It's Not All Black and White

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Vintage Grapes

A friend asked me to make wine labels as part of a gift for her parents who make and bottle their own wines. She asked for grapes (She supplied the stamp set gladly, since I have none.) and vintage. The biggest challenge was not being able to add a single extra layer. Everything had to go directly on the label. I started with sticker sheets cut to 3-1/2 inches tall by 5 inches wide. I printed Java Wines using my computer and the Vivaldi font in Chocolate Chip coloring. The grape leaves were stamped in Old Olive with a bit of Close to Cocoa rock 'n rolled onto the edges. The grapes I stamped using Perfect Plumeria Versamagic chalk inks, so the color would layer over the green a bit better than classic ink. I used the corner rounder punch and drew the borderline with chocolate chip, using my paper piercing template as a guide. The background was done in Creamy Caramel with the Rough Texture wheel. I don't have many ink cartridges, so I just wheel it over my stamp pad, then over the paper. Lastly, I sponged around the edges with Close to Cocoa. Tah Dah: Vintage Grape wine labels. I showed her a very similar prototype which she liked, so I hope these work for her.

Recipe:
Stamps: SU retired definitely decorative Grapes, rough texture wheel
Ink: creamy caramel, old olive, close to cocoa, chocolate chip, versamagic Perfect Plumeria
Paper: Avery Ink Jet Sticker Project Paper
Other: corner rounder, paper piercing template

So, my mom just gave me a call to very calmly tell me that her doctor found a crack in her femur (top, thick leg bone) on the ball where it joins the hip socket. She had mentioned that the cancer in her bones causes them to be weak, so breaking is a concern. She's going to the emergency room of a very good hospital here in Pittsburgh to be admitted and have surgery to shore up that bone. I'm so glad we have excellent hospitals here in Pittsburgh. The hospital is probably an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive for her, then she (and my dad) will probably be in the emergency room for a while before she even gets a room. So, I'm going to try to get my lawn mowed and shower and get there in time for my dad to grab some dinner early this evening.

She's known she has cancer now for over three weeks. I don't know how this usually works, but I'm getting concerned that they haven't been able to pinpoint where the cancer is coming from and therefore haven't started treatment yet. They were planning on starting a somewhat generic chemo treatment soon, until they find out more specifics. I hope this doesn't slow anything down.

So, I'm a little busier than usual. Those of you who's blogs I usually visit, I do still stop by and scan over your gorgeous creations. I just don't have time to comment right now. But know that I appreciate your work.

{{{hugs}}} to you all. Thanks for being there.

21 comments:

Beth Thomas said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mom's hip! She and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. Fear of the unknown is probably the most frightening thing of all. With all the HIPPA regulations (that's the thing you sign each time you go to a doctor regarding patient privacy), it can be hard for family members to get all of the information that they need. With your mother's consent, the health care providers can give you information about your mother's condition and care, so be presistent about getting information. Sometimes doctors and nurses assume that lay people know more than they really do! Again, my thought and prayers are with you all. Take care!

Libby Hickson said...

The labels are gorgeous! And so sorry to hear about your mom, I will keep her and you in my thoughts.

Alhambra Club said...

These labels are awesome, my thoughts and prayers are with your mother. This is a tough cancer to fight but can be won.

Anonymous said...

HUGE GINORMOUS {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} from me!! I haven't been blog hopping much lately and this is the first I've heard about your mom - just wanted to let you know I'm sending good thoughts your way and lots of {{HUGS}}

Amy :o)

Rose Ann said...

Your labels are gorgeous, and your friend is sure to love them as well!

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's fracture! I hope they are able to pinpoint where the cancer is coming from. Big hugs!!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Wow, Bethany, those labels are GORGEOUS! So classy and just perfect! I hope things with your mom go well and that you find out more info about treatment, etc. You're in my thoughts!

Julee (Vervegirl) said...

These labels are absolutely gorgeous! You did a marvelous job of adding dimensionality without adding layers. I hope you get some answers about your mom's treatment soon. Big Hugs!!!

-Julee

Dana said...

I'm sorry to read of your Mom's bone fracture. I'm glad it was noticed right away though and something can be done about it. She is still in my thoughts.

Now, these wine labels are fantastic! I love the vintage look to them. the border really makes them pop. So awesome.

Colleen Schaan said...

Bethany, I adore those wine labels...very classic and gorgeous.

I too am sorry to hear about your mother's break...I hope surgery goes well and she is up and around quickly. I also hope they find more out about the cancer quickly so they can start treatments too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Bethany, I think they'll be surprised by the quality and beauty of these labels. Of course they'll love them! They're gorgeous!

This is a rough road your mother and everyone who loves her are travelling right now. I wish I could say something very wise and helpful but all I have to offer is my heartfelt wish for the best possible outcome and strength for all of you along the way.

sophia landry said...

You and your family are in my prayers. I know this is a hard and difficult time that you are going through. I watched my mother go through cancer twice. I pray that your mother's treatment begins soon and is effective, and that you all have the strength to support her through this difficult time. Your wine labels are beautiful by the way, you did a wonderful job!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear your mom is going through so much. Hugs to her! And to you! I hope her treatment (all of it) goes well!! Love the labels (but I love anything grape/wine related). They're gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Your labels are exquisite! If I were bottling wines, I would LOVE these! Keeping thoughts for your mom's healing.

~Bev

maiahs_momma said...

Wow, what beautiful and elegant labels :)! I am sorry to hear about your mom, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers :).

*BIG HUGS*

Erica Payne said...

These labels are great. What a great gift idea! Thanks for the update on your mom, though not the best news- I've been thinking about you and her too!

Anonymous said...

OMgosh! Those labels are absolutely gorgeous! WOW!! I'll keep your Mom in my prayers.
Hugs,
Gina K.

Unknown said...

Beautiful labels Bethany! Hope your mother is doing better and they figure out her treatment etc., soon! We'll be praying for you all!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing job you did on those.

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. How scary. She will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

I will be praying for you and your family. Please keep us posted on your mom's progress. {{{HUGS!}}}

Christina Fischer said...

Gorgeous labels -- you created wonderful texture and dimension without the layers!

I'm sorry to hear about your mom, and I hope all goes well for her. I will keep her and your family in my prayers!

Michele Kovack said...

Love these labels! Know that there are many people praying for you and your mom. Hang in there...