Sunday, April 23, 2017

A 'Kaleidoscope' of Butterflies for You

Hello!

Oh goodness, it's been a while, hasn't it? I'll give you the short version. I've been a bit busy. Too short? Because aren't we all busy?! Okay, a little bit longer version. 

A few days after my last post, I got a call from my brother that my dad was going to have a stent put in. Right after Christmas my dad got the flu and pneumonia (he had received both vaccines well before the seasons hit). Anyway, throughout the month after he initially got sick(January), he'd been in and out of the hospital because he couldn't shake the pneumonia and was having trouble breathing. During that time it was determined that he had 3 blocked arteries and needed stents. So I went out to CA for a few days to help him after the procedure. Well, there was a delay and the procedure (they only did the worst of the three) took place later in my stay. Dad came through it fine, thank goodness. I left on Sunday and on Tuesday morning, my brother called to say that Dad was having trouble breathing and he was back in the hospital. It was pretty serious. I flew back that day and stayed for over 2 weeks. Dad was in the hospital one week and a rehab facility the second and I stayed part of a third week to be sure he was not going to end up back in the hospital. Thankfully, this time he seemed to get better. He has been home ever since. Whew! So, that is part of the reason I've been gone so long. I'm just hoping he doesn't get another cold or heaven forbid, pneumonia again for a good long while!

My girls have kept me hopping. Amy's Winterguard season was busy and they ended up qualifying for the state competition. After a very long day and two performances, her group came in 4th out of 18 teams! Pretty exciting! Amy's also been on a long weekend trip to Orlando, Florida for band. Plus various bingo sessions, practices and what not. Jessica joined a few new to us clubs and a couple of them held competitions. One was a Math Counts competition(3-4 of them actually) and the other a Battle of the Books. Her BOB team came in 1st for her school and 3rd in the district! Oh my! She just got back from a weekend trip to Grand Junction with her band. They've also had a few concerts in there, too. I cannot complain about them, other than when they are in teen mode. That's not so fun. But they are totally normal. 

Work has kept me busy, too. My co worker has had a family emergency and has been gone several days. I've picked up a few extra hours. Nice for the wallet, but my body is resisting! LOL 

The end of school is coming up already and that means clubs are starting to wind down. Which means a little less driving for me. Which theoretically means more crafty time. This weekend I was able to play and I have several butterfly cards to share with you! I looked up what a lot of butterflies together is called and Mr. Google said a kaleidoscope or a swarm or a rabble. I like the first choice the best. :)

I was completely inspired (enabled) to  buy these Stamploration stamps and dies (Flutter Zen 1, Flutter Zen 2 and Trendy Butterflies 2 because of Carol's cards (of Just me: c blog) here and here. Isn't her work glorious? Here are my cards. I also made one more, but my camera batteries died and I'm recharging them as I type. I'll share that one later.
Ink blended with Peacock Feathers and Cracked Pistachio ink. Adhered to a piece of bristol smooth cardstock by mistake. Also used Wonky Stiching die from MFT. Sending Hugs from Hero Arts Kindness stamp set

Ink blended with Spiced Marmalade and Worn Lipstick ink. Sending Hugs from Hero Arts Kindness stamp set


Colored with pencils and ink blended with Cracked Pistachio and Peacock Feathers ink


Ink blended with Spiced Marmalade and Worn Lipstick, background is Hero Arts cling stamp and Ranger Enhanced Gold Embossing Powder. Sentiment is embossed with CTMH Silver Pearl embossing powder


Ink blended with Cracked Pistachio and Peacock Feathers ink, senitment heat embossed in Ranger Liquid Platinum ep. I added a strip of washi from Michaels Recollections brand. The background is an old Hero Arts stamp heat embossed in CTMH Silver Pearl ep.


Whew! Still with me? Thank you if you made it this far! I so appreciate you stopping by! 
Hugs,
Jeanne

7 comments:

Laurel said...

So many cards! Love all the different looks!

cm said...

My dear friend, merely reading how busy you've been - caring for your dad (along with all the accompanying travel and not-being-home), ensuring your daughters are driven here, there and everywhere (fantastic that they're so engaged in their activities), taking on more work hours, and the whole task of running a home - has me exhausted! You are a bundle of energy, even if, at times, you don't feel as though you are! I'm thrilled to hear your dad is doing alright; your daughters are a delight (even when the 'teenage' stuff appears *grin*) and you're 'this close' to having more crafting time! Speaking of which: I'm blushing umpteen shades of red in being an inspiration for YOUR gorgeous cards! Thank you...but you, wonderful Jeanne, have created designs that are uniquely your own! From the stenciled backgrounds to the lovely butterflies: a kaleidoscope of sensational creations! Arent' these dies simply amazing? Possibilities galore, as you've clearly shown! Looking forward to more of these delights fluttering our way!
Hugs and love,
~c

Kay Miller said...

Wow!! Your cards are all truly gorgeous!! I can see why you splurged and bought those stamps and dies! You have showcased them beautifully too! I just love the one you colored with the sponged background, and the filigree ones are just stunning with the embossed background! Amazing work my friend! So glad you are finding some time to create! Happy week! :)

Alanna said...

Yay for getting crafty on the blog here. I love all your beautiful cards. They speak to my CAS heart.

You've been quite busy with family things. I pray that your dad will stay healthy. Hugs my friend!

Loll said...

Looks like you got lots of crafting time Jeanne! :) All your butterfly cards are beautiful. The butterflies look amazing in all the different colour combinations. Good to hear that your dad is doing better! xx

Sharli Schaitberger said...

WooHoo, Jeanne is back!! Your butterfly cards are delightful! I love them all, and you have been very busy!
I'm so thankful your Dad is better. I know he felt your love - and that the most important thing!
Hugs!!

Anita in France said...

Great to see you back, Jeanne ... and with such a plethora of gorgeous cards! Your kaleidoscope of blended butterflies is beautiful ... each one stands out so wonderfully against either the glorious white space or the fabulous backgrounds! Do hope your Dad's recovery continued and that he is now back to good health! Hugs, Anita :)