Good morning friends! I think I’ve been quiet – not intentional, just the ebb and flow of life. I can tell that personally I’ve reached a crossroad where I’m okay, in fact I’m more okay than I can ever remember. What that has created inside is a need to organize and plan, so that’s what I’ve been doing. This may be TMI but last week I tackled cleaning my walk-in closet from top to bottom. That sounds innocent enough but in reality I was fearful of the memories I would find there. Consider that almost five years ago I couldn’t even bear to be in my own bedroom – now it is being redecorated and the closet yielded the most indescribable ‘good’ treasures – it was literally a time capsule.
Absolutely everything came out and about half went back in. I have a room full of donations and that makes me feel good. I’m almost embarrassed to say how many new things I found. As I tackled the behemoth I mused how much this is like real life – the old things that are tattered and torn than need to be set aside, the treasures we find that are right under our noses but we didn’t know were there, the points where we are honest with ourselves (did I every really own that?) and the serenity of knowing that you had the strength to put things into place. That closet makes me feel new and gives me such hope and optimism. Such a simple thing but an experience full of blessings. Has this ever happened to you? 
That great feeling brought me to the craft table with a burst of inspiration. I’ve had dies setting aside that I wanted to use and I was taken with the beauty of a new Spellbinders Victorian Crosses set. These are substantial; they are large enough to be a bold focal element. I layered the cross over Spellbinders Oval Regalia that I had topped with Spellbinders Labels Forty Nine. I needed something tiny and special so I created my own tag by using Spellbinders Standard Circles LG and Spellbinders Victorian Tags.
I love crafting! Where else can you put together things so mundane and know that you’ve created beauty with your own hands? Please play and create! You owe it to yourselves!!.png){kind=small}
Rubber Stamps: Wordsworth – Friends Collection
Craft Paper: Neenah Classic Crest 80lb Smooth Natural White, My Minds Eye, PTI Fine Linen, Gold Poster Board (Hobby Lobby)
Ink: Amuse Studio – French Roast, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories: Spellbinders Oval Regalia, Spellbinders Labels Forty Nine, Spellbinders Standard Circles LG, Spellbinders Victorian Tags, Paper Source Vintage Gold Ribbon, Pearl Button from my stash, 
Thanks for the well birthday wishes! I’m a little bit behind on sending out Day of Giving Friday cards because I like to take a batch of cards to the post office at one time. Please check the Giveaway Page to see if you’ve won – I’m waiting for a couple of addresses :-) Hoping you are doing something glorious today!
Hi Becca. I love your card today – the beautiful use of the dies make it a real stunner :-) Hugs xxx
Hello Becca
Sometimes we need to clear out things that we keep, sometimes its the memories that we need to hang on to!
Lovely card today and the thought behind it aswell!
Take care Becca
Love Marg
Hi Becca, I moved recently to my beautiful forever home and found school work from my son when he was in the 3rd grade. It made me nostalgic and thankful at the same time. He is now 38 years old and he and his sister and their children are the loves of my life. God is ever faithful. When He takes something away, He Blesses us with even more. Stay Blessed!
This is so beautiful Becca. Labels 49 in front of the Oval Regalia looks stunning. Gosh, I dread the thoughts of going through cupboards etc. I never thought I was a “hoarder” but I think perhaps I have been kidding myself … lol! Hugs Christine xx
LOVELY BECCA! AND LOVELY that you have come to the place you have with time. GOD IS GOOD!!!! ;)
Hi Becca,
Sometimes we just need to close our eyes and do, what we´ve been avoidiing for so long, and just to find out afterwards, that it was actually the best thing we´ve done in a long time, and from there probably came the inspiration to make this amazingly beautiful card here. It is sooo fabulous and amazing, and really show me, that you´ve puit soo much thoughts into this, and the result surte shows, that you´re feeling really good with yourself now, and that´s just fantastic. I´ve always loved your stunning work, but this kind of tops it all to perfection. I just love it.
Have a wonderful week ahead here now and lots of great fun too, I hope. Take good care sweet lady.
Stunning card!! I love everything about it, everything. I am so glad that you are starting to get back into things, I know my mother never really got over my dads death and still could not do a lot of things because of his memory. She is now in Heaven with him and I hope that they rejoice every day with Jesus.
Another gorgeous card and let me say that YOU are a blessing to all of us. We so appreciate your sharing your talent with all of us and giving us the opportunity to have one of your master pieces. I recently cleaned up and rearranged my craft room and it gave me such a burst of energy to get back in there and start scrapbooking and making cards. Thank you for the inspiration.
This is gorgeous, Becca! And beautiful colors :))
What a beautiful card. That Victorian Cross is stunning. How wonderful that you can now face that closet – I know hard that must have been. I watched a friend go through the same thing a few years ago. But what fun to find new things and to know that someone will benefit from the items you are donating and that you now have this wonderful new space. Happy belated birthday.
Beautiful, Becca! I love the layering with the cross as the centerpiece. We moved about 6 months ago and it was a great weight lifted when we cleaned things out to not take with us and made it much easier to move into our new home.
And apparently I won Friday’s card! I’m so excited. Thank you so much for doing this.
Beautiful card.
Eleagant card! I like this cross and now it is on my wish list. I am proud of you Becca for facing the hard task of dealing with items in your closet; items so personal and that are filled with memories. You were very brave to do this. Your words have given me a renewed hope that I, too, maybe able to tackle my master closet of personal items belonging to the one I loved. I am not in the place I need to be in my mind yet to deal with this issue. One day, God will help me get over my procrastination.
So very lovely! Another versatile, layering design. I can thinks of baptisms, communions, Easter, and so many more! You are amazing! Also, thank you for combing old and new dies!
Absolutely beautiful card. I’m glad to hear that you are organizing and giving away and finding treasures. And, you’re making new memories.
Good for you for tackling your closet! It’s really quite a job. I have actually never cleaned out and my daughter has been helping me clean out and reorganize. It’s not so bad when you donate the stuff – at least then you know it’s going to someone who can use it! Keep on with your cleaning out – must be the season for it. Beautiful card as always!
Stunning Becca absolutely stunning!!
Love Sheila xx
Thanks for sharing your Beautiful card love the layering.
Hun, This card is gorgeous!
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I am so glad to hear that you have taken that step in your Healing process. (((Hugz))) I know that it could not have been easy at the time but it was necessary for moving on. I am especially glad that it spurred you in the forward direction with hope.
Becca, I am soo happy for you that you have reached this point in your life and are able to move on, one step at a time. Your card is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Becca, I’m so glad you are where you are now. Time really does heal all wounds, I’m sure you never thought you would get to where you are and it will get easier every day.
God Bless you lovely Lady,
Your card is Amazing as you Becca .
Take Care
Elaine H X
This is gorgeous. And very elegant.
Absolutely gorgeous card Becca! I’m so glad that you’ve reached that crossroad where you’re ok.
How good it is to feel “ok” and settled in your own skin, especially after a time where everything is topsy turvy and unsettled and painful. I’m so glad to hear this from you.
Blessings, today,
Joni
So happy to hear that you are very okay!!
Becca, you are such an inspiration, both in your words and actions but also your crafting. Thank you for the beautiful card.
My dear Becca
You are one strong lady and it has taken awhile to come to grips but we are all so proud of you. Know it has got to be tough.
Know that your therapy has been your cards which I must say this is a masterpiece. Love you lady!
Hugs
Methane
Ann Robbins
Good morning Becca, Beautiful card I love it!!!
I bet your closet looks great!!!
I’m sorry it does not get easier, you learn to live with the loss.
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lynda xxx
Becca
What a beatiful card. I am so glad that you have moved forward in your healing process. My you continue to press forward.
Becca, I am so proud for all you have accomplished.
May God continue to be your guide.
Such a beautiful card! So elegant!
Becca, thank you for sharing these treasured moments with us today. Your card is gorgeous, as usual, but the sharing of your journey through all of life’s ups and downs is very precious. I know there are many, many people who, reading your musings, will be uplifted and encouraged. I sure was! You are such a blessing.
Morning Becca,
Wow! What a stunning card, love all the layers with the different dies. The cross as the focal point is stunning.
So glad you managed to clear out your cupboard, its a great feeling of achievement isn’t it?
Love & Hugs
Jacquie J xxx
Lovely card as always Becca. My closet needs a good sorting. I dread the doing though. How many pairs of black trousers do I really need? Quite a few apparently!!! Gota be in the mood though. Maybe this week I’ll make a start. It will be worth it when it’s done.
Hi Becca, I would absolutely loooooove a ‘walk in closet’, so glad you have ‘sorted’ it. I have done exactly the same with my clothes in the past, found things that I had totally forgotten I had, and then wondered why I ever bought them !!!
This card is stunning !! I love your compilation and the new cross is beautiful.
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Hello Becca. It’s wonderful to hear the optimism in your post. I know that unique feeling that comes from accomplishing something that has been difficult to face. There is a sense of satisfaction that causes positive feelings about ourselves. When combined with completing a task or endeavor, the emotional reward is more complete than anticipated and is something that stays with you for a long time.
Your card is another beauty. I love the cross die that you combined with other die cut layers. The monochromatic color scheme is so elegant. Your creative talent continue to inspire and I am very thankful to be part of the group you share your talents with. God bless you, Becca.
Becca thank you for sharing some of your personal thoughts and your private time with us all it is so you !
You are a very unique person and you let us connect with you in such a
special way like no one else .
You make us all so happy that you are in a very ok place it gives everyone
something to aim for .
As for the card YES YES YES gorgeous and a big wow for the bow.
Well done Nancy you lucky lady ! Hugs XXX
Hi Becca, Just lovely! Sometimes featuring a cross on a card makes the look too religious and misses the comfort and personal closeness of the cross’s meaning but your adaptation overcomes that. Joyful, beautiful, and speaks volumes. What a spectacular contribution to your talented offerings. Thanks so much. Your work in the ‘closet’ puts me to shame but also motivates me. I must start to clear out more stuff–been going through my studio and still have boxes of wooden stamps to donate to my church ladies. Not easy letting go but so refreshing. Barbara
What a lovely card! It is so elegant. I have not followed you that long, but love the things you make. I am guessing from your blog that you have really achieved something wonderful by re-organizing and cleaning out–GOOD for YOU! I need to do the same. I lost my husband in November 2014 and this whole last year has been about surviving with my two little girls and beginning to go through things and letting go some of the things that are no longer needed. It has been hard looking at old photos and remembering times that noone else but my husband and I remembered. Now, I am the only left to remember those things. It seems that the world has a way of taking away those things when his name starts to be taken off of the bill for this utility or that one. It is so strange to meet people now—who never knew that my husband was such a big part of my life for over 20 years. I love your description of the “time capsule”…that seems so true when I go downstairs in my basement and see the boxes of things…pictures, etc. that bring back visions of the past. Thank you for sharing so much of your heart and soul in the beautiful cards you make and the gentle words in your blog.
Thanks for sharing with us and God bless and have a great day.
Becca this card is beautiful! I love the colors. You are amazing with all the ways you use all the dies and create the deautiful cards. You have a wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing.
Just beautiful! Thank you using for using this die it is so beautiful!
This is really special. Gives me ideas for cards for our pastors. I, too, am organizing. Knee surgery in 3 weeks.
Another stunning card! I fully understand the fear of uncovering painful memories. Glad your closet cleaning was a positive experience for you – another step in the healing process. Will be thinking specially of you as the month draws to a close xx
So glad you have found yourself feeling okay. :) We are always okay in our Father’s eyes and we just have to work through it sometimes. Woohoo for a clean and organized closet and redecorating! I’m a fan of cleaning and donating clothing if I haven’t worn it in a year. I actually switch out summer and winter clothing and turn the hangars backwards. That’s how I know if I actually wore something or not. If the hangar didn’t get turned then most likely it’s out! Enjoy your redecorated space!
Good morning Becca,
I am so glad that you found renewed peace and a new sense of happiness from your closet clean. It i know is so hard to even think of starting it just because of the memories that it would hold. I lost my best friend last year in my mum who was as sharp as a tack and could sting like a bee which considering she was just over 4stone nothing would hold her back. I can understand your thoughts only through me trying to go through my beloved mum’s things. I found our dancing shoes from when we went Scottish Country dancing in and it brought back memories of us managing to end up in a heap on the floor as we were left handed and some how always went the wwrong way which was fine until it came back and we would bang into the rest of the troop and we would all end up in a pile. I think they were relieved when we stopped going as there wasn’t so many injuries sustained by them. Yes, i had a few laughs but oh so many tears as she wasn’t here to share in the laughter.
Your time spent was worthwhile and brought it’s own rewards to you in that you only have half as much now so you don’t feel guilty if you see something new that you just have to have, lol. Your card that you have made is beautiful Becca with the large cross on it and would make a great card for oh so many ocassions. My friend who is an avid church goer to a small church in Stirling(Scotland) has been trying to come up with ways to raise funds for his church, so i said i would make up some Christmas cards for them to sell with donations going to the church and this cross would make such a beautiful statement on these cards amongst other more light hearted ones for the children. Thank you Becca for another inspiring, stunning piece of work.
With love and crafty hugs
Norah (Glenochil Village, Scotland)
Norah How wonderful you have these memories to treasure !
And how sweet you put it into words can’t help but smile hugs X Pam
Becca, I can only imagine the memories and treasures you found as you sorted and organised. I am glad that you find yourself in a place of some peace. Your story and journey touched my heart profoundly.
Your card is beautiful and I am sure that many here would join me in saying that you bless us :o)
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
Oh my gosh! You ALMOST inspired me to clean my closet
Hello Becca,
You have given us a beautiful card today, thank you.
You have been so brave to tackle the memories, but I think that you will now find that things will be easier. I have been doing the same thing, going through bedroom drawers with my sister in law since my brother died earlier this year. Although we have yet to open the wardrobes! I think it will be a good while before she can face that.
Much love and prayers.
Maureen xxx
BECCA, I THINK I TURN TO YOU FOR THE PHILOSOPHY, AS MUCH AS THE ART-BOTH SPECK TO ME. MY CLOSETS (ONE IN NY .AND ONE IN FL.)ARE BOTH IN NEED OF SOME “DOWNSIZING” BUT I AM A STINGY OPTIMIST- A “MAYBE I WILL NEED THAT SOMEDAY” PERSON. AND, OH YES, MAYBE I WILL LOSE 20 POUNDS SO THAT WILL FIT ME.
I HOPE SPELLBINDERS APPRECIATES YOU. YOU REALLY ARE BEHIND A LOT OF MY BUYING DECISIONS AS FAR AS DIES GO. THERE IS SO MUCH OUT THERE THAT IT IS HARD TO DECIDE WHERE TO PUT MY MONEY. THANKS FOR THE BEAUTY.
love the card, but I can surely relate especially last summer and even now Liz and I have been going through our parents things. It was unbelievable some of the things our mother saved but brought back lots of memories. We found letters she had written to my father she saved every card ( I do believe) she had ever gotten. Unfortunately we could not save them all but I did save the ones I made her and my dad. I have to admit I was just as bad!! My only regret is I wish I had found some of this while she was still living. Thanks for sharing
hugs
Kay