Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I'm Back! :)

Hi everyone,

I'm so happy to be back on-line and spending time in my art studio.  I was humbled by the outpouring of good wishes and prayers during my time away - thank you to everyone!

This is what happened ...

In the early morning hours of Oct. 1st, my hubby had a heart attack.  Thankfully, everything since that horrific event has gone extremely well and he is now at home recovering from open heart surgery.  Everyone from the 9-1-1 operator, firemen, paramedics, doctors and nurses in ICU and the Cardiac Ward, have taken part in his amazing progress.  There's still lots of healing to do, but he is well on his way to making a full recovery!  We are blessed ...

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I have started making cards again the past couple of days ... cards that have never meant to much to me before.  I'm posting two that will be sent to people mentioned above who cared for my hubby.  Hope you like.

With hubby now home, my main focus will be looking after him, but I plan to find a little time to have fun in my studio. :)  I still have several 'thank you' cards to make - stay tuned.







Just before this happened, I became a member of the Design Team for a fairly new challenge blog called Addicted to Stamps & More!  :)

Kylie is the founder and I emailed her to let her know what happened.  She has been so supportive and I have also received encouragement from the rest of the design team.  Kylie and team ... your support and prayers are so appreciated!

Prior to Oct. 1st, I had created a card for an upcoming ATS&M challenge - Addicted to [Halloween].  The challenge is now closed, but I wanted to post the card I made ...

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I used a cute digital image from Bugaboo and paper-pieced the "Pumpkin Witch".  Before printing off the image onto my white card front, I took some time to blank-out the existing broom that the pumpkin witch was holding.  I wanted to create my own broom using a wooden skewer and twine.  Hope you like.

"Happy Halloween"


Stamps:  Pumpkin Witch (Bugaboo Digital Stamps); sentiment is computer generated
Paper:  White (Neenah); Pumpkin Pie polka-dot DP, Basic Black cardstock (SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Wooden Skewer, Hemp Twine, Black Twine (Doodlebug), Mandarin Twine (The Twinery), Crystal Effects, glue, and glue dots



I paper pieced all the layers for the image.  The hat is actually three layers (the main layer of polka-dot, another layer of plain black and then the top layer is black cardstock covered with Crystal Effects to add depth and shine).  The shiny hat layer was popped up to give more depth, using rolled glue dots.  The eyes and tooth are also covered in Crystal Effects.

I sponged the wooden skewer with Soft Suede ink and then made the broom from twine and glued to the handle.



24 comments:

Darnell said...

Welcome back, Loll! You were missed very much. I'm so sorry that your hubs had a heart attack, but I'm so relieved to hear it was repairable and that he is mending. Blessings to you both for patience and strength as you journey through the healing.

Your cards are a delight, as ever!

Nonni said...

I also want to welcome you back, Loll! Thank you for sharing the news with us. I'm happy to hear that your husband is recovering well. All my best to you and him! Those thank you-cards will be appreciated, they are very beautiful!

denmo said...

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR HUBBY'S HEART ATTACK LOL...IT WILL CERTAINLY TAKE TIME, AND HE MUST TAKE THINGS SLOWLY AND STEADILY...

SENDING YOU AND YOURS LOVING HUGS AFTER SUCH A DIFFICULT TIME...

THE CARDS ARE STUNNING...GENTLE HUGS..DENISE (UK) X

doreeng said...

Hi Loll. I found your blog for the first time on the day of your last post. I love the style of your cards and have since browsed through your whole blog. I am so glad to hear that your husband is on the road to recovery, it must have been such a difficult time for you. Best wishes to you both. Doreen

Anonymous said...

YEA! I've missed you Loll! Thought of you often and hoped everything was working out!
Wow, I figured it was your mom, but your DH... oh my... so scary! Thankful to hear good news!
Gorgeous cards.... TFS!

Brenda said...

Welcome back! Thanks for letting us know about your husband.I am so happy to hear that he is home and recovering.
Your Halloween card is spectacular.Love that little pumpkin all dressed up for Halloween.

SusanMV said...

Hi Loll, missed your sparkle and talent...I am SO SORRY to hear about your Husband. I KNOW first hand how horrible and frightening that is, take comfort in knowing my Hubby had a heart attack and 6 artery by-pass when he was 43...it's been 26 1/2 years ago and he is still doing wonderful, he just turned 70 and we are thankful for every single birthday he is here for!! Make sure he follows Dr's orders NO MATTER HOW MUCH HE KICKS ABOUT IT :) You're in my thoughts and prayers, nice to have you back!!

Jacynthe said...

So glad to see you back again!!! Wishing your DH a speedy recovery! Big hugs to you.

Barbara said...

We have missed you - welcome back. Glad your hubby is doing better and hopefully his recovery will go smoothly and he will be back to normal as soon as possible. Very scary for you and your family! Your cards are always fabulous and I always check your blog daily, as soon as my computer is up and running :) Your creativity is amazing - thank you for your blog.

Unknown said...

Hello Loll - so delighted to hear your good news. It must have been a stressful time for you and your family. Your cards show that they've been made with love for those people who have helped your husband. We're glad to welcome you back to the DT at ATS&M.

Karen x

Jeanne H said...

I have missed you! Thanks for the update - had no idea. Blessings and prayers for your husband and you. Love your cards!

Susan said...

Thank you for the update! So happy to hear the good news. Can't imagine the stress that you and your family were under. Welcome back!

nancy littrell said...

OMG Loll....I am so happy you are back and that Gord is doing so well :-) What a tough and very special guy.

All Gord's caregivers are going to really appreciate your beautiful cards made with so much Love.

Can't wait for more posts. You inspire us all. BTW...I really missed your dimply smile too :-)

Your friend always....

Karen said...

so glad you that all the right people were there to help when you needed them most. Your cards are wonderful I hope you find so time to craft and your husband recovery is steady

Bonnie said...

I have missed your posts, Loll! I'm so glad that your hubby is recovering well. What a scare! Your cards are beautiful! I love those cutouts. So good to see you back!

Robyn Lynn said...

Welcome back Loll ! As a nurse who worked on the open heart floor at a local hospital, I know what you've been through. My mother also went through this- a triple by-pass- 2 years ago. Praise the Lord your hubby is on the mend! I'm sure you will take excellent care of him. Don't forget to take good care of yourself also! I'll continue to pray for his full recovery.

Kylie said...

Hey, Loll! Welcome back!! Your cards are just beautiful and they will love receiving them. Most people wouldn't think to send cards and I'm sure they will really appreciate it. I am SO glad about Gord - what a relief for your that he is home. I would like to send gentle hugs to him and huge bear hugs to you xxx

Susan said...

Loll, I'm so sorry to hear about what you've gone through lately, and so glad that your husband is home now. When you said you were taking a break, I just assumed it might be for more time to look after your mother as you'd been going through that earlier - never crossed my mind it would be another family member having health problems. Your "grateful" cards are very appropriate (and very lovely) - we should all remember to be grateful for our good health and that of friends and family, and enjoy every day. I'm glad you're back - you were missed.

Jayne said...

Welcome back. You were missed. I'm glad that everything is going to be alright. Beautiful cards...as usual.

Barb said...

Welcome back! Great to see you back with your wonderful cards! Wishing your husband a speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

Missed your posts and beautiful cards. I'm so glad your husband came throught this so well. It's great that you had so many good people to help. Once he's through his PT he will be feeling so much better and back to his good health. We've been though that at 49 and he is now 67 and his heart is strong. I love that leaf on your first card. It is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Loll I was so pleased when i saw your post as I knew things must be getting better for your husband and family. I'm so happy that he is on the road to recovery sending a huge hug from Greece and a big warm welcome back into the team. As for your cards all three are sensational superbly crafted and the thank you cards will be truly appreciated. Love your halloween card and the little broom is fab. Take care of yourself

Marie

Sue said...

Hi Loll, welcome back and I'm so glad to hear your husband is much better. Your cards and beautiful and will be appreciatively received by the recipients. Hugs, Sue x

shirley-bee said...

Great to see you back, Loll! Glad to know that your hubby is on the mend, and you haven't lost your touch. Beautiful cards.