So Grateful For You

Not everyone can say that their best friend has been around for them for over 45 years, but I am lucky enough to be able to say that mine has.  I met my BFF, PattiLyn, when I was four years old during the summer before we started Kindergarten together.  Both of us have been through some really tough stuff over the years, and it has been SUCH a blessing having her in my life through it all.  She has gone through more than I have, and I feel SO BLESSED and SO GRATEFUL to have had the opportunity to be her friend through it all. I've become a better, stronger, more aware and educated person through the experiences I have shared with her.  After all these years, I am finally starting to see some healing come to her troubled heart that has been a long time in the making, and I look forward to seeing where it will lead.  I couldn't be more grateful for her friendship, her love, her wisdom, and just for her in general.  My life is better because of her friendship and unconditional love.

We created over 20 cards togethr while she was here visiting for a week, two mini albums, two pocket cards, and two home decor type decorations using embroidery hoops (those posts are forthcoming).  These two cards are among those we created together, and the sentiments really say so much.  If you have a friend for whom YOU are grateful, I encourage you to let them know it this week.  Tell them how much they mean to you, and tell them you are grateful to have them in your life.  We never know how short our lives may be, and we should never pass up an opportunity to share our feelings with those we love.

These two cards were made using all scrap pieces of paper.  I found these small pieces in my stash, and was determined to make them work.  I stamped the sentiments on shipping tags, added seam binding bows, some pearl strings, solid baker's twine in cream and red, a Sweet-N-Sassy Scallop Border Die in deep red wool felt that I stitched on, some sequins, machine stitching, and kraft lunch bag note cards.  Oh yes, I also used a PTI postage stamp die-cut to add this little patches of turquoise gingham patterned paper.  I've always got SO much going on that I often forget to mention little elements I've implemented.  Thank heaven for PTI.....they're the cutest ever!

The butterflies were cut using a Papertrey Ink die-cut and were cut from a sheet of cork that I had in my stash.  I layered two butterflies together on each card to give them some depth.  I just love the sweet little heart hole in the center of this PTI butterfly die-cut.

I will be sharing my cards in these challenges:

Choux Choux Paper Art - Challenge #5 - Easter/Spring - I love using butterflies on my Spring cards.

Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge/Come Rain or Shine - This is more of a SHINY DAY CARD when the butterflies come out!

DLArt -Thankful Thursday - Challenge #177 Anything Goes

As You Like It Challenge Blog - Favorite Line on Bingo Board and Why - My "Bingo" is crooked.  Mine don't go in a straight line, but I covered four of the elements (Pearls, Gems, Dies and Ribbons).  The reason "WHY" I had to go crooked on the Bingo board is because "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things", after all.

Thanks for stopping by, and please know that I am very grateful for your visit and for any feedback you might leave.  I look forward to visiting your blog to see what you've been creating this week, and I hope that you will be sure to link up ALL your projects this week at Word Art Wednesday.  We invite everyone to play along.

Blessings,

Karen