Closings, goodbyes and moving on

Today, I made the decision to close HeStamps.com. At the moment I haven't reached a conclusion on the Stampin' UP! demo website. It's difficult to continue to throw money into an endeavour that isn't paying back in the least. My heart is heavy as I work through these decisions - I entered my demonstratorship with SU full of hope only to discover that the competition from within is so overwhelming it's unimaginable. Add to the prejudice against male demos and it's just not something one can easily fight against. So for the moment I will make the initial steps at ending extraneous costs and go from there.

I want to thank all the members of the SU Blogroll who visited my blog and offered encouragement. I never understood why everyone took their talent, support and left the roll but that's just life I suppose.

Ben

Eileen Update

News on the condition of my partner David's older sister Eileen (pictured on the right from a Summer 2004 visit to our home.) Eileen lives in Florida and has been in the hospital for several days now. The chemo treatment was started on the very first night of her hospital stay. The second day because of a terribly low heart rate she was admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit, she stayed there for a few days while they tried to regulate her heart. Yesterday, because of the worsening heart rate she was transferred to the ICU. At this point the chemotherapy treatments have ended and will not restart until her heart rate is back in the normal range. David has spoken with her briefly and she is doing okay under the circumstances.

Ronda (our fearless blog roll leader) thoughtfully inquired if I thought Eileen would mind encouragement/get well cards from the readers of this blog. Initially, I was concerned that she would not get to view the cards as she will living in a sterile environment for several months ... upon clarification it appears that the sterile environment will occur after treatment has ended. So, hoping that I am not sounding demanding if there is ANYONE that would like to make a card for Eileen I will be more than happy to see to it that she gets any cards sent to me. She has always been appreciative of the hand-made cards I send her so I believe the potential to lift her spirits a bit is possible. Regardless, of participation please keep Eileen in your thoughts, prayers or meditations.

Thanks for looking and yes HE stamps.

A simple card of sympathy

Recently, the father of one of David's staff passed away and he asked me to make a card. Luckily I have never made a sympathy card but on the other hand that means I have no stamps that seemed appropriate. So, I made this card which admittedly is nothing unique or dynamic ... just a simple little offering of condolences. This was my first attempt at ribbon folding and it was far less complicated than I had thought it would be. Colors are Baja Breeze, Mellow Moss and of course So Saffron. Patterned paper is Walk in the Park Designer Series from the Occasions Mini.

Thanks for looking and yes HE stamps.

A sad day

Yesterday evening we received the tragic news that David's sister Eileen has been diagnosed with leukemia. In 3 days time she will enter the hospital for a 4 to 6 week stay to begin an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. Needless to say the family is devasted by the news. Your thoughts and prayers would be tremendously appreciated. Thanks.

A happy one

I am so loving these 6x6 scrapbook pages! It's so less intimidating then a big ole' 12x12 page. So look away if it pains you cause there's gonna be a lot more. I've also noticed the sudden (at least for me) availability of albums in the 6x6 size, which is tremendous in my opinion.

The inspiration for this page was the pure joy that glowed from Kammie face at the pink balloon she was given at Friendly's Restaurant. The picture was taken using my cell phone and I was quite surprised to see that it was actually usable.

As for the details, I used the retiring Rainbow Sherbet Designer Series Paper, Gable Green, Apricot Appeal, and Tempting Turquoise cardstocks. I used the Alphalicious Cricut cartridge for the titling, cutting each letter 3 times and then gluing together to get the chipboard look. The Sizzix Sizzlit Decorative Strip Die Flowers & Stems provided the flower embellishments and a 1" Circle punch provided the circles.

Thanks for looking and yes HE stamps.

Birthday Whimsy #2

Awhile back I used a Card Sketch (SC220) from Splitcoaststampers and it turned out very nicely so I thought I would give it another go.

This card is created for my partner David's sister. She has been ill for awhile now and is looking at a possible bone marrow transplant. I wanted the card to be upbeat, feminine, beautiful and have a sense of home (belonging.) I used Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper with Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red and Regal Rose cardstock and inks. Uncharacteristically, I am proud to say that the card turned out wonderfully. The added bit of Black Gingham Ribbon adds the home feeling I wanted to achieve. I hope that it brightens her day in the tiniest way possible.

It's interesting how easily this card came together, I am sure that it helped to have worked the design previously. To go out on a limb I would say that it transcended the paper cardstock and ink. The purpose of this simple little card is bigger than me. My hope is that Eileen will feel "it" too.

Thanks for looking and YES he stamps.