Friday, July 10, 2020

Flowers and Updates



Hi Everyone, it’s been awhile. I’ll explain more at the end of the post, but for now I’ll share about this pretty little design using the Hellebores Digital Stamp Set from Power Poppy. In this version I’ve used the image without the vase attached to it because I love the focus on the little arrangement of flowers.

I’ve coloured these flowers up lots of different ways in the past, but I’m not sure if I’ve tried this version with a combination of light yellow-green and pink. For today I’ve coloured with Copics and added in some prismacolour pencils for the background and a bit of the definition.


I’ve framed it up with some pretty paper, a cute layout and some dies. The sequins take on different light depending on which way you turn the card, but it picks up the greens and pinks when you lay it down (below).

Only a bit of twine bow to add some extra green and finish the design.

Now onto the personal update. As some of you know, so very unexpectedly, my beautiful Mama passed away a month ago. This has been heartbreaking to me and to our family as she was such a vibrant part of all of our lives. The same day my Mom died, my Dad had a heart-attack and spent three weeks in the hospital. That pretty much rocked us, and a lot has changed in our life since then. We had a very small Celebration of her life, with masks and social distancing, and we’ve upended our everyday life and moved in with my Dad for the summer to give him some stability as we all discern what’s next. It’s been a very hard month, added onto 2 very hard years with the loss of both of my husband’s parents last fall, and my husband's illnesses and hospitalizations with fungal pneumonia and cancer. We’ve had a lot to process and have had to deal with a lot of heavy layers.

All that to say, I don’t know about creating right now. Sometimes I feel like it and have space (though a simple card seems to take me days), and sometimes I’m just not up to it. So, for right now, I’ll create when I can, and when my heart is in it, and hope you pop in to see me when you can. Creating has been a place of peace and encouragement to me all these years, and I trust that it will be again.
We trust there is healing on the other side of this, but it’s timing and progress is not predictable. I know that if you’ve walked through grief you fully understand this. I’m going to let it take as long as it takes, and hope I emerge from it stronger, more compassionate, deeper and more hopeful. I trusting in the Lord to do that.

Blessings to all of you!

For more inspiration be sure to visit:
Stacy
Lisa

8 comments:

Lin said...

You've had such an awful lot to deal with - it's important to take care of yourself right now. We'll be here when you're ready. Blessings to you and your family.

KarinsArtScrap said...

my condolences Christine thats a lot.
Hope you all get some piece and as always you have made a gorgeous card.

gr karin

Stacy Morgan said...

Christine I am thankful that you are able to move in with your dad and help him through this time. Its not easy for anyone and I am sure you are just wanting a season of rest. Know that I have been praying for you and the family. Rest when you can and keep faith that you will make it through to the next season. Your coloring is gorgeous and I adore the sketch. Gorgeous card.

Jeanette said...

Hi Christine, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I'm so sorry you are having to go through all this again. Take your time to grieve and we will be here when you are ready to come back again.
Look after yourself. Jeanette, New Zealand.

Conniecrafter said...

Christine, I pray that God will guide you in the days and months ahead as you make decisions for your Dad and I pray healing on him and your family as you grieve. I know that some days you feel like you can do this and then other days you feel like your drowning and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, but thankfully we know God is our light and will bring sunshine once again. Big Hugs!
Your card is just gorgeous, the coloring is so beautiful, of course these are my favorite colors so that makes me more drawn to it, such a wonderful card for a dear friend!

Sue L. said...

Hi Christine,

Bob and I send you love and prayers for gentleness, calmness and pacing. God loves you so much.

Your coloring work is so beautiful for all of us to see. We subscribers friends and probably most of yr acquaintances want to see yr work all the time, lol. We wish you had a book full of all the creative card making colorings you've done so we could buy and use it for inspiration and techniques. Maybe on yr bucket list for retirement? Meantime, you have yr husband, children, and management of daily living w yr grief and illness and life. We think of you and support you ♡

Unknown said...

I am very sorry for your loss, Christine. I know God will be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Your card is beautiful. I visit your blog regularly, post when you can.

Mary Habak

Leslie Miller said...

Christine, I'll always be here (even if a little late sometimes). You know I'm a fan of your coloring and all your artwork. This is as beautiful as beautiful gets and I hope it brought you some peace while working on it. How can one ever imagine the scope of your grief and hardship unless they've been through it themselves? You've been dealt a heavy hand. I just want to give you a hug.