Today I was able to play around with a new set this month that was released by Tami Mayberry for Gina K Designs called Hopeful Hearts. When I talked to Tami about the new set she designed, it sounded like a winner — she said it was all about hope. Once I got it in my hands I honestly had to catch my breath because so many of the sentiments in the set hit home with me and with what I was (am) going through. 
I have a couple of favorite sentiments in this set so I set about the task of finding how I could incorporate many of the things I love about this set, into one project. That’s when I thought about perhaps making a book. I’ll miss having John this Valentines Day and truth be known, I think that it is about as tough as Christmas was. I smiled and cried when I made this little book but the theme of hope made it a labor of love. I made mine as a valentines book to hopefully help me through the holiday but I think these stamps will stretch through the year.
I used lots of Spellbinders on the book, I’ll be sure to list all the sets in my supplies list. These are the tags that pull out of the pockets. I put sentiments on both sides. I paired the book up with a little box to slide the book in. If you are interested in making the box as well, it fits the ID Tag box I designed and the tutorial for it is HERE. Call me silly, but I love having little things like this sitting on my desk – lol, I guess that’s why we make these things, right?
Shown below are the individual pages . . .
After I thought about it a while, I wondered would there ever be a time where this would not hit home? There’s always some time in our lives when we face adversity; hope and faith carry us. This was so good for my heart.
| SUPPLIES I USED |
|
Stamps: Hopeful Hearts by Tami Mayberry for GinaK Designs |
I hope you test this out. Lots of options with pockets. You could go with less embellishment and it’s actually a quick project! Thanks for stopping by to see me. Smooches!
This is lovely. I am so sorry for your loss, I know that all I can do is pray for you and the healing that only happens over time. I know that God has given you this gift and brought you to the world to share as you have done – just as He whispered the name of your blog to you – and He will carry you through this.
Hugs and God Bless!
Antonella :-)
WOW Becca, that is absolutely Beautiful and thank U 4 providing the tutorial as well.
Blessings
ColleenB.
Gorgeous Becca. So good to know that it was helping you heal as you created it. I hope it will continue to give you strength as you go through your first Valentine’s Day without John. Thinking of you….God Bless.
Dear Becca this is just so stunning and must be so very thought provoking after
losing John. My heart and prayers still go out to you and this is such a beautiful creation to pick up and read at, as you say, at any time of the year and think of your wonderful soul mate. Thank you also for a great tutorial.
Bod Bless
Love Sheila xx
You touch my soul with your work and your words. I wish you bundles of faith and hope to carry you through. Thank you for sharing.
The third time I have tried to comment. Dear Becca please know I am praying for you.
Your creation is beautiful.
I love the saying “hope is putting faith to work when doubting seems easier”
Hugs Maz
Becca – your labor of love is gorgeous, and I know that John is smiling down on you from heaven and will be there with you in spirit. If it isn’t too painful – I would love to hear the story of how you met your sweetheart so many years ago, I know it is a beautiful story! {{HUGS}}
I meant to say thank you so much for the Tutorial Becca. I will have fun making one of these little books.
hugs Maz
This is such a sweet, loving idea for any time or special someone. Hope this conitinues to Bless you, as time passes, praying for you.
Thank for tutorial.This is lovely
What a gorgeous creation, you´ve made with this book Becca. It´s soooooooo beautiful and well made as always, but I agree, these sentiments really get to you and we can all use them from time to time, no doubt of that.
I´m sure John is watching you with a smile from his place, and he´ll be with you throug Valentine, no doubt.
I just love this little book and thanks so muhc for the tutorial for it.
I´ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers hun.
Becca this is absolutely Beautiful. And the sentiments are very timely Thanks for the video tutorial.
You posted this at 3;07 AM ?? We all love you and your work so much we don’t want to see you collapse from lack of sleep and exhaustion !! Take care of yourself !!
another fantastic creation! Thanks for sharing, I’m gonna try one today!
I check in every post but don’t always comment but I couldnt not comment on this it is absolutely beautiful and I HOPE it helps ease a bit of the pain in your heart at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Becca this is stunning and the words so wise and true. I love looking at what you create and getting to know you a little. I pray for strength for you during what must be such a difficult time. Take good care of yourself. Anne x
Beautiful. TFS. Keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Hi Becca – such a gorgeous project (very thought provoking). The tutorial was very welcome and I’m sure lots of these little books will be made. tfs
Hugs
HW(UK)
x
Becca, what a gorgeous book! Love and prayers to you!
Absolutely wonderful (as all of your creations are). Hope and the sentiments you chose evoke strong feelings and are expressed so beautifully in your book and the stamps Tami chose to make.
Oh Becca! What a beautiful little book. Thank you so much for the tutorial. You make everything look so effortless. You are not only an inspiring creator, but also a wonderful teacher :o)
The sentiments are wonderfully uplifting and I can think of a couple of people going through tough times who will benefit from such wisdom.
Thinking of you and remembering you and yours in prayer.
God bless.
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
Gorgeous project! Thinking of you (and I do often) sending much love your way!!! Hugs, Robbie.
Thanks for sharing the tutorial – what a great project!!
Wow Becca, this is a stunning album……lots of gorgeous detail and “love” went into this…great tutorial, too…thanks as always … for sharing!
What a beautiful project. I love the hearts. I love the red. I love the multiple pages. I love the tutorial. This stamp set looks like a great set to have.
Another magnificant project. Thoughts and prayers are with you always. Thanks for sharing and I wish you a beautiful day.
Beautiful everything. Thank you for sharing with us. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Becca, I understand your continuing sense of loss and pain. I lost my beloved husband of 51 years in Oct. 2009; I dread Valentine’s day again and Christmas was no easier this year than last. And yet, I feel his spirit touch mine and a sense of hope knowing he is at peace in heaven. He was a good and giving man and a loving, faithful husband. The hope that I will be with him again in God’s time is what sustains me. It is my prayer for you that you find and hold that hope for yourself and your dearly loved husband. The valentine is gorgeous.
Linda Standart in SC
Gorgeous sentiment of your love for John. I pray it is a blessing for you in the coming months. As always, your creativity and artwork are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gift with us who need inspiration.
Hope is something we all need to have. It will get easier Becca. Beautiful project Becca, I love this project it’s so romantic. Thanks for the video, I love it when you do them it is much easier than it looks. As always Becca, TFS!!!
:-D
Thank you for such a wonderful idea! I love to make cards that have unique folds, pockets, etc. You inspire me every day to be the best that I can be in order to be a blessing to someone else.
Hope you are doing well.
Love the project (as always – LOL!) and appreciated the stories behind it. All I can say is to continue to stay strong esp. during those tough times. BIG hugs, my friend! xo
Oh, Becca, you always do such fun things with ribbon. I love the ribbon tied through the button in the heart window.
Oh, Becca, this is absolutely stunning! You are so creative, and I thank you for sharing the tutorial with us so that we can attempt to make something beautiful to share with others who may be going through a difficult season in their life. You are in my prayers. May God bless you.
Beautiful project and glad it will help your loss. Great sentiments and verses.
This is stunning Becca. I love how easy this is to make, thanks for the great tutorial.
Becca,
This book hit home for me, I lost my mother last year right before Thanksgiving and her birthday would have been in December, so all the holidays were hard ones for me. As I am coping with the loss, I am using art to get me through it. thanks for sharing your lovely project, doing art and making things like this really do help you get through the grieving.
~Ginny~
Becca, I love book making and your end result was breath taking. Thank you for sharing. The stamp set from Gina K Designs looks like it’s worth investing in. Such encouraging sentiments. Thank you for sharing.
This is stunning Becca. Love the pretty grid paper with the hearts. Those sentiments are perfect. I am sure they hit hime with many people. :)
Do you use a light tent? I do and my photos don’t look this good. I use Picassa as I have no clue at all how to use Photoshop. I think that may be the difference. I need a crash course on Photoshop. LOL
Hugs~
Becca, It is a gift that you can channel your sadness into such a beautiful creation. The stamp set is lovely but without seeing your use of it, I doubt I would have bought it. Now I shall. What a wonderful valentine. Thanks once more, and God Bless.
Such beautiful creations through heart break……labor of love shows thru…..my heart still hurts for you…..and your still in my prayers…..just know we all love you and well as your family…..”and this shall pass too” is our only hope…..hope is a precious thing to hold in your heart…..
This is beautiful! And you are right, when would there be a time that this would not come in handy, something to ponder on daily!!
Gorgeous, Becca! And what a wonderful idea for anyone who is going through a trial in their life. Something to look at forever! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Lovely book of HOPE.
I love your book! I think I am going to see if I can make one of my own to give to a friend. She could use a bit of uplifting and your book is just the ticket! I do not have the stamp set you used, but I do have some inspirational stamps that I hope will be an encouragement to her. I was trying to decide what to do and you helped me- thanks! May you have a blessed day!
Everything Beautiful. I very much enjoyed your tutorial..I have 2 friends in similar situations, and I made a note last week to get busy on something for them..This might be it.
Bless you, enjoy today and that brightest star in the heavens was meant for you to smile back at.
I too feel the loss of a loved one. My Mom passed away just before Christmas, 2010, and she was my biggest fan when it came to my creativity. While she was ill I made her over 100 cards and with each day she couldn’t wait for my dad to go to the mailbox for a new one. She and my Dad were married 66 years and he misses her terribly. Two days ago I had to put my son’s dog to sleep as my son is in the Air Force and stationed in Japan so I have been taking care of his dog. The little book is so appropriate to give strength and hope to those who are grieving.
Thank you so much for your creativity and may God continue to bless you and your family.
What a beautiful little book you have made. I love the theme and how you have decorated it front to back and in-between! This could be used for so many other occasions too! Weddings, Baby, Birthday, etc! Thank you for the tutorial.
Becca,
So very beautiful. I need to get this set to use for our support group, we have lost too many members this past year. As always, you are amazing.
I think it is so beautiful of you to share with others the things that help you thru your own adversity. I am sure this will help many. Very beautiful inside and out. Hugs,
Marcie
Beautiful inside and out just like you are Becca.
Take care LOL Eileen U.K.
Well, Becca, it seems like I am a recording– every project of yours brings a big ” Oh My Goodness how beautiful” from me. I LOVE these and the one with the cut out heart and ribbon showing thru is my favorite today. I watched the videos on making this little book and the box to store it in and now I want to make some ! It amazes me how the scoring, cutting and folding turns a piece of paper into a little book with pockets Thanks for sharing with us.
Just love it! What more can I say?
Absolutely gorgeous Becca! Hang on to your little book with both hands come Valentine’s Day.
My Dear Becca,
I really feel for you at this time, when you are missing your lovely John. Please know that the first year is the worst. The birthday’s, anniversaries, holidays, all the special times. You coped so well with Christmas and New Year. Once you have got through the rest of this year, it will will get better coping in future years…I’m sure.
Your beautiful creation is an inspiration to all of us, as usual.
God bless you! xx
Another beautiful creation!
Beauty seems to surround you and your talent!
Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Hugs, Dawn V V
Beautifully done! Great sentiments. (((hugs))) to you.
What a sweet little book, Becca; thanks so much for sharing your instructions! Holding this little book close to your heart will surely comfort you!!!
I absolutely love this book. My mother in law went home to be with the Lord in September and my father in law is suffering. I think I need to get this stamp set and do somethign for him.
Beautiful. Beauty shows in every project you do. I love your blog. The Amazing Quotes are very thought provoking. I received a Daily Inspirations for Grandmas book “hugs” for Christmas. I keep it by my chair. We all need comfort in our lives. I wish you comfort and as always send you {Hugs}
Oh Becca, my heart goes out to you. I know you must be so sad, and you miss John terribly. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
I’m sure it helps to keep creating. I know this little book will help keep loving memories of John each time you see it.
I think I’ll make one myself, as I lost my best friend a couple of years ago and I still miss her terribly. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Many hugs,
Jessica
Becca, this just tugged at my heart. It’s a beautiful idea. Thank you for sharing.
Love this ! It is such a blessing as a card! Thank you for sharing!!
I forgot that your Share a Comment had ended but I shared anyway. {Hugs}
Ooooh sooo cute. Gotta do this for sure. You always amaze me Becca!!
Hi Becca,
I am sorry that you have reached another very sad occasion for you :o(
You continue to work right through your pain and look at the beautiful book you have made!!
It is so wonderful. You have so many awesome spellbinders and sayings in it. Your paper is gorgeous.
Please know I am still thinking of you daily and praying for your well being.
I shared the ‘Comment Wealth’ today with Olga Jewell at ‘craftieodamae’.
Big hugs, Candy
Completly, totally awesome- but you know that…
Oh Becca!!! My heart goes out to you!!!! I can see how this Valentines would be difficult!!!!!!!!!!!! (Myself, I’m not as brave as you!!!!) BUT REMEMBER, the scripture says, ONE DAY we will ALL BE TOGETHER!!!!! You WILL BE with your John again!!!!!!!!!! And there, he won’t be sick anymore!!!!!!!!!!!! ALL TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS WILL BE FORGOTTEN!!!! I’m praying for you!!!!!!!
LOVE your project!!! WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! Valentines is a FAVORITE holiday of mine too!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
HUGS!!!!!!
Becca, what a beautiful project and inspiration. The sentiments are truely beautiful and I hope will give you some peace and comfort as Valentine’s Day approaches. Just know that John is watching all that you do and I am confident he is giving you some guidance in his own way to help you feel love and comfort during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing this wonderful book.
This book is beautiful! I can see why it has brought you comfort. All of the “firsts” are the most difficult to get through and when many are gathered so close to loosing a loved one, it is more difficult. I am glad that you can talk about your feelings. It helps… Hugs!
Becca – truly a labor of love — what a beautiful confirmation — God bless you — you have certainly blessed us.
Becca it is beautiful and I’m so glad it was good for your heart…hang in there and hang on to HOPE
I absolutely love, love, love this book! The color, embelishments, everything about it along with the sentiments used. I am going to have to buy this set now! Thank you for blessing us with your talent!
Have a great week!
I just love all the pretty things you make. :)
Thank you so much for the mini book, there is something very “Healing” working with our hands and the “God” inspired “Gifts”that only “He” can give. Love to you during this “Valentine’s Day” Be encouraged! Thank you for all you do!
Hi Becca, Beautiful book and words. May they be true for you, as for us all. Best wishes! xx
Your little book is so sweet. Love the colour of the ink you used to stamp on all those great verses. It’s so red and vibrant.
Thanks for sharing! :o)
Becca
Thank you for sharing and I love the book,the sentiments and all the embellishments. I am glad to hear this was good and also healing to and for you. My thoughts and prayers of encouragement and “HOPE” will be with you this Valentine day.
Your book is great. I am always looking for different ways to make books of encouragements for pictures, ideas or for a journal. Thanks you.
Becca, I am a scrapper who is new to card making, and your blog is creatively inspiring and also such a blessing. Your art is a gift from God. Your sweet Valentine speaks of the hope you have in the midst of grief, and I am compelled to pray for you. May Jesus strengthen and comfort you!
This is stunning Becca, love, love, love how you’ve attached the ribbon.
Thanks too for the tut – you make it look so easy
Anne x
Your booklet is beautiful. I enjoyed your tutorial. I just received this set in the mail on Sat. and have not used it yet, but my word for the year is “hope” and I HAD to have the stamps. :) The Dr. gave me a diagnosis a couple years ago that was deteriorating, but this year I choose to have hope, because we don’t see much change yet. You are in my prayers. Thank you for the inspiration today.
You booklet is just beautiful. I will need to try that out. I will be praying for you
This is really a neat booklet, thank you for sharing with us.
Gale
Perfect for the special someone….or grand daughter….I have some work to do to be able to pull this one off with what I have…really nice Becca!
Very nice, beautiful!
Could you tell me where you found your blog background?
Wow, stunning card as always. Thank you so much for the video tutorial. All those new Spellbinders die are gorgeous.
I totally understand and my heart is very sad for you and for me. I lost my John on Valentines Day last year, so this year will be extremely difficult. There is and always will be a void. Then I lost my dad who I took care of the last 11 years, on January 2nd. I could never handle this deep sorrow without my faith knowing that God is comforting me and helping me to continue on.
Your Book of Hope is Beautiful. Thank you for the inspirtation and for sharing your innermost feelings about your special man.
God Bless you as you bless your blog friends!
Becca you always leave me speechless. This is just wonderful girl!!
Hugs and Blessings,
Deb
Wow, Becca… this is so gorgeous. You are so lucky to have all these new Spellbinders dies to play with!!!! I love those new fancy tags and I’m not sure what they’re called, but the heart edged circles, too. I love red and white any time, but this is just so perfect for Valentine’s Day.
I wish you peace and strength as you continue through your grieving process. As I was telling a friend of mine recently, there is no “time table”… we are all different. I have suffered some great losses in my life and I can’t say that a person ever totally gets “over it”. It does get easier as time goes by, but even with time there are still days that are difficult. As you mentioned… Valentine’s Day, Christmas… etc. And sometimes even years later there might be sad days that just come out of nowhere. At least that’s the way it has been for me. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
this is stunning = a lot of work has obviously gone into this Bekka and the colours you’ve used couldn’t have been better.
The red colour shows the labels off excellently.
Paula, Derbyshire, UK x x x
Becca, this book is great! I love the way you designed yours. I will be making one of my own, thanks for showing the video, I find I am better at following a video than just written instructions. My daughter is getting married in Oct. and I have some ideas for this for her. Thanks for showing this project.
What a wonderful project, Becca. I may try to make one of these for my husband for Valentine’s Day. You will be in my prayers tonight, that God will comfort you and bring you peace.
What a super book. Thank you for making the video since I had no clue as to how tiny it was. I see at least one of these in my crafting future.
As for hope, it is a wonderful feeling to have. I too, understand the need to have it as this will be the third year without my Mother, who we lost to CJD. The hole in the heart does get filled with each thought & memory of all the times you spent together & apart. Keep that in mind, knowing that each time you spend thinking, talking & sharing will help to fill the hole but there will always be a little that will never fill in completely.
Hugs,
~C8>
Becca, your blog is SOO inspiring, you are just an amazing person. May God bless you & strengthen you and continue to use you to bless others. I absolutely love the book, and I’m so glad that God comforted you through making it. I’ll be praying for you this Valentines and beyond.
Becca, what a sweet little book and a great set of sentiments. Valentine’s Day is special to me as well – my John and I met on Valentine’s Day. I miss making cards for him as well. I may just make one this yr in honor of our love. Love you – keep the faith and hope alive today. One day at a time – T
Absolutely gorgeous as always. Praying for you <3
love it, love it, love it, is beautiful… love the tags, the colors, the stamps and the new Spellbinders dies!!! very fun project that i will put on my list thanks for sharing beautiful things and making a video.
Becca, just great. Such a clear, easy to follow tutorial! Thank you!!!
I imagine the possibilities…
Beautiful book, what a treasure, such wonderful use of all those dies!
Thank you for show how to make a little book.
Delama
Such a beautiful creation Becca!!!!
Thinking about you!!!
Becca, What a beautiful tribute to the love of your life!
May you continue to find hope. I love your beautiful work and that you are willing to share with us.
Thank you.
Becca, I am praying for your strength and peace as you go through this difficult time. Losing a loved one is very difficult and even though you don’t know me please know that I care and am praying for you.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful book with all of us – it is gorgeous.
Thank you also for the video which was very helpful. I always enjoy your blog and all of your wonderful creations.
Hi Becca, I love your beautiful book and tutorial! You are the “BEST” teacher! Thank you so much for sharing and for inspiring us in more ways than you can know! I’m still keeping you and your family in my prayers. Hugs and blessings. Patty W.
A beautiful book of Hope! I remember that your sweet John tried – and successfully made – a Valentine card for you while you were out running errands. He was a special guy. I hope you are able to find comfort with the words in your book and also with your memories.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Becca.
Hugs