Stopping to smell the flowers ...

Hello, you very patient friends and followers!

Photoshop-created art, from a
photograph I took of a water lily.

I apologize for having to be away from my craft room ("The Paper Jungle") and you while I get a grip on life in the fast lane, with a new full-time job.

I've got a lot of catching up to do!

First of all, I'll be hitting the post office this week and will be mailing blog candy to those of you who have been waiting patiently.  Thank you, Cindy (Momenta notecard set); Bea (Disney EK Success kit); and Jen (EmbEllies) for bearing with me.  Look for your prizes in your mail this week!

I'll also be mailing cards and shhhh, a surprise to Faith Freeman, who coordinated the recent Royal Purple Freedom Blog Hop.  While Faith's fundraising goal was not yet met, she certainly helped call attention to our need for solidarity against domestic violence.  It is not too late to send a contribution and/or card for abused women at the Bradley Angle Home, and have a chance to win wonderful prize baskets from the Hop's sponsors.

I also have the fun of picking two more Blog Candy winners from my recent Hops, and they are:

Linda Dale (Milroy), whose blog is "The Fruit of My Hands", wins a handmade (by me!) beaded bracelet or necklace in her choice of colors/length. 

AmyJo (AmyJRockStar), you've won my prize from the Royal Purple Freedom blog hop -- a pack of DCWV paper, 6 EmbEllies, and CardMonkey Glimmer Mist. 

Ladies, contact me please ASAP with your mailing address.  And feel free to pick up the CardMonkey Winner Blog Button (above) to celebrate your win on your blog, if you'd like. 

And I have another Blog Award to celebrate, too! Mmmm, take a look at these berries, and tell me if this doesn't scream summer!!  Selina at http://www.mudpiereality.com/ gave me this Irresistibly Sweet Award ... thank you!  It comes with the responsibility to share 7 things about me, and to pass it on to 7 others.  Here goes:

1.  My new job has been both frustrating and rewarding, a rollercoaster.  The good news is that it's on the up-swing, and my boss is encouraging and supportive.

2.  I miss my crafting time and buddies that working full-time has brought. The last time I spent any serious crafting time upstairs was when I helped my DD Emily make a poster for her workplace ... and she used the Cricut. Otherwise, nary a chirp out of the ol' Cricuts!

3.  I'd be happiest if I could make a full-time living (and wage with benefits) crafting all day! Wouldn't we all?!  Second choice would be to be writing more!  One day, I'll be that best-selling novelist ... until then, just a dreamer.

4.  I am loving being a grandmother.  What a surprise ... NOT!

What IS surprising is how quickly Charlotte is growing ... and the charming personality she has already, at just 6 months.

5.  My favorite spot to vacation is the beach. And I haven't been to the beach in, like, ..... forever!  (Okay, 2008)

6. I am blessed to have both parents still alive and well; in September, they will celebrate 60 years of marriage!  Mom and Dad recently visited from Florida to meet Charlotte!

7. My favorite dinner is spaghetti bolognese (w/meat sauce), followed by a cake made from a store-bought package mix.  How simple am I?

...and I HATE lima beans.

Alrighty ... I've bored you long enough.  Let me think about the 7 bloggers who'll be getting this award. The pictures of all the sweeties, combined with spaghetti and that luscious strawberry pie, has caused a Carb Coma .... time for a zzzzzzz nap!

Freedom from Domestic Violence: Card/Gift for Strength

For the month of June, I will be featuring cards that I have made to send to women who have made the courageous decision to leave abusive relationships. 


My goal is ambitious: 24 cards in the next 18 days. And those who know me know that I rarely slap a card together ... I put a lot of thought and time into the cards for those who mean a lot to me. And the issue of domestic violence moves me to care, as 17 years ago, I was there too.

For this card, I first made a bracelet of pearls and lavendar Swarovski crystals, handknotted on silk thread.  My mom taught me this technique when she visited last weekend! 

I used the bracelet to embellish this card. It is removable so that the recipient can wear it to remind her that she is thought of, with love.

Do you like this concept of a card that's also a gift? 

Meanwhile, if you'll follow and comment, at the end of the month I will pick one lucky winner for whom I'll make her choice of a beaded bracelet or necklace, in the length and colors of her choosing. 

... nice blog candy if you're a girly-girl like my granddaughter, Charlotte (below). Isn't she just the cutest little thing?



Charlotte Grace, age 6 months



Royal Purple - Deets on How to Make the Flower

This weekend, it has been my privilege to participate in the Royal Purple Freedom Blog Hop ... an amazing event that has called attention to the societal issue of Domestic Violence.

Please scroll down to my June 10 posting for more important information on this cause, and the blog hop.

If you'd like to help, and be eligible to win generous prizes, please see the purple info square at the top right of my blog.

This was the card I posted for this hop.  Several commenters asked for more details on how to make this removable and useable flower pictured on this card.  Here are those "deets":

First, allow me to say that I learned how to do this on the Internet. For the life of me, I can't recall which site showed how to make this flower ... thank you, whoever you are!

Cut five (5) squares of a pre-washed lightweight fabric (I used cotton),
and I also used my pinking shears to avoid fraying.
Squares are cut at 4"x4". 
You may make them smaller or larger,
depending on the size of the flower you desire.

Fold the square in half, making a triangle, with the
"good side" out.  Keep the folded edge at the top.

Stitching at about 1/4" in, along the CUT edge of your triangle,
lightly baste and gather up your fabric.
Do not baste along the folded side.
Form the petal as you're going along.

 

Once the cut edge of the triangle is all gathered up and a petal is formed,
whip stitch a couple of times to hold your petal in its desired position.

Make five petals, adding each one to the next as each is finished,
to form a finished 5-petal flower.
On the right side of the flower, stitch on button(s) as you wish.



To the back side of the flower, add a hair "alligator" clip
by stitching it in place, keeping the top (clipping arm) free.

 I hope this has been helpful for you.  I plan to make several of these cute flowers and use them on a headband I'm making for baby Charlotte.  The headband will match a dress and bloomers I'm making too -- as soon as I get the time!! 

Now, back to info on the HOP ... I have been so moved by the stories of survival my fellow hoppers have shared here and privately, that I am compelled to spend the rest of my cardmaking month on cards for this cause.

Cards made for this event are due by June 30; my goal is to make at least 2 dozen cards -- one for each woman we hope to help through this outreach. I'll post them as I finish ... there may be some duplicates I make, so I'll only be posting one of each design. 

Then, on July 1, I plan to celebrate both my Blogaversary (June 24) and my 17th personal Independence Day.  You see, on July 1, 1994, I ran from an abusive marriage. It took courage, strength, and faith to leave. This year marks the turning point for me -- just this year starts the first year that I have been OUT as long as I was IN that relationship.  It's also the first year that I've been able to speak about the abuse I experienced that led up to the marriage, as well as the abuses I suffered there.  And how abuse changes us in ways that are both unspeakable and joyous.

Prayers to those who need them, and gratitude to those who understand and still pray.

SCROLL DOWN to go to the Hop ... many women have left their cards posted (even though it was only supposed to be a one day [June 10] hop.  There is still opportunity to win prizes and to comment on the cards of inspiration.

Four Generations of Amazing Women

There is no greater joy ...

Last weekend, my parents came to visit and stayed with me for 5 days.  Mom and Dad met their first (only) great-grandchild, Charlotte.

I'll forever cherish these memories when I was in the company of the women I love the most ... My mother, Dorothy (age 81) ...  My daughter, Emily (age 25) ... and my granddaughter Charlotte (6 months young).

ROYAL PURPLE FREEDOM BLOG HOP - June 10

It is my pleasure to participate in the Royal Purple Freedom Blog Hop, for a remarkable cause and one that has deep personal meaning to me.  This hop is designed to call attention to the pervasive problem of domestic violence ... and to most of all, offer support and encouragement to those who need strength to move forward.

HERE ARE HOP DETAILS so you don't get lost:
         You have arrived from: Deborah at Scrapping Mamma
         Your next stop is: Gill at Creations by Gill M
         The start of the hop is here:  Faith at FaithfuleCreations

REMEMBER:   No matter if your relationship/marriage is physically abusive or you're left with the scars of emotional abuse, know you do not deserve to be treated this way. 

Here is one of the cards I made for this hop.  I made this sweet purple flower using triangles of cherry-printed lilac fabric, topped with purple and red buttons for the center.  The flower is removable, and is put on an "alligator clip" to use on a hat, headband or pocketbook.

The flower pot and leaves were cut using a DieCut Designer SVG file, using my Cricut.  I centered the flower pot on a white background that I "punched around the corner" using a Martha Stewart set called "Double Loops."  I made the complimenting striped paper (in the background) using my computer/printer. The butterfly is a paper embellie that came in a kit I bought at "Tuesday Morning," cheap!

BREAKING NEWS:  CardMonkey is offering a chance to win a sweet basket of her own goodies -- including EmbEllies, a pack of DCWV paper, and Glimmer Mist -- in exchange for your "following" and comment to this post!  (Please leave a way for me to contact you when you win!!!) 

Now here's the EXTRA SPECIAL magic of this hop -- you can actively participate to WIN BIG PRIZES!! How, you ask?


Create a purple-themed card with a message of hope inside of it. For each card you mail for the hop, you get one chance to win the grand prize (FANTASTIC) baskets! For each $1 you contribute with your card, you get additional entries.
Here are more specifics on the prize, and the cause, straight from our HOP COORDINATOR, Faith:

About 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes occur every year while many more assaults and rapes go unreported entirely. More than 3 million children witness violence in their home each year and those who see and hear violence in the home suffer physically and emotionally. These statistics are sad and overwhelming, but help IS out there for those who choose to break the silence.


Together we can make a difference!

Help us instill some hope where very little probably exists and give 24 families a chance at recovery when we are able to donate 1k dollars to the Bradley Angle House. Your purple themed card(s) with a hope filled message inside could make all the difference, not to mention give YOU a chance to win the grand prize for this hop...what is it you ask? A prize basket valued at more than $100.


Want more chances to win the grand prize?

Additional entries will be given for each $1 donation you include with your card. Would you prefer 1 entry, 10 entries, or is 100 entries more of what you had in mind? It's all up to you! Cards must be postmarked by June 30th for inclusion in basket drawings and can be mailed to the following address:

 Royal Purple Hop
c/o Vicki Smith
P.O. Box 1496
Millbrook, NY 12545

♥ Thank you for participating in this important ♥

and FAB blog hop!! 

 
Don't forget to hop along to Gill.  Leave a comment here to win my BLOG CANDY.  Send a card (or more) for an entry for each to win the grand prize; for each $1 you donate also gets you an entry toward the fabulous grand prize basket.  AND helps a family in need!


In case you need the whole hop line-up, here it is... Don't miss a stop!

Faith: http://faithfulecreations.com/


Raven: http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/

Linda: www.thefruitofmyhands.blogspot.com

Brie: http://vintage53.blogspot.com/

Erin: http://www.spantastikreations.blogspot.com/

Tanya: http://www.ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com/

Amanda: http://www.scrapanddash.com/

Kimmare: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

Lori A: http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

Gina: http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/

Monica: http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/

Anita: http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/

Sue: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

Gaby: www.gabycreates.com

Debbie W: http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/

Jen R. http:/www.memorieswithjen.blogspot.com/

Deborah http://www.scrappingmamma.net/

Ellen: http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

Gill: http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Lori: http://lorisartsyobsession.blogspot.com/

Krista: http://www.kristaspapercafe.com/

Carol: http://www.cardstockscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/

Nancy: http://fancywithnancy.blogspot.com/

Vicki: http://paperandprims.blogspot.com/

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Kristal: http://gettingcricky.com/

Amy: http://amychomas.blogspot.com/

Winner, and the Biggest Gift of All ...

Congratulations, we have a winner!

Randy at Random.org chose #11 comment from Nicolette's Birthday Bash to win the Momenta Designer Card Kit.

The prize goes to:  mamawcindy
who said...



"Love This!!! I can tell you put a lot of time into this. Great Job.  cindymarshall63 at hotmail dot com"


Thanks, Cindy -- please be in touch with me via e-mail to cardmonkey@ comcast dot net to provide me with your full name and mailing address!

In other wonderful news, I've been spending all of my time since Thursday -- loving it! -- visiting with my parents, Dot and Ed, in my home.  If you haven't hugged your parents today, I highly recommend it ... no love is greater.

Here's the picture of my parents meeting their first great-grandbaby, Charlotte, for the first time.

Birthday Bash Blog Hop - June 1 and 2

Nicolette, this one's for you...

One of my very favorite bloggy buddies, Nicolette of Beyond Scrappin', is sharing her birthday with us by hosting a BIRTHDAY BASH BLOG HOP, and the theme is Disney.

I'm your last stop of 25 or so ... if you're joining me before hitting the rest of the terrific bloggers, please start at Nicolette's blog (click HERE), wish her a happy birthday, and tell her I sent you! 

Now I think I remember ... (and you may know how that "think" is tough, since I've celebrated far more birthdays than Nicolette!) ... that Nicolette's favorite color combo is pink, black, and silver. As a result, I dressed Minnie in Nicolette's favorite colors (a pink leopard-print paper!) and posed her in front of her very own Mouse House.

I created the Mouse House from an SCAL cut, using my Cricut Expression (yes, you can still cut using SCAL and your Cricut, despite what you may have heard).

I cut Minnie using the Cricut "Mickey and Friends" cartridge, the word "happy" is cut in a glitter cardstock. I found it by relying on my good friend SHAWN's "My Cut Search" program (typed in the word "happy" in the search) and there I found it on my "A Child's Year" cartridge. I would have never looked there!! 

For the B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y bubbles, I simply printed the letters on pink paper (using the Mickey font) and punched them out using a 3/4" Marvy punch. Both of the butterflies are from Creative Charms; the larger one "flies" on beading wire.

The pink roof lifts off for treats or a gift.

NOW, speaking of GIFT ... how would you like a chance at some blog candy in Nicolette's favorite colors?!  I've got a terrifically sweet DESIGNER CARD KIT by Momenta with the makings for 12 note cards made by little ol' YOU! 

The kit has cards, envelopes, borders, gems, and stickers, and it was given to me by the sweet people at Momenta to give away to one of my followers.

To qualify, please be a follower, and leave a comment on this post. In the comment, be sure to leave me a way to reach you should you be lucky enough to win the candy.

I'll be leaving this post up and active June 1 and 2, throughout the hop. I'm just doing one post for the two days, as my new job causes me to have too little time up here in the Paper Jungle, alas ... at least until I get into a routine!  Bear with me!! 

Thank you for hopping with us!

♥ Happy Birthday, Nicolette!! ♥