Woot – woot…I admit, I was super afraid that I could not “add to or should I say, step up yesterdays card” but I put my thinking cap on and I think that you are going to like it….Out of the gate, I vote for today’s card as I love, LOVE the simple yet classic touch of “gold” from the gold foil sheets. Just the wee bit of gold does the trick for me!
Now I know…it is not about me – so….which one do you prefer!?!? Side by side, you decide!
Here are the “FUN” products that I used…basically it is the same layout as yesterday, just a change up of color and some added stars (from the below bundle) I had many questions as to how I did the die cut slash line = easy ….it is in the Greetings from Santa Framelits (2nd picture below)
This was super easy to do as I found the middle of the red piece…made the cut. Next, to both ends I drew a line 3/4″ and made another cut and lastly just “eye balled it” to make the middle cuts!
I have a confession, all I had were scraps of the gold foil sheets so I just had to make the best of it. (It is funny, I think that this is a smarter way – USE UP THOSE SCRAPS ~ no need to use a big piece of the foil sheet.
I did find that the tear -n – tape was the perfect adhesive to anchor the gold strips and then also to hold the red piece to the base!
Enjoy the below pictures. It is hard to get a good picture of the gold foil paper but I think that you will see and “get the” elegance it gives. O think that this card would be super beautiful with Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla and the Gold Foil.
Do you see the stars?!?! They are also from the Greetings from Santa Framelits! (This is a super fun offering)
Here is the envelope fun! Today I decided to add the gold foil strip to go hand in hand with today’s card. There is just something about gold and Christmas….classic, clean and fun!
There you go….thoughts???? This is a super easy card to make in the masses and every year I try to pick several of the cards that I make to “mass produce” for my personal sending…this is one of them = I just love everything about it….probably because it is so simple!
Thanks for your time…I deeply appreciate you popping in. Please tell your family and friends about my blog – word of mouth is the best! I love what I do and I live inspiring YOU!
O.k. – here is your story! I know that it is long but I think it will make your heart happy 🙂
Do you remember that last weekend I had a blow out on my trailer while I was driving to see Hannah with her horse? Click here to read about it if you missed it as it will warm your heart to know that there are “good and kind” people out there.
On my way back home from Durham a week ago, Fred asked me to stop at his shop to make sure that the spare tired I had was good and he was going to put it on the rim and mount it back where the spare goes on my trailer. I told him that I would be ok but he insisted for me to call him when I was leaving Durham as his shop was about an hour away.
Now remember, this is a Sunday – he is closed but he said that he lived about 10 minutes from he shop. He said that he was doing nothing but watching Football. I called him, and we met. He took off the blown out tire off the rim and put the new tire on the rim (picture of the tire below) – you can see why I was scared…
In talking while he was doing this we had many great discussions…One was, I asked him what was his favorite Foot Ball Team…he said with a smile, I am a die hard Redskin Fan. I smiled back and said that is great BUT…..we are Ravens Fans. (I actually do not follow football a bunch, I just like to see John have some “down time” enjoying watching a game)
Well…..last Friday(just 2 days ago) was the BEST DAY – do you remember I said in my post that I was going to help my PEEP at a Golf Tournament that he was in charge of for work? Well I did and the weather was just spectacular and the venue was picturesque.
When I arrived to the course my jaw was hanging with the beauty that I saw. There was nothing but mountains and beautiful scenery as far as I could see. The weather was crisp and you could just start to see that the leaves were starting to change. I couldn’t help but have some guilt inside as I was so ALIVE with the beauty of the day and then to think that Hurricane Matthew was going on….
I found my son and was a proud Mama and said, “Mom here….reporting for duty” He smile as I had a big bag of “to do’s” with me (just in case). He said , “Mom I am putting you on Hole #10 and you are going to do a Marshmallow Shoot when the people come to your hole.” I thought, WHAT THE HECK?
Well…IT WAS A HOOT. Before they hit their “regular shot” I greeted them with a big bowl of HUGE marshmallows that they were to have FUN with. Now you know me, I am all about having FUN and I wish that you would have seen some of these guys faces (some people that gold WAY TOO SERIOUSLY) I explained the game and told them that who ever hit the Marshmallow the furthest from their foursome would win a sleeve of balls and then who ever hit the furthest over all would win a BIG prize at the awards ceremony at the end of the day.
I wish that you would have seen their faces and hear the comments. It really made me laugh as I heard, “I have never hit a Marshmallow before…Should I use a Driver or a Pitching Wedge….Should I stand the Marshmallow Up or lay it on the side…..” = It really was funny but I will say the best success was to tee it up using 3 tees and used a driver.
The end was THEY LOVED IT and doing something totally FUN like this really broke the ice with them. Inside I was beaming as my PEEP thought of the idea (so yes….he DOES have a creative gene in him) It was a hoot to see them have fun.
O.k. – to the point of this story. After the tournament there was a social event and award ceremony. There was also a table filled with silent auction items….and let me tell you…..Men do not take advantage of taking the time bidding at Silent Auction items…..if the wives were there….you betcha that those pencils would be going to town….
Well….there were Redskin Tickets….on the 50 yard line – 12 rows behind the Redskins….I PERKED UP! The only problem was – men liked to bid on the sporting events….(the other items were lonely) but the sport tickets were hot.
I was sooooooo excited to see Johns team drive up after they finished and I ran over to him and said, There are Redskin Tickets at the auction. He looked at me like – o.k. …why????? You know that I am a Ravens fan – I said, I want to get them for Fred. John is a GREAT MAN, he got it, he beamed as well.
I told him that there are several of us bidding on them….he said, just don’t go near the table….I will check it out. Well he did, and he made it happen! I was like a kid in a candy store. This was a WIN-WIN for all of us…..
We made a great donation to the School where all 3 PEEPS went to…..I was able to to do something for someone that was an angel to me….and he (Fred) was OVER THE TOP EXCITED as his son’s Birthday was the day before the game.
As I left to drive home I called Fred and told him…we talked on the phone for over 20 minutes and he was so excited. When I learned about his sons Birthday I thought, this is sooooo ironic. What a great Birthday gift and the fact that a Father/Son can go and enjoy a special time together. He said that he has never been so close to a team (the tickets are at a great place) and the family that donated them are always so gracious to the school.
The moral of the story is…never stop trying…never stop believing…never stop making a difference…as you never know how things will turn out. There are super simple things we can do on a daily basis like a simple smile….that does make someone know that you care.
I was so happy that I was fortunate to do this for Fred. Trust me, our paths will cross again. He is a beautiful person that has a wonderful and kind heart. He reminded me, “Please tell Hannah if she needs anything to call me” – and you know what….I would feel 100% comfortable in her doing so. Witht his crazy world out there, it is great to know that there are people that “get it” ….
Now guess what the BIG PRIZE was for the overall Marshmallow winner…..James has a “Smore’s maker” with Graham Crackers, Chocolate Bars and more Marshmallows…..again my heart was skipping a beat as all I could think of was….HE GETS IT TOO – my son thought OUT OF THE BOX and made people laugh and it was an “ice breaker” for stress…..I am a proud MAMA BEAR.
Sorry for the LONG post but I hope that it touched your heart – now go make a difference today!
Oh boy, now this is a tough one. The gold does make the card shine. This might be a “tie”. For me, I think it would be a matter of time. The gold one does take a tiny bit longer. I know anyone who receives these cards would like them both.
Looking forward to your story later on.
🙂
Hello my New York friend….I agree – I do not think that you could go wrong with either one. I was super happy that I hit that button to purchase that framelit set….I think that this framelit is a keeper to use all year long!
Talk about a tough call – These are both so spectacular, Susan! Love the way you made things work with the foil scraps – WOOT WOOT! If I must pick one however, I will go with yesterday’s…… Reminds me of peppermint and the crispness just calls my name! Both are gorgeous though. I cannot wait to hear your latest Fred Story!!
Hi Deb…I was laughing so much as I wish that you could see the “scraps” that I had to work with….sometimes we have to do what we have to do!!!! The gold is fun!
Who would have thought you would get such different looks by only changing the colors of paper? Both cards are great. it just depends on the look you are going for….elegant in gold and red, or graphic and modern in red and white. Well done Susan!
TOTALLY AGREE – color makes such a difference! I think that this would be dynamite in Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla and the gold!
Oh Susan, this card is just beautiful!!!! I love yesterday’s but today’s is over the top! As for your story, I love reading it on a very rainy morning. You are a good person!!!! In this crazy world it is wonderful to hear good things! A win win for all!
Oh No…..I am so sorry that you had a rainy day – it was GLORIOUS here…..very windy…..but beautiful! I know that you tow a boat often…and you can imagine the scare I had. We all need to keep positive and make a difference….this is what I love about SU and my blogging, I feel so blessed to be able to share, learn and grow!
Both cards are lovely, but I prefer today’s “stepped up” version. The white ornament against the red background just pops and the gold adds just the right amount of bling to the card. To me, the white ornament on yesterday’s card doesn’t stand out as it blends in with the background. Maybe if the ornament was die cut in green and stamped with white embossing powder it would have appealed more to me.
Great story! So happy you were able to secure those Redskin tickets for Fred.
Great point….I will say, I ADORE WHITE…as it always works but I do agree….another color could have made yesterdays card more interesting! I am so happy that you can take a simple element (the framelit) to make the focal part to make a clean and simple card!
Susan, both of the cards are beautiful. I read your Fred stories with tears in my eyes. Have a great day.
Thanks Helen….I loved and appreciate your comment. I will say that I feel blessed and also sooooooo happy that I could witness and experience such a great experience. Goodness is out there….and we all need to share and show that we can make a difference! Fred was the best!
Both cards are beautiful each in their own category. Loved reading your Fred story….very touching. John and your son are amazing! Continue your “happy” and enjoy the day!
You’ve got that right….John (was the BEST blind date I was ever on) and James (is the BEST Birthday gift I could have)…..thanks for leaving a comment – I wish we lived closer!
I love the way your story continues….being open to the moment, you allowed the big picture to emerge….thank you!
Guess what….I think that there will be another “Fred” story….one great man!
I really love both cards but if I were to choose one it would be today’s card with the gold. It looks very elegant!
Thank you so much for your story today! I believe all of this was meant to be 🙂
I agree – I do like today’s card….the gold is a POP! I know that I should not do so many stories….but that is me – I love what I do and what I do usually revolves around “life situations” that happen to me…..we all learn from one another and I agree….it was meant to be.
Great story!!! Making people happy is the best and there was a lot of happy to be had in your story!!!
My vote goes with today’s card, but I love Saturday’s too!!! I love the red and gold a smidgeon more ?
I am smiling…….thanks for popping in!
I vote for today’s card. Susan, I love when you share your stories 🙂 The marshmallow thing was too cute. Your son is a genius! And it looks like you were able to “pay” Fred in the best way ever!
YEAH – you like the Marshmallows – IT WAS THE BEST!!!! I was so proud of him and and worked so hard on this event, it was a huge success for all….
Aren’t win – win situations just the best! Loved your story. I am a fan of red. Both cards are great, but I vote for today’s card. Thanks for sharing your stories and inspiration.
Well said – who doesn’t a WIN-WIN in today’s crazy world! Hugs my friend!
And I thought I liked yesterday’s card so charming…and then today! Ok both are awesome your a winner winner chicken dinner and you get two gold stars!??
LOVE the comment….I LOVE Chicken dinners!!!! (p.s. – I also love gold stars)
I love the continuation of your story. You give me hope in humanity. My department works with people who aren’t so nice and not doing well (and mostly don’t seem to care) so I often forget that there are awesome, creative and wonderful people out there.
As for you cards even without the gold strips peeping out I like the stepped up version better. Your white ornament pops against the red so wonderfully. The other one is too white on white. Adding the bits of gold made it elegance supreme.
YEAH!!!!! Please, please try to encourage your co-workers to see the light of working together….it does make a difference. I know that it is so hard to shed to light to negativity and also for hope….but it is there – in easy ways – you can do it….be the model! Hugs to YOU!
I loved yesterday’s card, but I’m a sucker for bling. Today’s card is definitely a step up for me. Both cards are winners. Your story is very touching. You are so generous and always paying it forward. So glad you were able to find the perfect thing for Fred and his son. Just perfect!! Have a great day, Susan.
BLING always makes us smile! You made me smile!
So are you going to try and put a message on the jumbotran at the game thanking Fred or at least happy birthday to his son? I do hope we have more stories about Fred. That was a dream come true for father and son, I bet!
Card, I like both, but the ornament does show up better against the red than the white background. I love the added stars too. I guess we could say the red background card is more regal and the white one is more rustic so I guess my pick would be whichever mood I was in or whichever fit the recipient. Guess, I like them both.
GREAT IDEA….now I have story of all stories about a jumbotran…..I might have to call you about this one – it is a KEEPER!!!!!
Absolutely love good stories! There’s so much negativity out there, it’s wonderful to hear/read something so positive. What a wonderful person!
Regarding the cards, I love them both. And like the others, it’s hard to pick one. If I must, I pick the stepped up version. I’m a sucker for gold accents. Well done Susan!
I am catching up on emails while watching football on TV–my favorite Sunday activity. And of course, I’m watching the Redskins/Ravens game!! Fred should be loving the game and your generosity. Great story and lasting memories.
I love the gold card of today! The red and white one is classic but the gold pops for me. Thanks for sharing. I love the two day versions.
LOTS that went on with Football today!!!! I knew in my heart that the Ravens last touchdown was not going to to stick….it is fun to see (2) basically local teams play! Sunday’s should be “down days”….I am so glad that you relaxed and had fun!!!!
I like both cards but would pick the gold one. I do want to try making this one. Thanks Susan I truly do inspire me. Love and hugs Alyece
Should have said YOU inspire me
You are the sweetest – HUGE hugs to you!
BEST. STORY. EVER! Thanks for sharing, Susan.
It is GREAT when POSITIVE things happen. I feel as I get older it is sooooo darn important to me to be “touched and inspired” by others – that is why I love my blog…..sharing, learning, growing!
Oh I loved your story ! I told my daughter about Fred (your angel ) wait until she hears this continuation …..sigh .
If you ever feel so inclined we would love to send Fred a thank you card for being so kind to our “friend” .
Your son is a hoot with his marshmallows and prize ! How wonderful that you scored tickets for Fred and his son !!
Last ,but not least ….both cards are great . I would feel tickled to send both out to my swap pals !!
Sonny, you always have a way to make us all feel great! I think that I should send my blog sight to Fred so he can see the love we have!
James is a great person….I have always said since he was a grasshopper, the world would be a better place if there were more James’ in the world! He is beyond the sweetest and I ma very proud of him! The Marshmallows with a HOOT!
what a great story! thanks for spreading positivity.
While both cards are lovely, and I think a photograph never does gold foil justice, I really like the red/white version of this card the best. It really caught my eye.