I was wowed by a project sent to me by Susan Tierney-Cockburn. I met Susan at CHA Winter this past January and she showed some projects she created with my dies. One of my favorites was a house and garden she created with the Pro House die to honor the memory of her daughter Kelly who had recently passed away from breast cancer. See Kelly’s Garden in this post. Each flower was lovingly designed and crafted by hand. Susan has also written a beautiful book entitled Paper Bouquet which is available on Ellen Hutson’s site.
Here is “The Journey”. Susan used my Sizzix ScoreBoard Suitcase die, Graphic 45 papers and a ruby slipper created by Ellen Hutson. Every time I look at it, I see more details. Holy cow, this is amazing! Look at the little oil can- the teeny tiny poppies- this gorgeous ruby slipper! That paper covering Dorothy’s suitcase looks exactly like her dress in the movie!
Make sure you visit Susan’s blog where she has posted a recipe for Emerald City Brownies. More deliciousness! Here’s the story of how Susan created the project in her words.
Life is a Journey and like Dorothy, I am thankful for the friends, I’ve met along the way, who have taken this journey with me. This concept is key when I was inspired by Eileen Hull’s “suitcase” die cut by Ellison/Sizzix and, like Dorothy and the friends she met along her way, I’ve found my way back home. These last eighteen months, after losing our daughter, Kelly to breast cancer, it’s been my friends who have given me support, helped me find love in my heart again, and shown me courage to help me continue on my journey.
One of my dearest friends, Ellen Hutson, who I’ve come to lean on considerably, has even designed a ruby slipper to complete this profound project of mine. I’m in awe of every one of her shoe creations, but I have to say, this ruby slipper is the best ever! It became the perfect “vessel” to show off my red poppies–the ones that put Dorothy and her companions to sleep and the symbol of my state of mine after such a great loss.
Life is a Journey and like Dorothy, I am thankful for the friends, I’ve met along the way, who have taken this journey with me. This concept is key when I was inspired by Eileen Hull’s “suitcase” die cut by Ellison/Sizzix and, like Dorothy and the friends she met along her way, I’ve found my way back home. These last eighteen months, after losing our daughter, Kelly to breast cancer, it’s been my friends who have given me support, helped me find love in my heart again, and shown me courage to help me continue on my journey.
One of my dearest friends, Ellen Hutson, who I’ve come to lean on considerably, has even designed a ruby slipper to complete this profound project of mine. I’m in awe of every one of her shoe creations, but I have to say, this ruby slipper is the best ever! It became the perfect “vessel” to show off my red poppies–the ones that put Dorothy and her companions to sleep and the symbol of my state of mine after such a great loss.
Lastly, I have to mention Graphic 45’s “Magic of Oz” paper that finishes the project. The gingham design for Dorothy’s suitcase is a perfect match and the “cards of the characters” gives the box a familiar look to enhance the story. However, it’s not just a story I’ve watched on television as a child based on the book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, but a greater meaning I’ve discovered watching it as an adult.
These little suitcases can hold the most wonderful “treasures”! And, just like my mother, I love chocolate, and always have a stash when I need some!Dorothy’s Suitcase–scared and unsure how to get home, she begins a magical journey, meeting friends who will help her along the way.
The Scarecrow’s Suitcase–he thinks he lacks a brain, but his common sense helps guide and develop a plan to save Dorothy in their quest to reach the Wizard and return home to Auntie Em and Uncle Henry in Kansas.
The Cowardly Lion–a sweet character, afraid of his own shadow until his friends need him. He has the courage to help Dorothy in her most perilous situations.
The Tin Man–probably my favorite, who longs for a heart from the Wizard. However, he has the biggest heart of all and puts his friends first when they need him.
I hope you all think about the friends in your life that you take with you on Life’s Journey when you look at this project–I know I do.
I love how Susan shares her process with us and makes this an experience rather than a craft project. Thanks so much Susan and Ellen- this is a touching account and exquisite workmanship.
Susan sent me some great photos of the individual pieces which, due to technical ineptitude on my part, I am unable to share with you. I recently made the switch from PC to Mac and am having trouble doing what should be basic operations, like pasting in a photo! Please tell me someday it will come to me… in the meantime head on over to her blog to read more!
This has to be one of the coolest things I have seen done with this line of paper. Where can I get my hands on this suitcase die? Its a must have!
Beautiful story and gorgeous art by craft masters and artists! So happy to be able to read about it here on your blog, Bean! MISS you madly…
Thanks for your comments! Lavendarrose, the dies are available on sizzix.com but think they might be sold out right now. Should be in soon from what I hear. Kimberly- miss you too! We need to find a new halfway place to meet!