Sunday, May 4, 2025

Blue and Yellow

Hello again!  I have a few cards made... some of them came together quickly, but not necessarily this one.  I made it for the Color Hues Challenge, hosted this time around by my friend, Marcia.  She chose blue and yellow, which I quite like, but typical of a challenge, it took me to an unexpected outcome.



Looking through my NBUS basket I landed on this Unity stamp which is near and dear to my heart.  I first saw it shortly after Wally and LuLu passed in 2023, but I was too heartbroken to think about ever using a dog stamp again.

Then along came Sophie.  There's still a crack in my heart that will never heal, but after 21 months with Sophie life is getting better.  These things take time.




Most of what I used on my card is old(ish), but it's all listed in the recipe.  The image is embossed with WOW black powder, and I made the grassy die cuts glossy by applying clear packing tape to black cardstock before cutting.  The card is actually 4 1/4 x 5", cut down to make all the dies fit together more evenly.



It reminds me of the end of a perfect day -- like this perfect day, just a few days ago.  Even my Rich walked a mile and a half, oxygen pack and all.





The Color Hues Challenge #109 -- Blue and Yellow
NBUS Challenge #74  -- My never before used schtuff is the Unity Oodle & Retriever stamp.


 


A lot has changed since since those long treks with Wally and LuLu (April 2012).




Wishing you a perfect day!


Stamps:  Unity Oodle & Retriever Silhouette  Paper:  Copic X-Press It Blending Card for image, SU Brocade Blue, Cougar Natural, black  Ink:  SU Brocade Blue & Barely Banana, Versamark  Dies:  Spellbinders Scored and Pierced Rectangles, Memory Box Tall Grassy Stem Right Corner and Dragonfly Stems Left Corner, Verve A Cut Above Amazing Adjectives, Creative Expressions Leafy Frame (in the background)  Other:  Black embossing powder, clear packing tape, TH Sizzix Lumber 3D embossing folder

21 comments:

Birgit said...

What a lovely card and a bittersweet post. The healing from loss truly does take its own sweet time. When our first family dog, Hunter passed, I thought I'd never own another dog because saying goodbye was just too painful. Then one day "Dixon" came into our lives quite unexpectedly. It took time but he made his way into the center of my heart again and I loved him so much. He was with us for 11 years. Anyway, I digress. I think it's wonderful that Rich went the mile and a half too. So much to celebrate in this post, including your darling card. I adore the silhouette photo at the end. All the photo's are wonderful, but that photo brings the post full circle with your beautiful card.

Diane said...

Wow, yes this does pull at the heartstrings for sure, what a fabulous card and some great memories too, it was hard for me to get Mack after Nellie passed but I love him so much that I can't imagine not having him but Nellie will always have a big chunk of my heart. I can see why you bought this stamp, it is an awesome one!! Fabulous card!!

crafty-stamper said...

Times certainly change quickly ! Love your beautiful card, dies and colour combination. I really love the beautiful image -this card would be perfect framed full of memories but Sophie looks a delightful companion-take care both of you.
Carol x

HilaryJane said...

I am so glad you have now used that lovely dog stamp. I love the black against that deep yellow. You are right, it is perfect. I am pleased to see that your Rich is getting out and about a bit now xx

Barbara said...

I'm so glad that Sophie came along to make you feel like using this stamp. I know how you feel when my daughter lost her dog I couldn't send her a card because we would both cry. But now she has a new dog and life is good. I love your yellow and blue creation for color cues and it seems that I created one today and I'm right after you.

Nancy said...

Such a pretty card and I love how your tied in more of the black as well. The background looks awesome too. I totally enjoyed your post from start to finish, Leslie. Happy to see Rich was walking with you too. Thanks for joining us at Color Hues.

Marcia Hill said...

My eyes are leaking a bit from reading your post as I know too well the pain and heartache that's involved in giving your heart to a furry companion that always leave before we're ready! I'm so glad you have sweet Sophie to help you heal and I always love seeing photos of her!! And your card Leslie is absolutely perfect, and you made my color pairing SHINE my friend! Silhouette stamping is one of my favorites and this card really is PERFECT!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Color Hues my friend!! Hugs. :0)

Lynette said...

I immediately thought of Wally and Lulu at first glimpse of your card. Wow, I can't believe you've had Sophie for that long already!! So nice to see Rich out for such a long walk. Your card is gorgeous, by the way. :-)

Yogi said...

Beautiful. Love the way you used the yellow and blue. That packing tape on your cs before cutting is very interesting. I'd never thought of doing that. Glad Rich was able to get out for a while. Have a great day

Darnell said...

This was very moving, Leslie, especially to end with that black and white ghostly photo. I needed a minute. Your beautiful silhouette design with the glossy grasses and bright blue and yellow was quite moving, too. And let's not forget to applaud Rich for his mile and a half!! Impressive is an understatement. I'm so glad you are out enjoy spring weather with your pretty girl ~ she's a heart-mender! Thank you for inspiring everyone to use their NBUS! Hugs, Darnell

Cindy Beach said...

My day is getting off to a good start made even better by your photos and heartfelt post, Leslie. So good to see Rich able to enjoy the walk and hearing how Sophie is helping you to heal. Your card leaves me speechless. Those beautiful blues are blended to perfection. The silhouette is stunning. I love the layers best!

Lisa Elton said...

I have one of those cracks in my heart too, Leslie. Those little furry friends become such a huge part of our lives. So happy you found Sophie and that your days are brighter. Way to go to your Rich for getting that walk in too! Fabulous card, my friend!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my goodness, when I first saw this I started to cry a little bit, the image of the dog looking like he is jumping up with excitement to be out and about on a walk. Love the glow to the background. I like the technique of using the tape, I have that in mind to try. Love the framing too, Beautiful! So good to hear that Rich was able to get out on a walk with you all, I have kept you guys in my prayers, HUGS!

Loll said...

This is a beautiful card that is wonderfully inspired by Sophie. She is a bright light in your life. And you have to admire Rich for the long trek, pulling along his oxygen tank. That takes great determination. Thanks for sharing your perfect day. xx

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What a beautiful card! Your sentiment says it all! I'm glad you and Rich are enjoying Sophie and she is filling our hearts with joy!

Bonnie said...

What a moving post and a beautiful card to go with it! I'm glad your heart has mended enough to use this stamp and I know Sophie is a big part of that. Your shade of blue and yellow with the silhouettes are so rich and beautiful! Good for Rich! I should walk so far!

Christine said...

Such a beautiful card, I know exactly how you feel with the loss of our fur babies, Sophie is there to brighten both your days.
Your card is beautiful with all the layers and the stunning colours. Black EF always frightens me, those little black flecks get everywhere when I'm heat embossing :)

I Card Everyone said...

What a beautiful memory you've had today - and made a new one, too! Good for you, Rich!
I don't know how this got by me, Leslie - I do apologize. You have such a way with silhouette stamps - this one just perfect in every way for you and those who will live in your heart forever. x
=]

Ida said...

Wonderful card. - It was sweet to see Sophie again and Rich as well being able to take a walk with her.

Darlene said...

WOW! What a beautiful creation! I can only imagine your heartbreak after loosing both Wally & Lulu ... they were SO special but I'm glad you have Sophie to help fill that void a little. Awe so glad to see Rich getting out in the fresh air with you & Sophie ... I'm sure the sunshine felt good to him (and to you).
Your card design is so amazing and the colors SO bold & beautiful! Thanks for always inspiring us my friend!! GREAT work!! HUGS

Sheri Gilson said...

Fabulous card! Love the silhouette image and your fabulous take with the colors! Thank you so much for playing along with us over at the Color Hues Challenge!