New Release at Two Paper Divas - Home Family Blessings

Have you enjoyed the January release stamp set previews this week from Two Paper Divas?  I'm back today, featuring the new, Home Family Blessing stamp.  I was so happy for the opportunity to showcase  this beautiful sentiment.  Creating a scene around a lovely sentiment is one of my favorite cardmaking techniques.

I started by embossing my sentiment with black ink and clear embossing powder, then sponging distress ink around the edges.

The designer papers I'm using are from the Home Sweet Home collection from Carta Bella and are the perfect accent for this sentiment.   I fashioned this beautiful bow from May Arts Ribbon to accent my card then added a few more little touches.  You can find the full supply list at the end of this post. 

Visit the Two Paper Divas Blog and take a look at some of the projects featured this week, then check back each day for more project inspiration by the design team.  

Shop Two Paper Divas for a wide selection of clear stamps, digital stamps and accessories.

Supplies Used:

Two Paper Divas Home Family Blessing Stamp

Carta Bella Home Sweet Home cardstock

May Arts Ribbon/Ribbon Resource Glitter ribbon, natural burlap string

Heart doily

Pretty Little Studio Star Confetti

Xyron Adhesive runner

Tombow Mono Aqua Glue

Foam Squares

DoubleClick Skittles Caramel Bubble embellishments

Heart Wood chips from Michael's

Umwow Studio Star Wood

Spellbinders Celebrations Pierced Square Die

Cuttlebug

Ranger Black Archival Ink

Hero Arts Clear Embossing Powder

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Beach trip.... And work....

I was informed that I have been negligent to this blog .   Alas,  tis true.   Last week,  I had a business trip at Orange Beach,  AL and took my family with me.  I made arrangements to take my son out of school,  (it helps to have a straight A student!)  and off we went.   The first day was gorgeous and my boys had fun at the beach while I'm in meetings.   That night we had dinner at the Shrimp Basket and the food was excellent.   When my son took a bite of my red snapper he made me trade plates.   Why do I always have to give up my food?!

The next day the boys took off for the Gulf Shores Zoo and had a blast,  once again,  while I'm in meetings all day.   Doesn't seem right does it?   *grin

That night was super cold but we participated outdoors in a mullet toss.   The fish,  not the hairstyle.   Believe it or not,  it was actually fun.   Apparently,  it's a big event there every year.   Later we ate at a sponsored '' luau'' where a DJ was spinning tunes.   People were line dancing and my 11 year old tore onto the dance floor when he recognized dances he learned at school.   He was hilarious and not shy at all!
  
By the end of the 3rd day,  the hubby and son were getting on each others nerves cause mom is not around to buffer.   Welcome to my world dad!
  
Lastly,  I spent the last night in Daphne,  AL  with my BFF from high school.   We had so much fun staying up late and reminiscing.   Just like old times... Miss her already.   So there you have it.   Mommy did all the work but had fun anyway.   Oh and if you ever get to Ed's Seafood Shak?   I highly recommend Yo Mommas platter.   Could feed 3 people!

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October breast cancer awareness & my family

I thought I would share the impact that breast cancer has had on my family since October is the month of awareness.

My Mother was diagnosed about 7 or 8 years ago.   She was the first woman in our family to be diagnosed so we were really shocked.   Thank God,  hers was self contained in one area.   She had a mastectomy one week after diagnosis.   Mom did not want to wait.   The good news is,  she didn't have to have chemo or radiation and has done great ever since.

My younger sister survived breast cancer after a year long battle last year.   Her story was much different.   She had a lump that she ignored.   She hadn't had a mammogram in many,  many years.   She noticed the lump getting bigger and finally,  after much urging,  she finally went to the doctor and got a mammogram.   Because there was movement of the lump and it wasn't stationary,  the doctor didn't think we had cause for concern but a biopsy was done.

To our shock it was an aggressive form and my little sister had a mastectomy and chemo and radiation.   It was a tough year but she came up fighting and as I like to say,  waving her fists in the air Rocky style!   Yesterday,  she found out the results of her BRCA genetic test.   It was negative which was wonderful news.   I'll admit I've thought about my odds with my Mom and sisters diagnosis and definitely feel a sense of relief at this good news.

Ladies,  check yourself regularly.   Don't ignore symptoms.   Don't believe that because your symptoms are not the usual suspect,  that you have nothing to worry about. 

Lastly,  if you are concerned you may have a lump and are uninsured and that is preventing you from pursuing getting checked out,  there are often options.   Check with your local public health department to see if you qualify for any type of Medicaid waiver.   Check with local hospitals and local breast cancer awareness groups and find out if you can get a free mammogram.   Our local group,  Steel Magnolias gave us a ton of helpful information and even delivered my sister a tote bag full of goodies including handmade items and things to help her on this journey.  
Thanks for letting me share our story with you and God bless!

My sister Judi in the

background, 6 months before her diagnosis.

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