- Where have I been? I evacuated to get away from Hurricane Michael, what a journey!
- Scroll down to learn a little bit about this Mixed Media Tag. Yep, I said it – that scary word – mixed media….
- Could stencils, background treatments and texture paste be in your comfort zone? Comments, please :-)
- Also included in this post, a Winner for the What Becca Wore Giveaway.
- Lastly, a couple of words about a new toy (click to peek) that I’ve permanently added to my stash.
Hurricane Michael
This post has been ready to go for some time, I started to put it together while waiting in the airport in London and almost finished when I got home and then the evacuation order came. Little did I know that less than 24 hours after getting back from the UK, that I’d be in a mandatory evacuation zone for Hurricane Michael. You could say that I’ve aged 10 years in the last week. I’ve come face to face with how easily life can change in the blink of an eye and so very grateful to have beautiful friends that keep a watch out for me. I’m safe, but my town was devastated and I don’t think it’s actually sunk in how much life will change in the future. In fact, I think writing about it makes it a little bit better and I hope you’ll indulge me. So many things that existed two weeks ago are suddenly gone and I found myself staring at a landscape that I simply couldn’t recognize. A whole region is dazed wondering what happened and how could it have happened so quickly.
Thank you for those who have reached out to find out how I’m doing. When things get serious, I tend to get quiet. I did evacuate and found myself very lucky to have a place to evacuate. With an order to be out by Tuesday at 6am, a day before the hurricane hit, I found myself scrambling to snatch things to take with me. Luckily I had just walked in the door with two packed suitcases from my trip, so I put them in the car with some other important things to head out. I watched as the reports of destruction came in and was numb with fear not knowing how bad my house may have fared.
The infrastructure of the area was hit hard and the first things to go were gas, water, ice and food. They expect power to come back on in my area around the last week of October. The storm knocked out all the cell phone towers in the area and because landlines have become all but obsolete – communication ground to a halt. The blow to electricity left so many with no way to bank, no way to process credit cards and no way to shop on Amazon. The road back will be long and I find it’s a comfort to know you are still out there with encouragement after this disaster. Speaking of road – I’ve driven 600 miles – three times in the last week – I go absolutely stir crazy in a car!!
Please note: If you have won dies, I haven’t been home to send your winnings – I didn’t even have access to the winners’ emails to set expectations. Please bear with me while I’m evacuated – your winnings will come :-)
My Original Post: Mixed Media Tag
I’m home! It’s good to be home! I actually rolled in at 1:00 am this morning and have learned that we are about a day away from a hurricane. Yikes! In the meantime, now that I’m basking in good internet connectivity and wanted to go ahead and outline the winners from What Becca Wore. I had a magnificent time at Hochanda and several upcoming collections sold out. I’ll keep you up to date on availability – in the next month or so, many things are coming.There I also showed the new Spellbinders Glimmer Machine. Please put this on your radar! I’ll begin to show samples soon and you will love the effects you can get using delicate foil. I’m not new to foil and started out with a Minc machine but this is so much better as it allows you to foil on many surfaces without a toner printer. Get ready to get techniquey!!
Also, while away I attended a mixed media retreat and in my playtime made this mixed media tag. I fell in love with some of the applications I got to try and will be using them in the near future. Yes, mixed media can still be elegant and it doesn’t have to totally obliterate the piece – the wonderful thing is that it’s up to the maker on how far to go. I made a lot of things at the mixed media retreat – many were way outside of my comfort zone but I’m finding so much potential as I reel in the techniques in to fit my style. These are MDF tags and I used a Gel Medium to attach the paper to the tag. Using a stencil and stencil paste, added the raised script to the bottom of the tag as well as the swirl. The lady is from a piece of designer paper. I tore the edges of the paper and rouged up her cheeks for a more sultry look. Lastly, I just happened to have one of my older quote stamps and it just felt like “Be who you are and be that well” fit the occasion.
What Becca Wore Winners
Here are the two winners, each picked from a pool of submissions who correctly guessed my attire on recent Hochanda shows. First of all, thank you so much for the sweet words of encouragement and to those who watched. Please note, because of the lateness of this notice, I will reach out to the winners by email.
Suzzette G. Yandle – October 3rd Show
Hettie Hogan – October 4th ShowLife is a little bit scattered for me right now and a little bit scary. I’m exhausted. I allowed myself to sit on the sofa and reflect for one day to let the events of the last week soak in. As much as I can without all my “stuff”, I’m embarking on a little craft therapy. It feels good. I have new things coming and ask that you please hang in there with me. It has been very quiet here but the wheels of inspiration have been churning along all the while and I hope to share some of that very soon!
When Life Throws You a Curve | What Becca Wore Winner
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Hi Becca, GORGEOUS; I LOVE it!!!! It is so exciting to see a new slant on your beautiful designs! Mixed media, in your hands, are layers of beauty and intrigue….bring it on!!!
Oh, Becca! What an ordeal for you to have to deal with! I am so sorry, I forgot you lived in FL. ? I saw many photos of devastated areas. They were mind boggling. But I truly just cannot imagine seeing your entire, or almost entire, community wiped away!!! I am thankful that your home is still standing, albeit with some damage, but sit sounds like it is liveable. Another adjustment …living without electricity and all the gadgets that connect to it. Sometimes I think God is trying to send us a very powerful message. As I sit here with my gadget in my hands and I am sending you a message on it….
Don’t worry about us. We can deal with not hearing from you as scheduled much better than having to deal with what you have been dealt. I will pray for you, for strength and wisdom during this difficult period. And know that we are still here, and we will do what we can for you. If you need some help, please ask.
I am happy that you enjoyed your visit to the UK, and I love your mixed media project! You did a wonderful job! Can’t wait to see what you do next, once your life returns to normal. ??????
Am a Floridan and am in total understanding with empathy of what you are going through!! So sorry about all the devastation your area has suffered! Am in prayer and hope that you feel our love and support coming your way! God bless!
On another note, loved the added dies that were shown on Hochanda. Am interested in the three that matched up with the Grand Cabinet but wasn’t able to find it on Spellbinders site. LMK if they are yet to come.
Jordanbev5 at yahoo.com
I am so sorry for all you are going through. Hurricanes can be so horrible. I lived in Florida 40 years ago and when my home was destroyed I mad a major move to New Mexico and have not regretted it at all. I hope you are soon able to get your Home repaired and I am grateful you were not harmed yourself. I will keep you and your Family in my Prayers.
Oh, Becca, I am so glad you are ok. Watching the news nightly, my heart goes out to all the people who are caught up in this disaster. I can’t imagine what it is like to go through something like this but rest assured my prayers with all caught up in this.
Hi Becca, just a quick note from the Uk, I’m so glad your ok, many prayers being sent and lots of loving thoughts to you and your family,
Love Jan xx
Oh Becca, how scary and unnerving that must have been, not knowing about your house but I’m so pleased that our Heavenly Father saw fit to allow your house to remain standing. I hope and pray that repairs won’t take too long and that you’ll be able to help others who weren’t quite so fortunate in some small way.
Oh, Becca, so pleased you still have a home and studio. So sorry you had to deal with and continue to deal with the effects of Hurricane Michael. Life does change in a heartbeat. If I were closer to you in miles, I would be there to help you clean up. I hate water damage. Seems all one can do is open the door and shovel one’s belonging out the door. Compounding the issue is not having the infrastruction one takes for granted day to day. Yes, I do like mixed media, especially using a stencil and texture paste but not too grungy. I am pleased you will be sharing more mixed media in your elegant style. I also like hot foiling. I see you have some fleur-de-lis in your dies and hot foil plates representing your French heritage. I am pleased to see that I am a winner for “What Becca Wore” for the Oct 3rd show. I enjoyed watching your successful shows on Hochanda. You are one awesome lady and designer! Please take care of yourself during this highly emotionally stressful time. God Bless You.
Thanks for letting your blog followers know how you are. We care about you. Prayers and Love, Suzzette
I have been very worried about you, Becca, so it is a relief to see this post. I checked the map when the hurricane went through and saw how close your town was. I am so sorry to learn that you were affected; but thankful that you were not physically hurt. It must be devastating, nonetheless, to go back and see the terrible conditions.
I live in the Midwest – in a suburb of Chicago – so there’s probably not much I could do physically; but if there is ANYTHING I can do for you, (sharing dies [I probably have just about every die that Spellbinders has sold since the company originally developed.] providing any supplies that I have, etc.) please let me know. You have given me so much joy and inspiration over the years through the selfless sharing of your fabulous talents, I would be honored to give back a little.
Hugs,
Pam
Oh my gosh Becca, what a nightmare you have been through. I’m so pleased that your house is still standing, albeit not undamaged. It must be terrible seeing your community destroyed but these things tend to bring people closer together and I am sure there will be plenty of support out there. I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit to the UK but it’s shame you had all that dashed with facing your ordeal on returning home. Keep your chin up girl – there are a lot of people rooting for you. Very best wishes
Doreen R
Becca, please know that so many of us are thinking of you, and your neighbours, in this time of such devastation. Glad to hear that your home and studio survived the hurricane but so sad for all those who lost so much. Please take time to take care of you first, we will all still be here when you’re ready to come back. Sending prayers for your mental well being as you deal with all this. Xo
Becca I’ve been thinking about you and wondering why I hadn’t received a post. DUHHHHHHH! I knew you lived in Florida (as do I in the winter). But it never occurred to me during the hurricane that you would be affected!!
I am so GREATFUL TO GOD for your safety and for sparing the complete destruction of your home. OUR GOD IS SO GREAT. Thank you Jesus for watching out for Becca. I can’t imagine not having her inspiration and beautiful creations that warm my heart and help me stay motivated to create.
Becca, I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through except you must be exhausted and depressed. It’s so hard just seeing all the pictures of the devastation on the news. If you start a Go Fund Me account, please let us all know. I would be thrilled to be able to give something back to you after all you have shared with so many of us. I hope you will take it easy as things begin to sort out and try not to become too overwhelmed. Even though you are so lucky to have a home to return to, there’s so much ahead of you and your friends in that community. I’m so happy you’re alive! Suzie AND, I love your mixed media tag.
Oh, Becca! I’m so happy to hear from you. I’m so glad you have a home, even with a few dents and watermarks. Whew. Been wondering about you every day. Stay safe, stay well. One step at a time. Hugs! <3
As a fellow Floridian, please know we are so grateful that your home escaped the total devastation others suffered and you were not physically harmed. Peace will come.
As your follower for many years, please know we will be here for you, waiting for your little touch of Things Beautiful in our day.
Be well.
Hey there! Been wanting to reach out but knew you were more than overwhelmed with getting back to “normal” so I waited for you to post. Wasn’t sure when you’d be back from the UK but have been thinking about you. LMK if I can do anything. In the meantime, I sending prayers and warm comforting hugs to you, my friend xo
Our dear, Becca,
You made my day with your post. I’ve thought about how vulnerable your craft is to the events you’ve weathered. The church I attend was close to being burned down by the Thomas Fire in California so I know, first hand, how life can change in a gust of wind. These events put one “up close & personal” with devastation & miracles and the amazing resiliency of the human spirit.
I’ve got my new dies already and the Glimmer system is on my Wish List. It’s fascinating to think that we can now do, at home, what used to be expensive custom print jobs! And, I have one word for Mixed Media – YES! There are so many innovative products, like Seth Apter’s texturizing powders, which you’ve shared. I look forward to more inspiration & instruction.
Feel free to share all you want so we can support you with our
Love, Prayers and Blessings!
So glad you are safe, Becca.
Thank goodness you’re OK Becca,
Yes life can change in a milli second.
Makes you grateful for what you have.
Keep your chin up? just know that we are praying for you.
Loopy Lyndaxxx
Praise God you are ok and able to put the pieces back together. Living in paradise isn’t always paradise when hurricanes have a different story for you. So thankful you have a home to repair and return to in time. Just be careful of false contractors taking advantage of you. They seem to flock to the people lowest on their luck. Take care, dear sister, and know God has you in the palm of His hand.
As always your creations are absolutely STUNNING!!! I am so glad that your home is still standing and praying for those (as well as you for your damages) who have lost so much and all of the devastation.
So sorry to hear of your terrible problems over there. We were thinking of you all back here in the UK. I do hope things get back to normal as quickly as possible. Take care X
WHEW!!!! So very thankful you are ok. I have been so concerned – I know there was no way for you to let us know how you were with all of the power and cell tower outages, so I just had to be patient and wait to hear how you are. Praising God you are ok and your family is ok. They say rebuilding will take several years, so I understand you will have a long road ahead of you before anything resembling “normalcy” returns to your life. You are in my prayers, dear one. Remember that.
Hello Becca,
So very glad to hear that you have weathered the storm and that you are safe and well, or as much as can be. Michael was such a devastating storm and life will never be the same for some people. Take care Becca.
Beverly
Love your mixed media tag. My heart goes out to all the people, family and business who went through hurricane Michael. Hope they have the courage and strength to carry on with theirs lives. Congratulations to the winners. Quinty girl
Dear Sweet Becca….I’m so sorry for the loss your community has suffered. And so grateful that your house is still standing. I know you have a long way to go in your recovery so I am praying that God holds you in his hands and gives you comfort. I live clear across the US in Oregon, but if there is ANYTHING I can do to help, please reach out. God bless my friend.
Becca, Oh I am so thankful to hear you are OK and the damage your house sustained was better than a lot of the others. I have kept you in my thoughts and said prayers that God was good to you. You take your time and we are all here for you.
Ms Becca praise God you are ok…the house and material things will be replaced,or fix…love you
What fun to see you expanding your precision gorgeousness with a completely out-of-the-box mixed-media tag. Love it. My eyes could not stop circling the tag. I can’t believe my luck. You will be teaching us to use the Glimmer Hot Foil machine as well as stencil paste. I have been waiting for this and you will be the best person to teach me. Love everything you do, Becca! Hugs, Sara
Wow! I forgot you were in north FL. My friend lives in Blountstown which is Calhoun county. Not too far from you. She is still without power, too. Her house made it but her mom’s house next door is unlivable.
Your tag is gorgeous. I love collecting tag ideas on Pinterest. Mixed media looks so fun!
Stay safe. Glad you are ok.
Dear Becca, your post was very moving. Keep drawing from those positive influences that surround you. You possess the gift of patience and grace, and your talents are unending. You are a brave spirit. God bless.
I’m so sorry to hear you were hit with the hurricane, Becca! I can ONLY IMAGINE the devastation! The starting over! UGH! I will be praying for you! I’m glad you had a nice trip & got back safely. I only wish things were different for you there. KNOW, you are in my prayers dear lady! MANY HUGS!
Oh Becca. Thankfully God was watching over you and has kept you safe. How awful, and with so much devastion it’s going to take time for everyone to re-establish. I didn’t know where in the USA you live. Hopefully you haven’t lost too much, and the damage can be fixed, but no doubt you will also be feeling upset for losses incurred by your neighbours and friends where you live. Love to all of you.
Jan, from Australia
So good to hear you and your home made it through the storm, I saw the devastation on the news of the different areas, I hope that life can get back to some normalcy for you all down there
Wow! So glad that you are ok! I really can’t imagine going through an evacuation and returning to see so much damage. Sending prayers for you and for those that have lost so much!! Hugs!
My family lost everything in a flood back in 1972. 43 feet of water crested behind where I lived. The force broke open our front door and deposited part of someone else’s roof in our living room. Very little was salvageable so my heart breaks for so many who have lost so much. Our evacuation came suddenly in the middle of the night with helicopters hoovering and a loud speaker telling us to “GET OUT! GET OUT NOW! My daughter was 14 months old so I grabbed a diaper bag and left my purse behind. It’s an experience I will never forget but we were blessed with our safey when others died. I am praying for all those affected by these terrible storms. I’m so sorry you’ve had to experience this, Becca!
I do love your tag and how you’ve made mixed media so elegant. I can’t wait to see your future creations. I’m a huge fan of foiling too!
God bless!
Hi Becca, Wow what a scary thing for you to go through! I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like! I know we hadn’t heard from you in a while but I just thought it was because you were away & busy behind the scenes. I didn’t hear about hurricane Michael in the news in Australia. I’m so thankful you are safe. So sorry for everything you & others in your area went & are going through. Sending many prayers your way! Please don’t worry about us & take the time to look after your needs first.
The mixed media tag is beautiful!
Take care, Noelene x
OMG, I can’t believe I won something! Thank you Becca.
Abba Father we pray that you will continue to protect Becca, that you will grant her all the resources she needs to get her house and life up and running again. And Lord protect her from the wolves that prey on the vulnerable at times like this. Thank you for keeping her safe. Amen
Hi Becca no words come to mind to describe how sorry we are for the
situation you find yourself in on arriving home from your trip to this devastation
In your life …..
Just wish there was some way to help you as you have done so much for all of
us and inspired us to overcome life’s traumas , losses and hard times .
I hope your craft friends and church friends and family look out for you and
help you to deal with this one day at a time.
You are so special and gifted with so much God given talent I am sure he
will also give you strength to cope and deal with the immediate future .
Love your mixed media tag we have had a mixed media artist over here
to our local store from Europe to teach us some technique and explain how to use the supplies it was different not one for getting all messy but loved it lol
Take care of yourself and stay safe at least we know you are safe that’s a
blessing in itself hugs and lots of love Pam XX
Becca my goodness when we heard over here in Australia what was happening in your area, it was hard to believe, thank goodness you are safe, yes your home might have some damage but as you said you are one of the lucky ones, you still have a home. Sending lots of hugs to you. You are a very special person.
Hugs Trish.
Hello Becca, So sorry you were caught up in the Michael crisis. My prayers are lifting you up during this upheaval. I lived through storm Andrew in ’92 and Michael was more devastating. It takes years to rebuild–clearing debris, getting supplies, and adjusting to changes takes its toll. But you will benefit in the long run with renewed appreciation for the beautiful people in your life, letting go of ‘stuff,’and depending upon God to see you through. You are a blessing to your fans, including me, and may blessings come your way in spite of this setback. Barbara
Oh my goodness, Becca! So sorry about all you’re going through! Thank God your house is still standing even though there are tons of repairs and expenses! I can’t imagine not having electricity for a few weeks let alone one day. Please take care of yourself and family and home. We all understand that your family and home come first. Keeping you in prayer. Hugs and blessings, Christine
Hi Becca,
Glad you are alright, but sorry your house got damaged, hope all you craft things are alright.I know it will take quite awhile for things to get back to normal, if that can be done. Take care and prayers are with you. Yvonne
I’m so sorry to hear about what happened upon your return – my heart goes out to all who are victims of that awful hurricane. So many were affected by the weather damages the past year. My prayers are with you Becca and everyone else who is trying to recover. Hugs Dianne
Gorgeous card. I like all the layering and soft colors!
Thank you for sharing!
So sorry to hear that you’ve been through such a dreadful time. Praying for you!
My dear Becca, I am so sorry for all you have had to endure. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know in this day and time it is impossible to think someone might not know about all the damage caused by the hurricane season this year but I do not listen to the news and I watch very little t.v. or listen to the radio. I don’t work outside the home and we live a long way off from any neighbors. Our home took the brunt of hurricane Opal years ago and we had a huge tree fall on our home during a down pour of rain that did a lot of water damage through the house. It was a tough time to go through for us but with every trial we endure it gives us the opportunity to get closer to God and I know He uses these times to strengthen us in Him. This earth is just a short puff of smoke and we will soon move on to our Heavenly home where Jesus will hold us in His arms. Hang on and find peace my friend in Him. This too shall pass. All my love….
May God bless you…. Denice : )
Hi Becca,
I’m so sorry to read your dreadful news; I can’t begin to imagine how terrible the experience must have been. I hope you are able to come to terms with what has happened and can start to rebuild your life as soon as possible.
I loved your shows on TV here in the U.K. and was so happy to see how popular everything was; not that there was any doubt with such beautiful products. Just received your Charming Snowflake die for my birthday and can’t wait to get playing.
Best wishes,
Carolyn.
I”m so glad you are ok, our prayers are with you!!!!
Hi Becca,
From heart to yours we send our love. Mike and I watched in awe of the force of the devastation In Panama City and Mexico Beach. It could have been us in Pensacola.
Now I can’t help with dies but I can help with paper, ribbons etc. These would be gifts your ‘s to use as lovingly as you always do. If interested please contact at me email address
Hugs
Jan Marie
Sorry to hear of the horrible experience that you had to go through but thank Go and heaven that all is ok for you hope that you are able to recover soon
Oh Becca! Praise the Lord, you are safe! But what a lot you have been through! Just landing back home and then having to set off again to safety.
I’m so sorry to hear that your home and studio have been damaged, but thankful that they still stand!
You are in my thoughts and prayers – especially remembering you yesterday.
Hugs
Anne(UK) x
This is beyond beautiful