Crafty Comeback Party - WCMD - Winnie & Walter

Well friends, the time has come.  I'm making my official comeback to this amazing little creative world that I love so much.  I can't thank you enough for giving me the time & space I've needed as I figure out how I grieve & long for my babies while still continuing to do the things that I love.  Thank you for checking back when my blog was completely silent.  And thank you for supporting me as I make my way back to a semblance of who I once was creatively.

First, some blog hop details!  You should have arrived here from Emily Leiphart's blog!  If you've lost your place, or happened upon my blog and want to check out the entire hop, then start at the Winnie & Walter blog!  Winnie & Walter is giving away five (5) $25 gift certificates to the w&w shop! Just leave a comment on every destination along the Hop to be in with a chance to win!

I will post your next stop on the hop at the end of my post!

It took me a little bit to figure out how creating works with grief.  I've decided I am choosing to honor Ellie & Layton by creating for them.  My creative process and style is intrinsically woven with thoughts of them and inspired by them.  Mostly, I want them to be able to look down and be proud of the person I'm becoming after them.  Broken, wounded & forever changed...but stronger, more passionate & driven.

Today marks the start of a month long event that I've planned!  It's my Crafty Comeback, and I am SO excited that it's here!  This event wouldn't be possible without all the amazing companies that enthusiastically jumped in and chose to sponsor it!  I hope that you will check back through November 4th (there is something going on EVERY day, except for weekends - excluding this weekend, of course.)  There is going to be tons of inspiration & GIVEAWAYS, challenges & more!

It just felt fitting that the event would start with Winnie & Walter!  Shay has continued to send me her product, her support and her love even though I was mostly silent.  I didn't expect such generosity, and I look forward to creating with everything that I wasn't able to when it released.

Today is World Cardmaking Day, and I am sharing the first card I've created since losing my son.  I thought of him every moment as I created it.  It's light & airy & whimsical...just like I imagine life must feel like in Heaven.  It's the colors I expected to decorate his nursery in, and dress him in.  And while it was far too short, the sentiment conveys my gratefulness for being able to spend almost every waking moment with Layton for the 5 months he graced us with his presence.

And I'm grateful for this community, who checked on me, prayed for us, and who are rallying around me as I make my way home.  I appreciate it all more than I can say.

Well, here we go... The card that starts it all again.  :)

{If you had forgotten, or didn't know me before today....I take A LOT of photos of each card.  It's the wedding photographer in me....I LOVE details.  Lol!}

One thing I've found about the way I create cards is that it is hard to put step by step instructions to.  I pull things out...I push & move them around until they find their perfect place...I add layers until I feel like it's done.  So, I won't be including step by step instructions any longer.  I will likely do videos in the future, but I'm still figuring that out!!  If you have any questions about something, please let me know in the comments and I will absolutely answer!!  And products that are still available will be linked at the end of the post so you can shop your little hearts out!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and check out my card today!  Have an amazing time along the blog hop...it is packed FULL of amazing designers!  I know that inspiration will abound, and I can't wait to grab a cup of blueberry coffee (my favorite!) and hop along myself.

Once you've left a comment, your next stop in the blog hop is to Nichol Spohr's blog!  I will be back this afternoon at 3pm CST with a fun WCMD Winnie & Walter challenge!  Check back then and join in on the fun!! 

For your shopping convenience, all products used are linked below.  {Includes affiliate linking where possible - this allows small compensation for me at no cost to you.  Never fear - I will only ever link to products that I truly love & use!}