Sunday 13 June 2010

Personal stuff, a card and new crafty stash

Hi all. Thanks for all your kind messages. Once again, I'm so sorry I haven't been able to visit any of you, it's been a rough couple of months culminating in some bad news. My Mum has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The biopsy she had was inconclusive but we've been told that it's "highly likely" to be cancer. For those of you who are regular readers of my blog, you know that we lost my Dad to cancer last year so I needn't explain how I'm feeling right now. My Mum is having an operation to remove the affected part of her bowel a week on Monday, they then biopsy that to grade the cancer. It feels highly surreal and is hard to believe we are going through the same thing again.

So as you can imagine, there hasn't been much time for crafting but I did manage to get home this week and make this card for my best friend's birthday. I am dearly hoping to get back to my crafting soon as it's a great distraction and release from all the stress so I think I really need to make time to do it for my own sanity.

So here is the card I made using this brilliant Stamping Bella stamp- I just love the sentiment and her palazzo pants! I coloured the image using watercolour pencils and then paper pieced her pants. I used Glossy Accents on the crystal ball to get the shine. The papers are beautiful from American Crafts- I love the bright colours on them! I used a piece of card to thread through my nesties labels instead of ribbon.

I've entered this for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge who's challenge this week is a recipe of one image, two papers and 3 types of embellies. I've used a Prima flower, a punched embellie and a gem stone for my embellies.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Watercolour pencils; Glossy accents; Stickles; Paper (American Crafts); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Daisy punch (Woodware); Prima flower; Prima gemstone

I also wanted to show you some new stash I got which is crazy really cos I've got some stuff from Christmas I still haven't had a chance to use yet but hubbie was going to the US and I couldn't resist the chance to pick up some stamps cheaply and avoid paying customs duty!! So the clear stamps are Papertrey Ink stamps. I got the 2 On my Couch sets, a sentiment set and the Everyday Button Bits set. The rubber ones below which I've just realised is the worst photo ever- why didn't I spread the stamps out????!! DOH- are Riley stamps which I've coveted for ages!!! I got 8 in the end. I can't wait to use all of these!

So I hope you're all doing OK, better than me anyway!! I hope to visit you all sometime this week. Take care xxx

8 comments:

Daisychain said...

Oh Steph, I am so sorry you and your family are going through such a rough time, I've been there myself so I know what you are going through. Please give your mum a big hug from me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, big hugs to all, Christine x

Jules said...

Oh dear Steph

I was hoping the reason for your absence wasn't going to hold news such as this.

Why does life have to throw such horrible things our way?

I hope your crafting manages to relax you a little and take your mind of things for at least a little while .. .. waiting to know results that you may not want to hear must be awful.

I shall be thinking of you and your Mum.

Love Jules xx

Sue said...

Hi Steph
oh hun im so sorry to read about your mum, i hope the op goes well for her.
Gorgeous card, luv the papers & design, thinking of you all, sue,x

Lorraine A said...

I am so sorry to hear your Mum isn't very well, I hope the tests and treatment go well and she makes a full recovery xx will be thinking of you xx

Gorgeous card and your new stash looks fabulous ! :-)

thanks for joining the Simon Says Stamp Challenge :-)
luv
Lols x x

Liz McGuire, said...

Hi Steph, you are in my thoughts, Liz x

Lexxie said...

Love your gorgeous card, what a fab stamping Bella.
So sorry Steph to hear your bad news, I shall pray for both of you.
Love Sarita xx

June said...

Ohhh Steph i am so sorry you are going through such a worrying time. It must be doubly hard with what you went through last year.I hope they manage to clear the cancer for your mum and hope you are ok as it must be really hurting you right now, the card is lovely and yes you are right its a kind of therapy , so take care, keep crafting and sending you love and prayers my friend
hugs June xxxxx

Silli said...

Big smile, your card is sooo cute, love the image!