Sunday, November 16, 2014

Crafty Boots GDT - Remembrance

Hello Everyone!

Today I am here as a Guest Designer for the wonderful challenge blog Crafty Boots. When the lovely and talented Dionne contacted me and asked me to be a Guest Designer, I was honoured. When she told me the theme is REMEMBRANCE, I just knew I wanted to do something special for my Mom.

When I was five years old, the farmhouse we lived in burnt to the ground and we lost everything. My Mom always tells me, of all the things they lost in the fire, the loss she felt the most were the photographs of me as a child. There were no digital cameras back then, no Facebook pages, no cell phone cameras and no internet cloud to retrieve photos from. Every single photo she had of me was lost that day.

I have collected some copies of photos from extended family and put together in this frame, so my Mom will have something to remember my childhood. I hope you like my make!



I really wish I had taken a shot of this frame before I started working on it, it was horrible! It was shiny, it was red, orange and brown and it had the worst retro geometric pattern...ICK...straight out of the 70's!!

First I sanded the shine off so my products would stick. I used Mod Podge and wrinkled tissue paper to make the base texture. I used two different Prima stencils and some home made texture paste to add some flowers and flourishes. When that dried, I applied a layer of Rock Candy Crackle paint in various areas. Then the fun part began!

Tim Holtz stains Gathered Twigs and Walnut Stain, Tim Holtz sprays Antique Linen and Vintage Photo, DecoArt Paints Burnt Umber, Cinnamon Brown, White Wash, Bright Yellow, Flesh. All I can really tell you is that I added some of this and some of that until I liked what I was looking at. Lots and lots of dabbing, rubbing and spraying!

Lastly, I used a Rubbernecker crackle stamp to add some darker cracks in the areas that I missed with the crackle paint.



Guess what??? I got a new flower die set! WOOHOO! The peach flower here was made from my new Joy Crafts flower die and coloured with Tim Holtz Dried Marigold. The two smaller flowers are also from two other Joy Crafts flower die sets and they were coloured with Hero Arts Soft Blossom and Tim Holtz Wild Honey. The leaves are from La La Land.




The butterfly is an exclusive Frantic Stamper die. I covered it with clear crackle paint and then coloured it with distress paints and rubbed Gathered Twigs into the cracks to accent them and it looked fantastic, BUT...it was so flimsy from the workout, I was afraid it would be too fragile, so I added a layer of UTEE. Unfortunately, the UTEE masked the wonderful texture I had achieved. Sad face!! Lesson learned, next time I will add the UTEE to the back of the butterfly so it doesn't affect the appearance.


Some of my Mom's favourite accents...pearls and butterflies!


I am entering my frame into the following wonderful challenges:

- Artist Trading Post - Stencil Mania (stamps used - crackle stamp for texture and a sentiment stamp set)
- Allsorts Challenge Blog - Week #285 - Anything But A Card
- The Crazy Challenge - #184 - Your Favorite Technique
( I love the tissue paper technique, it's a great way to add texture while covering up existing patterns)
Fussy and Fancy - Challenge #127 - Pairs or Two of a Kind
( I have 2 peach flowers, 2 pink flowers, 2 yellow flowers, 2 decorative pins, 2 wired bead sprays and 2 butterflies)




That's it for today. Thank you for stopping in and for all the amazing comments. I read and appreciate every single one! If you have any questions, please let me know.


118 comments:

  1. You have created a very beautiful piece, and I am sure your Mom will treasure it, and the memories it holds. Hugs, Valerie

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  2. So glad the relatives had pictures- and how beautifully to showcase them in a frame you made with your own hands and heart! LOVE to see all of the details you add to your projects. Fabulous!

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    1. Thank you Shelly! All my Mom's favourite details (and mine) lol! hugs :)

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  3. This is truly stunning. I am so pleased that you were able to obtain some precious photos to put in your gorgeous frame. I love the textures and colours. All your detailing is just amazing.
    I am sure your Mom will treasures such a special gift made with so much love.
    hugs Sue xx

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    1. Thank you very much Sue! I can't wait to give it to her! hugs :)

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  4. Pamellia, this is beautiful in so many ways... naturally your talent, but more importantly your heart! What a special gift that will mean the world to your mom. The photos are precious and you've designed around them to perfection. Your detailing is always exquisite and I do enjoy soaking up every nook and cranny. :o) Your are brilliant with your flowers and I love the color choices atop the darker frame. And no sad face... the butterfly is still stunning! Fabulous as always, my supremely talented friend! I'm excited for your precious mom to receive this heartfelt gift. :o)

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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    1. Aahhh, thank you so much Karen! Especially for the compliment about the butterfly, I kept thinking I should take it off and make another one, but in the end, I left it there. big hugs :)

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  5. Love the pictures of you especially with your handbag, am sure this will bring glad tears to your Mum!

    Stunning frame, wonderfully and thoughtfully decorated. A project from your heart as always.

    Am expecting you to get a call from the THoltz team very soon, they should scoop you up and let more people share in your delicious creations. You use Ranger products very well.

    Have a lovely day:-) xx

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    1. What a wonderful compliment, thank you so much Mo! That means a lot to me because I am pretty new in the world of Ranger and Tim Holtz! big hugs my friend! :)

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  6. The whole of this is stunning and the idea is of doing it for your mum is precious. It has so much beauty on the frame and the flowers are just amazing

    Love Chrissie x

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  7. I had tears in my eyes while reading your story Pamellia, our photo's are very precious and part of our Heritage to hand down and look at with the younger generation of our families , i am so pleased your family had some photo's for you to use in this beautiful frame ,i love the texture and the flowers are just gorgeous ,a very beautiful gift for your Mom { she will cry tears of happiness when you give it to her , i just know she will }.
    Take Care
    Elaine H X

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    1. Thank you so much Elaine! I agree, I think my Mom is going to be over the moon, but I could give her a balled up piece of tinfoil and she would be happy! lol Aren't Moms great! hugs :)

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  8. Hi Pamellia, stunning creation, very vintage looking, love it. Love all the techniques you have used. So sad about the fire and losing all your photos, I have always said the only personal items I would try to save would be photos as they cannot be replaced can they? Its good you managed to get a few from relatives though, your Mom will love this I am sure.

    Love & Hugs

    Jacquie J xxx
    http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks so much Jacquie! You are so right, there are some things that can never be replaced! big hugs :)

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  9. A truly beautiful work of art Pamellia and Mom is sure to love it!! xx

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  10. Something really calm and nostalgic about this whole thing...Beautiful, Pamellia. Good you could retrieve some photos...your Mom will love this and treasure it for sure. I loved the texture you have created on the frame and colors are just so subtle and nice. Have a great week ahead, dear.

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    1. Thanks so much Rupa! I actually tried to model the colours around what my Mom's house looks like. It's all wood and decorated with pastels, so I hope it will match her decor. Thanks again sweetie! hugs :)

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  11. Your mum will be very pleased Pamellia, this is a gorgeous frame. Hugs ;-)

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  12. An absolutely beautiful frame and what a superb way to preserve those precious photo's and memories. Thank you so much for joining us as a guest designer at Crafty Boots Challenges.

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    1. Thank you so much Lisette, the honour is al mine! hugs :)

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  13. Speechless....such a beautiful gift and such a lovely story behind it,Pamellia. Ah you were a little sweetie as well back then....now you're a big sweetie ha ha. Seriously,this is so very special,you know how to spoil your mum!

    Extra big hugs
    Donna xxx

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    1. Aahhh, thanks so much Donna! Yeah, I guess I do like to spoil my Mom...she's worth it though! big hugs :)

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  14. What a keepsake this is!!! Pamellia, your work of art is such a sentimental and heartwarming gift that I am sure your mom will cherish dearly. The details on this picture frame are stunning! From tissue paper texture, texture paste details, flowers, butterflies, pearls....everything fits just right in it's spot to make this stunning frame!
    The pictures of you are so cute and I have to agree with Mo: the one with a handbag is my favorite! :) Also as I mentioned before, a few months ago, Tim Holtz team is going to beg you to join them very soon!
    Till your next stunning project, big hugs :)

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    1. tee hee, thanks Samra! It was really nice seeing these pictures, for me and hopefully for my Mom too. I hope you have a wonderful day my dear friend! big hugs :)

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  15. Oh look at you, such a little sweetie!

    Welcome to the world of Crafty Boots and thank you for making this incredible project. You have to spend a lot of time studying it to truly appreciate it's stunning beauty. The incredible texture and colour you have achieved on the frame and then all of your amazing flowers and lovely butterfly and charms, along with the delicate strings of pearls and the twine.

    It really is an amazing project but the best bits of all are the photographs of you and the fact that it is for your mom. I am sure she is going to love it.

    Thank you.

    Dionne xx

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    1. Aahhh, thank you so much Dionne! I'm honoured to be your Guest Designer, I'm just so tickled you asked me! Thanks again for everything! hugs :)

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    2. To be honest it is us who are honoured, we have all been blown away by your amazing work and anytime you want to become a full time member of the Design Team you need only say the word and you are in.

      Dionne

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    3. That is so sweet Dionne, thank you so much! I think my plate is pretty full for now, but I am always here for support if you need me! big hugs :)

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  16. What a stunning keepsake, one your mum will treasure I am sure. Your flowers are stunning and I adore the texture on your frame, simply divine . Tracy x

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  17. This is a beautiful creation for your Mum Pamellia, I am sure she will treasure it. And really like the look of your new die (say's she with itchy fingers eager to go spending).

    I am so pleased you share your lovely frame with us at Allsorts this week.

    B x

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    1. Uh oh, am I breaking the bank on you again Brenda? lol Just tell your hubby it's my fault, I always blame other people for my craft purchases! HA! Thanks sweetie and big hugs :)

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  18. Wow! What a transformation and how nice for your Mum to have once again some treasured photos of you. I lov your flowers. Hugs Mrs A.

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  19. Adorable, so well done, just perfect and very professional, love it!
    hugs Jacee
    Simply Paper Card Design

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  20. Beautiful frame and I'm sure your mum will have a tear in her eye with happiness when she sees this. What a wonderful keepsake for her.
    Julie x

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  21. Gorgeous as always! LOVE the texture on the frame!

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  22. Hi Pamellia--I am speechless here!! WOW!! You truly do inpsire me to tackle something very different than the usual creations I make:)) This is a wonderful Treasure for MOM!! Thanks for sharing with us at Fussy and Fancy this challenge!! Good luck!!
    Hugs

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    1. Thank you so much Mary Lou! Hope all is well, I think I'll pop over and see what you're up to! have a great day, hugs :)

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  23. I have a lump in my throat at you doing this very special and stunning creation for your Mom! I can only imagine how she will feel when she opens this. The stenciling, the flowers, the little made with love charm - everything is so beautiful, your attention to detail is always perfection! Hugs, Anne xx

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    1. What a wonderful compliment Anne, thank you so much! I've been told to get the tissue box ready, sound advice me thinks! lol big hugs :)

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  24. Absolutely stunning Pamelia - I love everything ablout it - pure brilliance and I'm sure your mum will be delighted

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  25. Hi Pamellia
    You bought a tear to my eye hearing about all the photos. So much we take for granted with the digital age now. I would have a box of tissues ready when you give this to your Mum! It is beautiful and more importantly, absolutely one of the most thoughtful gifts anyone could give (and no pizza boxes were harmed in the making of this project)
    Would love to know what card/paper you use for your flowers as they are so realistic.
    Take care.
    Ang x

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    1. Oh Mrs Duck...reading your comment is like watching an episode of "Friends". One minute I'm balling my eyes out and the next minute I'm laughing my butt off! I sure wish you lived a little closer, I bet we'd laugh ourselves into a frenzy! Thanks for always lifting my spirits! hugs :)

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  26. A stunning project Pamellia, your Mom will love this thoughtful gift. As the others have said, be sure to have the tissues handy.
    Thank you for joining us over at ATP Exchange this time.
    Yvonne x

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  27. This is absolutely gorgeous Pamellia, such a wonderful idea, your Mum is going to love and treasure her special gift.
    Pauline
    x

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  28. It is lovely, such pretty flowers. You would never know that frame started out ugly. :-)) A thoughtful gift for your Mom.

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  29. This is gorgeous and love your color combo. Thank you for sharing with us over at Eclectic Ellapu this month and do hope to see you in further challenges. x

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  30. Your frame is beautiful Pamellia and I love how you've used those stencils to create such glorious texture. The colours have built up into a wonderful look. Gorgeous little details and loving those pictures! Thanks so much for joining my challenge at ATP Exchange.
    Julia x

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  31. This is beautiful Pamellia, Your flowers are fantastic, It must be devastating to lose all your photos. My Mum had a big clean up one day and threw all ours away. she has done some strange things with her dementia. She is sorry now but we cant get them back. xx

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear that Sherryn, photographs are something that can never be replaced. I find this to be one of the only pros of our ever progressing technological society. I have come to rely on the words BACK UP with regards to most everything! Thanks so much, sending big hugs :)

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  32. Real winner with those gorgeous photo's and most gorgeous creation and colours..sorry if I miss any of your creations, my hours with my dad are getting longer, today I am trying to have a rest before I go up later this afternoon..
    aNNie xx

    The Journey is the Start

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    1. Thank you so much Annie! Please don't apologize, your Dad is the most important thing for you right now! Spend every minute you can with him!! Big hugs and best wishes my friend! hugs :)

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  33. Fabulous Pamellia, I adore all the textures and what a lovely thing to do. Nxx

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  34. Oh, Pamellia!

    Let me start by saying how your story brought tears to my eyes! We had a farm house fire, too! My sisters and brothers were home, asleep...I was visiting my Mom--separate home, and my Dad was in Europe. No injuries...I hope the same for you. But, so happy you could find some photos for your Mom...this will be such a treasure for her! I can't even imagine her reaction to this beautiful, sentimental gift you made for her.

    I'm imagining the photo of you with the purse is taken on the day of your first craft shopping expedition. I'm thinking you are picturing that frosting would look good on a card in the one of your blowing out your birthday candles! You can just see that glazed over look in your eyes!:):)

    I love all the details you have added: the stick pins (LOVE!), the bits of twine, the charms all frosted...another lovely creation! And those flowers are just breath-taking!

    Now, I was pretty sure I read you transformed an icky 70's frame...but at the end of your post you mentioned "this card". It's very early in the morning (my husband and cat were snoring and I couldn't sleep), so I thought my reading comprehension wasn't so good. You prankster, you! Sending warm hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much Sara! WOW, I can't believe you lost your farmhouse as well, I'm glad everyone was OK. We arrived home to find it already on fire...there was nobody inside as far as I remember.

      Hilarious, craft shopping! I could see that! I do know that my Mom made bought that coat and hat that I'm wearing.Which would have been a real treat since she made most of my clothes by hand. Back then it was cheaper to make than to buy. I was strutting a new outfit and obviously very proud of it! Ha!

      Thank you so much for pointing that out. I guess I'm so used to writing card, I didn't even notice, It's been changed now. big hugs, talk to you soon! :)

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  35. What a gorgeous gorgeous fame!! I really love this and the story that makes it all the more precious ... There are very few photos of me as a child ... It's the way it was back then ... There are tons of my older brother though!

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    1. Thanks Ros! It's so true, now I take pictures of EVERYTHING with my cell phone, it's easier than writing a list. Oh, I want one of those...SNAP. Oh, this is a yummy treat, I want to remember what brand it is...SNAP. On my way to the store, I need this...SNAP, and this...SNAP and this...SNAP! No wonder my memory is so bad! lol hugs :)

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  36. Such a sad story, Pamellia but what a gorgeous thoughtful gift! It is sure to bring a tear of joy to your mum’s eye! xxx

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  37. Your Mum is going to LOVE this with a few tears I should think, a wonderful present for her.

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  38. Sorry me again, I forgot to say I love the flowers and the butterfly and everything else on your beautiful frame.

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    1. Aahhh, you are so sweet, thank you Faith! hugs :)

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  39. Oh what a stunning frame Pamellia and I love the pictures!! Gorgeous textures and your flowers are amazing!!
    Big hugs, Tammy

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  40. What a terrible accident!
    This frame is stunning gift for your mother, full of love and art, beautiful details and textures.
    Thank you for sharing at Allsorts Challenge;-))m

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  41. congrats on your GDT spot and stunning frame love all the details and texture and beautiful flower dies (must go and check them out lol) love the photos too bet your mum loved it
    Carol x

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    1. Thank you so much Carol! big hugs comin at ya! :)

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  42. Beautiful frame Pamelia ! Love the texture you've created and the flowers are gorgeous ! Thanks for joining us at ATP Exchange. Sue C x

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  43. I am so sorry to hear what happened to your family when you were a child. Your creation is so special and such a beautiful way to display those treasured photos. I love your new flower dies!
    Rebecca.
    x

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    1. Aahhh, thank you so much Rebecca! You always say the sweetest things! Big hugs :)

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  44. Congrats on your GDT spot, Pam! All deserved!
    Oh, this frame is just wonderful! I love all the textures and details... the colour of it is beautiful.. Your mum is a lucky lady! And how ADORABLE are those images!! So beautiful! xxx

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  45. What a wonderful frame! Thank you for sharing with us at Allsorts and good luck in the challenge!

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  46. Hi Pamellia,
    what a superb creation.
    there is so much super work gone into this labour of love for your mother.
    I bet she was so pleased with it.
    Superb workmanship, and a very lovely design.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  47. What a stunning piece you have created here, all the details are done with love and it shows - amazing and l am sure your Mum will always treasure it.
    Thank you for sharing at Allsorts 'Anything But A Card' challenge this week and good luck x Susan x

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  48. Beautiful Pamelia, love the gorgeous stenciling work and beautiful colours! Thanks so much for adding it to our challenge at Countryview Crafts!

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  49. Lovely creation! Delighted to see you sharing at Fussy & Fancy and good luck with the Challenge. Judy DT

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  50. Awe Pamellia...you are not only SUPER crafty but SUPER SWEET!!!! Your Mom will certainly TREASURE this always!! I LOVE YOUR MAKE!!! And I saw that you were sharing with us at Fussy and Fancy...thank you!!
    Take care,
    Beth

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    1. Thank you so much Beth! Happy weekend! hugs :)

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  51. Oh you are a good Daughter! What a lovely keepsake for your Mom! LoVe your new flower die and your colour choice! A brilliant make for your well deserved GDT spot! Hugs, Chrisx

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    1. Thank you so much Chris, for the congrats and the kind words! big hugs :)

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  52. Great design, thanks for sharing it in our challenge in The Crazy Challenge.

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  53. I'm sorry to hear about the fire and your loss. it must had been very difficult time for your family. But you managed to get at least a couple of pics of you as a little girl from your relatives. I know it's not much, but it's still better than nothing.
    I am sure your mum will be thrilled to receive such an amazing gift. It's not only super beautiful, but it has a special meaning too. A perfect and very thoughtful gift. In my opinion this is the best gift she has ever received. Ask her, you'll see, she will agree. ;)
    Big hugs to you! xx

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    1. Thanks so much Maja! I imagine it was a lot harder on my Mom, I was only five, so I don't really remember very much. Probably better that way, I am way over sensitive about everything, like to the tenth degree over sensitive. My Mom always says, could have been worse...we could have been in the house! I agree! Anyway, thanks my friend! big hugs :)

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  54. Such a beautiful piece! Your mom will treasure this so much. I love the huge amount of detail you have used on your frame . Very pretty ! Thankyou for joining us at the Artist Trading Post Exchange . Toni x

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  55. Thanks for sharing your beautiful card with us at Fussy and Fancy!

    Happy crafting!

    - Millazin, F&F DT

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  56. Wow Pamellia a wonderful project. I love what you did with the frame, I would have loved to seen it before you started. A wonderful treasured piece that I am sure your Mum will treasure forever. Thanks for sharing with us at ABC Challenges, please join us again soon. Meighan DT

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    1. Thank you so much Meighan! I'm kicking myself for not taking a before shot! Lesson learned, I won't forget to do that again! big hugs :)

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  57. Hi Pamellia!! Congratulations on your Top 5 pick at Fussy and Fancy!! SO WELL DESERVED!!!!
    Take care,
    Beth

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    1. Aahhh, thank you so much Beth! Already posted it on my Awards page, I can't wait to show my Mom. She will get a kick out of that! big hugs :)

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