Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Simon Says Monday Challenge - "Homegrown Summer"

I have a friend who is a "Homegrown" friend.  Like a flower garden, friendships need tending, too. She has had a few really tough years with an aging (aren't we all) parent who has a devastating illness and another parent whose health isn't too great either.  We're about the same age and share many similarities such as being a Mom and a Mimi.  I met her in real life several years ago through a scrapbooking retreat. We had long admired each other's scrapbooking style via a message board before then so it wasn't unnatural for us to meet in that way.

My husband and I relocated 5 years ago but even before then my friend and I hadn't lived too near each other as she was in West Texas and I was in North Dallas, Texas.  But we communicated often via e-mail mostly.  Because we have moved several times with my husband's job, I know how really important it is to stay in touch, keep contact and keep those friendship fires burning.  I don't even know anymore how many cards I've sent to her.  But I do know that sometimes, the five minutes at the mailbox is the only tiny little break of enjoyment she gets in the course of a day.  When I started, my cards were okay, but they really weren't anything special.  Now I delight in surprising her with new techniques and fresh designs.  She hasn't had time, space or her belongings to do any papercrafting in a few years although I think she would consider it therapeutic.

Yesterday, I posted a new technique that I had tried the previous evening.  I played with the same technique this morning because I had a couple of cards to make and I wanted to try this out in a bit more of a practical application.

To make this card, I used Stampin' Up's new Heavy Whisper White Cardstock. The ink and the background panel are both Stampin' Up in Tempting Turquoise. I frequently treat my cardstock in order to give it a shimmer or twinkle.


Once I had completed the stenciling on the base white panel, I took my Versa Mark and inked up a 2  x 4 inch scrap piece of the turquoise, applied the Iridescent Sparkle Embossing Powder from Judikins and heat set it.  Once that was done I cut the larger center diamond and the two smaller diamonds from a set of Quickutz Diamond Dies that I have had for several years.  The diamonds were popped up on the panel with foam squares for the added dimension.  I love this Mama Elephant "Friend" die cut!  I cut just a single layer of the die in Shimmer White Cardstock that came from Creative Memories several years ago. I kind of arranged the sentiment how I wanted it to go on the card and then I was careful to put Tombow Mono Multi only where it would be attached to the raised diamond panels.  I finished it off with a few sequins from the Rhythm and Blues 8 mm Collection and Wild Peacock 5 mm Sequins.  I like using 2 or 3 sizes on a single card just for the asymmetrical feel.  This is a side view of the card showing the various layers of dimension.


Friends so enjoy getting a handmade card in the mail.  And they don't even seem to mind that sometimes they get my experiments too!  I usually like to surprise my friend but I couldn't resist sending her a text with a picture of this card in it this morning.  She will be stalking her postman in a few days waiting for its arrival.  *Ü*  This post is dedicated to my friend in honor of her unwavering devotion to her parents.  As she said recently, "Growing older is not for wimps!"


2 comments:

  1. What an amazing card you've created! And I loved reading your thoughts about friendship and how important it is to take time for the things we want to have last. What a treasure these creations must be for your friend as she struggles through her challenges. Life's definitely not easy and I love how we can use our talents to add beauty to the lives of others. I especially adore the glitter you've incorporated and how you've given dimension to your diamonds and added even more oomph with the sentiment. It looks fantastic and I'm so glad you've shared this with us for this week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

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    Replies
    1. You are very kind to say so. I'd love to be on a design team someday! But, until that happens, I'll just keep doing as many challenges as I can. Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts with me.

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