Friday 8 January 2016

'Hedging your bets' baby card!

We knew that our neighbours' new baby had arrived but, to use Len's expression, we didn't 'know what flavour'! So, rather than put one or two feet firmly in it - I was chivvied/nagged encouraged by himself to make a 'gender neutral' card. And of the three options we'd ended up with (boy, girl and neutral), the in-house critic liked this 'neutral' one the best - so all's well that ends well:

I used:

- plain white card stock to cut a stepper card using the Presscut 'Step Card Cutting' die

- the patterned papers are from the Prima 'Fairy Rhymes' pad - used to decorated the front of the card and also the inside - more of a beige colour in real life

- the baby image is a pre-coloured one from LOTV which I've had for ages, die cut using a Spellbinders 'Labels One' die

- the image was then mounted onto a backing of a pale mink coloured pearlescent card snippet, die cut using a Spellbinders 'Luscious Labels One' die

- to the front patterned paper strips I then added 'Valencia Border' swirls, die cut from white pearlescent card (thank Kath for enabling me!) plus three butterflies die cut from a snippet of the mink coloured card using SU's Embosslits 'Beautiful Wings'. Just added a few white pearls to the butterflies to finish off

- the inside had a sentiment added using Memento 'Toffee Crunch' ink and a stamp from the really useful set called ' Set 61 - Quotables - Celebrate'. It was then die cut and mounted the same as the front, with more butterflies and pearls added

The card was delivered by Len yesterday - and the baby is a little boy. Everyone is recovering well :)

Quick hospital update, a visit which I didn't feel was very helpful. Managed, just, to get shoes on which obviously was good. The outcome for now is basically I have to wait until I have another one or two gout attacks before they'll put me on preventative meds (that cheered me up no end you can imagine!). But, the 'nasties' levels have come down nicely in the (ahem) fluid samples - which in fact IS encouraging. I still say that stopping some other meds that I'd only been on for a few months has been a huge factor in that result! I need to stay on the anti-inflammatories etc. for now due to residual osteoarthritis. I politely refused the offer of a steroid injection into the toe joint - for now at least. When they want someone up there with a paint brush to decorate the ceilings and if it appears to be a last resort then I may take up the offer. I think that's really enough detail - suffice it to say I've bounced back today from feeling quite let down. No other option is there :(

Slipped a bit on commenting in the Playground, oops - and today I should be able to post the last of your prizes off. Most went on Tuesday to those who replied with addresses right away - and some of you in the UK already have received them. Then I needed a few more padded/hard backed envelopes and the last address to post off the final five this afternoon. Yay - marathon over!

Now, where's me pogo stick so I can have a quick bounce around the Playground?!

Di 
x

33 comments:

  1. Neutral was a winner as far as I can tell too! VERY, VERY pretty card and love that cute sentiment.
    Hang in there on all the medical stuff. I'd probably pass on that injection too unless absolutely necessary! Yikes!
    Better days are coming soon.
    Lynn

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  2. Gorgeous card Di! I LOVE that you used neutral colors! Fresh and fun alternative to the pale green, yellow and lavender.

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  3. Hi Di sadly that is the standard rheumatology protocol.....I know it sounds hard but lets hope this was a one off attack. Look for some very supportive comfy shoes too......Ecco, Hotter and some Clarkes have some good ones and they are not granny grumbles at all. The injection has some steroid and anaesthetic in so is often very helpful but definately should be only given if essential. Your card to soooo pretty, lovely neautral colours for the new baby....love Len's flavour expression...LOL. Hugs and lots of healing thoughts xx

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    1. Thanks for that Jane! The shoes I can get into are wide and very wisely styled, which proves what you say. Will be shopping for more :-) I did get the impression I was being given the standard line at hospital and my new and very good GP had already expressed his faith (or lack of it) in their approach.

      Di xx

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    2. Sorry to butt in, but Hotter have a 50% off sale on a the moment - i have to wear Hotter shoes, as i got diagnosed with RA, 4 years ago and when i first saw them, i ran out of the shopping crying, as they reminded me of an old people's home and i was only 44 with a 5 year old at school, but they have not improved their designs.

      I'm loving your gorgeous neutral baby card and i must try to get hold of that die too, Luv Sam x

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  4. A lovely card - such a cute image. Fingers crossed you're now on the mend and hope you continue to improve.
    Kath x

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  5. What a lovely card and so love that sentiment you have used.

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  6. As always a very pretty card Di.

    Sorry the medics weren't over encouraging, seems to be the way of things now and I am totally convinced that when you reach a 'certain age' you get shifted to the back of the queue in favour of those still in full time work. I am with you in avoiding the steroid injections into the joints, mind you I guess what the computer put into my spine this week (been in since Monday and home last night) has a certain amount of that in it. But the new MRI found another more worrying problem, will tell you more.

    OK, moan over, sorry.

    B x

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  7. Love the colours on your card! Glad to hear that you are getting better!

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  8. That's a lovely baby image - I'm reminded that I actually have that stamp hiding somewhere!! Sorry to hear your hospital visit was less than helpful but good to see you are thinking positive - keep on bouncing!!

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  9. Oh this is a stunner Di! And perfect when you don't know and don't want to get it wrong! (we elected to not know what flavour babies we were expecting, so when we went to buy blankets etc. We'd get lilacs/purples as that worked for both. It's also my favourite colour, so a win all round, lol) x

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  10. The gender neutral card is perfect and does make a change. New parents can sometimes be lost in a sea of pink or blue. I like all the embossing and the sentiment is fun. So sorry you did not get better news about your foot. I can well imagine you were not impressed with that response. X

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  11. Love your "neutral" baby card. It actually looks anything but neutral, very pretty. Using that wonderful die again too. Don't rush about too much. Take care of that foot. Barbxx

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  12. This is so cute and the colours are a refreshing change, tranquil and pretty, and what a great sentiment, also love that Presscut Stepper die. Sorry your hospital visit proved rather unsatisfactory and hope that this attack is just a 'one off'. x

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  13. Awwwwwwwww.....what a cutie! Love the color scheme.

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  14. Wonderful central step card!! The neutral colours are so delicate and perfect for any sex babies and the image is really a cutie!!!
    ...Fingers crossed for your health!

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  15. Beautiful baby card Di. Love it in the neutrals too - such a nice change from pinks, blues and lemons. Sorry you didn't get a better response at the hospital, but can't say I'm surprised!

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  16. Happy New Year Di hope you and Len has a lovely time during the festive season hope you continue to get better regarding your foot ....your card is lovely l do like these images and the colour scheme is lovely too!.....you can't go wrong with neutrals take care sending lots of love x

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  17. Ha ha ha . . . I'm joining you on the pogo sticks!

    What a totally gorgeous new baby card Di. That is quite a stunner and I bet it has pride of place on the mantlepiece.

    SO pleased to hear you're on the up mate.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  18. Fabulous card Di...I love the neutral tones...and this super image too! Onwards and upwards with the foot....keep your toes crossed it wont repeat itself! Hugs xx

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  19. Totally stunning and perfect in neutrals! Glad you're a little better and I know the feeling too well from being let down my the medical service!!
    Lucy xx

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  20. Absolutely beautiful, Di! Love the neutral colours and the LOTV image, one of my favourite baby images. Gorgeous Valencia border die, now added to my ever growing wishlist! xx

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  21. Love the neutral shades and the use of the border die it does fit perfectly doesn't it.
    By the way I don't know Irene, but hope all is well.

    Kath x

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  22. What a fab neutral baby card xxx

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  23. This is absolutely precious, and the colors are perfect for either a boy or a girl! It's darling and such a thoughtful card to give!
    I'm sorry your visit didn't go as expected today, but I'm hoping that things continue to improve for you! I cannot imagine having to endure 2 more attacks before getting meds to help, but maybe they know what they're doing? TC in the meantime!

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  24. Sorry there wasn't the offer of a magic wand! If I ever find one I'll loan it to you! Wow--this is maybe the most beautiful baby card I've ever seen--a treasure, Di!

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  25. That is the sweetest baby card no matter what gender. I can't imagine why you can't have preventative medicine now before you have another attack. I'm glad you are a bit better and hope it continues to be less painful. Hugs to you.

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  26. Cute baby card..for whichever one! Perfect to keep in a baby book as a keepsake, it's so pretty! I hope no more attacks for you, and that you keep getting better. Have a good weekend Di!

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  27. Cute baby card..for whichever one! Perfect to keep in a baby book as a keepsake, it's so pretty! I hope no more attacks for you, and that you keep getting better. Have a good weekend Di!

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  28. Oh, good Lord, Di, please do not get up on that pogo stick! The last thing we need is for some bone to be broken while you are still recovering from the grout disaster! (And, besides, I can outrun you now, but I'm no match for a pogo stick ~ you'll catch me red-handed and neither of us wants that!) Your sweet, sweet gender neutral baby card is beautiful!! I'm will continue to keep you in my thoughts and send you positive healing energy and prayers!! Hugs, Darnell

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  29. This neutral baby is is a gem. So soft and pretty bit perfect for a boy or a girl!

    Hope you get esome relief from the gout. My Dad suffered from this too and I have an idea of what you are facing painwise. Hugs to you, Di...

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  30. What a lovely colour scheme you have done.
    As I have been unable to do much the last few days, I dug out some stampings that I have been hoarding to colour with my watercolour pencils and these images were amongst them. I think I will use your colouring scheme on a couple for those "dunno what flavour" moments!!
    Hugs
    xx

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