Hi, this card was made for todayÂ’s Free 4 All Challenge: Resolutions.
I’m not sure if you knew, but my mother passed away right before Christmas. And, Mark, Markie and I have been struggling with the loss. It’s funny, today I picked up my cell phone and started to dial. I put it down and sighed. I was calling my mother. I needed advice on something I was putting together. I’m used to this sort of thing happening. Last week, I was at Publix ,(Florida supermarket), and I put an Egg Custard pie in the cart. Markie looked at me and said, “Who eats that kind?” I sighed, took it out of the cart and walked away. I was buying it for my ex’s dad, who died 9 years ago! Seriously…I’m doing this sort of stuff all the time, mostly, because I think of my loved ones constantly. I can still hear my FIL saying, “The Kid, (my son-who was 16!), ate the Egg Custard…You gotta take me to the Publix to get another!” The man was so funny about that, as he was diabetic, and should NOT have had it in the first place. Oh, and my son doesn’t like that kind of pie! So, I KNEW my FIL had eaten it! LOL
We decided, as our FAMILYÂ’S Resolution, to create and maintain a bird sanctuary in our garden, in the memory of my mother. She loved birds, and would sit in her garden and feed and talk to them every morning, when she was able. Her personal bird watching journal was one of the items that she kept up to date her last days. (She could see the birds from her window at the hospital.)
So, I chose to use this Chickadee stamp today. IÂ’ve seen them in her backyard, so I hope that we can attract them in our garden this coming year. I colored the bird with Memento markers. I used an aqua painter to blend the colors. The thin strip was made by accordion folding the designer paper and then sewing through the folds. It took NO TIME to do this, as my sewing machine was already set up. IÂ’ve found that if I leave it up, I USE it! LOL
Finished card size: 5 ¼” square
Total time to complete: 38 minutes
Registered: June 14, 2009 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 8597
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 5:44 AM
So sorry for your loss. I had dreams about my Mom not really having died for several years. She is still on my mind daily after 7 years. In fact I awoke thinking about her this morning. I often think how much fun it would be if she could share this or that with me. She would have loved card making which I only started 3 years ago. Your beautiful card honors her as I'm sure the bird sanctuary will. ((Hugs))
------------------------------ Val (a/k/a Greywolf)
Registered: December 24, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 883
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 5:49 AM
The card is almost as beautiful as your love for your family. The bird sanctuary is such a loving tribute to your Mom - the birds will come and she'll be watching.
Beautiful card, beautiful sentiment and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 105214
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 5:57 AM
What a perfect idea for remembering your mother, and enjoying the birds at the same time. I love your sewn piece. HNY my friend!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMBER (photo of our Great Granddaughter Elise, just 6 months old) and me, even older.
Registered: November 23, 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 2058
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 6:03 AM
This card is stunning Faith! I love the earthy color palette, the gorgeous dp and that torn edge paper ruffle! I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Mom! Wishing you a 2011 that brings with it some comfort.
Registered: June 29, 2004 Location: Sugar Land. Texas Posts: 79591
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 6:43 AM
I know all those birds your mom talked too will be grieving too and will be looking for your sanctuary as comfort too. Your mom left a wonderful legacy with a very amazing and talented daughter!!Your chickadee is one of my favorite stamps as is your wonderful camellia.
------------------------------ LizThe joy of the LORD is my strength.Right Brain Madness --My blogProud member of the redDivasKSS certified multi-step stamperFan Club member since 2004
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 2752
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 6:45 AM
Just a wonderful idea. I know how much you will miss her, as I do mine... The bird sanctuary will be a perfect reminder, not just of her, but of God's faithfulness, how he keeps His eye on all of us. Sending (((hugs))). TFS!
------------------------------ Luanne Ford
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.� Judy Garland
Registered: June 9, 2006 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 55667
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 6:47 AM
I'll say it again, you are so fabulous at coloring and using the neutral colors. I guess I am so drawn to them. Your chickadee is gorgeous!! What an absolutely wonderful resolution and tribute to you mother. You and Markie can learn different birds and their habitats, and that is something that can never be taken away from you. Watch for God's blessings in the New Year. Hugs, Kim :>)
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Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131772
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 7:07 AM
Faith - that's a lovely resolution, I am sure it will bring pleasure to you all as well as being a wonderful memorial to your mother. Hey, 7 years later I still sometimes think - I wish I could just tell mum about this. And sometimes I wake up from a dream where I've heard her voice - I don't usually hear anything in my dreams.
No thanks to riding the Ducati - it's way too big for me! I'll stick to pillion on it. I like the image of your ex and the Corvette . Men and their mid-life crises, rolls eyes.
Love your card, the square woodgrain panel and the torn accordion strip are a lovely setting for that chickadee.