I’m back! It’s Been a Rough Patch!

Animals, Father's Day, masculine, Newton's Nook, Ocassions, Published, Seasons, Summer

Hello friends! 🙂  Are you still with me out there?  (This is a bit of a long post to catch you up with what’s happened.)

Wow!  It sure has been a while since I’ve been able to even TRY to get back into things.  This was a really abrupt and rude unplanned disappearance from me and I was getting worried for a while about how I would even begin to start up again!  I actually feel pretty “rusty” and unpracticed from my absence and I have a few things to share with you too!

Firstly, I want to thank you ALL from the very bottom of my heart for your wonderful comments, personal e-mail, cards and social media contact that I’ve heard from many of you.  There were days that I just went to tears hearing from my fellow crafty friends as it came on a few days that I REALLY needed it the most!  I thank you SO MUCH for that and it really helped to get me though some difficult pain days.

So what happened was a worsening of something that I believed to be a minor back issue that I thought would resolve on it’s own, but the issue grew worse and more painful to the point that I couldn’t sit, stand, walk or even getting out of bed was painful enough that I had a procedure to try and control the nerve pain.  With this done, along with physical therapy and adjustments to my life style, I am feeling better now.  It’s not COMPLETELY pain free, but it’s tolerable enough to do normal tasks for a period of time until I need to move around again.  It’s just a life style adjustment that I can live with and hopefully fit in with what I love to do which is crafting!  It really bothered me to just “walk away”, but sometimes when your health is in trouble, you just have to do what you have to do and heal.  I have just learned that SEVERAL small breaks a day are better than none at all and I will pay for it later if I don’t!  🙂  Thanks for sticking it out with me!

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And so with that, I would like to share a couple of things that actually took way longer to complete than what I would normally take the time to complete and it was actually the very last little bit that I had accomplished before I had to completely step out of my room for a while.  My husband wouldn’t let me go back in there until he was sure that I could tolerate my pain ok.  Still working through the exercises until my follow up Dr. appointment, but I think I’ll be fine from here…I sure hope so as I’m ready to ROCK N ROLL!!!  LOL

I had made a couple of masculine cards:

Vicki-Brutus Monroe-Rock ON

Although I don’t have a black light, if you hold up the card to a black light, the watercolor background that I made will glow!  It’s a pretty cool affect!

I took one of the foilable image panels from the kit and took several of the Neon Aqua Pigments and smooshed them over the background until I was happy.  I tried to foil over it, but it didn’t completely get all of it.  I added the strip of holographic paper at the bottom and the stamped elements along with the stars over it.  For the sentiment, I heat embossed it with the  EP that came in the kit and popped it up with foam tape.  My bro seemed to like it and I think those neon watercolors turned out pretty cool! 🙂

Vicki-NN-FathersDay

This is probably one of my all time faves from Newton’s Nook called Winston’s BBQ.  I think they have had this set for a while, but It’s a great one for masculine themed designs!

I’ve used a kraft cardstock background and stamped several of the images from the set all over the background with the same color of ink.  For the main panel, I stamped Winston, the grill and sentiment together and colored with my Copic markers.  I also sponged some blue ink around the edges of it for a “sky” looking appearance.

I’ve taken a strip of silver foil cardstock and ran an embossing folder through it to place across the center of the card.  I used some foam tape to pop up the image panel over top.  All of these layers were placed over an A2 sized white top folding card base.

Of course, last but not least, I wanted to share a card I had completed for a guest design card meant for June and that was completed at the end of May, but I was unable to share it before I had to leave for a while.  This is the card I gave to my husband for Father’s Day and he really does feel like my super hero! 🙂

Vicki-PNDSuperBoyDog-June15

Isn’t this just the cutest?!  I made this card using the adorable Paper Nest Dolls Superboy Owen and his sweet companion Superpuppy too!  I had so much fun blending the background in the different colors!  I added some blue stars stamped in the background.  the city scape behind him was made with a city scape die cut layered a couple of times.  I used some yellow cardstock behind the building for a lighted building affect.  The wall was made using some gray colored cardstock and then a brick stencil with some red ink colored embossing paste to over it with.  Then I just added the sentiment by white heat embossing it over a black strip that I die cut out.

Vicki-PNDSuperBoyDog-June15-close

Here’s a closer view of the coloring I’ve done on the images.  I’ve used a silver gel pen to color in the buckle on his outfit.  I fussy cut the images out after coloring.

Here you can also see the splattering that I’ve done with some white shimmer paint in the background with the blue stars.

Other news

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I actually got a bit of really cool news while I was down and thanks to a lovely craft friend, she tagged me and let me know about this, but my set of Whimsy Stamps “Bee cards” were shown in the Making Cards & Papercraft Magazine for August 2019!  Chosen as a “top spot” editor’s pick right inside the front cover!  I was very surprised and to see what was said about it along with my blog address was pretty cool!  So go get your copy of this magazine!  It’s my first time having a peek at it and they’ve got some pretty neat inspiration in there!

Although I have been in a great deal of pain and mainly dealing with what came with it, of course my husband was great at trying to “distract” me from it and trying to get me to smile as much as possible.  He knew first hand how I was feeling each day and like I mentioned above, he’s my super hero!  So there were a few fun or smiling moments here and there while I was being patient with myself as much as I could anyway.

Vicki-backyard fireworks

I wasn’t able to do much to celebrate 4th of July, but going out in my backyard, my neighborhood seemed to have a pretty cool display!  You can see the half moon at the bottom underneath the left side of the firework.  Needed bug spray, but it was a nice night!

Vicki-Styx Concert

Back in April, hubby and I had gotten some Styx concert tickets and I was worried about going due to the problems I was having.  Of course hubby said not to worry about it as our seats were great with no one behind us so I could sit, stand or whatever I needed to do!  It was loud enough with the music and it took my mind off things plus I could always clap and sing the songs!  🙂  We took a good break in the middle of it so I could move around away from the seat too.  It was a great concert!

Vicki-Black Eyed Susans

In my backyard, I have different flowers and I really enjoy going out in nature to see the flowers, birds, bees, etc.  The flowers this Summer really helped me relax, smile and just enjoy the beauty that is around.

Some days were absolutely horrible, but there are also these days too…

Vicki-Purple Cone Flowers

Vicki-Iris

Vicki-red Iris

Vicki-orange Iris

Vicki-Yellow Iris

Vicki-Hydrengas

I’m soooo happy to finally be able to write up a post and now that I’m able to start getting back into my stamp room, I’m very excited to be able to come back to my design teams (who were ALL so absolutely wonderful with letting me have the time to heal and recover!  It meant so much!) and I will be along again soon to share new creations now!  Yay!  Hope everyone is doing well and I’ve missed you!

Crafty hugs

Published by *Vicki*

I'm so happy you found me! I love to share smiles with my handmade cards! I also enjoy papercrafts through art journaling, scrapooking and mixed media projects too! Thanks for stopping by!

Published

61 thoughts on “I’m back! It’s Been a Rough Patch!”

  1. so very glad you are on a good recovery road and keeping you in my prayers.
    your cards, as always are gorgeous and fun. your flowers are absolutely gorgeous.
    a big fan of black-eyed susans.
    hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and take things slowly. GLAD YOU’RE BACK

    Liked by 1 person

  2. So delighted to stop by your blog today and find this wonderful news – improving health and published beauties. I love the amazing cards you are sharing today and the photos of your backyard flowers!! What joy is must bring you to sit out and take in their beauty!

    Prayers for your pain to continue to lessen with each passing day. Thanks you for this wonderful post that made my day, Vicki!

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  5. I love your wonderful cards, dear friend, but OMG!!! I’m beyond happy and excited to see a post from you today! So sorry you’ve been dealing with the back pain, but happy to hear that the procedure has improved the problem. Now we pray for total healing! Yay! You’re back! Hugs…!

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    1. Thank you so much sweet Patti!! 🙂 I’m happy to be on the down side of things and look forward to getting crafty!! Thank you always for your encouraging messages and prayers!! HUGS

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  6. So sorry to hear you’ve been in so much pain. I hope things continue to improve for you. I’ve missed seeing your creations. Your cards are fantastic and your flowers are beautiful. I can’t wait to see what new creations you have to share, but take care of yourself first.

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    1. Thank you SO MUCH Rhonda!! I really appreciate your support and kind thoughts! I’m just happy to get back into things again!! 🙂 HUGS

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  8. Hi Vicki. So glad you are back in blogland. I have missed you my friend. Was glad to see your comment on my card on FB.
    You have made some wonderful cards for the guys in your family. Great to see you have been published (so awesome). Wonderful husband to let you enjoy some nice things in life and your photos of the flowers are beautiful.
    Take good care of yourself and see you soon in blogland.
    Dutch hugs from
    xxx Margreet

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  10. Vicki, I am so sorry you are have been having such a rough time! Being in pain is no fun at all! I am glad that you are able to craft again, I know how much you love it! Your cards are wonderful! Are you still in pain sometimes? Is this something that will completely “heal” or is this an on-going ailment? For your sake, I hope it is all over! I am so happy to see your creations again! I have missed them! You always inspire me! Feel better!! Big Hugs!!

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    1. Thank you Lori! The pain has not gone COMPLETELY away and I’m sure it will always be an issue of some sorts. It has gotten much better and tollerable with the exercises and such. It’s just something that will be apart of my life to deal with and I will try and keep it down as much as possible by several small breaks and stretching throughout the day is all. This will help so it doesn’t get REALLY bad like it was…this is what I’m hoping anyway! Thank you very kindly for your get well wishes my friend!! HUGS

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  11. So happy to see you back Vicki and really hope your back settles down and you get better and better..wonderful and beautiful, colourful and cute projects to start off with and congratulations on your magazine appearance..

    Luv CHRISSYxx

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  12. Wonderful post Vicki, so happy to see you back 🙂 Sorry to hear you have been in so much pain, do hope you continue to recover…take care.
    Hugs
    Wendy Xx

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  13. Great to see you up and about and creating again Vicki. Sounds like you’re doing all the right things for a great recovery – keep it up – looking forward to seeing more great work. Congrats on being published! x CarolG

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  14. Hi Vicki!! Welcome back, you’ve been missed my friend! Great to hear that you are on the road to recovery and taking it easy with lots of breaks. Awesome cards as always, I really love how colorful the first one is and the other two images are so cute! Gorgeous photos too, your flowers are beautiful!
    Big Hugs, Tammy

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  15. It is so nice to have you back and know you are feeling better. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoyed all the beautiful cards and flower pictures today. Take care and don’t overdue my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much Donna! 🙂 Happy to be here and look forward to having some crafty fun with you all! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers very much! HUGS

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  16. Sometimes our bodies like to give us a hard time, don’t they?!…I’m happy to hear you’re on the road to recovery. Take all the time you need. 😉 Your cards are all awesome! Congrats on the publication, too! 🙂 Also, great pics!
    Take care, Hugs

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  17. Welcome back my friend and so good to ‘see’ you x Glad that health issues have settled down a little but you take very good care of yourself x. You have been missed.
    Your Fathers day cards are so thoughtful and absolutely wonderful and obviously made with love x.
    Many congratulations on being featured in the magazine, so well deserved and no wonder it cheered you up x
    Thank you for sharing the photos at the end of your post and your husband sure new how to distract you from your pain….one super hero x. Great photos of the garden flowers too x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much my friend! Your comment really made me smile! 🙂 I have missed you guys very much and I’m glad to be back too! I certainly will be seeing you around! HUGS

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  18. hello my dear friend
    sorry to read you had rough time.
    your cards are gorgeous!
    love them all!
    so lovely photos !
    thank you for sharing your flowers!
    take care
    hugs

    Liked by 1 person

  19. What a joy it was to see your post this morning – so happy you are feeling better – you have no idea how much you were missed. Any issues dealing with the spine is a real painful situation. So glad you had a procedure that helped and therapy is important after a procedure. Continue to work in small periods – as for the cards – it was so much fun to enjoy what you had created for Fathers Day and then see all your beautiful flowers, and then to see that you had gone to a Styx concert. You have had a busy summer. We in the crafting are so blessed that you are back. Will continue to keep you in my prayers for continued healing.

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    1. So happy you visited Shirley! 🙂 I have missed everyone so much! Thank you!! As you know, recovery is a process, so I will try to be patient. I appreciate your prayers! HUGS

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  20. So sorry to hear of your back troubles! Been there : ( Careful of the sitting time! I have a new goal of 10,000 steps a day- back likes that!
    Glad you are improving with therapy! Pain is not so fun…..
    I love all three of your cards, and Congrats on your published works! Lucky guts in your family!
    I so love all of your beautiful flowers!~ The bunnies are working overtime in our garden this year! It looks lie you have been successful with your beautiful flowers.
    Glad you are back posting! I have missed you and have been praying for your recovery!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement Shelly! I truly appreciate that! So happy to be your blog friend and I am thankful for your kindness!! HUGS

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  21. Vicki, I have missed you, but thought maybe you were just taking a break! Back trouble is the awful. I had a bought in May, and so painful to just move. It’s pretty bad when your husband has to help you step into your clothes to get dressed! Very discouraging too and easy to get down when it goes on and on. So glad you are feeling better and it does not return! Your flowers in your yard are lovely. It has been so hot here that even with constant watering they look limp. Happy to see you returning, just take care that you don’t overdue, easy to do when you are feeling better!! {{{Big Hug}}} Sue

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    1. Thank you Sue! I have missed everyone! It may have seemed like a few weeks, but it seemed like an eternity to me! I completely understand what you’re saying and felt that way on a few days…hubby is my super hero for sure! 🙂 HUGS

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  23. Brilliant to see you back Vicki but as you said health comes first -here’s hoping you go from strength to strength and make sure you take it easy although it sounds as if you have to or else lol-fabulous masculine cards and love the brilliant one you made for you brother and sounds like hubby deserves the super hero one too.Love all the flower pics and glad you got to enjoy the concert-take care
    carol x

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    1. Thank you Carol! Yes, if I don’t listen to my body, I think it will let me know when I’ve had enough! LOL! I appreciate your kindness!!

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  26. Welcome back! It’s great to see your cards again and beautiful flowers too. I’m glad you got to enjoy the Styx concert – I’ve always loved their music! Sorry about your back pain. I hope the therapy and breaks continue to bring you the relief you need to enjoy life without pain! Hang in there 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Carol! So glad to craft again! The concert was really awesome and happy that I was able to go and enjoy it! I apppreciate your encouragement!! HUGS

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  27. Oh Vicki! Where to start, dear friend – bless your heart! (and back!) I knew you weren’t feeling well but am so sorry to hear how much pain you have been in – wow! Congratulations on your publication! Of course – your cards are masterful! And each of these are just delightful – a smorgasboard of all things beautiful! Take care of you, most of all ♥ Much love!

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    1. Kelly, I really appreciate you taking the time to check in on me and for your encouraging message too! You’re so sweet!! HUGS

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  28. I’m so glad you are back and feeling a bit better. Having back problems myself (shots, PT, surgeries, bone grafts and metal cages), I can understand the feelings – not just pain, but emotional. It’s rough, and personally a daily battle. Life is so precious! I’m happy to hear about all the support you are getting – and I bet Styx was awesome!! Keep your chin up.

    And thanks for sharing all your wonderful creations. I wish I could see the glow in the dark card in person. I bet that is a real treat!

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    1. Thanks so much Lola! I completely understand every single thing you said about it! Exactly how I feel and life IS precious! Thank you so much for the encouragement! It is so appreciated friend! HUGS

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  29. It’s good to see you’re back. And how awesome to be published on glossy paper, congrats! The first card feels cool and youthful. The second shows how one can use some of those smaller stamps in a clever way to make your own background. And the third one shows skillful inking.

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  30. Vicki, I have been wondering where you were for so long. I think I remember saying you had to be away for some reason, but I don’t think I realized what a painful and difficult reason it was. I am so sorry for your pain and hope that this upswing is just the beginning of being well. Your cards are all fabulous, as always and I am happy to be seeing you around again!

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  31. So happy to see you are back and you amaze me at what you have created to date!!!! Your cards are all so special, I love your work. Stay well and I have you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless always, XXOO

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