It was a fun night at the Flourishes release party last night!
Here are some of the new release cards I haven't shown you yet....
Hope Daffodils
I told a number of you that there was a story with this card.... so I hope you can keep reading.
This card holds a special meaning to me. Two years ago today on Valentine's Day my beautiful husband and I were, with great anxiety, sitting in an exam room of an Oncologist. He told us that my husband was being diagnosed with something called Hairy Cell Leukemia, a very rare, but also very treatable cancer. He underwent chemotherapy later that spring with a drug that was only found 9 years ago, that has a 85 - 95% success rate. This was not my husband's first bout with cancer either. He had another form of cancer when he was 20. So this was a big journey for all of us, for our kids, for us as a couple, for our church family and extended family. But, thankful to God - he is in remission.
He received treatment at an amazing facility - the Cross Cancer Institute. We've come to hold cancer causes and research for cancer treatment pretty close to our hearts.
The national symbol for The Canadian and American Cancer Society is a Daffodil. Daffodils are one of the first signs of spring, and are symbols of HOPE a very important word to anyone fighting cancer.
So when I saw this set I gasped, I knew immediately what I would create.
And I guess when something matters that much to you, it pours out of you too, I think this is some of the best watercoloring I've ever done.
After coloring the daffodil I inscribed the word HOPE in all kinds of my handwriting in yellows in the background and also a very special verse to us from Romans 5:5 "and hope does not disappoint us....". We've clung to that. Clung to our giver of HOPE.
This June my husband is riding in a 2 day 200 Kilometer Bike Fundraiser called the Ride to Conquer Cancer into the Canadian Rockies. His fundraising goes to the Cross Cancer, and his goal is to raise $3000. If you'd like to see his web page...click HERE. and you can also go there if you'd be interested in helping him with his fundraising goal. If you do donate ...would you leave me a note here as a comment to let me know I'll be drawing from any of those names who donate to his fundraising and I'll send you this card.
Please don't feel in any way obligated...but I really wanted to share the story with you. I know many of you have your own cancer story too. {{{hugs}}} everyone!
Ok...tears wiped away....here are some more samples:
Baskets and Bookmarks
This is also with the Signs of Spring set - a bookmark for my sweet daughter who just LOVES to read.
I love the colors and the sweet nests...and the grapevine hyacinth! We have them in our yard.
Present for You!
And here is a cute present card I made with All Wrapped Up...a mix of paper piecing and watercolor...such a fun set! The bottom row of presents are embossed in white.
Thanks for stopping by today...for your cyber and in real life friendships! Hope you can hug someone you love today and be a bringer of hope too!
Blessings! C
Recipes: Hope Daffodils - Stamps: Flourishes - Signs of Spring; Ink: Black Stazon, Always Apricot, So Saffron, Barely Banana, Tangerine Tango; Paper: Barely Banana, Always Apricot, Watercolor, Certainly Celery, K & Co Que Sera Sera DSP; Accessories: SW Markers, Reinkers, Aqua Painter, Piercer, Oval Punch, Brads, Ribbon (Flourishes), Dimensionals, Scallop Edge Punch
Baskets and Bookmarks: Stamps: Flourishes - Signs of Spring: Ink: Black Stazon Paper: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Basic Grey DSP, Watercolor; Accessories: Circle Punch, Baja Wide Ribbon, Chocolate Ribbon, Saffron Ribbon, Felt Flowers, Piercer, Reinkers, SW Markers, Aqua Painter
Present for You!: Stamps: Flourishes - All Wrapped Up; Ink; Black Stazon, White Craft; Paper: Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, K & Co Que Sera Sera DSP, Watercolor; Accessories: Big Shot, Scalloped Circle Bigz Die, K & Co Gems, Reinkers, Brads, Nestabilities, White EP, Ribbon by the foot at my LSS, Dimensionals.
16 comments:
What a wonderful story and gorgeous card!! I"m going to the weekend with Flourishes and I can't wait to get these new sets. Thanks so much and our prayers are with you for continued good check ups!!
Oh, I loved your story. You're right, I think it's some of your best watercoloring. These are OUTSTANDING!!
Christine, every time you post a card I think this is the best you've done yet, and then there you go and upload another masterpiece that totally knocks me of my chair and leaves me totally breathless! Praise God for Terry's recovery and remission! All four of my grandparents passed away from cancer and one of my aunts is a Hodgkins survivor in remission. Thank you for sharing your testimony, I know it was difficult. Big Hugs my very dear friend!!!
Oh Christine, What a beautiful story to go along with a beautiful card. If I lived closer, I would love to be there on the sidelines with you cheering Terry on! That is incredible that he is now giving back in that way so that others who need this help and research can get it. I lost my dad to cancer and it's one of the things I would love to see wiped off this earth!
Thanks for sharing Christine! HUGS to you and Terry!
Those cards are amazing. And I too am doing the ride up here in Calgary. Wonderful cause!
Thank you for sharing that touching story! Your card is amazing! Your watercoloring is breathtaking! Love it! I love all of the samples you have shown today! I love your stuff!
Christine these are fantastic! I am so touched by your story and so glad he is in remission (sp). Family is so important. I will check out the web page. Thanks for the link.
I'm sitting here at the computer with tears running down my face. What a touching story - I hope for all the best for you and your husband.
WOW!!!!! All are absolutely gorgeous, Christine!!!!! The flower card took my breath away. I loved reading your story of Love and Hope!!! God is Good All the Time...and All the Time God is Good!!!! Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!!!!
OMG, Christine...what absolutely gorgeous projects!!! I feel the same as Jerri...everytime I see you fabulous designs I am sooo in awe of your talents!!! Thanks, also, for letting us share in you joy...my prayers are with you and your wonderful family for Terry's continued remission and good health!!! You and your family are such a blessing and inspiration to us all!!!
What a special and gorgeous card with so much meaning!! Your watercoloring is totally outstanding, Christine...and your message of hope is great!! God bless you and your wonderful family!! Hugs!!
Christine, your story of hope is beautiful! Your heart surely does show in your daffodil card--I think it's not only some of your best watercoloring (all fabulous, BTW), but it's one of the prettiest cards I've ever seen anywhere! Everything you've shared today is beyond beautiful!
I agree with everyone's comments to you. I had mentioned in the post when I was trying to win this set - how it would be perfect for Daffadil days. That was with your watercolor tutorial. We all wish you and your family well and continued good health. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us.
Chris R. from Iowa
Your story really stirred me. I've made a donation to your husband's journey and to honor all those affected by cancer. I sent you an email regarding a connection we may have. In the enormity of the world, God really does desire for us all to be connected! Blessings, Stacy
Karen - whenever I see I daffodil now I will think of you! Beautiful work !!
Peace and Luv,
Jeannie
Your daffodil card is beautiful! What a tough journey you and your husband must have had these past 2 years. I'm so happy to hear he's in remission. Hugs, Ali.
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