Monday 25 October 2021

October Rudolph Days Challenge

Hi there! It is time for the October Rudolph Days Challenge, and this month we are remembering our dear blogging friend Kath, of the former Plain and Simple Blog. Kath often made beautiful paper pieced cards. She was a regular poster here on our challenge for many years. She was on design teams for several other challenges, and was well loved.

Any entries this month that submit a paper pieced card, will be entered for a chance to win an addition prize consisting of this Woodware stamp.

Sorry, but I just can not seem to think tonight. My dear husband had a massive heart attack several days ago, and is having a triple bypass today. My brain is on overdrive and I can not get the photos of my two cards to load. Several months ago, when my email was switched to google (by my provider), I started to have trouble getting my photos off my phone and into my email, so I can load them into my computer. I will have my daughter help me tomorrow and will just add them to this post then. Sorry to bore you with the descriptions of the cards, but I typed this post previously, and did not have time till tonight to add the photos! Just too busy spending time with him in the heart critical care unit within our Langley Hospital ICU.

His surgery is in a larger city, and they have ambulanced him into there last night. It is one of two hositals where heart surgery is done in the Lower Mainland of BC, where we live. He will stay there untill he is released. They allow two visitors at the same time, as soon as he is stable, which is so lovely. My daughters take turns driving me to visit him and they will now be able to visit too. Previously, when he was in our town hospital, it was one visitor a day. Each of us went every third day. I do not drive so on my day to visit, the girls had to wait in the vehicle, as our smaller hospital was 1 person a day! It is all due to carefully COVID protections which change depending on the area each hospital is in. Tomorrow, new rules for proof of COVID double vaccination will be required to enter the hospital. Thank goodness I figured out how to load that proof of vaccination thingy into my phone! I am not the most adept at technical stuff...

So here are my descriptions, and I promise the photos will eventually appear. The only note of interest in these descriptions is the way I glue my fussy cut items.

Oct 26...Here they finally are!!!

I have made two paper pieced cards for your inspiration. My first card features Penny Black's Snowy stamp. I stamped my image on white card, and then restamped it twice on some snippets of a red and coral patterned design paper. I fussy cut out the hat with the pompom, and also the scarf. I also fussy cut the hanging tail of the scarf from the second stamped image.

Piecing it all together was very straight forward...just some glue painted onto the base card image, and then overlaying it with the fussy cut portions. I did not pop dot the scarf tail, but rather laid it slighty off to one edge, so that the depth showed.

I painted a little Star Dust stickles on the ground to suggest fallen snow, and on the touque front rolled edge and on the pompom. I liked the look of that, so kept going and touched the stickles over the snowman outline too! I found a lovely snippet of teal snowflake DP for my background, matted my image with teal card stock, and called it done.

My second card is made with the Stampendous Owl Tree stamp. I stamped my image twice on white card stock, and fussy cut the hat fur trim out of the second image. I then decided my owl was going to become a Penguin! My snippets file had a sweet teensy black and white print that I stamped on and then fussy cut up for the "black" on a penguin. I had a teensy snippet of red and pink polka dot DP that I stamped on, and fussy cut the hat from. Found another snippet of gold for the beak, and a lime green DP for the tree. Now, that tree was a tight fussy cut!

Glued all these items using my trusty paint brush on the stamped background image again...it is much easier than placing glue on the tiny snippets themselves, plus helps you not having to handle something covered in glue! Star Dust Stickles makes a showing on the fur edging of the hat. The tree was treated to red stickles on the tree baubles and silver stickles on the star.

Silver mirri forms the mat and a snippet of a grey snowflake DP forms the back. It was almost a full 6x6 piece but I guess I had a strip cut off previously for a border! So my card is a bit of a weird size, not quite 6x6 but does not look too bad in the original envelope.

Next up is Sue at Sues Crafty Corner. Sue has made us three gorgeous cards! I can not wait to read how she made them on her blog post. I hope you will pop over to read about them too. They are made with the most beautiful dies! Beautiful dies and beautiful scenes too. Here are Sue's cards,,,
Sadly, we are saying goodbye to a member of our Rudolph Days Challenge design team. Our lovely designer Linda, of Snails Space blog has stepped down for health reasons. She was a fabulous designer who worked so hard for our challenge and will be sadly missed. Thanks for all your hard work, Linda!

Also, you may have noticed that Sam has stepped back till the New Year. She has newly diagnosed health issues to be resolved. Thank goodness for advanced tests and attentive doctors who catch these things! Sam is sorely missed, and hopefully will be feeling better soon.

Our prize this month is this Amy designs Snowflake Frame.

55 comments:

mamapez5 said...

I am so glad Al has got his operation without atoo long wait. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Thanks for taking time to still post this challenge. Aren't Sue's cards beautiful. I shall enjoy reading about how she made them. Kate x

Liz said...

So sorry to hear about your husband, Maureen. Thinking of you both and wishing your husband a speedy recovery. Thank you for still finding time to post the October Challenge. Your cards sound beautiful, looking forward to seeing them sometime in the future. Love the cards Sue has made.
Take care
Liz Xx

Tina Z. said...

So sorry to hear about your husband, sending big hugs to you and I wish him a speedy recovery.
Beautiful inspirations for the challenge.
Thinking of you.

Sandra H said...

Oh Maureen l am so sorry to be reading this it wasn't long ago that you where all ill nice to know the operation is taking place today and l do hope its not too long before your husband is back to good health fully recovered and less of a worry to you all l feel for you sending lots of hugs and a speedy recovery (computer issued added to this hope your daughter sorts that too as l am sure she will) xx

Linby said...

So sorry to hear about Al, please give him our regards and wish him a speedy recovery.
Lynn x

Marianne said...

So sorry to hear about your husband, Maureen, but it's good to know he is being taken care of. Hope the surgery goes well today and that he will have a speedy recovery. Will check back later this week to see your cards and hopefully link up a card myself.
Sending hugs,
Marianne x

KT Fit Kitty said...

I am so sorry to read about your husband's massive heart attack - that is so scary! I hope his surgery today goes well and that he recovers quickly. Sending up prayers for both of you. Thank you for a new Rudolph Day and beautiful inspiration. I am early for once!
Hugs,
Kitty

Elizabeth said...

Oh, Maureen, I'm just catching up with your blog and I'm so sorry to read about your husband's heart attack. You must be very worried. Hope the surgery has gone well and that he will make a quick recovery. Take care of yourself. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

Marilyn said...

Sorry to hear about your husband. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Anonymous said...

Maureen, I’m so sorry to hear about Al and wish him a quick recovery. I look forward to seeing your cards when you get a chance to post them. Thank you so much for the kind words; I’ll miss designing for you but I’ll join in when I’m able to. Visiting the galleriy was always the fun part, seeing such a variety of Christmas cards.

Chris said...

oh my goodness Mareen, I'm not surprised that you're finding it difficult to concentrate, hope the operation goes well and your husband makes a speedy recovery.
It is so lovely that you're remembering Kath this challenge- I know this was one of her favourites and she always joined in whenever she could.
I was going to enter a card but now I need to make another- with paper- piecing!
xx

Mandy said...

Really sorry to hear about your husband Maureen. You must be beside yourself with worry, I know I certainly would be.

Keeping everything that can be crossed all goes well for his triple bypass.

Please look after yourself too, it is all too easy to forget you need to look after yourself to be able to take care of others.

Sending a mahoosive hug

Mandy xxx

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

I’m so sorry to read about your Husband Mo, so sending him my very best wishes for a speedy recovery. You take care of yourself too as it’s such a stressful time for you. Kath was a lovely lady with a great sense of humour. I was lucky enough to meet her and had it not been for COVID, we had planned to meet up again at a craft show not too far from where we both live. I miss her lovely blog comments and emails, which always made me smile. Unfortunately my post was scheduled a while ago, so I haven’t managed to make a paper pieced card, but it’s so thoughtful of you to honour a Kath’s memory and I’ll be thinking of her. Sandra xx

Carol L said...

I'm so sorry to learn of your husbands heart attack and resulting surgery. With what they can do today, hopefully your husband will be well in no time. My husband had 2 heart attacks and resulting triple bypass surgery over 20 years ago and he's still with me today, so stay strong, chin up, and try to keep yourself calm. (easier said than done, I know) Sending comforting hugs across the miles and praying for your strength in the coming days as well as a complete recovery for Al.

Swissie said...

So sorry to hear about your husband. Praying for you both and for a speedy recovery for him.
God bless you!
Liv xx

Greta said...

Dear Maureen, So very sorry to hear about your hubby. Will keep all of you in my prayers & know I'm sending love & hugs. Beautiful inspiration & will be back to check your cards. Take care of yourself--always hard when a loved one is sick. Greta

Becca Yahrling said...

Prayers being sent your way for your hubby as well as you & your family!! <3 <3 <3
hugs, Becca xoxo

Verna Angerhofer said...

Praying that the surgery is a success and that the healing can begin. Take care friend!

Sandy said...

Mo, so sorry to hear about your husband. I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers up to BC. Don't stress over photos --just take care of yourself and your family.

Carol L said...

A fond farewell to Linda and hopefully Sam is doing well too. Beautiful cards shared with us again this month, and once again; I send you healing prayers and big hugs. Playing just for fun this month.

SHartl said...

Oh no Maureen, I can't believe you were even able to get this posted with all the worry you have. I'll be praying for your husband's full recovery, and hope that you are also able to take care of yourself so that you stay healthy. Hugs.

MadeByMeghanK said...

Sending you big hugs for a fast recovery for your husband!

Greta said...

Your cards are both darling & so impressive to do all that fussy cutting! Love Sue's beautiful cards!

Robyn Oliver said...

Oh My!! Maureen you have made two fabulous cards amid all the serious health issues with your hubby...hugs and wishes for a full recovery.... Sue's cards are just wonderful too, Robyn

LesleyG said...

I cannot imagine what you are going through Maureen, my thoughts are with you and your family. I just love your paperpieced cards, such fun, and tiny details! The tip for gluing the image is such a good one! All the best ideas are simple, but ones I never thought of :) Sue’s cards are just beautiful too. Take care xxx

Sue - said...

So sorry to hear about your husband Maureen . Sending virtual hugs to you and your family. I’m surprised you found the time or the inclination to make your beautiful cards, when you have so much else to think about. xx

Eemeli said...

Oh no, I am very sorry to hear about your husband. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I hope for a full recovery to your husband.

Hugs from Finland,
Eemeli

Liz said...

Back again to see your beautiful cards, Maureen. Love the images, especially the ‘penguin owl’, so cute.

Glad that your husband is allowed two visitors at a time now. It will be lovely for your husband to see you and your daughters more often. Hope his recovery goes well. xx

Kris said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's heart attack and subsequent surgery. Our prayers are with your family as he heals.

Love your cards!! I was working on a couple of cards yesterday, but didn't get very far :( I'll play again on Thursday!

Vicky Hayes said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband having a heart attack Maureen. So scary for you all. I'm so glad you and your family are able to see him in hospital. Sending all best wishes for a successful operation and a speedy recovery.
So lovely to see you honouring our Kath this month. My card was scheduled so I'm sorry I haven't been able to join in with a paper-pieced card as I would have liked to make one in Kath's memory.
Such lovely cards as always! Vicky x

ionabunny said...

Oh Mo! Best wishes for a swift recovery for your husband. Glad to hear you can visit a little easier at the bigger hospital. Look after yourself. Glad to see the Rudolf Days post. Hope to be back soon with a card. HUGZ

Lynne said...

Oh so sorry to hear about hubby Maureen. I do hope he makes a speedy recovery from his op. Beautiful cards from Sue and you can't beat Snowy for a lovely Christmas card x

Di said...

Sending loads of positive thoughts to you, Al and the family. Thankfully it wasn't the long wait you feared for his surgery and each day is a step closer to him being fully well once again. Pleased to hear that visiting is easier with two of you being allowed in to see Al. I'm amazed you managed to run Rudolph days in the midst of everything that's been happening. Wonderful cards and such a great tribute to Kath. You paper piecing is gorgeous. I'm just playing for fun, I already have that lovely Woodware stamp set - plus I won very recently!

Hugs

Di xx

Karenladd said...

Thinking of you and hoping for a successful surgery and recovery for your husband Maureen. How lovely to honor Kath this month, with your paper piecing option. Our crafting community is such a creative and sharing group, and it's hard to lose even a small bit of that sparkle.
Hugs to you and your family.

Bunny said...

Oh, Mo, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. My prayers for him and you and your family. Stay strong and take care of yourself too.

Sally H said...

Sending the biggest of hugs to you and the family, Maureen and wishing your hubby a speedy recovery! It sounds as though you have been through an awful lot recently. Make sure you take care of yourself too xxx

Pat said...

So sorry to hear about your husband and glad he is having the bypass surgery so fast and wishing him a full and speedy recovery. It will be good to be able to go with each of your daughters to visit him too. I don't know how you have managed to run the challenge with all this going on but it is great to see your two beautiful paper pieced cards with cute Snowy and that sweet owl..such pretty papers too, and then Sue's three brilliant cards, so bright and love the super dies she has used. I am not sure whether I will get a card in but will do my best. I have had a ghastly cold which has knocked me out rather but beginning to pick up now. Take care. x

KathyA. said...

Holding your family in my prayers. Know that you are loved!

Suzanne H said...

So sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he is on his way to healing and recovery.

Susan said...

So sorry to hear about Al. Thank goodness he's getting his surgery so quickly. And I'm glad you and your daughters are able to visit him. I'm amazed you got a post done at all. Your cards are lovely, especially the one with Snowy in the great paper-pieced hat and scarf. Please take care of yourself as well as of your husband.

Wies said...

Sorry to hear about your husband. Hopefully the surgery went well and he will recover soon. Wish you all the best.
Lovely cards to inspire us.
Wies xx

cebelica said...

I'm really sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he will get well soon!
All the cards are beautiful! xx

Bonnie said...

I hope and pray that Al is recovering nicely and will be home with you soon. It's a blessing to have children by your side during this trying time. Your paper piecing is spot on, Maureen. I love Snowy's bright red hat and scarf and the look of texture on the penguin! Two awesome cards!

Jenny L said...

Hi Maureen,
I am so sorry to hear about your dear husband what a shock for you and your family.
Sending lots of get well wishes his way and healing thoughts.
Gosh you must be run off your feet and so busy I am surprised you had time to do the challenge at all.
Will miss Linda's lovely in put to the design team I do hope she will be feeling better soon sending more healing thoughts her way too.
I also owould like to send healing thoughts to Sam as well.
I do so hope she is feeling better soon also.
Sorry I have only just seen this as I have been away to a wedding up north.
Love your paper pieced cards they both look very wonderful and super paper piecing is brilliant too.
Love the both cute images especially the OWL come Penguin.
Great papers used also.
Sue's cards look amazing can't wait to pop over to see how she made them.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Sandy said...

I hope the surgery went well and your husband is recovering nicely.
I'm glad you were able to link your cards because they are both adorable.

Pat said...

Just to let you know I have added my card Mo. I hope your husband is doing well since his operation. Take care. x

Darnell said...

Oh, my dear, I am so sorry to hear about this latest struggle, but pleased that your hubby survived and was able to be transferred to a top hospital for care and that more than one of you can visit at a time. It's a dreadful time to have a major health issue that isn't Covid so I hope he continues to improve daily and can be sent home soon. You take care of you, too, as you deal with this.

Your cards are just delightful! Sorry to hear about Linda and Sam and I hope they both get their issues resolved soon, as well. Sue's cards are just incredible! Lots of hugs, Darnell

Helen said...

So sorry to hear the news about your husband - I do hope that he's doing ok now?
Thanks for yet another fabulous challenge!
Helen x

Jane Willis said...

I hope your husband's operation goes well and paves the way for a smooth and speedy recovery.

Loll said...

Dear Maureen. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack and upcoming triple bypass. What a scary time for you and your girls. I pray that all goes well with his surgery and he will be on the road to recovery soon. Not sure if he is at RC hospital, but that's where my husband was treated for the same type of trauma and they were wonderful. Take care of yourself. Loll xx

Donna said...

Really sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack. I've been through that experience so I can say how worried I know you must be. I hope by now he is recovering and back home with you. Covid certainly has managed to make life difficult in so many ways. Love the gorgeous inspiration this month. I do confess that I totally forgot about the paper piecing option. Somedays I am lucky to remember my name. LOL! Thanks for the fun challenge! Happy Halloween!

Valerija said...

So sorry to hear about your husband. I hope the surgery went well.
Wonderful cards, love them all!
Valerija xx

Janis said...

I am dragging in before the gate closes...as usual.
I hope and pray your hubby is doing better and recovering well after his surgery...and that you are able to relax a tiny bit, too. What a scary situation!!
You are amazing to keep the challenge going during all of this health crisis. Very lovely cards!
Sending hugs and well wishes!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

ionabunny said...

I think I'm late, but Happy Rudolf Days everyone. Gosh, where did October go..... Take care. Hugz

Marjeta said...

I wish quick recovery to your husband