Smooth Sailing

Happy Monday! I hope this message finds everyone enjoying spring weather. This week's blog was inspired by a new technique that uses multiple colors of dye inks blended and layered using a felt applicator. A big Thank You to Theresa Momber for sharing this idea with me. As you can see from the picture, the touch made a difference in how dark or light the image appeared. Bascially, by taking a new felt piece for every color of ink used, I was able to blend from lighter colors to darker colors to create the colors in the sky and water. Then, using post it notes I was able to create the horizon line and land line. What a wonderful way to express mood and depth. Here's to a smooth sailing week for all of us. Blessings, Jeannette

Princess Packages

Greetings friends,

For the blog this week, I wanted to share a wonderful addition to the Stamp to Cope, Inc. mission for 2011...Princess Packages. I made 25 of these packages today for inclusion in the Reach For Recovery baskets. In connection with the Madison County Breast Cancer Survivors Group (MCBCSG), Stamp to Cope, Inc. will add a mini version of our Workshop Stamping Resources Bag to each basket.  The Reach For Recovery baskets are given to patients served by Patti A. Clay hospital in Richmond, KY that are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. This is a fabulous way for us to outreach directly through one of the local hospitals. If this takes off like I anticipate, additional fundraising events will be planned so that we can continue to contribute. If you are interested in finding out more about this, other activities, and how you can contribute, please check out our website at www.stamptocope.org - all donations (monetary and in-kind) are welcome :). What a wonderful opportunity for us to share the coping option of stamping and paper art with other Survivors.

Speaking of paper art and fundraising, I played around this weekend making paper beads with the idea of creating pink bracelets as donation incentives. What a great way to use paper scraps and provide another technique for Survivors. These are my first attempt, but I think the idea might work once I get the hang of adding a little more bling :). What do you think? What about necklaces? Post your thoughts and color combination ideas.

Have a great week. Blessings,
Jeannette

Harley at 60

A very dear friend of our family, JB, is turning 60 this week and he loves his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I wanted to make something really special that would reflect my appreciation for all the support he has shown my husband and I over the years (especially during my treatments). Even during the worst of my chemo, I have fond memories of the acceptance and love that JB sent our way. When my hair fell out, my husband took me out for a motorcycle ride to cheer me up and we met up with JB and others. I was quite a bit nervous as I had decided not to hide my baldness and some in the group did not know I had been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. My husband, bless him, also shaved his head that day in solidarity. When we met up with the group and I took off my helmet, you could see that no one really knew what to say or do. We both looked quite different and unexpected. After a moment, JB came over and gave me a hug and proclaimed loudly that now I really fit in because I looked like all the other "bikers." It was the exact thing I needed to hear and it broke the ice for everyone! As others approached with questions and open support, I realized that the struggles of a survivor can be difficult for friends and loved ones to witness without feeling at a loss of what they can/should say or do. Being able to communicate my status and the needs of myself and my family gave my friends a way to share in the journey. The ride turned into a beautiful celebration of life, friendship, and love which I will never forget. Happy Birthday JB, ride safe, and thanks!

Blessings, Jeannette

Spring Yet?

Greetings, As we begin the month of March, Spring finally seems possible :). I know I am not quite safe yet from sneaky winter, but when I look out the window and see my mums starting to peak out I have hope. Afterall, these delicate looking plants have taken on the harshness of the cold and still manage to struggle through the earth to pop up and thrive. Talk about hidden strength, hope, and perseverance--reminds me of survivors :)! To keep with the "pop up" feeling, I created this card that has a little spring surprise.

The flower was stamped on white card stock, colored with Copic Markers and then inked around the perimeter for a more distressed look. I then took a craft knife and made random circular cuts with a pull string in the center. On a yellow piece of card stock, I stamped several butterflies in bright colors. Using scoretape around the edges of the focal piece the flower was attached to the yellow cardstock so the circle cuts rest over top of the butterflies. When you pull the string, it opens up and you can see the image underneath. These two pieces were then attached to a brown card base. The ribbon brings all the colors together.

Try making it for yourself and have a wonderful week. Blessings, Jeannette