Now, let me tell you a little about my past. When my DH and I were dating and newly married, I worked for a well known tackle shop. Besides sales, we made fly tying materials for a very popular, outdoor company named Orvis. My brother was a very avid fly tier and fly fishermen who tried to teach me everything he knew. He also worked at the tackle store. He was very instrumental in the beginnings of a club called the Dame Juliana League. Hence he convinced hubby and I to join and we did preservation stream work on a fly stretch of one of our local streams. My brother was killed in a very tragic car accident and after that I just could not bear to continue with the League. Until today I was not sure if the league still was in existence. Google is amazing, and within minutes I learned that they have a wonderful website that even includes a small memorial to my brother. All of his memorial donations from his funeral, had been used to continue the work we did. They now have over 110 members. The really ironic thing is that now I live on a lake, and can fish daily if I choose. Oh, how my brother would have loved that! I had my tears for the day and set about creating this card. Now I feel like I really have a history with this stamp set.
I chose an ivory card base and some amazing digital papers from my stash. My images are stamped in Memento, Rich Cocoa and SU! River Rock. I added some stitching, a hemp threaded button and a real fly that was created by my brother. I used a deckle rectangle Nestabilities to cut out my focal image.
I am on a new mission to try and be more creative with my card interiors. What do you think?I hope to be able to show you many more designs as the month moves forward. I hope you can visit some of the highlighted links in this post and spread the love. Theresa has another brilliant guest designer by the name of Melissa, who you can visit here. Sorry for the long post, but thanks for stopping by.
13 comments:
What a wonderful touching story. So sorry for your loss but man at the great memories you have. Your card is fantastic! I'm so happy for you and you will do Theresa proud!
Mary Anne,
Those tears are always tucked back ther I know exactly what you mean :) Your post is great and your brother is smiling! The card is amazing as well.
P.S. I was able to get the rider started all by myself and cut all the grass before the down pour! UMMMM now who is going to weed?
Oh that will be me to I guess but its raining so since I don't have to work until 2 pm on Sat maybe I can do a card :) :) :)
Wow, Mary Anne you do have a connection to this set. Theresa must have created it with you in mind. I love the neutral card you created. And thanks for the shout out at the end of the post. I am getting ready to add a new post right now with the news and the cards I shared last night. Then I can play with the set some more. Have a great weekend.
What a touching story. You did a great job with the card and the real fly is perfect!
I forgot to say CONGRATS on being a Guest Designer!!!
I can't wait to see more of your work on Theresa's blog. Isn't it neat how God works -- Theresa could have asked you to be guest designer any old month but how meaningful this month's set is to you! It's wonderful to hold such wonderful memories of your brothers and be able to remember all the love your shared as you work with this set!!
how awesome is that that they have so many members and a memorial for your brother! it is amazing how life so often really does lead us in a circle back to "things, people, memories"...so this would explain the awesome connection and creativity you have with this set...very special! you so rocked in the release! I was thrilled for you with each card...what a talent!
sending you a big hug,
Linda
Mary Anne, your card is just beautiful and your brother would have love it. I can feel the love that went into making this card.Hugs, Geri
Mary Anne, love your card and your story was so touching. I have lost my only sister and both my parents, but the memories are what we have now and so glad you can bring these of your brother back with this stamp set and share them with us. We are all here for each other and I believe this is what our blogs are for---to share our creations but also ourselves. Enjoy your time designing with Theresa, you deserve it. I had a great time at the release the other night and you can pick on my southern drawl any old time.
I have tried to read your post for the past couple of days and keep getting interrupted! What a great memory of your brother!Your card is amazing inside and out! You rock GF!
Mary Anne, thank you for sharing that touching story of your brother. It means so much to me to hear that my images have a special meaning to you. I love your wonderful card and all the samples you shared during the party. You really are a rock star designer and so generous with your time and talent! Thank you!!!!
Maryanne - WOW - were you destined for this set or what! Your inspiration will be invaluable for you to make some awesome cards - this one is an excellent beginning~ Congrats on GD!!
Mary Anne thank you for sharing such a touching story about your brother. I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful choice you are for Theresa's set. I look forward to seeing all of the fab projects you make with Theresa's set and what a great start with this gorgeous card.
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