It’s true. I do. I really do. Cross my heart, and pinky finger promise.
I wanted to make a card which was fun, but sweet. Not sickly sweet, and certainly not cute, but something which had a nod towards the inner child of a ‘bloke’. A man of years, but still a boy inside.
So I decided that the ‘Love you to the Moon and back’ sentiment sounded perfect … but instead of making the card a more serious ‘love you’, I made one which suggested a rocket …. going forth to the Moon, landing …. collecting moon and star-dust …. and then returning to Earth, spreading sparkly Moon dust as it flew through the atmosphere.
I began by hand painting the background on some watercolour paper, using a combination of purples, blues and white from my Kuretake watercolours. Once dry I embossed all around the edge with silver Tonic powder, which was meant to look like star-dust and moon dust.
I threw a few pinches of embossing powders over the painted background and then heated them slowly and gently so that they melted onto the watercolour background, and looked like twinkly stars in the sky.
Apart from the ‘happy birthday‘ sentiment (bottom right of the card), the stamps I used are from Altenew. But the happy birthday sentiment ….well that came from my ‘sentiment stamps draw’. I cannot remember who the maker was. I just knew that I wanted swirly writing, which might look like the trail of a rocket as it swooshed and swooped and looped the loop through the heavens, and that stamp fitted the bill perfectly.
The Moon is stamped using two stamps, and two different coloured inks, and then using an embossing pen I ‘coloured’ in some areas and then embossed it in Tonic Silver powder.
I used the embossing pen to add a Moon dust trail to the ‘happy birthday’ sentiment. The words themselves were stamped and firstly embossed in black, then stamped over again, but this time I stamped slightly ‘off’ from the first stamp so that just tiny bits of the black (meant to look like a sooty residue) peeped from behind the silver.
I have no idea if space ships leave a sooty trail behind them, but the idea was ticklish to me so I went with it. I loved the silver over the top of it because it kind of pushed the sentiment into the whole picture. Instead of it standing out and shouting, it was just there …. part of the whole moon dust/star shine thing.
And that, as I am want to say, … is all there was to it!
I trust you are well and that nothing is wonky in your world. Although … having said that I know that some of you are having a bit of a ‘wonky’ time at the moment. Please know that I think of you often, and each time I do, I push a prayer out of my heart and head, and send it heaven bound, asking for help to be given to you.
There are some of you who are missing family members, and I know how difficult that can be to deal with the trauma of losing someone. My thoughts are with you, and I send you my love.
One of our blogging friends suffered a stroke just a few weeks ago, while she was off on her holibobs with her husband. There was no warning, nothing odd going on, when suddenly… out of the blue… a stroke happened while she was sat there in the car. Thankfully she wasn’t driving the car at the time.
I know that there are some blogging friends who suffer with depression, for whatever reason(s), and having a family member who suffers with this, I know only too well how difficult life and times can be because of that.
And there are more … lots of people, who have worries of one sort of another. A difficult time. Some difficulty that they are experiencing. Please know that I’m thinking about you. About you all. I may not know you personally, but I know you by heart. By the words you type on your keypad. And because of that I’ve come to care.
You … reading right now. I care about you. I may not always comment on your blog(s), but it’s not because I don’t care. Sometimes I just run out of words. Sometimes I think how grand or brilliant you are. Sometimes I sit here on my side of the computer and smile, giggle, laugh. And sometimes I cry.
But then … there are those of you who are SO amazingly talented that I just sit here wondering how I can possibly tell you how brilliant you are without sounding like I want to stalk you; or those of you who I want to kiss all over the face, leaving visible lipstick marks, for making me laugh like a drain.
Y’know … you’re all uniquely, amazingly, incredibly wonderful. I’m SO so glad that I began blogging, for I’ve found a world of the most fascinating, beautiful people who I never knew existed. Crumbs …. how did I ever get along without you all? My life is so busy now, keeping up with you, sharing your days, getting to know you, your families, your ‘stuff’. I have no idea what on earth I did before blogging. I must have had hours wasted, doing nothing at all!
Blogging really is a magical thing.
So … thank you. Thank you for being the most amazing person. Thank you for keeping me reading, entertained, teaching me, and giving me something truly extraordinary. What would I do without you.? [shakes head while smiling to self]. I’d be terribly bored, that’s for sure!
I am so very blessed. Thank you. Each and every one of you.
Have an incredible day. Be good to yourself…. and to everyone else you meet.
Much love from me in my corner to you in yours. ~
Your moon looks incredible!
I have to admit, I love that saying. It’s something my husband I have said since we met. So this card is absolute perfection in my opinion.
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Hello Scrappy Esc.
Awww thank you. I love the saying too, and knowing that you and your husband have said it since you met, and are still saying it now is something which makes me want to hug myself and smile at the image inside my head. ❤
I'm thrilled you like the card.
Thank you so much for coming, and for the lovely comment. Bless you.
Squidges ~ Cobs. x
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Oh Cobs, you are so uplifting! I love your card! What a perfect masculine card! Not too much, and not too little! Just PERFECT! I, too, am so glad I started blogging! I have made so many friends…friends I would have never found if I wasn’t blogging. There is always so much going on in the world, it is so nice to just sit and chat with my blogging friends. I so enjoy seeing what everyone else is doing. What a wonderful time spent with my friends. All the worries seem to disappear, at least for a while. A much needed break from this fast moving, and sometimes frightening world we live in. Hugs to you! 🙂
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Hello lovely Nancee. 😀
Happy Wednesday.
So happy you like the card. It can be so difficult to make cards for men, so I had to give it a deal of thought in order to come up with some sort of ‘plan’.
I wanted fun, but not silly, and not the mucky adult jokey type of fun. So the stamps worked exactly how I wanted them to work. I was over-joyed to find that swirly, curvy, wriggly ‘happy birthday’ stamp for the sentiment. I thought I was going to have to print a sentiment out on my computer, which is not what I wanted to do at all. So to find that stamp was a moment when all the happy bubbles inside my head POPPED! lol.
Blogging … I totally agree with you Nancee – there is so much going on in the world and some of it is, as you say, frightening. So to have blogging and blogging friends … is like having a dose of medication from a physician who knows what we need without having to book an appointment.
I don’t think there will ever be a time when I don’t want to (at the very least) read blogs and posts. They teach me, guide me, help me, tickle me, make me chuckle or just make me laugh so hard that I cry.
Blogging …. it should be on prescription.
Sending hugs, squidges and smiles, wrapped up in love ~ Cobs. x ❤
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🤗
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Sparkles!!!! I love, love, LOVE it! I’m in the ‘not sure how to tell you how brilliant you are without sounding like a stalker’ camp, but I’m going for it anyway! You’re brilliant!
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aww LOL… Aw Quietwater, I’m sat here wriggling and smiling like a Oscar winner.
Bless your beautiful heart. Thank you so much. You’ve made my day!
Sending squidges and love ~ Cobs. x
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The card is incredible! You are very talented. And your message to blogging friends was perfect 😊.
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Hello Brennacrocheter,
aw, thank you. What a beautiful comment.
The message to all blogging friends came from the heart. I truly care about all and am so aware of how blessed I am to have been drawn to and ‘given’ such really lovely people.
Thank you so much for coming BrennaC. and for leaving such a lovely comment.
Have a blessed rest of your day.
~ Cobs. x
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Cob, I don’t think you have any idea how special you are in blog land. You have been my UP when I am down and even though I still have trouble getting into this blogging world I love you for being you. The card is just the best. Love the color and the sentiment is just so good for so many occasions. True artistic talent just oozes out of your fingers.
Keep us in your prayers…these storms are a real bear to deal with for some .
#3 should be on his way this evening ..landing in Jackson tomorrow . Thank you LORD.
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Hello lovely Beverly.
Aw Bev … I’m no more special than the next gal. I just have so much love which is way too much for me to keep to myself, that I have no option but to share it. So I do. I spread it around like a farmer spreading … ok.. well we won’t go down that lane, eh? LOL.
I am praying for you Beverly … more than you would ever know. I am so concerned about this weather, and I swear to dog that I’ve sprouted more grey hairs over the past few days. I’ve been on the internet this evening, watching on internet web cams around America trying to see what the wind is doing in various places.
PLEASE please be safe Beverly. Don’t think you’re being brave … if it’s scarey then get the heck out of there and go to your d.i.laws. Go anywhere where you’ll be loved and cared for. Just be safe. Take Babe with you too.
Sending you buckets of love ~ Cobs. xxx ❤
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Right now the storm isn’t suppose to hit us with all it has. Rain maybe but who knows …she may change directions at the last minute. Never know.
Years ago when we were raising pasture hens in the Hen Mahaul (a prairie schooner hoop house…heavy runners ) one of these storms came through and moved the hens 15 ft crushing one and trapping 3. No power for about a week. Bad news but we all made it.. Just pray for everyone in the islands and Fla.and the east coast.
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You know .. when you think about it, it’s a wonder anyone lives in some parts of the US. I think after that storm which moved your hends 15ft and caused death, damage and no power for a week … I’d have thrown the towel in and moved somewhere safer. The continual worry about ‘next time’ and what the damage would be then, would cause me so much stress that I think my head would pop.
I know that bad weather can hit anywhere, because it’s weather, and weather is unpredictable – you only have to look at the massive floods which we’ve had happen here in the UK, but there in the US, it seems so much worse. I do worry so much about you Bev.
Sending you my love, and praying that things fizzle out there so that instead of a whirling, dangerous thing, it becomes just a few hours of very windy. Please God, let it be so.
Squidges ~ Cobs. x
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No to worrying!
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Worrying is my middle name. lol
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No no no…concern yes but worry is a sin. Trust God
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Ooooo… never thought about it like that. You’re right.
Concern. Yes. Concern.
Love you Miss B. ~ C. x 🌷
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Fantastic design Cobs. So unique. Wonderful card.
Lovely post as always.
Hugs Flo xx
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Aww, thank you Flo.
Bless you.
squidges and love being sent your way ~ Cobs. x
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Thank you for being you Cobs, but I know what you mean about how wonderful the blogging community is and how on the darkest of days, just knowing they are there and reading the blogs, brings sunshine into your life. Well rest assured Cobs, special people like you are always thought about and loved very much, all the time, and we treasure you too 🙂 x
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Ohhh hello Kim!
How lovely that you should drop by. I was thinking about you last night and having a bit of a worry. I haven’t seen you for a time. I know that real life is keeping you busy – what with selling your house – but because I hadn’t seen your name pop up on some of the blogs that I know you and I both follow I began to wonder if everything was OK in Kim world.
How everyone at Chez Kim is in fine fettle and that your new sewing machine is making a special place in your heart.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Bless your heart.
Sending you love and hoping that you get time to come back at some point to update me on the home selling situation.
Squidges ~ Cobs. x 🌷
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Dearest dearest Cobs,
I wish there was a little button I could click that was stronger and bigger than just the little “like” button. Since there is not I will click on the “like” button very very very hard so that you can see how much I “like” this post, this card, and how much I “like” you!
I sent you an email yesterday to tell you that I received the beautiful beautiful card that you made for me. You may have heard the sonic squeals all the way across the ocean when the mail person came to my house with the precious package.
Sending you and yours rocket ships full of the mooniest and starriest blessings!!!
~ Tami
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Got the Email Tami. Thrilled it actually got there this quickly! Brilliant. 🙂
I’ve emailed you back.
Sending big squidges, wrapped up in bubble wrap, in a box, more bubble wrap, in another box, then put in an even bigger box and packet with those packing peanuts to try and ensure that nothing, not even a tiny thing, get’s mushed or squeezed or dinked or broken.
Love ~ Cobs. xxx 🌷
PS. … thrilled you like the card! ~ C. x 🌷
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Love this card! It’s so hard to make a masculine card which actually does say love you without it starting to feel a bit girlie or sickly
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*nods in agreement*
I know … I find it almost painful to try and come up with something that doesn’t end up feeling either two sweet or too bland.
Thanks for coming Isn’t She., and for your lovely comment.
Have a wonderful weekend! ~ Cobs. x
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I love this card and perfect for chaps. All that moon dust is great – you are so clever Cobs. Your cards always amaze me.
Thank you for the lovely message at the end. I think blogging has something uniquely special that other social media doesn’t. I love Instagram (Facebook less so) but its just a picture that you tap like and move on. You build friendships on blogland and get to know people. No matter how busy I am I always try to come on here to read and catch up with what is going on. As for my own blog I value every comment and like as I understand that busy people have taken the time to stop and read and reply. Thank you for being such a fabulous blogging friend Cobs. Love Hxx
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Ohhh Hannah! You get my award for the loveliest comment of Friday Morning 🏆 <— (award)
You're so right … blogland really is so much nicer than any other social media. We form more of a special type of relationship with people here and we genuinely care about people as we learn more about them and 'spend time' with them.
Thank you Hannah, for being exactly who you are. You're truly incredible, and I love you to bits. ~ Cobs. xxx 🌷
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Thank you Cobs – I am celebrating my award with a cup of tea and a pack of mini cheddars 😀 😀 😀
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Coo … you know how to live! Mini Cheddars!!!! You need some of that squeezy Primula cheese with those, so that you can make ‘cheesy sandwiches’.
Me? Nooooo. Of course I don’t do that. whistles as she walks off to the crisp basket in the cupboard to see if there are any mini cheddars hiding in there.
Squidges ~ Cobs. 🌷 🌷 🌷 xxx
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Primula! I haven’t had that in years. Yum Yum Yum.
I have sent you an email regarding the keyrings. I hope I have the right email address as I couldn’t find it from when I messaged you last year. Hxx
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Hello Hannah 🙂
I’ve been and checked and there’s no email so guessing that you may have the address wrong. UPDATE: I found the email! YAYAY!
Primula … I used to make ‘Sticks of Doom’ (as we called them) when the girls were little – short cuts of celery (around 3 or 4 inches long) – washed and patted dry with kitchen towel, then a line of Primula squeezed along the valley of the celery. Now you can leave them there and call them Cheesy Celery OR … you can turn them into Sticks of Doooooom … by sprinkling a little cayenne pepper over the length of the cheese.
This has a warming effect and a very slightly spicy ‘burn’ in your mouth. It’s NOT a burn … but actually a hot feeling against the cold of the cheese and the celery.
If you (and your little ones) like a little gently spiced food – then you’ll like them like that. But you could just make one for each of you and see what you think. (Personally … I can’t eat them without the Cayenne Pepper as they feel ‘boring’ without it . lol.)
I’ll wait to hear from you, then I’ll remove the email addy so that I don’t get a ton of spam.
~ Cobs. xxx 🌷
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Thanks. I’ll email in a bit once I’m back at my laptop. I used the email address attached to your PayPal address. I’ve made a note of the email address so you can remove it if you like.
I totally detest raw celery so they really would be ‘sticks of doom’ 😨 ha ha.
Hxx
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I FOUND THE EMAIL Hannah! I found it on the email connected to Paypal! LOL
I’ll reply to you there. C. xxx
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Great 😃
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Beautiful card Cobs, and your uplifting posts are the most beautiful, thoughtful and kindest in the whole wide world
Love from your #1 stalker ~ in a nice way LOL
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LOLOLOL…. My number 1 stalker! WOW!! People will start asking me to sign bits of paper, or bodies, ’cause I’m a SUPERSTAR! Well… I have a stalker so … it’s the same thing.
LOLOL.
Aww love you Mrs. P. With bells on. 🤗
Love from your #1 stalker (in a nice way) … Cobs. ❤️ 💛 💚 💙 💜 😊
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You never fail to bring a grin to my face Mrs C ~thank you for being you xxxx
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Ditto ‘P’.
I’ve been thinking …. with you being ‘P’ and me being ‘C’ …. I think we have our own Jane Bond movie in the making. 1940’s style, obviously, because then we can use Millicent as our vehicle of choice.
I can say thinkgs like …. “I NEED a P! Where do I find a P place?”
And you can say … “I see you. I C you!”
Obviously … we’d have better writers, and a comedian on the panel so that he/she could work in some better gags. lol
Yeah … I reckon this could work. We’ll get onto Elstree Studios. They’ll snap this idea up. We could be famous in 18 months! (or stone cold broke lol)
C. xxx 🌷
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you are truly one of the most loving folks I know.-no one leaves your blog empty handed. God bless and keep you-and that card-another gem!
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Hello Beautiful Rabbit.
Seeing your name here is such a joy that I honestly feel my heart smile when I see you’ve been. It’s the funniest thing and the most lovely thing all at the same time.
Bless you for your kind words Rabbit, and I’m so happy that you liked the card.
Rabbit … can I ask … you aren’t in the pathway of Irma, are you? (I’m praying with all my heart that the answer to this is no.)
God Bless you Rabbit. You are such a truly incredibly lady and I’m so honoured to know you.
Sending love and squidges ~ Cobs. xxx 🌷
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awwh-we were, but it seems the course has shifted and should not even compare to poor Florida. Here, we expect a few stormy days-nothing like we were. thnk you for being such a generous and compassionate example for me! You really influence me in a positive way! I just love you! love Michele
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Thank Heavens. I was getting so concerned for your safety and well being, and of course your dear Rabbit Patch.
Sending you love ~ Cobs. x 🌷
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you are a sweetheart every day of the week!
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The blogging world is all the richer for you dear Cobs. Your card is so gilled with love and kindness. Thank you for caring. X🌼🌼🌼
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Ohhh, bless you, dearest Daisies.
I’m so thrilled that you like the card.
Thank you so much for visiting and for the wonderful comment.
Sending my love your way ~ Cobs. x 🌷
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What a beautiful card! I always find it difficult to make cards for men without them seeming too feminine and sickly sweet- this is perfect! 🙂
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Thank you, A Little Mad! Both for visiting and for leaving a footprint behind in the form of a comment. It’s so lovely to ‘meet’ new people here!
Have a blessed rest of your day. ~ Cobs. 🙂
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I couldn’t agree more, love meeting new bloggers! Best wishes to you too Cobs 🙂
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This is such a beautiful card. The moon looks magical. 🙂 xxx
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Aw, thank you Dizzy’s mom. I’m thrilled that you like it, and thrilled to see you here.
Thank you so much for coming, and for the lovely comment.
Sending squidges ~ Cobs. x
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Such a beautiful card! Full of shimmer and sparkle like the Moon herself.
I am truly grateful that my son introduced me to the wonderful world of WordPress. I have met some lovely people on here that I am pleased to call friends.
I do like Instagram though – I have a short attention span… so I like to look at the pretty pictures lol. Lots of love 😺💕xx
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You begin with a delightful piece of art based on one of my favorite books to read to children, write some comforting words for those who suffer from depression, and then write a tribute to bloggers what brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips. You’re something, girl.
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Ohhh Aunt Beulah … you weren’t meant to have tears in your eyes, but instead a smile which began on your lips and spread it’s way slowly to your eyes, where it landed and made your eyes twinkly merrily.
Bless your beautiful heart.
As for me being something … yes, my mom used to say something like that . . . but it was said with and exasperated sigh. lol.
Sending you love and the bestest of good wishes, ~ Cobs. x 🌷 🌷 🌷
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Love, Love!!!
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Aw, thank you Savoring.
Lovely to meet you! ~ Cobs. x
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What a stunning card! My fiance would love it!
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Aw thank you Bethany-Jade.
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