Sweet friends, the last three months have been a blur. I have a — no sentiment card — to share today (links at the bottom) but also some catch up from me in between the pictures. (Yikes, this post is full of “I, I’ve and Me” – and it is long!) I hope you’ll take a moment to read – I’ve been blasting through cards this past year and have been very quiet on what life is really like these days. For years I’ve laid my grief as well as triumphs out in plain sight; not sure why I stopped sharing that here, hopefully, 2019 changes that. I’m mostly past the grief but have always felt that we’re kindred spirits here and am leaping out on faith again to share my heart. Also, I’m going to also ask a favor near the end of my post.
Why now?
Why now? The end of the year is always a time to come home to myself. I think about what I’ve done throughout the year to grow, if I’m staying true to my own voice and if I’m doing the difficult work of walking in my own authenticity as well as standing by the principles that are a part of me. The answer is yes, but very quietly. I am my most confident self this year – having shed some of the things that weighed me down – and detouring around dysfunction as if it were a pothole in the road. This is the year that I’ve missed John like no other because the challenges were a lot to bear alone – but at the same time, I’ve been determined to plow through. There is nothing like the downtime during the holidays to come home to what’s real.
Crafting from an Undisclosed Location
I’m still not living at home; my house was devastated by Hurricane Michael and let me be honest, while it sounds bad – the blessings in the journey have been utterly wonderful. Many say, that it’s not until some situation brings you to rock bottom that you learn what you’re made of and you realize who is in the fray with you. I say, there is absolutely no substitute for the clarity that you get in the midst of this journey and that’s where I’ve been blessed.
It has been very interesting making due with the supplies I have; I must say that is why you are not seeing much from me. Beyond it all I’ve learned that I craft best when I can curate from all the sweet things I’ve gathered and even the card making is a journey.
Speaking of Journeys
It has been a bumpy road, to say the least, but I’m reminded that the journey is the prize. It’s awful while in the midst of it all but the coming out on the other side is where I’ve always found my reward. How about you?
It is in that journey and out of loss and searching for identity that my brand, Amazing Paper Grace brand came to life. Totally unexpected. It saved me from grief, it saved me from laying on the couch all day and it helped me have a voice where my introverted self is naturally quiet. You can say it saved me from myself and you would be quite right. Right now I’m immersed in introspection, checking out exactly where I stand and making plans for the coming year. Here are some thoughts I wanted to share out loud.
In A Perfect World
I’m reminding myself to slow down and make beautiful, meaningful crafts that will touch someone’s heart, inspire someone else to create, lift a kind soul that needs a ray of hope. That’s where I started and that’s where I want to be for 2019. This year unexpectedly put me on a trajectory with determination and truth. It’s difficult to pick one word for the year, but for 2019 – these are all on the tip of my tongue – savor, beauty, grace, experiment, expand, and being human.
I’m Learning That:
- I’m overflowing with ideas when I take the time to pour my heart into a project and absolutely savor every bit of the process. It reminds me why I love being creative and encourages me to create more.
- I’m far more likely to be proud of and finish an item that has beauty for me. They tend to radiate when I’m proud of them and when I bypass the awful habit of comparison.
- How lovely is it to make something out of a sense of grace – and by grace, I mean courteous good will. (Thank you Oxford Dictionary) This is so much the feeling I was trying to align in the name Amazing Paper Grace.
- I’m a pretty crafty gal and some of the other supplies in my repertoire have been crying out for attention. In 2019 I’m dedicating some of my some time to journaling. Even though I’m predominantly a paper crafter I too need to experiment and expand to keep myself rounded. I need to stretch my wings! I also sew, crochet, knit, embroidery and quilt – I hope to sneak a picture or two in from time to time. No, I’m not going to be teaching these things, but since I spend time doing them, you may see a sprinkling of them from time to time in my pictures.
- I’m human and that you’re human and that together we are all going through “stuff”. It makes it better to cling on to each other because we all “get” each other. The one time you need a word, I just might have it for you and the one time I need a word – vice versa. Life is for real.
The Favor
Many years ago I did a questionnaire at the end of the year that I asked you to submit your answers through my contact form. I’m doing that again because it gave me so much insight as to why you stop here. I would be so honored to hear your thoughts – they will help me set my course for 2019.
Please submit through the contact form at the top right of the blog. Answer all or answer any or just send a private note – here’s what I want to know….
How long have you been a reader?
What brings you back?
What do you miss most that I’ve moved away from?
Other than videos, what am I not doing that you would like to see me do?
Are you on Instagram – Yes or No
Do you have a digital die cutter – Yes or No
What other crafts do you love?
Card Details:
You know it is rare for me to do No Sentiment Cards but this one was destined to be so. This is definitely a card that puts itself together. The shine is pretty incredible and the layers bring a lot of texture! I simply cut each layer and stacked it up (separated by foam tape between each layer). On the bottom is my card base followed by a square matting layer of gold and white, followed by Spellbinders Botanical Medallion followed by Glorious Glimmer Elegant Square followed by another die from the Spellbinders Botanical Medallion set followed by Glorious Glimmer Foil Seals. If you simply cut these and stack these – you will have the same card. This card is 7″ square but if you start out with the gold and white matting layer – that’s a 6″ square card. Lastly, I traced around the elegant square using a circle die on all four corners. I simply wanted a roundish shape somewhere in the mix!!
Stamps: None
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest – Natural White – Cover – 80lb smooth, Gold Foil Paper
Ink: None
Accessories: Amazing Paper Grace Dies by Spellbinders, Spellbinders Foil System, Glorious Glimmer Elegant Square, Glorious Glimmer Foil Seals, Spellbinders Botanical Medallion
(P.S. When I linked it up I see that Spellbinders Botanical Medallion is being clearanced out at an absolutely ridiculous price – I have a link there for you)
I had the most wonderful Christmas surrounded by family – what a blessing. Normally I am far away from them and this is always a busy time of year in crafting. I’ll have to come back and share some of the lovely crafty gifts I received. Know this, I have never been a scrapbooker but one of the gifts I received this year allowed me to capture the moments as they happened. I’m absolutely giddy and I’ll share it soon. I am so grateful for the holidays and the levity they bring to life. The past week has been without a doubt, been the best week of my year. It has taught me that being patient and trusting that the journey, will bring some blessing. I also know that there is something good around every corner.
This post is “so” all about me but as you know I’m a good listener. When you send your survey, please tell me how your year went. I’d love to hear all about you!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that my January 2019 Die of the Month will be revealed on January 1st. Stay tuned, it is my favorite so far….
Your work is always an inspiration to me. Whenever you post a card I wonder how you could top what you did. As always you never let us down. I can’t imagine what you’ll do next. Bless you for sharing your talent with others. Thank you.
Absolutley stunning
Hi Becca!
It is the time of year to reflect and prepare for the new year. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts, challenges, sorrow and amazement at the turns your life has taken.
I’ve been a reader since the early days of your blog and followed your journey through the loss of John. I can relate – I missed my sweet husband so much this year, too.
What brings you back? I come back to catch up on your journey and have been excited to see how the Lord has blessed you. The new designs are near to my heart and many have made their way to my craft table. Thank you for sharing your heart-felt thoughts, apprehensions and triumphs.
What do you miss most that I’ve moved away from? Please keep us updated on your personal growth. It’s encouraging to all of us.
Other than videos, what am I not doing that you would like to see me do? I do like step-by-step instructions with pictures that I can refer to easily from any of my devices. Sometimes the videos won’t work due to internet speed.
Are you on Instagram – Yes or No No – I don’t use instagram, twitter or facebook. There’s so little time in the day and I’m not going to waste precious time on those platforms.
Do you have a digital die cutter – Yes or No No – I have a Vagabond machine that was a gift from dear friends.
What other crafts do you love? Making collages, cross stitch, photography
2018 has been an interesting year…. I’m wrapping up my working career in 2019 and plan to retire next December. I’m fortunate to have a supportive family, too.
Happy New Year!
Linda
Becca, this is GORGEOUS! I was wondering if some of the other SB Dies would work well with the Glimmer Dies, size wise! Now I see, THEY DO! I like to make cards many times, without sentiments on the front. This card is WONDERFUL with ALL of the layers of gold & gorgeousness of the designs! A WONDERFUL CARD!!!!!!! ;)
Dear Becca, I have loved your cards and blog for many years. It sounds odd but whenever I left your blog, I had a feeling of calm. Thank you for all the generous dose of creativity you share. Something I haven’t forgotten at all was the sweet and tender post you shared when John made a card for you. It made such an impression with me. You could just tell the love and affection and specialness you two shared. How wonderful.
Keep doing the videos ! Remember you keep me calm!
I’m glad you were comfortable enough to share your inter-thoughts with us here on your blog. Others and I are here for you. We miss you when you are not around to chat; and share with us your beautiful creations. Today’s card design is lovely. And I see you have used the fleur de lis, a cherished symbol of yours. It’s okay to miss John. There are times that I too miss my husband. Especially when I need a hole dug for a plant or flower. He was a good hole digger. I know that sounds trite. But when we lived in Texas, digging holes was a major job that required a long heavy iron pole, similar to a pry bar. It also required much strength to use that bar to pound away at the rocky ground there to make a hole for my plants. He would always dig that hole for me without complaining Ofcourse, there are other times I miss him and just can not believe he is no longer here even though I know better. After his death, I became so depressed and caused my own loneliness. For a long time, I hardly left my bedroom. Making beautiful cards got me out of my own funk. Meeting you through your blog where you touched my heart with your precious words and inspired me with your gorgeous cards, helped bring me back to a mostly normal life. Life is short. Life can change in a heartbeat. With God’s grace, I continue to make it through another day. I know you are a child of God. God will take care of you. I am enjoying your die of the month and look forward to the 3rd one in the set. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. Stay strong. I have missed you.
Becca,
You know how long winded I am so I have submitted through the Contact area.
Happy 2019 my friend and excited for Tuesday to see the new die of the month.
Hugs
Ann
Dear Becca, I have followed you for many years and have enjoyed everything you have done. For the past three years have been very difficult for me. I had breast cancer and had a year of therapy. Am doing better now but then my husband had back surgery and couldn’t seem to get better. Kept going down hill so I was taking care of him and have let my crafts go. I do the face book to keep up with his family, all in Texas. I live kinda close to you in Louisiana. Well my husband finally let me take him to the emergency room at our hospital at the end of June of this year. He was transferred to Baton Rouge after tests and it was determined he needed surgery so on July 5th, the day before our 57th anniversary. Royce had major surgery and doctors discovered he had colon cancer that metastasized to his kidneys, stomach and well all over. He told me (having retired from the Navy after 28 years and being a Hospital corpsman) he knew it was bad and he didn’t want to be a burden to me or our adult kids he would just wait until he figured nothing anyone would be able to do anything about it. He had lots of problems never having gotten over Vietnam where he was independent duty senior corpsman with the Marines. He could never figure why God took so many young boys to die and he came home. He was 34 when he went over and was an old 36 when he came home. Never was the same. Well two weeks after his surgery on July 20th he passed away peacefully and with dignity at Hospice Care. That was the least I could do for him. Since then my life has been at the mercy of others, trying to plan a funeral on my own, trying to get the SS and VA benefits as he was 100% disabled and all the other things you have to do which I am sure you are very aware of. Anyway I think my life is back on or somewhere. Not really sure where I am sometimes or who I am. My kids all live in different states and I sometimes feel lost, but think that is an okay feeling. I feel like I will be okay that I had to survive.
Anyway, I am sorry this is so long but do want you to know that I came online often and as I did I saw what you were doing and loved it all. I saw where Michael hit you, it did spare us which is something as we are still trying to get over the flooding of 2016 that hit us. But I was so sorry for you and prayed you would find your way to recovery, but I knew that you would. You are a survivor who many admire and sometimes envy you for doing so many things and doing them so well. Guess what I am saying is most would not follow you if we didn’t like what you are doing. Your cards and ideas are really like the word “Grace” but I also think of serene. So you may use that word if you think so.
No I am not on Instagram.
Yes I have a digital die cutter
I love flower arranging, painting, sewing, cross stitch, silk ribbon embroidery, cards making especially heirloom of any type. I especially love making heirloom books, slap books, any type I can make just to have fun.
Though I am way behind (so I think anyway). But let me get over this and I am sure I will bounce back. Like many other widows, I am new to this but since I am so old I feel like I should be old. It was lonely at Christmas but I got over that so see I will make it. I told my husband I would make it to go ahead and wait for me. so I will be okay.
I’m sorry Becca, but you unleashed the gates open for me and I have replied. I watched you before you had opened your wings to soar. I have prayed over you and many others and I pray for you still. You, like I said, will be fine to continue teaching us and going the extra mile to wow us and make us feel like we are the only ones to watch you.
God Bless you,
Jean Hempel
Hi Becca, I always am eager to read your posts and to be a part of your journey. You have had a difficult year as no doubt a lot of us have, but it certainly helps to be able to share our story with friends near and far. In today’s I/T World, distance is no longer an issue. My year has been hard with many medical issues with both myself and my little King Charles spaniel, who may not be with me much longer. This has also been an expensive year only on a pension. Christmas is also a hard time for me when unpleasant memories of the past come back.
I have been following your posts for several years now after first finding it through Spellbinders WWW, and I get so excited when I see that I have Mail from your website. I adore your cards, they are pretty, feminine, classic, so stylish and beautiful and are definitely my style, even if I can’t afford all the right products, I adapt with what I have. I too am a perfectionist and don’t care how long I take to make a card so long as I am happy with the end result. I also like the challenge of using something that I have on hand and seeing what I can come up with. I don’t have a digital cutter. I have two manual machines, one A4 and one A5. At the moment I have made a good start on next year’s Christmas cards as by the time July comes I am usually frantic with special orders. Keep up the wonderful work, enjoy the year to come, pace yourself and take time to smell the roses from time to time. Sorry this is so long
LOL Jan
I am so glad to hear from you again. I love your long posts as you share your life and wisdom with us! And your beautiful cards too! I love to gift my friends with the cards that I have made with your kind instruction and designs. I used the tabbed outline die of my grand cabinet set and made a whopping 35 3D Christmas cards with your November card of the month set! May God bless you richly in 2019. I hope that you will be able to repair your house and be able to go home soon. Sending hugs and prayers.
Just me again Becca, forgot to answer your other questions. Over the years I have made many cross stitching, silk ribbon embroidery, candlewick projects including totally hand stitching a Candlewick bedspread with approximately 1200 hours work but I have to say that I am now totally hooked on making cards, mainly for other people.
I am not on Facebook, Twitter etc, not enough time.
Have a very Happy 2019, and I pray that it will be a good year.
LOL again, Jan
Hi Becca, I am not sure how long I have been following your blog but I am always happy to see a post from you and see your next beautiful card or about an adventure in your life.
I have a Cricut Explore Air 2 and a Cricut maker. I also have a cuttlebug.
I do have Facebook but don’t use it much.
I like to make cards and I also crochet.
I hope you have a glorious, happy, and healthy 2019.
Thank you for sharing your reflections on 2018. God has worked His wonderful will in your life amidst the ups and downs. I have been especially concerned about your loss from the hurricane and have prayed for you specifically about that since 10/10. So many friends and neighbors of mine have lost so much, and recovery is s l o w and discouraging. May 2019 be wonderful for you in every way! May God bless your socks off ??
Oh yes – beautiful card!!!
First let me say how beautiful the card is. I like a no sentiment card now and then.
Second, living in Jacksonville Beach, we were on the fortunate side of that hurricane. We were expecting a lot worse. Our lot was to help in that area. This time.
Anytime of the year is a good time to reflect on what is going on or has gone on in your life. It brings back memories that may need more reflecting on.
I’d say you’re a pretty strong woman but I’m still sending prayers your way.
Hi Becca and Happy New Year. I have been a follower since way back when and love each and everything you post. May the Good Lord Bless you abundantly!
Mickie
I’ve been following for just a couple of years. I’m not on Instagram. I have 2 digital die cutters but never use them. I prefer my Grand Calibur and Vagabond machines. I love your site because you are so great at designs and combining dies in your designs. I love that you are a real human being with issues like the rest of us and don’t pretend otherwise. I only do cards, both using stamping and die cutting. I do get frustrated that a lot of your new dies are released in the UK first and we can’t get them for awhile. I wish they’d be released everywhere at the same time. Love your designs and your “realness”
Happy New Year Becca.
I hope this year brings you all the things you are seeking.
Again a beautiful creation that makes my heart sing.
Thank you so much for always putting that much needed smile on my face.
A beautiful card, as always. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs of the last year – it really has been a rollercoaster. It’s almost 31 years since my husband died and I still grieve to this day, even though I have moved on and remarried 10 years ago and am very happy. I fully empathise in your thoughts of John. Your displacement from your home must be so unsettling and I hope 2019 will see you back and on top form again and you continue to bring us such wonderful creations.
I’d also like to use this opportunity to wish all your followers, as well as you, a very happy, healthy and successful New Year.
Doreen R
1. Reader- when you where living in your motor home…
2. Back- I love your creations…I must say..I really can’t afford your expensive dies…wish they came in SVG’s..
3. Moved-didn’t know anything…your blog is always a little hard to fine…you always have to click header then blog…
4.Videos-I’ve always loved to watch you create your beautiful cards…and other projects..
5. Instagram-Yes but I don’t like it…
6. Die Cutter- YES…love my new Cricut Maker…
7. Other crafts- I love making 3D projects…about to make another doll house with little mouse people…
Thank you Becca for all you do…and I understand the cost of your dies…just wish I could afford them…but I still love them and what you make with them…hugs from Tennessee…
Hello sweet Becca, Your posting today has touched my heart so profoundly. I remember the first time I found you on the internet I thought I would burst with excitement at finding someone else who enjoyed card making as much as I did and you were such an inspiration to me. My beginning cards were pretty simple and home made looking. When I saw what you did with yours it gave me a new burst of creative power. LOL… I am also a child of God and your sister. We too have gone down the road of one thing happening after another. For about 11 years we had attack after attack . I remember after about 3 years I told my husband , “it’s been 3 days since anything has happened, maybe it’s over.” It wasn’t and it was things that we had no control over. House robbed, trees falling on the house we were trying to sell, ( Hurricane) and it took a year and a half to sell, tree falling on house we were living in, (Hurricane) Major damage that took 2 years to get the house back to a “house”, both septic systems at both houses having to be completely replaced, a gravel truck fell though one and turned over, thank God the man wasn’t hurt. A man threatening to sue us because we changed our mind on renting our house out to him, both heating and air conditioning systems tearing up, families fighting with each other and trying to pull us into it, …. our only son getting caught up in the world and giving major trouble, coming within about 2 days of dying due to cancer, dealing with panic attacks and becoming so afraid I was barely able to function, close family members deaths, oh goodness, I could go on and on . 11 years worth…. I will say this, I believe , as hard as it was, that going through all this and more was exactly what we needed. I know God was with us every step of the way and I know He had His reasons for allowing us to go through so many trials. I know this sounds crazy but I can’t help but feel so loved because He cares enough about us to allow us to learn through the pain of this earth. When we get to the point where we can completely let go and trust in Him and when we get to the point where we reach that peace that passes all understanding …. well, that is a blessing and that is why I count it all joy for that 11 year ride.
Please know that I pray for you and for your family. You are loved and appreciated. We both know you will see your wonderful John again someday and all these bad times here will be forgotten because there will be no more tears.
Questions answered now…. I have been with your blog since well before John passed away…. You bring me back, I love being around those who truly have a heart for God… I never feel like I miss anything you have done in the past because you bring such variety in your post and it is never dull… I enjoy your videos and your picture detail directions equally…I don’t do Instagram, or any other social media thing, too much drama , I have never like soap operas and I don’t need to know every little thing people do… I am happy with my Vegabon machine or my hand crank Crossover machine, I really don’t enjoy trying to figure out digital anything… LOL… and lastly, I am a crafty person who enjoys making things to bring a smile to someone’s face. I had two main creative outlets, card making and miniature dollhouse building and decorating. But I have just recently come to the conclusion that I can not have both, my craft area is packed with entirely too much and so I had to choose to give up one. The dollhouse items lost and I am just now in the process of gathering it all together and taking it all to a consignment sale this coming March. I will keep a few items but 90 percent of it has to find a new home. Hopefully someone will be able to enjoy my cast offs as much as I enjoyed making them. I am hoping once I have some more room I can start the grand kids a scrap book also.
Well , sorry this is such a long post, I got carried away. Just know you are loved and prayed for.
Hugs and may God bless you….Denice with a “c”
So love the way your light shines through your lovely scards.
Hi Becca
Happy new year.
I love the way you make cards. The are so elegant and you inspire me.
I have been making cards for many years. I am from Denmark and it has been a challengen for me to searce for die cutting. Its wasnt easy to buy any dies og diecutting maschine in Denmark at that time, when I starter. I found you and spelllbinders in my search for diecutting dies and fell in love imidiatly. I have a Grand Calibur diecutting machine from Spellbinders and it is my favor. I have one from Dobble Do XL and Sizzix. My favor brand in dies are Spellbinders and I have a a lot.
I am not Worning becaurce of back pain, I am operated years ago. So I had to do something in my spare time and since I always been Creative, I started making cards, painting, knitting, and all kind of Creative things.
I keep coming back to your blog, because you keep being trough to you still. I love your flowers, your choice of colore, ribbons, the elegant dies, the way you put your cards together. You never disapiont me. I follow you, beside here, on Instagram, Pinterest, You Tube and on Spellbinderspaperart.
And I would love to here more about your color choise, suppilies, and see more tutorial videos.
I hope 2019 will be a good year for you and that your grief will be less over the years to come.
Thank you for being you.
With love
Kira
Another beautiful card, Becca!
I have read through the posts inspired by your own and my heart goes out to you and my fellow readers. I pray that 2019 will prove to be a stellar year for all as everyone seems to have struggled with difficulties this year.
Becca, I am so glad that you are safe, that you had a good Christmas with your family and hope that you will not be a nomad for too long.
I will reply separately.
Sending hugs
Anne(UK) x