There were a few challenges on Splitcoaststampers this past week that I managed to participate in, and here's a card I made combining two of them. On Monday, the Try a New Technique challenge was faux dry embossing. I was intrigued, and after seeing some samples from those that participated I had to give it a try! Doesn't that look cool? Give it a try... you'll love it! You'll need a Stamp-a-ma-jig (or whatever stamp positioner you use) for this. On the challenge thread at SCS the instructions are included with photographs. Believe me the photographs make it super-easy to understand, so rather than babble my way through explaining how to do this, I highly recommend you just go check out the instructions here! Just click on the thumbnails in posts #1 and #2 and the instructions are there with the photos.
I also used Wednesday's Sketch challenge for this card!
I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! I for one am certainly looking forward to the day off on Monday! Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Nature Silhouettes (Kim Hughes collection for Cornish Heritage Farms)
Cardstock: Ruby Red, More Mustard (Stampin' Up!), Mocha Divine (Bazzill), designer paper (Basic Grey)
Inks: More Mustard (Stampin' Up!), Brilliance Moonlight white, Versamagic Jumbo Java (Tsukineko)
Accessories: round tab punch (Stampin' Up!), swirl punch (EK Success), flowers, mini rick-rack (Creative Impressions), brads (Gary Burlin), brown ribbon (craft supply).
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*Note to readers... what I'm writing below is a non-stamping related issue with my family. Just letting you know it's OK to stop reading if you're not interested.
I know there are all kinds of problems in the world that deserve our attention. People are dying from cancer and other diseases every day, people are starving, children are being abused. The residents of the Gulf Coast are preparing for another hurricane. The war in Iraq and many other issues. My aim here is not to diminish anything or anyone that needs a prayer or support. However, if you are so inclined... my daughter could use just a little bit of lifting up in prayer. So far, her high school volleyball career has sucked. Yes, I said sucked. I could use a stronger word (and I apologize to those of you that find the word I did use offensive.) I am talking about a talented, beautiful girl who made the Varsity team as a freshmen. Kaylie has played JO (Jr. Olympic) volleyball every year since she was in the 5th grade. You don't even make it on to teams like that if you're not good. I'm mentioning that because I believe every parent thinks their child is good at what they're doing and it's easy for me to sit here and say "My child is good!" but the facts show that she is. Now here she is, a sophomore back on the Varsity team... a returning letter-winner. And in the 2 games her team has played this week, Kaylie played a total of 2 minutes. I could go in to a LOT more details here but I won't go on a tirade. It's just highly, highly frustrating. My daughter should not be coming home from practices and bawling herself into a stupor. Her coach should not casually dismiss her when Kaylie asks for time to speak with her about her performance. Suffice it to say, my daughter feels completely defeated. If you have a moment and are willing, if you could say a little prayer it would be most appreciated. She needs to see the light at the end... she needs to know that she'll regret it if she quits.... she needs to feel some kind of spirit for the game... she needs to believe that if she works at it, it will get better even though it doesn't appear that way now. If you put a sample of my daughter's blood under a microscope, I'll bet the little white blood cells look like volleyballs... that's how much she loves this game. (In the spring though, they'd look like softballs!) Anyway... I'm sorry to go on. I just feel the need to unload this and ask for help. It'd be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Tammy
I LOVE THIS CARD!! I've been wanting to try this technique and haven't had a chance yet. The paper you choose is now on my wish list.
Sorry to hear about your daughter. I'll definately keep her in my prayers!!!
Posted by: Maria | August 30, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Tell your daughter to just keep hanging in there at this time in her life. A short story about by son that reminded me of what she is going though.....When he was a Freshman AND Soph. in high school he played football - acutally he sat on the bench!!!!!!! His Freshman year he played a total of 30 seconds - ALL YEAR! When he was a Junior, they changed coaches and he actually got to play a little. When he was a Senior he played every game and was even named Player of the Week AND made All District! Amazing! SO, tell heR to just keep her chin up and hang in there. I'll say a little prayer for her and just know things will get better.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Hayes | August 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Beautiful card Tammy!
Posted by: Shelly | August 30, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Gorgeous card-love that technique!!!
As a former athlete and coach, I can totally relate to how you feel. Honestly, in this situation, I think that you have the right to call the coach and ask her straight out what is going on. Something is not adding up in this situation and she should explain herself and her decisions. Being a coach, I hate those calls, but if the coach refuses to talk to your daughter, the coach has only left that option available.
I will go on and on for you now... :) My DAD was my high school softball coach. I was the starting Varsity pitcher in 9th grade. When I was a senior, I didn't get to start every game. I was po'ed! But, he was having to give experience to the new pitcher, his future. It totally stunk and I shed a ton of tears. It was a good life lesson, looking back at it now.
I feel for you and your daughter. All the time and sacrifice and hard work. My heart aches for her, knowing EXACTLY how she feels!!! ((HUGS)) for both of you!!
Email me anytime and we can chat more!!!!!
Posted by: Kimberly | August 30, 2008 at 12:37 PM
This brings back memories. Your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Pat | August 30, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Added your daughter and your family to my prayer list :). So sorry that you are all going through this trial, but I know that God is in the midst of every trial no matter how big or how small.
Your card is very pretty. I love the autumn colors of it and your stamping technique is really awesome too.
Praying that you all have an 'amazingly blessed' weekend together :)
Hugs to you all,
~Barb
Posted by: Barb | August 30, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Your card is very pretty! Sorry to hear about your daughter, but I suggest she hang in and endure. It's very possible God is trying to build perseverence in her and perhaps some patience. Tough lessons when she is so good. But I'll pray for her...and you as you watch her deal with the situation. TFS!
Posted by: CherylQuilts at SCS | August 30, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Tammy - never be sorry for sharing a need. I head a 40+ person prayer group and sometimes they say they can't believe someone would ask prayer for a little thing - I tell them if it's important enough for someone to ask for prayer, then it's important enough for us to pray about it. I believe to God there are NO small prayer matters....we're His kids and He cares about every tiny detail of our lives. Just give your daughter lots of hugs and loving support (I know you already are). God can turn it around and change everything for her good.
Blessings to you (oh - as always, your card is fantastic!!!)
Elaine M
Posted by: Elaine M | August 30, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I will definitely pray for your daughter...I went through the same thing with both of my daughters and I know how both of you feel. Encourage her to hang in there! When my daughters played you couldn't even get on the varsity team til you were a junior, no matter how good you were.
Posted by: Carol P | August 30, 2008 at 05:40 PM
I will keep your daughter in my thoughts. As a former athlete, I went through something similar. My coach was a bumbling idiot, but I also didn't feel the right to ask to be put in. Eventually I got my playing time, started and played most games and ended up being, captain, but despite him! We never got back those games we lost because he didn't have his best team in. THat being said, years later I can see the same type of people as bosses, managers, supervisors, etc. It's hard to see it now, but a team is not much different than the professional world she'll be in. If she can succeed here, she will in the real world. The coping skills you help her learn will only help her.
Posted by: Julie Hughes | August 30, 2008 at 05:56 PM
I'll say 2 prayers. . .1 for your daughter to have faith in her self, and the 2nd prayer will be for the coach to pull her head out of her butt! Love the card by the way. Hug your daughter for me! Best, Curt
Posted by: Curt OBrien | August 30, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Love your card and your blog. My granddaughter has been playing volleyball since 5th grade and is a Junior this year, and on the varsity team. She does great and is one of the best players on the team, but went through a similar situation last year, but it worked out for her. I pray it all works out for your daughter and your family. Tell her to hang in there and not give up.
Posted by: JoAnn Burnham | August 30, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Tammy, your card is just beautiful! I love all the different paper patterns!!
I will definitely say a prayer for your daughter. It is so frustrating when really GOOD talented people (who are usually also the nicest ones) are not able to share their talents in a way that can help others too. I hope and pray that the coach will soon take the time to listen to her, and also see that she is a great asset!
Posted by: Judy (StampingQueenJAR) | August 31, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Your card is beautiful Tammy - love all that wonderful dp!!
Tell your daughter to hang in there!! As a parent, in this situation, I would call the coach and ask directly what the (*&^% is going on!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Posted by: Alexandra Hobson | August 31, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Tammy ~ Hugs to you and your daughter! It is so hard to "see" the light at the end of the tunnel at her age. I hope this all works for you guys!
Posted by: Michelle A | August 31, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Tammy, this is absolutely jaw dropping gorgeous! I love all the rich color tones.
I will say a prayer for your daughter. I hope she sticks with it since she has such a talent and passion for it. I've dealt with this with my oldest and basketball. Sadly, she chose to give it up.
Hugs to you,
Becky:)
Posted by: Becky G | September 02, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I absolutely adore your card!!
I'm sorry about your daughter, I understand the frustration. We had a similar situation that saw my son leave the football team he was on because the coach just played the same boys everytime. Standing on the side line every week was soul destroying. Coaches have a responsibility and sounds like your daughter's coach is not living up to his.
Posted by: Sandie | September 02, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Hi Tammy - Great card! I'm so sorry to hear your daughter is going thru such a touch time. Brings back memories for me (my girls are 32 and 29, so it's been awhile) Your daughter deserves a big hug and high-five for sticking it out!! She will certainly gain character from this :) It's always so hard to see them going thru these things. Definitely will say a prayer for her (and you!) :)
Posted by: Mary G | September 02, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Hi Tammy - Great card! I'm so sorry to hear your daughter is going thru such a touch time. Brings back memories for me (my girls are 32 and 29, so it's been awhile) Your daughter deserves a big hug and high-five for sticking it out!! She will certainly gain character from this :) It's always so hard to see them going thru these things. Definitely will say a prayer for her (and you!) :)
Posted by: Mary G | September 02, 2008 at 10:24 PM
this card is simply stunning!
Posted by: doris | September 11, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I just found your blog and this post. First of all, I LOVE this card and may use it for inspiration. Secondly, I hope that your daughter is feeling better about volleyball. You know, I have one of those children who is dying (from congenital heart defects) and I also have a nephew who is battling cancer... but both my sister and I know that when our healthy children have problems, even though they aren't life-threatening, they are still important. Every problem that each child has is important to us. Something I read recently has warmed my heart and that is that God wants us to pray to him for help with EVERYTHING. If something is important to us then it's important to Him! Isn't that cool? God loves us so much that He cares about everything we care about.
((hugs)) to you and your daughter. If you get a chance, please email me and let me know how she is doing. I hope her coach sees her talent and allows her to develop it.
Posted by: Nancy | September 15, 2008 at 02:05 AM