Greetings from Lake Texoma (on the Oklahoma/Texas border) and Happy Fourth of July! We've taken an impromptu RV road trip to spend the holiday weekend with family. Good times!
I'm going to defy expectations today and show you something NOT star-spangled, fire-crackin' or red, white and blue. Still, I do think it's all-American and I'll explain why in a bit. First, let me show you what I'll be talking about. Exhibit A, created with Jen's SFYTT for today: Behold! A little Class-Act stamping for your holiday consumption! I had just started making this when I got the news we were hitting the road, so I had to finish up quick and get to packing. Thus, it's pretty simple. The great thing about starting with a strong, well-balanced sketch, though, is that you don't have to rely on a lot of bells and whistles (or buttons and brads, as the case may be) to make something that pleases the eye.
Card construction is pretty self-explanatory. The stamps come from Verve's beautiful Serenity set, and the color scheme was based around the patterned paper, from Cosmo Cricket's Ever After. I inked the edges of the lighter colored paper with Adirondack Earthtones Slate ink using a sponge dauber, and the side embellishments are Brides' ivory flowers (from Michael's) topped with Bella Baubles.
The sketch is another great one from Jen del Muro -- head to her blog to find it and samples from Jen and the July SFYTT Guest Designer, Regina Mangum. Then, for more inspiring interpretations of the sketch, head over to my SFYTT Sisters' blogs:
Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford, and
Amy Sheffer
Here's the part where I wax philosophical. If you're just here for the cards, feel free to ease on down the road and enjoy your Independence Day (for all of you US readers). Thanks for stopping by!
Still here? Awww... I {heart} you!
Here's the deal with this card. I actually made it for me. Sometimes we're the only ones who know whats going on with ourselves, you know? And as card-makers and papercrafters, I think it's entirely appropriate to address our own feelings when we need it. And the good news? We can recycle it, and when we write a note to its next recipient, it will still be straight from the heart.
I've been thinking a lot about the Serenity Prayer lately. (This is where the all-American part of this card comes in, by the way. Bear with me, because I may not articulate this well.) See, a wise person told me recently that I'm much more comfortable DOING than I am BEING, but that sometimes we need to get still and just be in order to figure out the right thing to do. She's definitely right.
I know I've thoroughly absorbed that American ethos which tells us that if you put your mind to something and work hard enough, you can achieve whatever you want or fix any problem that lies in your path. The older I get, though, the more I realize that there are some things, no matter how desperately you want them, how hard you try, or how much money you throw at it, etc., that you just can't form to your will. (As most of you know, my sweet little guy Carter has Cerebral Palsy, and CP is unfortunately one of those things.)
What I could really use right about now is some of that 'wisdom to know the difference.' So if you have a little you aren't using right now? Send it my way, okay?
I hope this wasn't too much of a downer for you. And know that I'm just fine. In fact, I'm about to eat a big ol' hungry man breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes, then waddle over to a boat and spend a few hours on the lake with my immediate and extended family. Carter is in hog heaven, playing with his cousin Jack (age 3) (I'll try to get a few photos of them to share with you. Those two are HILARIOUS together). Truman's turned into a typical texting 'tween, but hopefully I can persuade him to unplug for an hour or two.
Then, tonight? A cookout and fireworks! Life, despite its struggles, is GOOD!
Supplies used:
Stamps: Serenity by Verve Stamps
Paper: patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Ever After series, So Saffron & Basic Gray (SU!), Neenah Natural White
Ink: Slate & Lemonade by Adirondack
Accessories: Grosgrain ribbon, Brides' flowers from Michaels, sponge dauber, Bella Baubles
This is so pretty! I love the soft elegance! Great detail and colors! Love it!
Posted by: Kelly Lunceford | July 04, 2009 at 10:00 AM
You are so spot-on in so many ways, my friend. I'm happy you stamped for you, and I really appreciate your commentary today. Can't wait to give you a big ol' hug later in the month!
Needless to say--your card is serenity now.
Posted by: Amy/rohla | July 04, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Hi Carole! What a lovely, elegant card.
Posted by: Regina (The Stampin' Bean) | July 04, 2009 at 12:44 PM
So gorgeous!! Have a great holiday!! I think that you are a fabulous person, and I know in my heart that you can make it through anything that is thrown at you...that is what makes you who you are. Keep your head up girl...I think you are amazing!!
Posted by: Jessie/knightrone | July 04, 2009 at 01:45 PM
A great big 4th of July hug to you my friend! I think making a card for yourself is a fantastic thing to do - and it's absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Libby | July 04, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Your card is beautiful, but your words are ever more so! You are such an amazing person, full of strength and determination! I really respect you and you have done and continue to do for Carter and the rest of your family. HUGS and Happy 4th of July!
Posted by: Jody Morrow | July 04, 2009 at 02:03 PM
What a wonderful card with a wonderful message! Happy Fourth of July!
Posted by: Susan Raihala | July 04, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Carole, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post today and agree wholeheartedly! Your card is beautiful -- love the color!!
I did Jen's sketch and didn't do RWB either! LOL
Posted by: Judy Rozema | July 04, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Carole,
What a gorgeous card! The Serenity Prayer has always been one of my very favorites! My precious daughter, Jennifer, passed away three years ago with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 28. I know how much I recall the words of that prayer! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Debbie Nelson | July 05, 2009 at 07:02 AM
(((Carole)))
I love that prayer and your card is beautiful. I am sorry you are having a tough time......Remember who YOU are---a strong, compassionate, vocal (heehee)and honest person. Stay true to that and you will always end up on your feet.
You have my digits if you ever need to talk some more! HUGS and enjoy that wonderful family! xoxo
Posted by: Carolyn King | July 05, 2009 at 09:59 AM
I love this!! The DP is fabulous and you've used my favourite all time sayings...just perfect!!
Posted by: Maureen P | July 05, 2009 at 10:00 AM
You always bring me laughter and sometimes even a little sorrow. Life is a difficult path but the best way to travers it is to keep your eyes forward, your smile in place and your humor close. You always manage to do all that and to entertain others. Please know how much you matter to others. I can think of many sentiments but one inparticular jumps out, to everyone, you are but one person but to one person........you are everything. Just remember the smiles you bring to many makes you a whole lot more than just one person in a crowd. Thank you and happy 4th. If you get down and need a pick me up, just email me! I will tell you how wonderful I think you are.
Posted by: Jane Harrah | July 05, 2009 at 11:15 AM
What a beautiful card. Thanks for sharing it and for your thoughts as well.
Posted by: Ida | July 05, 2009 at 11:21 AM
I have no pearls of wisdom, other than I've learned with my son, who has his own issues but not CP, to take one piece of his life at a time. It isn't easy. It is almost like grieving the "child who wasn't" but then I miss out on the child who is. Ugh, ignore this drivel and let me also say the card is beautiful.
Posted by: Joan B | July 05, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Carole, I LOVE your blog redo! So fresh and fifties. The header is FAB!!!
Great card too!
Posted by: Desiree | July 05, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Hi Carole... FAbulous card for YOU!!
Enjoy your kids no matter what... and you are right... Life IS good!!
Posted by: Janine | July 06, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Carole,
HOO-RAH for you! One of my favorite things about making cards is that even when I make a card with a specific someone in mind, I am still ALWAYS making the card for me! The act of giving the card and the reaction to said card is what makes it worth it. It is a rare occasion that said recipient does not tout about your talent, how nice it is to receive something handmade, ect. It forces me to be humble, and grateful that I have finally found something that I enjoy and continue to enjoy and does not just sit in a corner with the best of intentions and collect dust. Take time for you, a gratitude journal is a good thing, as it helps you see your serenity prayer on a daily basis, seperating those things you can not change from those you can and showing you what you are grateful for. I'm certain that your situation has it's...let's say Challenges... but in the end you realize that you are grateful for the forest, despite the trees that get in the way. I hope that made sense to you because it made perfect sense in my head. I think today I am grateful for the people who understand me. (LOL) Here is wishing you serenity!
Posted by: Darsana | July 06, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Carole, I love this!!!! It is indeed serene, and, well, beautiful.
Posted by: Barbara | July 06, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Whew girl. You know we all have struggled with that thought from one time to another. My pastor told me that all God expects of us sometimes is just to "stand". Of course in my own human mind I am thinking "I need God to pick me up cause I done got knocked over!!...Anyways back to what he was trying to tell me. We need to stand and let God do his work. Carole, sending wishes for you to be able to "stand".
Hugs from a stamping friend.
Posted by: Pam L. | July 16, 2009 at 10:41 AM