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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Love, Joy, Hope: I Feel the Love

Happy Tuesday, my crafty friends! :o)

A new month means a new recipient of the treasured I Feel the Love Project, faithfully hosted each month by the sweet and talented Madison of Funky Cards. Each month she highlights a particular person, family, or organization in need of extra love and sunshine. In turn, we have the privilege of crafting for a higher purpose; one that gives me more joy than I could ever adequately express.

This month's focus is a precious little boy named Brandon, who is 4 years old. As the story unfolded, I knew I wouldn't be able to solely focus on him... which is why you see a girly card below. Rather, I need to make a little card for each immediate family member. The sweet family was involved in a tragic car accident last September. As a result, Brandon is considered tetraplegic, which means he can move one limb from time to time. He remains trach and ventilator dependent. Due to the neurological damage suffered in the accident, there is little likelihood that he will ever be weaned from the ventilator. (Although I will pray for all miracles to abound.)

Brandon's mother, his 2-year-old sister Ashley, and still-hospitalized aunt were all seriously injured in the accident. His mom's sweetheart (Ashley's father) did not survive. :( As endless beautiful cards have been posted around Blogger for Mother's Day, I couldn't stop thinking about this special mother and all she is enduring. So before Brandon's and Ashley's cards, I was inspired to share the love for a mother I do not know, but am connected with in prayer. She is truly special.

"Love. Joy. Hope."
I wanted to deliver this message through an elegant card, which hopefully will bring her a moment's comfort as she takes in the flourishy design. In life's most dire trials, we need to cling all the more fiercely to God and the endless love, joy, and hope that He offers. Those are often the hardest times to do just that, which is why I wanted them as the focus of the exterior. Whenever her eyes land upon this card, hopefully it will serve as a reminder of where to keep her focus and of how much she is truly loved. The joy of the Lord is our strength, after all.
A slightly closer look at the focal point, which is popped up with foam tape for dimension. (No worries, that mysterious black fuzzie will not be making the journey to California.)
The Storybook butterfly has three layers to make it 3D because I wanted it to have a nice presence on the card, to whisk her to a place of joyous hope on its whimsical wings. The body is lined with pearls to coordinate with the frame... and because you can never have too many pearls (or chocolate chips).

A few technical details for this card that was such fun to create, beginning with the gorgeous oval. I valiantly tried to resist the Spellbinders Floral Ovals, but upon discovering it's the perfect size for some of my beloved Elisabeth Bell stamps, all restraint vanished. The timing was perfect, as I thought it would make a lovely backdrop for this marvelous mother. Layered upon the pearl-accented floral oval are two Spellbinders Classic Ovals. The Love, Joy, and Hope stamps are from Close To My Heart, which came with the Art Philosophy bundle. I decorated it with a few Wild Orchid Crafts roses, which are sprinkled with glittery Star Dust. They rest atop my favorite Storybook leaves, which are embossed with the Swiss Dots folder.

The patterned papers are from the Kaiser Craft English Rose collection, and I was ecstatic to see they perfectly match this pretty American Crafts lace ribbon. :o) I wanted her to have elegant lace and a pretty bow, so I had no choice but to add more ribbon! Woohoo! The Vanilla Bean crinkle ribbon is from My Craft Spot. It is (somewhat) tied in a double bow, thanks to a fabulous tutorial by my dear friend Sherrie of Sherrie Scraps with Passion. It may have been wise for my first attempt to be with satin ribbon, or anything a touch less crinkly than crinkle ribbon. ;) It was fun, though!

The corner details are single scrolls from Art Philosophy, which I doubled up to make a fancy corner. Lastly, I added two tiny butterflies, secured in pearly love. The edges of the base papers and ovals are inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink, while the butterflies are inked with Victorian Velvet. I also stitched around the perimeter with my sewing machine.

My hope is that having a card for Brandon, Ashley, and their mom will deliver a heap of love to the entire family. That way, I can almost hug all of them since I pack these cards with all the sappy love and hugs possible. :o) I hope you'll consider making a card for Brandon this month. It will mean more to the family than we can truly understand.

Challenges entered:
 * Craft Your Passion~ Torn or Distressed Edges
 * Frosted Designs~ Recipe Challenge; I chose: glitter (on the flowers, which didn't photograph well), ribbon, butterfly, and flower
 * Really Reasonable Ribbon~ Mother's Day or Feminine with Ribbon
 * Sentimental Sundays~ For a Special Woman

Thank you for fluttering on by today! I hope you have a sparkly, beautiful week! :o)

Key Recipe Components:
 * Cricut cartridges: Art Philosophy, Storybook
 * Cuttlebug embossing folder: Swiss Dots
 * Spellbinders Nestabilities: Floral Ovals, Classic Ovals~ Large
 * Paper: Core'dinations, Kaiser Craft, Papertrey Ink
 * Stamps: Close To My Heart
 * Ribbon: Crinkle~ My Craft Spot (Vanilla Bean); Lace~ American Crafts
 * Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
 * Ink: Victorian Velvet, Walnut Stain
 * Miscellaneous: Pearls (Recollections), Stickles


16 comments:

  1. Oh my what a touching story Karen... It saddens to know and I can imagine what they must all be going through. Poor Brandon at such a young age his in my prayers too. I will keep them all in my prayers too.
    Your card you made for her is just "BEAUTIFUL"!
    And hope it will bring her some comfort and lighten her and brighten up their moments.
    I also love your new blog look did someone make it for you?

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  2. Karen, This is just the sadest story. But how wonderful it is that so many care and are speading love to little Brandon. Your card is just beautiful and has just the perfect sentiment.
    Charlotte

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  3. Wow, what a beautiful card. I know it will be so appreciated by this special mother and will serve as a reminder to her always of how much God loves her and how other people are praying for her. The creativity and love you put in to the card are so evident, you've done a wonderful job. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Frosted Designs.

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  4. A truly special card, absolutely beautiful... Thank you for joining us at Craft Your Passion.

    Helen (GDT member) xxx

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  5. Karen this is so lovely, this Mom will be so blessed by it. The love and compassion of your heart will pass to her too. You have the most wonderful spirit my beautiful friend. God uses our touch for blessings to be passed to others, like the laying on of hands for healing, so I believe every card you make delivers God's healing from your hands to each of the lovely children or others that receive one of your gifts. I adore you Karen.

    Hugs, Pam
    http://craftycards4u2.blogspot.com/

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  6. Karen, your posts are as awesome as your cards. Wow! You are such a gifted writer as well. I love the new look. Did I already tell you that? This card is beautiful. I don't know where to begin. I love everything about it and how you describe it. The 3D butterfly is so pretty!!!! You just continue to amaze me. Thank you again for everything. You are the BEST!
    ~Madison Funkycards.blogspot.com

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  7. Karen, this is such a sad story and it just breaks my heart to hear things like this. I am sure your card will mean so much to Brandon's Mom and just to know you made this especially for her. Your thoughtfulness and caring will be appreciated by the whole family. I will keep them in my prayers.
    I absolutely love your card. The design is gorgeous and I love the floral ovals and all the layering. The butterfly adds such a sweet touch and your bow is awesome! Thanks for the shout out my friend...fabulous card!!!
    Have a wonderful day!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  8. i am so sure she is going to love this beautiful card Karen... you are simply amazing. hugs from ukiah

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  9. Wow!!! I feel for the family. Keeping them in prayer.
    Love your card. Thanks for sharing the story and card to us at Frosted Designs.

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  10. That is a sad story indeed. I will keep them in my prayers. I know your Gorgeous card is sure to bring a smile to this Mom. Just knowing that a person she doesn't know cared enough to make her a card will warm her heart for sure. You are awesome. Hugs and God bless!

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  11. My sweetest sis...I don't even know where to begin to say just how much I love this most incredible gift that you have made for a most extraordinarily brave mother. A present this special will bring her more hope than we will we ever possibly know, Sunshine. Just knowing that others are lifting her and her family in prayer will help so much in the healing process. My heart feels at ease already knowing that this family is being comforted in not only God's love but also my Sunshine's love. Your prayers and love are so powerful, sis...they will offer so much strength during this most difficult time. And years from now, it will be the memory of the incredible support of sparkling hearts like yours that will forever serve as an enduring healing presence in their lives. God bless you Sunshine and all the love you give...we're all praying with you!

    I LOVE YOU SUNSHINE!!!

    P.S. *waves hi and sends hugs to your newest followers* YAY!!! Welcome everyone! :)

    *forever sparkling rainbow squishies*
    ~~~Christina :)

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  12. Such a sad story.I am sure your beautiful card will offer strength,love and hope.It is so elegant(and love your butterfly!).
    Hugs
    Jayne x

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  13. Such a beautiful and elegant card.I'm sure this special card will be much appreciated.Thanks for joining us at Craft Your Passion.Hope to see you again next week :D
    Lisa x

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  14. Oh Karen, this is so stunning and gorgeous!! Such a beautiful card for such a sad, touching story. You are so thoughtful to include Brandon's family. The little touches you add to every card are just spectacular!! I love, love the Floral Oval :) I know Brandon's mom will truly appreciate such a lovely, thoughtful, beautiful card from a lovely, thoughtful, beautiful person!! You are simply amazing my friend and have I told you lately how thankful I am for you??!!

    Have the most wonderful week and oh - I think I figured out why I wasn't getting the email notifications of new posts...they were going directly into my gmail spam folder. I had like 300 messages in there!! No idea why they went directly there but since I have my gmail forwarded to my yahoo account, they weren't forwarding. I hope I can fix it but I am so happy to at least know the reason!! :)

    Hugs my sweet friend,

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  15. Karen this is a true treasure and I know Brandon's mother will cherish this. What a wonderful creation <3

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  16. Oh my goodness, Karen! How did I miss your awesome blog makeover? I've been so busy this week I haven't had a chance to visit my bloggy friends! I LOVE your new blog look! The colors you chose, the butterflies, and the fan are gorgeous! I also love this beautiful card you made. It is such a sweet gesture and I'm sure it will brighten her day! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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