Cards 2021 Part 1- Christmas "Wrap Up"

 I have made loads of cards this year.  This week, I'm going to show them to you. Feel free to just look at the pictures. I'm not going to link products, but if you have questions, please feel free to ask in the comments. 

First, considering the season, let's look at Christmas Cards. 

This year, I chose a few different designs and made multiples of each.  I wanted to experiment with a few different techniques.  January 2021, when my Aunty came to visit, she lent me some Christmas dies and I pre-cut several of each one that I liked, then put them in my stash until I was ready to start making Christmas cards. I have invested in a few more Christmas items this year as well, so next year's cards should be different.  

Next year, I think I will choose a design and make a batch of them every time I'm on holidays. This will hopefully lighten the load come October! Okay, enough jibber jabber... let's get to it. 

A simple leafy branch die from MFT was the basis for this card. The textured green background was created using ink smooshing and perfect pearls mixed with water sprayed over it to give it shine. It was laying on my desk begging to be die cut.  Arranging the die cuts in a circle and overlapping them, made the perfect wreath.  Simple sentiment stamped in the middle of the wreath and different sizes of gold sequins added some simple elegance to the card.  I love this design because it would only need a different sentiment to make it suitable for almost any occasion. Flowers could be added to change up the theme as well.  If I was going to make this card again, I would make the leaves a darker green. 

Quick and Simple- this card is just a large sentiment stamp (from Catherine Pooler Designs) and the holly and berries that came in the same stamp set to embellish it.  Colouring the holly leaves and berries with an embossing pen and sprinking "wanderlust" embossing powder (by Wow) added some sparkle and interest to this clean and simple design. I might try this stamp set on a landscape card next time.  

This die was one that I borrowed! I die cut then covered in embossing powder to emboss in gold. I mixed two of my gold embossing powders to the get variation in the final result.  I had several of these die cuts, so I also experimented with double and triple embossing to get a thicker gold finish on other cards. The gold die cut was backed with an ink blended galaxy background, which was die cut using nested die set which happened to have a square that was the same size.  

Some more simple cards using holly and berries from a Gina K stamp set.  I'm sorry, I don't know the name of the set.  Joy to the World sentiment is from Stampendous (a red rubber cling stamp).  Glory in the Highest is from a bible journaling set by Neat and Tangled. These holly leaves and berries have a traditional look about them and will compliment almost any large Christmas sentiment.  I'm a bit sad these are from a stamp set that I borrowed.  I might need to invest in one of my own! 

This background stamp "Joy, Love and Doves" is from Catherine Pooler and when I saw it I knew it would be the perfect addition to my Christmas Stamps.  This technique took a little while, so I only made three of these cards.  The watercolour background can be created using a wash or ink smooshing (you could even do direct to paper).  Emboss the background stamp in gold.  Then, use clean water on a paintbrush (or a water pen) to "colour" the doves which will pull up the dye ink colour. I also pulled up some of the ink around the words- Joy, Noel, Love and Peace. Simple, elegant and actually sort of relaxing.  My Mum loved this card design, so if I get organised early enough, I could end up making several more of this design for next year.  I made it in purple and one in green.  What other colours would work?

Masking off a strip on the card, creates a stunning ink blended "sky" as a backdrop for the stamped die cut of Mary and Joseph as they travel towards Bethlehem.  My Aunty stamped and cut out several of these die cuts (Stampin' Up set) for me a few years ago and posted them to me.  These were the last two! Stars are drawn on using a silver gel pen. The sentiments were also stamped out by Aunty, I think they might be from a Catherine Pooler set? The Joy to the World card has a better blend, with more of the lighter colour coming from behind Mary and Joseph.  The stars are better too. 

Last, but not least. The sentiment die cut is from, you guessed it, Catherine Pooler. The nativity scene is from a large Gemini die set which has several pieces to help you make an exploding box card.  I pared it right back and used only one of the dies to make these simple cards.  Stacking the die cuts gives this simple design dimension and makes a greater impact in shadows. 

If you're interested in seeing Christmas cards I have made in previous years, you can check them out here and here. 

The countdown to New Year's is ON! 

Grandma Memories

 In my last post, I told you that Grandma died recently. This afternoon we will have the memorial service. I have struggled the last few weeks with the grieving process.  I feel sad, but I also remember all the things Grandma did and said that caused us a lot of pain and disappointment (in her younger years). She had dimentia in her old age and I used to say it was nice to visit her now, because she has forgotten that she doesn't like me. She had lost many of her memories.  She didn't know any stories anymore and she didn't remember her family or her friends.  I would not wish this on anyone! God has been merciful in taking her to heaven and stopping the suffering now. I realise I need to forgive the past, because it's all over and shouldn't have an impact on me anymore. In fact in the last 10 years, most of my interactions with Grandma were positive. She had softened in her old age so why do I remember the stupid things that are so far in the past, instead of the important stuff?  Anyway, here are some memories of Grandma.  There were some good ones. 

Grandma made us bread and butter pudding one time we visited. I really enjoyed it and told her so.  From then on, if she knew I was coming to visit, she made me a bread and butter pudding to take home.  It tasted different every time.  I once asked her for the recipe.  She said, “there isn’t a recipe, it’s just a bit of this and a bit of that.” 

She told me a story about a single mother with four kids.  The lady once asked Grandma, “what do you do when you have four kids to feed and only three eggs?” Grandma explained to me that to this lady, this was an impossible situation. We talked about all the things you could do to stretch three eggs to feed five people – scramble them, make an omelet, make egg sandwiches. She taught me that a little creativity can go a long way.

“If you’re going to travel across the country with someone in a caravan it helps if you’re good friends.”

Finally, a funny story... 

The last time I talked to her, I said, “Your kids and grandkids are really smart.  I reckon they get that from you.”  She replied, “I think they took it from me.” We laughed. Grandma knew her mind used to be better.  It was hard to see her losing her memories. 

That's that then. 

Now it's December

 Christmas is upon us and the last three months have been hard! Let's focus on December. 

1 December - Grandma was Promoted to Glory (that means she died). 

3 December - Mum retired... talk about a party.

7 December - Ice cream day - Dad's birthday. 

9 December - My birthday... a celebration of how long the world has had my presence.  LOL. 

I think I might be losing my mind because I keep forgetting that I've done things or haven't done things.  My memory is certainly not what it used to be.  Of course, my memory always left a little to be desired.  You know, how I remembered every word of the "Sound of Music" film but couldn't remember anything about the science exam or the paperwork I had to complete for the work! 

Next week, we are going to Biloela for a family Christmas.  I'm not actually looking forward to it, yet.  I think I will, just not today.

Stay tuned, there will be more, one day.

October- what happened to the last 6 months?

 Hi Everyone, 

It's been 6 months since my last 'confession'.  Hahaha. 

So much has happened that I am not sure where to start. 

Medication: we tried the reduction in medication - that was disastrous - the exercise streak died and after losing a little bit of weight I gained it all back!! At my most recent visit to the doctor, he decided that we should go back to the far more effective dosage.  Reducing my workload next year is also part of the plan for getting myself back on track. 

Work: is busy and stressful and excellent and wonderful all at once.  It's amazing how some things in our lives can be the source of so much joy and so much angst at the same time. 

Exercise: I'm still doing my best.  I don't go a whole week without exercising.  My best is less than it used to be, right now. I'm also participating in One Foot Forward this month, so you will hear more about that soon. 

Family: my sister had a cancer scare and needed surgery.  She has recovered well.  Two weeks of living in her house, caring for the children and helping out so she could recover, was an exhausting experience. It felt good to be able to help.  I often feel sad at how little I can do from so far away. My nephew who moved in earlier in the year, is still here.  He is nearly ready to get his driver's license and is keen to get out on the road by himself.  He is up to a third course at the TAFE and planning to attend TAFE next year as well.  He has friends and plenty to do.  It's good to have his help - as long as he takes his medication! 

Cards and Craft: I am continuing to craft.  I love making cards and sending them to friends.  I love stamping the most, I think.  I have really enjoyed sharing my craft with other crafters this year.  The minister of my church likes to make cards and we have so much fun shopping together and crafting together.  She is so easy to talk to and has good ideas.  It's so nice to share something like that. 

Friends: I continue to be amazed at the number of people who still want me to be in their lives.  Not just the number of them, but the calibre  of them.  These people are amazing, wonderful, intelligent souls and they enjoy spending time with me! I'm so lucky to have such lovely people in my life.  

I'm in pain and typing this much so far, has made me extra tired.  I truly dislike my new health status- I have gone very far down the hill.  

That's that then... more soon... maybe. 

 

School's Back and More

 Since my last post, all the schools in Australia have commenced the 2021 school year.  That was a real whirlwind of surprises, stress, emotion and craziness.  All of that was before the students even arrived!  

I can't get into details - for several reasons including the fact that I don't want to - so let's just say that things have not quite settled down yet.  If only! Most of my students are lovely.  Most! 

In addition to all the stress of school starting, Shelly had to have surgery on Wednesday to remove a lesion on her back.  The lesion had been there for more than a year and she was not responding to any treatment.  The vet wanted to take a biopsy, and figured it would be worth removing the whole thing, considering the trauma of general anesthetic.  10 stitches and more than $500 later, she came home and was really dopey. 

Fast forward to very early Thursday morning, and we are taking Shelly to the All Night Animal Hospital, because she has managed to pull out two of her stitches and has shortness of breath.  Needless to say, I was late for school and dropped another $200 on that little adventure.  Shelly now has an "E-Collar", 

  

If she didn't hate me on Wednesday, she certainly hated me on Thursday.  

That is only a fraction of the excitement over the past few weeks and to be frank, it's all I can manage.  Can we just all agree to lay low for a few weeks?  No drama at school, no family crises, no vet visits allowed.  I'm getting my groceries delivered so I don't have to leave the house except to go to work! 

In other news, the Doctor thinks this is a good time to reduce my medication.  He's an optimist, I will give him that. 

On a more positive note.... My streak of exercising every single day this year is still going!  Things could be so much worse. 

Until Next Time

Did you know?

 A list of things you might/might not already know about me.... 

I'm a primary school teacher who works in a high school.  I have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and I used to say "I wouldn't teach high school for a million dollars."  I have learned that making such broad statements is less about commitment and more about a lack of understanding life.  

I love teaching high school students. 

My nephew - number 2 - is moving in with us next week.  He is moving so he can do a TAFE course that is offered close to here.  The same course is not offered in the remote mining town where he lives.  He's 17.  I'm excited for him and the opportunities he will have while he is here.  I think it will be good to have him around.  It will be nice to get to know him away from his brothers and sisters.  

I have a lot of stuff.  Too much stuff. 

I'm working on getting rid of stuff.  Lots of stuff. 

I have another blog.  It's about teaching.  I haven't posted on it for more than a year.  You see, AGT people, you are not quite as neglected as you thought you were.  

I have a chronic pain condition which could be called a few different things.  The doctors have settled on 'chronic pain'.  Technically this is a symptom, not a medical condition, but it is what it is.  What you call it, doesn't actually change it.  I take medication and a diet and an exercise program, none of which make sense to anyone else but me.  

I'm overweight.  

I have made long-term, effective life style changes in the past and I am working on making more.  

I am smart.  

I live with my mother.  I do this by choice and have plenty of money.  I could live alone if I wanted to, but I don't. 

I like to make cards.  I like to play with ink and water and paint and see what happens.  

Telling other people that they are awesome, special, amazing and more than enough... is my specialty. 

My cat is a member of my family and I regularly talk about her as if she is a room mate and not a pet.  

My mum has worked full time for as long as I can remember and this makes me proud of her. 

There is an ever growing list of things I don't need.  

The list of things I do need, has a tick beside every single item.  

Being grateful is one of the most important steps towards happiness, in my opinion.

I've been thinking about ditching this blog and starting a new one that is about card making.  Just about card making.  Then again, I only just 'got back'.  

I have ADHD.  

Could you tell? 

I'm hungry. 

Bye. 

... and We're Back

 Almost 9 months has passed since my last post. So much has happened in this time and I'm so tired.  The plan went out the window, for a start.  The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry and so it goes (Stienbeck 1937). 

I had planned on wrapping up this blog at the end of 2020.  When I walked away from AGT in April, I did plan to return, although I didn't know when.  Since then, I thought my absence had been far too long and a return would not be worth the effort.  The BFF told me I should post at least one more time.  We all know, that if the BFF says so, I rarely argue.  I don't think this will be my last post, though.  It's just another one. 

Posts won't be regular and posts certainly won't be perfect.  The important thing is, they will continue, one at a time, as they come.  

Next time I will try not to ramble so much. 

That's that then.