Hi bloggies!
Well … after all the media hype … the catastrophic fire warning for our area didn’t eventuate to anything at all. But … I do get it … a fire could have broken out at anytime and anywhere under the weather conditions we had yesterday. We packed up a few things … but didn’t think we would need to go … and we didn’t. The same can’t be said for many others in different areas who have seen their whole homes & lives destroyed. 
Bush fires are so unpredictable … so I am thankful for the efforts of our firefighters to give us good warnings … even if it wasn’t needed in the end. What a great service they provide … and I couldn’t help thinking yesterday … when they were considering cancelling the Sydney tennis for the day because of the extreme heat … that maybe the tennis players get a reprieve … but those brave firefighters don’t get the choice to say “it is too hot to fight fires today” … they just have to do it … in all that heavy & hot gear! And … Many of these are VOLUNTEERS!!! How selfless! Well done … and we pray that all will be kept safe as the fire crisis is still happening in many parts of the country at the moment.
This is a 50th birthday card I made for my sis-in-law recently. She is not a ‘girly girl’ … and her fav colour is BLACK!!! (But … that’s not in an ‘emo’ or bad kind of way … she just loves how it teams so well with so many colours.) I used another fav of her’s … RED … and this is the result.
I’m not sure if you can see the clear embossed butterflies around the edges of the card … but IRL it is really quite eye-catching. I meant to do the embossing BEFORE the sponging … but got a bit carried away with some great inspiration from Heather Telford. I just love Heather’s work … and couldn’t resist using some of her ideas for this card. (Not a straight CASE!) I decided that the sponging BEFORE embossing wasn’t such a bad look and so I went with it anyway!
Well … we are off to Sydney to see the cricket tonight! (Big Bash League) Go the “Sydney Sixers”. After winning the national comp last year and going on to win the champions league (international) …
we are 2nd bottom on the table this year! But … we do hope the game is a good one anyway! We won’t make the finals … but it is still exciting to be there … soak up the atmosphere … and enjoy some fast & furious cricket. See you soon!
Lovely card – Andrea. Your cards always have so much thought in them, to match the recipient
Today is quite a contrast in the weather – unbelievable to be 40′C one day, and barely reach 20 the next! We, too, are thankful that there were no outbreaks of fire yesterday in our region.
Have a great time at the cricket – hope there is plenty of action!
Cheers, Gabbi
This is truly beautiful, Andrea. I love it.
Stunning card Andrea. Love all the details.
Enjoy the cricket. At least it is cooler today.
Jenny xx
Absolutely breathtaking!!
This is DEFINITELY a WOW card Andrea….magical really. I love how you have incorporated the red and black…and the embossed b’flies. The b’fly image is gorjus on its own.
You were in my thoughts when the heat was on hunni. The volunteers and fireies did an awesome job. I hope it does not amp up as much this w’end…altho predicted. Stay cool and stay safe darl. MWAH ooxx
Oooooooh, those clear-embossed butterflies totally show up and WOWWW what an effect they have on that background…awesome looking, Andrea!!
So glad to hear the fires didn’t amount to anything. That’s scary stuff for sure.
….and I’ve been meaning to tell you that I LOOOOVE your new blog photo. You’re gorgeous!
You are so kind, Denise! The blog photo was taken at Sheree’s hen’s night in November. Sometimes being 50 is a bit of a drag … so when a nice photo pops up unexpectedly … you feel like sharing! Thanks for the beautiful compliment … you made my day! Hugs xxx
Glad to hear you are all safe and sound. Well said about the firefighters!
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Lovely card. The red sponging looks great with black… and you know me… I love butterflies any time and any shape!
A terrific card, even with the use of black your card actually looks soft, and sort of muted, which I love, the butterflies are gorgeous too, so lovely.
Hi Melissa! Thanks for all the sweet blog love … The sympathy about Jack … The congrats for Shane … The “noticing” that there was a HEAP of embossing going on with the invitations! Etc etc all your lovely comments were really appreciated! So glad you have been having time with your family … Gav has been off this last week … So it has been nice to chill out & do some fun things with him & the kids! Hugs xxx
Beautiful card, Andrea. The sponging set off the 50 so nicely, and the way you embossed the butterflies makes them pop. Such a pretty card. So glad the fires did not amount to anything around you. I can’t imagine a worry as great as that! God bless the firefighters.