Good Wednesday all my crafty friends!!!! I know we all say this....hee hee...but it seems like we were just here!!! LOLOL I don't mind though because that means I am "arting" again, which is such a joy!!! I am so thankful for all your visits last week. I try to get to everyone's home spot, but sometimes don't make all of them. I also try to respond to ALL your special comments, but last week, I didn't get the opportunity to do so! 😢 I just got busy with my week, and it didn't happen. NOT that I didn't read and appreciate each one!! I'm so thankful for you all!
So what's on my desk today? Well several projects, but I will just show you the one that I am immediately working on for a new and very special challenge that I am in. I used to get involved in every challenge that came around, but I got so busy that I didn't know if I was coming or going!!! LOL Since getting back into the art arena, I have decided to do only one or two challenges and just keep it to that so that I don't get burned out or feel stressed! This year I've claimed peace in my life and so that's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL Anywho this challenge is a wonderful ATC swap challenge over on Amy's Art Alchemy on Instagram (#a3atcswapgroup). This precious lady had a heart to start an ATC Swap for folks all over the world! She is such a precious spirit and it comes out in her videos over on YouTube. Her testimony comes out in her character and art! Check her out and join in if you like! Right now, there are over 300 members! WOW, right??
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| First of five for my swap! |
She asks for 5 ATC's to send in to swap and then you get 5 back from a random artist that could be from the US or across the pond! I'm so excited to get to see some gifted artist from around the globe and be honored to keep it!! Anywho, this is one that I was working on at the time of this photo and, of course, I pulled out my beloved dip pen to start. You will see some Golden fluid paint in the back, which I LOVE, to use on this card. Golden fluids are the BEST and if I could afford them, I'd have them ALL! LOL But alas, I will settle for a "few" of the itty bitty bottles! I will show the finished 5 next week! If you want to be a part for October, they have to be turned in by the 15th! I better get my booty scootin! LOL
Ok, so MOM PROJECT!!! I had so much stinking fun doing this project. As some of you may know, my mother is in a nursing home and at this home, she is not allowed to have anything on her walls (she was allowed one picture of her father...ugghhh!😡) so my sisters and I have always tried to gussy up her bulletin board and hang something on her door for holidays and different seasons. Well as you know, those things wear out and it gets expensive continuously buying decorations, so we decided to make something that would permanently hang on her door and that we could change out pieces for seasons and holidays!!!! Brilliant, right??? So here is what we came up with.
My beautiful sisters are VERY crafty and GIFTED ladies in their own right. They both work with woodworking and make signs, wall hangings, wreaths, etc.....with wood and mixed media. The middle piece is the main piece and then the centerpiece (in this case, the pumpkin) she can change out for the seasons. My one sister who has this amazing machine can cut any piece you'd like from what she designs on her computer:
It's the coolest thing ever. Anywho, we each took 4-5 pieces each and designed them with our own personal touch. So the pieces around the centerpiece are just some of the pieces that we designed. They will have velcro on the back for her ease of taking them off and putting them on. Here are the ones I designed below:
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| My Beautiful, Sweet Mama! |
Hi, good to see you. It's been very difficult for the elderly but your mum does look as though she's well looked after. There's no best way with this. My mum still lives in her own home but has carers visiting four times a day and we go once a week to take her some shopping and do the housework. My father was still alive this year and died in April. He had no symptoms of the Virus but his legs were swollen and when they took him into hospital he tested positive and died three days later, mum had it too though thank goodness we tested negative but some of the carers at that time didn't have masks. As you can imagine it's been hard going but we couldn't get mum in a nursing home even though we asked about it so there's lots to do all the time as at 92 she cannot deal with her own finances or anything else. I just don't know really what's the best way round this and at least your mum will have plenty of company which my mum misses terribly. I think what I'm saying is that we have to be grateful that we still have them and make the most of what time we are able to spend with them how ever it comes. There's no easy way round this. Wishing you a very happy week and a safe and creative woyww, Angela x16x
ReplyDeleteOh Angela, I am so, so very sorry for your loss!!! My goodness what a terrible thing to be sure!! My heart goes out to you and I just pray a peace over you and strength as you take care of your precious Mum!!! You are so right, we DO have to be thankful for the ones we have and cherish the time we get with them!! Thank you so much for stopping in and sharing your heart!! Blessings to you!!
DeleteHi Felicia. YES!!! Hugs! I hadn't realized, now I live alone since John died, how much I missed hugs and human touch, until I met up with my whole family in July and was only allowed to hug one of them! Criminal, isn't it - and so very much against all our beliefs about family and community. I had not seen them since February. Then I met with them all again for my birthday - and at the time, here in Wales, we could have an extended family with up to four different families. (It no longer applies where I live as we are in a local lockdown!) There were some incredibly wet hugs as we all fell into each others arms and wept.
ReplyDeleteI think what you have all made for your mum is such a beautiful idea. I'm sure she will love it and enjoy playing. I like the beginning of the ATC as well.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #3
Oh Margaret you are so very right! There is nothing more essential to emotional health than physical contact and in this case, HUGE HUGS!! My heart goes out to you missing that special contact with John. I can only imagine how that would be!! And now, to be on lock down!!! You keep your spirits up and I pray all this will be behind us soon and we can get back to "some normal" with our families!! If this does nothing but give us a new appreciation for our families, it will have been worth it. We need to get back to loving one another in this world!!! Blessings to you and thank you for stopping by!
DeleteNot getting hugs is definitely the worst thing about lockdown! It must be so hard for those in nursing homes, they mus really look forward to visitors and not to get any for months must be heartbraking! The project you have made for your mom is wonderful, and I'm sure she will get a kick out of that. May you continue to claim peace in your life - I'm with you on that one! Happy WOYWW, stay well, stay safe, Cindy #13
ReplyDeleteHeartbreak would definitely be an accurate word for what a lot of the residents in these homes suffer! Fortunately my mom is sharp as a tack and has a lot of spunk to go with it!! I believe that keeps her pushing forward, but some aren't so fortunate and not seeing their loved ones is taking its toll!! Thank you for your encouraging words on my project and I think you are right, my mom will love it! She's a ham! Peace and blessings for you as well Cindy and thank you so much for stopping in!
DeleteI feel so sorry for you and your mum, not having contact is the worst thing...I'm so pleased that you're allowed more time now but honestly, hugging is more important than anything. And why can't she put anything on the walls?? I'm getting cross on your behalf here.....what harm would it do to have favourite pictures for her to enjoy? I love that you and your sisters are making the notice board pretty, you have some awesome skills between you!
ReplyDeleteHugs LLJ 11 xx
Jan, you are so sweet! Thank you for your encouraging words!! The home that my mother lives in is one of the nicest nursing homes I have come across, which is why we placed her there. It's an hour's drive to go see her, but we thought it worth it for the facility it was. It's almost like a condo environment, so not your average nursing home (at least here in the states that is) so they keep everything pristine and don't want anything "messing up" their walls. Never mind that these folks live their FULL TIME and need some semblance of "home" surrounding them!! The other thing they threw at us is that "decoration" would be a fire hazard????? She has a window sill to put a few photos on and that's it!! It terrible!! We've stormed the gates, but they don't budge!! Hopefully full hugs will resume real soon!! We need it as much as she does!!! LOL Thanks for stopping in Jan and many blessings to you!
DeleteHi Felicia, it must be hard not being able to properly hug your mum, but it's in her best interest. However, I don't understand why she's not allowed to hang pictures on her walls! That's almost criminal! Your door hanger idea is just perfect - she'll like that. I like all the bits and pieces you created for it and nice of you to give a shout-out to your sisters! I've always wanted a laser cutter, but it's an investment that I can't justify. Looks like your sisters turned it into a business, which is great! You're right you shouldn't overdo the challenges - you don't want your commitments to be a burden, which is why I seldom commit to anything LOL! Enjoy the ATC swap - show us what you're making and what you're getting in return. Have a happy week! xx zsuzsa #22
ReplyDeleteHi my friend!! Such a treat to get to interact with you again!!! Check out my reply to Jan's comment for the sordid details of "wall art!" LOL I know that not getting to see her is for EVERYONE's best interest right now! Believe me! My girls and I are staunch believers in safety first and most definitely wearing our masks everywhere. Since my illness, I can't take ANY chances!! Thanks for your sweet encouraging words on our project! My sister got the idea for that equipment with no intentions in mind, but then she has turned it into a full time business!!!! My other sister is a full time surgical tech at our local hospital and works on the L&D Ward, so babies hold a special place in her heart! That truly is her calling! So she started doing the baby treasures and it also took off! So they both stay busy! They scratch each others backs, so to speak! LOLOL I just do it for fun. Not sure I would ever want to "sell" things, my heart is to do to give away! It's more fun for me that way! LOLOL I look forward to sharing the finished ATC's, I enjoy doing them! And craftiness from other gifted artists will be a treat!! I still have my "Zsuzsa treasures" in my art space as inspiration!! Love from others is the BEST!!! Blessings to you my friend!! Have a GREAT rest of the week!
DeleteThere are so many stories like this, but at least you are able to see your mum now for a short while. you've had a very creative week. Helen #1
ReplyDeleteToo right Helen!! Thanks for stopping in and many blessings to you! :)
DeleteLove all the talent! The door sign is perfect! And the wood cutting tool, oh my is that so cool!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to not have hugs, especially from family. Hope you get to soon. Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by.
Carol N #24
Awww Carol thank you so much for your encouraging words! Yes, that is an impressive machine! Something I am glad she operates because I could totally see me tearing that thing up!!! LOL I will stick to my art desk! LOL Thank you as well for stopping by and blessings to you!
DeleteHi Felicia, thank you for your comment. I thought “ Jesus is the reason for the season” was your last post, I couldn’t find the Pick a Stick challenge anywhere, there was one of the same name, but I knew push-ups and dog training couldn’t be it🤣. Then I went back to your post read further down and it was 2017 ! Back to today, my heart goes out to you not being able to see your Mum as often as you would like. That is awful if they won’t allow pictures on the wall. I expect it is because they don’t want to repair the walls after each resident, it does make me cross though. I knew a lady once who had a large number of soft toys on her bed, most of them would fall 0ff the bed in the night and the staff kept picking them up! People should be allowed to have their room as their home. I love the cross you decorated. My son made me a cross that is a cut out in the piece of wood, I am not sure he intended to as he said he was practicing with a new drill or saw (?). I got him to round off the corners and he burnt the wood to colour it. Angela #25
ReplyDeleteAngela, thank you so much for stopping in!!! I think you are exactly right about the Nursing Homes reason for no pictures. But this is likely their last home, so like you said, why be able to make it feel like "home!" Too cute about the lady with all the stuffed animals! Mom has a few on her bed as well, but not that many! LOLOL So we just do what we can on her window sill to decorate for her. Now with her new door hanger, hopefully so will see all of our creativity and think on each one of us and how much we love her! I loved how my cross turned out too! I collect them, so it was extra special for me to do for her! How cool that your son "accidentally" make you one! I bet it is treasured! Thanks for stopping in and many blessings to you! :0
DeleteSuch a beautiful project for your mum Felicia. All the more special because you have joined with your sisters making it. I am sure she will love it. I really hope that restrictions can safely be lifted sooner than later too. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #4
ReplyDeleteSarah, you are so sweet! Thank you so much for your kind words and you stay safe as well! Thank you so much for stopping in!
DeleteSounds like you are a really talented family, what fabulous stuff and how great to be able to share your love of all things arty within the family!Thanks so much for the snoop!
ReplyDeleteChrissie #23
Chrissie, you are so welcome! I love visiting others' creativity and inspiration!! Thanks for the sweet words as well! Blessings to you!
DeletePlease let's get back to normal - whatever that means, and when ever we can - for so many reasons!
ReplyDeleteYou and your sisters are a very talented bunch. I would like one of those machines...
Happy WOYWW! Susan #7
Yes, please!!! Thank you so much for your encouraging words Susan!! We love crafting!!! That machine is amazing and the longer she has it, the more she learns and the more creativity that comes out of her!! She has some awesome projects that she has done!! I think its a little out of my league! LOL Thanks for stopping in! :)
DeleteThat is a wonderful idea for your mum and you have decorated them beautifully too. How sad she is only allowed one picture on her wall - have you thought about one of those frames with several apertures in the matting board to hold several photos - they can hold anything from two photos up to about 20.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week,
Diana xx #14
Diana, that is a good idea!! We do have a window sill that she can put a "few" photos on! Actually they are crammed on there because that is the ONLY space for her "knick knacks!" We may have to look into that, but also, that picture of her dad is "treasured," so that may not be something we would be willing to sacrifice on her behalf! LOL But thanks for the great idea and for stopping in! :) Blessings!
DeleteSuch a great way to get around the nursing home rules. My Mum’s room had two pictures on the walls and wall lights, so I swapped the pictures out for her own and we hang bunting and all sorts off the wall lights, and I pin stuff to the curtain pelmet too, I imagine the Spring bunting I pinned up there in late February is looking a little tired now! Like you , I haven’t been allowed to see her since March, recently outdoor visits of half an hour by appointment mean that I’ve at least been able to check on her, but its very hard to see without hugs and hand holding isn’t it. My poor Mama is engulfed by Alzheimer’s and doesn’t know any of us and cant talk. But she can smile and thats a good sign to me that she’s still comfortable and cared for. Your enthusiasm for the ATC project is lovely. I met a lady online who sends postcards to care homes for random distribution and thought that I need to get involved with that. When I’ve got details, I will blog about it, in these non-visitor days it seems like a fine idea to me.
ReplyDeleteWow Julia, sounds like we have similar circumstances. And our visits are set up just like yours! At least we can know that others around the world are experiencing the same thing, so we aren't going it alone! I'm sorry to hear about your mother's Alzheimer's. You are so positive and I think that is the key with any disease, but most certainly that one! Seeing her is a blessing and we just have to remain faithful that even though she may not recognize your or speak that your presence is familiar and a blessing to her!! What a great idea about the postcards!! Definitely post details when you get some!! Thank you so much for coming by and commenting!! You have been such a blessing to ALLL the crafty people involved and you are much appreciated!! Thank you from my heart! Continued blessings to you!
DeleteHi Felicia, great post and fabulous projects. So good that you can finally visit your Mom, it must be so hard for families with loved ones in Care homes or hospital. Stay safe, Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #5. X
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Shaz and thank you for stopping in!!! You have a fantastic weekend!! Many blessings to you!
DeleteI love your Mom project! Such a talented family! So sorry that you and your Mom haven't been able to see each other since March, especially hard for her, I'm sure, being cooped up in the home. I hadn't seen my daughter since last Christmas, but thankfully we got to go to her wedding in September. What silly rules these homes have - one picture? I wonder how they will enjoy those rules once THEY are in a home. People can be so un-understanding, it's so sad. Enjoy your visits! And have fun with your ATC swap! Thanks for your visit, have a great week! Lindart #28
ReplyDeleteWow you have a very talented family! Aww sending virtual hugs to your Mother. Have fun with the swaps.
ReplyDeleteEllie #14
Stay safe and well xx
You have such a talented family and that's great, I know how you feel about hugs I have family 100 miles away and sure would love to go and give them all a big hug,
ReplyDeleteThe project you are doing for your mum is lovely and a sweet idea,
Lilian B # 9
Wow, Felicia, what a talented family! It sounds as if you have a wonderful close relationship with your sisters and your lovely mum. I am so sorry for the frustration you must feel, not being able to spend time with her and above all, to have a hug. I think the door decoration idea is totally brilliant! How mean of them not to allow her to hang stuff on the walls... It's bad enough being forced to live in residential care and the least they can do is to allow one to make it as much like home as possible. Mum was allowed her favourite pictures. When a new resident was due to take over a room, the whole room was redecorated and any picture hooks would be removed and the walls made good, ready for the next person to make it their own.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late visit but I've been really busy this week finishing the needle books ready for the deadline.
Happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshi x #18