Welcome to my crafty blog... a "garden" of colourful cards, quilting, sewing projects, knitting...and what ever else happens along the way!!


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Catching Up + A Card


3" x 4" Pocket Journal Card

My last post was in the middle of February; it's time for an update.
If you're here for some craftiness, just scroll down for my card project.
 
* I don't usually share too much of my personal life - I like my blog to focus on cards and other projects that I enjoy making. There hasn't been much craftiness happening lately though, as I've been dealing with a major eye problem. I was diagnosed with a detached retina on February 21st. Since the required surgery could not be done in my city, I was immediately sent to Winnipeg (a long drive on the wintery roads of Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba).
* I had my first surgery (scleral buckle) on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 23) and was sent home the next day, with some concerns. There was still some fluid built up which did not allow the retina to attach. The doctor hoped that in the following days/weeks this would correct itself as my eye absorbed the excess fluid.

March - April, 2014
* I continued to be monitored by my own eye specialist; he also consulted with the surgeon. Unfortunately, by March 17th, it was evident that things were not getting better and I was sent back to Winnipeg for a second surgery. 
* This time the procedure (Vitrectomy + Gas) was successful, but I had to sleep on my stomach at night and keep my head down during the day for 2 weeks.  It was brutal!! Having a gas bubble meant that I couldn`t see out of that eye; I had to limit my activities and I couldn't fly due to increased eye pressure!! 
The gas bubble began to dissipate over the last two months. I won't know how much of my vision will be restored for several more months.

May 2014
* I returned to Winnipeg for a follow-up appointment with the surgeon. He was pleased that the retina was still attached, but again I was told that my vision would continue to change. 
* Nine weeks after my second surgery the last remnants of the gas bubble disappeared. That was certainly something to celebrate!! (Happy Dance) Eventually I will have to be fitted for glasses to correct the changes that have occurred; hopefully my vision will continue to improve over the next few months.

 Two Crafty Projects!!
* In the meantime, I have been slowly returning to my craft room. 
I can only concentrate for little blocks of time as my vision makes 
things distorted. (straight lines look wavy, images look crooked) 
which makes the job of lining things up very challenging!! 

* I started a card for Make It Monday #152: 
Layering Dye & Pigment Ink, before the surgery, 
but ran into some trouble with stamping the floral images.  
Looking back, I realized this was due to the detached retina.  
I couldn't bear to throw it out, so I cut it into a journalling card.
This sentiment seems appropriate considering the last few months!!

I made the card again, this time changing 
the position of the flowers and leaves.

Card: Vintage Cream, Smokey Shadow
Background: Woodgrain; Vintage Cream Pigment ink 
Images & Sentiment: Happiness in Bloom,  
Inks: Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, Summer Sunrise, Smokey Shadow (PTI); 
Old Olive (Stampin'Up); Twilight (Close To My Heart) 

I added an inside panel of Vintage Cream card stock, then stamped
the sentiment (Happiness in Bloom), the flower, leaves and dots.

Thanks for visiting today!!
Karen C.

7 comments:

StephH said...

So happy for you, Karen, that your vision continues to improve. You certainly have been through the wringer these past few months, so doing a Happy Dance is a great sign of how much things have improved. This is a beautiful card and journaling card. I am happy to see you posting, as you have been missed!

cards by cara said...

Absolutely gorgeous creation! Thanks for keeping us posted on your recovery - glad to hear things are getting better. I made a card for you over on my blog - http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2014/06/pti-make-it-monday-debossing-stamped.html <3

Kathy Mc said...

So glad you updated us and are back doing some stamping. Great colors and placement! Praying that your vision continues improving and you life can get back to normal. You've certainly had your share of surgeries. Take it easy!

Leigh Penner said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about the problems you've been having with your eyes, Karen! I will pray that your vision gets corrected soon!
Your cards are lovely -- I love the colours your chose! So bold and pretty!

Diana K said...

Karen, your cards are beautiful and making me think that I really need this stamp set. You used gorgeous colours! My brother (who lives in Northern Ontario in Elliot Lake) went through multiple eye surgeries recently because of a macular hole. He is doing so much better now and is actually allowed to drive again. So keep up your spirits and give it time!. Big hugs to you.

Kara said...

so cool!! love the colors that you chose! looks like fabric!!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Wow - I am sorry to hear of your eye troubles! I hope you are better now. Scary when you are talking your eyes!