Joy and Peace: Christmas Mojo

Hi Everyone!

Well, I guess it's about that time...time to get moving on those Christmas cards. This is the first one I've done this year and I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch for inspiration. It came together quickly, which I was thankful for since I am, as always, super busy and on the go these days. I could definitely see myself using this sketch for more holiday cards.
I used Verve Stamps "Bright Spirits" for my card and patterned papers from My Mind's Eye 6x6 "Merry Days of Christmas" paper pad. I sponged the edges of the center strip and scalloped circles with Aged Mahogany and Fired Brick Distress inks. Finally, some faux white stitching and gold stickles for accents finished this holiday card.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I know I'm not the best blogger; but rest assured, I'm always grateful when you visit! Until next time...

Book Review: The Secret Daughter

From Goodreads:

"On the eve of the monsoons, in a remote Indian village, Kavita gives birth to a baby girl. But in a culture that favors sons, the only way for Kavita to save her newborn daughter's life is to give her away. It is a decision that will haunt her and her husband for the rest of their lives, even after the arrival of their cherished son.
Halfway around the globe, Somer, an American doctor, decides to adopt a child after making the wrenching discovery that she will never have one of her own. When she and her husband, Krishnan, see a photo of the baby with the gold-flecked eyes from a Mumbai orphanage, they are overwhelmed with emotion. Somer knows life will change with the adoption but is convinced that the love they already feel will overcome all obstacles.
Interweaving the stories of Kavita, Somer, and the child that binds both of their destinies, Secret Daughter poignantly explores the emotional terrain of motherhood, loss, identity, and love, as witnessed through the lives of two families—one Indian, one American—and the child that indelibly connects them"

The Secret Daughter is a beautifully written, uplifting and heartbreaking love story about the unconditional love between mothers and daughters. It is a testimony to the bonds shared by those born to us and to those who, through circumstance and fortune, come into our lives. Motherhood presents such a wide variety of emotions and it is as wild and unpredictable as it is beautiful and overwhelming. As I read this story, I found myself incredibly grateful that I was never forced to give up my own daughter, or hide her away, or never tell anyone about her the way Kavita had to give up Asha. I simply couldn't imagine the pain and the heartache that would associated with that. I had great admiration and respect for Kavita to make the decision to take Usha to the orphanage, especially when the alternative meant possible death.
There were many aspects to this story that I found both intriguing and inspiring. I particularly liked the way Asha's adopted family was connected with her Indian heritage through Krishnan. I felt as though it was a logical and clear way to bring the two worlds together. I also admired the struggles that Somer and Asha went through that still had the usual "mother and teen daughter" angst; but also showcased their fundamental differences in that they were not biologically related. I think at one point Somer became painfully aware of this, as did Asha, causing them to pull apart. At one point, it was unclear as to whether or not this would be a breaking point of sorts in their relationship or if it could just learn to be accepted. To me, the story portrayed Somer and Asha as two pieces in the same puzzle...just not two pieces connected together. Still, I think they come to understand that they needed each other to complete one another's story.
The ending was unexpected; and at first somewhat baffling. However, in hindsight, it was really the only way it could have ended. I think that if it had ended in a predictable fashion, the story would not have had the same impact. In their own way, each character found their happy ending, or at least a version of it.

Happy Halloween!

Good Morning Everyone!

I am so excited to be the guest designer this week for ABC Challenges. They graciously declared my card from this challenge a couple of weeks ago their winner for the week. I was so excited; and beyond delighted to create a card for their Halloween challenge this week. Now, I will be the first to admit that Halloween just isn't really my favorite holiday. It's expensive and stressful with costume buying and candy giving and buying and buying...anyhow, I digress! This is probably the only Halloween card I will make; but I had a lot of fun making it! I used some pattern papers and coordinating stamps from Martha Stewart. I added some glossy accents to the three images that is hard to see in the picture; but it does look cool in real life! I want to thank Patty and all the members at ABC Challenges for giving me this opportunity! If you are new to my blog, I hope you look around and find some inspiration and maybe visit again. Have a great weekend everyone!

Catching Up

Hi Everyone!

Oh my goodness it has been a while once again, hasn't it? I have been so very busy working on crafting things and I'm so sorry I haven't been able to post lately. What's been keeping me busy? Well, for one thing I submitted some cards for Paper Craft Magazines World Card Making Day contest. As you probably know, if you are submitting cards for potential publication, you can't have them posted anywhere online prior. In addition, I am teaching my first stamping class at my LSS. How excited am I about that?!! YAY!! So, I've also been making samples, cutting materials and prepping for that. I have 2 more classes already lined up as well.
I am super busy today again; but I wanted to at least check in and share a quick card with you. This is my card for Mojo Monday.
Be sure to come back tomorrow as well, I have fun news to share with you.

All About Verve

Hi Everyone!

Sorry about the lack of posting the past few days. I have been busy in my little craft room, just haven't had a chance to get things posted. So, to make it up to you, I actually have two cards to show you.
It's been forever since I've participated in a full session of Verve's VLV sketch challenges. This month, however, I am determined to do all the sketches. This card is for week one. I am also using this card to send to Kristina Werner for her October "Mail Call" for Thank you cards. I used more papers from my Simon Says Stamp October Card kit. I built the flower in the middle using Verve's "Sunny Days". I added some glossy accents and stickles to bling it all up a bit too. The "Thank You" sentiment is also from Verve. The base of the card is actually Dark Chocolate from PTI; but it does look a little black in the picture, doesn't it? I think I finally found a way to take pictures that I think works pretty well. Outside on the front porch. I think the background adds a nice soft touch. Some of the coloring is a little off still; but that's ok. Obviously, it's a little dependent on the weather, which I hope will continue to cooperate.

Ok, now on to the second card for today. This is for this week's "Mojo Monday" sketch. Again, it's been a while since I've made a Mojo card, so this was fun to do. I really liked the simplicity of this sketch also. This will also be sent to Kristina for mail call. In total, I'm sending three cards to her. I can't wait to see if she'll show one on camera! Again, I used papers for the October card kit. I decided when I signed up for the kit every month that I was going to make sure I used up as much as I could in the kit. The butterfly is from Verve's "Blue Skies" set. I stamped them in Certainly Celery ink and Tumbled Glass Distress ink. I added some stickles and sequins to each one as well. The sentiment is from "Handwritten Greetings" and I stamped it using Colorbox chalk ink in Chestnut Roan.  I also used "Lots of Dots" to stamp the circles behind the butterflies








Challenges for card 1:

ABC Challenges: Three or more pattern papers
Card Mania: Use at least 1 button
Get Inky: Fall Colors
Sparkle N Sprinkle: Glitter, emboss or flock
Loves Rubber Stamps: Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown: Fall Colors


Challenges for card 2:

Craftin Desert Divas: Anything goes with a sentiment
Crafty Bloggers: Things with Wings
Incy Wincy designs: Give Thanks
Creative Craft Challenges: Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door: Anything Goes

That's all for me today. Thanks for visiting with me! Until next time....