Thursday, April 22, 2010

I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do...my gift is my song, and this one's for you...

Could it be true? Did I really get into my craft cave and make something? Yep, I did! It's Verve Release Countdown time, and I have a fun and different project to show you. I hope you like it.

But before I show it to you, I have a little bizness to conduct. I just noticed that as of yesterday, I have been blogging for 3 years. Holy moly! What started on a whim has become so much more...a place to share, a world-wide network of people that I truly consider friends, and a place to just express myself. I'm still surprised that people like to read my babbling...this blog is more about the journey for me than anything else. It has turned out to be so much more...and something that is quite a blessing.

To celebrate and say thank you, I'd like to share some goodies with you. After cleaning off my desk, I have things that I didn't even know I had! Can you relate? Anywho, I don't have a list or a pretty picture, but three random people who comment on this post will get a fabulous goodie package from me. And we're talking paper, stamp sets, ribbon, cardstock...who knows, but it will be good stuff, I promise!

Ok, so on with the project! Today on the Verve Blog, the New Release Spotlight is on the upcoming set called Blessings. It's a very special set, with a stamp that is very near and dear to my heart, so I decided to do something a little different and create a wall hanging. See whatcha think:


I know, it's a little different for me, but I really like how it turned out. I knew I wanted to use the Irish Blessing stamp from this set...like I mentioned earlier, it is very special to me. When I was in high school choir we sang a beautiful arrangement of this song, and it was always one of Josh's and my favorites. It has come to mind in some very dark times, and I can actually picture myself and my little life held safely and tenderly in God's hands. It was also what we placed on the back of Josh's memorial cards at his funeral.

This past week I learned that my choir director from high school is retiring this year. A group of alumni started to organize a little surprise at his last concert, and it has grown into a group of over 100 people. Kind of hard to sneak 100 people into a concert without being noticed! So all of us old folks are going to sing a song during the concert (and show those whipper snappers how it's done...), and then we will join the rest of the choir for The Lord Bless You and Keep You, which is the traditional finale of each concert. It is going to be quite a special night...I'd be lying if I said it wasn't going to be hard for me, but I'm looking forward to seeing lots of old friends.

So...yeah, all that to say that I wanted to make something special for our director that he could display in his study or office. While I was digging through my stash of alterables, canvases, and tins, I came across a Basic Grey 6x6 chipboard album that caught my eye. I used just the cover page and covered it with the Chopped Tomatoes pattern from Jillibean Soup's Minestrone collection. After sanding the edges, I ran my Versamagic Jumbo Java dew drop across them. I wanted to add a little oomph to the polka dot background, so I stamped one of the flourish images from the Blessings set repeatedly in cream colored acrylic paint. Then I dry-brushed around the edges of the plaque again with the cream paint to bring it together. That was the messy part!

I cut a panel of the Cannellini Beans pattern from the same Jillibean collection to fit within the rectangle of the plaque, inked the edges, and matted it with Dark Chocolate cardstock. I distressed the edges with my fingernail and attached it to the plaque with foam dimensionals. Then I stamped the Irish Blessing in Jumbo Java ink on Vintage Cream cardstock, cut it down to fit within the rectangle, and inked & distressed the edges. After mounting it onto the green and brown pattern, I decided to add a few red buttons to the left side. All that was left was to tie some thicker Jute through the holes for hanging.

All in all, I think I accomplished my goal, which was to create a meaningful gift for my choir director that is masculine enough to hang in a study or office, as well as any other place in the home. I really hope he likes it.

Ok, if you've made it through all this, you sure are sweet for sticking with me. Don't forget to visit the Verve Blog for more eye candy, and don't forget to leave a comment here, too! I'll choose three winners and post them on Sunday. Tell me something fun...a favorite quote, a good high school memory, a joke...whatever! And have a fabulous day!

87 comments:

Kandi said...

Hi Shannan~ I'm fairly new to your blog and I wanted to say that I think that all of your creations are fabulous! I have been lurking long enough to know of your husband's passing and I wanted to tell you that I think of you and your boys often and hope that you are doing alright. Please take care of yourself and have a great time at your choir "reunion". Happy Earth Day!

Lovely Linda said...

Hi Shannan, I LOVE this - when I first saw your title I thought it was for the a new challenge out 'Scrap It With a Song' and they have chosen 'Your Song' this week - I am hoping to play along with it this week (using LOC Joyful Noise!) and thought you had too! I love your 'work of the heart' and that beautiful Irish Blessing - your Director will love it! I will be praying for you at the 'Choir Reunion' Sounds like it is going to be emotional anyway - my advice is - WATERPROOF Mascara!!!LOL Thanks for sharing Shannon! {{{hugs}}}

Tami Grandi said...

This is GORGEOUS! I've been praying for you and the boys- and still am. For me something "fun" is the fact that there's only 21.5 days of school left! I'm a first grade teacher and am READY!

Jayne Cannon said...

Sounds like Mr. Holland's Opus to me! My something fun is that I am excited about Friday - I am having lunch, as I do about every six weeks, with two guys I have been friends with for 38 years. Since high school! We get together and the years just roll away! You're never too old to be silly. Don't forget that!!!

Mary said...

This is so pretty!!! The concert sounds like it will be really special!! So glad to see you back posting. Continuing to keep you and your boys in my prayers. Remember.. One day at a time....

Kathy H said...

You are too sweet and so is your project.... and Happy Earth Day!

Peggy said...

Beautiful gift Shannan! One of my favorite blessings!

Carrie said...

Happy Earth Day! LOL I was going to say it will be like Mr. Holland's Opus but someone beat me to it. This is amazing Shannan! I love it and I am sure he will too! So how about a joke that my 7 year old told me this morning. Where do all the pencils live?






Pencilvania ;) I hope you enjoyed it! Hugs!

Chris Simon said...

Beautiful! Love the sentiment, and I think it's a fabulous gift.

Paula said...

Happy Earth DAy and thank you for sharing your talent with us. I'm glad you can craft again and make it fun for those of us who care about you to enjoy and dare I say, even have some fun! I know you've been having a hard time, but I know you'll come through the dark side just fine and in a better place for you and the boys! People really do love you!

Keva said...

Well first - I love the gift you made. I've always had trouble with chipboard, though I don't know why. It looks very pretty and I love the papers and the way it all comes together. Made with love always looks best, though, I guess! :-)

Now, as for the something fun. Well, the first thing that came to mind was how geeked I was last night. A little background...I haven't stamped for almost 3 years. One day in 2007, I just decided stamping wasn't my thing anymore and I sold everything I had...from stamps and inks to brads and ribbon. It all had to go. No rhyme or reason..I just did it. Fast forward to January of this year. All of a sudden, the bug was back. I needed it all back and have spent lots of money (shh..don't tell) getting back to almost where I was before. I've fallen in love with so many different things and it's just been so fun to be *back*. Last night, I made 4 cards..it was the first time since I returned to stamping that I really loved what I made. I felt so happy making them and was really geeked about it...so much so that I missed American Idol (that's HUGE!!). I could barely sleep last night because I was so excited about what I had done. Obviously, it's not on the level of your cards or Niki Estes or someone like that. But for me? Oh it was the bees knees I tell you!! LOL

Ok, well enough rambling..sorry about that. hee hee

Dawn Easton said...

Shannan, I'm in love with your wall hanging! It's beautiful! I don't often do many 3D projects but you have inspired me to do something SOON!

Your get together sounds like a lot of fun! Enjoy it girl!

Thinking of you all, always :)

Lori said...

That is a great gift! I may have to give this a try! I have tons of chipboard that I need to start using!!

Stampin Cats said...

Love all your projects. Thanks so much for sharing with us over the last few years.

Basement Stamper said...

Shannan, this is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure your choir director will cherish it. Love the distressing and then the painting you did to bring it all together.

Beautiful!

Vicki Wizniuk said...

Very beautiful! Speaking of blessings, I just wanted to take this moment to tell you that you are one of our blessings! Thanks for always sharing with us. :)

kimmygt said...

I do so admire you for being the strong and creative woman you are. Your project is absolutely beautiful and I know he will love it. You are a blessing to us all.

Unknown said...

and I think I've been following you for at least 2 of those years. Love your work!!

Callie said...

What a beautiful creation. I'm sure you're Choir director will cherish it. I've been following you for at least a year! Amazing incredible inspiring work all the way along. Someday I'll craft like you ;-) For now, I have my own weird flawed style. hehehe! Have fun at the concert!

Julie said...

So very pretty Shannan, and I'm so happy you are back to creating....I've so missed seeing your smiling face and seeing your gorgeous creations! ((hugs))

Darsana said...

God Bless you as well. Your title is one of my favorite songs. I always hoped that I would have someone special to sing it to me, and now thanks to you I do. Memories from high school are far too many for this blog response. Glad to see you are feeling better and back to creating. This is a perfect gift. Enjoy your experience.

carole (TruCarMa) said...

Gorgeous, Shannan. And I've always loved that Irish blessing, too. Gonna have to go visit Ms. Julee, thanks to you! Hope you and the boys are well. I think of you often. HUGS!

GabrielaD said...

Happy Earth Day. Thank you for the chance to get some goodies. I am glad you are crafting again. We have missed seeing your talent.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful keepsake! I, too, am loving the Verve sets this month. Thanks for sharing so much with us these past couple years.

Carole said...

Found your blog today while searching for info on Copics. I live in the DFW metroplex and hope I can attend one of your Copic classes someday. Your work is beautiful! God bless you and your boys Shannan. Your life & art are so inspirational!

Rosie said...

Glad to see that you are back! Missed you! I think you did a great job with this project! Can't wait to see more. Pick me! Pick me!

Tanya said...

This is so beautiful! I'm sure your choir director will love and cherish this. I love Irish blessings, I can't wait to see the new release!

Glad to see you back, your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. Have a great day Shannan! :)

Unknown said...

This is just lovely, Shannan, but more than that very meaningful.. I'm sure it will be cherished. It's great to see you getting crafty.. been thinking about you and wishing the best for you and boys.. hugs!!

Unknown said...

Your blog is awesome. You have unknowingly touched my heart by finding long forgotten memories. Your reminiscing of high school (I was in the marching band and the choir!)brings back many many memories. I remember my band teacher told me that if he ever had a daughter he would want like her to be like me. I teared up when he told me, but as a 16 year old I didn't really grasp the words or the meaning. I was a terrible teenager, a real rebel and not a smart student at all. I don't know if he knew that at the time or not, but remembering it now still makes me cry, but for different reasons. I went through some rough spots, but have turned out OK with a daughter who turned out better than I could have ever asked for...beautiful, SMART! and is nothing like her mother in the rebel category! WOW! Oh...and I love the song lyrics. I sometimes sing the songs as I go through my day!

Christi Flores said...

Girl, when I saw this on the Verve blog I fell in LOVE!! This is wonderful and I am sure Mister is going to love it. Speaking of, when is the concert? If I can, I'd love to go! I always wanted to be in choir in high school but my schedule always conflicted and I know that I missed out. :) Anyway, let me know and YOU GO GIRL!! You knocked this one out of the park!! :)

Kay said...

Shannan I am a new follower of your blog but I think your creations rock! I would love to be close enough to go to your chorus concert :) I am still friends with my chorus teacher from high school. He is now retired but thanks to Face Book, we are able to stay connected. What a blessing a reunion would be :)
I keep you and your boys in my prayers as I can only imagine the roller coaster ride you must be on with your emotions. I know that God is your saving grace and so glad that you know Him.
Thanks for the chance to win,
Kay Tillman
KayTillman@gmail.com

Alyssa S said...

This is fabulous! Such a fun way to keep those things around that mean so much to us...I'll have to add this to the never ending/always growing list of things to do!! Thanks for the inspiration :o)

Julie said...

Hey Shannan, I'm so glad to see you are back to creating some more. I hope you are doing well...your project is gorgeous! :)

Beth M said...

Shannan - So good to see you creating again! I'm sure your choir teacher will love it. Sounds like it's going to be a very special evening. Hope you have a great time sharing memories.

Anonymous said...

You do such beautiful work and I am glad you are back. You are an inspiration to us all! I went to such a small school that I would have way, way, WAY too many stories to share...K-12 had 100 students and we graduated in a class of 4! (yes, only four)

Anonymous said...

Shannan--this is one of my favorite blessings as well. This set is on my must have list!! Your project is wonderful and I'm sure will be treasured for many years to come!! Blessings and Hugs!!

Kerry Johnson said...

Congrats on 3 years Shannan! So nice to see you blogging when you feel like it. Beautiful project that I'm sure will be appreciated. ((HUGS))

blah said...

Very nice Shannan! Love the wall hanging and it's good to see you back again.

k.m. said...

Hi, Shannon.....I,too, really love this "Irish Blessing"....my father was 100% Irish and was very proud of his heritage. At his funeral we also had this reading on his memorial cards....and a soloist sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling". I don't believe there was a dry eye in the entire church. I can still see his beautiful smile and those beautiful Irish eyes.

Wendy Todd said...

What a gorgeous wall hanging and the perfect gift for the occasion! So thoughtful of you! I loved High School, call me weird, but it was fun! It's nice to look back and remember those special teachers who had an impact on my life and helped to shape me into the person I am today (thanks for the inspiration to do that today!). Enjoy your reunion!

MelissaS said...

this is so pretty! I love that Irish Blessing :)

I recently returned to my high school to attend my younger brother's graduation (he is MUCH younger), only to find he was graduating with children of my own former classmates. Talk about feeling old!

Enjoy the retirement performance. I'm sure the director will love his gift...

Grace said...

Oh Shannon, what a special and thoughtful gift! This is perfect and I know it will really be special to him too!!! I know that will be an emotional time for you but it will be special too, and great for the healing process! Hugs and prayers!

Chrisd said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sherry Eckblad said...

I too am new to your blog and found you via the PaperTreyink release party this month. I love reading your blog and seeing what you have created. Thanks for sharing not only your crafting but your life with all of us.

Oh PS love the wall hanging you have created. All I can say is FABULOUS.

Chrisd said...

First ,I'll tell you something sweet but funny. Today at Preschool, a 4yr told me that his family was going to put up their Christmas tree over the weekend to make some magic.
You make magic in each post you send out to us in blogland. Your music director will be so delighted with such a lovely gift to treasure. I too enjoyed my choir classes and remember them fondly. Our director was also our church organist and played at our wedding. So many fond memories popped into my head. Hugs from Michigan

txbluiz said...

Shannan -- it's great to see you back making your beautiful creations!! God has blessed you in so many ways!

Mandy said...

Hi Shannan! I love your blog and I think of you often. I hope you are healing as well as your boys. My oldest son (now 24 yrs old) sang in the Honors Chorus in high school. I loved every minute of it. They also sang The Lord Bless you and Keep you and I cried everytime! I hope you have a wonderful reunion!

Anonymous said...

I have been following you for almost your 3 years of blogging! I always find your blog titles fun! I hope things are going well for you and your family and your project is awesome!

Lori

Karen S. said...

The wall hanging is beautiful - I'm sure it will be treasured! The youth choir at our church always ends their home concert (after summer choir trip) with the same song and they always invite allumni from the choir to join them to sing. It is fun to see so many of them return for the home concert each year. It sounds like the final concert for your high school choir director is going to be very special!

Anonymous said...

Shannan I love what you made. I sing at church and sometimes the songs just do it for me, pure praise. Glad to see you back.

Janette P

RhiannonB said...

I think your gift will be treasured - it is beautiful. I wish I could say I have high school memories of music - but alas I don't. I shied away from music especially singing because I'm horrible at it! My something funny - Whenever I sing at least one of my boys will ask me to "please stop!!" then I ask them why don't you like my singing? I get an immeadiate "NO!!". Then one of them always says " well it's ok but you should stop anyway" to be nice. They may love me but not my singing!!!! Thank you for sharing your life, journey, and talent for 3 years!!

Sue said...

What a meaningful gift, Shannan. This is definitely one of my favorite Irish blessings. I know your choir director will cherish this gift from your heart and hands.

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

Sheri said...

Oh how pretty. You need to step out of your box more often! Love it. Thanks for the chance to win the goodies and CONGRATS on 3 years of blogging!!

Velta said...

I have not visited in a while, and I am so glad to see that you are back to your old self again! It just made me smile when I saw this gift you made for your choir director...Very cute and thoughtful! My grandson (19 months old) likes to swing in my wicker swing on my patio...At Christmas, I would sing Little Drummer Boy...and when he wanted to go out and swing he would say "pa...pa." Meaning sing that song so we can swing...Monday night, I started singing it again and he said "no..no." So I guess he has grown out of my singing...they grow up so fast...I am so happy that you have your boys with you...God has blessed you, even though you have had a tough time...you are a tough woman...Keep hanging in there girl!!

Happy Now said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful gift! Wishing you all the best!

Something fun? Hmmm. It's hard to think back to high school and much of what was fun then sort of seems a tad silly now... ;) But I will share: my current favorite CDs to listen to are the 2009 and 2010 Grammy Compilations - a fun sampling of the most current and popular songs (and highlights of artists that I might not otherwise listen to for an entire album).

Thanks!

Patty from FL said...

Your wall hanging is very pretty. I like how all the colors came together. I'm glad to see that you're creating again!

Linda Palmer said...

Fabulous Wall hanging. I love your style. I don't post often but read your blog everytime you post. You and the boys have been in my prayers. You sent me one of my first RAK cards and made me feel welcome over 5 yrs ago.

Julia M said...

So happy to see you back to creating Shannan! What a beautiful wall hanging, I'm sure that your choir director will cherish it. My favorite high school memory is of my piano teacher Mrs. Houston from Berkeley High. She inspired all her students to give their best and really cared about what was going on in our lives.

Thanks to all teachers who inspire their students!

Anonymous said...

Shannan, I'm so happy that you're celebrating your 3 year blogaversery. I love to visit. I know you've had a hard time lately and I hope your blog helps you through it somehow. I don't comment often but I do check in all the time. Just know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Mari Pearson

Kristy Rooney said...

I love stopping by your blog and checking out your creations. I always love them. Great job once again. Congratulations on 3 years of blogging. I'm glad to see that you are doing well considering all you have been through.
Take care
Kristy ;)

Krissy said...

Congratulations, on your blogaversary! How exciting! I started my own just a few months ago, it's so much fun!

When I saw the project you posted I started singing the "Irish Blessing" to myself. We sang it in high school, also. A few years ago my HS Choir Director retired, and we all attended his party and gave him a little concert, too. It was so much fun! I hope you all enjoy your reunion concert, as much as my classmates and I did!

I really enjoy reading your blog. I am inspired by your creativity and your determination. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Have a nice weekend!
Krissy
www.paperinkspirations.blogspot.com

Sandy Kay said...

I love your spark! I want to share a cute story about my 4 year old grandson. I took him to Wendy's to treat him for lunch the other day. As I was at the drive-up ordering his meal, I decided to try the fish sandwich. So when I got home the sandwich was not in the bag! He looked at me and said, "It's ok Mammie (his name for me), you still seem pretty happy"! How cute is that?!

Andrea Murdock said...

so glad you made it into your craft cave tee hee. I always say crafting is good for the soul. This irish blessing is one of the first I have ever learned and it means a lot to me too. This is a beautiful creation and I am sure he will love it. I saw the pics you uploaded on facebook of your choir group and you looked like a very happy bunch. I am sure his heart will be overflowing after seeing you all there

Nicky said...

Hi Shannan,
it is so great to see you creating and blogging again, we all missed you and your gorgeous creations. Your project turned out beautifully and I am sure it will be treasured forever. Enjoy singing in the choire and have a great show.
Love ya
Nicky

Dawn B. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dawn B. said...

ooooopssss. Sorry about that.. I hit the delete key.. My hands are too big..LOL. This is a wonderful project and it is great to see you creating.. The band director is going to love this. What a great thing to do.. It would be scary if I was singing..eeks. Great job Shannan..

Alice said...

Thank you for sharing your creativity and thoughts for three years! ... You reminded me of my high school choir's tradition: At the end of the Christmas concert, all choir alumni joined the current choir members on stage (300-400 total!) and we all sang Oh, Come All Ye Faithful, Randall Thompson's Alleluia, and (same as you) The Lord Bless You and Keep You -- together, and we never went flat. Real goosebump music, that was! I know you'll enjoy sharing some songs at your choir reunion, music has a wonderful way of bringing people together.

Anonymous said...

Wow, 3 years blogging! Thanks for sharing with us. Praying for you and your boys.
Kathy T in SW IN

Danisha said...

I am so glad you were able to crate something. I like seeing what you do!!!

I think it is awesome that you and your fellow choir members are doing a number for the teacher who is retiring. I know it will mean a lot for them.

Dina Kowal Creative said...

Hugs to you! I can't even think of a funny *anything* right now... spent the whole day cleaning my house with friends (and I'm so tired I almost just told you that I spent the day cleaning my friends - ok, so I had something funny to say after all!).

Kelli Hull said...

Oh Shanna, I SO wish you peace and good feelings in this Concert, Josh IS beside you daily and especially in Hard Times! I love your blog updates and do them when you have time, I've been a single parent (by choice) and it was HARD, I pray for you and your boys!!!!!!

GREAT PROJECT!!!!!

KelliJo

Susan said...

Hi Shannan,
Love the project. For those of us who are primarily card makers, it's great to use some of our wonderful stuff to get a little out of the box. Your creation is really nice. I'm always inspired by things like this...I find I can do more than I thought I could do. When I was in grade school, I sang in the children's choir and to this day, many, many years later, I still have fond memories. I even thought I could sing!

Susan

Ronda C. said...

Shannon,

I love your project. It is beautifl. It is a nice thing to do for your former teacher! I am sure he will love it, too.

Ronda C.

Nita K. said...

Nice wall hanging! Something good... I had a good visit with an old friend today. Need that more often.

tblue said...

Wow, what a beautiful creation! My something funny is this: I have a son with Autism. His speech is very limited and is called Echolaic..meaning he repeats what he hears most of the time. We were having dinner and I asked him if he would like more fruit cocktail. He looked at me very seriously and said " more fruit cottontail"! That's my boy.
Teresa Blue

Christine said...

What a great card. I just love that Irish Blessing! Glad you found some time to get into your craft room and play!

~melanie said...

I love your blog...it is great to see your ideas turn into projects and very inspiring. 3 years..wow! I have been attempting mine for over a yaar but do not get to it (or my craft room) as much as I would like.
I have a joke for you:
knock knock
who's there
coconut head...hahahahaha
Okay, not a funny joke, but my 4 year olds favorite! His attempt at a knock knock joke. Probably didn't make you laugh, but it makes me laugh to see how he thinks it is so funny!
Hope you have a great day...Happy Spring! :)

dazey said...

What a beautiful & thoughtful gift!

Peggy S from Ohio said...

So Creative! Love all the different things you did w/this project! You inspire us to try new wasy of doing things. I, too, love this Irish blessing. I have another one on my wall. It goes: May those that love us love us, and those that don't love us,may God turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping.Hoping you have a day filled with blessings!

Nancy said...

Congrats on your 3 year blogging anniversary!!! Nancy P...

Sally said...

I sang that beautiful song with my high school choir too! Last year when my son's choir director retired the alumni came back and it was one of the most moving tributes, so go and you will have a wonderful time and the Lord will help you. Thanks for the opportunity for winning some goodies.

Rose A said...

Shannen love the bits of life you share with us !!

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

Wow, not only is this a gorgeous project but what a special story around it! Many will be blessed through you, your art and your singing!

Colorful hugs!

Tricia T said...

What a lovely piece Shannon! My favorite Irish quote goes something like this... " May those who love us, love us, and those who do not love us, may God turn their heart, and if He does not turn their heart, may He turn their ankle, so we may know them by their limping." :-) Just a little something to brighten your day! LOL

I'm so thankful you didn't have to move. I pray that each day brings it's own little bit of healing to your heart.

Blessings! Tricia

Sandi Clarkson said...

Wow, Shannon, look at all these peeps who love you! What I like best about your blog .. besides your talent is the amazing song lyrics you use for titles! How do you do it, GF?

Paula said...

good to see your lovely creations again.

Gina said...

That wall hanging it beautiful!!! Love it.

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