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Twenty-four Years

Twenty-four Years published on 6 Comments on Twenty-four Years

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of United Flight 93 Captain Jason Dahl

I started with this same quote last year but, honestly, it holds so true that it bears repeating. And yet, here we are. Everywhere around us, words of hate, actions of hate, finding ways to push other down instead of lifting them up. As I pondered how to approach this post, I find myself overwhelmed by the fear that we have totally failed. Those passengers and crew on United Flight 93 knew what had happened to the other planes. They knew that a target was set on a critical landmark. They banded together and said not on my watch. They didn’t ask who was an immigrant; they didn’t care about the color of skin; they didn’t care if someone was LGBTQ+. They chose to do whatever it took to try to stop the evil and it took all of them. They knew that they would likely die but chose to save others with their sacrifice. They counted on us to make it worth it. Have we?

As always for this anniversary, I focused on blue. The blue of the sky that day, United blue. The butterfly is from All Things New by Honey Bee Stamps and the background is Vintage Floral. The arch dies are from Spellbinders. The sketch is from Freshly Made Sketches designed by the incomparable Karren Johnson.

I have written my thoughts and memories for many years now. This is likely the last blog post for a 9/11 anniversary but I will say that it is these posts that have make me hold onto the blog for as long as I have. If you care to read:  9th Anniversary, 10th Anniversary, 11th Anniversary, 12th Anniversary, 13th Anniversary, 14th Anniversary, 15th Anniversary, 18th Anniversary and 19th Anniversary, 20th Anniversary, 21st Anniversary, 22nd Anniversary and 23rd Anniversary.

As I wake up tomorrow on a new day, I will be grateful for the lives and examples of the crews, the passengers and all those at the WTC and Pentagon that were lost on 9/11. I will mourn what could have been for them. I will try to find joy and beauty in everyone – and that is without qualifier. I wish for us all a world where each of us will do the same and choose to be worthy.

In memory of:

United 93:  Jason Dahl, LeRoy Homer Jr., Lorraine Bay, Sandra Bradshaw, Wanda Green, CeeCee Lyles, Deborah Welsh

United 175:  Victor Saracini, Michael Horrocks, Robert Fangman, Amy Jarret, Amy King, Kathryn Laborie, Alfred Marchand, Michael Tarrou, Alicia Titus, Marianne McFarlane, Jesus Sanchez

American 11:  John Ogonowski, Thomas McGuinness, Barbara Arestegui, Jeffrey Collman, Sara Low, Karen Martin, Kathleen Nicosia, Betty Ong, Jean D. Roger, Dianne Snyder, Madeline Sweeney

American 77:  Charles Burlingame III, David Charlebois, Michele Heidenberger, Jennifer Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Renee May

Freshly Made Sketches #695

Freshly Made Sketches #695 published on 6 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #695

Happy middle of July! It seems to have been quite the summer for weather and I hope that you and your loved ones are safe from the impacts. I know that out in the flying world, it seems crazier than ever. I always find summer a bit chaotic for crafting…kind of thought that would be over once my boys were older. But no, apparently not. In any case, I am excited to share a card with you today. Two reasons: first, I’m the sketch designer for Freshly Made Sketches and second, a new release from Spellbinders that I get to share.

Just look at this cuteness! So the name of this die set from Spellbinders is Christmas Rocking Chair and it has all these fun little elements. And yet, you are saying…um, Jennifer, there is no rocking chair. Well, there is kind of a rocking chair. I only used part of it to create this little stool. I had all the other parts ready to go but the size of this worked so well for what I had in my head that I just decided to go rogue. I really like how it gives this option too. Great for tags. Plus, all the little elements can be used individually too.

I cut all the pieces out of white card stock to start. Mostly so I could get a look at how they worked and the scale. I inked most of them up with Distress Inks. For the soles of the boots, the straps and the lighting pieces on the tree, I cut from black card stock. For the pail, I had a matte silver metal stock in my stash and I used some gold for the buckles. I thought making a shaker would be fun and chose to use vellum for a frosty look. The panel behind was inked with Distress Inks and just added the sequins for a bit of movement. My sentiment is from Honey Bee Stamps but if you are shopping at Spellbinders, there is a massive sale, including on some holiday items. My order is somewhere with UPS…intended for this card…and maybe one day it will arrive. So much for the best laid plans.

I hope you will enjoy this sketch and have a moment to join in. I tried to keep it basic. I chose an arch instead of the oval and you can choose any shape you want! Thanks so much for stopping in and also for your thoughts on my blog from last post. Hope you have a great week!

Freshly Made Sketches #668

Freshly Made Sketches #668 published on 6 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #668

Hi everyone! I just got back from a week of vacation with my family so I’m doing the catch up game. I did have a few minutes to make a card for today’s challenge at Freshly Made Sketches and sort of, kind of followed the fabulous sketch by Karren Johnson. She is the forgiving type so I’m sure she will let me stay!

I used die cuts from the Lovely Layers: Spring Greenery set for this and just smooshed some Distress Inks onto the already cut greenery. This seems to be my go-to when I’m pressed for time and don’t have the brain space to actually color things. And it always makes me happy!

For the background, I used some Distress Oxide ink in Tumbled Glass and then spritzed on some Distress Spray Stain in the same color. I thought the Rustic Brick Wall 3D Embossing Folder would be pretty on the panel and I am glad my instincts were right. Love this texture!! For the sentiment, I used one from the Lean on Each Other Stamp set and put in on one of the “Free Bee” dies (October 2024) from Honey Bee Stamps. I love the fun gifts they send with orders! Finally a bit of crinkled ribbon and some confetti.

I hope this finds you well and not frozen! We returned to a pretty good snow event in Virginia and I must admit, I was happy to see the pretty landscape when I woke up this morning. Thanks for stopping in. Have a great week!

Freshly Made Sketches #667

Freshly Made Sketches #667 published on 6 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #667

Happy New Year!! We are starting off the year at Freshly Made Sketches with a fun sketch designed by the lovely Cécile Ribon. I love that you can make it seasonal or not!

In keeping with the chaos of the season, I chose to use a little flower bunch that has been sitting on my desk for a while. A long while, actually. While I’m not sure I follow the sketch very well, it just seemed to work for me (once I opted out of making the card a square, at least). Oh by the way, these Sealed Wildflowers dies are on sale (link below).

I had a pack of “Free Bee” papers from Honey Bee stamps over where the stems were and found this one that seemed to go perfectly. A change over all the holiday cards I have been making for sure.

I hope you have a few moments to create as we move into the new year. I am grateful for you all and wish you much happiness as we move into 2025.

Spellbinders – Squeaky Voice

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Another card today with the newest House Mouse Stamps by Spellbinders.

This darling image is from the Squeaky Voice set and so fun for a get well card. I opted for watercoloring on this one using my Karin Markers and a bit of regular watercolor paint for the background. The paper for this is a Pebble BetterPress Cotton Card Panel. The watercolors moved nicely on this and I love the subtle gray tone to the paper.

The sentiment is from the set and I used another panel of the card stock for the base. This olive twine from my stash was a good match so the serum bottle and I thought it added a nice touch.

Thanks for dropping in today. I’ll be back soon to share some more cards I have been making for the holidays. Until then, I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Spellbinders – Wishing for Spring

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A quick post today with a set that is part of the new House Mouse release from Spellbinders.

This set is called Wishing for Spring and it is so sweet. The sentiments are lovely and I thought this one was unique and fills a gap I have for encouragement cards. I did a bit of Copic coloring and added a little bit of Distress Oxide blending around the image.

The coloring was fairly simple so I could keep the focus on this adorable fellow. I thought the Arch Labels would be a bit different and a nice way to highlight the image further.

I’ll be back soon with another set from this release. Until then, see you soon!

Twenty-three years

Twenty-three years published on 9 Comments on Twenty-three years

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of United Flight 93 Captain Jason Dahl

When we said we would never forget, did we mean it? Sure we give a nod to the tragedy of 9/11. But I think we have reached the point that the words are ringing hollow. Captain Jason Dahl is an icon at United Airlines and not because he was the Captain of Flight 93. He was a man that took every opportunity to challenge other people to step up, to be leaders and to be better every day. He would often ask a variation of the question “what are you doing with the opportunity given you?”. His legacy is a group of pilots who have stepped up and stepped in. So when I saw the quote from his wife Sandy, I knew that she had captured the essence of what Jason asked. If we are out there making a difference, working to improve the world, how on earth can we have time for hate? Hate is what took Jason, and the thousands of others who lost their lives, from this world too soon.

As with other years, I look back and tell the stories, try to remember the good in the midst of horror and do my best to honor those we lost. When I saw the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches (by Kim Singdahlsen) this week, I thought maybe I had a way to say it with a card.

I chose the blue for the obvious reason. Always the blue September sky. But also a simple wish. I wish for a day of kindness, joy and beauty. The sentiment dies are from The Greetery (Let’s Have A Word: Beautiful Dies) and the flower is from Spellbinders (Butterfly Bouquet Press Plate). Both are inked using Distress Oxide Ink in Tumbled Glass.

I have written my thought and memories for years now. If you care to read:  9th Anniversary, 10th Anniversary, 11th Anniversary, 12th Anniversary, 13th Anniversary, 14th Anniversary, 15th Anniversary, 18th Anniversary and 19th Anniversary, 20th Anniversary, 21st Anniversary and 22nd Anniversary.

As we move through this 23rd Anniversary, I have an ask of you. Take a moment to walk in someone else’s shoes. Use a most respectful interpretation of intent and give people the benefit of the doubt. Choose to see differences as something that adds beauty to your world. I hope you have a beautiful day.

In memory of:

United 93:  Jason Dahl, LeRoy Homer Jr., Lorraine Bay, Sandra Bradshaw, Wanda Green, CeeCee Lyles, Deborah Welsh

United 175:  Victor Saracini, Michael Horrocks, Robert Fangman, Amy Jarret, Amy King, Kathryn Laborie, Alfred Marchand, Michael Tarrou, Alicia Titus, Marianne McFarlane, Jesus Sanchez

American 11:  John Ogonowski, Thomas McGuinness, Barbara Arestegui, Jeffrey Collman, Sara Low, Karen Martin, Kathleen Nicosia, Betty Ong, Jean D. Roger, Dianne Snyder, Madeline Sweeney

American 77:  Charles Burlingame III, David Charlebois, Michele Heidenberger, Jennifer Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Renee May

Freshly Made Sketches #647

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Hope all is going well with you summer! Here we are at the end of July already. I had a little time to make a quick card for this week’s Freshly Made Sketches so I’m here to share. This fun sketch from our wonderful Karren Johnson was easy to use and I think it will be a popular one this week.

I pulled out my new BetterPress again for this one and used the Floral J and Sentiment Press Plate. Seemed like the right letter for me, don’t you think?! I inked it up with Momento Tuxedo Black with the intent to use Copics and it worked great! Just some easy coloring and I love the detail on this.

To keep to the sketch, I cut out the letter with the Stacking Art Deco Labels dies. In the background, I used the Dogwood Blooms 3-D Embossing Folder on white card stock and then cut it per the sketch. Like I said, a quick card!

Thanks so much for stopping in today. As always, I appreciate you! See you soon!

Freshly Made Sketches #645

Freshly Made Sketches #645 published on 7 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #645

Hi friends!! Coming to you from the surface of the sun (otherwise known as Virginia). Oh, is it crazy! I hope you are not being negatively impacted by the heat or the awful storms that have been affecting so many. I decided I needed an afternoon in my nice, cool basement craft room and I got some time to play with a new-to-me product. And…I’m hooked. Our hiking superstar, Jen Brum, is our sketch designer this week for Freshly Made Sketches and I love the elegant options this one gives.

I just got the BetterPress Letterpress system from Spellbinders. And yes, I’m a late adapter!! I love the letterpress look (always have) but wanted to make sure this wasn’t a fleeting trend before I committed. I got a few plates when I ordered it and this Butterfly Bouquet was one of them. And then it matched the sketch…well almost. Except backwards. But I wanted to break open the box and give this a try so I’m sure Jen will forgive the flip. I thought the circle on the sketch lent itself to the spotlight technique.

I used the Porcelain BetterPress Cotton card panels (A2) and printed the image twice. On the second, I cut a circle out and then colored those with Karin Markers in bright, happy colors. Daring to be different, I did not use the ink that comes with the BetterPress (although it is water safe). Instead I used a known ink to me, Versafine Clair. It worked perfectly and I knew it would hold up to the watercoloring. I stamped the sentiment on part of the scrap from the watercolored panel using the same ink and words from the On the Line: Fall Florals set. The texture on this is so pretty! The paper, the detail, all of it…so in love!

I hope you will have a bit of time to play along this week. Make sure to link up so we can see your beautiful work. My summer is going by so fast…today I’m off to do some dorm shopping…oh my!! Thanks for stopping by today. I so appreciate you!

Freshly Made Sketches #633

Freshly Made Sketches #633 published on 5 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #633

A wonderful sketch this week from our talented and oh so awesome Linda Callahan. She has created a fun design for us at Freshly Made Sketches, one that is sure to inspire.

I decided to put all the focus on this amazing embossing folder from Honey Bee Stamps called Sandie’s Garden. So much detail and so pretty! I embossed it on a panel of Spellbinders Betterpress Cotton Card Stock and then cut out the center rectangle. The center is popped up with some gold card stock underneath. Just a peek but I think a special touch.

I added some gold thread to try to comply with the sketch (probably a stretch but…that is how it goes sometimes) and added a pretty heat embossed sentiment. I love that this one could be for a wedding, birthday or just because! A few shiny gold pearls to finish.

Hope you will hop over and join us this week. Been a bit busy around here but still trying to get some crafting in where I can. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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