Happy Saturday creative and lovely friends! Before I start my post and share my card for today I have to really take some time to say thank you THANK YOU for the amazing love and support everyone has shown me since I wrote my last blog post. I seriously had no idea that there would be such a huge response and such an outpouring of kindness and love. I have read every comment (and every email) each of you sent me. I was moved to tears many times. I read some of your comments to my husband and he was also moved to tears. Wow. I have no words really. I was so down when I wrote that blog post, and God must have know exactly what He was doing. My cup is now filled and brimming over. I am totally feeling the kindness from people. Just when my faith was so low and I really want to hibernate. You guys have shown me that there is SO MUCH GOOD in the world. Taking the time to write me long, heartfelt, lovely comments is so kind. I'm forever grateful and I have no way to explain how much. Thank you really - you made a difference to me. I also have the feeling that all of us reading each other's comments did not only lift me up. We all lifted each other up. What a wonderful thing. You guys are the best. I am sure of that.
I think a big part of my problem lately has to do with peri-menopause and (not) sleeping. The hubs and I started back the the gym this week and I'm hoping that being physically tired will help me sleep better and be more mentally strong. Heck, I even made homemade almond milk this morning! (Clearly I have been kidnapped). It was quite delicious. Summer is in full blast here and we sat outside in the sun as well today. Then I was feeling so tropi-cool that I had to make a card to share.
You know I am crazy for tiki-tropical-Hawaii-pineapple stuff. Well, I have had some really awesome new wood mount stamps sitting on my desk for a week or so. Today I inked them up and made a clean and simple card that reflects Summer. I realllllly love the Hero Arts Neon Ombre Inks. The colors are super hard to photograph. I'm not sure why. Trust me, they are much more vivid in person, and truly neon-y. I used two of the Neon pads for the leaves and the pineapple. I paired the bright neon with lots of bright white paper and just a pop of black ink.
The card base is white - A2. Then I stamped the leaves on a white piece of paper and die cut out that part with a Stitched Rectangle Die. Next I stamped the Pineapple and cut that out by hand (super easy). I made a white tag, and a white circle to complete my elements. Tip: with the gradated ombre ink pads be sure to touch your stamp to the ink pad a few times, barely overlapping the colors on your stamp. This will give you a smooth color transition instead of harsh, obvious lines in the colors.
The tag, pineapple and circle were attached to the card using foam squares. I added some ink splatters (with a stamp) to the circle since it looked too plain with just the words. Isn't that the cutest sentiment stamp?
I am SUPER super OCD about storing my photographs. So I always know how to re-find a photo. While I was making this card I was fondly remembering when the hubs and I went to Hawaii in 2007. I went and got the SD card and looked through all the pictures and it made me happy. I love this picture of us (I wish that guy's butt wasn't in the background!) This trip was the very first time I used a digital camera. I was such a holdout - kept my film camera for a lonnnng time before going new school. SO ALOHA from younger us!
Thank you, everyone, for visiting today. And every day. Hope you are having an amazing weekend! XOXO
SUPPLIES USED TODAY!
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Hello. I'm so sorry you've been down. I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that I went through so much anxiety and depression when I went through menopause. My doctor kept wanting to put me on hormones for a couple of (long)years and I would refuse. One day when I couldn't take it anymore, I asked for the lowest dose possible. Wow, what a difference that made! I am off of them now, but I feel like it literally saved me from going crazy. So what I'm trying to say is, if you end up feeling like you need it, don't hesitate. It's not forever and it changes the quality of life.
By the way, love the pic of you and the husband together, and I woulda never seen the butt had you not pointed it out. Lol!
Posted by: Brandi O | 06/10/2017 at 05:13 PM
Fun stuff, Wanda! Love the ombré look. Glad they have come out with some pads. ;). Love this pic of you guys. I didn't even see the other thing until I read your post. LOL.
Https://paulettesprettypapercrafts.wordpress.com
Posted by: Paulette Still | 06/08/2017 at 04:50 PM
I LOVE the bright colors you used on this card. They are PERFECT for the images that you used. Great, great design!!
Posted by: Nora | 06/05/2017 at 04:44 PM
So happy that this wonderful community was able to lift you up! I hope you ride this wave of happiness for a long time! You deserve it! Big Hugs! Sandy
Posted by: mommyeyedr | 06/04/2017 at 08:29 PM
Happy to hear you are feeling better Wanda! Peri menopause can take a toll on a person. My thyroid affected my sleep and hormones this past year before going on medication for it, but feeling better! Anyways, your card is so lovely in color with the ombré inks and sweet pineapples! I have come so close in buying the ombré inks. You have certainly inspired me to do so! Take good care and have a great week!,
Posted by: Maria | 06/04/2017 at 07:23 PM
Beautiful and summery card Wanda and I love the pic of you and your hubby!
Posted by: Celeste Goff | 06/04/2017 at 01:44 PM
Such a darling card!! As always love your use of color!! Hoping this week is a good one! You cannot go on without restful sleep - free "nurse" advice-- talk to your Gyn about it. There are lots of good options to help you through this time!! I too have been there and it's not always easy but with a good plan you can overcome the symptoms!! Julie L ( GA)
Posted by: Julie L | 06/04/2017 at 11:00 AM
Amazing card. Love the bright colors and the sentiment. You should look at this photo every day. You're an amazing gal and are sharing an amazing life with this wonderful man who loves and supports you no matter what life throws your way. Keep up the spirit, you can do it!
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 06/04/2017 at 10:23 AM
What a wonderful card design. That looks as delicious as the cooling beverage you and your hubby are having. And, you both look great too. I am glad you are feeling more chipper now. Take care.
Posted by: Verna Angerhofer | 06/04/2017 at 09:43 AM
I'm right there with you and the pineapple love! And look at you two--you look like kama'aina! (Local folks!)
Posted by: donna mikasa | 06/04/2017 at 09:35 AM
Hi Wanda! I'm so happy that you received an outpouring of love yesterday. I wanted to write after reading your post, but I had to go to work. And after reading the start of today's post, I totally get it. I've been fortunate to not have too bad of symptoms (thank you Mom - she didn't either!), but there were a couple of times I was just browsing the net for cards & such, when all of a sudden I burst into tears! For no reason! What an awful feeling it was. But, like most everything, you get over it and life goes on. Same with the sleeplessness. And the night sweats. Anywho - here's a virtual hug!! :-) Loving the neon colors in your pretty card!
Posted by: Becca Yahrling | 06/04/2017 at 06:08 AM
When I read you had trouble sleeping, it made me want to share what I do. I take 2 valerian root (quiets the mind) and a melatonin at night. I also brew a hot tea concoction that includes 3 different sleepytime tea bags. Celestial Seasonings has a few different "flavors", and there are other brands, too. I also add some sweetener. I've been thru peri-menopause, and I totally get what you're going thru. Hang in there!
Posted by: Cheryl L. | 06/04/2017 at 05:21 AM
A bright and happy card Wanda.
I am glad you reached out and now feel better. We ALL experience these things and sometime retreat but the best thing to do is share it with people (or just one person) who we know will understand. It helps just to say the words. And PLEASE, don't get me started on menopause! LOL That stage of my life was pure HELL, excuse my French!
Posted by: Teresa Doyle | 06/04/2017 at 05:17 AM
SUCH a COOL card..love it!!
SO happy you feel much better and that so many shared their stories and gave you love!
I think the pre-menopause has much to do with all the emotions being a roller coaster..and feeling very low.....it sure is here!
Not being able to sleep well wears you out compleet...will be so good when you are able to sleep better again...
LOVE the photo of you two in Hawaii..so sweet..actually didn't notice the butt of that man..only after you told me...funny!
sending MUCH LOVE...
and HUGS
Holly.
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 06/04/2017 at 02:44 AM
Always love your colorful cards and blog posts. Hang in there!
Posted by: Bee | 06/03/2017 at 06:51 PM
Love the photo and your card! I think I have similar supplies to create something with the same tropical vibe. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration!
Posted by: Julie | 06/03/2017 at 06:45 PM
Wanda, this is such a beautiful and bright, happy card!! Love that big, bold and NEON Pineapple that I know you love so much. Whenever I see a Pineapple I automatically think of you. :)
Love that photo of you and Mark. You two always look so in l♥ve. Happy Anniversary weekend.
Posted by: Lisa - papergrace | 06/03/2017 at 05:56 PM
Wanda, I love this card! I saw it over on IG and immediately came over to your blog to read more about it. The colors are so tropical and perfect. The ombre inks are fantastic - I'm adding them to my wish list now. :) Thanks for the tips on achieving the graduated look using the ombre inks. I feel like running off to my craft room to make my own pineapple inspired card but dinner prepared by my awesome husband comes first.
Posted by: Christy Q | 06/03/2017 at 03:51 PM