Saturday 9 November 2019

White on White


Morning Peeps, it's Saturday and time for a new challenge at Allsorts and this week I am your host and my theme is "White on White' which is not just a challenge for all of you, it's also one for me as I find this style of card so difficult to make! This weeks lucky winner will receive a lovely Stamps by Chloe stamp.

I try not to go into too much detail about health on my blog, but I receive such kind enquiries to see how I am doing so in light of being handed a bit of a bombshell this week, feel I need to share if for no other reason than to explain my inevitable absences from blogland.

I've had eye issues stemming from my MS and associated bouts of Optic Neuritis for years, but not prepared for the devastating news at a routine hospital referral to schedule cataract surgery. I've been told I have irreversible and untreatable optic nerve and cornea damage and am going blind. They could not give me a time frame as it could be one to ten years before sight is lost. They are still doing my cataracts as it should improve my vision short term, so that's on 7th December.

And to top that off, Thursday hubby was rushed into hospital with heart issues, he had a heart attack at 40 so they are always cautious with him, he's now waiting for further tests. So I'll admit to being like two sheets in the wind this week.

Against all of that everything else pales into insignificance, I've built up resistance to the head injections for migraine so back to several all dayer's most weeks, but on a positive note I've been given the all clear following the last kidney CT scan so some good news.

Now back to my cards and will say that the flowers on the top one are white, but afraid on my photo you can be forgiven for thinking they are creamy yellow. An embossed back panel, a lattice frame both TL, leaves which are also TL, the flowers and some Butterflies which are Chocolate Baroque stamped onto vellum and heat embossed with detail white EP.


This one actually had two lives (see second picture below) as after making it using TL dies and embossing folder, flowers and lots of pearls I realised I needed a pearl wedding anniversary card but knew it would need to have some pink on it so added some pretty die cuts and an Italian sentiment sent to me by my friend Alice, thank you Alice it was perfect for this card.


Hope you all have a good weekend.
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40 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Brenda - what a week!!! I so feel for you. It's hard when things happen all at once :(. I will continue to pray, as that is the best I can do from this side of the world.
Loving your white on white - both cards are exquisite, and the texture really gives them a lot of interest. Love the pink touches on the second life if the second card (if that makes sense)
Blessings and prayers
Maxine

Babs said...

Thinking of you and sending lots of hugs. Your cards are beautiful clean and crisp, the the trellis background.
Babs x

Cath Wilson said...

Oh Brenda...my heart goes out to you. But despite your worries and concerns - not to mention everything else that life has thrown at you this week - you have made a couple of stunning cards. They are both beautiful.
I'll be thinking about you and your hubby.
Cath x

Kym's Crafty Cards said...

Brenda, gorgeous cards you have created. I too struggle with white-on-white. I am so very sorry to hear the news you received this week. I used to work in an Ophthalmology Department at our local hospital and it was this kind of news that the Consultants/doctors hated to give. Not sure if you have a Sight Concern Service where you live. If you have get in touch with them as they can provide physical and mental support that you so desperately need. I know you cherish each day but cherish a bit more. Sending my best wishes to hubby as well. Fingers crossed he gets the all clear after his tests. Best wishes, Kym xxx

Lynne said...

Oh Brenda, so sorry to hear your devastating news and with hubby poorly too, it must be taking it's toll on you. I am amazed that you still find time to make such beautiful cards, I love white on white they are so elegant x

Viv said...

Lovely cards B. x

Craftychris said...

I am so sorry to hear the news you have received, I know it must be a huge blow and your hubby not being good either yet you still managed to make such beautiful cards! Well done you! Sending lots of love and hugs your way. Take care. xxxxxxx

Di said...

What a wonderful set of cards B! Something made me come and check your blog today and now I know why. What devastating news and also your Hubby being unwell - you must feel knocked sideways. Sending much love and hoping it's a much better outcome than you fear.

Take care

Hugs

Di xx

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeoussssssssssssss Brenda you know I love white on white
hope I can make a card done.

Gr Karin

Ellibelle said...

So sorry to hear your bad news Brenda. All the best to you and your hubby as well and please know I am thinking of you!
Your cards are both beautiful. It was indeed a challenge but I do enjoy challenges even when I struggle a bit and I agree white on white cards look amazing. It's always great to get a bit out of our comfort zones when it comes to our hobby and thank your for challenging us this week!

Craftyfield said...

The Tattered Lace dies are perfect to add detail and interest to the white on white colour scheme, truly pretty cards, Brenda! Don't know what to say about your latest news, it is so disheartening to see you getting all the bad luck. I'll be thinking of you and hope that the worst doesn't come to pass for as long as possible. xx

Mrs A. said...

Oh my goodness what rotten news to receive. My heart goes out to you and your hubby. Sending big hugs and keeping you in my thoughts.
White on white is a card style I vere away from. So hard to get it just right but your card has eclipsed it. Love both of the versions. Hugs Mrs A.

Leanne Harris said...

Well Brenda, how sad I was to read of your eyesight issues and of course, hubby's worries too. Not wanting to dwell on such news but I am sincerely sorry to read your blog today and I hope that things don't progress too quickly and that you can continue to craft for as long as you possibly can. On to your white on white and I think they are absolutely beautiful, such subtle and gentle designs. I might have a go at Allsorts this week, being out of my comfort zone is an understatement! - you know me, throw all the ink I can at things!!!! White on white - OMG!!!!!! I send you a big hug and my love as I always do xxxx

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Your cards are beautiful Brenda and how kind of Alice to send you the sentiments. As I said to Kath, I always fine white on white cards to be really classy and these are gorgeous. Much love and crafty hugs, Sandra xxx

pinky said...

Oh Brenda I am so sorry to hear your news and the news about your hubby too. You both must be under such terrible stress and all I can do is keep you both in our prayers and thoughts. None of us know what lies ahead and nothing, even knowing can prepare you for it. But there is no braver, stronger person that I know that you Brenda and you will come through this. Your cards are just beautiful by the way xxxx

Fikreta said...

Im so sorry to read this.
sending you both lots of hugs and love
your cards are gorgeous!
hugs

crafty-stamper said...

Oh Brenda I am really sorry to hear your news as I thought you were doing a little better! I cannot even think how you must be feeling and then your hubby too hope his results are better than expected and really hope you cataract op prolongs your sight more than expected-on top of that you have prodiced two absolutely beautiful cards love the trellis die and all the pearls-so beautiful
Carol x

Lorraine said...

Oh Brenda - what a week for you, I'm so sorry to read your news. I can't begin to imagine how you must be feeling at the minute. I hope your hubby is ok and I'm sending you lots of big hugs.
By the way, you're cards are stunning as always!
Lorraine x

Kathleen said...

Three absolutely gorgeous cards, no-one would know that it was a difficult style for you, you have certainly cracked it with these stunning creations. Loved this challenge although I did panic at first.

Kath x

Mia said...

Beautiful cards, Brenda. White on white is always difficult! But you are so talented, my friend! Kisses!!!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, carissima Brenda, mi dispiace immensamente per le cattive news sui tuoi occhi e anche per l'attacco di cuore di tuo marito!!! Spero che i tuoi figli ti stiano aiutando in questo momento difficile! Spero che gli esami di tuo marito siano buoni e che lui esca presto dall'ospedale!! E spero davvero che la tua vista peggiori molto più lentamente di quello che i dottori pensano!!! Non è detto che abbiano ragione, anche loro possono sbagliare!
Sono sicura che la tua operazione di cataratta il 7 dicembre ti aiuterà un po', anche se tu non sarai ovviamente felice di dover essere operata!
Le tue card sono favolose!! Sono molto impressionata da come riesci ad essere precisa e dalla loro eleganza! Bianco su bianco è sempre difficilissimo, ma tu sei riuscita a dare dimensione, texture e un dolcissimo feel femminile alle tue creazioni. Hai un talento straordinario! Le farfalle di vellum sul graticcio sono delicatissime, così come le file di perle dietro il frame ovale, che bellissima idea!! Mi fa piacere che hai usato il sentiment italiano e il fiore/fiocco di neve sulla card di anniversario. Sai che quest'ultimo l'ho tagliato da un "foglietto acchiappacolore"(a drayer sheet)? :D
Preghiere e buone vibrazioni sulla tua strada, cara Brenda, che Dio ti aiuti in questo difficile momento.
Grandissimi abbracci

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

What a week you seem to have had Brenda, so sorry to hear your news about your eyes and also you husband. I hope that he makes a quick recovery. Good news about your kidneys, at least that is one thing less to worry about. I love the two white on white cards, they are beautiful.

Sue xx

Wendy L said...

Gorgeous cards, in fact they are stunning.
What a terrible week for you and hubby, I hope things improve for you both. Thinking if you and sending virtual hugs, xxxx

aussie aNNie said...

A most stunning display of white on white cards, love these gorgeous designs.
Hope your Sunday was/is good.xx

Marlies said...

A horrible week for you and your husband. I do hope you husband will recover soon. Terrible news about your eyes. I do hope that in the future they will have found something that will help you.
Your cards are beautiful. Very elegant with all the whites.
Take care, Thinking of you and your husband. big hugs, Marlies

Carole said...

Well lets start with white on white which I love..and I love your cards Brenda....so pretty. next up...well words are futile and nothing one can say can make it better for you...so here is a HUGE hug...feel the squeeze and all good wishes for you and hubby that go along with it. HUGS xx

Pat said...

Beautiful cards as always Brenda. So sorry about your eyesight problems, I really can sympathise as you know I have problems too and after my last op I now have a cataract and am really struggling at the moment. Hope all goes well for hubby and he is soon home again. Sending you some hugs, take care.

Pat xx

cuilliesocks said...

Goodness Brenda what a week for you and your husband, I'm so sorry to hear your news. It must have been quite devastating to here the new regarding your eyes. I hope the cataract op gives you some decent sight, and I also hope that your husband recovers from is heart attack.
As ever your cards are stunning, WoW is always such an elegant design. Keeping you in my thoughts, hugs Kate x

Rainey's Craft Room said...

Oh dear Brenda what an awful time you are having, I'm so sorry to hear of your news and that of hubby's health too. I do hope that he is improving since this post was written and that your cataract op goes well in a few weeks time.
WoW is my nemesis too, yours have turned out beautifully and I always find inspiration here.
Take care,
Lorraine

Linby said...

oh Brenda I am so sorry to read your latest health news and that of your hubby. I do hope he is ok now.

Your cards are so elegant and beautiful.
hugs
L x

KandA said...

I am so sorry to hear about your bad health news and also about hubby going into hospital. I do hope that he is making some improvement and will soon be home with you.

As always your cards are amazing - white on white are so hard to make but you've really nailed it. Take care xx

ALI said...

Beautiful cards Brenda you got the white on white, I love them.
Sorry about your news, sounds like a rough week. Sending hugs x

Mervi said...

Oh my, and I thought I had a rough week! Sorry about all the bad news.
The cards are so beautiful and wow-theme is always stylish one, thanks for it;-))m

Mrs.B said...

Just catching up Benda, and oh my, what a week you've just had! It really must have rocked your world - sending BIG HUGS.
Your cards are beautiful, I love to see white on white cards but I always find them such a challenge, your layered effect with embossing and die cuts works so well here.
Wishing you a better week ahead and some good news for hubby.
Avril xx

Tracy said...

These are really elegant Brenda, beautiful designs, we all need to challenge ourselves so we know what we can achieve, and you conquered this brilliantly.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Greta said...

Wow--you guys have really had a time of it! So sorry to hear about your eyes & hope the progression is even slower than they expect. Glad the kidney report was good & hope your hubby is OK. Love these elegant cards, Brenda--so beautiful!

Sarah said...

Such lovely cards Brenda, love how the second was altered for a Pearl Anniversary card. My word, what a week that must have been for all of you Brenda, sending my very best wishes for you and Hubby and hope that this week has been a better one xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Yours cards are stunning Brenda....So sorry to hear your news sending you a BIG HUG and hope the your hubby is now feeling better....so hard when you receive news that like about your eyes lets hope its a very slow progresion..


Anne

Liz said...

We've been away for a short break. I'm trying to catch up with my blog visiting and I've only just read this post. So sorry to hear your news, hopefully the deterioration in your sight will be very slow. Sending you a big (((HUG))).
Your cards are just stunning, such beautiful and elegant designs. xx

Gerrina said...

Think too this is a difficultchallenge, but I find it easier to use scraps, diecuts, embossed paper and gesso true stencils...
But like this with the trellies and flowers and beads-treath that is a great way to tackle this one too!
This is big news that you got and reading it left me in a shock... Hugs, Gerrina