Happy WOYWW to you, dear friends! What fabulous creations, crafts and collectibles have you surrounded yourself with this week?
I’ve been inspired by one of my favorite children’s books and a furry pink friend (no, my cats are not sporting a new look!)
Let me explain…
Each week, I do my best to create something new and share a variety of challenges to help get your creative juices flowing!
Similar themes across various blogs frequently catch my eye.
One theme that stood out this week was the challenge to create something inspired by one of your favorite children’s books. This was the challenge put forth by both Laurelcraft (a new-to-me-blog) and Heart 2 Heart Challenges (an old favorite!)
I chose one of my favorite books of all time – The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams – as my inspiration. I’d like to share part of the Forward by Corey Nash from my version of the book, with its enchanting illustrations by Jean Chandler:
The Velveteen Rabbit is a timeless story that can be enjoyed on many levels by readers of many ages. For it is more than just a simple tale for children.
It is the guileless story of a stuffed toy rabbit, once so well-loved and played wth by the boy who owned him that he became shabby and his whiskers grew soft. Because the boy loved him, the rabbit was always beautiful to the boy; the boy needed him. And that was all that mattered to the rabbit. Nursery magic had made him Real to the boy. And when you are Real, shabbiness doesn’t matter.
But it is also the story of an abandoned rabbit, forgotten and sad. And through the enchantment of the nursery magic fairy, he later became REAL to everyone.
If you have the opportunity to read this wonderful story – by all means do so! I was an adult the first time I read the story and I fell in love with it!
Another popular challenge theme this week was Animals. Here to represent the Animal Kingdom – and The Velveteen Rabbit – is the Mama Reta Bunny! This sweet pink bunny was a gift from me to my beloved grandmother many moons ago. Her favorite color was pink and she had an innocent, childlike quality about her all of her life. She was a huge influence on my life and my best friend when she was alive. Guess who the two bunnies on the card represent?
I am always inspired by the beautiful, diverse creations that each blog’s Design Team creates each week, and one Design Team that particularly spoke to my heart this week with their gorgeous creations were the gals at The Shabby Tearoom! Be sure to visit them and all of the other amazing challenge blogs at the end of this post!
This week I am reflecting on life and loss. I quietly turned another year older while mourning the loss of my sister-in-law. This year I am reminded of how fragile and precious life is, and how short the time we have with one another is. Bless one another with your presence and have a wonderful week!
P.S. My Simply Irresistible Cat and Friends awaits your visit at this week’s Wordless Wednesday Party!
Creative Art Challenges
Looking for a place to stretch your imagination? Check out this week’s Creative Art Challenges!
- ABC Wednesday – F Is For Fairytale
- Avenue 613 Challenge 85 – Anything Goes
- Cards In Envy – Best Of Friends Challenge
- Clear It Out Challenge – Anything Goes
- Corrosive Challenge 206 – B Unique(Bunnies, Buttons & Bling)
- Crafting At The Weekend – Challenge 4 – Anything Goes
- Crafting From The Heart Challenge 32 – Anything Goes
- Crafty Calendar August Challenge – Anything Goes
- Fan-Tastic Tuesday Challenge 49 – Anything Goes
- Heart 2 Heart Challenges – Inspired By A Book (CTMH Papers & Inks; Inspired by The Velveteen Rabbit)
- Hiding In My Craft Room 161 – Use Ribbon
- Kitty Bee Designs Aloha Friday Challenge 30 – In The Garden
- Laurel Craft Challenge 8 – Inspired By A Book You Read As A Child Or To A Child
- Less Is More 185 – Animals
- My Craft Creations – August Challenge
- Penny Black August Challenge – Anything Goes
- Pink Saturday
- Rednesday
- Scrapbook Blessings #27 – Anything Goes
- Scrap Creations – Animal Challenge
- Scribble & Scrap Challenge 25 – Anything Goes
- Simon Says Challenge – Anything Goes
- Stamp & Create August Challenge – Anything Goes
- Stamping Sensations August Challenge – Anything Goes
- Stone Gable – The Scoop 132
- Suzy Bees Bloomin Challenge 42 – Anything Goes
- Sweet Stamps Challenge 183 – Anything Goes
- The Crazy Challenge 178 – Cute Little Animals
- The Shabby Tearoom #232 – Summer Dreams
- The Squirrel & The Fox #75 – Anything Goes
- Through The Craftroom Door Aug 19-25 – Anything Goes
- Tuesday Throwdown 209 – Our Furry Little Friends
- WeDoDooBaDoo Challenge 12 – Shabby Chic
- Whoopsy Daisy – No Square Cards
- Word Art Wednesday 146 – Anything Goes
For More Creative Inspiration
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I am so sorry for your loss and wish you well for your birthday. I grew another year older on the 7th.
The Velveteen Bunny was always special to me. I read it every year to my second graders when I taught school. They loved it and I did too.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
Thanks Melanie – I hope you had a wonderful birthday too!
How wonderful that you shared The Velveteen Rabbit with your 2nd graders when you taught.
It is such a special book! 🙂
What a lovely story! I do not know this book but I will now have to find it! A very lovely creation and fits our theme perfectly! I hope you had a lovely birthday, sorry for your loss and what a shame it overshadowed your special day.
Thanks for joining us at Dragonfly Dreams and I hope we see you again soon!
Also thank you for your lovely comment on our challenge post!
Hugz
Laurian
Owner Dragonfly Dreams
Thanks Laurian for hosting this wonderful challenge!
It was truly a pleasure to discover your wonderful blog!
I look forward to joining you for future challenges and I hope you enjoy the book!
Hi love your card bunnies are great .Thank you for joining in at Whoopsi Daisy and good luck xx
A lovely card there. Good to hear the story behind it. Enjoy all the memories you have of your sister in law, as you mourn her death.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #11
Thank you Margaret – memories grow sweeter in the wake of a loss!
My best wishes for your birthday and I am very sorry for your loss.
Living in Germany, I don´t know your book, I think it is a pity, it looks very cute. Your bunny creation is soooo cute!
Cheers
Gabriele 25
Thank you Gabriele – I hope you are able to find the book – it is a classic and may well be available in your country!
Hi Joy and happy WOYWW, also happy birthday. Must say I haven’t read The Velveteen Rabbit but it is on my list now. Love your card too. Sorry about your SIL, as Darnell says Life Is Too Short – it’s precious and we need to live every moment and be happy. Cheers and have a lovely week RobynO#21
So glad to introduce you to this book Robyn – you will love it, I promise! 🙂
Lovely story and a beautiful card!! Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us today. Happy Wednesday! Cindy WOYWW #32
Thanks for stopping by Cindy – happy WOYWW to you!
Ah bless super card hun love it and thanks for linking up at Fan-Tastic Tuesday this weeks hugs Judith DT
Thanks Judith!
Your card is a wonderful homage to your favourite book! Those little rabbits are gorgeous.
Thank you so much for entering the Crafty Calendar Challenge this month, lots of luck to you.
Hugs Sue Pxxx DT
Thanks Sue – I really enjoyed this week’s challenge!
So sorry for your loss, it like hits you in the face and makes you realize Life is so Precious.
Best Wishes for your Birthday, they come and go so fast as we age. Your special little card is so heart warming. I love the Velveteen Rabbit and it seems so perfect.
Hugs to you and yours.
Thank you so much Sylvia.
I didn’t realize it until just now, but making that card this week was very nostalgic and probably took me back to a happier, simpler time.
So sorry to hear about your sister in law. A friend of mine died of cancer on Sunday… so very sad.
My hubby often talks about the Velveteen Rabbit – he grew up with this story and loves it! I haven’t read it, and have never heard anybody else mention it!
Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #35
Thank you Shoshi – I am sorry for your loss too!
I hope you have a chance to read The Velveteen Rabbit – it’s truly a magical story!
I adore the Velveteen Rabbit! Your card is beautiful–I had to pin it. Thank you for posting all the creative opportunities! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #51
Thank you so much for the pin, Sandy – glad to meet another Velveteen Rabbit fan!
Have a wonderful week and I’m happy to share the creative opportunities with you each week! 🙂
Wow what a cute card. I love animals but can’t have them in the house because Hubby is allergic to most of them. I always had a cat and dog as a kid but have to enjoy other peoples animals for now. I also love the Velveteen Rabbit and your card is wonderful. Thanks for playing along with us at Tuesday Throwdown Challenge this week.
Linda K. DT
I’m so sorry you can’t have pets because of your husband’s allergies.
You’re welcome to stop by anytime and enjoy mine vicariously!
So glad you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying The Velveteen Rabbit too.
Have a wonderful week!
A beautiful card and lovely cute bunnies
Thanks so much for sharing and taking part.
Sarah xx
Less is More
Thanks Sarah for stopping by!
Love the Less is More challenge blog!
I think any young girl would like to receive this sweet card! Love the darling bunnies and the story behind your card. Thanks for sharing your work with us at Cards in Envy!
P.S. August is a great time for a birthday – mine is at the end of the month. 🙂 Enjoy another year!
Happy birthday to you Patricia!
Your challenge was perfect inspiration for my card!
What cute little bunnies on your card. Thanks for joining us at H2H this week with your Velveteen Rabbit inspired card!
Thanks Gail – I love those adorable bunnies too!
Love your bunny card. It truly reminds me of childhood. PJ #59
Thanks Judy – I am really pleased with how this came out.
It feels like one of those special cards!
Hope you have a great birthday celebration. It’s so hard when one loses a member of the family, my mom passed away 2 months ago. The card is so cute! I’ve never read that book so may have to! Happy WOYWW!
Carol N #52
Thank you Carol!
I’m sorry for your loss – I also lost my mom a few months ago.
I cannot recommend The Velveteen Rabbit highly enough – it is an amazing book!
What a cute card! Thaks for joining us at The Crazy Challenge!
Hugs,
Ina /DT
The part about the loss of your sister in law is the part that made me a bit sad, especially the post of yesterday and that picture of that child and her doll. It just breaks my heart, especially when it involves children.
I’ll look for the story in Dutch, maybe I can read it to my neece of 12 who has been hospitalized after a car accident.
Now on to happier thoughts as I’m getting teary a bit about it all again.
I like the part of the card, and the reason why you made it – I always love to read the motivation or about the mental process when making something, it gives the project another dimension to me. I don’t think I know the story of the rabbit (I’m Dutch), but it does sound interesting. Congratulations on your birthday! In my opinion, in hard times it’s even more important to celebrate the good in life and to fully enjoy enjoyable things.
Cute cat you’ve got 🙂
Debbie/Daqa #18
Thank you, Debbie, for the birthday wishes, and I’m sorry I made you sad.
I hope you are able to find The Velveteen Rabbit in Dutch.
This is a classic story so there is a good chance you will be successful! 🙂
Don’t worry, it’s part of life unfortunately, and plenty of things that make me happy! Late in the evening I am sadder then other times of the day, as I reflect on things and it’s quiet in the house, and I’m tired because of lack of sleep ;). In the morning all is well again!
Wow- 1) that you can do so many memes at the same time. Impressive.
And 2) I LOVE the Velveteen Rabbit!
ROG, ABCW
Awesome – glad to meet another Velveteen Rabbit fan! 🙂
What a beautiful card! I was sorry to hear again about your loss. I must admit that “Pat the Bunny” ranks slightly higher for me than the Velveteen Bunny. 🙂 Thanks for playing along with the H2H challenge this week.
Hi Adeline,
I am not familiar with “Pat The Bunny” but you have piqued my interest – I will have to check it out!
Speaking of bunny books – a few other favorites include The Runaway Bunny and Watership Down! 🙂
Super cute card! Loving those bunnies. Thanks for joining us at Cards In Envy!
Such a sweet card! I love those cute bunnies and wonderful card design. Thank you so much for playing along with us this month in our anything goes challenge. Hope we see you again next time!
Ooops, forgot to say I visited you from the Penny Black and More challenge, thanks again for sharing your wonderful creation with us!
Cute, cute card! Love all the layers and the bunnies! Thanks for sharing with us at Cards in Envy!
Joy, I too am a Velveteen Rabbit fan, what a beautiful choice of book. I love how you included the story and an excerpt from the book in your post. Your soft card is enchanting. Thank you for linking up with us at H2H this week 🙂
The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic. I love those bunny items you used. They almost look like wood. Very nice. Creative Blessings! Kelly #62
Good eye Kelly – they are little wooden buttons!
Aren’t they the sweetest things?
My husband says it is another orbit around the sun instead of another birthday so congrats on another round! Sorry to hear about your SIL.. It is hard to lose a loved one! I love the rabbits! My daughter is a velveteen rabbit fiend! Vickie #64
Your card is very pretty, I really love those bunnies. Sorry for your loss. Thanks for playing along with H2H!
Thank you Brandi! Love H2H!
The Velveteen Rabbit is an all time favorite.
I remember reading it to my boys when they were younger.
I have been a bit creative this week and brightened up my blog.
Wasn’t sure how I liked it, at first.
But, it’s growing on me.
Have a great weekend!!
Wonderful project…TF joining us @ CIO hope you stop by again real soon.
Awww, what a sweet card!!!…and such a classic story. I just love the Velvateen Rabbit…May have to scrap lift this one. Thanks for joining us this week at Hiding In My Craft Room for our “use ribbon” challenge. Hope you join us again this coming week.
Kathy HIMCR DT
UpintheNightwithKat.blogspot.com
Hi Create with Joy,
I feel like I just received a big hug after reading your post and the encouraging words on your banner. Thank you! I shall.
🙂
Take 25 to Hollister
So so cute. Love it.
Such a cute card, love the colours. Thanks for sharing it with us over at The Squirrel and The Fox.
Lovely Card ~ so cute.
Thank you for entering our current challenge over here at SBC and good luck.
Annette
The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic story and one that every child should be exposed to at some point. And even some adults, for the reminders within. I admire your creativity, that card is absolutely precious!
Here via the SITS Sharefest. 🙂
Love the Veleveteen Rabbit and love that your card is inspired by it. Beautiful card. Thanks for playing along with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!
Lovely card you made inspired by your favorite book! =)
Thanks for joining us at Dragonfly Dreams!
Hugs, Elenor DT
Adorable, I just love the bunnies! Thanks for joining the Clear it out ‘anything goes’ challenge. See you Tuesday for a new challenge 🙂
Beautiful card, wonderful colour combo. Thanks for joining us at Clear It Out!!! I hope you get to join us again for our next challenge. Agnieszka
Adorable card!
Mahalo for joining our Aloha Friday Challenge #30 at Kitty Bee Designs
I love the Velvteeen Rabbit! Such a precious read! Your photos are lovely and I am glad I stopped by. HPS and enjoy the weekend. Hugs, Anne
Thank you so much Anne – so glad you could stop by today!
I’m glad you enjoyed both The Velveteen Rabbit and my photos.
Have a lovely week!
Thanks for joining us at the Corrosive Challenge for our B Unique challenge. Your card using bunnies, blossoms, and bling is perfect for the challenge. Good luck and please join us again soon!
Thanks Rachelle – I loved your B Unique Challenge!