Friday 17 February 2012

Stripes and something very important…..

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Time has flown away again this week, so that has left very little time for Less is Mores’ challenge of Stripes, and there were so many things I wanted to try but I finally had to resort to an old favourite of doodling (where I originally started this blog). It really is the simplest way to create a card and funnily enough it always seems to get quite a response (hopefully positive) but I think people are always surprised if you have created something hand drawn. Of course the card is unashamedly “homemade” and I would never be ambitious enough to draw something properly but I do think everyone can doodle!! Consequently a little quirky doodled card has often elicited very favourable comments sometimes more than when I have slaved over my cuttlebug, stamps and backing papers!!!????? (not sure what that says about my card making!!)

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As you can see I did resort to the safety net of creating a stencil….basically another couple of egg shapes….similar to my birds….but this time ears and a tail…and ….tah dah….a cat!

I did have a quick play with some other ideas but ran out of time and it just wasn’t working so it was back to the doodling!!

But the other very important card which was very quick to make and is most propably going to take longer to explain ….

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This is a hello to a very special young man in America (this iron on motif has been lurking in my sewing things for an eternity so felt it would be better used on a card!).

If you follow “Ginger’s House” blog you will already know about Sebastian. Ginger creates wonderful free word art, is a very talented scrapbooker and a very talented writer….I love visiting her blog. She is also obviously a very special teacher as she decided to share her thoughts about one of her pupils and decided to appeal for people to send cards to this special young man. She explains it better on her blog so if you’re interested check out the Cards for Sebastian post.

It rang bells with me as I was fortunate to work with a very similar young man when he was about that age, and quite frankly in three years I think he taught me more than I taught him. My young friend had cerebral palsy, was quadriplegic, had many other related problems plus had also had a very rough start to his home life, but he was an amazing young man, smart, funny, entertaining and most of all compassionate to others…not bad for a 5 year old!

The main thing I learnt from my young friend was his condition was only one part of him, it had shaped who he was and to him it wasn’t a problem….in fact the only disabilities he had were the ones imposed on him by society. Living in his world for a while I realised how complicated society made his life, he was able to do most things if given the support and not presented with hurdles to constantly overcome.

……oh dear I could talk about this for ages…..and I mustn’t, as I sound like I am preaching but I wanted to explain why I wanted to join in Ginger’s Card drive for Sebastian. It’s a lovely opportunity to show that people do care, it doesn’t matter who or where you are, and it’s not about pity, it’s about recognising genuine worth.



12 comments:

Scrapmate said...

A nice CAS card.

Maureen said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. Your cat card is gorgeous and so fitting for the challenge.
Maureen.........x

Elizabeth said...

Hello Diane, love your cat cards ... the cat looks just like mine when she has something on her mind ... how can a cat with her back to you say so much :) I was touched by your story of your little friend. My daughter has had cerebral palsy and been deaf since birth and what you say about disabilities only being those imposed by society rang a bell ... my daughter has jumped an awful lot of hurdles and accomplished a great deal more than many non-disabled people ever do. Have a wonderful weekend. Elizabeth x

Chrissie said...

Love your stripy cats and well done on the freehand art!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

G Peplow said...

Great card Diane, well done for the freehand drawing:0) I love the fabulous Union Jack card and I think Sebastion will too! WOW!
Sebastion's story is familiar, after working with special needs children for 11years I have been amazed at their ability to cope and inspire those around them. Sebastion sounds like a real superstar!xx

Ginger said...

Your card is just beautiful and I loved reading about the student you remember. Thank you for making a card for Sebastian and for helping to spread the word about the card drive.

Suze Bain said...

I love your doodled cats Diane and the UJ card is fab, Had a peek over at Gingers, what a gorgous little boy. x

Aileen said...

Your doodled cat is just "purrfect". x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Thank you for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment on my card. I just wish my doodling skills were as good as yours. That little cat is so beautiful. xx Maggie

Bea said...

fab card - love your doodling - you must have a lot of patience

Jenny said...

Great cards Diane..... Not sure the cat would be happy he's a recycled bird shape!!! Lol
The doodling is a great texture for the cat as well :0)
I definitely agree with your thoughts on disability, these children have such special characters and you,re sparkly union jack looks great on a card :0)
Jenny x

kingstonmama said...

Somehow I missed this during stripes week. I love your cat. It makes a fabulous card. I've used this technique of doodling patterns in art lessons with children. Love your post and thanks for the link to Sebastian's story. Ann Y.

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