Monday, September 26, 2022

Deer in the Corner and Update

Hello and welcome!

So many cards to make, so little time.  That's how I feel every autumn when I'd like to make fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving cards, but still need to add to my Christmas card stash as well.  I decided to make progress with a few simple cards.  No coloring or inking... just dies and paper.  I've made nine cards over the last couple of days, but not sure I'll share all.



Today's card represents a group of three.  The others are different colors.  I used an older die that hasn't been out for a while -- Tutti Designs Scrolly Deer Edge.  The sentiment is a combination of two different Cottage Cutz dies.  The tiny snowflakes around the sentiment popped out of the deer body when cut.

I was inspired by all the red and white in the mood board at the Peace On Earth Christmas Challenge #24.




I hope you don't mind if I also share a picture of Wally and LuLu in the garden from July.  I know many of you probably wonder about them since I've been so remiss about updates.  LuLu turned 11 years old this month and she is well.  Our 13 year old Wally still loves life, but he has to take it at an easier pace these days.  It's easy for him to overdo it and suffer the consequences.  He has advanced arthritis in his spine as well as an enlarged spleen which is due to a mass.  It makes breathing difficult.  It was suspected his mass was malignant, but I believe that is not the case as he has had no significant changes since his diagnosis six months ago.



Rich is getting along, still working around the house and yard but, just like Wally, it takes more effort.  They are two peas in a pod.  I don't remember what he was doing in the photo below, but for some reason he's got himself in the thick of things.





I'll leave you to it now.  I hope you're enjoying a lovely fall.  I do adore this season and am not in a hurry for winter or Christmas.  See you again soon, I hope!






27 comments:

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What a stunning card with the red and white! I like the reindeer die. So neat in the corner. That's a lot of cards you made. I'm having trouble coming up with one a week! I'm so glad you posted some news of the family. Nice to see some pictures.

Christine Alexander said...

your die cut card really pops and always good to have a couple of quick cards to add to the Christmas stash.
Love the pics of Wally and Lulu, they look such happy puppies (goldens never grow up). Your garden looks wonderful ♥

Hannelie said...

Love your card Leslie! What a beautiful die !

LuLu and Wally looks so beautiful in your lovely garden! Just want to hug them!

♥♥♥

Loll said...

Lovely Christmas card Leslie. I'm with you ... would love to make some fall cards because I love the colours outside this time of year. But am far behind in my Christmas card making at this point. It's nice to read your update about the family and see photos of LuLu, Wally and Rich. What a lovely garden you have, my friend. Love, Loll

Glenda said...

I suddenly feel behind in my yard work as I kept waiting for it to cool down and now that it has I'm swamped. Such a lovely card and perfect for mailing! Glad to hear about Wally and Lulu and Of course I'm glad Rich is still puttering along. I think the key is just never give up. I've slowed tremendously but I still do one foot in front of the other! Happy Fall!

Diane said...

I have always loved that die and you have created a beautiful card with it!! Great idea to add the cut out snowflakes!! Wow, I can hardly believe that the pups are already that old(the same with myself), but they do look amazing!! Life certainly has a way of sneaking upon us doesn't it? Mack just turned 5 on the 20th, hard for me to believe! Glad to hear Rich is getting along good, if like me he takes it day by day!! Stay well my friend!! Oh and thanks for joining us at Peace On Earth!!

Bonnie said...

Your stately deer makes for a beautiful card, Leslie! Don't you love it when you can make something so classy with little effort? I'm glad Rich, Wally and Lulu are doing well. I love your lush garden and beautiful flowers!

Judy Woodland said...

I really love this card. So simple to make, but really packs a punch with the white against the red patterned paper. Thanks for the update, sounds like things are going along as can be expected. I ADORE your fur babies. Aren't goldens just the sweetest? Lovely post, my friend!!

Marcia Hill said...

It may be a simple card Leslie, but it sure packs a punch and I just LOVE red & white cards for Christmas! Glad you showed this older die some love!! LOVE your photos of LuLu and Wally (and hubby) and your garden is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. :0)

Margaret said...

Your card is fabulous. I love that die and quick and simple. So glad to hear an update on the furbabies and Rich that they are doing well and hanging in there. Sometimes that's all we can do. Sending hugs and prayers for all of you.

Yogi said...

lovely card. Simple is good too. Glad the dogs are OK. Old age is no fun... We're still enjoying lovely weather. I don't look forward to winter setting in at all. I've decided I'm not sending out Xmas or BD cards any more. I'll send out an ecard as a remembrance instead. Have a great day

Cat Craig said...

Leslie, the red and white is so eyecatching, and that corner deer die is fantastic. Thanks too for the updates. hugs.

nancy littrell said...

Beautiful Striking red and white die cut deer and sentiment card, Leslie. I love your pretty paper background too. TFS the update on Rich and the kids!! Lucky me...I get to see you and the family IRL and your gorgeous gardens:-) I do love Fall too and soon we will have beautiful Autumn colors:-) Thank you again for sharing your beautiful part of the world and your beautiful family:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy

Evelyn S. said...

Haven't made a card in a while....am struggling with my photography, also. I could start Christmas...but I want to use some pumpkins and leaves! :-)
Glad to read about your "loved ones," and to see they are doing okay. This card is so clean and clear....beautiful die.

I Card Everyone said...

This little deer is so very dear, Leslie! No pun intended! Love the beautiful simplicity of red and white at Christmas!
What a joy to see your dogs and husband so happy in your gorgeous garden - at least they look as happy as I would be to be there. That mischief looks like a bit of dead-heading your beautiful butterfly bush! Our blooms [or bush] aren't even half as big, but they are truly loved by our flutterby friends just the same.xx
=]

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Ohh!! Leslie, we always love to see your beautiful FUR BABIES just enjoying themselves in your gorgeous garden, I'm so glad both are doing well, and Rich too, as the seasons change, everyone has to take it easy and rest a bit more.
Your card is elegant and beautiful, this deer is so lovely against that very Christmassy red DSP.
I love seeing your garden in the Spring, but I don't think you've ever shared how it looks in the fall. I bet it's spectacular.
Keep healthy and safe, my dear friend.
XO
Maria.

crafty-stamper said...

Beautiful card and love the magnificent die-cut deer.LOve the pics and sorry to hear about Wally hope he just doesn't overdo things and takes it easy-Rich too lol!We are the same with our little dog Alice who is also 11yrs one of our cats is 11yrs next week but is still fiesty!
Carol x

Greta said...

Love seeing your family pictures, Leslie! Absolutely love the look of this festive card with that neat deer die!

Conniecrafter said...

Love your elegant deer corner and did you ever find the perfect paper to go with him, just sets it off nicely. Sounds like you are doing good catching up on your Christmas cards.
It is so good to see Wally, Lulu and Rich. I am sorry to hear Wally is still not doing well, he is still as handsome as ever :)
you all continue to be in my prayers.

HilaryJane said...

Your card may be quick and easy to make but that doesn't detract from its impact. I love it. The patterned paper makes a perfect backdrop to that wonderful die. I hope you feel as though you have made good progress, 9 is a good number and doing multiples is a really good idea when you feel overwhelmed. I feel the same about Christmas cards, they are my least favourite thing to make, so I put them off until the last minute! In fact I am rapidly losing time as I can't seem to find any motivation to make anything. Thanks for sharing the phots of your lovely dogs and amazing garden xx

Darlene said...

Hello sweet friend ... your card is gorgeous (as always)! How nice to see your fur babies again ... they are such beautiful dogs! And, like your dear hubby, I too have to take things at a slower pace but at least we are still 'getting r done'. LOL
Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Peace On Earth challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often. We appreciate your support!

Darlene
PEACE ON EARTH
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Debbie Pokerwinski said...

Greetings from Buffalo, NY! Thanks so much for keeping us updated. I was wondering about your family and fur babies recently. Glad to hear everyone is ok and love the pictures! Wally and Lulu are as cute as ever, always such happy pups! Take care, Debbie

Lynette said...

Oh, I love that die, and the die-cut looks wonderful on the red. Thanks for the update on Rich and Wally, too.

aussie aNNie said...

Lovelydesign and design full of gorgeous colours. Fabulous photos hubby looks lovely amongst the flowers x

laurie said...

Beautiful card, beautiful family and beautiful photos!

Donna Ellis said...

Thanks for sharing all the photos, Leslie, and for the card inspiration. I have that die, too, and you have inspired me to use it! It's so hard to live with our aging fur children, and see them decline. Kilo's hearing and vision have diminished considerably, and I think he is filled with anxiety and confusion because of this. I keep him inside with me so that he is less worried about protecting his territory. Like you and Rich, we plug along, trying to do the things we enjoy, but finding it a bit more difficult. Jack is a marvel to me at all he accomplishes, keeping up the 5 acres and his green house. I find gratitude to do the smallest of things. I cannot imagine being with anyone else at this stage in my life. Isn't it remarkable at the history we share with our dearly beloveds? We were so blessed to discover them, and be discovered by them! Wishing you joy this week, and always. huggers de

Cindy Beach said...

It's wonderful seeing your lovely garden and the updates on how everyone is doing. It's always nice the way you share parts of your life on your blog with photos. Good that Wally and Rich are getting to enjoy the sunshine.
The Christmas card is so pretty! I love the bold sentiment.