on a title for this post...
I considered these...
there's a lot of stamping going on...
there's a lot kitting going on...
there's a lot of shipping going on...
buy stock in Fed-Ex...
it's been REALLY hectic...
and then there's chemo...
which all explain why there have been no recent blog posts...
yesterday I gave my brother a shot (Neulasta) to boost his white blood cell production...
amazingly it costs...
$4036.00 for each injection...
he'll get a minimum of 4...YIKES!!!
I worked in surgery for 30 years, so I am familiar with the costs associated, but we were shocked to see the cost of this tiny bit of fluid...
not sure why you need to know this tidbit...
but it's on my mind...
maybe someone from the drug company (AMGEN) will see this & work to lower the cost...
but then again...
maybe not...
other post titles I considered...
rotten eggs...
HUGE thanks to COSTCO for notifying us that we purchased eggs that may be contaminated with salmonella...
I think that's AWESOME customer service.
Costco rocks!
and I thought about these titles too...
I'm honored...
take a look @ the amazing art...
those 2 titles were brought about because of this challenge...
check it out...
there's TONS of inspiration...
over @ Simon Says...
how freaking cool...and what a thrill!!!
the design team projects are all over the top AWESOME!
and wait 'til you look @ the entries...
they are REALLY COOL...
so that challenge prompted me to add these goodies to the prize package...
and sweeten the pot...
YOU...gotta enter (make art) to win!!
2 more blog title considerations...
if one is good, 3 is better...
I bet you knew this was coming...
those came to my mind because of the following project...
one of the COOLEST items in my DT box from Tim was his alterations Sizzix die that makes the rosette.
the minute I saw it I thought...
FLOWER!
I had an immediate idea for a ...
multi LAYERED FLOWER...
So, using paper from Tim's lost & found paper stash, I cut 3 rosettes...
but before I folded them, I trimmed 2 of them to make smaller...
ROSETTES!
The largest size is right from the die...
the middle one is trimmed to 3/4 inch wide and the smallest is cut down to just 1/2 inch wide...
is that mini not THE CUTEST ever?
after folding & gluing, they looked like this...
you'll see that the perforations were too stark, so I added a bit of brushed corduroy distress ink over them...
I left the smallest to show you the original look...
then inked it after the photo...
the 3 layer rosette is a good fit for my smallest art parts flower...
more lost & found paper inside the art parts rectangle frame...
some grunge leaves, a butterfly, a portion of tim's flourish, a mini flower & 3 vintage buttons finished it off...
ah...
life is good...
I feel so much better now that I took time to...
make art!
wendy
65 comments:
Wow Wendy, that is amazing art... loving that Rosette.. NEED ONE NOW!!! LOL So bad that the drugs cos so much money, it is someones life, money shouldn't even come into it but it all too many times does... hoping that Chemo #3 goes well for Paul... sending big hugs and positive thoughts hun.. lotsa love xx
That paper rosette is stunning, I have to get that now!!! I love your art.
Hope Paul's (very expensive!) treatment is doing what it should! Hugs xx
As if I didn't already love the paper rosette - this idea of trimming them down and layering them - STUNNING. I can't wait 'til this die is available! Hope the Chemo goes well - as if cancer isn't bad enough, chemo is even worse... hang in there - we're all pulling for him (and you). ~ Ellen xx
Art and creating is soothing to the soul, love what you shared, Tim Holtz products never disappoint do they.
Hang in there
wowee, lots going on. i hope you have some time this weekend to relax and enjoy, wendy! thank you for donating such a wonderful giveaway at simon says stamp and show. i love the challenge, it was fun to try your style (although i must emphasize, "try". you do such amazing work! love your project. the colors are just gorgeous. love the flowers and the butterfly. those vintage buttons are so yummy!! thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day! *hugs* steph :)
Love love the flower, I have that die on order, I'm so pleased as I love the result. Really hope Paul's treatment works out for the best and that he is back on his feet in no time. Sending positive vibes his way. Have a good evening, Tracy Evans x
Thanks for sharing everything! Amazing art :) Drug companies have to make money I suppose but it does not seem quite right does it?
xoxo Sioux
Awesome art! Love the rosette! I could make derogatory comments about pharmaceutical companies and healthcare costs in general, but I shall refrain. Hope these shots make him feel better!
Well Wendy I'm sending LOTS OF HUGS (YOU)and Prayers for Paul your way. I want you to know that even in a post you can make others think and you get some releif. So glad you are creating and using that energy on something!! Thanks for sharing and as usual YOU ROCK!! LOVE IT ALL!!
Have a GREAT WEEKEND!!
Larissa Heskett
Of course...love the flower! Awesome piece of ART! Hope your brother is feeling better. Can't believe the cost of meds...makes you thankful for your health. Really...I will come help you assemble kits...would love to help you!
I was thinking of doing the same thing to the rosettes....but did you save the left-overs? I mean, the really mini's could be small flower centers or...part of an exclamation mark...or fancy eyes...or??? Some things can really cost a lot...I suppose one has to look at what are you willing to pay to live longer...some are good bets...some not so good. My only concern is that so much of what is done with treating cancer really falls under the heading of people being used as guinea pigs and then charged for it. There are a few cancer drugs that are really known to attack a particular cancer...but many...well, they're just throwing darts at a dart board. For those, I really think that the patient should not be charged...if not actually paid for being willing to be a continuation of a research study on the drug. Sorry, my background is in chemistry and I'm not impressed by what's happened to the pharmacutical industry over the years. When they started touting Prozac as a treatment for PMS...I just about lost it. But each drug has to be evaluated separately...and if this drug is well-defined in that it helps the body make more white blood cells...then it sounds like it's one of the better bets out there. Sometimes one has to be willing to spend money on oneself to get well(one of the spiritual life lessons out there)...my husband and I had to pay for a great deal of my acupuncture treatments...which I believe ultimately saved my life. And we had to make these decisions before flexible spending accounts. That came along, and it helped a little bit. Now, when I hardly go anymore, my husband's insurance covers some of it. Like I said...sometimes it's a life lesson. So, sometimes, one has to give up things for something bigger. But I think it better not to dwell on that so much, but to be grateful that there is something that one can do that will help one get well. Gratitude is a powerful healer. I'm not a positive attitude will solve everything type of person...but from personal experience I would say that a positive and supportive attitude adds about 10% to your healing potential (and the opposite takes about 10% away) and may very well be the 10% that makes all of the difference. And I think...and I hope...that you're making a point of telling your brother that he's worth this sort of expense...I know you think it...but seriously ill people are already depressed and can too easily misinterpret what people say...and start thinking that all they are doing is causing their families grief. And I think that you understand where it goes from there. So what you say and how you say it, can make all the difference to a person who is in a fight for their life. I speak from experience here. Just my two cents. Take care.
I was thinking of doing the same thing to the rosettes....but did you save the left-overs? I mean, the really mini's could be small flower centers or...part of an exclamation mark...or fancy eyes...or??? Some things can really cost a lot...I suppose one has to look at what are you willing to pay to live longer...some are good bets...some not so good. My only concern is that so much of what is done with treating cancer really falls under the heading of people being used as guinea pigs and then charged for it. There are a few cancer drugs that are really known to attack a particular cancer...but many...well, they're just throwing darts at a dart board. For those, I really think that the patient should not be charged...if not actually paid for being willing to be a continuation of a research study on the drug. Sorry, my background is in chemistry and I'm not impressed by what's happened to the pharmacutical industry over the years. When they started touting Prozac as a treatment for PMS...I just about lost it. But each drug has to be evaluated separately...and if this drug is well-defined in that it helps the body make more white blood cells...then it sounds like it's one of the better bets out there. Sometimes one has to be willing to spend money on oneself to get well(one of the spiritual life lessons out there)...my husband and I had to pay for a great deal of my acupuncture treatments...which I believe ultimately saved my life. And we had to make these decisions before flexible spending accounts. That came along, and it helped a little bit. Now, when I hardly go anymore, my husband's insurance covers some of it. Like I said...sometimes it's a life lesson. So, sometimes, one has to give up things for something bigger. But I think it better not to dwell on that so much, but to be grateful that there is something that one can do that will help one get well. Gratitude is a powerful healer. I'm not a positive attitude will solve everything type of person...but from personal experience I would say that a positive and supportive attitude adds about 10% to your healing potential (and the opposite takes about 10% away) and may very well be the 10% that makes all of the difference. And I think...and I hope...that you're making a point of telling your brother that he's worth this sort of expense...I know you think it...but seriously ill people are already depressed and can too easily misinterpret what people say...and start thinking that all they are doing is causing their families grief. And I think that you understand where it goes from there. So what you say and how you say it, can make all the difference to a person who is in a fight for their life. I speak from experience here. Just my two cents. Take care.
Loved seeing your sample using Tim's rosette die. I figured you'd have a wonderful "take" on that darling flower and you did not disappoint! You took it and made it even better. Thanks for the art "fix."
I hope the med really helped Paul with his white cell production. When a loved one needs it, no cost is too high.
I entered the Simon Says challenge and I'm hoping to win your goodies!!
Came out of my studio- been making Art all morning long! Yay!
Your finished project is wonderful, especially love your color palette (love all of the new Tim Sizzix dies, too!). Thanks!
That is the first of the new dies i have to get! I was also hoping they could be made in graduating sizes and layered. Now I won't have to figure it out cuz you did it for me! Many prayers and good and positive thoughts go out to Paul today. It is such a shame that we are at the mercy of these huge drug companies!
Love, love, LOVE this piece! And cutting the rosette shorter is just out of this world! Cyber hugs to you all! What a great support team Paul has!
its disgusting that something so life changeing should cost so much hope everything goes well, thats an amazing amount of titles for one post ....got to be a record and those rosettes look amazing I guess that will be on most peoples wish list
hugs
Hey Wendy, just love that rosette, it looks fab on your gorgeous artwork.
Sending love and best wishes to you and your brother.
Lin
WOW!!! U never cease to amaze! Love, love, love this...as usual! We miss u when u're gone, but we certainly understand. Hugh to u and Paul. <3 you, Wendy
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother. I'm a 12 year cancer survivor - living proof that chemo and radiation do work. So glad you had time to create - it really helps make life better.
Oh, I feel so sorry for your brother. I had to have a couple of those shots. About three days after I had the shot, I was in so much pain. EVERYWHERE!!! Let's hope that he doesn't get that side effect! He's in my thoughts.
Love your flower!!!
xx
I'm so glad that you got to make art because it's fabulous!
Thank you for sharing your fabulous art. Love the flower! I hope that Paul is doing so much better. Man those shots are way expensive! There needs to be a way to help people without them going broke in the process.
WOW!! So glad I found your blog!! Your flowers are so awesome. Can't wait to give it a go.
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Leave it to you to figure out a way to alter one of Tim's designs to make it your own....and mine too because I'm most definitely going to do this as well....once I own the die! what a great piece you made.
Sorry about Paul, but at least he's in a position to get and use the medication he needs. Some people can barely afford an aspirin!
Take care and enjoy your weekend.
Eileen in NYC
My word verification is "cuties." Hmmmmm......
WOW !! I love it, what a cool idea. I can't wait to purchase the rosette die .. everything will have rosettes on ! Thanks for the inspiration, your family is in my thoughts and prayers that your brother remains strong.
I love the art!!! To wonderful!
Sorry bout the injections though.
I am praying!
DOnt; get me started on pharmecutical prices - I can no longer take the pain medicine(I have ahd 6 back surgeries and have perm. nerve damage) I need because it is $600 a month - ughhh!!! Anyway I hope the meds work for your brother - at that price they should! On to art - I love the rosettes and entered the Simon Says Stamp contest - so thank you for donating the extra goodies - how generous!
wow...full plate u have girl! luv this post..luv how your head works!and your ART! so pretty again... hey...question...at the class in MI on Sunday...the piece of grunge we worked on...can I buy those somewhere...it is bigger than Tim's die cut...right? I want to make moreeeeee of these! just love it...and u! Hugs to your Bro.. and u know...if he gets down in the dumps...just tell us..we will send him enuf cards to keep him too busy to be bored! promise! xox cher
Wow..you are one busy girlie!!! Love the flowers...such pretty layering!! Hope your brother is doing well with the shots...wish the very best for you both!!!
medical costs are amazing - I am so stunned to see how much gets written off after the insurance companies look and say they will not support the charge ....
Your brother continues to remain in my prayers.
your art is beautiful - I call making art I call it therapy ... I see you view it that way too!
take care,
Sandra
Oooh, i LOVE that layered rosette. As soon as i saw that die it shot to the top of my "must have" list. Which for me means tryingn to find it online since I can never find this good stuff locally.
Continued good thoughts for your brother & I'm appalled at the price of his shot!
my former life ( pre-crafting and blogger-stalking) I was a clinical trials nurse working with patients and drug manufacturers, including Amgen. I know I had to refer a lot of our patients that did not qualify for a protocol to the Orphan Drug Program (administered by the FDA) and Amgen directly for drug assistance ( worked with Neurology patients/diagnosis not cancer).
Not sure if your family has looked at these sites but would suggest
http://www.neulasta.com/patient/support/patient_assistance.html
http://www.rxassist.org/pap-info/company_detail.cfm?CmpId=4
hope that is helpful...and love all your creations and will continue to "stalk."
How about the title
"Drug Companies Rule the World" with prices like that they are certainly
"Holding it to Ransom" !!
Gorgeous flower - I've been experimenting with something similar for ages (have a bin full) so I think this die is a must have.
Heather xx
Running to order the Rosette die . . . and certainly praying for your brother.
OMW...girlfriend....you've had quite the week....but things always do look a bit brighter after we get inky fingers and CREATE!!! Can't wait to get my hot little hands on that fab little ditty of a die!! and so now I know my idea works!! Great minds think alike!! Hugs to you my friend...and thanks for the huge shout out bout Simon Says!! it's a pretty cool place!!
Layered Rossettes! Oh hell yes! They look fantastic Wendy. More inspiration!! Yay! We can always do with more inpsiration. Thanks for sharing.
xx
4 large for the meds - that is outrageous!!! But hopefully they will make your brother feel a little better while he is going through the chemo process - my heart goes out to him and your family!
Okay love what you did with Tim's rosette die - fabulous flower and that would be really quick!
Prayers and good thoughts as you take care of your brother. he is blessed to have you care for him. I hear so much about families so disconnected that even though you are taveling a rocky road you are doing it by his side. Blessings!
ps like what you did too.
I definitely need the rosette die.. I love your layered one!!! The whole piece is fabulous!!
$4036 for one injection... double yikes!!! I sure hope it helps!!!!
Wow! The price of the treatment is outrageous, but I am glad it is available. Hopefully you will be able to find some assistance with the cost. My prayer for you and your family. Titles? Yikes was a good one, then maybe Wonder Drug. Sure hope so at that cost.
Love your project. So glad your on Tims design team.
Your project is absolutely beautiful!!!
Funny that was the die I so want to get I love it and now I just love it more.
Medical cost are crazy! Prayers and hugs . . .
I love the goodies you added and I have been watcing to see what people are put up over there amazing work!
Hello Wendy,
I feel so terrible that your brother is going through that. My thoughts and prayers are always with your family. If there's one thing I understand it's high drug costs. I have a very debilitating form of arthritis for which I take shots of Enbrel. Those are $1400 a shot. Luckily since I'm on disability and considered low income, the State picks up the pprescription costs that I can't afford. But it's the people that don't quality for that which really gets to me. If you are making just enough not to be considered low income, then all of your money goes to prescription costs. It's just crazy. I don't want to bore you with anymore of this so I'll get off my soap box. But while I do not have a loved one with cancer, I do understand some of what you talk about. You take care and I hope your brother's cell count gets up there.
your artwork-it's amazing!!! love the rosette!!!! what am I saying-I love everything!!!!
I've so tried to not think of buying the rosette die ... but, all I've seen made using it - yours & Tim's - just look too awesome! Love what you've created with them ... very sweet!
Thank you for so generously adding to Simon Says Stamp & Show's challenge winnings! You're the best!
I'm continuing to pray for Paul - and all of you. May the meds, as horribly expensive as they are, continue to bring him better health.
I can't wait till my local scrapbook store gets the die in. I love what you did with it.
Sue
I was on the fence about this particular die-and you threw me right off! It's gorgeous and I too never thought of layering-made all the difference.
The cost of your brother's medicine is downright obscene. I cannot even fathom how they can possibly charge that much money for so little. Hope prayers that it is completely successful.
Will be saying prayers for your brother and your whole family. Your rosette's were beautiful! Congrats on your Tim Holtz design team, I love him and his products!
the rosettes are beautiful....and if you don't want to wait for the die, Wendy's friend Lisa Pace shows you how to make them in her GREAT book...It's All in the Details....Wendy recommended it, I bought it and love it...shows you how to make all kinds of cool things....pretty much with paper and scissors....hope Paul is hangin' in there....
Nonnie
I've already got the Rosette on order with my Stamp Store. As soon as I saw Tim demo it, I thought of you - Flowers galore.
AMAZING Art as always!!
Sadly, the cost of those shots does NOT surprise me. You really don't want me to get on my soapbox about healthcare do you?? :-)
i LOVE you stuff and am so sorry to hear about the price of the shots for your brother.......
i am hoping to find your book on line one day - or a gee!!! somewhere in canada!!!!
your things are amazing!
blessings
Hey there,,,,,,,,,,sounds like you never get any sleep, but you would never trade it with anything except for your brothers condition...boy is that alot of flippin money for the drug but if it helps then it is worth it-----the question is why is it so much----no wonder the insurance companies are broke and it seems that they would lower the price of these meds for the economy but mostly for the Patients to get better.............oh gosh, i hope you draw my name because i think i see a new book over there............Hey Wendy Vecchi, I love Your Studio 490 Products, waiting for the art parts to come in...............take care ,,,,,,,,,,,,,love ya, Therese
Fabulous project Wendy :-)
Anne x
can't wait til my lss gets those rosette dies in - i love keeping an eye on your blog to see the great projects you come up with! thanks for always sharing. good luck to your brother. :)
What a terrific idea! Love the calendar in the frame and the rosette is stunning. I was wondering if the rosette could be made smaller; guess I don't need to be pondering that anyone.
Saw Tim's video on these rosettes and I have to have one. Maybe I could win one and not have to wait til they ship. Loved what you did with them.
Hugs and prayers for Paul !! The price of his meds is OUTRAGEOUS ! OMGosh..there should be a way to stop that scalpery.
Love your art as always..gorgeous !
Regarding the cancer treatments,yes, they are quite expensive. When my husband was getting treated, one injection was $8,000! The treatment worked because he's been in remission for the past 5 years. Fortunately, we have excellent health insurance to cover the horrendous costs of the chemo drugs!!
Your modification of the rosette die is so simple yet makes such an impact on the finished flower!! Yay for creativity!
I'm sorry to hear about your brother its not only hard to have to go thru the emmotions that this disease puts everyone thru but then its compounded by the cost of these medications that may "we hope" work but if they don't your not refunded. I guess you can't look at things in a negative way but it seems that the greatest nation on earth could do better by its citizens as far as our medical state is concerned. I hope all turns out well for your brother and your family.
as far as the rosette "very nice" love the layering effect. It's very effective and makes a statement. Also thank you for the lovely comment that you posted on my blog that was a wonderful compliment and I hope I can complete this weeks challenge since I just had surgery on my hand but I've just started my blog and entering these challenges and love it. Thanks again.
You are one busy woman! The cost of those injections are unreal - I hope they do what they are supposed to do!
Love those rosettes!
Oh....I see yet another Sizzix die I MUST have!
I hope your brother does well with his treatments. Med prices have gotten way, way out of hand. Keep rooting for him Wendy as I truly believe that positive thinking and lots of support from family will help pull him thru.
Love your blog. Soooo inspiring.
- DebbieK
What a gorgeous project! Thanks for sharing this. As for the price of meds, I am thankful we have had good insurance throughout the years, especially when my 10 year old son was diagnosed with cancer. I too had to give him shots but was not aware of the price at the time. He only battled his cancer for 3 months to the day before a new chemo drug took his life. I am glad you are there for your brother.
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