Planted and Flourish

Hello! It's time for a new Word Art Wednesday challenge. This week our focus verse is Psalm 92:13, "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." Christian maturity and flourishing is directly related to the amount of time spent in worship of the Lord. This worship takes place in your local church as well as in your personal quiet time with the Lord. You will never truly gain the maximum spiritual maturity without spending time alone with the Lord. This is where we receive the strength to meet the challenges we all face in our daily lives. It is sort of like a lamp does not work the way it was intended when it is not plugged into the power source. The Lord is our source of strength and we need that time with Him to truly flourish and grow. While there are many good devotional books available to help encourage us, the Bible must be the centerpiece in our personal devotions. When we remember that the Bible is God's love letter to us, it should make us want to open and read it with great anticipation.

For my card this week, I chose to make a top-folding mini slimline card. My folded card measures 3" x 5.5". Our sponsor this week is DRS Designs and the generously provided me with this Open Bible stamp. I stamped the Bible in brown in on kraft cardstock and then paper pieced the pages. A scrap of dark brown cardstock gives some definition to the center of the Bible. While you can't see it, there is also a Bible stamped on the inside for a little interior decorating.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Recollections (Kraft, Cream), Bazzill (Peanut Fudge)

Patterned Paper: Authentique (Latest & Greatest 6 x 6)

Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Psalm92:13), DRS Designs (Open Bible)

Ink: Memento (Rich Cocoa)

Tools/Embellishments: Want 2 Scrap bling, Punch (unknown manufacturer)

 

I'm entering this card in the following challenge:

Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - must use patterned paper.

Thanks for visiting with me today and for your patience with my lack of a regular posting schedule. I've been having some health difficulties and that has made it hard to be consistent. I hope you will have time to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the rest of the Design Team projects and please also visit our generous sponsor, DRS Designs. They have so many unique stamps to choose from including several personalized options. They also give you a choice of how to mount your stamp.

The Glory Due His Name

Happy Wednesday! I hope this finds you safe and well. We are in the midst of a series of winter storms that are leaving us with some snow, mostly ice and lots of cold temperatures. Thankfully, I can work from home. A new challenge starts today at Word Art Wednesday. Our focus this week is on Psalm 29:2, "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." The Lord is so good to us, and deserves all the glory and honor we can give to Him. The Creator of the universe, Who is upholding all things by the word of His power, loves and cares about you and me.  He is so holy and just but still considered us valuable enough to send His Son to die for us. That just boggles my mind. 

 

For my card this week, I chose to try one of the new trendy slim-line cards. I don't know what took me so long! I am hooked. It was so much fun to make and it definitely won't be my last one. For the card design, I used the September 2020 Sheetload of Cards by Crafty Al. I accented it with some small butterflies and some bling. The flower at the bottom is a sticker from the paper collection that I mounted on cardstock and fussy cut before popping it up on the bottom section. 

Supplies:

Cardstock:The Paper Studio Extra Heavy Weight (white cardbase), Pen and Gear (white for sentiment), Recollections (colored cardstock)

Patterned Paper Collection: Echo Park (A Beautiful Life 12 x 12)

Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 29:2)

Tools/Embellishments: The Paper Studio (bling), Fiskars punch (butterfly), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Paper Lace 2)

 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use patterned paper (I used 2)

Crafty Sentiments Challenge - Anything Goes 

Thanks for stopping by. I'm hope you'll visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to see more inspiration by the rest of the Design Team. Stay warm and safe.

Dwelt Among Us

 Hello! I hope you are having a good week. It's time for another Word Art Wednesday challenge. This week our focus verse is John 1:14, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." The "Word" in this verse refers to Jesus. He is God in the flesh and He humbled Himself to live among His creation. This is totally mind-boggling to me. Not only did He dwell with humans like us, but He loved us and always treats us with grace. God definitely gives us much more grace and mercy than we could ever deserve.

 

 

This week our sponsor is Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. They generously provided me with their Floral Cluster Spring Pansies stamp set and the coordinating Floral Cluster and Sprigs dies to work with this week. One of the great features of the die set is that works with all four of the stamp sets in the Floral Cluster series. This makes it so cost effective! I colored the stamped image with Copics and then used the die to cut it out. I used the sketch from the January 2020 SheetLoad of Cards as the inspiration for my card design. The Floral Cluster tops the matted verse panel and some Nuvo Crystal drops accent the flower centers and two corners of the card.

Supplies:

Cardstock: The Paper Studio Heavy Weight (white card base), Bazzill (Avacado), Pen and Gear (white for sentiment panel)

Patterned Paper: The Paper Studio

Stamps: WORDart by Karen (John 1:14), Stamp Simply (Floral Cluster Spring Pansies clear stamp set)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Copics: R81, 83, 85; YG 95 97; G21, 28

Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply dies (Floral Cluster and Sprigs), Spellbinders dies (Classic Squares Large and Small), Nuvo Crystal Drops (Bottle Green)

 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Createful Heart Design Challenge 28: Anything Goes

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge: Must use patterned paper 

Crafty Sentiments Designs: Anything Goes

 

Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today. I hope you'll have time to check out the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store and to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog for more inspiration from the rest of the Design Team.

A Place of Refuge

Hello! I'm a little late posting this week. I apologize for my tardiness. It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday and our focus verse is so very appropriate. Proverbs 14:26 says, "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence and his children shall have a place of refuge."  When we recognize Who God is and that He is all powerful ("in the fear of the Lord") we can have confidence that He has things under His control and this gives His children a place of refuge. In these days of uncertainty and confusion, it is so comforting to know that the Lord will care for me and provide a place of refuge. As Psalm 94:19 says, "In the multitude of my thought within me thy comforts delight my soul." If you are like me, sometimes my thoughts are swirling around like crazy at times (sort of like the background paper on my card this week). However, when I corral my thoughts and think of how the Lord has comforted me, I find myself at peace.

I chose to use Mojo Monday Sketch 538 for my card design. I stayed pretty true to the sketch and added Nuvo Crystal and Glitter drops along with some bling for embellishments.

Supplies
Cardstock: Recollections #110 White for card base, Pen & Gear white for sentiment panel
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Urban Luxe 6 x 6 - retired)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Proverbs 14:26)
Tools/Embellishments: Nuvo Crystal Drops (Ebony Black), Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Moroccan Screen), Memento Marker (Tuxedo Black), Park Lane bling

I'm entering this card in the following challenge:
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - must use patterned paper

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back soon.

Call Unto Me

Happy Wednesday! It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week our focus verse is Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." What a neat promise from the Lord that if we will just call on Him (pray), He will answer us. This doesn't mean that the Lord will give us everything we ask for when we pray. I've heard so many people say, "I prayed but the Lord never answered me. I asked Him to do this and He didn't do it." One thing we have to remember is that "no" is still an answer. The Lord is promising to listen when we pray to Him and that alone is wonderful. Don't we all just need someone to listen to us at times? But along with listening, He promises to answer. Sometimes that answer is "Wait for My timing." God isn't confined to our time table. Sometimes the answer is a loving, "No, that's not what is best for you." There have been so many times I've later been SOOO thankful the Lord has told me no when I asked for certain things. And sometimes, the Lord answers,"Yes." But no matter how He answers us, He will show us things and work in ways we could never have imagined. Sometimes, looking back, I see where some of the most painful times in my life are when I saw the Lord working the most. They are the times I felt His comfort most. Other times, when I waited on His timing, the end result was so much better than I had dreamed. So, talk to the Lord, call on Him, and then just wait and see how He works.

For my card today, I brought out one of my current favorite paper pads and a fun sketch by Mojo Monday (MOJO 533). The vertical panel is dry embossed for some added dimension and interest. Because so many of the layers are double matted, I used some Scrapbook Adhesives Thin Foam Squares to help keep things level. 

Our sponsor this week is Art Glitter. I have heard wonderful things about their Designer Glue and their Metal Tip Attachment. So I decided to give both products a try. Instead of using my normal ATG tape runner, I used the Designer Glue with the Metal Tip Attachment on the bottle. Wow! Now I see why it is so well liked. It comes out of the bottle so easily (some bottles are so stiff they require a lot of pressure to release the glue), the metal tip gives very precise placement of the glue and it holds extremely well. Even my patterned paper didn't wrinkle. I won't be getting rid of my ATG gun but I think I've found a new favorite liquid adhesive.


 
Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Pen and Gear (white for sentiment), Bazzill (blue), pink cardstock is a scrap and I don't know the manufacturer, pearlized white cardstock (unknown manufacturer)
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Early Bird Collection 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Jeremiah 33:3)
Tools/Embellishments: Art Glitter (Designer Glue and Metal tip Attachment). Scrapbook Adhesives Thin 3D Foam Squares, Fiskars punches (large and small butterflies), Park Lane bling, Divinity Designs Dies (Double Stitched Rectangles), CuttleBug embossing folder (Paper Lace 2)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Createful Heart Challenge #20 - Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use patterned paper
Outlaws Sunday Songs & Rhymes Challenge - Sing a Song of Flowers

Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today. I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday Blog and see the rest of the Design Team's projects. Also be sure to enter our challenge so that you'll have an opportunity to win a prize from our generous sponsor.

Thy Mother Shall Be Glad

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are doing well and surviving this time of social distancing and quarantine. It's time for a new challenge on Word Art Wednesday and this week our focus verse is very appropriate for the upcoming Mother's Day holiday. Proverbs 23:25, "Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice." Exodus 20:12 instructs us to, " Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." and Ephesians 6:2 states, "Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;" There is instruction in both the Old and New Testaments about the importance of honoring our parents. What truly makes a parent glad and a mother rejoice? 3 John 4 says it best, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Having your children following the Lord and seeking to please Him brings joy to a mom's (and dad's) heart. My heart is thrilled when our children share something with us and tell us how they saw the Lord was working in the situation. My heart is humbled when they say, "I've been praying for you, Mom." As children, let's live a life that will bring joy to our parents. For those of us that are parents, let's be a good example of godly living so our children will know how they ought to live.

Our sponsor this week is Pink & Main. I love their products so I couldn't stop at one card (product links are provided below). First up is a shaker card using this week's free WORDart digi. I used the Reverse Scalloped Rectangle dies for the frame of the card and for the verse. The larger frame was cut multiple times (approx 8) from white cardstock and the layers stacked and glued together to form the well for the seed beads. The beautiful spring papers are so bright and cheerful and the coordinating enamel shapes provide the finishing touch.

I used the Sunny Cover Dies for a set of 5 cards. Five different patterned papers were used for the die cut inlay. This first card uses a Pink & Main stamp and die bundle. The hot air balloons were stamped on patterned paper with embossing ink and white heat embossed. The stamp set includes layering dies for the balloons but I didn't have inks that went with the papers so I opted for heat embossing. The largest balloon was die cut from white card stock and the basket was stamped in black ink. The top of the balloon was stamped, embossed and fussy cut around the outside of the embossing before being glued to the top of the die cut balloon. It was popped up on the card front with foam squares. The smaller balloons were stamped and heat embossed before being die cut. They were adhered flat to the card front. An enamel heart was added to the basket to finish off the card.

I don't have any other Pink & Main sentiment stamps so I pulled a couple sentiments from other sets in my stash for the remaining four cards in the set. I kept them pretty simple so that they would mail easily. They also are embellished with the enamel shapes and two of them use the banner die in the Sunny Cover Die set.


Pink & Main Products used:
Enchanted Garden 6 x 6 paper Pad
Enchanted Garden Enamel Shapes
Reverse Scallop Rectangle Dies (first card only)
Sunny Cover Dies (card set)*
Hot Air Balloon Bundle - stamps & dies (card #2 only)*

*these two items are currently on sale. :)

Other supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white for card base ), Pen & Gear (white), Green - source unknown
Stamps: WORDart by Karen digi stamp (Proverbs 23:25), Stamps of Life clear stamps (Anniversary 2 Celebrate), Divinity Designs cling stamps (Bon Voyage)
Ink: Versamark, Versafine (Onyx Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Fiskars heart punch, black fine tip marker, Simon Says Stamp fine detail embossing powder (white), MISTI stamping tool, Cuttlebug Die Cutting Machine, The Paper Studio seed beads

I'm entering these cards in the following challenges:
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - Celebrate Mums (the shaker card and the hot air balloon card are both Mother's Day cards - the Mother's Day sentiment is on the interior but not shown - I used the Cuttlebug machine and three different die sets)
Shopping Our Stash Challenge #419 - Mother's Day (the first two cards are Mother's Day cards but the Mother's Day sentiment is on the interior)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Punches or Dies (I entered the hot air balloon card as it uses more dies)

I hope you'll be able to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog and see the projects from the rest of the Design Team. I also hope you'll check out our sponsor, Pink & Main. Thanks for visiting today. Please stay safe.

By His Own Power

Hello! I hope you are all staying safe and well. It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. Our focus verse this week is 1 Corinthians 6:14, "And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power." I asked my husband for some thoughts on this verse so credit for the following goes to him. 

What a marvelous power it took to raise up our Lord and Savior, Jesus! We look forward first to our being raised from the dead and being given bodies like unto His glorious body. But prior to that promised resurrection, we need His power to live the daily Christian Life. Philippians 3:10 states, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." In this verse, Paul desires the power of His resurrection that he might live the Christian life under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. So resurrection power is not just for our one day glorious resurrection but for the here and now that we might live as He would have us to live.

Gina K Designs is our sponsor this week. I love her products but don't own any of her current stamps/dies. I reached for an oldie but goodie retired red rubber stamp for my card. I am guessing it's about 10-11 years old. I bought it in a grab bag of stamps I bought from Gina K.  I used another oldie but goodie favorite from that time period, chalk ink, to stamp the green frame and leafy branches. This is actually all one stamp that I think is so versatile. Since it's such a big stamp, I used my Misti stamping tool to help me get a good image. The card front has several layers but is actually a pretty simple design. It's hard to see in the pictures, but Nuvo glitter drops were used in random spots around the leafy stamped image, for the center of the flowers around the verse and for centers on some of the larger flowers in the dark floral border.

I like to save paper when I can. The leafy patterned paper shown here on the interior of the card was actually cut from the panel used on the front. This meant I only had to use one sheet of 6 x 6 paper in this pattern. The blue floral paper was a scrap that I used to die cut the flowers used around the verse and to make the strip on the interior.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 white for card base, Darice Minty Fresh cardstock pack, Pen and Gear white for sentiment and interior panel
Patterned Paper: Pebbles (Family Ties 6 x 6)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (1 Corinthians6:14), Gina K Designs (Leafy frame die - not the real name, it's so old I have no clue what the real name is)
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink (Olive Pastel)
Tools/Embellishments: MFT Blueprints 29 dies, MFT Die-Namics (Mini Scallop Edge - retired), Gina Marie Designs Die set (Large Pierced Flower), Divinity Designs Dies (Double Stitched Rectangle), Spellbinders dies (Classic Squares Large and Small), Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), Sharpie blue marker

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge: Use Patterned Paper
Retro Rubber Challenge #132: Must use squares and a stamp that is at least 1 year old. My stamp is at least 10-11 years old.
Crafty Sentiments Designs: Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope you'll be able to stop by our Word Art Wednesday Blog to see the rest of the Design Team projects. Also, be sure to visit our sponsor's website, Gina K Designs. I hope you are all able to stay safe and healthy.

He Will Bless Them

I am late to the party but it's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. The challenge started last Wednesday (3/25) but I had "one of those weeks" (haven't we all!) and am running late. I first want to check in with all of you. I hope you are doing well and staying healthy during this time of national emergency. I work for an essential business so I am still going in to work. We are all keeping to our own offices as much as possible and spraying the place down with Lysol (while it lasts) each evening. Hand sanitizer is in frequent use. My husband's weekday job was "paused" so he is home on a lay-off. It does give him more time for studying for his sermons. We are live-streaming our church's services from our living room. Doesn't everyone have a podium in their living room? :) I've added "Media Production" to my pastor's wife task list. LOL

In this time of uncertainty, our focus verse is very apropos, "He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great." Psalm 115:13. These are difficult times in our world to be sure. Knowing that none of this takes the Lord by surprise and that He is still in control brings such peace of mind. He hasn't forgotten us and will bless us. God doesn't care about our social status or age. He will bless all of those that fear Him regardless of their place in life. This is a comfort to me. What does it mean to fear the Lord? This isn't a terror type fear but one of respect and awe. This is the type of fear that motivates us to serve Him and live in a way that would please Him out of our love and thankfulness for what He has done for us.

In an effort to corral and ultimately use up my scraps, I recently went through all the scraps laying on my desk and cut them to 4" x 5.25". I was given a stacking plastic organizer for Christmas. These card front sized pieces were put in the top section. The smaller pieces, that were still of usable size, were separated out and put in the next section down. The bottom section contains some cardstock scraps that I'd used with some of the papers in the upper sections. Today's card uses paper from the top two sections. The downside of this organization method is that I don't know the manufacturer of my patterned paper. However, the scraps were overtaking me and desperate times called for desperate measures!

I used a large banner die to cut out the patterned paper from a two-sided 4" x 5.25" piece. Then I used a scrap of the same paper but used "side 2" to cut out just the top of the banner. A border die was used to cut a pinking edge on this piece and on a cardstock scrap to layer under it. The digi stamp of the cat and the verse were printed on white cardstock, cut to size and matted with cardstock. The design on the cat was colored with Copics. Some twine was threaded thru the banner and tied in a bow. This panel was layered on cardstock and then adhered to the card base. After adding the sentiment panel and some bling, some Nuvo glitter drops were added to the patterned paper for some extra sparkle.

A second card was made just like the first except the verse was traded out for this encouraging sentiment. I love this sentiment because it's also good for those with long-term or chronic illnesses as well as those going through a long-term difficult time. While they may never be "well" some days are better than others. Praying for them to have a good day acknowledges their illness/difficulty but also lets them know you are praying for them to have more "good" days than bad.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white for card base), Pen & Gear (white cardstock for sentiment panels), pink cardstock - unknown from stash, Simon Says Stamp (Audrey Blue)
Patterned Paper - unknown (maybe American Crafts but I'm not sure)
Digi Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 115:13), Bugaboo (Cat Silhouette), Deedee's Digis (Greatest Joys set - store now closed)
Copics:  RV32; R81, 85; BG10, 13
Tools/Embellishments: Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), Darice bling, Park Lane bling, MFT Die-Namics (Pinking Edge - retired), Lawn Fawn dies (Stitched Party Banners), The Twinery baker's twine

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything Goes
Dare 2B Artzy - Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge: Use Patterned Paper

Thanks for stopping by to visit. I hope you will all stay healthy and while you are quarantined at home, that you will have more crafty time as a benefit.

Exceeding Abundantly

Hello! It's time for another challenge a Word Art Wednesday. This week we are focusing on Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." There have been so many times in my life when I've see the Lord do exactly what this verse says. I've asked Him to work in a situation and had an idea in my mind of what He would do. Instead He not only works in the situation, but He does so in a way that far exceeds anything I would have imagined He would do. At times like that, all I've been able to do is stand back and say, "Thank You, Lord! You are truly a wonderful and loving God! Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!" The Lord truly does have our best interests at heart and when we trust Him to work in a situation and don't try to run ahead of Him, we can be sure that we will experience His best for us. It might not look like we thought it would, but it is what is for our best.

This week DRS Designs is our generous sponsor. They generously provided me with this beautiful Medium Daisy Bloom red rubber stamp to play with. I ended up making two cards with it. For my first card, I stamped it randomly on my cardstock panel and colored both the flowers and the background with Copic markers. I then die cut an oval window in this panel, backed it with a piece of kraft cardstock with a smaller oval window and adhered both panels over the verse panel. Foam tape was used to pop up this entire piece over two layers of cardstock before being adhered to the card base. Some jewels in two different sizes finish off the card and add a little sparkle.

For my second card, I colored and fussy cut three of the images. Two of the flowers were adhered to the embossed brown cardstock and the middle one was popped up with foam squares. Baker's twine was wrapped three times around the lower portion of the panel before double matting the panel and adhering it to the card base. A doubled piece of  baker's twine was used to tie the bow. The sentiment popped up over the twine and embellished with some small jewels. Larger jewels finish off the flower centers.

Supplies for both cards unless otherwise indicated: 
Cardstock: Recollections (110# white for card base, kraft, cream {card #2 only}), Bazzill (Gold Coins), Georgia Pacific (white for images), Ms. Sparkle Embossed Paper Pad (Woodgrain - Card #2 only)
Stamps- WORDart by Karen (Ephesian 3:20 - Card #1), DRS Desings (Medium Daisy Bloom), Paper Sweeties (Get Well - Card #2)
Copics: Daisy - Y11, 13, 17, 19; E25, 29, Background for Card #1 - YG03, 95
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Jewels (gray), Card #1-Spellbinders Classic Oval Dies Large and Small Card #2 only: The Twinery baker's twine, Zutter Round-it-All 1/2", Stamp Simply Fishtail Banner Dies

I'm entering the following challenges:
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Add Flowers (card #2)
Use Your Stuff Challenge Blog Challenge #393 - Favorite Embellishment (jewels - I love to add bling to my cards)
Dare 2B Artzy  - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Some Green (card #1)

I hope you have a chance to check out the rest of the Design Team projects on the Word Art Wednesday blog and please be sure to visit our wonderful sponsor, DRS Designs. Thanks for visiting today.

Floral Gatefold Card

Hello! I sure hope your January was healthier than mine! I've been sick or recovering for the past 4-5 weeks. I'm still working on regaining energy but sure feel better than I did a couple weeks ago. Anyway, enough of that...it's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." This verse should be such a great encouragement to us. The Lord has such wonderful things planned for those who love him that we can't even imagine them. This helps me trust Him when times are tough. I remember His love for me and how what He has planned is so much better than anything I could envision or plan for myself. He knows what is best for me so I can trust Him.

As I mentioned earlier, I have been under the weather for a while so I have not been able to spend much time in my craft room -- how I've missed crafting!! I thought I'd get back into card-making with one of my favorite but easy fancy folds, the gate fold card. If you are new to fancy fold cards, this one is a good introduction. I started with a piece of heavy weight white cardstock cut 5.5" by 8.5". Along the 8.5" side I scored it 2-1/8" from each end. I chose a pretty floral paper and a new-to-me die to use as a backer for the matted sentiment panel. I used some of my new favorite rose gold foil specialty paper to mat the patterned paper panels and for the sentiment panel backer. I finished off the card with some cream colored pearls. I didn't show it in the picture, but I used a 5/8" strip of the rose gold paper topped with a 1/2" strip of patterned paper to decorate the interior.

Supplies: 
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white for card base, Rose Gold Foil), Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment panel) scrap of red (I think Bazzill?) for matting sentiment.
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Jack and Jill 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Dies (Floral Swirls Tags), Want2ScrapBaby Bling Pearls (LaCreme)

I'm entering this card in the Crafty Hazel Nut's Patterned Paper Challenge (must use patterned paper).

Thanks for stopping by to visit. I hope you'll come back again soon.

I Shall Not Be Moved

Happy New Year!! We've all said good-bye to 2019 and are now welcoming a new year, 2020. At Word Art Wednesday, we're starting the year with a new challenge. This week we're focusing on Psalm 16:8, "I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." What a great theme verse for 2020! What a difference it would make in each of our lives if we set the Lord always before us. What if we made all our plans and decisions only after determining what He would have us do? We would be vastly different people. Because we would be seeking the Lord first in everything, He would help us remain steadfast and we would be able to say, "I shall not be moved." Last year, instead of choosing a word for the year, I chose a theme. My theme for 2019 came from Haggai 1:5, "...Consider your ways." I faced some definite challenges throughout the year, and having this verse posted on my monitor at work helped remind me to be aware of my actions and words. It was a great encouragement to me. I think this year, I'll post this verse and have this as my theme for 2020.

Our first sponsor for 2020 is Stamp Simply Clear Stamps. This online store carries some of your favorite brands as well as their own line of stamps and dies. They provided the Floral Cluster Summer Roses stamp set and the Floral Cluster and Sprigs die set for me to use on this week's card. I really like when a company keeps their customer's wallet in mind and makes multiple stamp sets to go with a single die set. That's exactly what Stamp Simply has done with their Floral Cluster series. There are four separate 4x6 stamp sets that coordinate with the die set. There is one stamp set for each season and the sentiments that go along with the stamp sets cover a wide variety of card making needs. You are able to purchase the stamp sets and the die set individually, or in the Floral Cluster Bundle with Die. Please check the website for all the details on what themes are included in each stamp set.

While the stamp and die are designed to curve around the perimeter of an oval or circle, I chose to have them anchor a banner that features our WORDart for the week. Be sure to pick up the free WORDart while visiting the Word Art Wednesday blog. You'll find lots of inspiration from the rest of the Design Team.

I colored the image with Copics, and after popping it up on the card front with foam tape, I added Wink of Stella to the flower buds and some clear gems to the flower centers.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white for card base, red), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Jack and Jill 6 x 6)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 16:8), Stamp Simply (Floral Cluster - Summer Roses)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics: R31, 81, 83, 85; YG21, 23, 25; W5
Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply Dies (Floral Cluster and Sprigs), WRMK dies (Party Banner - retired), Dare 2B Artzy (Leaf Background dies), The Paper Studio bling, Zig Wink of Stella (clear)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Something New (this stamp and die set are new to me as is the paper pad)
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - Use patterned paper

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will visit again soon.

The Birth of Jesus

Welcome back. It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Matthew 1:18, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." I've always been so challenged by Mary's complete willingness to be submissive to the Lord's plan for her life. She was young (some Bible scholars say even a young teenager) and yet when the angel told her that she was to bear the Christ-child, she didn't complain about how this news would change her plans or protest because there would be wagging tongues, she simply said, "...be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) Oh, that I would have that sort of instantaneous, unquestioning obedience to the Lord! This Christmas season, let's not get so caught up in the "hustle and bustle" and forget the true meaning of Christmas. Christ truly is the reason we celebrate.

I kept my card simple this week to focus on the verse. The design was inspired by a sketch from My Favorite Things (MFTWSC312). Some flat gold embellishments and some Nuvo glitter drops add some shine and sparkle.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment panel), Darice (green glitter cardstock)
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Jingle All the Way 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Matthew 1:18)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Snowflake dies, Nuvo glitter drops (White Bizzard), Best Occasions Metal Dots

I'm entering this card in th following challenges:
A Place to Start December Challenge - Happy Holidays
Artsy Stamper Challenge #5 - Winter Holidays
Double Trouble Challenge #44 - Wrap it Up (use holiday papers)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Use patterned Paper
Tuesday Throwdown #446 - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back soon.

I Trusted in Thee

It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Psalm 31:14, "But I trusted in thee O Lord: I said, Thou art my God."  There are times in our lives that make us evaluate if we truly believe God is trustworthy. In this week's verse, the Psalmist has just made his evaluation and decision. Earlier this week, I was recounting to a friend of a time when I was in a deep valley and that I had to decide if what I said I believed about God and His comfort and strength was really true. I had to face that I could NOT go it alone in my own strength and that there was no earthly person who could fix things. I had to rely on the Lord and fully rest on Him. It was not easy or an overnight fix. I found a verse of comfort in the Bible that really spoke to me and imagined it as a trapeze bar that I was literally hanging onto with both hands. I felt like everything had dropped out from underneath me and that bar was all that was keeping me from falling. I would read, quote and pray that verse to the Lord and beg Him for His help. I acknowledged I couldn’t do it alone and needed His help. He was always faithful and kept me putting one foot in front of the other sometimes minute by minute. I agree with the Psalmist, "...I trusted in thee O Lord: I said, Thou art my God."

I chose to use this week's free WORDart (don't forget to go by the Word Art Wednesday blog and pick it up for yourself) on a book mark. I made the bookmark part of a gift set for a friend.

The verse was double matted before being adhered to the patterned paper layer. Three ribbons were threaded through the hole at the top of the bookmark and some baker's twine was tied in a bow to keep them in place.

A small notebook (3.75" x 5.5" closed) was decorated with a heat embossed quote by Jim Elliot and a few jewels. I tend to keep the covers of my notebooks fairly flat so that the embellishments don't get knocked off if the notebook is put down in a bag or purse.

The interior of the notebook has a small notepad on the right side. The back panel of the notepad slides down into a pocket so that it is replaceable. The left side of the interior has a large pocket and two small sticky-note pads.

One of my standard 5.25" x 8.25" junior legal size notebooks has a favorite quote by Corrie ten Boom heat embossed and then matted with dark brown cardstock. I thought this quote and the Jim Elliot quote went well with the focus verse this week. A few jewels decorate the flower centers.

The interior of the notebook has a pocket to hold the notepad on the right and another pocket on the left for odds and ends.

The thank you card uses MOJO Monday Sketch 524 for the design. The background panel was dry embossed and the sentiment heat embossed. A few clear jewels are the final embellishment.

There is a little interior decorating for the inside of the card.

Supplies: 
Cardstock (all items unless otherwise noted): Core'dinations (Tan Pearl), Bazzill (dark brown), Recollections (cream on card interior and bookmark), Park Lane (Neutrals - card interior)
Patterned Paper (all items): Basic Grey (Dear Heart Collection - Grace)
Stamps (as noted): WORDart by Karen (Psalm 31:14 - bookmark), Simon Says Stamp (Many Thanks clear stamp set - card), Divinity Design (Quote Collection 4 - small notebook, Never Be Afraid - large notebook)
Dies: Divinity Design (Bookmarks-bookmark, Double Stitched Circles- card and small notebook) Spellbinders (Petite Scalloped Circles Large - card and small notebook), My Favorite Things Die-namics (Mini Scallop Edge - retired - card)
Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Multi Jewels Clear (both notebooks, card), The Ribbon Boutique (organza-bookmark), Big Lots Craft Ribbon (bookmark), May Arts Seam Binding (bookmark), Ms. Sparkle baker's twine (bookmark)
Other: Darice embossing folder (Cherry Blossom - card), Versafine Onyx Black Ink (card, both notebooks), Simon Says Stamp fine details embossing powder (Clear - card, both notebooks)

I'm entering items from this set in the following challenges:
Artsystamper  Digitals Challenge #2 - Patterned Paper

A Place to Start - Use at least 1 item from each column (Focusing on my card: Column 1- sentiment, patterned paper, solid paper; Column 2 - sketch, die, embossing -I used both; Column 3 - embossing powder; Column 4 - bling, flowers; Column 5 - stitching-faux)

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back soon.

Appreciate Your Pastor

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Romans 10:15, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" October is Pastor Appreciation month and this verse fits right into the theme. As a pastor's daughter and now a pastor's wife, I have a "behind the scenes" knowledge of the commitment and sacrifice required of a pastor who truly seeks to live a godly life and encourages his flock to do the same. Rejoicing with and encouraging those who are trying to live a godly life is not too difficult. However, it takes self-discipline, courage and fortitude to help those who are hurting, to gently but firmly guide those who are headed in the wrong direction back to the right path, and to continue to preach the truth of God's Word in a culture that encourages compromise. If your pastor is such a man of God, rejoice and thank the Lord for the wonderful blessing He has given you. Then pray daily for your pastor. He needs your prayers more than you realize. Pray also for his family. They make a lot of sacrifices as well as they share the time and attention of the head of their home with the rest of the church congregation. Then do all you can to encourage, support and help your pastor. If you really want to shock him, in a nice way, ask him, "Pastor, what can I do to help?" He will be very thankful and you will encourage his heart.

Our sponsor this week is the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Due to their generosity, I was able to play with one of their stamp sets and one of their die sets this week. For the background of the card, the Sunflower Season clear stamp set was used to stamp the sunflower image repeatedly with VersaMark ink. The images were embossed with Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder. This gave the background a subtle metallic detail without being too feminine. One of the sentiments from the set was used on the front of the card. The two strips across the card front are pieces of card stock that were heat embossed twice with two layers of the same Liquid Platinum embossing powder. The card front design is from MOJO Monday Sketch 524. I stuck pretty close to the original sketch this time.

The left interior panel has this week's verse double matted and adhered over some banners made by using the Fishtail Sentiment Banner dies from Stamp Simply. This die set comes with so many different sizes of sentiment banners. I reach for them again and again.

The right side of the interior has a double matted panel where I'll write a message to my husband. I so appreciate his faithfulness, integrity and the way he lives out when he teaches and preaches -- even at home.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill (Peanut Fudge), Recollections (Cream), Cor'dinations (Tan Pearl for card base and Krafty)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (A Perfect Autumn 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen, Stamp Simply (Sunflower Season clear stamp set)
Ink: VersaMark embossing ink, VersaFine (Black Onyx)
Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply dies (Fishtail Sentiment Banners), Divinity Design Dies (Double Stitched Circles, Double Stitched Rectangles), Spellbinders dies (Standard Circles Large), Ranger embossing powder (Liquid Platinum)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
MOJO Monday Sketch 524 - sketch design
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnut's October Patterned Paper Challenge - Must Use patterned Paper
Let's Craft & Create Challenge #152 - Anything Goes w/option of using the colors of Fall
Artsy Stampers Digital Challenge #1 - Autumn Colors
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Autumn/Fall
A Place To Start Challenge - Create Your Own Challenge (use at least one item from each column. Column 1: Sentiment, Patterned Paper; Column 2: Sketch, Die, Embossing (wet); Column 3: Embossing Powder; Column 4: Flowers (sunflowers embossed on background panel); Column 5: Stitching (faux)

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll be able to play along with us this week. Why not pick up this week's free digi on the Word Art Wednesday blog and make a card of encouragement for your pastor? You just might make his day! You could even win a generous prize from our sponsor, Stamp Simply Ribbon Store!

I Thank My God

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week our theme verse is 1 Corinthians 1:4-5, "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge." Paul is writing to the Christians at Corinth and telling them that he not only thanks the Lord for them but also thanks the Lord for the grace He has given them. This is the grace that brings salvation. He is also thankful for the blessings that the Lord has given (enriched) them. The Lord had given them knowledge and spiritual gifts. In later verses, Paul goes on to admonish them to use those gifts in a spiritual manner. We are no different from the Corinthians. The Lord has greatly blessed us by giving us the gift of salvation. He has also given us many gifts that we should in turn use for Him. As Warren Wiersbe says, "The fact that God has called us, set us apart and enriched us ought to encourage us to live holy lives." (The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament Volume 1)

I used Mojo Monday's sketch #477 for the inspiration for my card today. I used the measurements provided by Kristie Marcotte as a guide but didn't stick to them exactly. I love these papers by Pebbles and in fact this is my 2nd 6 x 6 pad of this design. I added some gold foil paper for some shine and some white blizzard Nuvo drops on some flower centers and around the verse for some sparkle.  The card remains pretty flat and will be easy to mail.

I know I have been over-using this butterfly lately. But it is just the perfect size when a card needs "just a little something."

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (dark blue), Ms. Sparkle & Co. (Gold Foil), Darice (blue sparkle)
Patterned Paper: Pebbles (Family Ties)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)
Tools/Embellishments: Fiskars butterfly punch, Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), The Paper Studio (bling)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Dare 2B Artzy September Challenge - Favorite Color to Work With (I love working with shades of blue)
Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #441 - Anything Goes
Get Creative Challenge #84 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you are having a good week and will come back soon.

Fall Joy Fold Card

I'm back with another Word Art Wednesday challenge card. This week we're focusing on Psalm 91:11, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." I don't know about you, but it is a comfort to me to know that the Lord sends His angels to watch over me and help me. I do believe they assist us in more ways that we'll ever know. I believe they also provide protection for us as well. How wonderful that the Lord not only protects us Himself but also sends His angels to help us in our daily lives.

I decided to make a joy-fold card for this week. Here are complete directions on Splitcoaststampers in this Joy Fold tutorial by Beate Johns. I used the measurements at the end of the tutorial for a square card. It is 4.25" square when folded. I love fall and am ready for some cooler weather. So, I chose to use some fall theme papers this week.

I did some interior decorating and included a secondary sentiment on the interior flap. If I need to write more than the small space allows, I will use the back of the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white card base), Georgia Pacific (white sentiment panels), C'oredinations (Krafty Canvas), Bazzill (green)
Patterned Paper: Ms. Sparkle & Co (Woodland 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 91:11), Dare 2B Artzy (Praying for You)
Ink: Versafine (Onyx Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Dies (Classic Squares Large & Small, Decorative Labels One), The Eyelet Outlet Jewels (Gray), The Paper Studio sequins, May Arts ribbon

I'm entering this card in the Get Creative Challenge #84 - Anything Goes.

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free and digi and see the projects from the rest of the Design Team.

Confidence

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, "And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." The Apostle Paul (the author of 2 Corinthians) is talking about the trust he has in Christ. The word trust could also be stated as confidence. "Confidence describes the quality or state of being certain. It describes Paul's assurance of mind and his firm belief in the integrity, stability and veracity of God. Paul expressed a reliance on God, the idea of reliance being an expression of confidence or trust based on experience." {Henry Alford, PreceptAustin.org} Paul gained his boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Christ because of this confidence/trust. He didn't think he was "all that" but knew that anything he did or was able to accomplish was only because it was the work of God.

As the Puritan pastor Richard Baxter (1615-1691) lay on his deathbed, someone encouraged him with a reminder of the good which so many had received from his preaching and writings. Baxter who clearly understood 2 Corinthians 3:5 replied..."I was but a pen in God’s hand, and what praise is due to a pen?" {PreceptAustin.org}

I was at the StampAway convention this past Saturday in Cincinnati, OH. I had a good time getting to see the products of some of my favorite stamp companies in person and talking with several of the owners. Of course, I brought home a few goodies and decided to use some of my new items and some favorite older items on today's card (I've linked them below in my supply list). I also wanted to keep the focus on the verse so I used a frame around the verse panel and put it on an easel card.

I really like easel cards and don't know why I don't make more of them. I like the way they sit up for display and think they are the perfect way to showcase a Scripture verse or encouraging sentiment.

Supplies:
Cardstock; Recollections (#110 white card base, pink), Bazzill (Moody Blue), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Dare 2B Artzy (Summertime Collection Variety Pack - this sheet is Bright Blooms)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (2 Corinthians 3:4-5), Simon Says Stamp clear stamp set (Always & Forever - retired)
Ink: Versamark
Tools/Embellishments: Divinity Designs dies (Double Stitched Rectangles), Pink & Main dies (Reverse Scallop Rectangles), Lawn Fawn dies (Everyday Sentiment Banners), My Favorite Things die-namics (Mini Scallop Edge - retired), Simon Says Stamp embossing powder (White Fine Detail), Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops (Morning Dew), Fiskars butterfly punch, Eyelet Outlet bling

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Dare 2B Artzy - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you'll stop by again soon. Please be sure to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog for lots more inspiration and to pick up your free digi.

True Freedom

Hello! Happy Wednesday! It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we are looking at Psalm 119:45, "And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts." So many people think that following the Lord's plan for our life is constricting, confining and brings misery. However, it is just the opposite. When we follow the Lord's precepts, we are free from the bondage that sin brings. When we do things within God's will, we are free from the fetters of the consequences of our own bad decisions. We don't have to feel weighed down by a load of guilt and shame. Those who follow the Lord are the ones that are truly free.

I made two cards to share with you this week. The first card uses this week's free WORDart designed by Karen Murray. Don't forget to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to download it for yourself. I used Mojo Monday Sketch 477 for my card design and papers and dies by Divinity Designs. Since we are celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, I chose a patriotic color scheme.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Bazzill (Night Water), Ms. Sparkle & Co. Glitter & Foil Paper - Gold and Silver (silver foil), Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment panel)
Patterned Paper: Divinity Designs (Old Glory Paper Pad, Stars and Stripes Paper Pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 119:45)
Dies: Divinity Designs (Sparkling Stars, Double Stitched Rectangles)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Always Fun Challenges #117 - Patriotic 
Crafty Cardmakers #237 - Dies or Punches (I used dies) 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Stars and/or Stripes
 

My second card features products by this week's wonderful sponsor, Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. I used two stamp sets and one die set on this card. I chose to just MOJO Sketch 506 as my inspiration but I changed up several of the elements.  The main tulip image from the Get Well Tulip stamp set was colored with Copic Markers. The image panel was cut down and matted with some pink cardstock I found in my stash. A sentiment from Thinking of You Rose was stamped on white cardstock and die cut with one of the dies in the Fishtail Sentiment Banners die set. A few sequins from my stash embellishment the fishtail sentiment banner. The final embellishment is a coat of Wink of Stella on the tulip.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Bazzill (Greenbriar), Pink (unknown), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Anything Goes 6 x 6 Pad)
Stamps: Stamp Simply (Get Well Tulip and Thinking of You Rose)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black), VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Copics: YG03, 07; R81, 83, 85
Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply die set (Fishtail Sentiment Banners), Zig Wink of Stella glitter brush marker (clear), sequins (unknown)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Inkspirational Challenges #190 - Use three or five items 
YNS Friday Fun Challenge #117 - Use three of something
Crafting from the Heart Challenge #246 - Anything Goes 
Tuesday Throwdown #435 - Anything Goes


Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope those of you in the US enjoy celebrating our country's birthday tomorrow. It was also my dad's birthday and when I was little I thought the whole country was celebrating his birthday too. LOL

Please visit our wonderful sponsor's website. You're sure to find several things to add to your wish list. Also, please visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the other projects by the Design Team and to link up your own projects.