Monday, February 16, 2015

Cute & Cuddly!

So this week I was addicted to making baby cards. Lots and lots of baby cards, and lots and lots of buttons. I find it therapeutic to do the repetitive sewing. When I saw Vicki's challenge this week for Flashback Friday was BABY stuff, I pulled out some stash & went to it.


Supplies: PTI stamps; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Spectrum Noir markers; Stampin Up paper; Corner Chomper; classic small circle Nesties; buttons 

I had a piece of off-white paper sitting on my desk - no idea what manufacturer - and decided to use that for the image panel. The colouring turned out mottled & textured and made the bear look furry, almost like I know what I'm doing! The buttons are a recent gift from a crafty friend who knew I have had a heck of a time finding green buttons in any amount. All the other stuff has been kicking around for at least 2 years, especially that paper. I pull it out & then put it away again, and I think this might be the first time that bear has made it onto a card. 

Since a bear is a critter, I'm also entering over at Simon Says All Creatures Great & Small.

On to the therapeutic side of things - this has been a tough week. Riley was diagnosed with depression in December (which we knew was coming). Unfortunately the meds weren't working, so on Tuesday the psychiatrist changed his med regime and I kept him home all week to keep an eye on him. So far it's not worse but it's not better yet either. I realized Friday that it's been two years since one or the other of my kids has been depressed and/or suicidal. Add that to the obsessive nature of autism and I am just.so.tired.

Abby cut her foot a month ago - necessitating an emergency vet trip, pain meds, and complete rest for a week. And then last week she reinjured the same foot, which seemed to be healing well UNTIL Thursday morning she didn't wake up with me (which is very weird) and when I went to check on her, her foot was swollen and obviously infected. Another emergency vet trip, antibiotics for minimum three weeks, and pain meds. 

And I'm diabetic - and my sugars have been crazy for months, despite med adjustments. So last Tuesday I thought to myself gee, my toe hurts - and lo and behold, with no injury, a blister had formed under the nail pushing the nail nearly all the way off. And it's not healing. So I predict antibiotics are in my future as well, when I finally get in to see the doctor tomorrow. 

Add in the snowstorm we just got that has left 5-7 foot drifts by my back door, and I am so ready to scream UNCLE I can't even tell ya. Thank goodness for crafty things, good friends, and the Internet for bringing me distractions and support! If you made it through all that, thank you :)

xoxo,
Jessi

15 comments:

*Vicki* said...

Jessi I adore teddy bears and you do have it looking like it's fluffy and cuddly here! ;) I so love your idea with the button frame too!! Love the green colors to go with your papers and you've done such a perfect job with this!! Now I will have to go back and check out all of your other makes as well!! :) LOVE THIS!!! Thanks so much for sharing your creation at my Flashback Friday Challenge! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*
P.S. I'm so sorry about your tough week my friend. Sending you hugs and strength to get through it all!

Chris Dring said...

First off, this card is all sorts of adorable! Love that Teddy bear and of course, the button frame around it! I'm sorry that your life has had such an elevated level of suckiness to it lately. Hoping the boys, Abby, you and hubby all feel better soon. Sending hugs your way! <3

Barbara Godden said...

Super cute teddy and adorable card with all the buttons. So sorry you are being hit with so much at once, I hope they can get everything sorted out for you, Riley and Abby.

jimlynn said...

Ah Jessi, what a rough time you've had the last few weeks! I know you're ready to pull your hair out. Keep thinking positive thoughts though and I know all will be better soon. Sending big hugs your way!

Cute as a button of course on your baby card. Love the button on his little belly and all the individual stitching on the frame of buttons. Very, very cute.

Lynn

Annette Allen said...

adorable.. i love when you add the button frames.. so cute

Jerrie said...

This is so sweet. I love how you outlined the oval in buttons and added the heart button for the bear belly!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

My toenail is crawling around in sympathy for yours. Oh my heck. You certainly have had your share of ick lately. The snow is quite literally the icing on the cake. Your card is as cute as a button though. Or several buttons. Or an entire passel of buttons. I think baby cards are cute and fun but I don't know people who are breeding anymore. We'll all old and cranky now.

Stamping Smiles Designs said...

Adorable card! Love how you framed the image with buttons! :)

Carol L said...

Thank goodness you can make adorable baby cards to add a little therapy to your hectic life! I love all those sewn-on buttons! I'm sorry life is throwing you so many curves these days, but try to stay positive throughout it all. Life truly could be much worse, but you're all still together, so with a positive outlook, you should all pull through! sending caring thoughts your way along with lots of ((hugs)) :)

debby4000 said...

Oh this is adorable and love how you've used all those buttons.
Thank you for joining us at Simon says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Luv
Debby

Becca Cruger said...

Oh, my dear friend, it sounds like you could use some big hugs. I'm sorry you've got some crummy things going on in your life. I'm wishing you nothing but strength and good things. I think this bear is just the cutest with his button tummy!

Lindsey said...

Such a week. Thank goodness for crafting (and perhaps other therapeutic measures...) to help see you through it. I'd be crying uncle, too.
On to your card... so cute! I love the one heart-shaped button that you saved for adorning the bear.

~Tammy~ said...

This is awesome! You know I adore your button cards! Sweetness!

I think cardztv has a baby gift challenge going on! Perfect for your theme you have going!

Greta said...

I'd give you a big hug if I was there, so take this as an e-hug! Your card is therapeutic for me--so darn cute! I love how you used the buttons, Jessi!

Andrea W said...

Warm thoughts and wishes to you and your family. Wishing you better days ahead!