Monday 12 May 2014

Fair Ladies



It seems my Monday DT shares for this weeks Prickly Pear and Nicecrane DT pieces are all about Ladies and rather elegant ladies at that.

First I am going to try and update you as so many have very kindly asked how things are in what seems like a never ending sage and something I am still struggling to accept, much of the time my health issues seem surreal and the 'c' word something I still can't bring myself to say, although I appreciate many go through the same and far worse so don't wish to sound as though I am complaining.

I do have a big op scheduled but I have asked to be referred to Liverpool as it's one of only two places in the UK who offer a less invasive form of the surgery on the NHS, less time in hospital and therefore less risk of infection which is important as I am immune compromised. According to the literature they gave me there are only 17 surgeons in the UK who perform 20 or more if this particular operation each year which means it's quite rare and needless to say all but two work in the private sector, that is not a financial option for me hence the request to go to Liverpool. But the NHS wheels move slowly so I have to be patient and they have done their best to assure me this form of 'c' is usually self contained so not to be alarmed by the delays, although that's easier said than done.

And another spanner in the works is our holiday insurance...............I am determined I am going on our cruise in August which has been booked since this time last year..............but our usual company declined renewal of our annual policy. I spent ages looking for another until a very kind DT friend sent me some links provided by her partner who works in the industry, for companies specialising in cover for serious illness and we now have a policy in place, so one less thing to stress about.

OK, enough negative talk and on to my Prickly Pear piece on which I used this lovely Geisha KK005 image which I coloured with Wink of Stella pens and cut out to stand in front of the floral garden which is stamped with HH0070 Celebrate Spring and HH0044 Flower Silhouette both of which I inked with Distress Markers. The little butterflies are the Mini Butterflies dies D023 which has four in the set. I made the fence from a section of the Cheery Lynn lattice die.


The above card is on of a set of three I made for Ignacio using the same basic design which he tells me is one of the most loved Origami folds, I just fell upon it watching a demo and thought how well these A Dream of Fair Women designs would fit this style. All DO's are Graphic 45.



And this one is from the lovely new 'Oh Paris' designs which I placed into an oval aperture cut with a Nestie and added some swirls, flowers and a feather to compliment the ones in the lady's hat.

And last but by no means least the lucky winner of my candy which ended yesterday is......................Ellisa........congratulation to you, please mail me with your full name and postal addy. Should I not hear from you by Friday 16th I will re-draw the prize. Note added Tuesday - Ellisa is the winner as published and has been in contact with me. My apologies to Sylvie that somehow the link was wrong, but if you (Sylvie) would like to mail me as I don't find a mail link on your blog, I would like to send you something as an apology for the mix up and your disappointment that someone told you you had won.

Happy Monday Peeps.

58 comments:

susiestacey said...

Beautiful cards Brenda, pleased you are thinking positve Brenda and have a lovely holiday to look forward to as well x Susan x

Wendy L said...

Well done winner.
Gorgeous cards Brenda, so beautiful.
Chin up and fingers crossed you her some news soon, xxx

samantha wade said...

Hi, beautiful cards, love them all, sorry about your health problems, didn't realise how poorly you are, wishing you all the best with your op and will be thinking of you, take care,xx

McCrafty's Cards said...

These are all beautiful and elegant Brenda, I love the vintage ladies.
Kevin xx

Crafting Queen said...

Two beautiful cards. Keeping you in my prayers.

Paula (PEP) said...

The first catches my eye with the lovely backdrop across the top echoing the flowers on her dress & your lovely dimensional scene with the trellis & butterflies. The second catches my eye with those very striking black leaves & butterflies complimenting the image. The final one is my favourite though with the way you used the feathers to enhance the wispiness of her shawl - the way those swirls & the ribbon perfectly frame her with just the right colours is lovely.
You continue to be in my prayers & much love
Paula (PEP)

coldwaters2 said...

Brenda my thoughts are with you I pray that your health issues will improve you are too lovely to have to go through all this. Brenda your cards are all stunning I love both the vintage and Oriental styles as both are a big favourite of mine, you have brought a lot of delight to me today so thank you.
hugs
lorraine x

Whisper said...

Gorgeous selection of cards hun, especially loving the chines one with the inspirational fencing.

Sending hugs, Luv Sam x

Desire Fourie said...

We are never disappointed popping in here. Its always such a delight for the creative senses. I am sure you are so looking forward to your cruise and wish you all the best for the op to be scheduled asap for you.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

rachel said...

gorgeous cards Brenda one and all - I especially love the geisha design - so very pretty! Glad to hear you got your insurance sorted out and hope the op in Liverpool gets sorted out sooner rather than later! Big hugs to you! Rachel xx

Debbie said...

Congratulations to Ellisa - enjoy.Wow Brenda 3 incredibly beautiful makes.So unique in their own way.Such elegance too.I love seeing what you've been creating. I want you to know that I'm thinking about you and your family.I think you are amazing and such a strong willed lady who is always thinking of others.You spur me on.Good for you to want to still go on your cruise, and so you should.Thank you for being so brave and sharing with us, I am honoured to call you my bloggy friend.Big hugs Debbie x

Alёnushka said...

Wow, awesome cards!!!
My congratulations to happy winner!!!

Bad Kitty said...

gorgeous cards!
congratulations to winner!

Mervi said...

Fabulous cards, love the origami folding;-))m

Lorraine said...

Hi Brenda, I hope your health begins to improve soon. You come across as a very strong lady and have a very positive attitude and I hope this helps you.
Your cards are gorgeous as always, fabulous ladies.
Hugs
Lorraine x

gwen70 said...

Gorgeous cards today Brenda, hope you don't have to wait to long for the op, the waiting is the worst

Jacee said...

Hi Brenda, Not been around for quite a while but I'm back now and looking at your wonderful cards. These three are so lovely, I can't pick a fave! though I really do like the colours and the feather on the last one, fabulous work!
Hugs Jacee
Sorry to hear that you have health issues.

Robin said...

Please keep your positive thinking going. God performs miracles all the time. I pray for your recovery. Many people beat this and I pray you are one of them.

Your cards are mega gorgeous and elegant! You are so creative. Congrats to Ellen! Hugs, Robin

Eret said...

Brenda, you are amazing! Even then you have so much to deal with, you can still make so many stunning cards. I'm thinking of you everyday and i'll send god wishes on your way.
Hugs,
Eret

ribenaruby said...

Congratulations winner! Wow, Brenda I love the Geisha card...how exquisite she looks, love how you did the fence. I' m sending big cyber hugs, what an ordeal it's been and what a kind friend to point you in the right direction, wishing you all the best as always! Ruby x

Sue said...

Your cards are stunning Brenda. I love the images and such beautiful detailing.
I hope you don't have to wait too much longer for you op. You are so brave and it's good that you are staying so positive.
Sending you good wishes and praying for a speedy recovery.
Sue xx

Jane said...

Thanks for keeping us up to date with your news Brenda and I think you are right waiting to have the op done by someone who does this more than a few times a year. I'm glad you got your insurance sorted...you need a holiday and it's a very positive thing to do. Your new set of cards are all beautiful, crafting is such a perfect distraction. Take care, thinking of you, Jane xx

stampingbowd said...

So sorry to hear of the ordeals you are going through. It's so easy for others to say "this form of 'c' is usually self contained so not to be alarmed by the delays" but rather difficult when it's in YOUR body and you have to be patient! You have my thoughts. Thanks so much for updating us. Yay, for the new policy and I hope you get to go on that cruise! August seems far away but it will be here before we know it!!!

On to your beautiful cards! I love how you used the lattice for a fence. The image is lovely and your embellishments gorgeous!

Karen Petitt said...

Truly beautiful cards Brenda, love all of them. You are one amazing lady and I hope you know that. You are dealing with big health issues, holidays, and red tape yet you still carry on making beautiful cards! You are amazing. Keeping you in my thoughts and I hope you get seen at that hospital soon Karen x

Maureen R said...

Beautiful cards Brenda. I love the pretty liquid pearls accents on the PPRS card. Lovely. Hugs, Maureen

ALI said...

Gorgeous cards. Brenda, I hope everything goes well regarding your health.

mojescrapowisko said...

La troisieme me plait le plus!

Sarah said...

Firstly Brenda, LOVE the new header!! Great cards and I particularly like the origami frame, not to mention the beautiful images and the wonderful Geisha. I hope things move along for you so you are soon out the other side of this chapter and enjoying your cruise xx

cebelica said...

Thanks for the update Brenda. I hope everything will go as it should. I know it's hard to stay patient, but you must. Fingers crossed you won't have to wait too long.
Also, I hope you'll be in perfect shape in August when you'll go to the cruise!
Youd cards are stunning. So elegant. Really nice.
Hugs! xx

Jackie said...

I am so pleased that you have got your holiday insurance sorted out, hugs.
The Statins haven't caused my shoulder pain, that is caused by the Calcific tendonitis. The reason I am off Statins for a month is to see whether they are making it worse. Thank you for telling me about your OH experiences with them.
What a wonderful selection of cards, please don't worry about catching up, you don't need that pressure {{{{{hugs}}}}}
Jackie xx

Nicecrane Designs said...

So amazing vintage fashion cards Brenda,,,,,lovethe stunning vintage look on your pretty ladies and your dies,,,,and what stunning flowers,,,,,You are Rock,,,,,,Brenda...

Berina RGA said...

this too shall pass.... hoping it'll pass real soon!! and hope you enjoy your cruise in August... lovely creations!!! as always, you rock!!
-Berina
Moxie Craftie

hellerlittle said...

ohohoh I love your Cards - as always Brenda ... but the 2nd and the last are such amazing to me !!!
wishing you all the best with your op and I ll be thinking of you, take care hun!
CU hellerlittle

PS: is there something going wrong with the candy winner???
If the link is right so it´ll be Sylvia from Germany - I know her a while, if not so you better go and Change it fast......;o)

KandA said...

Hi Brenda, these are 3 amazing cards. Love the layout of the first, the fabulous origami fold frame of the second and the third is so beautiful with the oval aperture and feathers.
Fingers crossed that things move quickly with your op. Take care xx

http://cheryl-cherylscreativeatcscards.blogspot.co.uk/ said...

Oh these are 3 stunning cards hun each one a real treat for the eyes hugs cheryl x hope all goes well with your op hun xxx

Annie said...

hi Brenda.....what a trio of fabulous cards. Love all three but my favourite is the third...I just love the whole layout and design

TFS and Best Wishes
Annie x

Gerrina said...

First about the cards: super slegant, e;legant and elegant/ all beautiful and so fine tuned and set in their own times by the colours and forms you used...Stunning!
Good to hear that you find one solkucion by one of your blogger-friends! Hope you can put up with the waiting... sending some positive energy from me to you.... Hugs, Gerrina

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Gorgeous vintage style today. Sending you huge hugs too. I have some yummy candy on offer x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Brenda, thank you for the update on your health - I know you have been going through a lot and I have been praying for you - and will continue to do so. Sending lots of hugs too. All of your cards are so beautiful - I am partial to the geisha since I have been on an Asian kick lately. Will keep you in my prayers.

Unknown said...

Just love your geisha! You blow me away with each new creation! Get well soon!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Brenda, So sorry to read all that you are going through. The C word is scary and indeed some types can wait for the surgery, but the waiting can be quite stressful. I hope you get word soon and all of course thinking positive that all goes smoothly for you. It's wonderful that you have a fantastic vacation to look forward to. Your card design are gorgeous, you are amazing. Take good care, hugs, Shirleyx... ps.. thx for stopping in a my blog :)

Rene' said...

Your card for Prickley Pear is just so elegant and soft. It's beautiful!

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, these are gorgeous. I love the image you used on the first card.

I hope you're able to get things all settled for your op.

Congrats to the winner!

Mrs A. said...

Glad to hear that you managed to get your insurance cover sorted. We had to pay an extra premium to our insurance company to cover Hubbys 'C'. Hope you can get the operation done without too long a wait.
Your 3 cards are lovely. I especially like the origami one. hugs Mrs A.

Michelle Pearson said...

Beautiful cards as always! Love the garden scene you created with the PPRS stamps.
Have been and will continue to think of you....sending you positive thoughts.

Becky said...

WOW Brenda, these are gorgeous. I love the designs.

debby4000 said...

Wonderful cards Brenda but I do love the first one best of all. Do hope the wheels of the NHS get a move on and the Op is quickly done and over with so you can look forward to your cruise.
luv
Debby

Merry said...

Congrats to the winner of the wonderful prize. Brenda I am sending positive thoughts and hope these help speed up the process for you to be able to be operated on. Thanks for sharing where you are up to. Take care and keep crafting these beautiful cards, they must help. i really like each of them....such wonderful styles and perfect embellishing. Life seems to have sped up over my way as I now work at the high school which our two kids have just finished. Sometimes I struggle but I do enjoy learning the systems. I deal with trying to keep unexplained absences under control.

Lynn (delphinoid) said...

Gorgeous Cards Brenda!

They are all so pretty and they colour themes are lovely.

Congrats to the winner.

Happy Crafting!!! :) X X

Shirohana said...

Congratulations to the winner!
Thank you for the opportunity to participate.

Silvia(Barnie) said...

These are wonderful cards, I especially love the first one.

mags said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda. Congratulations to the winner of your candy.
Mags
x

Jaya Raghuvanshi said...

Wow !love these cards! really gorgeous images!
congratulations to the winner!

Michelle J M said...

Stunning cards as ever Brenda. The oriental one is so pretty! I am so glad you got your insurance sorted. I am sure that everything will be fine with your operation, one must always be positive (well I try!). Take care, Michelle x

BlackLissi said...

Gorgeous cards, Brenda! So elegant! I love all three!<3

arelierbymary said...

Such amazing cards. Congrats Ellisa:)

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Dear B. am praying for you with the big op.and for everlasting mercies with the timing and so on.. glad that the cruise is still on the go there and pray indeed it will come to pass..
Well really love the ladies and Ignacio's images are wonderful value and quality!!

.. every blessing dear friend, sorry not been over much things are full on and blogging very much takes back seat.. Shaz in Oz.x

scrappymo! said...

Staying positive is a great help with fighting this diease. You sound strong in this regard. Well done! I know it can not be easy to do.

Prayers offered here for a full and quick recovery.

The lady in the aperture is so delicate and pretty and the folded back first card is so fun of a design!