Together we Make a Difference - Try Stampin' on Tuesday #457

I debated about using this stamp set, but in the end went ahead and used it for the sketch challenge with Try Stampin on Tuesday which has the optional theme of " dots and stripes."

Together, touching, hugging, such alien concepts in this pandemic.  Yet, this is so important when struggling with an illness, and/or when confronting life challenges positive or negative.

Two of my students have recently been diagnosed with cancer, several have been on self isolation since mid March, and the rest (including myself) have been practicing social distancing, wearing masks and gloves - all meant to do the opposite of what this stamp is all about.  We are all suffering from lack of hugs, lack of human touch, and lack of being together.

Yet despite this, we have found creative ways to be together, even to touch and hug each other without getting exposed to COVID -19 - such is the power of being together.

The image panel across the card depicts 5 people hugging and supporting each other.  Stampin' blends were used to colour this image and the panel was then matted with a piece of Gorgeous Grape card stock.

At the right side of the strip is a circle of Well Dressed DSP  (the pattern of which is dots and stripes) matted with a Blushing Bride scallop circle. Part of the circle extends over the card edge.  In the center is the sentiment that says it all:  Together we make a difference. In the stamp set, this sentiment is one horizontal stamp.  Each word, phrase was highlighted one at a time with a Basic Black marker and stamped on a precut piece o Whisper White.

The card base is Thick Whisper White card stock layered with  Purple Posy  card stock embossed with the Dot to Dot embossing folder.  The image panel and circle were adhered to this embossed layer.

To finish the card I added a 1/8" piece of Whisper White ribbon across the bottom of the circle and image panel.  Some rhinestones were added randomly on the circle and image panel.

A 1/8" of stitched Whisper White ribbon is added over the bottom of the circle and sentiment, as well as the bottom of the image panel.  I couldn't resist placing a double bow below the panel.

Supplies Used:
Stamp:  Artistically Aware
Inks: Black Memento, Basic Black marker, Gorgeous Grape, various colours of Stampin' Blemds
Papers:  Thick Whisper White, Whisper White, Gorgeous Grape, Blushing Bride, Well Dressed DSP, Purple Posy
Accessories:  Dot to Dot embossing folder, Layering circle dies, dimensionals, 1/8" stitched whisper white ribbon, rhinestones

I made a second card using the same sketch, and I am adding it below.  I wasn't sure which card represented the sketch the best.

Lean on Me - Fab Friday #163

Lyrics

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong

Lyrics

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong

"Lean on me when you're not strong,

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on.

…..

Lean on me when you're not strong"

Lyrics by Bill Withers 2010

Can't you just hear Bill Withers singing this song?

This card was made for the sketch challenge with Fab Friday #163 for a special friend who has  been diagnosed with cancer and in the last month has had two surgeries.  Because she had always been the strong one in the family, the one everyone came to with their problems, it was extremely hard for her to lean on someone else.  

This card is for you my friend.

The base card is Coastal Cabana layered with Whisper White and then Tea Time DSP.

In the lower part is a framed window with scenery from "Golden Afternoon".  The frame is made by die cutting two sizes of stitched rectangle framelits and to complete the illusion of a window, a piece of window sheet is placed between the frame and the water coloured scene.

The two individuals, leaning on each other, are from "Artistically Aware". After water colouring them, they are fussy cut and placed in front of the window using dimensionals.

Behind the window is a strip of Bermuda Bay card stock flagged at one end.  On top of that is a strip of Melon Mambo card stock notched at the top.

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Artistically Aware, Golden Afternoon

Inks:  Black Memento, Watercolour Pencils, Basic Gray

Papers:  Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Tea Time DSP, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle framelits, Window sheet, Blender Pen, Dimensionals,

"Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill any of those needs

That you don't let show.

Lean on me when you're not strong"