Today's post is a bittersweet one as I received very sad news that the sweetest man in the world past away over the weekend! The one thing that I adore about blogging is that I get to intertwine my life…my dailiness…and my love for paper crafting all at the same time!

As I have posted before, Hannah's boyfriends family is from the UK and Aiden's grandfather, Skinley, passed away. Most of the time…the oldest grandchild usually names the grandparent and I think the name Skinley was the funniest, cutest name for this special man! Just look at this picture of him…how do you not want to give him a big hug!

I know that this is a big card 6 X 6 but I sure do have lots to write to the family as my memories of Skinley are so vivid in my heart and in my memory! He adored our daughter Hannah and used to love watching videos of her riding in competitions….and would make comments as to what he liked and what he didn't! He was 84 and he daily used a computer,he knew how to Skype, he loved to look up family trees, he cherished and treasured his floral and vegetable gardens and he lived independently up to the day he passed. A full and beautiful life!

He took care of this garden and LOVED every bit of it….the next picture is him looking at a family tree…we went into his living room and it covered the length of the room….he loved doing this!

Thanks for listening…and here is to the card! Before we get to the in's and out's….if you follow my blog regularly you know I adore and use Black StazOn Ink…well….I have  ALWAYS had a love/hate relationship with the white craft ink pad we carry….and I totally overlooked in the catalog that we have WHITE STAZ-ON Pad & Refill…a HUGE woot-woot as this is what is on today's card!

I HIGHLY recommend you get it! It dries super fast just like the black version! I will say that the color is not super intense but I am doing the happy dance and I feel like my frustration has been solved…I love white and I am in love with this product!

• The finished size of this card is 6" X 6" in Whisper White! Start with a 5" X 5" piece of Pear Pizzazz and then using the BEAUTIFUL floral/scroll stamp from the Everything Eleanor Stamp Set and I used the White Staz On that I talked about above and just stamped randomly…BEAUTIFUL!

• Pulling out the Stampin' Trimmer, I cut the stamped piece into 1" squares…TIP: – I like to use the 1" measurement to the right of the blade…to me, it makes it life so much easier!

• The white piece that I put the 1" tiles on is a 5 3/4" square…I figured this size as I wanted to do a 1/8" gap all the way around….pull out a ruler and make 1/8" all the way around….then another line in the center….then it makes is a breeze to put your stamped pieces on! I used the multipurpose liquid glue…I like that the wiggle it gives you to line up straight!

• Using the Rich Razzleberry Ink, I stamped the flowers out and then a quick "fussy cut" with the best little scissors in the world…paper snips! Don't stress…it is easy and remember…use the BACK of the scissors, not the tip!

• Trying to find the right sentiment, used the Peaceful Petals Stamp Set and I thought that the sentiment resembled a square…..so I let the theme continue!

• Stampin' Dimensionals are "key" for this card! This is one thing that I never skimp on….as they make such a huge difference! I ALWAYS have a large surplus of my Stampin' Vitamins on hand!

• We have so many great products that have been unveiled this past year….and I think that the Envelope Punch Board should win a blue ribbon….this card is a perfect example! I made my own envelope with a 9 1/2" square of whisper white and then scored it at 4 3/4"….easy-peasy! I stamped the front of the envelope and then lined the outed flap…..

I hope that you have enjoyed this special card and I hope that it brings comfort to Skinley's family! I feel "very full in my heart" that John and I had the opportunity to see him in the UK and had a wonderful time with him…his garden…his sparkle in his eye…his passion and love he has for his family…. just one wonderful man! I am sure in heaven there will be a spectacular garden for him to tend to that will bring joy to others!

Don't forget….Sale-A-Bration is on full swing and how about this for a "Susan Pick Kit" – the FREEBIES are fabulous!!!

$52.70

• StazOn White Ink and Refill (106960) – $11.95
• Whisper White 12 X 12 paper (124302) – $5.95….perfect for odd size cards & envelopes!
• Very Vanilla 12 X 12 paper (124301) – $5.95….perfect for odd size cards & envelopes!
• Envelope Punch Board (133774) – $19.95
• StazOn Cleaner (109196) – $4.95
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110775) – $3.95

Thanks for popping by and make sure come back and see me tomorrow…..it is a 3-D Wednesday and if I were you….I would buy a couple rolls of "rolos" – you are going to smile!

I appreciate your time in popping by and I appreciate you letting me honor Skinley….one special man that I am sooooo thankful to have had in my life!

Until tomorrow….