This post is something that has become near and dear to my heart. My dear friend Debbie Friedrich told me about an organization I should follow on Twitter called "Spirit Jump" about 2 women who started an organization to help cancer patients who need a spirit lift. I finally took the time to read into their organization, why it was formed, and was so moved by what these two women (both afflicted with different forms of cancer) and their team of volunteers do each and every day.
Visit www.spiritjump.org to learn more about this amazing organization and see how you too can help lift the spirits of those afflicted with cancer.
The mission of Spirit Jump is to provide hope and comfort to the many men, women and children battling cancer, one gift at a time. Spirit Jump strives to let each and every cancer fighter know that they are not alone in their battle and that there are people behind them as they fight. Spirit Jump's goal is to help cancer fighters fight strong by providing uplifting cards and inspirational gifts from our "Jumpers" to help fighters maintain the strength they need every day as they battle this terrible disease.
The Amazing Part:. The amazing thing about Spirit Jump is that both the person giving a gift (Jumper) often has their spirit lifted just as much as the person receiving the gift (Jumpee). It's simple and every one of us can do it. When you become a member of Spirit Jump, they send you weekly updates of a jumpee in need of a "jump", so if you their stories move you, you can email them back and let them know you want to send them a card or a small gift to cheer them up. You're not obligated to do this every time, only what you feel comfortable in doing. Just a simple card with a short message that you're wishing them well and hope this helps to lift their spirits is all you have to do.I sent Meaghan an arrangement that never sold on my Etsy site and told her she can use it either as a giveaway item to raise money for their organization or to give it to a jumpee. She gave it to Pamela who is battling cancer and she said it lifted her spirits and she was starting to feel better! It truly was the best feeling ever. I've since sent 3 jumps to other cancer patients, one of which I sent an arrangement to. I also received notice of two more women who I decided also to make arrangements for.
Cancer has affected me personally through the death of my mother who had a long battle with breast cancer that took her life 22 years ago. My husband's mother is a colon cancer survivor but now is battling bladder cancer. So doing what I can to try and help complete strangers whether it's a handmade card with photos of my clay floral art or an actual arrangement, really means a lot. I really hope to continue to lift spirits on a weekly basis. While I may not be able to give them all a flower arrangement I know that even a card to let them know someone cares about how they are doing is enough!Please help by becoming a Spirit Jumper! It's simple. Visit http://www.spiritjump.org!
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My client Sarah asked me to create her bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and hair flowers for her wedding. Here colors are pink, brown and silver. Her flowers are cherry blossoms. Initially she had wanted centerpieces, but the budget didn't allow for it so she decided she would do those herself. She requested a "deconstructed" look to her bouquet of ivory stephanotis flowers with rhinestone centers and coming out of the bouquet was white cherry blossoms with tiny rhinestones on natural brown branches. Because she didn't want any green fillers, she asked if I could change out the fillers I initially put in the bouquet and instead use silver or brown fillers. Since I didn't have any silver or brown fillers I opted for rhinestone sprays which actually added to the dimension of the branches. Her stems were wrapped with a mauvish pink ribbon and contrasted with a silver ribbon. Her groom's boutonniere to match.
She wanted pink cherry blossoms with no rhinestones for her maid of honor. Instead of crystals I used little greenish yellow stamens which add some great dimension as well. Again a more natural, deconstructed look with no fillers. The stems are wrapped with the reverse ribbon treatment.
The last picture is the corsages for the mother of the bride and her 3 bridesmaids. Still working on the other boutonnieres and corsages which will be pinned. It's hard to believe that tomorrow I will be done with all my orders and can start doing laundry and packing for our trip. Lots to do... Like laundry, swim lessons, open house at pre-school, packing, etc! Never a dull moment. Believe me, I'm so looking forward to 10 days off, but excited as well because I'm looking at changing things up a bit and hope to work on my new look while I'm away. Hopefully it gets done and I'll have a brand new site to share with you! 
Congratulations to Sarah and her fiance on their wedding day!
