Handmade flowers

We're focussing on handmade flowers this week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. I made some fabric yo-yo flowers to adorn a cheap little tank top:

Catching up

I've a few personal issues to overcome lately and I haven't had a lot of time or energy to devote to crafting or blogging.  This is a layout I completed for C.R.A.F.T. Challenge last month:

 

Just a quick, fun 8x8 layout using some leftover bits and pieces, based on the sketch provided.  Memories of Harriet Jersey Caramel, who is no longer with us...

No designer paper...

When I first started scrapping, I tended to shy away from patterned paper, but now my collection is so huge and varied that I rarely make anything without it. So, this week's theme at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge did push me a bit to look beyond my papers and use NO DESIGNER PAPER:



I used: Cuttlebug 'Jules Jewells' EF, and Affirmations quotation card

I'm also posting my card in the following challenges:

# Allsorts ~ Free & easy February
# Crafty Cardmakers ~ Monochrome magic

Jasmine's card

Jasmine loves joining in as a Junior DT at CRAFT Challenge.  This week she made a Valentine's Day card for her best friend, using NO DESIGNER PAPER:

Jasmine used Bazzill cardstock and some foam hearts, which we found in our local craft store.

This card is also for:
#  Dream Valley ~ Valentine
#  Hooked on Craft ~ Hearts

Love, love, love...

All you need is love...

I've had a break from crafting over the past little while, due to some events beyond my control.  I really missed the peace and relaxation that creating something brings me, and it's fabulous to be able to return to something I love.

This week at CRAFT Challenge, we have a Valentine's Day theme.  I wasn't able to create a card in advance or to use any of our fabulous sponsor images, but I did alter a little gift bag to use for the occasion, using some fabric scraps.  Here it is:

 

I'd like to submit my gift bag for the following challenges:

# Hooked on Craft ~ Hearts
# Crafting for all Seasons ~ Love is in the Air

Grateful

 

"It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks."

I don't know the author, but the words resonated very clearly with me, and I wanted to share them.  The photograph is mine.

Today I am thankful for the obstacles and lessons of the past month, for the gift of life, and for the blessings I find in my life every single day.  I'm ready now to move forward.

Here's the full poem:

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary

Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.