Hi! This card was made for today's Free 4 All Challenge: Use patterned paper, a punch, a brad and Ribbon. Heck, I think you can see that I did all those...Boy, it's tough to design via list... And it also fits yesterday's Ways to Use it challenge: make it pop. The focal image and the sentiment are popped.
Well...it's Christmas Eve and only the tree and hundreds of Christmas/Sympathy cards displayed on the dining room table would give it away in our home. We are just so NOT into celebrating this year. Heck, I didn't even make cookies! And, I've thrown myself into working, while most people are slipping out early to shop or attend parties. This year, I didn't attend one party. Until today. I'm DREADING it. Our extended family decided to meet at restaurant this year to have the children exchange gifts. I'm not quite sure how this is going to play out, but I'm sure the public place will help. I'm depressed that only one of our children will be there, as Nick is in Korea and Brian has to work in Orlando. However, they are grown men, and have duties elsewhere. And, because I had 1" roots, I decided to dye my hair, myself, last night...Well...It's BLACK! BLACK! How in the world??? But, I have an appointment next week to get it back to BLONDE! We will spend Christmas quietly celebrating the birth of Christ at home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to Mark's Famous Quiche, and then for lunch, Honey Ham!
The bottom layer was run through an embossing folder. The top is designer paper from a new Premium Paper Craft Pack. The focal image and sentiment punch-out were stamped in Adirondack's Espresso and then sponged in with Distress Inks. I added Inkssentials pen highlights to the tree.
Finished card size: 5 1/2" square
Total time to complete: 42 minutes. (It's tough to follow a list...)
Registered: March 20, 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 77633
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 8:33 AM
Beautiful!!!
Hey, I'm alone this Christmas so not so happy either! My ex-MIL died on Monday (my son's paternal grandmother) and I did love her. Seems like everyone is passing on - does that mean we're getting OLDER????
Anyway, you relax at the restaurant and enjoy just sitting. Markie will get a gift and he'll be happy.
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Registered: September 2, 2006 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 1184
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 8:34 AM
Your card is so lovely. Our kids are a long way away too but I hope you cheer up cuz this is Christs birthday that I am celebrating and I'm sure He'd like to see a smile on everyone's face especially yours. Merry Christmas all.
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 105198
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 9:30 AM
Lovely card, my friend. Wishing you peace, and sending love to you all!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMBER (photo of our Great Granddaughter Elise, just 6 months old) and me, even older.
Registered: August 9, 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 33063
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 10:08 AM
I'm sure this will be just one of many difficult milestones you go through. Doesn't make it easier knowing it gets easier...does that make sense? I'm sure no one is expecting you all to be upbeat... just be together. That's what counts. It's awesome that you have work to throw yourself into at times. Especially the work that produces beauties like this! I wish I could just give you a big old hug right now, Faith. May you find some joy in the midst of the pain. Merry Christmas, friend.
------------------------------ ~* Holly *~ Gallery Blog
Registered: April 7, 2006 Location: Fort Worth Texas Posts: 306
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 10:32 AM
As many have expressed I wish you and your family much peace and comfort this Christmas.
There was an interesting thought written on the board in our Sunday School class last week "God knows and choses what we have to go through, we choose how we are going to go through it". Knowing that your mom is finally at peace with no more pain is a great way to focus on how you can get through this very tough time.
Meeting with your family, even though some of your children are not going to be available, is also a wonderful way to show a tribute and love for your Mom. I bet she would be super proud of her children.
You have been an inspiration and a joy to me with your beautiful cards and many talents. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Registered: March 6, 2004 Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 28932
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 11:15 AM
Wishing you and yours a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and a chance to celebrate your mother's life. (My mother has been gone for 6 years, and I still find myself thinking of things to tell her on the phone.)
This is gorgeous - how lovely of you to share with us.
Registered: April 20, 2005 Location: The only Eaton Rapids on the Earth, Michigan Posts: 57568
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 @ 11:34 AM
This is so beautiful, Faith! I'm sorry you are hurting, but able to still express yourself through your beautiful work. Our losses of loved ones seem even more intense around the holidays, don't they?