Saturday, May 1, 2021

Dies R Us Basket of Flowers Calendar

 My life has had some sudden changes.  My husband of 51 years had been failing for some time from severe edema which caused open wounds in his legs. He had been treated at the wound center for some time but it never got much better. Eventually his legs gave out and he was not able to stand or walk on his own.  This meant some drastic changes in our life style, and my time was spent caring for him.  The wounds would get better and then worse so it was a constant battle.  Last month, he developed an  infection that necessitated an amputation. Unfortunately, he never recovered from the surgery and passed away in  mid-April. He is missed by many friends and family, but because he was a man of faith and believed death was graduation from this life to a better one, we all know that he is in the presence of his LORD.        

I am thankful to my team mates and  team leaders at Dies R Us and Double D for giving me some time to process my grief and move on to a new phase of my life.  Our card and craft community is populated with so many caring and understanding friends. Steve, my husband, was a great fan of all of you who sent me cards over the years.  He was impressed with the talent but more with the friendships I developed over the years.  We are truly blessed to be surrounded with so many loving and caring crafters.

Now on to my card for the Dies R Us Challenge . So many people have told me how they hate to throw my cards away so I have tried different ways to make them something that they can use and display for awhile.  I decided to use this basket shaped easel die from POPPYSTAMPS and make it a calendar that can sit on a desk or by the phone.  I chose to fill my basket with spring flowers, but I can see it filled with pumpkins, leaves, holly, poinsettias, hearts, eggs, fruit etc. 


This die set is versatile because it embosses the basket pattern and the die can also be used as a stencil to add some inked detail. The grass, leaves and bow all come with the die so you can complete a card without using anything else.  I love making homemade paper flowers so I added them to my basket.  The calendars are from Taylored Expressions. 


You will want to see what the team at Dies R Us Challenge  has done to inspire you this month. As always, it is amazing.   We look forward to seeing what you create. 


13 comments:

  1. Thank you my dear friend, for sharing more of Steve with us. It is very comforting to know that he is indeed with the Lord and there is no more pain and decline. I find your messages comforting as well.
    Your amazing card that is a basket of flowers made into a calendar that can be displayed every day is just super cute. I have two of your calendars and they sit my my computer here in Florida and I have one in Wisconsin. They are my daily reminder of the month and day, but also of your creativeness. So glad to say that you are my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love you, Kathy! My heart aches right along with yours! (((hugs))) Yes, take comfort Steve is no longer in pain and has 'graduated'. I am so happy we are friends, 'bookends' on opposite sides of the country!

    This is a gorgeous basket of beautiful flowers and I love that it is an easel card WITH a calendar...displayed all year long! Fantastic! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. So good to see you posting again. I LOVE Steve's attitude toward death! The notion that is is a graduation is so comforting, and it must give you some happiness knowing that he is in a place of expanded awareness and peace. Your calendar is so beautiful, those flowers and the bow are just gorgeous. Please know I think of you often. I hope you find joy in creating again.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my sweet friend, you remain in my daily prayers as I know life has been very difficult for you of late. But as you said, Steve is now out of pain and with his Lord ... I'm sure that helps to ease the sadness in your heart a little. I am ALWAYS just a click away and be assured I'm here for you anytime you need anything I can do from across the country.
    Your card project is FABULOUS and BEAUTIFUL! You are so talented and I draw inspiration from your creativity! Well done Kathy. So happy to see you crafting ... I know Steve is cheering you on from above. HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Kathy I am sitting here with tears in my eyes and thinking of you often, I know it came as a shock to you but having your beliefs is hopefully a comfort to you, I am a firm believer too and thank the Lord everyday for my own recovery from my mini stroke and heart issues, please take care my friend and know we are always with you in thought! Your card/calendar is absolutely beautiful and would be a treasure to keep, I still have the one your sent me a few years ago as it is so beautiful, maybe I should order a new calendar for it to use again..hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kathy, I am so sorry to hear that your husband passed away. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your calendar is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry for the loss of your dear husband, Steve. May God, friends, and family be of comfort to you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your card/calendar is very creative and lovely! Many lovely flowers in the basket, so pretty! I'm sure it will be a treasured keepsake for the recipient! Well done, Kathy! Take care, hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I wondered why you were missing and now I know. You have my deepest sympathy. Sometimes it is hard to get back into our creative side but I am glad to see you are moving on. As always your work is fantastic. That is a gorgeous basket of flowers and your calendar is a wonderful easel styled design.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hugs and prayers Kathy. So difficult to lose a husband.

    Your basket card is so beautiful that I'm sure who ever receives is will keep it up for a LONG time! So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your faith, and that of your husband's is truly inspiring Kathy! Oh to have such strength..... Your card is pure delight! The basket filled with your handmade flowers is perfectly delightful. Sending you big hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kathy, I am so impressed that you have jumped right back into card making after losing your beloved husband. You are truly a woman of faith. I can tell that by your strength.
    Your card is beautiful! I love that basket of beautiful flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kathy I am so sorry for your loss of your husband! May he rest if peace! Your easel card with calendar is a wonderful card! That basket filled with such beautiful flowers is a real treasure! Take care of yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, my dear Kathy. I'm so sorry to read this news and sorry it took me so long to get here and offer my condolences. I've been off the computer due to home projects. I knew about Steve's surgery, but did not know of his passing. Your faith and your friends and family have helped you carry on. I'm glad you have your craft and, yes, I'm one who likes to keep your cards on display. Your basket with calendar is beautiful. Sending hugs.

    ReplyDelete