Consider this a subtle reminder with a not so subtle creation.
You are beautiful just the way you are 💕
Sometimes, life gets in the way. We get lost in who we are. Lost, in everyone else’s expectations of who we should be.
Find yourself because you are worth it
This was created for all those who may be lost.
When different media come together as one.
This card began as a card base covered with a strip of peach washi tape. The tape has the illusion of stray alcohol inks. The tape was sprayed with gorgeous copper mica.
Watercolor paper was then stamped with this gorgeous magnolias and embossed with matching copper powder.
I used my favorite Derwent graphitint watercolors to shade the flowers. Once dried, they were die cut and added to the card with 3D foam tape.
Timeless Beauty
The card was finished with a strip of burlap ribbon that I picked up at the dollar store, more mica spray and shades of Nuvo dream drops.
Topped with the most appropriate “Hello, you’re beautiful” sentiment.
⭐Drop me a comment to let me know you stopped by. ⭐
Remember, Be Still and Create something Beautiful. 💕
I couldn’t pass up sharing this pretty little piece of art with everyone. A simple reminder to continue to explore healthy ways to release stress. Grow where you are planted. Learn to play again. Dance in the rain. Love relentlessly.
The weekend is nearly here. Get out and go hiking, explore your backyard. Sunshine truly keeps the clouds away.
Aa always, that you for the tons of support I have recieved. If just one person benefits, my time is worth it.
Until next time, be still, create something beautiful 💘
My life has been very rocky this past 15 months. But, who’s life hasn’t? I spent most of it struggling to find me again.
I was analyzing the person I had become. Grumpy, overworked, unhappy, pissed off, moody and very difficult to deal with.
My life had taken a turn that I didn’t expect and it was moving fast.
I went from sleeping 6 or 7 hours a night to only 30 minutes. I became both physically and mentally tired with absolutely no interest in anything that used to make me happy.
Depression is not a dirty word. Its grabs hold of you when you least expect it. It controls you and your life. Its suffering that you cant see. It changes you and the people around you.
I experienced this and I will share my thoughts with the hope that someone sees it and reaches out. I suffered in silence and fear. Silence because I thought I was alone, unloved and no one would really care anyway. Fear of losing control and not knowing what was happening to me.
I spent years on the job as a firefighter saving others on their worst day. For some reason there was no one to save me. I reached out a few times but they didn’t understand and neither did I. I didn’t want to be called weak or judged unfairly.
Then the day came that I had lost all control. Its time, time to shit or get off the pot.
I had suspected that I was dealing with some sort of mental illness a week or so prior. Now, I had no choice but to make the call.
If your a firefighter and you are having issues. Don’t second guess yourself. Don’t put it off til tomorrow. Don’t walk away. Pick up the phone and make the call.
IAFF Center of Excellence
Treatment for firefighters experiencing mental illness, PTSD and addiction.
I don’t know about you but, I have been doing a lot of thinking the past few days. How far I have come and how far I have yet to go.
I have accomplished so much and many things that I never thought I would. My dream job as a firefighter, raising 5 beautiful children as a single parent, a healthy lifestyle, two college degrees, adorable grandbabies and at some point it seemed impossible. I worked hard and made more sacrifices than people know.
I have been physically sick, felt helpless, became homeless, abused and lonely.
I have been a teacher, a mother, a caregiver, a paramedic, a daughter, a secretary, a wife, a firefighter, a coach, a mentor and an actor.
Keep dreaming because it gives you something to work for. You will get there but you have to work hard. There will be sacrifices, heartache and frustration but, you will get there.
This was my inspiration for creating this card as my class project. This class “Clean and Simple Boutique Cards” by the Altenew Academy.
To All The Dreamers “Happy Dreams”
I started this card by using specialty teal mirror paper, watercolor paper and a black card base from my stash
The mirror paper was trimmed and mounted on the black card base. The watercolor paper was stamped with the Altenew “Happy Dreams” stamp set and altenew permanent black ink. The stamped image was then painted with Altenew “Lagoon” and “Persian blue” watercolor markers.
Simply,majestic!
Once dried, gold gel pen highlights were added to the feathers for some detail. Gold splatter was scattered for some extra sparkle. The watercolor panel was then cut with a scallop edge and mounted with foam tape for dimension.
The Distance Between Dreams and Reality …..
The sentement from the same stamp set was stamped on matching white card stock and added with more foam tape. Gold Nuvo glitter drops were added for more interest. That completes my creation.
While working on this project, I used several techniques taught in the class. I used watercolor for the first time ever and some gorgeous colors! I played with specialty paper and gold accents. I am very happy with the outcome.
I hope that you find some joy and inspiration in your life as much as I do. This past year has been very difficult for many of us. Keep looking forward and let your accomplishments guide you….. Not your failures.
Drop me a comment below. I cant thank you enough for all the love and support that I have been given. 💘
As always, all my creations will be donated back to the IAFF Center of Excellence for Firefighters experiencing PTSD, addiction and mental illness.
If you are a firefighter in need of help, reach out because your never alone.
Anxious Crafter 