WOW! Am I exhausted.
The Papertrey Ink release was another amazing one. I always have such a huge creative breakdown after, since I pour every ounce of creativity I own into every project.
Most of them were revealed up to the release, but I kept a few for today.
My first project today is very special, and I want to share it with you all. I did get special permission to post all this info, so I hope you get to read it.
Bethany-
I have to say with all the sympathy sentiments, while beautiful, it was emotional for me. Having been close to losing my own child a few times, I can’t even fathom the pain. I only know a portion of the pain that comes with just thinking of the “what ifs”. When Alexa got sick I planned her funeral in my head too many times. Something I hate to admit, but when she had so many close calls I couldn’t help but have those horrible thoughts not only cross my mind, but be lurking so close to reality.
This release came at a time that I really needed. It was so amazing because over the holiday a blog reader of mine-Melinda had sent me some amazing things from Australia. I was touched by her graciousness.
I was beyond amazed by her talent, but what got me was this photo attached with her letter, of her daughter Bethany.
She told me how stamping has helped her emotionally, to cope, as she lost that beautiful little girl in the photo last year to a tragic accident.
Here she is-
Every person in my home cried reading her letter, and starring at Bethany’s face.
Melinda said she has a hard time scrapping photos of Bethany, and this one was so special to her because it was the last photo she had of her-taken just a week before her accident. She was in her favorite dress. She loved pink flowers, and butterflies!
I knew I wanted to make her something special, to honor her. I had no idea what to say or where to start! Then the Loss of Child set was sent to me. I knew the words were perfect.
I have to admit I balled my eyes out the entire time I made it. I felt such a wave of pain and emotion, and I never even “knew” her. I never made a more meaningful gift in my life. I truly poured every ounce of love I felt for my own three children into making a keepsake for Bethany’s mom.
Supplies:
Stamps-Fresh Alphabet, Loss of a Child, With Sympathy
Ink-Berry Sorbet, black, ripe avocado, spring moss, sweet blush
Cardstock- sweet blush, berry sorbet, spring moss, white
Patterned Paper- Polka Dot Parade
Berry Sorbet stitched grosgrain, leaf pattern ribbon
B.E. Frame
Other-Prima Flowers, Prima leaves May Arts velvet ric rac, dew drops, adhesive rhinestones
Now when I asked Bethany’s mom if I could share this, she agreed. I asked her what she would like people to know about Bethany, since she isn’t just a photo for a project, or another post on my blog, but a person who is so missed and so loved. A person who’s short life will have made a difference in others. I know that despite her mom losing her, she will not let her loss be in vain, but will make a difference in others lives.
If you have lost a child and need support, Melinda has offered to help you-so contact me for her info. Melinda is also looking forward to being able to eventually working with SIDS & KIDS.
This is what she had to share-
From Bethany’s mother Melinda:
Bethany lived at fast forward all the time. She was born after a 40 minute labour on November 11th 2001. That day is Remembrance Day in Australia and each year at 11am on that day the country observes a minute silence for soldiers who fell in battle, but we also like to think the nation stops for Bethany (as of course we feel it should).
Bethany started to talk very early, weaned herself at 10 months and decided she was too big for nappies (diapers) a month after her little brother was born so toilet trained herself that very day (she was only 22 months old). She was little but had a voice that carried and would have long conversations with any and everybody she met. At nearly 5 she had just started wearing size 3 clothes and was a little dynamo. She didn’t watch TV or DVD’s but preferred to just hang out with me or her brothers and sisters. It was spring when she died and 3 weeks earlier I had bought her new sandals which she loved but refused to wear them. Her older sister, Emily, talked to her about it and found Bethany thought her toes were ugly. They went through Emily’s nailpolish and Beth chose a pretty pink (her favourite colour) to decorate her toes and then wore her new shoes. For all her speed to grow up, when I cleaned up her room after she died I found she had hidden one of her little brothers dummies (pacifiers) under her pillow and must have snuck it in her mouth after I tucked her in to bed. I will always be grateful that I was able to be a stay at home Mum and spent every minute possible with her. She was secure in the fact that she was very much loved and confident of her place in the world.
I’m not sure if what I have typed makes any sense, but I won’t edit it as I know I could go over and over it trying to get it perfect in her honour.
Butterflies have become very special to us all as they have appeared at significant moments as if she is letting us know she is somehow here. As we were getting ready for her funeral a butterfly somehow flew into the house and landed on her portrait, the day a friend and I went to collect her ashes a butterfly fluttered around the door of the funeral home the whole time and when we were on a recent holiday there was a butterfly who followed us as we walked around Wiggle World. So you see, the butterflies on your frame are so very special as is the sentiment. It is often these smaller things that combine into something amazing and bring great comfort.
The only thing I would add is that if there is another family who read your blog who have suffered the loss of a child and would like to contact me, please feel free to give them my email.
I just thought of one more anecdote I wanted to share with you. Bethany’s older brother Liam (he is now 10) has always loved to draw and create his own comics. He spends hours creating and binding them. They are really very intricate and Beth always loved them and wanted to copy them which was a cause of much dispute between the two of them. Going through Beth’s room we find her treasure draw and hidden at the bottom was one of Liam’s comic books. Beth had gone through and very carefully added her name to every page. Liam would have really gone off at her for that one but now it is his most treasured possession, almost like a little note from Bethany left specially for him.
This is a poem that Bethany’s mom finds comfort in:
The mention of my baby’s name may bring tears to my eyes,but it never fails to bring music to my ears.If you really are my friend,please don’t keep me from hearing the beautiful music.It soothes my broken heart and fills my soul with love.
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
————————————————————————–
OK now I’m done that, and still balling, lets move on to my other projects.
This is yet another sample I made (for today’s post, not in my release gallery) using the With Sympathy set. It was going to be a countdown project but I had to wait to share it-
This box is from my newest template-The Perfect Match ©
I thought that the With Sympathy set was perfect for making a nice thoughtful set of cards.
Did you know it can hold little note cards and envelopes?
I got this set from Stampin Up! a while back 😀 Now was the perfect time to use them.
They are about 3 X 4 in size.
Here are a set of 20-with envelopes! Room to spare too.
Isn’t that so simple? Great teacher gifts without lots of work!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!! Love that.
Another sample using my Perfect Match Box was paired with Heather’s set 😀
I used the slider cover of my Perfect Match Box © template as a basket like box to hold my body mist. I had fun with the clean, crisp design I could get easily with this set. This came together in just minutes! A perfect quick gift wrap.
Supplies
My Timeless Template-The Perfect Match Box ©
Stamps- Around & About sent.
Cardstock- PTI select white, Spring Rain, Vellum cardstock
Ink-Spring Rain
Other-adhesive rhinestone, swiss dots embossing folder, circle punches, Doodlebug paper frills border
Now another one with her set-Get Well Soon!!
I LOVE this card-Very clean and simple-but so pretty to me.
I used guideline’s to make my grid, then stamped the single flower from the set to make my own patterned paper.
I used the flower punch and stamped the circle sentiment inside, then added a button which I also stamped for the center 😀
My leaves are just some avocado stitched ribbon, folded up 😀
So there you have it everyone. Scroll down over the last few days, and let me know what project you liked best!
Thank you for visiting and thanks to anyone who gets any of the templates 😀 Don’t forget I WANT to see what YOU make 😀
Have a happy day-
42 Responses for "Papertrey Ink Release Projects"
OMG (still balling) I can’e even imagine what that frame meant to Bethany’s mom. You are so thougthful!
All of your creations over the last few days have been great!
Look forward to reading more and seeing more now with the videos.
You go Lauren!
Kisha
Oh Lauren, what a special gift indeed. It makes me start to cry. Just thinking of this mother makes my heart break. Enough said about that.
As I sit here wiping my tears, I can’t even begin to imagine how much that will mean to Bethany’s family. How thoughful you are Lauren!! Love the note card set and box too!!
I didn’t expect to be sent to bed bawling. Yes, I’m up late reading the blogs and I will never look at butterflies the same again. Thank you to Bethany’s mom for sharing her daughter’s story and to you for sharing such a beautiful gift you created for her. You are so thoughtful. Bethany’s mom so strong.
OK we are all having a little weep, now. Usually, I come for inspiration with stamping. Somtimes I am here checking on your weight loss progress, but today I see you are so much more…..
I can’t sum up in words how this entry has moved me. Please know that we are all thinking of Beth and her mum. Hopefully she will find someone via your blog that she can help ease the pain of the loss of a child, I shutter to think of such pain. In helping others she will feel again, and come out of what must be a very numb state.
Thankyou for doing this project for her and all of us, it helps remind us each day how precious each day is.
R
wow wow wow – this all looks soooo great and beautiful!
warm wishes from Berlin/Germany
Ok you had me crying too…such a sweet page you created and all of your projects are fantastic!
As always, Lauren, you bowl me over with your gift. I esp. love the SB page for Bethany–it is lovely and so are you.
I am speechless. Thank you for sharing. Very special.
Lauren- as usual your projects are so beautiful and your creativity never ceases to amaze me! The sb page you did for Bethany is absolutely perfect and gorgeous…fitting for a perfect and gorgeous little girl who was taken too soon from this world. To Bethany’s mom: my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Your butterfly moments must surely be Bethany around you – what a blessing! Thank you for sharing your daughter’s memory with us…such a precious, sweet girl. Lauren – you really should do more scrapbooking – you are amazing at it!
OK I’m at work, so I can’t be balling, but I want to. What a heartbreaking story, and what a truly special gift you created for Bethany’s mother. I can’t imagine even what you went through with your child. I’m always so grateful that mine are healthy, but so afraid that it could change in an instant. I don’t even want to imagine what it would be like because even imagining it hurts. Anyway, I can’t fathom a more fitting tribute to Bethany’s life. I’m sure her mother will treasure it always. It is perfect.
Hi Lauren,
You’re making all of us cry today!
I have a Bethany myself and I couldn’t imagine losing a child. What a sad story but also a beautiful one because of your project for her and the butterflies.
Thanks for sharing.
Angie
Lauren —
What an incredible tribute to Bethany – I could barely see your other projects after reading what Melinda had to say about her.
I don’t think you’ll ever realize how far-reaching your words, projects, and attitude are…you are beautiful – Love you my friend 🙂
oh boy- that is a real tear jerker but you really made a beautiful page for her!!
Hand me the tissues please! Sniff, sniff!! Your project is as beautiful as Bethany! I know it must be a comfort to her mother. Thank her for us for sharing her stories with us. It is such a tragedy! My prayers are with her family.
You have been so busy… what fabulous projects you have created!
TFS!!
I got to tell you that I couldn’t read the whole first part of this post, but that project is BEAutiful. I love it. I love everything in this post, but my other fave is that last card with the Marvy flower punch. Perfect!
You and Melinda have touched all our hearts today and you have made such a wonderful tribute for Bethanys’mum to treasure. Bless you xxx
Lauren what a beautiful tribute to Bethany for her mother. I am so touched by the story as I also lost a child on November 11 1995- I was 6 months pregnant with my first child who would be my only son. In Canada we also celebrate Rememberance day on Nov 11th so I also see that day as a tribute not only to the soldiers who fought for our freedom but as a day to celebrate the joy my son brought to me in his short life. Now I will add Bethany to my thoughts on that day and send love and rememberance to her family.
Thank you for sharing this story and celebrating the beauty Bethany brought to her families life. I create for my soul, to share my creations and bring joy to others and to also heal my soul and take time to enjoy the beauty I have in my life. In reading blog posts like this one it warms me to see how much this craft has not only brought joy to my life but also connected me to people who I never would have met otherwise and share love, laughter and losses.
Andrea
Oh, Lauren this was such a touching story and am sitting here with so much grief on losing such a precious child. I have not lost one of my own but when I was a teenager I took care of a nephew when he first came home from the hospital. He had a rough time and we lost him when he was only 5 weeks and it felt like I had lost a child myself. It is a very difficult time and you always will remember what they have meant to you.
Love your projects!! Always amazing.
Lauren,
What a lovely tribute to Bethany’s life and I can’t imagine what it means to her beautiful mum. I am sure that you have helped a perfect stranger in her healing process which is nothing short of amazing!
While I am inspired everyday with your creativity and your ability to get it all done, it is truly something else entirely to be inspired by a person’s character and spirit. Thank you for sharing with us 🙂
Thank you so much, Lauren, for sharing that beautiful project with the little girl! One of my best friends lost her sister and her only niece and nephew in a tragic car accident just last week. Maybe with a little time to heal, I can make her something similar. This is simply a treasure!
Oh Lauren – I am *BAWLING* too! What a beautiful girl and a beautiful project!!
Thank you for sharing that special memory. My daughter passed away at 8 months and God sent a rainshower at the moment she died, then a spectacular rainbow appeared. We hadn’t had rain in a long time, so I KNEW this was something special and I will never, ever forget it. I think it is very special for Melinda to experience the butterflies as I DO believe this will give her comfort always.
Oh my what a sweet and lovely tribute to Bethany, such a terrible hard thing to live through.
Love the purples in the sympathy card too! Cute packaging on the blue box and cute get well, love your ribbon leaves!
Amazing.. Thank you to you and to Bethany’s mom for sharing… I feel that with each time our angel’s “stories” are shared it helps make them live forever.. Thats what I feel about my Anjielique and I have learned that even though I might shed a tear sharing I have learned because of my precious memories will come a smile.. as you have done for your friend a beautiful memory to smile about.. (((HUGS)))
Lauren,
loved the video, you will do fine you have a natural ability to converse and make others comfortable. Bethany..Wow how thoughtful of you and ours hearts go out to your new friend. The rest of your projects at so inspiring. Keep up the good work.
Lauren,
You are a wonderful, kind hearted person. I am blessed to have met you on the blog world. Like I said God has given you a gift. Your projects help people in so many ways. You helped a mom deal with the loss of a child. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain she has been through. Your a beautiful person inside and out.
Janin
I can’t stop crying! What a beautiful gift!!
Goodness. Of course I am crying here too. The gift is absolutly beautiful. Life is so precious. I need to go hug my kids!
Your cards are, of course, lovely and the note card box was great too. Thanks for sharing so much with us!
Lauren you are truely a special person… thank you for being you…. The post is beautiful and for anyone who has lost a child it was very touching… again thank you.
Lauren, you are a beautiful person inside and out. I sit here weeping as I read the letter from Bethany’s mom and I will always think of her when I see butterflies. Thank you for this story of this beautiful little girl and her family. I am always touched when I read your blog and enjoy your wonderful projects as well. Thank you for being you.
So sad; that is such a beautiful layout for Melinda and her family!!!
As always Lauren your projects are just amazing, absolutely stunning, I have to ask though what do you do with ALL the stuff you make???!!!
Lauren,
Thank you for sharing Melinda’s rememberance of her little angel. I just ordered my set. For years I have been a wish granter for the Make a Wish Foundation. Besides being a mother & wife, it is the most meaningful thing I have ever done. I have lost a few of my wish kids and always searched for the right words to add to cards for their family’s. I’ll be sending a thank you for the perfect set over to PTI.
I’ll let your beautiful work here inspire me the next time I need a special memory gift.
thank again
Kim
What a beautiful gift for Melinda. It’s so gorgeous and thank you for sharing her story.
All of your projects are gorgeous.
Lauren, what a wonderful tribute and beautiful scrapbook page you created for Bethany’s mum! I write this with tears rolling down my face! I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a child. Beautifully done:)
Your PTI samples are gorgeous too!
Wow! How touching of you to make that for the mom. The story makes me cry and I don’t even have children yet. I can’t even imagine the feeling of a parent who loses their child, especially at an early age.
With tears I send my prayers, and on the wings of a butterfly they will float your way!
Dawn Bryson!
Prayerful thoughts to Melinda’s family.
Wow! Simply stunning!
Your work is always fantastic but this one really touches the heart and soul.
My heart breaks for this mother. She has been through a parents worst fear!
I hope your gift to her brings some kind of peace her way. They “saying” on this project is perfect.
Well done!
Lauren,
I don’t even know what to say. Being a parent of only one child I don’t know if I could live through a tragedy like this. There is no stronger love than a love of a child. Bethany was a very special child and her mother is a saint for dealing with the grief and sharing with us. Thank you for sharing your gift of creation with her family and may God Bless them.
your projects are BEYOND beautiful today!! Fantastic job!
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