Well, today calls for a Mothermark story. Shirley (wannabecre8tive) and I hatched a plan to acquire the Wild Wild West Set for Cindy via EBay over a year ago. I was so close, so many times, but always lost. And I am glad I did! Because this last August, I did win a set, and it was brand spankin' new!
If you are not aware of Mothermarks' quest for this set, please take a peek here:
There were 38 people who shared the joy of our acquisition, and they were all very good for keeping such a huge secret for so long! Many, heartfelt thanks for all of you that jumped on this crazy plan with Shirley and I. It has been so much fun! I have been 'taunting' da Mudder ever since, by making cards with this set. And her usual comment is 'Gimme that set!' Lol. Oh- I can't tell you the joy that gave to me!
Cindy just called me from the restaurant where she is celebrating her birthday with TraciM! She was laughing between tears, and so excited she could hardly stand it! She was crying just at all the cards packed into this box, and did not even know the set was at the bottom- Traci had to show her! Is that great, or what!
Here is a list of the generous stampers that helped make this happen: ardodd, artystamper, beestamper, Brat Cards, card crazy, cmsuto, coffeestamper, Connie Jo9, ctorina, diane617, jaydekay, jdmommy, joan ervin, jojot, kokirose, LilLuvsStampin, marilynprestonn, Marleygo, Maureen Vollaro, merniebug, MrsBoz, mspfd, nwilliams6, One4Joy, peggysue, pidgesmom, Redbugdriver, resqbarbie, schirmcat, StampingQueenJAR, Stamp Muse, stamps4funinCA, Toy, Vicky Gould, 4815162342, wannabcre8tive, Crazykim, Cook22, TraciM, Flowergal36
Box Deets:This is a storage box, covered with a distressed grocery sack. After cutting the bag open to make it flat, I put enough water to make the paper very pliable and wrinkled it up. I laid it flat to dry and crinkled it again. Once it dried the second time, I ran an SU Creamy Caramel ink pad over the entire surface, and wrinkled it once more- with the ink on the inside. After drying for a day, I opened it once more and ironed it flat from the back side (no ink). After measuring the box, I cut the pieces to fit and used Super Tack (red) tape to adhere. I must note that the brass handles were a tough fit, but the Buckle Man used his trusty exacto knife and made it work! The inside is covered with dark brown faux velvet.
I used scraps cut from the covering top make the straps on top- stamping a belt from CTMH and stitching the edges. The 'buckle' is made with a Tim Holtz hardware frame. I stamped the WWW Man, watercolored him and glued the images to the inside edges. Using doubled pop dots to keep the image in place, I added a thick coat of Crystal Effects.
Registered: August 9, 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 33063
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 6:16 PM
Oh my word, Pat! That box is GORGEOUS! I am so happy that Cindy was thrilled with her gift. It makes my heart happy to know she got a what her heart desired. You rock and so does all the peeps who went in on this. I have to say THANK YOU for allowing me to be part of it!
Hugs!
------------------------------ ~* Holly *~ Gallery Blog
Registered: May 15, 2005 Location: Arlington, Washington Posts: 30400
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 6:28 PM
WOW! This is a master piece for sure Pat! A true work of art directly from the heart..
I wondered what that joyous sound drifting my way through the winds was... It could be non other that Cindy with her treasure box full of love.
Thank you my friend for letting me be a part of this unique surprise!
Delivery is so perfectly timed to give Our Sweet Cindy just the boost she needs..
thanks for your instructions on the making of this gorgeous treasure box... not that I am going to run right out and get the stuff to make it. hee.. for there could only be one!!
Huge Hugs My Sister!!
your a treasure! your Buckle Man is a treasure too!
------------------------------
Judy
DT for Sassy Cheryl's Fan Club Member
" If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spread it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke. ~Brendan Frances~
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 105214
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Pat this is fantastic!! I'm so glad I got to be a part of the gift that made Cindy cry with joy!! She'll be using the Wild West set for years to come, and we will holler YAY! every time!! thanks so much for all you did, and for allowing the rest of us to have a part in it too!!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMBER (photo of our Great Granddaughter Elise, just 6 months old) and me, even older.
Registered: April 20, 2005 Location: The only Eaton Rapids on the Earth, Michigan Posts: 57568
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 6:34 PM
HOLY SCHMOKES, Pat!!! The treasure box you made to hold the WWW set and cards is beyond MAGNIFICO, my friend!! It is truly a TREASURE! So very beautiful! The straps, the buckle, the brads, the faux leather.....everything is PERFECTION!!! WOW!
Thank you, too, for being so prompt to post this. I have been sitting here trying to imagine Cindy's reaction when she opened her gift and wondering how it was going at the restaurant. I get choked up just imagining that, and I know she would call me a big cry baby for admitting to my tears, but I don't care. I hope Traci took lots of pictures for us to see!
Thank you to you and Shirley from the bottom of my heart for thinking to include those of us who wanted to be a part of this tremendous gift of love for one of the sweetest stampers and friends we know. You and Shirt will definitely have an additional glow on your halos in Heaven, my friends.
Hugs, snorts, chuckles, giggles, flings and mucho love,
Charlene (aka BBB)
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 83113
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 6:48 PM
Pat and Shirley and Buckleman - you guys are an awesome team - thanks for letting us all be a part of this. That box is so awesome - I got tired reading the instructions so I know it was a major undertaking. The love you put into it shows through which is what you were aiming for obviously!
I can just imagine Cindy's face when she got this. The box alone would have floored her. The cards would be overwhelming. Then her dream come true would be the awesome icing. Wow, I get chill bumps just thinking about it!
Thanks again for everything - all the work, thought and love you all put into this and for letting us all be a part of it.
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: November 17, 2006 Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia Posts: 52798
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 7:02 PM
OMG.... Pat... what an absolutely fabulous box you created for da Mothermark... so many details and love went into making it... Thank you Pat and Shirley for including all of us in this wonderful gift for Cindy ... I can't wait to see some pictures of her when she saw and opened it up
xxx hugs to you, Shirley and Bubba...
Registered: July 1, 2007 Location: small town near montreal, quebec Posts: 26677
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 7:06 PM
Oh how I wish I was a little birdie! That is one gorgeous treasure box my friend. I know Cindy must be still crying with joy. I am all choked up here in front of my screen and Pierre is wondering why one minute I am laughing and the next I am crying. I am really impressed with what love and kindness of heart can do. Look at this box, look at you Pat and Shirley, look at us girls, didn't we pull together for a grand cause. I applaud Cindy for being the one which inspired this, Pat you are the sweetest nut I know and I love you and Shirt you funny lady with the creative challenges and us all at the end, for being what this place is all about. Sharing and spreading the love through our craft!
I better stop I am going to cry again. I love you all and God blesss each and one of you.
P.S. Charlene, no flinging here please, keep that Bertie under control until the next teapot party.
Registered: August 30, 2006 Location: Saugus, Massachusetts Posts: 65153
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 7:08 PM
Oh my goodness Pat - what a wonderful box!!!! It is just gorgeous and a perfect recepticle for all of our cards and and that most Special Set for Mothermark!! Thank you so much for letting us share in this momentous occasion!!! It is great to hear that Cindy was overjoyed with this gift from the hearts of all her friends!
Happy B'Day Dear Cindy!!! Happy Birthday to you!!!
------------------------------ Julia Aston Proud member of SCS Fan Club and Dirty Dozen Alumni, former DT member on Color Challenge My Blog
Registered: March 7, 2004 Location: on location with SCS in Central California Posts: 34442
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 7:30 PM
Wow!!! Look at that box!! What a creative way to wrap a present, especially one for someone like Cindy. To everyone that participated thanks for making her dream come true.
Registered: June 21, 2006 Location: Still getting giddy over paper and ink in Colorful Colorado! Posts: 14180
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 7:30 PM
Pat, this is the most wonderful stage coach box in all it's perfectly distressed perfection born of lots of love and sweat and tears...And since I saw it in person and delivered it I know how special it is. I guarded this with my life and had it locked in a suitcase for the past week, and my mouth zipped so tight around our friend Cindy for the past I don't know how long...I am relieved it is out of my hands now and into Cindy's hands!! You are a special lady to do this for Cindy, and you and Shirley and all those who contributed are the best friends!! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this night...Lots of love and hugs!!