Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Crocuses

Hi everyone.  Today I'm dedicating this post to my wonderful, smart, funny sister Dee who passed away yesterday.  She had a short but difficult battle with cancer.  I love you so much Dee!

I bought this lovely crocus die (BontaniCuts - The Greetery) after seeing my sweet friend Marcia use it on a couple of her amazing cards, including this recent one.  I was totally inspired by Marcia's card  and you can see that I CASED it for the design above. :)  Thank you Marcia!

I die-cut the flowers and leaves from mixed media paper and sponged with distress inks (Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Wilted Violet, Poisonious Villian, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness).  I assembled the flowers and leaves and then added some soft sponged sky for the background (distress ink Salvaged Patina).  I die-cut a circle aperture from my card front and then dry embossed it with Blossom Field Embossing Folder - Simon Says Stamp.

I used my white Posca pen (acrylic ink) to add some splatters to the crocuses and then added the flower bouquet over the sponged background.  I popped up the card front over top and added a white heat embossed black banner with sentiment (Happy Snippets - Penny Black).

Second card ...
I used the leftover die-cut from the above card, which is dry embossed with the same Bloom Field (SSS).  This time I watercoloured the yellow crocuses and leaves, making a small bouquet and attaching to the dry embossed circle.  I made a white heat embossed black banner using another of the Happy Snippets sentiments (Penny Black).

I'm sending the first card over to the Just Us Girls Challenge #631 - Flowers (hosted by Vicki).  I love making flower cards (no surprise to those who know me).

And I'm sending the same card to Can You Handle The Pressure - Anything Goes with a Twist of Pastels.  This will be my second entry! :)  I have the dry embossed card front and have used pastel colours. 

I'm sending the second card over to Let's Squash It! Challenge #20 - Squash those Scraps.  I believe this is the first time I've entered this challenge.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.


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Card #1 & #2:
Stamps:  Happy Snippets (Penny Black)
Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Wilted Violet, Poisonous Villian, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness (Tim Holtz); Unicorn White Pigment Ink (Hero Arts) 
Accessories:   BontaniCuts Crocus Die (The Greetery), sponges, paint brushes, White Posca pen, Bloom Field Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp), white embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
JUGS #631 - Flowers



46 comments:

Carol L said...

These cards are absolutely STUNNING, but I'm especially fond of the first one with those beautifully colored flowers! I am so sorry to learn of your sister's passing, may she rest in peace as her pain is now over. Sending hugs and comfort your way.

HilaryJane said...

I am so sorry to hear the news about your sister, that is so sad. Your cards are stunning though, love the colours and that embossed frame on your first card and the wonderful simplicity on your second card. It is slowly dawning on me that as we get older we have to learn to deal with so much sadness, it can be very hard xx

Leslie Miller said...

Loll, I'm so very sorry about your sister. I was certain this news was coming, but my heart still hurts for you. Such lovely cards today and I'm particularly taken with the first one dedicated to Dee. Gorgeous dies and embossing and very skilled inking on each card. Of course, the yellow and white is one of my most favorite color combos. Hilary is right, we deal with more and more sadness as we get older. Sending hugs.

I Card Everyone said...

Two beautiful cards, Loll! I've loved every one of Marcia's crocus cards, too!
=]

I Card Everyone said...

So very sorry that you've lost your sister, Loll.
Sending hugs, and love.
M

Pat said...

Two absolutely gorgeous cards using the die cut crocuses and the really pretty embossing folder Loll, and the purple and yellow tones with the super greens for the leaves and the soft blue behind the aperture are so fresh and beautiful, also the second using the cut out embossed piece for a background works brilliantly. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister and my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Life can be so tough sometimes. x

Nancy said...

Loll, First and foremost, So very sorry to read about your sister! My deepest condolences to you and your family! As for your card, I saw it over at JUGS and had to come by for a better look. It is absolutely stunning in every way and a great tribute to your sister. The second card is pretty too! Cyber hugs and thanks for joining us at Just Us Girls.

Julie B said...

So sorry to hear about your sister, such a sad time brightened to some extent by these fabulous cards. Crafting is a wonderful way to heal. I love crocus but the rabbits do too so I have to keep them in pots by the patio doors! :)

Viv said...

So so sorry for your loss Loll. Sending you all love and sincerest sympathy. Dee now at peace free from pain. x
Beautiful cards my friend. x

Jan said...

A BEAUTIFUL CARD IN HONOR OF YOUR SISTER. HUGS ACROSS THE MILES TO YOU LOLL!
JAN

BożenA said...

WOW !! Stunning cards, Loll. I love your beautiful crocuses. Your ink and sponge coloring is excellent and the flowers look really amazing. I love it!

hugs,
BożenA

Bobby said...

Marcia's crocuses have caused me to want that die set, Loll, and you might have just pushed me over the edge. I love the mix of purple and yellow ones on the same card.
So sorry to hear about your sister. Sending prayers and hugs,

Liz said...

So sorry to hear that your sister has passed away, Loll. I'm sure you have many treasured memories of time spent with her. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Your cards are absolutely beautiful. xx

appledaylady1309@aol.com said...

Your cards are beautiful. Marcia is my cousin and I just love all her cards. I'm very sorry about your sister. So very sad. Blessing to you and your family.

Darnell said...

What a beautiful tribute to your amazing sister, Lolly. I'm so sorry she has passed and I know you will miss her terribly. Your CASE of Marcia's brilliant card is extraordinary ... as is your leftover design! I feel like I can reach into my monitor and pluck the pretty flowers, so beautifully colored. The shading, spots, and embossing add so much! Lots of love and hugs, Dolly

Karen said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. I hope your cherished memories help ease the pain of this loss. Your cards are just beautiful. I loved Marcia's card as well, and your CASE of it is equally gorgeous! Love the embossed circle--a great way to use that extra piece that I usually just put in a folder.

Brenda said...

I am so sorry to hear that your beloved sister pass away Loll. Cancer sucks big time! Your cards are just gorgeous and I love that you dedicated them to your sister! I love the crocus die and how you "colored" them, they are so vivid and gorgeous. The embossing is beautiful and I love that you took the left over cut out piece and made a second card from it. Again, gorgeous cards and my deepest sympathies on the loss of your sister. May the memories hold close to your heart and bring you comfort. Love, hugs and blessings, Brenda

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Oh Loll, so sorry to hear about your sister's passing - my condolences! Just love both of your cards-your flowers look amazing-and I'm so glad you found Let's Squash It!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Two amazingly beautiful cards!
I'm so very sorry to hear that your Sister has passed. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hugs xxx

Kiwigirl said...

Loll please accept our sincere condolences. I can emphasize with you - I lost my sister last week to cancer. Your cards are so beautiful I feel like I could pick them up and feel their petals.

Angela R

Christine Alexander said...

Loll so sorry for your loss of a wonderful sister, I know how much you will miss her ♥
Your cards are such a beautiful tribute to a very special person. I love both, such amazing colouring and love the softness of your blended colours.
Hugs Christine

Susan Joyce said...

Two beautiful cards Loll, so sorry to hear of your Sister's passing. Hugs Sue xx

nancy littrell said...

Dear Lolly, Your gorgeous card made with love for your sweet and wonderful sister, Dee...is a beautiful tribute that she can now enjoy pain free in heaven. So sorry to hear about your families loss. May all your wonderful memories with Dee bring you joy and comfort. Your beautifully colored die cut crocus bouquet with the 3D dry EB background is stunning and so is your 2nd beautiful card using the crocus die and background. Love and Big Hugs to you and all your family, my dear sweet friend. TFS...

Mac Mable said...

Dearest Loll my heart goes out to you and your family. Hold onto the memories my friend x.
Two beautiful cards and those crocus's are so very pretty and I can see why you CASed Marcia's beautiful card too x.

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Loll, how your heart must be hurting - my deepest sympathy to you .
Beautiful floral cards - they are both exquisite.
Blessings
Maxine

Cathy said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister Loll, sending hugs to you, your cards are beautiful, Cathy x

Trina P. said...

beautiful set of cards. The embossed background highlights these gorgeous inked crocuses beautifully.

So sorry for your loss, Loll. This is a wonderful tribute to your sister. May she rest In peace. Sending you love and hugs.

Jeanne said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I hope in time that your sweet memories will bring you comfort. You created two beautiful cards. The one for your sister is extra lovely. Please take care. Prayers of comfort going out to you. Gentle hugs.

Robyn Oliver said...

Two beautiful cards Loll and a lovely dedication to your sister... so very sorry for your loss, special hugs Robyn

Darlene said...

Both cards are absolutely beautiful Loll. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister ... prayers going up for you & the family! Thanks so much for playing in our challenge at Can You Handle The Pressure … we appreciate your support and hope to see you again next challenge!
Darlene
CAN YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Dotty Jo said...

Your card is breath-taking, Loll. I'm so sorry to read of the loss of your sister, Jo x

Lisa Elton said...

Sending love and prayers your way, Loll I'm so sorry for your loss. Your cards are beautiful. I was so happy to spot one in our Just Us Girls gallery!

BożenA said...

I'm so sorry Loll for your sister's death. It's so unfair!

Marcia Hill said...

I am so sorry to hear about Dee's passing Loll! I'm glad for her sake that it wasn't a long and drawn out battle, but my heart breaks for you and her family. Sending lots of warm hugs and prayers your way during this difficult time my friend!!

Both of your cards are SO pretty, and I'm so happy I was able to inspire you Loll! They are both CAS perfection and just delightful...you totally made those dies SHINE!! And thank you for the shout out too! Hugs. :0)

Linda said...

My dear Loll, so sorry to hear such sad news about your sister. May she now rest in peace.
Two beautiful cards and a lovely dedication to Dee.
Thinking of you at this sad time and sending love and prayers to you and your family xx

Nstiz said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. You outdid yourself on these crocuses. That first one really caught my eye in your bold colors and love that you got a second one out of the left overs. These are incredibly gorgeous!

Colleen said...

Oh Loll, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep your family and her family in my prayers. My heart hurts for you!

Your crocus cards are phenomenal! I would get that die if I thought I could do half as good as yours, but I have a feeling it wouldn't look as stunning as yours and Marcia's too! Heart Hugs, Col

TK said...

Goodness -- GORGEOUS! I too fell in love with Marcia's card and bought the set, but I'm so glad I have another choice to CASE when I get the chance :o)
Really beautiful!

Susan said...

So nice to dedicate this post to your beloved sister. I'm sure she loved all the cards you sent her over the years. I love both your crocus cards - the sponging and the watercolouring are equally beautiful. The die is fabulous!

Linda said...

Loll, so sorry for your loss. It is so hard on us when we lose a loved one, but it brings them peace. Beautiful tribute to her with that gorgeous card. I have also loved Marcia's cards that she has been making with this set. Take care, my friend. Love & Hugs. Lin

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful tribute to Dee, Lolly! These crocuses are beautifully colored and layered! Two beautiful cards, my friend. XOXO

Sue - said...

Two really beautiful cards. I’m so sorry for your loss, Lol, it’s hard to lose a sister. Sending virtual hugs.

Papercraft Boutique said...

I'm very sorry about Dee's passing, Loll. I cannot even imagine how much you'll miss her. At least, she doesn't have to suffer any more and she'll be smiling, looking at the beautiful crocuses card you made with love.
Your coloring of the crocuses is fantastic, and the floral embossing is lovely. The white posca spatters add poignant feelings.
Sending love and hugs.. Hideko

Inkyfingers said...

Wow Loll - these cards are just stunning and what a bonus to get a twofer! You have such a wonderfully distinctive style that I feel I can pick your designs out of many. I'm so sorry to hear about your sister - it is always hard to lose someone we love.
Take care,
Hugs
Carol x

Heather said...

So sorry to hear your heartbreaking news, Loll. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your cards and words today are a beautiful tribute.

baileyrosy.com said...

Loll so sorry to hear the sad news about your sister sending warm hugs and prayers your way. Your cards are exceptional especially love the first with its beautiful coloured blooms against that gorgeous embossed panel and the dynamic sentiment strip. They look so lifelike. The white space and touch of embossing on the second really is a fabulous backdrop for those gorgeous flowers absolutely stunning.

Marie