Embossing challenge card

The only cards I've made this month was inspired by a challenge over on The Cupboard Triology.

Their challenge was to use embossing on a card, scrapbook page or digi scrapping.  I had just received a new embossing folder so decided to give this a go in my Cuttlebug and here is my finished card:

Hope you like it.  This was a thank you card for a wonderful colleague who sent David and I a Willow Tree ornament "angel of healing" and a thinking of you card.  I just wanted to send her a little thank you for her lovely thoughts.

A few bad months :( and it continues

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, David has been through hell and back and it doesn't get much better for me either.

Unfortunately David's bad back showed he had a fracture at L1 and  we eventually discovered this was caused by a cancerous growth growing in the bone on David's spine (metastatic nasopharnyx cancer) and a shadow on his pelvis.  What a shock for us.  When we were told David had been taken into hospital, he was on such high medication (morphine and fentanyl patches) that they were causing him to have falls and horrid hallucinations.  How we managed for those few days before we went into hospital I don't know. 

To cut a long story short, David was transferred to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (from James Paget Hospital in Suffolk) and was in that hospital 3 weeks, a total of over 3.5 weeks.  During that time he underwent a 6+ hour operation to have his spine stabilized.  David now has rods and bolts in his back as well as cement. Thankfully one of my sisters live a 10 minute drive from that hospital so I stayed with her for 3 weeks and was able to be David's carer in hospital so was there each day from around 7 am - 10 pm. Once home and after a couple of weeks David had 5 sessions of radiotherapy as an outpatient and is now recovering slowly.

I'm afraid to tell you that the cancer is not curable now it's in his bones, all the hospital can offer is pallative care.  All we can pray is that it does not spread.  David will have regular scans and visits to his oncology consultant and we will take each day, week and month as it comes.  We have been told the cancer could spread within the next few months - it's a waiting game and not a nice one.

At present I am having problems with Social Services as we have been referred to them to have our bathroom changed to a wet room as at present I have to give David bed baths and as we have a bath in our bathroom, and cannot afford to get this done ourselves.  I really don't have the energy and motivation to argue and keep pushing it, but have got as many professionals involved as I can in the hope they can help push it forward so the council awards us a grant to get the work done.  So if anyone knows of any tips or has won the lottery (???!!!) please think of us :o)

Unfortunately we had to cancel our holiday, not least because David wasn't well enough but also because our consultant advised it.  David hasn't been up to going far, just up the coast to look out and sit outside in the front garden.  At least the weather has been kind to us.

My health has not been good mentally so I have only made the odd card this month, out of necessity as I refuse to buy them with such a lot of crafty stash in the bedroom!

I will try and keep you informed as and when I can xxx

Scrapbook page

I haven't scrapped in a very long time, well at least 4 years but over on The Cupboard Trilogy blog there was a Song Lyric challenge. This is what I came up with:

The photo was taken a few years back when David and I visited Sussex.  I believe the words says it all.  Although it was difficult at first, I'm really pleased with the end result, thanks I enjoyed the challenge.

It's been a long time ...

... and we have been through the mills literally.  David's treatment of 3 sessions of chemo (a week spent in hospital on 24 hour chemo and 2 weeks off x 3 sessions); and then 30 radiotherapy/6 chemo sessions knocked us for 6.  David finished his treatment end of December but is still suffering :(  Although David was given the all clear for head/neck cancer from his CT scan in April David cannot eat normally, he is just beginning to swallow a little liquid orally.  Everything goes through a stomach tube which he has had in since November, even his tabletes which I have to crush with a pill crusher.   It will take some time for David to regain his strength, he goes to hospital every fortnight to see a Speech and Language specialist for his swallowing and we see an oncology team every month or so to make sure all is okay.

Unfortunately David has chronic back pain and this is hindering his progress.  We are awaiting a bone scan date as we have been told by our local doctor that there could be a "hotspot" between L3 & 4.  We pray that this is just a terrible back problem and not anything more serious.  David has been through enough this past year.

On a nicer note have a cottage booked down in Somerset for August so are praying that David will feel well enough to travel and can enjoy a few days away.

Thanks for being here and reading this update, hope to keep you informed more regularly and now I'm making cards again I will try and remember to post them here.  You can always find me on Facebook as I try and keep my wall updated for friends and family.

Challenging news

I know it's been a long time and I'm sorry for that not sure if any of my family or friends read this blog any more but just thought I'd update you all with our news. To any penpals I'm so sorry for not writing, not sure where the time has gone we had some worrying health issues with Mum earlier in the year but she has now perked up and still living by herself with carers coming in 3 days a week.

David and I now some very challenging times to come, as David starts treatment for cancer and will require chemo and then radiotherapy/chemo any day now. It is going to be a very difficult time but with our family and friends we will get through it and the cancer is treatable - Nasopharyngeal Cancer (cancer at the back of the nose) - we are praying all goes well. The hospital where David will be treated is about a 50 minute drive away but it's a wonderful hospital with latest technology.

We did manage a few days away to Yorkshire last week but David went with a cold and I came back with a cold, so we didn't stay as long as we'd hoped. I have put some photos on my Facebook page if anyone is interested in seeing them (you do have to be my Facebook friend to see them though).

Will try and keep you updated, love Valerie x

Charisma Cardz Challenges 33

Can't believe I'm posting on here, it's been so long. This challenge caught my eye though - negative challenge, and here's my entry:
Thanks x

Chloe dog - my brother's beautiful greyhound

Blimey, you don't hear from me in ages then you get 3 posts in an evening!

I couldn't resist showing you my brother's dog Chloe again. My brother has had her a year now and she's really come out of herself since my brother collected her from the Great Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders Kennels last October. Chloe has a lovely character and isn't shy in coming forward, she loves woofing to my David for treats and so enjoys playing with her toys:

Chloe showing off for the camera, and may be saying: "can I have another treat please?"

Playing with her favourite toy, her ted.

Holding up the door! Chloe so loves laying on her back, ready for a tummy rub whenever someone goes by!

She's such a girly dog, loves all things pink and colourful and is so dainty.

We love her to bits, especially as we can't have any pets of our own where we live :o( at least we can heap all our pet love on Chloe :o) and she laps it up. My brother says Chloe sulks if she doesn't see us when she expects to!

Items for school fayre

As promised in my post yesterday, here are photos of some items I made for the school summer fayre last term:
Stationery and cards printed off the computer.

Teapot cards with a verse and a teabag inside.

Fridge magnets which I thought would go down well with the little ones.

Bookmarks, always useful.

Post-it-note holders with a post-it-note pad and small pen inside each one, I think these were the best seller.

I enjoyed making these though didn't have much time to do them in.

Christmas kit swap

I took part in a Christmas kit swap recently where we had to send the organiser 3 kits made up of Christmas material so the receiver could make up a card from using the kit only. Having received 3 different kits in the post today I made:

I love the colours and especially the reindeer backing paper, wonder where that came from. I received 3 small buttons so thought they'd be ideal for the reindeers nose.

The cardstock had already been cut for an easel card and the gold backing paper came embossed with snowflakes. The gold paper really shimmers.

I edged the images and cardstock with red colorbox chalk ink to help make the card stand out a little.

I'm really pleased with my efforts, making Christmas cards is a bit of an effort at the moment, yet it's 1st November !!! bet get a wiggle on :o)

Where does the time fly?

Good afternoon. Okay, who took all my spare time? I'm sorry for not posting for such a long while, some of you will have seen me on Facebook - I enjoy farming and attending to my pet :) as I can do these whilst relaxing of an evening.

I don't seem to have made many cards this year, though will try and attach a few later. The main news is that David took early retirement in April, mainly for health reasons, it was getting difficult driving to and from London with the problems in his knees. The other major news is that I moved jobs in June. I decided to apply for a new job and the first job I applied for, was interviewed and offered it :) It is still in a school office, the hours are just slightly longer but better hours in a way as I do the same hours every day - 8.45 to 3.15 pm which is great, and I still get school holidays off. This is the school I now work in: Warren School It's a beautiful school for special children and I just love it there, it was the best move I made. I'm so looking forward to the built up to Christmas as apparently we really go all out to make it a special occasion. I will start learning British Sign Language in the New Year which I will enjoy, I've managed to pick up a few words already.

Mum has been a concern for a while but it's all in hand now and Mum is looking better than ever :) she celebrated her 81st birthday yesterday and we spent some time with her, went out for a light lunch, then 7 of us went out to dinner with Mum in the evening. A lovely day.

There really hasn't been much time for cardmaking, but I have managed to keep on top of current birthdays, anniversaries etc. Now I'm in a panic as I'm way behind with my Christmas cards. Here are a few cards I've made:

Thanks for looking will try and put up a few images of some goodies I made back in June for the school fete in July.

Take care x

For sale - various craft items

Good morning

Not sure where the time is going, I really must try and make some cards today.

I've had a little sort out though (and it's continuing) and I have a few things for sale. Namely lots of dies (Quickutz, Cuttlebug, Sissix - including alphabets) and some Cuttlebug embossing folders (A2 and the sets of 4 small) and all my Magnolia unmounted rubber stamps, debating on selling some of my Nestabilites - since I have a Slice I don't tend to use them as much - ummmm not so sure though :) If you are interested please email me or leave a note. I can send you Word documents with piccies and prices etc. Will only sell to those in the UK. Thanks very much.

Valerie

At long last a card!!! MojoMonday # 123

Wow, you'll be shocked to discover I'm actually posting on here :) I have been around but haven't made too many cards. Since David bought me a "mini" laptop for Christmas I've become addicted to Farmville and Petville on Facebook and David has too LOL it's easier when I can relax in the living room with my "mini" beside me rather than be here in the bedroom on the PC.

Anyway I was inspired by the MojoMonday sketch for this week, and here is the result:

The card is Bazzill, and the background paper is by Papermania their new Honey & Hugs pack - gorgeous it is too. The image of course is a Penny Black "Sentiments 3831H", ribbon, flowers a sentiment and some gems finished off the card.

Hope you like it, I was pleased with how it turned out, a nice Spring card.

Take care xxx

I'm on Facebook at long last!!!

Well you'd never believe but I'm catching up with technology LOL David surprised me with a lovely pink mini laptop which means I can be online in the living room rather than be alone in the bedroom on my PC.

I therefore decided that I'd join Facebook so for those of you who know me, if you are on Facebook and would like to add me as your friend that would be great. I'll try to keep up. Already I'm finding it addictive what with my pet at Petsville and having a farm it's all go :)

I actually made a few thank you cards this afternoon, though couldn't settle for too long as I broke my folding chair and although bought another one it isn't that good so will have to wait until my new wooden chair arrives before I settle to a long stint of cardmaking.

Hope you all had a great Christmas. We did, with having my Mum and brother (and Chloe) over on Christmas Day and then again on Boxing Day. On Boxing Day we went to the theatre to see the panto Cinderella which was great fun.

Take care, will try and post some photos soon.

A new member to the family

Sorry I haven't posted in well over a month, it's been a difficult few months, not least because I was working full-time in September at school, wasn't too well within myself and needed to organise carers for Mum, plus David hasn't been well with a trapped nerve in his back going down to his leg. Never seen him in such agony, but an osteopath is helping and David is feeling much better, also myself. Mum was 80 last week so we held a party for 50 (which I organised) which went very well.

Meet a new member to the family - my brother's new dog - Chloe.

She is 2 and a half years old and a retired greyhound from the Great Yarmouth Homefinders place attached to Great Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium. Chloe hurt her leg so had to retire, but she won 7 races, and her leg is now fine.

Chloe didn't know anything about a home life even her name as her racing name was Swift Second but she's coming along great and her character is coming out. Chloe loves playing. She and my brother came over last night for dinner. We'd bought her a squeaky pink spotted bone and she loved it had little spurts of playing with it. She is sooooo adorable. We can't have pets where we live but my brother doesn't mind us heaping love on Chloe, she is so loving and affectionate and her tail never stops wagging.

Hope to make some Christmas cards soon, I am way behind even more than last year :( and write some penpal letters, sorry to those who are still waiting letters from me.

Take care and thanks for reading xxx

Snowflakes LOL

It's not snowing yet :) instead I made a snowflake card using a sketch my dear friend Kerrie put up on our cardmaking forum last week. Here's the card:

The first card in a while I really enjoyed making. The background patterned glittered paper is by DCWV and it's gorgeous. The metallic snowflakes I bought in a beaded/snowflake garland set only £1 from a pound store. I punched out some pink glittered snowflakes and layered up with a glittered white brad to keep them together. I'm quite pleased with how this came out, it's even better in real life.

Off to have something to eat and then we're going up the Cliffs as usual, it seems to tame my overactive mind at the moment and calm me.

Take care xxx

Crafty Cardmakers # 3

I do so love sketch challenges and a good friend is on the design team of the Crafty Cardmakers blog. Here's a "thinking of you" card plus a Christmas one.

This one was made using a Penny Black sticker, some cardstock and paper from DCWV. The large glittered flower I recycled from a birthday gift bag :) and think it works very well on this card.

The image on here by Daisy & Dandelion with some patterned paper from the same make and also from DCWV. I cut out the shape for the image using my new Slice and the Noteworthy design card.

I'm so behind with my Christmas cards but am determined to make them all this year, I've finally made the rest of the birthday cards for this month. Thanks for looking :)

Sorry ...

... again, I just can't seem to get motivated for anything at the moment. I'm working almost full time at present as we are one down in the office and everything is still manic there, I guess that's the norm until everyone settles down, there's so much "first of term" stuff we have to do!

I'm really sorry to my lovely friends (penpals) who haven't heard from me for a while. Please don't fret, I'm okay, just don't seem to have the chance to sit down properly and write a lovely long letter. I'll get there though, please have a bit of patience, I haven't forgotten you.

Can't seem to get motivated for cardmaking either though I'm way behind with everything, plus I've agreed to run another cardmaking afternoon for the residents here end of October and that's on my mind. Ummm, me thinks I've just taken on way too much and need some "me time". Roll on half term, saying that it's going to be a hectic week end of October as Mum will be 80 and it's David's birthday too. I've been organising Mum's 80th birthday party too, still Mum is terribly excited and it's lovely to see.

Right I'll scan in a card I made this afternoon using a sketch (to help my lack of mojo) and will put it up soon.

Thanks for listening xxx

Mojo Monday # 102

I've missed a few of these sketches on the MojoMonday blog but here's the latest which I enjoysed using today to make a birthday card for a colleague:

I used the beautifully embossed and glittered Imaginisce paper Fairest of them All: Royal Procession (both sides) and my Slice to cut the corner and oblong shapes. The birdie image is from Imaginisce also, a rub on. Flowers, a sentiment and some Doodlebug glitter brads complete the card.

Hope Sue likes it, I just love the colours :)

Sorry it's been a while

Hello there, sorry it's been a while since I last posted, I didn't realise it had been nearly a month but can understand why. School summer holidays should give me loads of time to work on cards but in reality it didn't. Firstly we went on holiday to Somerset early in August, unfortunately David wasn't too well due to a trapped nerve in his back so we returned early and the rest of the school holidays at home. Not that we minded as it was easier for David to relax at home and also we still felt like being on holiday as the sea is only a few miles from us (about 5-10 minutes at the most) so we were able to get out and about every day. It also meant we were able to visit Mum who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.

I was asked to run a crafting group on the court here (we live on an estate for the older person) on 24th August. It involved a lot of organisation and preparation as I put together 2 card kits and a bookmark kits and made enough for 20 to take part. I was extremely nervous - I hate talking out in a group - but it went very well apart from the initial "speech". Everyone enjoyed themselves and we had a laugh. In fact they enjoyed it so much I've agreed to run a Christmas cards and tag session during the half term week (last week in October). It should be a little easier this time but will still need a lot of preparation.

I had hoped to start on my Christmas cards but only made 1! I did manage to buy up loads of Christmas stash in anticipation :) I also bought a Slice (electric cordless die cutting machine). It arrived last week and I love it. It sits nicely on my PC/craft desk. I did make a Christmas card yesterday:

It's with a free pyramid card topper from CraftsUPrint. I layered it up and then added glitter glue to the angel wings and main star. I added mirri card in red and gold and then stuck it on to red card. A bit of gold glitter ribbon and the sentiment (from CraftsUPrint) and it's done. Sorry the picture is a little dark the light wasn't too good yesterday afternoon. The other Christmas card I made was using a fabric square which I bought at Wroxham Barns (Norfolk) during the holidays and had to try it out: I am going to try posting more often but if you don't see me for a while please don't worry. A colleague left at school and I'm working extra hours and it seems to be extra manic at the moment.

Thanks for looking, hope you are all well :)

Crafty Cardmakers first challenge

I'm always in need of a helping hand where cardmaking is concerned so have been inspired by the Crafty Cardmakers new blog to make this flowery card:I don't think you can see properly but on the white embossed paisley card inside each paisley design is a little bitty flower.

Everything on it is by Craftworkcards, some new stash I bought last week whilst down in Sussex.