zaterdag 17 mei 2014

Gift box with Wee Stamps Maya

Hello everybody!!!

First to all of you still following me.... thank you SO much for your patience! My last post with a project was way back in August of 2013 and I was convinced that the number of followers to my blog would have been gone to about zero by now but there are still so many of you left! Since the last project that I showed here I haven't crafted at all. Without going in to much detail, somebody very close to my heart was diagnosed with cancer last year and that brought about a negative spiral for me. Crafting had been such a big part of my life and all of a sudden it didn't make sense to spend so much time on making a box or a card. I couldn't find the relaxation or the comfort I normally would feel in working on a project, it just felt pointless. I got some health issues of my own as well. On my birthday last year, November 15th, I visited my doctor and was shocked to see I was at my heaviest ever (except for pregnancies). I decided that things would have to change. I started working out and running and today I'm proud to say I lost 16 kg's and much of my health issues have improved but much more important, I'm delighted to say that the person who was diagnosed with cancer got the news a few weeks back that the cancer is gone! I finally had the desire to craft again. I have received a lot of very sweet messages during the time that I wasn't crafting, I did read them all but didn't reply to all of them and if I haven't replied to your message I want to thank you for sending it. It did mean a lot to read that people missed my work or were worried about me but I didn't always have the energy or words to reply.

Anyway... I'm back with my first project. I'm not going to be active in design teams for the time being (and don't know if I will again) but I do want to spend time crafting again because making this project was a pleasure to do after such a long time. I decided to work with the last gorgeous image created by my incredible friend Sylvia Zet of Wee Stamps. Sylvia has been incredible through my not crafting period. We have had long talks about things that didn't have anything to do with crafting. She didn't once ask me when I was going to create again but kept sending me her gorgeous digi's when they were finished. In fact when I told her I was crafting again she asked me if I was sure I wanted to do that because she rather had me healthy and happy then crafting. Just to Sylvia, thank you so much for being my friend!! This project was made with all the love I had for doing it before and I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Don't you just adore little Maya? She's available as a digital image right now in Sylvia's digi store HERE and she's available as a rubber stamp at Whimsy Stamps HERE. I didn't purchase anything crafty during my period "away" until I found the new solid paper pads from Lili of the Valley in my e-mail a few weeks back. The paper used on this box is from both the solid and the "normal" Always and Forever Paper Pads.

A close up of gorgeous Maya, colored with my Copics markers that didn't fail me after such a long period of no use!
A close up of the gorgeous embellishments that I used. I received these gorgeous materials from both Wild Orchid Crafts and The Ribbon Girl when I was still crafting, I let both companies down with just stopping like I did but finally got to use them (again). I want to thank both companies for their amazing understanding in my period of not crafting! You'll find a list with the gorgeous products with links below.
And another close up, don't you love the gorgeous frantage? I used Shabby Pink embossing Enamel and golden glitter from one of the kits.
A side view of the box, I decorated the edges of the box with the gorgeous Margaret Guipure Lace that I received from The Ribbon Girl. I've attached it with very thin strips of Scor-Tape.
The inside of the box also decorated with the gorgeous paper from the both the solid and the "normal" paper pads of Lili of the Valley's Always and Forever.
And a picture of the little pieces. The face has already been attached to the hair layer in this picture.

Materials used:
Image: Maya by Wee Stamps, available as digital images and rubber stamp
Paper: Lili of the Valley Always and Forever solid and "normal"
Embellishments:
Trellis Roses 35mm from Wild Orchid Crafts, white Open Roses in sizes 25mm, 20mm and 10mm from Wild Orchid Crafts, white Cherry Blossoms from Wild Orchid Crafts, white Cosmos Daisies from Wild Orchid Crafts and white Sweetheart Blossom Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts.
Beaded Twirl White from The Ribbon Girl, Diamante 13mm Round Spacers from The Ribbon Girl, 8mm white Flatback Pearls (glued in the spacers) from The Ribbon Girl, white Flower Guipure Lace from The Ribbon Girl, 3mm white adhesive Flatback Pearls from The Ribbon Girl and 5mm Ivory adhesive Flatback Pearl from the Ribbon Girl.

I'm sorry to say I haven't taken down the Copic numbers I've used. I was just so glad they all still worked perfectly after such a long time of not having been used and was just so enjoying coloring again.

And that's IT! I hope you like my project and I want to thank you all again for your patience!

Have a great day!!!
Hugs,

40 opmerkingen:

  1. hoi Mariska , wat fijn dat je er weer bent , tuurlijk als trouwe blogvolger ben ik blijven plakken hoor hihi.
    Goed van je dat je zoveel bent afgevallen , ik weet uit ervaring hoe moeilijk het is.
    Fijn dat je rustig aan alles doet en niet overhaasten gaat veel liefs Christa

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  2. Mariska, Im so glad to hear you are feeling happier and healthier and crafting again. And I am very happy to hear the news about your loved one too.
    The project is amazingly beautiful, as yours always are :)
    I have missed you and your inspiring work. You are such a sweet and talented lady :) Big Hugs

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  3. It's so great to see you crafting again, I'm so pleased to read your good news :)
    Wonderful box, you make the most beautiful keepsakes!!
    Mel, xxx

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  4. Hoi Mariska,
    Wat fijn dat je weer onder ons( bloggers) bent :)
    Ik had laatst stiekem aan Marian van V. Gevraagd of ze iets meer over je situatie kon vertellen omdat ik zag dat het inderdaad al lang geleden was dat je had geblogd. Ik heb je creaties gemist maar ik ben blij dat er met jou niks mankeert want na zo'n berichtje wordt je als lezer toch wel een beetje ongerust en dit soort dingen gun je niemand. Fijn te horen dat het met diegene weer de goede kant op gaat en jijzelf ook weer lekker in je vel zit!
    Wat heb je weer een gave doos gemaakt en weer zo mooi gekleurd en opgehoogd!! Ik heb nog steeds je juffencadeautje staan omdat die ook zo leuk is!!
    Lieve groet, Linda

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  5. Ik ben blij dat je weer plezier hebt met je hobby. Welkom terug!! En wat een fantastische "binnenkomer" heb je gemaakt!
    Grtz Janette

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  6. Hey, Mariska! Lovely to see you back in Blogland, but much nicer to hear that your health is much better and that your loved one has been given the all clear! I will always continue to visit to see your beautiful creations, however sparse and hope that you continue to find happiness in your crafting! Sending love and best wishes, Lisa x

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  7. Hi Mariska...I am so happy to see you back in Cyberworld. You are such a blessing and encouragement to life's beautiful blessings of having a sweet spirit and sharing your beautiful creativity. May you be encouraged and lifted up with the good things life has to offer you. Big Hugs, AntoinetteT

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  8. stunning image, thanks for sharing and take care of you :)

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  9. stunning image, thanks for sharing and take care of you :)

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  10. Beautiful card, so glad things are a bit better , had no idea what you were going through.
    Big hugs x

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  11. Wat een schitterende giftbox Mariska! Het is weer ouderwets genieten van je kunstwerk.

    Ik begrijp heel goed waarom je er geen zin in had en ik ben heel blij dat Sylvia er voor je was in deze moeilijke tijd voor je. Ik heb je gemist de afgelopen maanden en ben blij dat het weer beter met je gaat en dat je weer zin hebt om te knutselen.

    Ik wens voor jou en iedereen die je lief hebt het allerbeste toe en hoop dat jullie mogen genieten van veel mooie momenten.

    Liefs,

    Marie-Anne

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  12. A beautiful gift box. I am so happy that your loved one's health has improved, as well as your own. It's good to see you creating your gorgeous projects again - I have missed them.

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  13. So pleased to hear that health and happiness has returned to your world and that you find pleasure in crafting again. I love your box creation, it is so pretty and your colouring and layering is superb.
    Lorraine

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  14. It's lovely to see you back here again and with such a beautiful creation. I'm really happy to hear that life has improved for you and yours and hope that you'll continue to enjoy your crafting. Tracey x

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  15. I can fully understand why you have been absent from crafting but it is good to see you again.
    I am so pleased the cancer has gone from someone close to you and that you have been able getting on top of your health issues.
    I gorgeous card as always. Love the image and beautifully embellished design.
    Hugs Sharon x

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  16. Zó toevallig!!! Op Pinterest kwam ik ergens een kaart van je tegen en ik besloot gelijk om weer eens op je blog te kijken omdat ik altijd geniet van je prachtige kaarten en nu zie ik dat je precies vandaag weer iets geplaatst hebt. Geweldig om je weer terug te zien!!
    Erg fijn om te horen dat de dingen weer ten goede keren. Het kan zomaar gebeuren dat het ineens minder gaat door ziekte o.i.d. en het is logisch dat je daar niet vrolijk onder blijft. Heel begrijpelijk hoor. :-)

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  17. Wat fijn dat je er weer bent Mariska. Ik heb je gemist!!
    Gelukkig dat het beter gaat!! En zo knap van je dat je zoveel bent afgevallen!
    Je kaart is weer, zoals vanouds, supermooi!!
    Liefs, Frouwkje

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  18. So glad to see you crafting again Mariska. I did miss seeing your unique work. Glad life is on the up again for you. Your box is exquisite. Hugs xx

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  19. It really is so lovely to see you back Mariska. I have missed seeing your stunning creations but totally understand why you needed some time out after all that has happened. I am pleased that things are looking up now.
    Your box is truly stunning. I LOVE the sweet image, beautiful colouring and such gorgeous detailing too.
    Take care, sending you hugs
    Sue xx

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  20. Beautiful, beautiful creation!! I am glad to hear that you & your friend are doing better!!

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  21. So happy things are looking up for you and well done for achieving your health goals! Beautiful project again - so great to see your work again!

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  22. Ohhh this box is so gorgeous I love the image and the flowers
    Hugs Ghea
    gheasknutselkaartjes

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  23. Ik was bljj verrast weer een project van je te zien. Fijn te lezen dat het weer wat beter met je gaat. Liefs Anke

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  24. Glad to see u craft I hope u continue to get better each day. Ur work is gorgeous as always

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  25. Well hello stranger. Am I glad to see you back crafting. You used to be such an integral part of my craft room, then you went awol. I am so extremely happy to know that things are going well for you and I hope that your creativity continues to flow. Welcome back, hunni.

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  26. This my first comment and I must say your Gift Box is just simply beautiful! Love the adorable Wee image and your embellishments are the icing on the cake. I look forward to seeing more of your creative work. Ruth Ann

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  27. As always you haven't lost your artistic touch. This is a gorgeous box from your coloring to the beautiful embellishments. Wishing you continued crafting enjoyment.

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  28. Fijn dat de zon weer schijnt! Je hebt weer een meesterwerkje gemaakt

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  29. Oh this is wonderful and absolutely beautiful. Lovely to see you crafting again.
    luv
    Debby

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  30. Wat een nare periode heb je achter de rug maar wat fijn om te lezen dat je weer in een opwaartse spiraal zit. Wow, 16 kilo afgevallen, wat ontzettend knap van je, heel dapper want dit is echt heel moeilijk. Fijn dat het nu weer beter gaat met jou en je weer zin hebt om creatief bezig te zijn. Je komt wel terug met een topper hoor, dit is schitterend!
    fijne zondag, liefs Hanny♥,
    http://tierelantijntjes.blogspot.nl

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  31. It's amazing to have you back :) Hope you feel much better ;)

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  32. I am so happy to see you are back. I check weekly not trusting my email that you've sent something with news and it might have gone astray.

    Great to hear that both you and your loved one are doing great. That is a huge weight taken off your shoulders and no pun intended but off yourself with your amazing weight lost. Please tell us how you did it..its something that I need to do also.

    Needless to say you have not lost your magic touch...the card, the coloring and your incredible layers and attention to detail are still there. Your work is simply gorgeous!

    And as far as being away..you needed to do what you needed to for yourself. I think we all need a break and time to step back. Life is not easy and it's complicated. Often we don't realized that until we're at our breaking point, so you were wise to do so. Still I am so happy you decide to come back and share your amazing work with us.

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  33. Hi Mariska. So pleased to see you crafting again with another beautiful card. Sorry to read of the troubles you have had. Very glad to hear things are better now. Crafty hugs Karen x

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  34. Such a beautiful project, such sad news about your loved one, but so pleased that they pulled through this very difficult time. So happy for you that you have managed to solve most of your own health issues and that you are taking joy in crafting again. It's such a joy to see your beautiful work once more :) xx

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  35. Wat heerlijk dat je weer terug bent, en wat een come back!!!
    Helemaal geweldig is het weer, ik vind het ware kunstwerkjes die je maakt.

    liefs, Durvina

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  36. So happy to welcome you back, Mariska! And what a beauty!
    You've gone through a very tough period, but I'm glad to hear everything ended well! :) I would never give up following you. Missed your gorgeous work do much!
    I never had the courage to send you a message as I could image it was something big that kept you away from crafting.
    Just wanted to give you a HUGE thumbs up for getting back to crafting. I'll be so looking forward to your art. <3 :)
    Hugs,
    JIJI. xxx

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  37. Hiya Mariska,
    I'm so sorry to hear that you have been dealing with a difficult time in you life :( and i am also so happy to hear that things are improving for you... I just love what you have created here hun, it is so pretty; a miniature work of art in itself.. I hope that life keeps treating you kindly hun. Take care of yourself.. big hugs Rach. xx

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  38. Although not an 'official' follower I have been reading your blog for some time. Of all the card designs I have seen on various blogs yours have been the most outstanding and I now try to achieve 3D effects to my images too. I have missed your inspiration but I am glad for you that the page has turned and your life is so much better. Looking forward to more of your incredible ideas in the future. Fran Baldwin

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  39. so pleased to read your happy news, I had breast cancer last year, thankfully only small but needed the radio therapy treatment etc and know the way it knocks you for six, I'm so glad your back to enjoying your crafting again as you are so talented and looking at your projects is such a pleasure, hugs Liz xx

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