Smooth Sailing

Greetings friends,

Friday I was in New Orleans giving a presentation to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) on "Online Faculty Isolation" when I received a telephone call from a dear friend letting me know she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time of the call, I was tweaking my faculty data and the word "isolation" just seemed to jump off the page as she talked. She should not have to feel alone, detached, or separated from her friends as she digests this diagnosis.  I am so glad she felt she could reach out. Getting the news is very traumatic and all of us react in a different way. But, no one should have to face it in isolation. Stamp to Cope, Inc. is one way we hope we can connect.

After the call, I was looking out of my hotel window saying a prayer for my friend when a boat floated into my view.  This re-creation is dedicated to my friend as we wish her calm waters and winds going in the right direction as she starts this journey.  We love you Judy!

Have a super week.  Jeannette

Spring Fling at Survivors' Workshop

A huge shout out and thank you to the Markey Cancer Center Breast Cancer Survivors Group! Last week, Stamp to Cope, Inc. was invited to conduct a stamping workshop for this great group of women and we had a super time. The workshop theme was "Spring Fling" and the participants were able to use their new stamp sets to create the cards pictured in today's post. Some chose to focus on a single flower, while others went for an entire bouquet. We covered several techniques such as layering, using embellishments, adding dimension, and shading.  A wonderful lunch was provided by Markey Cancer Center adding to the festive and sharing atmosphere.  Thank you ladies for letting Stamp to Cope become a part of your healing.

On the topic of support groups, the Madison County Breast Cancer Support Group met this evening and announced their major events for 2012. The group meets at 6:30pm the third Monday of the month usually at the Madison County Health Department on Boggs Road. This event was a special treat held at Mario's Restaurant in Berea, KY. There were 28 survivors in attendance for this first meeting of the year which focused on the theme of  "love".  For all of you in the area, mark you calendars for the following events the group will support...

Relay for Life - June 15, 2012
Lexington Race for the Cure - October 6, 2012
Women's Wellness Day - October 27, 2012  (Stamp to Cope, Inc. will have a booth)

 Support groups are a very valuable resource for survivors at any stage of the journey---sincere appreciation  to all who make them possible.  Blessings, Jeannette

Spell It Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day All!

As a survivor, finding words of inspiration continues to be important.  As a stamper and card maker, finding the  perfect message to express makes all the difference.  I thought this quote summed it up perfectly....

"I asked God to let me enjoy all the good things in life.  He responded by giving me life so I could enjoy all good things."

This was such a wonderful reminder, that, I wanted to create something really unique for Valentine's Day to celebrate all good things.  I call it Spell it Valentine.  I learned this technique from the Splitcoast Stampers blog (www.splitcoaststampers.com) and thought I would give it a try. The letters were traced from a free template located on the site but I changed up the heart and used a doily which I inked to match the vintage paper collection used. The patterned letters were placed on a pre-scored 11 x 4 1/4 card stock and then I used scissors to cut free hand around the letters keeping enough of the score line for an easy accordion fold. When it folds up, it fits in an A2 envelope or you could even try making a matching envelope in a square shape.    What a great way to be clear on how you feel... I LOVE YOU HUSBAND!!!

As a Valentine Surprise to all of you, here is one more using the same papers but incorporating a unique pencil coloring technique...

For this card, I stamped the image using white chalk ink and let it dry.  After drying, I colored over the white with bright colored pencils.  It reminded me of the old "black light" posters that were popular when I was a child. A fun technique and coloring is always therapeutic.

Blessings for a fabulous Valentines and be sure to enjoy all the good things in life.
Jeannette

Stamping with the GS seniors

Blogging live from the Girl Scout Gold award function for STC.

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