Monday 26 September 2011

Craft Room Challenge " Anything Christmas "

I have written and re written this post so many times just didn't know how to start it ! Feels like I have been away for ever. I have just returned from London where I have been staying with our dearest friends and trying to support them during what is for all concerned a very sad time. we have been friends for twenty five years and have always called each other Dolly we have never called each other by our real names, so when it was time to find a name for my blog I named if after my best friend. Even though Dolly doesn't  read my blog ( maybe one day she will ) I just wanted to say that I love her and that my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family .

I will shortly be traveling back to London to stay with her once again and just wanted to pop in and say hello and to say that I have missed you all and your beautiful creations Unfortunately I was unable to visit you while I was away but hopefully during the next few days I will try and catch up with you all. 

One of the reasons I returned to Greece was that my youngest son who is 16 together with his band Chinese Basement had the honour of being chosen to play at The Megaro Music Hall in Athens and for my Greek followers they will know the significance of this. They where chosen along with three other bands from all over Greece to give their interpretation of one of  Greece"s great composers Hatzidakis work together with some of their own material. It was a fabulous night and I have to say it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these young people I am so very proud of you Ari , Vasili and Fivo !


I saw upon my return that The Craft Room where having an " Anything Christmas " theme for the next two weeks and as it is such a happy subject I decided to have ago . Can't say it's my best work as the old mojo is a little lackluster at the moment.As you will see it's a rather understated effort but under the circumstances it was all I could muster.

Have to say the title is rather ironic though ! I used one of my Tim Holtz on the edge dies for the card and did a little embossing for extra dimension . I also embossed the green felt it really gives a wonderful effect if you haven't tried it yet you should I really liked the outcome. The letters are chipboard which I stamped with one of my distress crackle stamps in Stazon red ink.


I used my Silhouette machine to generate the background and the sentiment . Martha  Stewart punches for the borders and oops I have just realised that I have cropped out my little bird on the top right hand corner. ( anyway it's not his first appearance so I am sure he wont mind !)

Like I said very simple and understated cards even if they took me forever to do !
Do pop over to the Craft Room Challenge where you can see the fabulous inspirational pieces by the DT and also the many wonderful entries by their loyal followers.
                                                          

                                                              Shabby Chic Girls Club                              

I would like to thank Cindy Adkins of Shabby Chic Girls club who is featuring my work on her marvelous new blog why not pop over and check it out , Cindy is such a kind and generous lady and is always very supportive of everyone in the arts world. Thank you so much for including little old me along with such talented artists i am truly flattered.

wishing you all the very best of health and looking forward to visiting you all

Take care

Marie

30 comments:

  1. Dear Marie
    What a terrible time in your life. I am so glad your son had such an opportunity and that in itself would bring some joy into your life.
    Your cards are so vibrant, especially the first one that anyone would be thrilled to receive either cards amongst their Christmas mail.
    Take good care of yourself Marie.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  2. Hello Marie it's nice to have you back even though it's a flying visit, cos you are missed you know.
    Two delightful cards and the on the edge die makes a lovely shaped card :)
    All the best for your sons band performance you sound so proud of the all :)
    I must say the post was ver quick and I've had a play :)
    Take care and chin up girl
    Hugs Von xxx

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  3. Hi Marie, don't worry about us, your friend's need is far greater than ours. Two great festive cards - I've got loads of felt somewhere - I'll def have a go at embossing some. Also, just to let you know your tags and notebook arrived safely - thank you so much for that lovely surprise! Take care and best wishes to your dear friend. xx

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  4. Hi Marie - so sorry to hear of your friends sad time, glad you have found some time to craft and these are lovely cards - I often prefer understated ! Thanks so much for joining our Craft-Room Challenge...Esther xx

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  5. Hi Marie,
    Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog. So sorry to read that you have been going through some sad times. But pleased to read that your son is doing so well with his band.
    Both your cards are really lovely Christmas cards. I recognise the Silhouette pattern on your second card. I love my Silhouette, too.
    You asked about the weight of mirror card I used for my pillow box. It's a medium weight. I bought a few sheets of gold and silver last year from Hobby Craft. Before I found this, I was struggling to cut the thicker mirror card, but this one seems fine.
    Take care! x

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  6. I ma so sorry to hear of your difficult time ,. and i know your friend will really appreciate your support.
    Lovely that you could find a little time to craft - i find it is always a comfort in hard times
    LOvely projects .. i particularly like the second card - the colours work wonderfully together
    Take care - thinking of you and your friend
    Lisa x

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  7. Συγχαρητήρια για τον γιο σου και εις ανώτερα!!!
    Οι κάρτες πανέμορφες όπως πάντα!

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  8. Hi Marie. Sorry to hear that you have been going through some sad times. My thoughts are with you and your friend.
    Great news that your son's band is doing so well. Keep us updated.
    Both cards are fabulous. Really love the design on the second one.
    Take care
    Florence x

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  9. Hi Marie, sorry to hear the news about your friend, but great news about your son.
    Both cards are equally great. Take care, x

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  10. Sorry that you visit has been at a sad time your presence must be a great comfort to your friend. Love your cards and so pleased you found time to make them and share them with us at Craft-Room Challenge XOXO Zoe

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  11. Hi Marie, You have been missed:0) I'm so sorry that your friend is having such a sad time but I'm glad you're there for her.
    Wonderful news about your son's success, no wonder you're proud.
    Great cards, both lovely especially under the circumstances:0)
    Thank you for dropping by to 'see' me and leaving such lovely comments :0) Gay xxx

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  12. Hi Marie,
    Gosh, your emotions must be all over the place at the moment. So sorry your friend is going through such a bad time, but what a great support you are for her. Congratulations to your son and his friends - this is an amazing achievement!!! Despite everything going on you've managed to make two incredibly striking cards and your wonderful sense of humour is still shining through.

    Hope things improve soon my scouse greek friend.
    Sending you a huge hug.
    xxx

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  13. Well I think your cards are just lovely! Hope you have a nice day and thanks for joining us at Craft-Room Challenge. Kim x

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  14. Hi Marie, well, you have been missed but it would seem you've been missing for all the right reasons ... so sorry to hear of your friends sad times. Isn't it the way of it though, whilst there's sadness there are still things to cheer for and your son's success is definitely something to celebrate. As is having your work featured on the Shabby Chic Girls Club ... well done but well deserved. Elizabeth x

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  15. Hi Marie, hope life will soon be quiter and happier for you. Congrats to your son on being chosen to perform. Love your cards, especially the 2nd one. Take care, miss you, hugs, Valerie

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  16. Great cards Marie, funny ws just thinking about you a few hours agon, wondering if you were ok. Sorry about your friends trouble and she is very lucky to have you by her side.
    Well done to your Son.

    Love
    Kath x

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  17. Hope your friend overcome this hard time of her life! I just wanted to say that I love your Christmas cards! Hugs, Valentina

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  18. oh hunny I am so sorry to hear about your friend hun its so sad gosh you have been missed hun glad you found time to craft hun both cards are brilliant love the layouts you take care hun ,love hugs cherylxxxxxxx

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  19. Glad you are well Marie, sorry to hear about your friend's troubles, though good news about your son. Two fab cards, I love the embossed felt! x

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  20. Hello Marie, I'm so sorry that this is such a sad time for you and your friends. True friends are a gift, and I'm sure your friend will treasure you being with her. Yours cards are wonderful both are really clever and I'm glad the happy theme inspired you to get crafting. Take care and I wish you and yours all the luck in the world. Thanks for joining us at Craft-Room Challange. Julia xx

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  21. hi Marie, sorry to hear of your friend- hugs x but great news about your sons band, 2 great christmas cards- thanks for joining us at Craft room challenge- Debi. p.s thank you for the lovely comments you left on my blog xxx

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  22. So sorry to hear that your friend is going through sad times at the moment but great news about your son.
    Your Christmas cards are lovely - I never thought of embossing felt. Thank you for joining us at Craft-Room Challenge.
    xxx Hazel.

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  23. Hi Marie ... I am so sorry you and your friend in Britain are having sadness in your lives. How lovely you are able to go and support your best friend. Such a gift. Congratulations to your son! What a coup. I do like your Christmas cards very much. For whatever reason, the brown and blue one really appeals to me. Take good care of yourself .. don't burn out. I'm sending loving energy for all of you during this time. You are in my thoughts. xxDonna

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  24. beautiful cards, lovely crackle effect on the letters!

    thank you for sharing with us at Craft-Room Challenge, good luck;-))m

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  25. So sorry to hear about this difficult time. Your cards are so upbeat and sweet...love them!

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  26. Hi Marie, your friend can be very lucky to have a friend like you. And you must be very proud for your son :)
    Love the crackled effect on the letters, shall give it a try, too.

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  27. How hard it must be to be feeling happy for your son at the same time as feeling sadness for your friend and her family. Do take care of yourself Marie.
    Your cards are gorgeous as always - especially the second with the intricate background in those wonderful colours. Vx

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  28. First, Marie, congratulations to your son for his honor. How wonderful that you were able to return to support him. (So important!) I'm sorry about your friend's sadness. You are a dear friend to go to be with her. I know it must mean so much to her. Your Christmas works are gorgeous. I especially like the one with the MS edging. Thanks for taking the time to visit when you are so rushed and busy. I appreciate it very much.

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  29. I have been wondering about you and missing your posts. I'm so sorry to hear your friend is going through such a sad time, but she is lucky to have such a wonderful best friend in you. Congratulations to your son and his accomplishments: a very proud mama you should be (and are, i know). :) your chrismtas cards are beautiful. i love the non traditonal colors of the 2nd one even if you did crop out the cute little bird. hee hee. ;)

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  30. Just love the brown blue and white color palette...unusual and creative. Beautiful pieces in this post...Hope all is well. take care, gerri

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