Thank you so much for the kind words, thoughts, prayers and amazing words of encouragement you all have shared with me and my family during this difficult time. Although John was ill, his death was unexpected and I still find myself unable to believe what has happened. I know I will be alright but it is proving to be a little more difficult than I thought – I feel like the air has been knocked out of me and I can’t catch my breath. I rejoice in knowing that he will no longer suffer but the selfish part of me wants him here – my ever present companion, he was the love of my life. That being said, I can’t tell you how blessed I was to be his wife, the mother of his children and his best friend. I count myself fortunate to have and had a beautiful love full of rich memories. I still have that, I’ll keep it always. Thanking God for every day we had together, we had an opportunity to live every day to the fullest and that’s John legacy to me.
John was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2001 and we know he’d had it for years before it was actually diagnosed. Back in 2007, the doctors sent John home to die, saying those many years ago that there was nothing they could do. There may have been nothing they could do but we know that God wasn’t done with him yet. If you have read back to the beginning of my blog, you can probably guess that Amazing Paper Grace was created out of my despair and prayer, while we were waiting. I thank God for leading me down this path. Of course John prevailed and gained back all his weight and rallied to have the best years of his life – the icing on the cake, if you will. I’m at that same crossroad again and I have to say that the support, comments and wonderful cards that have been showered on me lift me up more than you can possibly know. I’m taking baby steps, but I know I’ll be sitting back down the craft table this week. I hope you can be patient with me, I have lots more to share. It’s been an amazing journey and this is but one of the the stops. I hope you’ll continue on with me.
Thank you again, I have poured over the cards and am so touched to have received your love. Kelly, my best friend in the world, tells me that some of you were shy to send handmade cards. Please know that I ran my hands over those cards drinking in every word, texture, color and fold – every one of them was exquisite whether simple or detailed. Being a maker of handmade cards, I have to confess I rarely receive handmade ones. These, along with the beautiful store bought cards (that I love too) are going into a memorial album to be passed along for family members to see.
I am surrounded by good! A special thanks to my beautiful friend Kelly Vaughn, she is my rock! She’s lent me her ear and shoulder and I haven’t given them back yet. I also want to let you know that a couple of the companies I work with have been so good to me to help me through this rough patch – Spellbinders, Our Daily Bread Designs and JustRite. They saw to my every need and showered me with tenderness, care and treated me like family. Most of all, thanks to you for reaching out to me in a continued time of great need. My entire family was astonished by the support and outpouring of love from my blog friends . . . so was I. They no longer wonder why this is my favorite place to be.
Click in to visit me daily. For some time I’ve had plans for new things here on Amazing Paper Grace and I intend to follow through. I hope you’ll continue to visit and be a part of my life. Treasured friends, thanks again.
Hugs,
Becca
Beautiful card and matching tag. LOVE the colors. Glad to see ya back!
Lovely colours……beautiful work :)
Just to say…I’ve got stuff I’d rather not do still laying in wait since my husband passed away in May!!
So there is plenty of time to do it at your own pace
All the best
xoxo Sioux
Becca, sweet Becca, love your card and tag set!! Such rich and beautiful colors! I am glad your “wonderful stuff” called your name, and there is nothing wrong with those baby steps!! Whenever you feel ready, we’ll all be right here! Sending you hugs and prayers, Brina
Sooooo pretty!
This is beautiful. Glad you felt like stamping. Keeping you in my prayers.
JoAnn
I’m so glad you felt like doing a little crafting, your card and tag are beautiful.
I may have to make tags for my gifts this year…very pretty…now if only I could afford gifts. :)
Does my heart good to see that you were feeling up to being a bit creative today. Baby steps are good. Your tag and card set is beautiful, as ever.
Hi Becca,
So happy to see that you played a little today sweetie. Your card and tag are just beautiful. I love the colors and punch work.
Hugs and Blessings,
Deb
Welcome back Becca, Baby steps was all I could take also and their were days when all I could do is crawl. Beautiful card and it is wonderful therapy!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Beautiful, so rich and elegant!
I don’t know about ‘baby steps’ Becca – these are masterpieces :)
It’s lovely to see your work and I hope you have been able to feel a little bit of stability through your crafting. Sending you hugs (((0)))
Louise x
Hi Becca
Sooo pleased that you felt your craft table calling.
Your work is always so different from the “stuff” we produce over here. What inspiration.
Crafting with love
Cally ~ from across the pond
XOXO
Oh my oh my this is so beautiful, but your wor always are, so it sure don´t surprise me. Did you sew these bows, or is it the ribbon, that looks like it´s stitched in both sides? It looks really awesome.
I think, it´s sooo great, that you´re beginningto feel joy about your cards again sweetie and just take all the time you need, and we´ll all understand and be here whenever you like to be here again too.
Have a nice week ahead dear friend.
Biiig warm hugs Maryann
Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!
Beautifully done Becca! Love the colours. Wonderful baby steps.
Becca, i was happy to open my mail and see the post from you.
I am happy you are taking baby step.
I love the colors of this card, It is beautiful!!
WELCOME BACK!!! It’s so good to see you back…take those baby steps. Your ensemble is gorgeous as usual. I love crafting for my “therapy”…it’s such a wonderful way to lose yourself :)
Dear Becca,
My heart did a jump when I noticed your site. God bless you We all care. I have started making cards since my husband ‘left’ 4 years ago this month. They are a great release for me and I have met new friends through making cards. Now I am making all my Christmas cards to send. What pleasure. God Bless You.
Just so beautiful. Thank you.
Lois
Your play is always our pleasure…absolutely BEAUTIFUL, as usual!
Wonderful to see your creations again Becca. Hugs.
this is awesome Becca. Glad to see you share. Have a blessed day.
Gorgeous Becca!!! So good to see you creating again and I’m still praying for you each day!!!
Hugs,
Grace
Oh Becca, How good it is to see that you can feel like doing your beauties once more. Good therapy for you, MARVELOUS for US! I noticed the MS punch. I just bought that one, and can’t figure out how to position it properly for the 2nd punch. A friend is having similar problems (and she is an accomplished card maker!). We wrote Customer Service, buthave not had a satisfactory response as yet. If we can’t get some help, they are going back to Michaels!
I hope that you can ‘feel’ all the prayers, compassion and caring that is going towards you & your family to help you get through this difficult time. There will still be a lot of tough things to face in the coming days, months and thru the holidays. When you feel so sad & blue, remember all the people you have inspired, who are praying so hard for you, and I hope it will give you a little comfort..enough to get you past the rough patches. God Bless and Thank you for the card. It’s LOVELY.
Good to see you getting back into it – welcome back and wow what a project- love your work and you are so inspiring.
Just beautiful. The bows on on both the card and tag are outstanding. For some reason I am really “in” to tags this year. I love what you have done with yours. Thank you.
Dear Becca
Have been waiting and watching and keeping you in my prayers and my heart. So pleased for both of us that you felt you could share your lovely gift again today. Please do take baby steps. Losing one you love is very hard, losing a beloved for whom you have been a carer is a special kind of hard. Take care
Sheila
Beautiful playing. Taking baby steps is the way to go.
Oh Becca, this is stunning and can’t believe this is only babysteps…
I admire you for getting into crafting at this time. I hope you keep taking those babysteps, and don’t forget to unburden yourself when you need to – we’re listening.
Paula, Derbyshire, UK. x x x
So good to see you back, this is so pretty. thanks for sharing
Just beautiful Becca, both items. Your chosen colours are soooo luxurious. I love your use of pearls on the card, the perfect finishing touch (imo).
Delighted you accepted the ‘stuffs’ invitation. lol.
God bless
Mary Mac
Oh My!!! These are beautiful!!! I love that stamp!!! When I saw the title, “inlaid holly” I was picturing something so different. I haven’t gotten into the Tags yet. I have really wanted to, but I get so busy with the decorating and cards, I just don’t have the time. One day I will be organized enough to give it a go. TFS!!!
Beautiful and stunning, love your work, your in my prayers!
What a lovely surprise to find a post from you today. Like so many others, when I check my email I always look for your posts first. After your sharing with us the other day I didnt think we would hear from you for a while. I am so thankful you have taken those first baby steps. Your work is just as beautiful and awe inspiring as always. Hugs to you my dear friend and my prayers continue for you and your family.
Stunning Becca. Big Hugs. God Bless.
Becca,
It is so nice to see you creating again, This is so puetty.
Vicky
Oh, you inspired me!
Miss Becca……….such beautiful work from a beautiful lady. I have been following your blog for months (via e-mail) now and it simply makes me feel better to look at your beautiful creations. I could never express in words how I feel about your lost. Based on your comments, John was a very special man. Be thankful for the time you shared and keep your memories close. God Bless
Beautiful! I love the colors you chose. So good to see you online again.
Dear friend, you are such an inspiration to all of your readers. God bless.
So glad you were up to playing a little today. Still keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are an inspiration to all of us!
Dear Becca, I have continued to enjoy your blog for some time now. You are such an inspiration. Praying for your strength and comfort.
Your tags are so beautiful. So flawless as usual.
~Pam L
So glad to see you back even if it’s little steps!!! I love it.
WONDERFUL JOB Becca!!!!! :) GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOUR CARD AND TAG!!!!!!!!! They have an anique look to me!!! HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Such a beautiful richness to this!
Hi Becca,
I so missed your e-mails! Baby steps are fine with me! You are in my thoughts and prayers, take care.
Beautiful set, Becca! So glad you are creating again. I’m keeping you in my prayers. May your creations give you peace.
Beautiful card and tag-I love the colors you used.
Your baby steps are works of art as usual. This looks a bit like tooled leather. Another stunning card. Glad to see you posting. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Welcome back Becca! Your work is stunning!!!!
Dear Sweet Becca,
I was so happy to see your blog today. I hope this was good for your wounded heart to create something so amazingly beautiful.
I think of you every day and will remember you in prayer.
I know it would be astounding to know just how many prayers have flown heavenward on behalf of you and your family.
Thank you for being a blessing and inspiration to me.
Your sister in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Suzy Que in Texas
I am so glad to see you back! The tags are beautiful, as always. I know what it is like to be blessed with a bestfriend/husband in one, and know it must be so hard for you right now. You are a remarkable lady, and I will continue to lift you and your family in my prayers.
These are absolutely beautiful!! You’re in my thoughts & prayers. {{hugs}} to you and your family.
Hi Becca,
So glad your ‘stuff’ called to you this morning :o)
Very elegant and beautiful colours. Such a beautiful set and made quickly I presume.
Take your time going through things. I know ‘paper work’ has to be done, but the rest, do when you are feeling like you can handle it that day…..
It isn’t a pleasant chore.
Love, Candy
It’s good to see you creating Becca! Taking baby steps is a good thing. Your card and tag are as gorgeous as always! I am still thinking and praying for you and your family!
Becca, your baby steps are giant leaps for some. This card and tag are beautiful. I hope you find peace and comfort at your craft table.
It’s lovely to see you are taking baby steps and felt like being creative. It is a very good therepy. Your card and tag is beautiful as usual. So rich looking, love the little holly sprigs.
Take your time. Hugs and love to you and your family.x ChrisB
Just now got a chance to return to your website and read about John – I am so sorry and I cried and cried for you. I will keep you in my prayers. I am glad your creativity is helping you cope – you are an inspiration to all of us.
Glad to see you creating. Beautiful.
We praise God that you are allowing us to see His Mighty Work through your journey. We will continue to keep you lifted up before our God and we will cry when you cry and rejoice when your heart is ready to rejoice again. Great job in stepping out for today, we love you for that.
Beautiful. I have really missed your truly amazing gift of wonderful card making. You are welcome to sit down and play anytime you want. I will always be here to let you know how wonderful it is.
Becca you do the most beautiful work out there period. You are talented beyond belief. I am so sorry about John and I hold you in my heart.
Sincerely,
Sandy Dehon
Becca it is so nice to see you found the time and strength to visit your craft table. Your tags and card are gorgeous “as always.”
I am sitting here racking my brain as to which Martha Stewart punch you used . I don’t recognize it and I have a gazillion of her punches . Can you give us the name of it? Thanks
I am still thinking and praying for you and your family that you find a measure of peace.
I was so glad to see you’re crafting! I love the colors and the elegance of your project. They are both stunning!
God bless you and keep you,
Sarah
Hello Becca!
So lovely to see you crafting. Your creations as usual are always beautiful. I love the colors of this one.
Still in my prayers.
Hugs Maz
Becca this is beautiful. I hope that your amazing talent and love for crafting can help you through this difficult time. It’s wonderful that you can find a little peace at your craft desk :)
All your friends are here for you if you need anything. xx Welcome back xx
Awesome projects- Bless you- sending hugs from Illinois!
Glad to see you creating beautiful projects again. Still praying for you.
Sooooo beautiful. Nice to see you creating. Your talent is a gift from God and your sharing it with us is so appreciated.
You are a treasure and it’s always an inspiration from your heart. Your card….hmmm…. another big wow. Thanks for sharing that special part of you!!! Sending you love with a hug.
Absolutely breath taking! A piece of art, you are so blessed with talent!
Wonderful color choice. Beautiful gift card and tag set. I have missed coming here. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-D God Bless
Smoochies to you today!!! I always look forward to your posts in my email. Thank you for such a beautiful card. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways!!! Love, Vivian
These may be ‘baby steps’ for you, however, they are just so pretty and we are all thrilled with your creativity.
Thanks for sharing with us, Becca!
Hugs
Such beautiful, intricate work Becca, and it sure is nice to see that I am one of many who scan their emails looking for ones from you (I also look for Jerri K’s). You both inspire me so and it is so wonderful to know you are both sisters in Christ. I don’t recognize the MS punch though, sad cause I really like it. Thanks for sharing with us!
Lovely, elegant but warm at the same time!
It is good to hear from you. I think of you often – and continue to keep you in my prayers.
Gorgeous! Love that lush, satin ribbon and the punched out element is fabulous. Lovely detailing with the holly on the tag. Glad your craft table called you and you had a little moment enjoyment today (((hugs)))
beautiful!
Sandra
Oh so Pretty….I love these…..I want to make tags for gifts this year….thank you for sharing…and so glad you back…..
As usual, your work is absolutely stunning. Good to see you playing with your toys. Take your time sweet Becca, your work is worth waiting for for us to be able to admire it. Prayers up and God Bless!
Gorgeous tags! Everyone is seems to be making tags. Whether for gifts or adding on to cards. Love them!
Pretty as always. Lovely color combo, Becca. I’m so glad that you found the time and the desire to spend some time in your studio. Hope that it felt good. You are in my thoughts,
R/
Beautiful, as ever! So good to hear from you! Baby steps are just fine. It takes a long time to ease the pain of loss, so don’t worry if sometimes you just have to take a moment at a time, a day at a time, and so forth. Don’t worry about us – we will be here ready to cheer you up, and on. Keeping you and yours in my prayers. Hugs!
Very, very pretty. Perhaps too pretty to use?
Very pretty Becca. I saw the new Martha Stewart punch but was a little concerned on placement. I guess I’ll have to try one now. Hope all is well, it’s a beautiful start!
So pretty Becca and so glad for you that you felt like creating. Art can help to heal a broken heart.
Wonderful card Becca. I love the new dies that ODBD has out now. Especially this tag one. Will definitely be great additions to our packages this Christmas. I am glad to see the stamp co. are all starting to do this. Will never get tired of the layered look it provides. I have enjoyed spellbinder nesties since they originally came out and do not think I will ever tire of them. Only wish I could afford them all.
Marcie
PS I am glad you were feeling up to doing a little of what you enjoy. Remember …………….Baby steps until you feel up to it. Hugs to You.
Beautiful, as always! :)
Glad to have you back. Baby steps are great but I know that no matter what you post it will be beautiful. I have made so many of your cards that you showcase. You are my inspiration. God Bless you always.
Seeing your post brought tears to my eyes. Oh my friend, how I pray for you! Glad to see you slowly getting adjusted. Big hugs!
This is stunning Becca, love how that tag came out, just stunning.
So glad to hear from you – {hugs} :)
Babysteps are wonderful as are all your cards. I’m so glad that your room called you and invited you to play, your card is beautiful. I hope that being creative offers you the peace and diversion that you need. Love and many prayers,
Sammie
Wonderful creations! I am so glad that you felt up to crafting again….. and baby steps is the way to take it…. your spirit will be lead by His Spirit when you are ready….. you’re in my prayers….
hugs and blessings,
Pauline
Wow! If this is a baby-step I’m in awe! What’s gonna happen when you run? whew! So glad to see you taking a baby step. Things will come as you are ready. God Bless You Becca, you have surely blessed me many many times.
Mary
Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful!!! You are in my prayers….
Lovely creations as usual. I’m glad to see you posting again- craft rooms are great therapy aren’t’ they – I am sure mine keeps me sane :)
Hi Becca
What a wonderful creation. Welcome back, it’s sooo good to have you back. God Bless you and yours.
Hi Becca :o)
So pleased that you felt able to create again today. And what a creation! Such fabulous colours and beautiful :o)
Take great care of yourself. Sending prayers and love to you and your family.
God bless.
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
Glad that you were able to dust a few things off and play!! I continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and I’m so happy to see you “back” :)
It is so nice to hear from you and see your beautiful creations! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers for the foreseeable future. Please know that all your cyber friends are here for you if you need us!!
Glad to see you back. Have you and family in my prayers. Card/Tag beautiful. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful talent of creativity. Hugs/Prayers
Becca,
Beautiful card and tag set with such rich colors. Glad your craft table kept calling your name. I always love to see your beautiful creations. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
It’s a joy to see you back with a little project. God be with you. Your readers certainly are thinking of you!
Such a beautiful card and tag Becca ! Been praying and thinking of you!
Hugs from Ontario Canada !
Such beautiful baby steps indeed! :) Crafting and cardmaking have always been a comfort for me as well. My husband hasn’t passed away but he’s in the military and has been over seas on 3 tours so being alone a lot, I turn to my cardmaking and thinking of someone else instead … it sure does help. That and God’s everlasting love and comforting care, which I pray for you daily :) I’ll be watching for more of your amazing baby steps.
I hope you are able to loose yourself in those baby crafting steps and that they bring you some peace. God Bless Becca
Dear Becca,
What a wonderful surprise to see a post from you. I fully understand what you might be going through — lost my uncle -who was a father figure to me on 18 October. I am sending you my prayers for continued good spirits and everlasting faith — you are my inspiration and I will continue to look for more “baby” steps from you.
Your crafting is such a great joy to look at.
God Bless you and your family
Great to see you stamping a little bit. I know I can loose myself in a project and at least for that hour or more my mind is free of my worries. It’s the best therapy out there! Well for baby steps what a beautiful card and tag set. I love the little holly leaves on the tag and the color choice is fab. Keep them coming Becca. Your in my prayers. TFS
Oh Becca, its great to see you crafting as its an excellent supplemental therapy. You’ve created lovely exquisite pieces here! Hang in there!! :)
Good to see you back…gorgeous creation, love the colors.
Happy you felt like sitting for some papercrafting therapy… God bless you, Becca. {{Hug}}
I am sure your ‘creating’ will be a form of therapy for you. It is wonderful to be able to immerge oneself into something different for periods of time. I love the result.
Lindo!!!!
Bjs
Magali – Brasil
Crafting or hobbies is the best therapy there is. I’m glad to see you back and your beauty shines through your gorgeous cards. This is absolutely beautiful; love the layout, colors and everything about it. Your work reflects what a beautiful person you are inside. Thank you for sharing with us, I love looking at your work, such an incentive for all of us!!!
gorgeous colors–even your baby steps turn out marvelous art. =)
Beautiful – as always! I agree with Marilyn – crafting and hobbies are great therapy. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.
Hey Becca,
Baby steps are enough. You have no schedule to meet about
anything. The only thing that’s necessary is to pay the bills, and eat! The rest is up to you! Grief has no schedule. So you do what you want on your time. I’m glad to see you creating again. When I create…. anything… I feel… well… the after is soooo much better than before. Even if the creation isn’t so wonderful. I hope it works that way for you too.
I love the gorgeous colors of your projects! I guess the reason most of us love to use kraft card stock is because it goes with everything. But some pairings are perfect, and this is one of them! There are so many lucious cuts and that bow! Well, it’s just a WOW factor that puts it over the top! And if this is just a ‘few minutes’…. I can only imagine what a couple hours can produce! :)
Hugs, Jessica
PS: Still praying
Welcome back, Becca. Beautiful work as always. Glad you found some time just for yourself.
Such a beautiful set. Glad you felt like crafting a little today—it is great therapy.
So glad to see you back creating. Your talent is amazing!!! I love these. That MS punch you used is beautiful!!
You are an inspiration for us all….love ya and your spirit.
Welcome Back! You are a very special person who makes us smile. Thank you for all of the inspiration you give to all. Take care.
Oh sweetie I was so excited to see a new creation when I opened my blog and scrolled my sidebar and there you were! I am so happy to hear you have such wonderful support and your art will be a blessed therapy for you. Baby steps is the way to go my dear your doing great!
Hugs Bonnie
I am so amazed you are back to creating. I lost my father last month and I am not in the creating mood. My heart goes out to you and your family. God bless.
Lovely~* Welcome back!
Becca – Baby steps are wonderful – although looking at your work, you’ve jumped right in, as usual, and created MAGIC. I’m glad to see you on line, take your time, lean when you need to. You’ve got so much support and love around you, so don’t shy away from it/us.
Hi Becca, so glad you”re back in Blog-land, though your friend Kelly has kept you in our hearts and minds. Good friends are, well, GOOD, aren’t they? As for your baby steps: every journey begins with the first step (baby or otherwise). This project is gorgeous, like all your creations; it must be nice to know that while so much has changed in your life, some things are still “familiar”. Best wishes, from Donna (Australia)
Crafting is very therapeutic isn’t it, Becca? I continue to be amazed at what you create with the MS punches. TFS
Glad to see you felt like creating and you sure did a wonderful set here. To be a piece of ribbon in your hands must be to be a very happy piece of ribbon – you make the most beautiful bows again and again. THANKS for sharing and good thoughts from my part of the world (Denmark) to you.
Beautiful and I know we are so glad to see you crafting. Hugs and you are still in our prayers.
You do such beautiful work!
Dear Becca,
I am glad that you are crafting again, i have read your story about your husband. I think this is a very difficult time for you now and also in the future. We all know that there is One who care’s for us all. (i hope you understand my school english)
A big hug from Holland
Thea
This set is just beautiful! I love the punching on the tag in place of the words and paired with the mini tag, it is brilliant. Of course, the distressing adds just the right touch. Very nice for a clean & simple (or maybe not so CAS) card! Still praying for you! Baby steps are steps! Wish I could give you an actual hug, you are just special to us all!
Becca, the card set looks like tanned leather…wonderful textures!
This is beautiful. I love any thing victorian.
I’m glad to see that you are back. I know from
experience, that this is a hard thing to do.
These are awsome and I love the colors!!
Just beautiful. I love how you used the spellbinders to make the tags and the colors are wonderful.
These are beautiful! The colors and patterns are so pretty.
Becca…. you have done such beautiful work. I just love all that you have displayed. You are great!
This snowman card is wonderful. So many elements are involved. Thanks for sharing it with us.
How can anybody go by this blog and not leave a comment! Your work is fabulous! I love the snow man card. I have never heard that “snowman come from heaven unassembled”. I collect snowmen and I will truly remember this forever.
I just love your cards and tags they are so clever and beautiful.
Gorgeous, I will have to say the tag is my favorite!
BECCA BECCA THANK YOU FOR CREATING AGAIN. YOUR DESIGNS
ARE A GIFT FROM GOD. AND YOUR SHARING THEM MAKES YOU SPECIAL.
I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU FOR A LONG TIME NOW AND LOVE EVERY
THING YOU PUT OUT. EVEN MY HUSBAND KNOWS A BECCA CARD.
THANK YOU AGAIN.
CYNTHIA
Really pretty tag and card. I love your style, so elegant and beautiful and very inspiring. Glad you found a little fun crafting time, because your results and simply stunning!