Tuesday 28 February 2012

New beginnings

The weather at the weekend was glorious. The sun shone all day and for the first time this year there was a definite warmth to it. On Sunday I decided that it was the day to get out into the garden. These are my little pots of bulbs which I planted up last autumn, just look at them now.







They are all pushing their way up towards the sunshine.



















Here they are last year when I tucked them away for the winter. For the eagle eyed readers the "missing" pot is in my studio where I am enjoying some daffodils also coming into bud.




















One of the pots on my patio already has some of my dearest daffodils in flower.







Her head has almost unfurled into the glorious sunshine, what a beauty she is.






There were signs of new life on my clematis...






















and even a Ladybird awake in the warmth of the sun.














We were able to eat out lunch outside on the patio. The birds were singing and it certainly was a time to be thankful that spring really is just around the corner now. There was also one other person who was also delighted to find us working outside again.
After watching me work Billy found himself a lovely snug corner to snooze in ;0)

It was wonderful to see so many new beginnings outside. This theme also continues into my life this week as there is another new beginning in this household. My darling son is moving out. After nearly 4 years with his wonderful girlfriend they are setting up home together . My Hb and I are so delighted for them. They make a wonderful couple and are very kind, compassionate, hard working  people. They are renting a little flat above my son's new business venture. At the moment they are busy painting and cleaning it. They plan to move in this Saturday.  They will not be too far away so we will be able to still see lots of them. We send them so many good wishes and good luck for their future. He had a wonderful birthday and a trip to Snowden, climbing so he is now raring to go. Way to go fella.........

This meant I was able to make them a "New Home" card. I wanted something really bright and happy for the occasion.  I think this really  fitted the bill!
It features another of my wonderful Penny Black Hedgehog characters

Here he is in close up. I coloured the stamped image with my trusty Promarkers and highlighted using my Prismacolor pencils. I added a green ribbon which I threaded through a very "Bling" white metal flower ribbon holder. I used 3 different backing papers and matted them all onto red card. I also chose some bold red and white mulberry paper roses to wish them lots of love in their new home.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Simon Says Stamp Use 3 different papers
Divas by Design Bling it up
Party Time Tuesdays #57 anything goes
Cupcake Inspirations Bright fresh colour cupcakes Challenge 149
Mygrafico Flowers #122
Penny Black Saturday Challenge sketch #190

And so after nearly 26 years of  child rearing our nest has nearly been flown. I don't like to use the term "empty nest" as that is not true. Our nest is one which still  holds so many wonderful memories of bringing up our 2 children. Both are now heading out into the world as independent young people. We are so proud to have been a part of that and to have watched them grow. We never own our children, we are given them only on loan to nurture and love and to guide them towards their independence. I am a proud Mum and I feel very blessed to have been a part of that. No doubt of course my son will be popping in on a regular basis when the fridge is bare, or maybe even when the washing pile is too high... I can't see that changing! ;0)

Wishing everyone a sunny week, there are new beginnings all around us.

Bye for now,

Jane x

31 comments:

  1. Ohhh.. nice that you have Spring coming there and that it was so warm as to dine alfresco! Billy seems happy too. We might have snow here today! Oh my!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  2. We're hoping that we have seen the last of the winter weather here. Keep warm Teresa!
    Jane x

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  3. So nice to see Billy working so hard in the garden! ;)
    Best wishes to Matt and Charlotte in their new home. I'm glad he had a lovely birthday and enjoyed his little break away in Wales.
    Beautiful card as always Jane.
    Happy Spring,
    Vivienne x

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  4. Billy has such a busy life doesn't he Vivienne? ;0) Thanks for your kind wishes to Matt and Charlotte. Here's to them!
    Have a great week,
    Jane x

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  5. beautiful card...lovely papers and details..thanks for sharing at cupcake inspirations

    Tina
    sweetie dt

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  6. Thanks for your kind visit Tina .
    Jane x

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  7. I love the new beginnings of spring, too. Our peach tree is loaded with blooms and the plum tree is just waiting to bloom also. I can't wait for a few consistently warm days to get out in the garden and play.

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  8. Dear Jane,

    What a lovely garden you already have! That's simply amazing, little ladybug and all! And that sweet boy, he truly enjoys the sunny spots there!

    And that card is just perfect, I love the little hedgehog! It'll will greet those young ones to their new home every time they see it! And oh, of course he will still come to Mom's every so often ;) I still go to mine every now and then!

    Have a wonderful last day of February!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  9. It certainly is an exciting time Lemon lane. Enjoy your wonderful peach blossom..
    Jane x

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  10. It felt wonderful to be out in the garden again Mia and so did Billy. There is lots of hard work going on at the flat getting ready for Saturday. So exciting! Happy Wednesday.
    Jane x

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  11. Hi Jane! I'm so happy to hear that you have so nice weather and can enjoy your days outside!
    Your son moving away is a big change for you. You have made really beautiful card for them!
    Kisses to Billy!
    x Teje

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  12. There are certainly new beginnings inside and outside my home Teje! The weather is still so mild and spring like, I hope we have seen the back of winter now.
    Jane x

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  13. This is SO cute!!!! I just love the colors and image! Thank you so much for linking up at Cupcake Inspirations this week and good luck!
    Rene ;D

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  14. It is lovely to be able to enjoy the garden again isn't it?! Billy obviously likes it too...
    The new home card is so pretty! It's such an exciting time setting up a new home especially for the first time, and I hope your son and his girlfriend will be very happy in theirs.
    Enjoy the rest of your week, hope the sun keeps shining.
    Helen x

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  15. Hi Jane, it's always lovely to read your blog and see your wonderful photos as well as your marvelous creations. I have popped by to let you know that there is an award for you on my blog :)) Marie x

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  16. thanks for joining in the fun at Penny Black Saturday Jane with your beautiful take on nat's sketch...hugs kath xxx

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  17. Thanks for your visit Renee,
    Jane x

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  18. It is so good to get out again in the garden Helen and to see so much already growing. I am off to help paint the front room in their flat today, so exciting for them!
    Jane x

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  19. Hi Marie, that is so sweet. I shall pop over to your blog really soon to say hello and thank you,
    Jane x

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  20. Hi Kath, it was a lovely sketch which I enjoyed using.
    Jane x

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  21. WOW! OH congratulations on your son's new adventure and yours and your husbands' adventure too...I can't imagine how different it will be but I'm so glad to know he's close. Whew! : ) Lovely photos and oh, the card is soooo very sweet, Jane. You have a gift! The warmth that comes through is quite apparent. Thank you for your sweet visit...a lovely March to you!

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    1. It's lovely he's close Shirley. My daughter is about 1.5 hours drive away so there is no popping in for a cup of tea with her. Our children are so special aren't they but I'm so proud that both of mine have homes of their own. You are so kind with your comments about my cards-coming from such an artist as yourself they mean a lot.
      Jane x

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  22. Another beautiful card Jane, I love the little hedg-e-nog, sweet x

    My son is also moving out this year, in a month or so, but he will not be close by, as he is heading off to the S.France, delighted and excited for him, but.....its like losing a limb! Hope the move goes well tomorrow, weather is supposed to hold, fingers crossed. I am loving watching all of nature unfurl its spring best after the winter, even if it was mild!

    laney x

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  23. Hi Jane! Thanks for popping by! Now I'll have to figure out how to make bunny stamps! : ) Wishing you, your hubby and Billy a lovely weekend ahead! We're supposed to have some good sunshine this weekend. : )

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  24. Super cute - love the colors!


    Thanks for joining us at Cupcake Inspirations!

    Hugs,
    Michele

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  25. Hi Laney, you are the 3rd Mum I know who's son is moving out! It must be that time of the year! I must admit the South of France is a way away ;0(
    Have a lovely weekend, hope the Bead Fair goes well.
    Jane x

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  26. Hi again Shirley..that would be fun to see your designs as rubber stamps, they would be SO cool! Enjoy the weekend,
    Jane

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  27. Hi Michele, thanks for your visit.
    Jane x

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  28. Fab Entry, thanks for joining Penny black & More @ Allsorts challenge, Good luck.
    Happy crafting
    Tracy x

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  29. Super spring card Jane. Thank you for joining us at Penny Black and More.
    Clare x

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