodwill goodies out to her car, I rushed to help her.    By now there weren't too many clear paths through all the boxes in my apartment, and my story is that a rogue box reached out and grabbed my ankle and down I went.  Its amazing how many stupid thoughts can go through your mind in such a short time!  Like "oh this is going to hurt",  "hope I don't break my nose this time",  "I need to get back up before Andi sees me" or "why am I such a klutz"!  The best thought was that "this is going to be very inconvenient"!   Now that's an understatement!    I knew my wrist hurt the most as I took a quick assessment of my body. As I sat up holding my wrist gingerly, Andi walked back in.  I assured her that yes I did trip but that I was fine. I bounced up, as well as any 66-year-old bounces, and assured her that I was fine. I walked her to her car, all the while explaining to her that I was fine and not to worry.  Did I mention that my daughter is a nurse? Telling a nurse not to worry, especially one that has recently lost her father, is pretty impossible.  Both of my kids have been quite over-protective since Dan passed, but Andi especially.  I assured her that I was fine and that I didn't want her to be late picking the kids up from the school bus.   I had a wrist brace in my drawer and put that on. The brace did help for a little bit.  (Did I mention that this was my right wrist and that I am right-handed!)  I continued to to go back to packing.  I realized that yeah, my wrist was hurting more than just a little bit and sat back down with some ice and realize that that was not helping. After about three hours, I began to realize I definitely needed some help. So I packed myself up into the car and drove the half a block to the hospital. I was very surprised to find that there was no wait in the emergency room. I was taken aback and immediately taken to x-ray.   Andi had call during this process and was more than a little upset with me that I hadn't called her so she could take me to the emergency room.  Before I knew it and she was by my side in the emergency room just in time to hear that it looked like there was a fracture and they were going to splint my wrist.  I was sent home with orders to rest, elevate, ice and pain meds!  Right.....

So move in day found in a half-plaster splint on a very swollen, very painful wrist.  I was actually sore all over!  My right knee and ankle was swollen and my shoulder sore and bruised.   I had hired a couple guys to move the big stuff, thank goodness.  So, Andi, my-son-law, Lee and his cousin, Miguel took care of finishing the few things that still need packed, disconnecting things and cleaning.  They decided I had done this intentionally, so I could point and order!!  Got everything moved and had the walk through at the old place.  I was miserable/excited??  Andi and Lee got me fed and set up  in my recliner with ice packs and several more in the freezer, drugs water and tv remote close by.  Not the way I had imagined my first night in my new home!

Well, it's a couple of weeks from that rough start!  I'm basically settled in.   I'm in a beautiful purple cast and hopefully will be out of it this week.  These are the things I've learned or have had confirmed:
1.  Thumbs are very important!
2.  Wrists aren't worth a darn when they don't bend!
3.  I am not ambidextrous!!
4.  I don't really rock the "natural" look!

I'll probably be in a brace for awhile, but if I could have my thumb, it would make a huge difference! I can't even stamp!!!!   I can't color while I watch tv!  Showering is a challenge.  Most boxes are empty now, but there's a lot of finishing touches I need to do, like putting  up pictures, etc.  It could've been so much worse!  I think I'll try to avoid multi-tasking for awhile.  You know - walking and breathing at the same time seemed to be a little challenging for me!!!

A New Adventure!

Well, I'm on to the newest adventure in this chapter of my life.  For those of you who are just beginning to follow me, I lost my husband to a very rare disease 14 months ago.  We were married 46 years at the time of Dan's death.  Needless to say, it's been devastating - in fact, I don't know if there is a word in the English language that could properly describe how I feel about losing my soul-mate.   I promised Dan, that I would be okay.  I just had no idea how long that would take or what "okay" even looked like.  Now I know that there are days when I feel like I'm making progress, step by step.  The very next day, I could be hit with an unexpected wave of grief that makes me feel that I'm back at the beginning.  I have decided that being okay means making some positive steps to be okay.  I go to a bereavement support group that has been invaluable.  I took a course on how to move on, where not only did I learn some really helpful ideas, but made a couple of great friends.  The most helpful thing though has been a Dahn Yoga studio I found.  I have fibromyalgia and knew that I couldn't do regular yoga, so I started looking for Tai Chi classes.  Dan had been encouraging me to do this for a long time and made sure I understood that he felt it would be important to help me heal and move on after he was gone.  He was a big exercise guy!  When I found this studio, I knew within seconds of walking in, that this was the place I needed to be and that some how Dan had lead me to this place.   This yoga is based on a lot of Tai Chi forms and postures, so I felt like maybe my body wouldn't rebel quite as loudly.  What I found is a place of peace, calm, energy, acceptance and support.  Not only are the owners/instructors incredible, but it had drawn to it other incredible people.  I really thought I'd set my goal at going to these classes 2-3 times a week.  To my surprise I am going 6 days a week!  There are definitely things I can't do, but there's a lot I can.  The best unexpected perk, are the precious friends I have made.  These are the kind of friends that seem like we've been friends for decades.  amy new friends made me realize an important fact.  Part of losing Dan is that I lost my identity too.  I had been a part of this incredible entity - Dan and Jan for almost 50 years.  I didn't know who "Jan" was.  I had never lived by myself, because we married young.  We had grown up together and had been blessed with an incredible life and an even more incredible family.  We raised a an incredible son and daughter who are both married and have provided us with extensions of themselves with their wonderful spouses and amazing children (2 each).  What a legacy Dan left behind.  I don't know what I would do without my kids and grandkids.  What my new friends helped me realize that they only knew Dan through my stories of him.  To them - I am "Jan"!  To the friends I've made in the bereavement group - I am "Jan".  Once I realized that, I  understood that I am discovering who I am.

Now, I on to this next new adventure.  Like I said, I had never lived on my own. I went from living with my parents to graduating high school to being married!    Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change anything in my life that I can think of except  still having Dan by my side.  I do have a suggestion, the same one I gave my daughter, Andi.  Don't get married right away - live life, learn about yourself, experience new people and places.  Andi did that!   Anyway, I've realized that I needed to move to a smaller place, a less expensive place.  When we got Dan's prognosis of a year or less, he wanted to move right then so he'd know I was settled in a new place that would be more affordable.  I wouldn't hear of it..  Moving is a huge deal and would have taken too much energy and taken my focus off Dan.  I told him I could do that later, but he was the only thing I could focus on.  It took the whole family to convince him that I'd be okay.  It was his biggest concern after he came  to grips with the reality of this horrible prognosis.  What could he do at that moment that would help me after he was gone?  Dan encouraged me to proceed with my greeting card business.  To sell my cards on Etsy and focus on creating a business that I loved and could occupy my time and mind - that was another big concern of his.  He didn't want me just focusing of my loss, but on something positive and creative.

For the last 6 months I have been very passive aggressively approaching a possible move.  Now financially - I should have done this long ago.  I have my disability income from my job as a Principal's Secretary at an Elementary School (loved that job) and half of what Dan was getting from social security.  Seems the only  thing that changed in my expenses was food!  So it turns out losing $800 a month makes a huge difference.    I was just having a hard time leaving the only  place that Dan and I lived since we moved to Oregon 3 years ago, plus the place where he passed away.  At the end, he asked to come home to pass instead of in the hospital.  I realize that he is in my heart and he will go with me wherever I go and that this move will make him happy!  I actually, (after about 3 months) actually made appointments to go look at some of these apartments in person, instead of just on my computer!   I got home from one of those appointments about a week ago to find a notice on my door that my rent would be increasing by upwards of $500!  I felt suddenly compelled - to get serious in my search!!   At least, from all the time I had spent looking on line, I had a pretty good idea of places that might work.  I got on the phone and called one more place to see if I could squeeze in a tour that day and  they told me if I could get there right away I could tour that day before the new renters moved in!  The apartment looked great and they explained they did have an apartment with the same floor plan that would be available to move into at the end of February!  It was being remodeled and wouldn't be ready till then.  That meant I would be the first tenant in this brand new apartment! Yesterday, they called and said the remodel was done if I wanted to look at it before I moved in.  OMG!  It has brand new appliances, washer/dryer, sinks, flooring, light fixtures, faucets carpet, cabinets, counter tops,  paint and window coverings!  I definitely feel like this was all meant to be - my very first place that will be just mine!  Suddenly, I am excited!  So I move in on March 3rd to this beautiful new space.  Now moving still isn't fun and I am having to downsize - which I had just done 3 years ago in a big way when we moved from our house in Colorado!  Obviously, I'm a crafter and I am positive that somewhere in the crafter's secret handbook, it says downsizing of crafts should only be done once every 20 years!!!  (hehe)  But, I'm doing it!  There have been moments of panic and moments of tears as I come across something of Dan's that I hadn't thought of lately - but, the packing is happening and the downsizing is as well!

So, this is my current adventure.  Which is why my new blog is looking a skimpy on posts!  Give me a little time to get moved and settled and I'll be back in full-force!  Thanks for taking the time to read this!  I appreciate you all so much!

Jan

Cute Floral Card Set

I always love trying new techniques or designs.  I saw this idea on the wonderful Jennifer Maguire's YouTube channel and it caught my imagination!  Here's how I made my version!

I started this process by taking one of my circle dies and tracing a circle on two panels in pencil.  I then took some of my favorite flowers from different Catherine Pooler Designs stamp sets and stamped on this circle to make a colorful wreath.  I also used Catherine Pooler Designs inks!  These inks are incredible!  Rich and vibrant.  The formula of the ink is amazing and just a couple of taps on the foam pad and you get a solid beautiful color!  I erased the pencil mark and used my die to cut out the circle. Now I have two circles and and two frames!  I added sentiments to the circles and attached them to top folding white card bases.  I scattered a few fun sequins on the cards for a little sparkle and added a few of the flowers to the inside of the cards.

 Next, I took a white panel and marked the size of my circle using the frame.  That gave me an idea where to stamp my sentiment.  I cut the frame panel to  5 1/4 x 4.   I then erased the marks and glued the frame on top of this panel.  I then added the finished panel to a side folded black card base.  I of course added a few sequins, I've gotta have sparkle!  I added a white panel cut to 5 1/4 x 4 to the inside of the card, again adding a few of the same stamped flowers

The last frame I turned into a shaker card.  I always save the clear plastic that the stamps come in, as long as they aren't wrinkled.  I cut these to make my shaker windows.  I started using this kind of accidentally one day when I realized that I was out of the usual sheets I used to buy to make my shaker windows!  I was trying to finish up a card for a birthday party I was going to. I just started looking for what I had that I thought might work and had a new stamp set I hadn't opened yet!  I've also used the clear sleeves you use to add papers to a binder.  I used foam tape on the back of this panel, making sure that area around the circle is closed completely so the sequins and beads don't escape.  I also use a lot of tape to make sure the card stands up in the mail well.    I like to add a lot of sequins and some micro-beads to the window.  I used different colors to match the colors I had used for the flowers.  I covered my shaker with a piece of watercolor paper I had in my stash that I had used to play with Distress Inks, but I think it would be fine with just white card stock as well.  I then used Scor Tape to attach the entire panel to a white top folding card.  I used one of my favorite dies from Hero Arts to cut out a "happy" out of black card stock.  I embossed it by using Versamark ink and clear embossing powder by Wow.  I let it cool and embossed it again using Versamark and the powder.  I did this 4 times. It results in a beautiful, very smooth almost enamel look.  I attached it the shaker window using Ranger Multi Medium Matte.  This is a strong glue that assures that its there to stay, even through the mail.  I then took a strip of the black card stock and embossed "birthday" with white powder from Wow.  I attached this with a strip of foam tape.  Of course, I stamped a few of the flowers on the inside of the card.  I also stamped 4 envelopes with a scattering of the flowers so the entire set is complete and ready to use or to sell on my Etsy shop.

I now have a set of 4 matching of floral cards!  I thought this was such a cute idea as a gift!  I had a lot of fun making these and it really didn't take very long to finish all 4 cards.  I used #80 Solar White Neenah card stock for the stamping panels and #100 Solar White Neenah card stock for the white bases.  The black card base is from Stampin' Up black card stock.  I love the weight of their colored card stock and feel that its a great price.

Enjoy - and I hope you're smiling!

Jan

Because - I love you!

Welcome to blog!  I'm both excited and nervous about starting my new blog!  So please forgive any glitches you might find, but also let me know so I can figure out how to correct them!    My Instagram friend, Ashlyn D'Aoust and I have challenged and encouraged to start blogs in this new year!  Be sure to check Ashlyn's site at Ashlyn's Artsy Side.

Today I thought I'd share this card that is perfect for upcoming Valentine's Day, but is also perfect for any time you'd like to let that special person just how much you care.

I started off with a piece of Canson watercolor paper.  I pretreated the paper with my antistatic pad that I've had forever.  I would recommend  that you always use this step when you plan on embossing.  It's good to prevent your embossing powder from being where you really don't want it!  I stamped this paper with the beautiful background Ornate stamp from Simon Says Stamp, using Versamark Ink.  I used my white embossing powder from Ranger, heating until  the entire image was melted.  After the image was cooled it was ready for color!  I chose Zig Clean Color Brush Markers for their bright, vibrant colors.  Following the design, i put my chosen color in each image with just a narrow line right against the embossing line then added water from my water brush.   The embossing acts as a little wall to keep the water and color where you want it.   The watercolor paper and water did the rest of the work!  It let the color bleed into the rest of each image.  It's best to focus on one image at a time, then move to one not directly next to that one.  That will allow the paper to absorb the water so the colors don't bleed into each other.  I had a blast with this and found it to be really relaxing.  I had several backgrounds embossed, then just set down and painted while i was watching TV.

I used the heart die from the Concord and 9th se,t You Make Me Smile, to cut out the heart.  I played around until I thought I had the cutest part of my background!    Then I used the because die from My Favorite Things set, Because You, to cut out my greeting from black card stock.  I inked up the die cut "because" with Versamark Ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder from Wow.  I embossed this 3 different times, letting it cool a few seconds between each inking.  This gave the greeting a slightly raised, very smooth and shiny finish.  It's beautiful!  I glued it to the heart using Ranger Multi Medium Matte.  This glue is strong and I use it to attach embellishments so they'll stand up to the mail.  I then attached the heart to my top folding card base.  I use Neenah #110 Solar White Card Stock.  I changed to this card stock for my bases last year and i feel it makes such a huge difference.  I used foam tape to give the heart some dimension to the card, then finished it off by stamping I love you from the same MFT set.

I like to do a couple of things before I consider this project totally done!  I always add a little touch of stamping on the inside of the card (especially if the inside doesn't have a sentiment).  Here I added just a little border from a set I've had a long time.  Then I decorated the envelope with the same border.  Then that card is done!  I put it in protective, clear envelope and add it to my stash!  It's ready to send to a friend or sell on my Etsy shop!

Thanks!   Be sure to comment and let me know how this post is!