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I don't share a ton of personal information on my blog, but I thought my followers would get a kick out of my latest life story...after growing my hair out for more than 6 years, I decided to cut it. I loved having flowing locks, but I have very thin hair and half the time it just frizzed into a big bird's nest! But I've known many people who have donated their hair, so I wanted to grow it long enough for that. Here's my before-and-after photo:
Honestly, this was the longest I've had my hair since I was maybe 13 and cut it all off. My husband also has very long hair, and I was once actually asked by a group of women if my husband "allowed" me to have shorter hair than him! Wow, that is so not our kind of marriage. No, my husband is amazingly supportive and even spoiled me with a shampoo-and-style along with the cut. I'm impressed by how much hair the stylist was able to save and still be able to give me a nice layered bob.
After doing research, I chose to send my ponytail to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program (Pantene conditioner is probably the reason my hair isn't one big knot!); They donate the hair directly to the American Cancer Society to be made into free wigs. Since I'm a cardmaker, I thought it would be fun to make a thank-you note to include with my donation.
The card design was partly inspired by the current CAS-ual Fridays Challenge: Use 3 of something on 1/3 of your CAS card. I used a Tim Holtz Alterations die to cut the three flourishes from packaging cardboard from my recycling bin (using something recycled just seemed appropriate!). I inked them, respectively, with black ink (Martha Stewart), Mango chalk ink (VersaMagic), and Tea Dye distress ink (Tim Holtz). The background is just a bright white paper embossed with a Sizzix folder. I backed that with a shiny gold paper, as a nod to Pantene's official colors.
I used a lavender-and-white bakers twine for the bow because Lavender is the official Awareness Color for all cancers.
I actually made several little "ponytails" so if you know someone who'd like a similar card, let me know!
Inspiration/Challenges:
CAS-ual Fridays: Use 3 of something on 1/3 of your CAS card
Craft Room Challenge: Recycle (packaging cardboard for flourishes; I used three shades of cardboard!)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Die Crazy
All my best wishes to you & yours,
Honestly, this was the longest I've had my hair since I was maybe 13 and cut it all off. My husband also has very long hair, and I was once actually asked by a group of women if my husband "allowed" me to have shorter hair than him! Wow, that is so not our kind of marriage. No, my husband is amazingly supportive and even spoiled me with a shampoo-and-style along with the cut. I'm impressed by how much hair the stylist was able to save and still be able to give me a nice layered bob.
After doing research, I chose to send my ponytail to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program (Pantene conditioner is probably the reason my hair isn't one big knot!); They donate the hair directly to the American Cancer Society to be made into free wigs. Since I'm a cardmaker, I thought it would be fun to make a thank-you note to include with my donation.
The card design was partly inspired by the current CAS-ual Fridays Challenge: Use 3 of something on 1/3 of your CAS card. I used a Tim Holtz Alterations die to cut the three flourishes from packaging cardboard from my recycling bin (using something recycled just seemed appropriate!). I inked them, respectively, with black ink (Martha Stewart), Mango chalk ink (VersaMagic), and Tea Dye distress ink (Tim Holtz). The background is just a bright white paper embossed with a Sizzix folder. I backed that with a shiny gold paper, as a nod to Pantene's official colors.
I used a lavender-and-white bakers twine for the bow because Lavender is the official Awareness Color for all cancers.
I actually made several little "ponytails" so if you know someone who'd like a similar card, let me know!
Inspiration/Challenges:
CAS-ual Fridays: Use 3 of something on 1/3 of your CAS card
Craft Room Challenge: Recycle (packaging cardboard for flourishes; I used three shades of cardboard!)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Die Crazy
Wow! What an inspirational story and card - I love that you were inspired by your hair cut (it looks great!). So, so glad you shared this with us at CAS-ual Fridays!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to SEE you. What a wonderful thing you have done with your locks. Love the photos and Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh CG that is amazing. So funny that you just did that because I just did it as well!! 12 in to locks for love! Congratulations!!! Doesn't it feel great!,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your inspiring story. A beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Linda xxx
CG, both a lovely card and a lovely inspirational story. Your bob looks great and will easier to manage I am sure, if not cooler in warm weather. Your sacrifice is warmly cheered - my friend is currently wearing a wig after her beautiful copper curls all fell out from chemo treatment.
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring from beginning to end. Your gift of the ponytail will be so great fully received. The card is a wonderful homage to your gift and the sad need for it. Thank you for sharing with us at Craft-Room Challenge XOXO Zoe
ReplyDeleteLove it CG, well done, and I really like your new hairstyle...I had Breast cancer nearly 10 years ago now, and I needed a wig for a while. So I really know first hand how wonderful it is not to be bald...
ReplyDeleteBlessings Hilde
that is such a selfless gift- beautiful :-) and cool card too! thanks for sharing with us at Craft Room Challenge, Debi x
ReplyDeleteSuch an inspiring story. I especially love how the swirly die cuts resemble your ponytail! Thanks for linking this up to CASual Fridays!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is growing out her hair and will finally donate it this summer to Locks of Love. I'll show her your blog post!
So nice of you, and your hair looks fab! Great card too. Thank you so much for playing along with us in the Die Crazy Challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog this week :)
ReplyDeleteSo nice of you to donate for cancer patients! The card is very sweet. Thanks for joining us at the Craft Room!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit when I saw your ponytail near your card in the photo,my reaction was "what the". Then when I read the post it all totally made sense. Awesome card and great background story, good on you :)
ReplyDelete