Saturday 13 June 2009

Challenges and feeling low

Hi everyone in blogland! Sorry I haven't been around much but I've been really busy working and have been really exhausted in the evenings so haven't done any crafting or blogging. I'm also feeling quite low so I feel like I've lost my creativity a bit.

I'm missing my Dad alot this week- maybe cos it's Father's Day and it's so in your face, I feel like I can't do anything without seeing something to do with Father's Day. Plus it's my Dad's birthday in a couple of weeks and I'm dreading it. Also the last few days I've been dreaming all night about him which upsets me. I guess they are all days to get through. I just feel so desperately sad without him.

So onto my cards, I had to make this birthday card for a wonderful friend of mine so I decided to enter it to the Penny Black Friends Saturday Challenge which is to make a celebration card and Sketch Saturday's sketch this week. Doh- I've just realised I've forgotten to post the sketch! Anyway, pop over to their site and you can see it for yourself! So obviously the image is Penny Black coloured with watercolour pencils. I then cut out with Nesties and layered up with Making Memories paper from the Max set. The sentiment is by Lili of the Valley.

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Penny Black); Watercolour pencils; Papers (Making Memories); Nesties; Sentiment (Lili of the Valley)

Here is a little close up of a cutie hedgie!

And another card I made, not for any challenge, but for my stock for the craft show I'm doing- I've still got quite a few I need to make! The papers are all by Basic Grey and the sentiment is stamped using Paper Studio's individual letter stamps. The sketch is from my Cardmaker's Sketch Book. Hope you like it!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Paper Studio); Paper (Basic Grey); Flowers (Poppicrafts and Ebay); Brad (Woodware); Hot fix crystals (London Bead Co)

25 comments:

Riet said...

What a beautiful cards Steph,l love the image and colours.
So gorgeous papers.

Hugs Riet.x

Kath Stewart said...

beautiful celebration card Steph..love the papers and the cute image....it's normal to be feeling like this after losing your Dad...it does get better with time....and then you will remember him with a smile but I agree anniversaries are difficult....thanks for joining in the birthday fun this week and big hugs from me
Kath xxxxxx

mckinkle said...

Hi Steph, lovely to see you've managed a few cards, they are lovely, the cute hedgies really swing it for me every time!! I remember the dreams & they're so 'real'; nothing any one can say but hope to see you back here soon!
Keryn x

Anonymous said...

Hey hun lovely to see you in blogland. Sorry your not feeling too good at the moment, I can't imagine how you must be feeling, but my thoughts are with you. Lovely cards you have made, the penny black is a cutie! Take care & email me anytime if you wanna chat. Helen x

pickle said...

Aww Hun My heart goes out to ya. It's 20 years this year since my dad has been gone. It's expected to be feeling how you are right now especially on birthdays/anniversarys. One day you will be able to look back and celebrate thses special occasions with a smile , it does get easier with time. Glad to see you back in blogland and making a few cards, which are fabulous as always!
hugs
kerry x

Unknown said...

I love how you have cut out your image with the nestie. It look so cute! Take care of yourself.
Sending hugs your way.
Alicia xx

tracie said...

2 fabulous cards Steph, love the cute image on PB and the beautiful colours. My thoughts are with you hun.. I know how you feel, but it does get better.
Thanks for joining in the birhtday fun this week at PBSC.
hugs
Tracie :)x

LOUISE said...

Hi Steph, glad to see you are back. Have missed you over the past few weeks. Your card is lovely, just love the cute image. Keep your chin up, I know how hard it is, but things will get better! Lots of luv and hugs Lou x

Mephisto said...

Oh wow - fab Card! The Coloring is wonderful and the Image sooo sweet *g*

Thanks for joining in the PBSC and my Blogcandy.

Domi

Lexxie said...

Such pretty cards Steph as ever. I lost my dad 10 years ago and had very similar experiences to you, I know how hard it is,
Am thinking of you Steph and sending huge cyber {{{hugs}}} your way,
Love Sarita xx

cats whiskers said...

Hi Hun what love card sweetie, I do love those pb hedgies cannot get enough of them.
Don't upset yourself about feeling down dear it is all part of the greiving process and you are bound too miss him, he must have been a lovely man, I wish I was there to give you a big hug
Love Jacqui xxxxxxxx

Bastelkueken`s Kreative Welt aus Alsdorf said...

wow - this is a fantastic and wonderful card to the first birthday to PBSC.. great

CraftyC said...

Gorgeous card and beautifully coloured Steph. Hope you feeling better soon. I lost my dad a few ago threw illness, so know how you feel.
Clairexxx

Joey said...

Hiya Steph, fabulous cards, I absolutely love the penny black image super cute and believe it or not one I havent seen before, love that card!. Joey.xxx

Jules said...

Beautiful card Steph - as always.

Sorry I cannot make you feel any better. If I could I would. My heart goes out to you.

Been there and done that and it still hurts 19 years later - but it does get easier - I promise.

You may remember I told you before that you miss your Dad because you love him.

We just have to be greatful that we had Dad's that meant such a lot to us. Not everyone is this fortunate.

Take care

Love Jules xx

Beth said...

These are gorgeous cards and your colouring is absolutely stunning! Sorry you're feeling low : (

Good luck with the PB candy draw and thanks for joining in!

Beth xx

Andrea, said...

Oh this is gorgeous Steph, I love the colours and cute image. Have a great Monday

tracie said...

Hi Steph, thanks for joining in my blog candy.. good luck.
Hope your feeling better today
hugs
Tracie :)x

debby4000 said...

Fabulous cards and I love the PB Hedgies they are so cute.
Sending hugs, you sound like you need some.
luv
Debby

Nicki said...

Lovely cards Steph, you've coloured those cute little hedgies beautifully.
It's a tough time of year, I know I'm avoiding a few of my regular challenge blogs because they have Father's Day themes. Keep smiling hun, and remember the happy times. I know it's a cliche, but time really does heal. Big hugs, Nicki, xx.

Christine said...

I love Penny Black and i love the way u have used dots and stripes and it works so well, im always to scared to mix pattens!

love it!
Christine xx

Jeanette said...

Lovely cards my dear. Thank you so much for joining in with us at Sketch Saturday! Hugs Jeanette xx

Pauline C said...

Gorgeous sweet cards Steph - thanks so much for joining in the PBSC first birthday celebrations and good luck! So sorry you are feeling low about your dad and hope you will be able to remember the good times as Father's Day and his birthday come around.
Hugs,
Pauline x

strawberry fields said...

looks like you're into combined challenges too.
i was sent the promarkers which was a treat.

strawberry fields said...

looks like you're into combined challenges too.
i was sent the promarkers which was a treat.