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Mixed Symbolism

Happy Tuesday, friends!  I'm back with another mixed media meets cardmaking project using the newest Verve release.  I painted and stained these hearts a while back for an art journal page, but ended up going a different direction so I tucked them away for safe keeping.  {grin}


Mark doesn't know it, but this card is for him.  We've both been working hard at our new healthy lifestyle and he's just been a rock.  He's my motivator when I feel like sitting on the couch instead of hitting the gym... my cook when I don't feel like cooking (which is pretty much all the time) and he's just a constant source of encouragement and support.  This weekend will be our 8 week weigh-in with our trainer and combined we've already lost over 40 pounds.  Pretty amazing and I know I wouldn't have been able to make this change without him, so I wanted to make a card for him.

I chose these grungy primitive hearts because they're unfinished, imperfect, a bit flawed... but still beautiful, just like us!  I stamped the leaves from New Mercies behind the hearts to represent how we're growing and flourishing together.  The corrugated part up top represents how we're stretching ourselves and the bits of sparkle are those glimmers of our true personalities that are beginning to shine through again.  The lace and twine blends masculine and feminine and ties it all together.  Okay, was that enough symbolism for one card? {grin}  I can't help it... I'm a hopeless romantic, thus the "my heart is yours" sentiment from Small Phrases.

Speaking of personalities shining through, it's amazing how different I'm beginning to feel.  More confident, more energetic, more creative... more ME.  The ME that's been hiding away for far too long.  The ME I've been desperately trying to wake up is beginning to stir and it's starting to feel like those obstacles I once thought were unscalable mountains are really only high hills.  I'll get to them and beyond soon enough!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and "listening" to my rambling thoughts.  I hope you take a little time for yourself today to remember the person you want to be and do something that puts you closer along the path to becoming that person!


Enabler's List:
Stamps: Small Phrases, New Mercies (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Crumb Cake (SU!), Cream
Ink: Versamark, Antique Linen, Walnut Stain, paints and distress stains
Accessories: Charming Banner Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Primitive Hearts dies (Sizzix), corner chomper, paper crimper, lace trims, flower, scrapper's floss, Light molding paste, champagne glass glitter, clear detail embossing powder

32 comments

Hannelie said...

Good advice, doing just that today!
Beautiful card...

Amber Hight said...

Awwe Julee, I love this card! Beautiful in SO many ways:) Congratulations on the weight loss, what a huge step you guys are taking, you'er so motivational:) <3 ya!

Dori Shelton said...

Such an inspiring post, Julee! You are an amazing talent and provide such creative inspiration to all of us in the stamping world. Your creativity is always such a joy to look at! I look forward every week to Mojo Monday (which a lot of times, ends up being Mojo Tuesday for me! LOL) and I love visiting all the Divas.
You have given good advice...and I'm sure I'm not the only one who will take you up on it today!

Luanne said...

This is awesome! Mark will love it. I love the blue on the brown and the partial crimping. Beautifully created for the love of your life!

Andrea Ewen said...

This card is absolutely breath-taking Julee! You've blended your love of mixed media with your infinite talent of card making to make this beauty a reality. As for the symbolism, so right on! If others could see through the clouds about what's important in life, they'd be much happier. Looks like you're on that path....and for that I say...congratulations!
Thanks for your continual inspiration, you are a beautiful artist and a beautiful person. Thank you.

Jackie Pedro said...

You should have posted a warning that I would need a tissue! This card is so beautiful, Julee and all the symbolism to go with it? Awesome! I'm so happy for you and Mark and the wonderful journey you are both on. Thank you for sharing with us!

Esther said...

Stunning, you always amaze me!!!!

Nicole said...

Fabulous meaning to everything you put into the card. And I'm so happy for you that you are finding your soul Mojo again (you've always had the creative one).

Ally said...

Beautiful card, Julee! I can tell you put your heart into it, and the results are fabulous! Congrats on your efforts and achievements in living more healthy - and here's to more and more of that! ;-)

Ravengirl said...

Beautiful card! Thank you so much for the inspiration :)

Darlene G said...

Good for you and your husband. Keep up the good work, you'll only feel better all the time. And thanks for your beautiful cards.

Riet said...

What a wonderful card Julee.

Hugs Riet.xx

Ida said...

What a gorgeous card and your inspiration behind it was wonderful to read.

Jen Shults said...

This is absolutely stunning! I love all the little details and touches you added! Your husband will love it. Congratulations on your success so far! Sounds like you are well on your way!!

Maureen said...

how inspiring, Julee...one can really see the love you and Mark have. That's when you know you're meant to be together...it's the way I feel about my husband :) We are not perfect, but perfect together. What a stunning card, not only for the card itself, but the meaning behind it...I'm thinking Mark has quite the collection of art from you ;) hugs!!

Jessica Diedrich said...

Wow, lady, this is not only STUNNING but SO motivating. I really need to do something too and I can imagine having your DH involved in that aspect must be really motivating. My DH is such a strong support system but w/ food not so much, LOL! I am SO happy for you guys- this is VERY inspiring to a girl who needs it. <3

Kristina said...

Isn't it wonderful when a card is more than JUST a card?! This is so beautiful, in many ways! The mix of the lace and twine looks stunning... Might have to try that one!

Wanda Cullen said...

This has to be one of my all time fave cards of yours...ever!! It speaks volumes and I love your sharing of the meaning behind each element! You've been a real inspiration as I'm currently in a real struggle mode. Support is key...it's hard to make life changes alone.

Jessie/knightrone said...

This is just GORGEOUS!!!

Lorie M aka MelodyGal said...

Beautiful, Julee. I love mixed media, and you did an exquisite job.

P said...

Julee- You have always shared your talent with us, but lately you have been sharing your heart too! What a beautiful post, beautiful card full of deep meaning, and beautiful person you are! It is so sweet to hear of others so in love (32.5 yrs for me & dh), and working to help each other be the best they can be. Keep up the great work of making positive changes in your life, and thank you for inspiring so many with your words and your art.

Marisa said...

Your card is gorgeous, Julee!! Love the hearts (you know how I love hearts - right up there with flowers LOL!), love the symbolism, colours, and that branch/leaf image is soooo amazing. Can also feel your joy popping off the card :)

SO proud of you and Mark and your lifestyle journey. My daughter and I went to a naturopath two years ago, went on a cleanse, diet restrictions etc. and it did so much for us. We both had an abundance of Candida in our system and it was doing us in. Once it was gone, so much more energy and overall feeling better. Not a mega weight loss, but all the gunk in my body was gone and all is back in sync now :) Love it!!

Well done on 40 pounds between the two of you!! Keep up the hard work, it will more than pay off in the long run :) The added energy alone does wonders for your psyche, productivity and joy of life. Can you hear me cheering from the West Coast (((hugs)))! A hug to wonderful Mr. Verve too :)

Melisa Hunter said...

These hearts are gorgeous! They remind me of a beautiful impressionist painting in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris! Love all the texture on your card!

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous and inspirational card, Julee! Yea for your new healthy lifestyle... change like that definitely helps with a partner and motivator! Good luck as you continue your journey!

Vickie Z said...

Yikes....loved reading about the evolution of the card!!! It's a gorgeous one with all your trademark details!! Okay....I was presented with....you have to change.. Diet etc. Doing wonderfully and, then family trauma...traveling on the road...makes it really hard and hard to get back in the "swing" of things ---but, your coments and accomplishments make me realize I need to persevere!! Gagging too much??? Sorry!!

Heidi said...

Julee- you are a romantic girl, love all the symbolism. I am such a boring person and love reading all your wonderful post.

This card is AGAIN one that I want to try, love the crimping only at the top! All the elements, button, ribbon, hearts- beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Wow Julee! The symbolism behind the card is so wonderful! You go girl! Very good!! Hang in there and it's good to encourage each other!!!
xxx
Dutch Tulip
Marja

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Stunning! Beautiful! Congrats on your weight loss! I struggle,too. It is so hard! Keep up the good work!
Mackie

Sherry Kushibab said...

Lovely card, the symbolism of each element is what takes it over the top and I am sure Mark will love it. Take the healthy lifestyle a day at a time and you can only be successful as you go forward as well as feel more energized.

Christine said...

Your work is just beautiful! I love your blog!
Christine

speedtalka said...

I know you must be a very very busy girl, but you should share your talent on Pinterest....
: )

speedtalka said...

I know you must be a very very busy girl, but you should share your talent on Pinterest....
: )
Angela