Tuesday, October 21, 2014

"Hippy" to be Back

Well..... I'm ba-ack!  My Hip Replacement operation went well, there was more damage to the joint and femur (because of the Necrosis) than expected so my surgeon said it was "technically challenging" - he also said it was good of me to make it an interesting day for him... as he's GORGEOUS I said I was happy to oblige :-))  I was up on Day 0 on crutches and home on Day 3. something of a Poster Girl for the more difficult Posterior Approach.... then again I'm probably 20 years younger than the average candidate, lol.  More on that later.  The card I have today is the second of my inspiration projects for the Card Mania Challenge, the theme this week is Buttons; I was supposed to post it yesterday but, well, forgot eeek... so here it is now.
 I made a double easel card, I've only made one of these before, not sure why... I quite like them.  I used heavy textured burgundy (or is it ruby) card as the base; it definitely was better at not flattening out than the last one I made though it does still 'wilt' a bit.  The decorative papers were all from Kaisercraft's Gypsy Sisters pad - it's a real feast of texture, with flocking. sparkle and gloss featuring generously, the shaped borders are die cuts from the pad too. Divas by Design want to see texture, I'm in! 
I've used this colour combo before, though with the emphasis reversed (here's a link if you're interested) and I do really like it; Top Tip Tuesday and Delightful Challenges want to see our Favourite Colour Combinations so I'm entering there and That Craft Place has Girly but no pink, so in there too,
Now,the buttons - after all that's what the challenge is about!!  The beautiful turquoise and gold filigree buttons featured on the back layer have been in my stash for YEARS... originally I was going to make earrings from them.  I added a red pearl to the centre to tie them in with the colour scheme.  For good measure I added some tiny red buttons to the panel at the front, the scroll embellishment featured there is a self adhesive strip that I coloured with a Red Copic.
The image is from Milk n Coffee, who are the sponsors of the challenge this time around, it is "Tiffany with Champagne"  I coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils, adding gloss to the glass and cherry, Metallic gel pen to the necklace and Stickles to the earring and shoes
I cut the image panel with Nestabilities Standard Ovals die (leaving the base of her dress "outside" of course) the turquoise (actually it's called Tiffany, so more appropriate than ever) mat was cut using Nestabilities Scalloped Ovals and the Burgundy (ruby?) mat was cut with a Nestabilities Floral Ovals die.  The sentiment is from Craftworks Cards.
I added a jotting panel to the back of the card, I found last time I made one of these cards having the jotting panel on the inside meant you're flattening it out all the time making it harder to get it to stand to attention!  The floral oval is one of the die cuts that came in the Gypsy Sisters pad, I added some pearls to finish it all off... Done!!
I'm entering Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge Patterned Paper Challenge, and Crafty Calendar has this Bingo Board - I've used Die Cuts/Sentiment/Pearls
Seize the Birthday has an Anything (Birthday) Goes so I'm entering there and Through the Craftroom DoorBizzy BecsWhimsy Inspirations ChallengeAddicted to  StampsArt by Miran and Aud Sentiments all have Anything Goes challenges running so I'm entering them too.
Well that's it for today, pop over to the Card Mania blog and check out the rest of the button-y goodness. Hope you get a chance to enter the challenge too.
I'm done, the one thing I've really felt since this operation is what is a well known side effect; the energy drain.  I had the Posterior Approach for my surgery, leaving me with a bigger wound/scar, more muscle injury and more precautions but giving the surgeon a better working field - you don't second guess your surgeon on these things, so I was happy to go with his advice.
I am walking on one crutch only for most of the time, two when I'm on uneven ground and I'm taking no painkillers at all during the day, so I'm doing pretty well.... yet I can't seem to avoid the energy drain; it hits hard and fast and wipes me out, all I can do is nap.  I am getting better each day, doing Physio and walking as much as I can.  As the leg feels stronger and all the bruising and incidental stuff goes I feel generally better.  I hope to get some time in which I manage to stay awake and actually craft, I can't drive for another three and a half weeks at least, and my surgeon wants me to observe the precautions such as sleeping on my back (hate it!) not bending past 90 degrees etc for 12 weeks - which seems interminable.  I'm sure I'll survive :-))
Until next time, Happy Crafting, Donna

14 comments:

As.I.Do.Rodos. said...

Fabulous design and your colouring is perfect Ginny x

Tracey T said...

So pleased to hear that your op has gone well - you're up on your feet very quickly, so that has to be a good sign. Take your time and get plenty of rest... the 12 weeks will soon go and you'll be good as new. Love the rich colours in your step card. Those die cut shapes are fabulous! Hugs, Tracey xx

Elaine Stark said...

Sounds like you have had a rough time, but you have the right attitude and getting on with it. Hope you back to great health soon. A lovely card, great colours and image. Thanks for joining Top Tip Tuesday. Elaine

Sue said...

Stunning card Donna, I love the glamorous image, beautiful colouring and wonderful design.
I am pleased that your operation went well and you seem to be making a really good recovery. I am sure the energy levels will improve soon, maybe it's nature's way to stop you over doing it!
Take care,
Sue xx

Lorraine said...

A gorgeous card Donna. Love the image and design and pretty buttons.
So glad you are on the mend now.
Lorraine x

Nancy said...

Wow....this is an amazing amount of work...and it's gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your talents with us at Seize the Birthday. Also, sounds like you have a strong will power and tolerance for pain. Good luck on your recovery!

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such a pretty creation and fabulous colouring of the image. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely creation with us at Through the Craft Room Door.
Hugs
Cathy DT Member
xxxxxxx

Céline said...

very elegant card, love the papers and colors
thanks for playing with us at addicted to stamps
hugs
céline

JoAnn said...

Beautiful card with so many details. Love the colors. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Seize the Birthday.
Wishing you the best with your recovery from hip replacement surgery. I had mine done 9 years ago.

Shell Shearer Swinscoe said...

Beautiful creation hun, just love the shape & colours you have used!
So glad to hear you're on the mend
Hugs Shell xx

Aurelia Aurora said...

stunning card.. love the colour combo.. thank you for sharing it with us at Art by Mi Ran challenge #17... good luck ;)

hugs,
~RoRa

Jo said...

Beautiful, love the rich colours!Thanks for joining our bingo challenge over at Crafty Calendar this month & good luck!
hugs Jo x

Pat K said...

Hi Donna...just catching up after being on vacation and I'm SO happy to hear all went well with your surgery. You are a trouper girl..keep up the good work. Sending hugs, Pat K xx

Samantha A. said...

This is beautiful! I love the colors you used and that image is great! I have never tried and double easel card before but I think I might now!

Crafty Gals Corner is currently hosting a DT call. If you have a moment, check them out at: http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/ and if you would like a chance to work with the wonderful sponsor’s then link up your favorite project to apply.

-Samantha