Saturday, February 16, 2008

Pink & Cocoa, Peonies, and the end of a slump...


I wanted this set right away when I saw it in the catalog, but, for some reason, I'm finding it hard to work with. Even though the main floral image is open, which is nice for watercoloring, etc. I found myself 'stuck' when it came to trying different looks and colors. I need to browse the gallery on SCS for this set---the amazing amount of talent found on that site never fails to inspire me. I know the talented SCS'ers that have this set won't let me down!! I love the colors in SU's Berry Bliss DP---pink and coca or chocolate chip are my favorite color combinations. (Heck, to me, Chocolate Chip with almost any color looks great!) I wanted to decorate a little container to match this card, to hold a small gift or some candy, but I couldn't find anything that seemed 'right'. While going through my stash, I found a bunch of these little 'take-out' boxes that I'd forgotten about. So, I grabbed my jar of ribbon scraps, and this is what I came up with. Our elderly neighbor lady is a reall sweetheart--always giving my sons treats and small gifts--so this is for her, to let her know how special we think she is.

Stamps: One of a Kind, Delight in Life (swirl border around main image).
Paper: Berry Bliss DP, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Gerogia Pacific white CS.
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, clear Spica glitter pen, ribbon, SU oval punches, dimensionals, sponge daubers.

I've wanted this Peony stamp for quite some time, and finally decided to treat myself! Initially, I was going to make a set of smaller cards, but decided to add quite a few more layers, so they ended up measuring 5.5 inches square. I really liked coloring this image, even though it does have quite a few tiny areas. I didn't have a box that was large enough to hold the cards & envelopes, so I made some adjustments to the box directions that Nichole Heady posted on her blog. I didn't write down very clear directions, though, so I'm not sure that I could make this exact box a second time. I wanted to add more ribbon, as I have a 'need' to add a ribbon blossom to all of my cards! I tried several different options, but finally decided that the 3 strips of ribbon across the horizontal panel looked best against all of the color in the main image.

Stamps: Peony Square-Penny Black, Papertrey Faux Ribbon (sentiment), Floral BG.
Paper: Cameo Coral, Lovely Lilac, Orchid Opulence, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Basic Black, Gerogia Pacific white CS.
Ink: Same as CS.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Copic markers, ribbon, SU oval punches, dimensionals, sponge daubers.



This is the card I made to go along with a gift set that I made using the same Peony stamp. This card measures 6.5 inches square. I did manage to add a small black ribbon blossom to each side of the sentiment. (I held out as long as I could, but my ribbon blossom urge won, in the end!) :-)


Stamps: Peony Square-Penny Black, Papertrey Faux Ribbon, Floral BG.
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Basic Black, Georgia Pacific white CS.
Ink: Lovely Lilac.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Copic markers, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.




This is an ATC for a swap that I'm participating in. It's been a while since I've made an ATC, so it was fun making these. (Though, I admit, I went a bit overboard with embellishments!) I love this DP--the colors are so refreshing! (I need to order more, though, since I'm down to my last 3 sheets!

Another ATC for a swap that I'm signed up for. Haven't used my Bronc Buster set for a while, so thought I'd go with a more masculine look for this group. Everything is pretty self-explanatory, I think.











I'm sorry for the length of time between new posts. I've kind of been in a slump, not having much of an urge to create and share anything new. Sometimes, life, and family things, get in the way, you know?? My Grandfather passed away several weeks ago, and, while that was sad, it also made me revisit the time when my Grandmother lost her battle with cancer, and passed away, twenty years ago. All of the memories, visits to the hospital, seeing her decline....everything just came flooding back and hit me like a ton of bricks.
Then, a week ago, or so, my sister-in-law announced that she is divorcing my brother. This is a woman who has broken my brother's heart not once, but twice! My brother, and our entire family, forgave her, and welcomed her back to the family with open arms when she left him the first time.....and having it happen a second time just makes everything we've done for her, though all these years, feel like a complete slap in the face. The things she has done to my brother, and my family, would make a number-one soap opera---no kidding!! I'm not at all proud of the angry thoughts and words that have been running through my mind. Words spoken out loud can NEVER be taken back---no amount of apologies or explanation can erase them. In an emotional situation such as this one, it's easy to say the wrong thing, so I need to be sure about what I'm going to say, and how I'm going to say it, when I do see her again.

Thanks for listening to me vent. I normally don't make my blog a place to 'download' all of my feelings and family issues, but, right now, this is the most comfortable place for me to 'talk' about the situation involving my brother.
I hope you will come back and visit again soon---and I promise to have something new for you to look at in the next day or so.
Have a wonderful day, everyone!! Your comments always mean so much to me---and I read them over and over again---each and every one of them!

20 comments:

Lauri said...

Glad you are back! You are so talented and share so much of your talent with us all. Sorry you have had a tough time lately and I know I do not mind the venting at all. As always, your work is exquisite!

carole (TruCarMa) said...

Such gorgeous cards, Pam! You'd never guess you've been in a slump looking at your incredible work. Sorry to hear about your SIL. When my BIL divorced my sister (left her for another...) several years ago, it was so hard because he'd been a part of our family for 18 years, and had been around since I nine years old; it really was losing a member of the family. And when we see him and his new wife at things for my neices and nephews, it's very awkward. Ugh. Hate that stuff, don't you?

Anyway, your Holy Triptych of the Immaculate Shrine of the Punny Farm was absolutely INCREDIBLE in real life -- truly, words defy how exquisite it is! I took several pics of it, including one from the side to show how much depth there was to it -- I truly have never seen a finer stamping project. BRAVO!!!!! You are a true artist, my friend.

Shannan Teubner said...

This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing it with us. And vent away, sending you hugs and prayers for sure!

Swamp Tulip said...

I'm sorry for all that is going on with you right now. I'm sending a prayer and warm thoughts your way.

Your work is drop dead gorgeous. I love each of your projects. You have a special gift!

Teresa

Heather Grow said...

Amazing cards today. I'm glad your slump is over.

Jessie/knightrone said...

All of your cards are gorgeous!!! I am truly a fan of your work. I am sorry to hear about your grandpa, and about your BIL. Since I got married, my BIL has been with 6 different girls(3 of which he was married to!!) so I know what you mean about saying the right things. You never know when one will be back!!

Unknown said...

i'm so glad to see you back in full-form...you're creations are simply breathtaking!

you have no need to apologize for venting sfter all that you have been going through...the experiences of late may help someone else out there who needs to know that they are not alone in their situations. keep your head up!

Anonymous said...

So sorry Pam to hear of all the heartbreak in yourlife right now. Glad to see you back though. I love your work!

Janine said...

Welcome back and thanks for sharing your beautiful work .

Sonja said...

I love your work. It is unique and wonderful. I would love it if you did a tutorial on your ribbon bunches. They are beautiful.

Basement Stamper said...

Your work is amazing, I love all of them but will say the first set is my favorite!

dpkennedy said...

I understand completely both losing your grandparents at almost the same intervals as I did...and also the situation with your brother and I want you to know that your venting makes us realize that we are never alone and it happens to us all. I love reading your blog and am so glad you shared this. Thanks for all of your wonderful postings...these cards are just amazing!! I credited you with a card I uploaded to my blog this morning...come take a look! You are a constant inspiration to me, thank you!!!!

Jana M. said...

Pam you are such an inspiration! Sorry you are going thru a tough time. *hugs*

I love your blog - one of my absolute favorites.

Foofygirl said...

Hi Pam! I've been visiting your SCS gallery forever and just discovered that you now have a blog...I don't know how I let that happen! Each and every one of your cards is a masterpiece...such talent! Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your Grandfather and I hope for the best with your family situation. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work! Debbie from Buffalo, NY

Kendra Hernandez said...

I love, love, love all of those projects Pam - they are supah spectacular my friend! I'm sorry to hear about all your family stuff, I know how hard all that is - I will be thinking about you. Big Hugs!

Diane McVey said...

Oh, so very sorry about the family woes...I know that is SO difficult. I hope it all works out so that your brother can move on and find happiness. It has to be devastating.
Your creations are FABULOUS! And I have looked and looked, but I can't find out how you made your ribbon blossoms...they are adorable! Can you post a "how to" (I may be the only one dumb enough to not have it figured out!) or email me at dinobomp@aol.com and let me know! I have TONS of ribbon, and I need to use some up! :D

kathleenh said...

OMG! So gorgeous! I'd say you're slump is over! I just LOVE what you did with the One of a Kind stamp set. Just amazing!

Elizebeth said...

Ok, first I have to tell you that every single one of these cards are AMAZING!!!! You constantly dazzle, inspire and shock me with your creativity. WOW!!! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!!!

I'm sorry you are having a hard time with your family. I admire you for waiting to say anything until you know what you want to say, most people do not do that. I hope however things work out that they leave you all with a feeling of peace.

merrymstamper said...

All your creations are just gorgeous!! Such pretty colour combinations and the LO of each card is beautiful...

Sorry to hear about your grandpa and your brother.

Anonymous said...

HUGE HUGS to you!!! Your creations are BEYOND AMAZING...not that I am surprised!! I really went to touch my computer screen!...LOL!