A Birthday and A Retirement

Hello Bloggers

Again, it's been a while since I've posted anything.

I have been feeling quite sad over the last week or so - there are a number of reasons really, and I won't go into detail about them.  Some of it is that I know people who are going through some very difficult times at the moment, and they are situations that I can do absolutely nothing about.  Sometimes, it's hard just having to be a spectator in life!

It is my Mum's birthday today, but it is also the eighth anniversary of my Nan passing away.  I can therefore understand why my Mum might not want to celebrate her birthday really, but I can't let the day pass without marking it in some small way.  My small way is to lovingly create a card for her.

The image is Bow Legged Cutie from Sassy Cheryl's - she is a little cutie isn't she.  The patterned paper is one of the last sheets of a V&A Hanoverian paper pad from Do Crafts.  I have used a flower die set which I bought at the NEC in March - I actually managed to get to the Hobbycrafts Show this year and had a lovely day out with my sister!  The antique brad is from Stampin Up.

Another reason for feeling sad this week is that a close friend and colleague of mine has retired from work this week - I am going to miss her very much.  I made a card for us all to sign, and also made a jewellery set as part of her leaving gift.  I was so pleased that she loved her card and gift, and I have had some amazing comments about them from my other colleagues at work.

So here is the card

Sorry about the photo - the colours look a bit washed out.  The image is from Saturated Canary, and the papers are a Princess Tale from Dovecraft (I think!).  And finally some added embellishments from my stash.

Here's the gift - a Pearl and Aquamarine Bracelet and Earrings set.  The pearls have such a gorgeous irridescence and the aquamarine is a lovely clear blue.

I also added some aquamarines as a charm next to the clasp but the photo of the back of the bracelet was just much too blurred to show.  I have to admit myself that it did look lovely.

That's all from me for now - I ought to start thinking about some male cards for birthdays coming up, oh and Father's Day - but maybe I'll just buy them! ;)

Thank you for taking the time to view my blog, and I hope to see you again soon.

Love, Andrea xx