Friday, September 20, 2013

Laughing Lola takes center stage


We can never have too many birthday cards in our gifting arsenal, can we? 

To make this card, I used Close To My Heart's new "Laughing Lola" paper (on the top edge of this card, shown at right), which is one of my favorites.  The colors are rich and have a beautiful design.

I cut complementing paper chevrons for the bottom edge of the card -- and added one of my favorite Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon, in Caddy Blue ...

And it still looked like it needed something....

So I took out a new tool introduced by CTMH this autumn, called a
"Stitch Guide." (Z1852, $12.95) and, using an embroidery needle, I punched the swirl stitch patterns on the card and on the paper pieces.  I then joined each of the holes, using a white opaque gel pen (Sakura Gelly Pen). 

Now for a message from me ...
a personal update:


I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to many of my blog followers who have selected me to be their Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.  As you know, I retired due to disability in December 2012; CTMH has allowed me to modestly supplement my fixed income and retain some of the dignity of having purpose of working within my abilities.  The Craft Classes at Kathy Davis Studios also help, both financially and with that sense of purpose.

Let me give you some details, which I seldom discuss here:


I know none of us has the "brain power" we once had when we were younger.

My issues run deeper than normal aging, as I have had several brain injuries (strokes and concussions) that have affected my memory, word-finding, executive decision-making capabilities, and mood.

I battle depression, fatigue and near-constant headaches -- and while I am treating with a new neurologist to see if there's much I can do about what is likely "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy" (CTE) -- I have found that crafting and cardmaking is the greatest therapy.


Having you, "my blog family", is self-affirming. On days when I confuse the word "upstairs" for "inside", or tell my husband I'm putting his clothes in the "bottle" instead of in the "dryer" (who knows why?!), you make me feel as if there's nothing wrong with my brain. My juicy, creative brain can do no wrong. So thank you!

Your support is vital to me, in more ways than I can adequately express. You make me feel whole, normal -- and often super-powered!  Other than my family, nothing else brings me more joy. Thank you.   

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

11 comments:

dawnmercedes said...

I have the same problem with words...ack! Love your card by the way...you are always so clever!

Tanya said...

LOVE the colors of your card and the "textures" it gives!! Great job mixing the movements and maintain a great flow!!

Zingaro Skoolie said...

I just love the papers you used and I agree, that stitching really hits the spot!!
Good luch to you on your journey to health and peace of mind, neither of which can ever be overrated.

Unknown said...

I love all the colors in your card. The stitch guide is so cool, i didn't even know stuff like that existed! I feel your pain in stumbling over words. I often find myself saying the wrong word, even though I had the right word in my mind. I blame it on the concussion I got a couple years ago, even tho my husband teases me it's because I'm getting older! :)

Iris said...

Beautiful card.

Nicky said...

c'est une très jolie carte, et les couleurs sont ravissantes - je retiens l'idée du stylo gel pour marquer les points de couture, même si je n'ai pas de cricut. Je vous souhaite plein de bonnes choses, courage, et optimisme, et vous remercie pour tout ce que vous partagez.
Amitiés de France, Nicky

Pamela Lash said...

Wowser awesome - the colors and embellies really speak to a heartfelt design for our b-day girl - she'll love it!!
Cyberhugs.........Mama LoveBug

Anonymous said...

This card is beautiful Ellen! I cant wait to see it and I'm so glad to know that you are a CTMH consultant. I will definitely check it out. ThNk you so much! You guys have made my day!

Stacey's Creative Corner said...

I love the bright bold colors on this card!!!

Stacey
CT sister

Marilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottage said...

Ellen, I love this card and love that you posted this again from an earlier post. Laughing lola is one of my faves... and I like how you used the stitch guide and gel pens. I'm sorry to hear about your problems with your brain and memory, fatigue, headaches, etc. You sure don't seem "disabled"!! You seem so on top of things, so helpful and giving and "right on the mark" with so many things! I have lived with fibromyalgia and CFS for about 12 years and it's a struggle sometimes, but I guess we learn to just deal with the issues we have in different ways, to try to make our life as normal as we an. What is "normal" anyway? I hope you keep on crafting until your heart's content. I agree it is a wonderful balm to the soul! Marilyn

Karenladd said...

Love the fun colors in your card and the added texture from the stitching! Thanks also for the post on your personal update and confirming once again that crafting and creating are more than just a hobby. Anytime we use our brain and senses, we improve our lives! I hope you can keep on crafting and inspiring us all!