The New Normal

Hello there...
It's been several months since I have posted on this blog. Many medical interruptions have happened, and even though I didn't stop crafting I didn't have the energy to do any posting. My husband's heart started on a downturn and it left him unable to do anything around the house. Some of you know exactly what that means, and when you're not used to having to do EVERYTHING, it's pretty exhausting!!!

He is getting much better, but now we have the corona virus!!! We  are very blessed though, because we have a daughter living near us and she has taken on the responsibility of taking care of our outside needs. She shops, makes sure we have everything we need and checks in on us constantly!!! What a gift God gave us when He put it on her and her husband's heart to take care of us!!! We are so GRATEFUL!!!

I would  like to share a thought about this virus. I can only imagine how scary, overwhelming, and depressing this is. Especially for those who are out of jobs, in need of food and having their lives totally disrupted. And, of course, those who have actually lost loved ones, or can't visit them in the hospitals. My heart truly goes out to them. At the same time, I am truly grateful for all those people and businesses who have stepped up and are helping in any way that they can. The heroes who work in hospitals and any of our first responders are truly life givers. America cares for each other!!! So many are raising money; churches are caring for not only their own, but anyone in need, with food and supplies!!! Small businesses are trying their best to stay open and provide food takeout to make life easier for those at home. Schools are doing all kinds of innovative things to keep their students engaged and learning and having fun!!! I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!! I was not born here, we came as refugees from WWII, but I would not live anywhere else!!! THIS IS HOME!!!

Now on to my card. I looked around at the challenges to see which ones would fit a card I had made recently and to my delight, one of my favorites was just right. It's a little curly haired girl with a kitten in her arms. It's a W-9 image from several years ago. I bought it as soon as I saw it. She is just so cute!!!

I love these backgrounds made by putting down Distress Ink pads and then spritzing with a lot of water. Cut water color paper to a size a little larger than what you will need for your card. Cut 2 or 3 pieces (don't waste the color. It will make several backgrounds). Then holding on to the bottom of the card, slap it on to the wet paint. Do this until you like what you have. Don't mix the colors too much so they don't turn muddy. You can spritz on some shimmering mist to add some beautiful touches of shine. I didn't do that here, but I do it often because it's just so beautiful!!!

I made a square with vellum that was printed with some soft flowers,  and a square frame. She needed something to stand her away from the background. 

The girl was colored with Tombow Dual Brush pens and I use coloring pencils to color the face, arms and legs.

I am entering this card in to these challenges:

https://www.retrorubberchallengeblog.com/my-blog/  use a square

     my stamp is probably about 4-5 yrs. old from W-9

http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/  The theme is spring

      Spring colors and a little girl with a kitten = Spring!!

Thank you so much for visiting.

Please leave me a comment, I would love to know you were here!!!

Elena