Friday, August 21, 2009

Stampin B's Challenge #20 Chalks

The Stampin B's challenge this week was to somehow use chalks on our cards. If you are trying to guess how I used them, I will tell you. I used them to create the sky. I used my finger as an applicator and just rubbed it over the sky. Not much to say about the card. It is a simple one, with the emphasis on that fabulous tree image which is from Repeat Impressions. The sentiment comes from a MFT set. I CB'd the layers. sponged in the 'ground', and added some brads. That is about it!!!

This image has special meaning to me. It is a Divi Divi tree, found on the island of Aruba. I have taken this card's picture with a photo of the actual tree this image is fashioned after. Since I first saw it, I have claimed it as MY TREE!! I have been fortunate enough to travel to Aruba many times and fell in love with this particular tree. There are other divi divi trees on the island. As a matter of fact, if you are ever lost, find one of these trees and they will point toward the 'hotel' side of the island. The trade winds blow them in that direction.


My nephew and his wife just returned from the island Saturday night. Since our last visit, a huge natural bridge that we always walked over collapsed. I asked Jay to take some pictures for me. Here is a pic of Jay and Lauren standing on the remains of the Natural Bridge. The second picture shows Jay standing where there used to be water. I included a photo to show you what it used to look like.


Jay and Lauren were such good sports to take these pics for me. I really wanted to see it from their 'eyes'. I had seen the stories on the internet, but somehow with Lauren and Jay seeing it and taking pictures really made it real. So the moral of this story is....enjoy the events and sights each day, because they truly can be taken away.

This next picture is what it originally looked like. If you stood over to the left you could take a fabulous picture of the natural bridge, the ocean, and the rocky shore of the island. Wasn't it beautiful??


Now be sure to stop by the Stampin' B's blog to see the work of the other team members and for details on how you can play right along with us.

16 comments:

Julie- justwritedesigns said...

This is fabulous, Joanne! I love that tree image. It also reminds me of some of my DH's bonsai trees. Loved seeing your photos, too.

Connie M. said...

This is such a breathtaking scene, Joanne! Love it!

StampOwl said...

fabulour Joanne

Lois said...

Great card, as usual, Joanne. I can see why you love that tree. Thanks for sharing the Aruba photos, too.

Francie G. said...

Wow! Joanne, your card is just beautiful! It's amazing how much it looks like the photo you took!

Thanks for sharing all of your pictures and a little piece of history!

Cindy Haffner said...

Beautiful!!

Vicky Gould said...

OMG, could you have created a more fabulous copy of that awesome tree! What an amazing card, Joanne. I love it and I love your story behind it!

Traci M said...

Gorgeous colors on your card, and what an inspiration piece you had!! Thank you for sharing your pictures too, that bridge was amazing, and the blues of the sea and sky are just breathtaking!!

Silke Ledlow said...

Gorgoeus inspired card - Joanne!!! You captured it perfectly!!! Hugs ~S~

Joan Ervin said...

Your card is stunning, Joanne...the sky looks gorgeous!!! I love your story, too....I am so sorry the bridge is gone but you still have a great picture and wonderful memory!!!

Cindi said...

love your card! ans WOW! what fantastic pics. Isn't it amazing what nature can do?

Tosha Leyendekker said...

*sigh*!! Your card is breathtaking Joanne. I want to go there!!! (whine) What a gorgeous scene you've created!!

And your pics are fabulous!! How sad about the bridge. What a shame that it's now gone. Good thing you have the pics to help remember it the way it originally was.

Carol L said...

I really enjoyed this card and post today (as I do every day of course) :) The pictures tell such a sad story, but thank goodness you have photos to remind you of how beautiful that bridge was! I love how you created that tree!! Your card is colored beautifully and I love all the embossed texture. TFS!!

Unknown said...

Oh my!! This is stunning, Joanne!! I love your story and how the tree is meant to you..
Thank you for sharing~

Judy Rozema said...

Wow! That is so cool! And I loved seeing the pictures!!
CONGRATS, my friend, on being FS this week!!!

Unknown said...

Great card , as always...

--
Michell
Home Security Systems no CREDIT CHECK everyone is approved