This weekend was very busy at my house. I began to clean and recuperate a little from some heavy duty stamping commitments that I’d worked on for the month and my baby boy (my only boy) moved out on his own. He is in college and works and makes enough money to be on his own. He felt it was time to take the next step. So, just like the mother bird who with one breath moves the young to the edge of the nest and coaxes them out, in the next breath she prays that they will fly. (Sigh!!) I knew exactly which stamp I would pick to commemorate this occasion. Don ‘t feel sorry for me yet though, hang on through the entire post, and you’ll see why.
Okay, a little about my card first – the paper is just beautiful – you should see it in real life. My challenge with it was to arrange things so that I wouldn’t cover up the beautiful roses. I came up with this design and you’ll notice there are no big bows – it would obscure the paper too much! For the focal point I mounted two staggered sizes of the Spellbinders Labels Four die on top of the Spellbinders Mega Curved Rectangles die. One of those dies is old and one is new – I picked them to show you that they will all fit together well. With a brown ink, I stamped the Fly stamp on the top Label Four die cut and then cut the center out with a craft knife, leaving as much as I could of the frame. Then on the second Label Four die cut, I stamped the image again, but this time with black. I then cut one of the Mega Curved Rectangles and smudged each of the three layers with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. I then popped up each layer of die cut. For the other sentiment I cut two Spellbinders Tags and stamped Aspire to Be then smudged the tags with Brushed Corduroy and Walnut Stain Distress Ink.
Once I finished and looked at the card, I nodded a yes — this is what if feels like to let go (something I struggle with). At any rate, you will be relieved to know that my son is close by as he goes to college where we live. Even better he picked the most amazing room mate that I totally approve of. He chose to live with a young woman that I’ve known for over 23 years and I don’t think she will steer him wrong – he chose to share a house with my daughter. So tell me, did I dodge a bullet or what?
Card Recipe:
Stamps: Hampton Arts, Inkadinkado – Sentiment
Paper: Design Paper – Prima, The Paper Company – Cream White, Burgundy, Kraft, Bazzill – Palo Verde
Ink: Black Brilliance, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink, Walnut Stain Distress Ink
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels Four die, Spellbinders Mega Curved Rectangles, Satin Ribbon, Velvet Ribbon, Brads
Thanks for stopping by today. I’m tickled that I could share my story with you!
Oh, Becca, your card is just so beautiful! I could look at it a long time! I am so glad you are in the Dirty Dozen, because more people will see your beautiful creations and be inspired!
How wonderful that your son and daughter can be together and share this next part of their lives! I am happy for you, and for them!!
Beautiful card! Love the Rose paper you used, so very pretty! That is great your children are sharing a home together…and that they are so close to you! Now that gives ypu another room to fill with “nesties” and all the other goodies…see I am always thinking postive…LOL!
Just gorgeous, I love the distressed look on this and I can’t wait to get those new labels, so far they are my favorites.
I love this card it is so beautiful!! My daughter is 10 and she is my only child as well and I dread the day when she leaves home. :( *sigh… but anyways on a bright not very beautiful card!
My complements to you – that you’ve raised siblings that enjoy each other (still) and are willing to share a household. That’s a tough thing to do these days! To all of the mom’s out there – ‘job well done’.
And I just admire and drool at every card you make!! Do you sell your items on Etsy or sites of that nature? You should! The things you do with ribbon, embellishments, and layout… I just stare, and stare and stare at your cards. They are absolutely beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you so much for sharing your works of art with us.
WOW!!! I am so totally in awe of your work and can stare at your cards for ever. My daughter who is only 10 and right next to me loves it also so you are truly an inspiration to both of us. For your son, you could not have asked for a better situation for the two of them. That is wonderful and such an accomplishment for them to be out on their own. You should be very proud!!
Hey Becca! Wonderful card! Love it! Thats neat that your 2 kids can live together! My oldest 2 are out and this is how I got my stamp room!! tee hee! It is nice when they are all back home for dinner on occasions, my dh loves that! Jane :)
This card is gorgeous!! I think everything you do is beautiful. God has really given you a talent to produce beautiful works of paper art. I have a bird that left the nest and went away to college and then dropped out and moved back to the nest. Then he moved out again and then moved back into the nest. I think it is about his 4th time to move back. I’m afraid he is here to stay. Not really, he will as soon as he can make enough to move out. Right now his pay is sparatic and not very much. He is helping out a friend of ours from our church start up a business and is willing to take whatever Andy can pay him. He has other benefits other than money like a car that Andy lets him drive and a positive influence from Andy.
An amazingly beautiful card Becca, it’s absolutely perfect for the occasion. I feel your pain, my son (first born) left last August for college, only he flew much further than this mom wanted. He’s in Nashville and I miss him painfully. I’m racking up the air miles . . . LOL . . . a few trips to Nashville in the Fall and I’m seeing a few trips there this Spring. I still have Daniel home, he’ll be here another two and a half years, as you can guess, I’m hoarding that time with him.
Gorgeous card. Of course, all your work is “Amazing”. TFS. I know how you feel about the youngest leaving home. Even though it has been a number of years, I still remember the feeling when our youngest daughter moved out on her own. Such a sweet ending to your story though. It is nice to have them close by.
Very pretty. I am so hooked on your blog. I think everything you make has such a touch of elegance. You have so much talent. Thanks for sharing your work and inspiring me every day.
OO-aah
So very nice. It is quietly beautiful and will touch so many hearts when they see it.
Best wishes to your “birds”. We have one back living with us. After leaving college ,he worked all sorts of jobs and saved up money to return to college. He is back in school, got his associate degree and is working to complete his bachelors degree in accounting on top of holding down a job. It’s great having him here. He helps with the mowing,and more important during this time of the year-snow duties!
Hugs from Michigan
This is just a glorious card! You put so many special details into it. That’s great that your kids get along and want to share a residence.
Your cards are just beautiful! You are so very talented. I’m so glad I found your blog. You inspire my creativity! Thank you!!!
Becca, I am so in awe of all your creations. I so look forward to your blog everyday. You are very inspiring both in your family life and your creativity life. What a blessing that both of your children are sharing a house together. I have to say that I miss both of my children terribly. One is married and lives in Dallas and the other is in the National Guard and lives in Oregon soon to be deployed to Iraq.
Beautiful card and story!
Your card is just amazing! What a talented lady you are…. So along with the theme of flying away…now you are an empty nester? :)
Shawn K.
Marvelous- love all the extra touches and that beautiful ribbon. Love the vintage look. Welcome to the empty-nesters! Diane/Lost in the 60’s/Planted in Joy
This is such a beautiful card – as always I am so inspired by you! Our children do need to fly and it is wonderful that we understand this – all the while we hold our breath and pray hard! debb
Ahhh, what a bitter sweet time. I’m sure that your home feels empty, but it must be so exciting to see your son spread his wings! Congratulations!
And the sweet: You have more time to craft! :)
This is a beautiful card, Becca. You’re one special woman. Thank you for you, your inspiration and your love.
Steph
Beautiful card … I’m glad that I found your blog!
Way to go mamma bird! You done good! Enjoy and celebrate his freedom and a job well done by you.
Mary
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
Another gorgeous card Becca. You are amazing!! My day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to your blog. I too have children that are close. They are only teenagers so I’ll have them for awhile, but it is a great comfort to know that they have each other for a life time. I don’t think they quite know it yet, but they are best friends and that makes my heart smile.
Becca
What a lovely card. And a heartwarming story. With your son choosing to live with his sister, it shows how special they are, and what a great bond they have. Obviously they were raised with lots of love and understanding and taught to respect each other. How wonderful! Congratulations to you and to your children!
Becca….what an awesome, beautiful card to accompany your sweet story!
This card is so amazing…as always! You have a knack of choosing just the perfect sentiment! I love seeing your inking…always looks so perfect!
You are so fortunate to have your son so close by, and in good hands, to boot! I also have problems “letting go”, but at least they know my arms are always open to them. Good luck to you both!
What a lovely card Becca and an even better story. It doesn’t matter what age they are, they are always our babies. I know we want the best for them and that means letting them test their wings, but it does tug at the heart when they do.
Elaine
Becca another amazing creation of yours! Beautiful! I love that velvet ribbon it’s so pretty!
Hugs~ Kim
another beautiful card love that velvet ribbon
Hugs
Norine
I can’t even begin to think about how it will feel when my “babies” leave the nest! I’m thrilled your son is close by and that he’s living with his sister :)
My brother and I bought a place and lived together for 4 years and they were wonderful years together! People couldn’t believe we could live together as so many don’t have good relationships with their siblings — so sad. I’m sure the two of them will share many wonderful times together and have memories to reflect on in years to come just as my brother and I do :). Best part is I’m sure they’ll be home for some of momma’s cooking often :)
Great card to match the feelings too!
Becca,
Beautiful card as always. I love how you put the ribbon on the tags.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. How wonderful that your children have chose to live together. What a loving family you have!
I LOVE hearing that. Amazing!!!!!
~~Diane~~
The label idea (as tags) with the ribbon is pure genius. Love it!
And, of course, the card is beautiful as always! (honest it is what I
wanted to say before I noticed what Diane above had written! :) )
Your card is as beautiful as the story you told about your children. How wonderful for all of you. Your story is so touching as I’m sure many others have felt the same way as you do when the young have flown the nest. Thanks for sharing this very personal side of yourself. Always look forward to your gorgeous creations.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
Becca, I feel your pain. My 26 year old son has been going through a nasty divorce for almost a year. He moved back home last May and he has his little girl (just turned 1) every other weekend and needless to say we have grown extremely close to her. His soon to be ex-wife has announced she is moving 4 1/2 hours away and he can’t afford to fight her. Attorney expenses are awful. So he will be movng too. I’ve cried for weeks, but I’m trying to stay out of it and pray for God’s will to be done. **I love your card! You touch me and encourage me even when you don’t know it. You are a true blessing! Thank you for using your God given talent to bless and inspire others (including me)!
Yep you dodged the bullet. Ha It’s rough letting go but as Moms know you have to at some point and time. This is when the Heavy duty Paying come in. Wish your Son Happiness on his new venture. (out of the nest).
Your cards are a great inspiration. I always open yours 1st to see what a masterpiece you have created this time. God Bless.
Correction to previous comment, “Heavy duty Paying should have been Heavy duty Praying.” Some time my keys stick and I don’t see it till its to late.
Becca,
Beautiful card, so elegant! Best wishes to your son as he finishes his college education.
Lisa A.
Beautiful rose paper, love the framing and the window, neat tags and use of ribbon!
Wow, what a nice story…..I was a sucker and couldn’t foresee the ending. We have no children, so I can only imagine what a terrible/wonderful feeling it must be to have them leave home. Your card to commemorate the event is outstanding, as usual. Such a nice idea to create it, and with so much obvious LOVE!! One question, Becca, “What will you be doing with this card?” Will it be displayed in your home for a period of time, and then be given to your Son? Whoops, kind of a personal question, isn’t it? Outstanding job on the card and the kids. Thanks for sharing with us.
Linda
Becca as always this is beautiful. I love the way you layered the top of the card. Those two dies do work well together — the mega’s were about the only dies from the last release that I did not buy. (Of course, gotta have ’em now cause look what my friend Becca can do with them! LOL) It is cool how you cut out for the main inchie image. Also your choice of paper, images, die cuts — you do know how to mix it up and make it look great!
I love that card, it is so detailed, and perfect in colour and composition.
So very beautiful, Becca! I dread that empty nest stage, but with a Mom like you, I’m sure he’ll be home to visit often if he’s in the area!
A really beautiful card-love the nesties and the velvet ribbon.
My two grown daughters (neither married) have been out of the nest for several years now. They both live in this area so we see them often, especially for mom’s home cooking. Funny, but they will eat things now that they didn’t like when living at home. Really nice that yours can live together and be close by!
Hi Becca
Gorgeous card!! I am waiting to fly out to Vegas so will see all of your creations when I return next week.
Janine
Love your card – that paper is gorgeous for sure, and I love all the layered nesties!! How wonderful that your kids get along well enough to move in together…what a blessing in and of itself!
hugs, Jami
Good choices all around!
Blessings,
Jan
Becca this card is absolutely gorgeous. It is a beautiful as your story! I too hope that my children are that close when they get older! Looks like you’ve done something right. God bless you and your family!
Your cards are absolutely beautiful!! Special works of art!!
I understand what you were feeling about letting go. Our oldest moved out over ten years ago!! But like a Mother, I still worry that all is well!
Keep up the great work!
Beautiful card – love the layers. Sounds like your kids are wonderful.
If my niece continues the visiting schedule she is on you will see them all the time.
I am proud of your ribbon restaint, the card is beautiful.
Becca,
Does this make you an empty nester? If it does, I can assure you that once you get used to it you will love it! More room for crafting, more time for crafting, and more inspiration for crafting!! I am so glad your son and daughter are able to share a house together, it will make the transition so much easier for both of you. You must be very proud of your family.
Your cards are amazing. Love the added detail and total elegance.
Oh My Stars – that is hysterial! (In a good way, of course!) Gorgeous card as always, but today I’m REALLY loving the story ;-)
You are making it so difficult I told myself i would try to behave this year and not want it all. I think these new lables are going to be must haves though. It is fantastic that your children are keeping that family bond you must know you did something right.
~ This card is just beautiful! I am so happy for you that though you don’t have your son as close as he could be he’s close enough for you to not feel so lonely ~ What a great thing that he’s moved in with his sister.
Thank you for sharing this gorgeous card, You work is always incredible.
Beautiful card!
Beautiful, beautiful card! Yes, you dodged a bullet when your son moved in with his sister! When my youngest (just have 2) announced he wasn’t coming home from college after his sophomore year, it was very difficult for me. One day as I was driving, I began sobbing. However, we all survived. That was about 6 years ago.
Your are lucky to have them close. Our children are married several years but they live just a couple hours away, and the internet is fantastic!!!
Gorgeous card for a momentous event! I laughed out loud when I read who he moved in with. At first I was worried!! :)
Becca: The card truly fits the story behind it, lovely and kind of sad but as you pointed out, not really. I’m sure you are much relieved that he is taking this very adult step in such a responsible way. You are not a lucky Mom as I think luck had nothing to do with how your children have turned out. Good for you!
Gorgeous as always. Your son is a smart young man!
Your card i absolutely amazing!!! I am in awe! I also had a “baby” move out this weekend – it’s so wonderful to see them fly away on their own – but, so scary at the same time!
This card belongs in a museum! or on the wall in my office! amazing!!!
Your card is beautiful and I’m glad your son is close by. He seems like a very intelligent young man and made the right decision to share a house with his sister!
How wonderful your children are happy to live together! Your card is so very beautiful. You did a wonderful job of adding a lot of interesting elements without obliterating the gorgeous paper! I struggle with that a lot, so I am impressed! You picked wonderful sentiments and images for this very special card. Best of luck to your son, you and he must both be proud of his accomplishment!
Becca, your cards are always so elegant and rich looking. I love it!!! Thanks for always inspiring me. I left you an award on my blog.
I am sure it is difficult to have an empty nest. I hope it makes it easier knowing they are together.
Hugs,
Chris
Becca,
Beautiful, beautiful, totally awesome card! Congrats and bittersweet thoughts on your son moving out. I know what that feels like. Lucky for him and you though, he did pick an awesome roommate! TFS.
What a wonderful, blessed responsibility parenthood is. As young people we discoverd our wings and flew but when we brought another life into the world we trimmed back a bit on the flying and concentrated on providing a nurturing and safe environment for our children. We marveled as they grew. We were challeged by the push and pull of their boundary testing. We created the atmosphere in which they felt safe enough to stretch their wings and fly into the world.
Becca, now that you have your son lauched into the world remember your own wings. Untuck them and you may soon rediscover the joys of your own flight, so many years waiting.