Hello friends! How are you this week? I hope you are doing well and feeling good! Before I get started with sharing my project I wanted to say a few words. I've been mostly absent from social media, and not blogging as much as normal, lately. A lot of you have kindly reached out to me here, and on Instagram especially, to ask about me. The truth is, this year is only a few weeks old but it's already kicking me in the booty. I've been really sick for almost three weeks now. There are no Covid tests available here, but I'm pretty sure that's what got me. (We ordered our test kits and hope they show up soon, but by then I'll be better!) I haven't left our house in 15 days! I'm usually a very busy and social person and it's been so hard! I can only really remember being this sick a handful of times in my life. It has gotten me down, down, down. Like really down. I've been laying low and taking care of myself and sleeping SO much. My energy is practically non existent and my mental health is wavering. Lots of time in prayer and the love of a dear husband and sweet kitty have been sustaining me. For me, creating and crafting is a happy activity so I find it hard to create when I don't feel well. I also don't really feel like doing social media when I don't feel cheery. I have missed my daily Instagram Stories with you and hope to get back to that soon. My super power is pretending I'm fine - even when I'm clearly not fine. I'm sure lots of you relate to that coping mechanism.... It's okay to not be fine. The whole past two years have been slowly chipping away at my positive and joyful outlook on life. I feel weary and heavy. I'm only telling you all of this because I know I'm not alone - and maybe me saying something will make someone else feel understood. This recent time of our lives has been a test, a battle, a marathon. We're all doing the best we can and we all need grace. I've been stumbling and that's okay. The lesson, I think, is to not be so hard on ourselves. Rest when needed. One day at a time. I am feeling somewhat better today, finally, thank God. So I spent some time in the craft room and made something pretty!! I'm sending everyone a big giant hug and lots of love. Hang in there - whatever you're dealing with - I love you. Thanks for supporting me. XOXO
My card today features some lovely zesty lemons from Spellbinders! These dies have been on my desk for at least a month and I've been dying to make a card. I love lemons as a design element. I chose a retro 50's color palette and used a beautiful background die that reminds me of a pretty 50's tablecloth. These dies are SO pretty and the creating was fun and easy. My finished card is an A2 card base in white. I layered pretty aqua paper and then a vellum circle...
I started by die cutting out all the necessary pieces...lemons, leaves, flowers and sentiment.... I used my mini distress inks and a small sponge dauber to gently ink around the leaves and lemons. I used Copic Markers to add color accents to the flowers. I used lots of the brand new gems from Spellbinders! They are so sparkly and pretty in person.
The lemons die set has the main leaf cluster, and then leaf halves that you can die cut from a second color. I chose two shades of happy yellow/green. In this photo you can really see that pretty background die. Love it!
I used dark grey cardstock for the sentiment and put it onto a circle to make it stand out. I really like this font - it also had that retro feeling I was going for! At the last moment I added some pink flowers from another die set. I really felt like I wanted a tiny pop of pink on this card.
You know me all too well, so you know I had to add my signature white paint splatters!!
Thanks for spending a little bit of time with me today!! I'm sending hugs and creativity your way today. Please take care of yourselves! XOXO
CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's card! (Affiliate Links Used)
P.S. I love your beautiful card! Lemons just make me feel happy and I just love the colors and design. Truly! Thank you Wanda, please take good care. 🍋😊
Posted by: Stephanie Clapper | 02/01/2022 at 09:24 PM
Hi Wanda ! I can relate to everything you said and I’m sending you a thank you hug. I do exactly the same thing you do, Act ok, when I’m not. It’s unusual for me to mention anything negative on blog posts but I think it was our Lord that held my hand when I did just that. I made mention on Betsy’s blog how tuff last year was. We lost a family member, many were sick, a couple were touch and go. We also lost 2 friends. It seemed like the world around me was falling apart. Watch out chicken little! All of this was Covid related and the children in our family were struggling too. It was so visible, and add to that a good friend was battling cancer. I cried a lot, journaled and stayed closer to our merciful Father. I just had a hard time with creativity, that’s for sure. I’m so grateful that I live in an area where I still had choices and most of the businesses survived.
Anyway, it’s wonderful news to hear you’re on the rebound. I repeat, Wonderful! I agree with your philosophy and I always try and remember that recovery doesn’t happen fast. Especially Covid where it affected our emotions. May God bless and keep you safe. Your friend, Steph. 😊💕
Posted by: Stephanie Clapper | 02/01/2022 at 09:20 PM
Blessed Wanda, thanks for sharing your gift with us. Your cards are always so spectacular. Sorry to hear that you are under the weather. We are going through Covid in my household since Jan 21. Two out of four of are positive. I’m the nurse masking and gloving up delivering everything they request. We signed up to get free testing with curatiive.com for free testing. I’ve been tested twice since then negative. Easy and quick. Just enter your zip code and see what is avaible in your area. Will be praying for you. I’m so happy you have such a great husband to take care of you. Hugs
Posted by: Sandy jenkins | 01/31/2022 at 04:54 AM
Thanks for sharing your struggles. Know that so many of us are here for you & hope you will soon be back to your healthy & happy self. It has been a long ordeal for everyone. I’m so glad that crafting has helped me survive this on and off isolation. Praying that you continue to recover. Your lemon card is so pretty.❤️
Posted by: Troy Louise Seegmiller | 01/30/2022 at 11:03 AM
Hope you are feeling better (mind and body) soon Wanda. Take care.
Posted by: Donna Gourley | 01/29/2022 at 11:11 AM
Oh, Wanda! I’m so sorry to hear that you haven’t been feeling well. I, too, was hit hard recently with what I think was Covid since my sis tested positive and she had visited me. Anyways, i felt exactly as you had stated in your post. It takes a toll on you physically and mentally. And, I’m so happy to hear that you are feeling better that you were able to share the gorgeous card! I love seeing your beautiful creations and your card with the lemons is so pretty! Sending prayers and warm hugs your way for complete healing! Take care, hugs!!
Posted by: Maria | 01/28/2022 at 08:03 PM
Oh Wanda, sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. Please take care of yourself and get the rest that you need. We miss you and understand you need time to heal. Thank you for sharing this delightful card.
Posted by: Veronica Fairbrother | 01/28/2022 at 07:08 PM
Yes! When life gives you lemons, make lovely lemon cards! Glad you’re starting to feel better.
Posted by: Rosa M. Vasquez | 01/28/2022 at 05:01 PM
I love all the out reaching messages you are receiving. I am so sorry you caught this nasty bug! Your beautiful card shows it hasn't affected your wonderful talent. You know what they say, when life gives you lemons ... make lemonade! Or maybe just add honey & lemon to a cup of tea. Thinking of you dear friend and sending lots of prayers your way! Be well soon.
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 01/28/2022 at 12:02 PM
So sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for your energy to return soon. For now, just let your body and mind rest.
Posted by: Ruth CM | 01/28/2022 at 09:36 AM
Beautiful card Wanda. Yes, I've missed seeing your posts. So sorry to hear of your illness, praying for recovery soon. The one word in your post that struck me was "grace"- undeserved but abounding. Hope you feel better soon, resting in His love.
Posted by: Donna M. | 01/28/2022 at 06:18 AM
This year has be so rough already so I totally get it. I hope you feel better soon. Take your time getting back to things and rest up. Big hugs
Posted by: Andrea Murdock | 01/28/2022 at 06:14 AM
THE PERFECT CURE, Wanda---- Vit C, Zinc, & Vit D, is GOOD for you during this time! SERIOUSLY! And I LOVE YOUR CARD!!!! (That is one image I haven't gotten over the years, lemons! I need some! LOL) You've got some Vit C on your card! LOL THIS WILL END!!!! SOON!!! KEEP your CHIN UP! And KNOW you are being prayed for dear friend!!! ;)<3
Posted by: Becky Green | 01/28/2022 at 06:14 AM
So sorry you are feeling well. I hope the Covid goes away soon and you are back up and at it. I got the latest strain after my MIL passed away in TX; and when we returned all three of us were ill. And I had all three of my shots and my son and husband had two shots. It was mild, like a cold for us but no fun.
Again I hope you are doing better and glad your faith is helping you thru! Your hubby too!
Posted by: Liz Ford | 01/28/2022 at 05:54 AM
Have missed you so much! I know how you’re feeling. I’ve been sick since early January. But I fortunately had test kits & it is Covid. So weird as I’ve hardly left my house for many months & always masked. Anyway it’s a rough time but you will be ok! I sleep a lot too but that’s our bodies way of building back up. Hang in there! You’re loved by lots of us fellow paper crafters. My daughter came over yesterday & I helped her make a couple cards. Just being in my craft room helped!
Take care of yourself.
Posted by: Nancy | 01/28/2022 at 05:53 AM
I'M so sorry to hear you have been sick, but you sure have provided beautiful cards for us to see. You are amazing.. I know how you feel I am Adrenal Insufficient etc. no immune system, so i hardly ever get out of the house. Too dangerous. I get depressed but I thank God I am creative because it keeps me happy and your cards help a lot too. Thank you and many blessings to you, your husband and kitty too! I have 5 kitties they keep us giggling..
Posted by: Karen Jackson | 01/28/2022 at 05:46 AM
I am so sorry that you have been ill, and so very ill. It sounds like you are already doing the best thing and that is to rest, rest, rest.
Sending hugs and best wishes for a lighter spirit and feeling better very soon.
❤️
Posted by: Teresa C | 01/28/2022 at 03:54 AM
I’m sure you will receive a zillion comments!
I did a really good deed at the end of the year, a favor for someone; and I was repaid with Covid. I have been ill since December 31. After the initial isolation, I have been able to return to work, but bedtime has been 730, 830, I feel like I’m literally in survival mode.
So when I say I get you, I GET YOU! Hang in there, there are better days ahead! xoxo
Posted by: Michele | 01/28/2022 at 03:41 AM
Hang in there Wanda! You are right! It's okay not to be okay. My year hasn't started off the best either, but we will get to happiness soon!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lana Lepinski | 01/28/2022 at 03:36 AM
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well and hope that you get better soon. Prayers to you for a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Liz E | 01/28/2022 at 02:56 AM
Hola, Wanda! Gorgeous card! I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. The Lord is with you! Don't give up hope! He will see you through. Sending you my prayers!
Posted by: Marisela Delgado | 01/28/2022 at 01:41 AM
You have been missed! So sorry you have been so sick but glad to hear you are starting to feel a little better. Your lemon card is very pretty!
Posted by: Kathy F. | 01/27/2022 at 11:53 PM
Sending you lots of love, Wanda! I’m sorry you are so sick! Get well soon! ❤️
Posted by: Lori | 01/27/2022 at 10:27 PM
Sending big, big hugs!!!!
Posted by: Miriam Leech | 01/27/2022 at 07:32 PM
I am so sorry to hear you've been battling sickness so long! Your beautiful cards have been rays of happiness for me, especially these past 2 years. I pray you recover soon and have energy restored. You bless others with your talent in card making!
Posted by: Joella Whitley | 01/27/2022 at 07:30 PM
Oh Wanda I am so sorry you are not feeling well and is feeling down. I am the same way when I’m sick, can’t create or interact. You have been missed but your well being comes first. Give yourself grace and take care of yourself first. The rest can always wait. We will cheer you on and be here for you when you are ready. You sure created a stunning card! I am glad you are feeling a little better. :)
This whole thing is taking way too long and I think even the bravest are having a hard time. Just keep on going one day at a time. Trust and everything will be back to place. Take care, dear Wand. And I hope you feel better very soon (in your mind and your health).
Posted by: Alessandra Loiacono | 01/27/2022 at 07:21 PM
Wanda you need to go to this site
You will get them thru the post office right to your door!
Every home in the United States is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests on a website called
"""CovidTests.gov""".
The federal government launched the website on Jan 18.
Take care
Denise (mama2joe)
Posted by: Denise Costa | 01/27/2022 at 07:18 PM
Glad you are on the mend. I thought there was a testing place at Arden Fair Mall by the Best Buy, probably not going to do you any good now....Your card is so pretty and cheerful. Like a spring day.
Posted by: Marian | 01/27/2022 at 06:35 PM
Big hugs to you and thankful today was a better day which led to the creation of your lovely, lemony card!! You’ve been missed!
Posted by: Wanda Cullen | 01/27/2022 at 06:35 PM
Get well soon! These almost two years now have been trying to say the least! Wishing you better! You create beautiful things and bring joy to all who see!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Posted by: Betty | 01/27/2022 at 06:27 PM
Wanda you have truly been missed along with your sweet kitty pictures of Lucky. I’m sending you warm hugs and healing prayers for better days ahead. I think we have all been tested emotionally over the last few years. You brighten my days when I get to read one of your blog posts or experience one of your outings in Northern California with your fantastic photography. Love your pretty lemon card. Your right, those pink flowers added a pop to the card! Take care!
Posted by: Suzie P. | 01/27/2022 at 05:27 PM
Wanda!!!!!
So sad to read this and really hope you didn’t have the 🦠. Bless your heart. We joyful folks forget to look out for ourselves and I’m glad you recognize the importance of looking inward ❤️Wish we could send Happy Mail your way. For now, sending huge, socially distanced hugs.
Posted by: Cindy Cottrell | 01/27/2022 at 05:17 PM
Sending prayers your way Wanda! I've also been sick this month. I still feel like I'm walking around in a fog. Just think how wonderful your February is going to be once you get over this hump. I look forward to seeing all your beautiful photos you capture on your new adventures!
Posted by: Amy Cooley | 01/27/2022 at 05:11 PM
Wanda, you were missed!!! Having been sick here a month with non Covid respiratory problems I understand. Praying you feel better each day! This card is so cheerful and pretty! Take good care of yourself!!!
Posted by: Jules L | 01/27/2022 at 04:45 PM
Wanda, I have so missed you! I am so sorry that you haven’t been feeling well, you are in my prayers all the time! I remembered when you shared about things happening in California, and it touched just touched my heart. Prayers for a quick recovery! I looooooooove your card!
Posted by: Lisa Schenck | 01/27/2022 at 04:29 PM
A really sweet card. I think the past year and a half has gotten to even the most positive of us. I hope you feel better both physically and emotionally soon.
Posted by: Nancy Thomas | 01/27/2022 at 04:27 PM
Wanda, this card is beautiful!
I'm so sorry for your dtruggles!!
Posted by: Joy | 01/27/2022 at 04:17 PM
Wanda, I’m so sorry to read about you feeling so miserable for so long. So far, so good in our house but obviously we’re all very subject to these viruses. Glad you are feeling a bit better. Your gorgeous card decked out with lemons is just that…you’re making lemonade by creating. Take it easy!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 01/27/2022 at 04:14 PM
This card is so cheery, I love it! I'm sorry to hear you have been ill. Praying for a full and speedy recovery!!
Posted by: Vickie R. | 01/27/2022 at 04:09 PM