Bet You Thought I Fell Off The Planet

I'm so sorry for such a long absence, mostly sorry for not letting you know that I was signing off for a while. I had to take a break from things. I got overwhelmed and depression took over big time. I lost interest in everything I love to do, walls went up with everyone I love and I pretty much isolated myself. It's amazing how alone you can feel while surrounded by people who love you. I'm slowly getting back to the things I love- sunsets, reading with my kids, snuggling with my Honey, laughing with my friends and creating to name a few. I won't be blogging everyday, but I do want to check in a couple times a week and hopefully get back into some of my favorite challenges on Splitcoast.
I do have some exciting news-- I'm going to be a grandma!! My daughter Ashley is having a baby girl in April!! After the holidays I'll be working on shower invitations and decorations, I'm really looking forward to it!
Thanks so much for stopping by.

Hugs,
Denise :)

It's been a while

Hi guys~
I know it's been a very long while since my last post, and I apologize for not checking in. I've just felt so overwhelmed with everything, and fallen into a very deep depression. I hate to admit that because so many people go through much more than depression, it sounds so trite. For me it's a very dark and lonely place, even surrounded by people who love me, but I'm working hard to get through it. Thank God for the people in my life and stamping~ they are truly life lines.
Today is the last day of school and I made two of Olivia's teachers a special thank you gift. It's Lauren's Versatility Box, one of my faves and so fun to make. Here is the video tutorial if you want to take a peek. Inside both boxes is a mini sunflower planter, I found them at Target for $1 each.
Here is a view of the top of the boxes:




Here they are opened, I added a little pocket to the inside cover to store the planter's instructions:



And here is the top of the mini planter, I punched a 2" circle, secured ribbon vertically around planter and punched circle. Then I layered a 1 3/8" punched circle over secured ribbon, and added Stampin' Up!'s butterfly die to the top with a glue dot.



I hope you try this fun box, thanks Lauren for the wonderful inspiration!
Thanks for stopping by, and keep smiling a lot :)
Hugs and Smiles!
Denise

Paper: Choc. Chip, baja breeze, dsp- all SU
Stamps: Best Yet- SU
Ink: Black Archival
Extras: white gel pen, punches, butterfly die cuts (SU), ribbon, mini planters