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.

Happy Birthday, Audrey

Our precious granddaughter turned one this week. We were able to be with her to celebrate this special day. Oh, what a difference a year makes - especially when you're this young. She's now walking everywhere and starting to talk. So much fun!

Of course, I had to make her a card. I used Mojo Monday Sketch 514 for the card design. Glitter cardstock was used for the matting so that there would be lots of sparkle. The bear's nose received a drop of Nuvo Crystal Drops, the flower center a drop of Nuvo Glitter Drops and the butterfly a coating of a Wink of Stella glitter brush pen.

Supplies:
Cardstock: The Paper Studio Heavyweight (cardbase), Georgia Pacific (white), Ms. Sparkle & Co. Glitter & Foil Paper Pad (Gold & Silver)
Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Design (Take Note 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: Divinity Designs (Bon Voyage stamp set) Deedee's Digis (bear - retired)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black), VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Copics: E33, 335, 37; V000, 01, 04, 06; R02; W1; Y000, 13, 17; YG03, 05
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders dies (Standard Circle Large, Petite Scalloped Circles Large), Stamp Simply dies (Fishtail Sentiment Banners) Nuvo Crystal Drops (Morning Dew), Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), Zig Wink of Stella glitter brush pen (Clear)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Outlawz Festive Friday Challenge - Birthday
Mojo Monday Sketch 514
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use Patterned Paper
Crafty Animals Challenge #25 - Anything Goes using an Animal
Daisy Chain Challenge #29 - Make It Feminine

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

Autumn Arrangement

Hello!! I truly haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I messed up my back and have been spending the last few weeks recovering. Anyway, it's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." The fear talked about in this verse is a reverential respect for the Lord. This leads to a submission to the Lord in whatever He wants us to do.When we submit ourselves to the Lord, we can learn what it truly means to be wise. When we learn to trust the Lord, and have that level of respect (fear) for Him, we can understand what does and doesn't please Him. I truly believe this reverential respect for the Lord is a very necessary element for living a life that pleases the Lord.

I'm still easing back into crafting so I used Mojo Monday Sketch #453 (with the measurements as figured out by Kristie Marcotte on her blog post here) for my card design. I colored the image with copics quite awhile ago but I lost my notes that listed the colors I used. Some glossy accents in the middle of the flowers adds some dimension and a bit of shine. The image was fussy cut and adhered to an embossed panel that was matted and popped up over the background papers. The sentiment was trimmed into a fishtail banner, matted and also popped up over the background. The little flag at the top left of the card is the final embellishment.

Supplies:
Card base: Park Lane #110 cardstock (white)
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (The Perfect Autumn 6 x 6 pad)
Digi Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Proverbs 9:10), Deedee's Digis (Autumn Blessings - store closed)
Tools/Embellishments - Copic Markers, Cuttle Bug embossing folder (Basket Weave), Glossy Accents

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Use Your Stuff Challenge #335 - Mood Board Challenge
Addicted to Stamps Challenge #167 - Autumnal Colors
Crop Stop Link Party #44 - Use items/brands found in the Crop Stop Online Store (I used Cuttlebug, Fiskars, Scotch, Ranger Glossy Accents)
Dare 2B Artzy October Challenge - Fall

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll come back soon. I also hope you'll check out the projects on the Word Art Wednesday blog that were made by the rest of the DT. 

Joy and Gladness

It's already time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we are looking at Luke 1:14, And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice at his birth. In the passage surrounding this week's verse, we learn that an angel is speaking to Zacharias and telling him that he and his wife would have a son and that they were to name him John (later to be known as John the Baptist). What was extra special about this child's birth was that Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth were an elderly couple and had never been able to have children. Can you imagine the joy and excitement they felt? They had been praying for years and years for a baby. Now, when they probably felt all hope was gone, they were told they would have a son! Zacharias and Elisabeth had been faithful to the Lord and the angel was telling him he would have joy and gladness in the birth of his son and that many would rejoice with them. What exciting news! Be sure to read the remainder of the chapter for the "rest of the story." Another aspect of the story is that Elisabeth and Mary (Jesus' mother) were cousins. This chapter also tells how Elisabeth recognizes that Mary is carrying the Messiah and encourages her. I tell you, this chapter is full of miraculous ways the Lord worked in the lives of people who were faithful to Him. And He is still working in absolutely amazing ways in the lives of His faithful people today.

I have a circle card to share with you today. I really liked this pre-colored image from the Beauty of the Season digi set by Deedee's Digis. It had a circle shape to it so I layered this week's WORDart on it and then used the partial die-cutting technique to cut it out. After using the die on part of the circle and fussy cutting the rest, I ran a black Copic marker around the edges to get a solid black outline. The rest of the card came together quite easily. The image/sentiment panel is popped up over the card base which is topped by a layer of patterned paper.

Here is a peek at the interior decorating. You can also see where I accented the flowers and the sentiment panel with 3 colors of Stickles. Copic markers were used to add some shading to the flowers.

Deedee's Digis is currently have a 75% off sale on the entire shop. The shop is permanently closing it's doors on Dec. 31st. The sale will last until the store closes so this is your last chance to stock up on all her fantastic sets.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (green)
Patterned Paper: Basic Gray (Figgy Pudding)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Luke 1:14), Deedee's Digis (Beauty of the Season)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Dies (Standard Circles Large and Small, Petite Scalloped Circles Large, Grand Circles), Copic Markers (C1, 3; 100), Stickles (Goldenrod, Christmas Red, Star Dust)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Pile It On Challenge #98 - Anything Christmas/Winter
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Christmas
Craft Your Passion Challenge #291 - Anything Goes
Eureka Stamp Challenge #170 - Christmas is Coming
Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes
Sweet Stamps December Challenge - Anything Goes
Get Creative Challenge #29 - Holidays
Scrapbook Blessings Club 3rd Annual Christmas Party - Anything Christmas
ODBD Shining the Light Challenge #265 - Color Challenge (I used green, red and black)

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. A couple reminders: this is the last month for weekly challenges at Word Art Wednesday. Starting with the first challenge in 2016, each challenge will run two weeks. Also, don't forget to stop by Deedee's Digis to stock up before the shop closes Dec. 31st.

Corgi Cuteness

Our daughter and son-in-law adopted a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy, Dylan, earlier this month.

 When Deedee's Digis came out with this new Corgi Cuteness set, I knew it was perfect to use to make a Congratulations card for them.

I kept it pretty CAS so that the adorable little Corgi could take center stage. I chose to use the image with the ball and colored it blue just like one of Dylan's favorite toys. I colored the puppy and his ball with Copics and then fussy cut the image. After matting the sentiment, it was adhered to the layered background papers. The fussy cut puppy was then popped up over the background.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (kraft), DCWV (red)
Patterned Paper: DCWV (The Pet Stack)
Digi Stamps: Deedee's Digis (Corgi Cuteness)
Copics: B21, 23, 25; R22, 24, 27, N3, 5, 7; W1; 100; E04, 11, 31, 33, 35, 37

Deedee's Digis is sponsoring this week's Crafting From the Heart challenge. This challenge is always Anything Goes, so why not play along? Please be sure to visit Deedee's Digis for LOTS of adorable digi stamps.

I know I've been MIA lately.  Moving day is Saturday!! So much to do but we're really looking forward to getting settled in our new (to us) house. Hopefully by mid to late November I can be back to a normal blogging schedule.

World Card Making Day

Happy World Card Making Day ("WCMD")!!! Today is a day set aside worldwide to celebrate our craft. Naturally, Deedee's Digis couldn't let it pass us by without a special event to celebrate! So here's what we've got for you today: "Pick Your Pal" Tic-Tac-Toe!

As you can see, Deedee created a fun game board for you. (Click on it to enlarge it if you need to!) How do you play? Easy-peasy!

1. Choose a row on the Tic-Tac-Toe board, make a card using one of Deedee's Digis  that matches that row, share it on your blog or public gallery, and then link it up to our WCMD challenge post in this post here using the linky tool. No back-linking please. You must create a new card for this challenge.

2. Each numbered row on the Tic-Tac-Toe card coordinates to a "Pal" digi that you will receive as a prize for completing that row. There are a total of eight "Pal" digis that you can win, including four from our "Pumpkin Pals" set...

...and four from our brand new, not-yet-in-the-shop "Stocking Pals" set!

3. When you link up your card, please state which row number you followed to create it, and verify that your email address is 100% correct in the link-up so that Deedee can email you your prize!
 

4. You may participate multiple times to get multiple digis. Each entry must be linked separately, even if you include them in a single blog or gallery post.

5. If you complete the whole Tic-Tac-Toe card ("Blackout") via one card OR by completing three cards representing either all three vertical rows or all three horizontal rows, you will receive both full sets including the additional elements shown in the photos above!

6. In addition to the "Pal" digi prizes shown above, we will also have TWO additional prize drawings at the end of the challenge:

• One entrant will win a spot as our Guest Designer on the Deedee's Digis blog for the month of November! Now, we know that some of you would not be interested in this, so to make sure that we're only drawing from those who are, please, if you are interested in entering this drawing, remember to put "GDT" next to your name in your link-up(s).

• We will draw for a number between "1" and "9" (eight numbered Tic-Tac-Toe rows plus the number "9" for "Blackout"). Everyone who entered a card for that number of row on the Tic-Tac-Toe card will win a $10 gift code to the shop! Yay!!! Lots of winners!!!

7. DEADLINE: You have until Friday, 16 October, 2015 to complete this challenge. Drawing winners will be announced on the Deedee's Digis Blog on Saturday, 17 October, 2015.

There is a lot of inspiration on the Deedee's Digi Blog so please be sure to visit there and to link up your card(s).

For my card, I chose to use Row 8: Keep it clean and simple, Mail your card right away, Use a non-freebie Deedee's Digi image. This would mean that if I were linking up my card in the challenge I would win Puppy Pumpkin Pal for free.

These images are from the Dad's Day Off set were Copic colored and then fussy cut. To make the dog an American Pemroke Welsh Corgi, I "docked" his tail. I then designed the background to resemble a wallpaper wall (the stripes are crooked on the paper), a baseboard and carpet. To make the baseboard, I coated a strip of white cardstock with Versamark and then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. I repeated the Versamark and embossing powder layers for a thicker end result. The carpet was dry embossed and then distress ink was used to bring out the embossed pattern. The images were popped over with foam squares over the background layer. The sentiment was computer generated and the fishtail banner was hand cut.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (images, sentiment banner), The Kraft Outlet (kraft), Georgia Pacific (cardbase, baseboard, interior writing panel)
Patterned Papers: My Mind's Eye (All Boy)
Stamps: Deedee's Digis (Dad's Day Off)
Ink: Distress Ink (Antique Linen), Versamark
Copics: Skin (E00, 11; R20), Hair (E25, 31, 35), Pants (B21, 23, 26), Shirt (Y35, 38; YR07), Socks (N0, 3, 5), Chair (E25, 29, 33, 35, 37; C0, 1), Slippers (B26, 32, 34, 39), Dog (R20; N3, 5; E09, 11, 31, 33, 35, 40, 50
Tools/Embellishments: Cuttlebug embossing folder (Basket weave), Stampin' Up embossing powder (Crystal Clear)

I'm entering this card in the following additional challenges:
Going Grey with Scrap-Creations - Birthday
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Inky Impressions Challenge #274 - Dots & Stripes
Cute Card Thursday Challenge #393 - Masculine
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards #101 - Animals (Deedee's Digis is the sponsor - I'm just linking up for fun!)

I do hope you'll play along with us in this fun 2-week challenge! We'll have lots of winners and when you link up your card, you'll receive one of the 8 free digis! Isn't that cool?!

God is My Salvation

Another week has gone by and it's already time for another Word Art Wednesday challenge. This week we're looking at Isaiah 12:2 which says, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation." It only takes a small look around our society to see many things that could cause us to be fearful. However, when we remember that the Lord is our salvation, we don't need to be afraid. My husband (a pastor) often remarks that we're quick to trust the Lord for our salvation and eternal Home in Heaven and yet we don't trust Him to help us in the day-to-day struggles of life. When he puts it that way, our lack of trust sounds so silly. God is our Source of salvation. It's through Him that we can have eternal life. Therefore, we can trust Him and not be afraid. This will lead to our resting in Him for strength and being able to have a song in our hearts even when life is difficult. In this way, not only does He provide salvation to our souls for eternity but He also provides salvation (protection from harm) in our daily lives.

One of our fantastic sponsors this week is Lawn Fawn. After using Distress Inks for some ink blending on white cardstock, I used their Woodgrain Backdrops stamp with some brown dye ink to make the background panel of today's card. I then turned this background into a shaker card to showcase today's focus verse. An adorable little bird was colored with Copics and fussy cut before being popped up on the background panel. A few sequins finish it off.

This view shows a little peek at the interior decorating. I really like the way this woodgrain background turned out and wanted to carry the theme to the inside.

The shaker was filled with some great metallic sequins with a few white ones thrown into the mix for added interest.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Creativity Inc. (Mink)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Isaiah 12:2), Lawn Fawn (Woodgrain Backdrops clear stamp set), Deedee's Digis (Little Birdie digi set)
Inks: Distress Inks (Tea Dye, Antique Linen, Walnut Stain), Memento Dye Ink (Rich Cocoa)
Copics: E25, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37; YR07; YG03, 05; Y11, 13, 15, 17, 38; B21, 23, 26; N3; 100; Colorless Blender
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders dies (Circles Large), Sequins (The Paper Studio, Darice Iridescent, V's Sweet Ideas Hologram Star, Pretty Pink Posh Marshmallow)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Eureka Stamps Challenge #160 - Anything Goes
Sweet Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes
Crop Stop Linky #8 - Use something found in the Crop Stop store (Memento ink, Distress Inks)
Papertake Weekly - Take Your Pick (I used the Product Theme of Distress Inks - I used 3)
Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes
V's Sweet Ideas Challenge #38 - Favorite Technique (making my own backgrounds with inks and stamps)
Scrapbook Blessings Club - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist of Your Favorite Technique (making my own backgrounds with stamps and inks)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

My husband and I are closing on a house today (our first in over 30 years of marriage - can you say excited?!). So, the next few weeks are going to be filled with packing, moving and getting settled. I'll be taking a few weeks off but my good friend, Tamara Dixon, is going to be filling in for me at Word Art Wednesday. On Splitcoaststampers she is lovesheltercats and you can find her gallery here. Please be sure to stop by and leave her some love.

I also wanted to let you know that Deedee's Digis will be celebrating World Card Making Day this Saturday, Oct. 3rd with a challenge (you'll have 2 weeks to participate). There are free digis to be won so why not play along?  See the blog on Saturday for full details.

Thanks for visiting with me today. I have a few cards I haven't shared with you yet that I'm hoping to post during my Moving Break. Thanks for visiting with me and I hope you'll come back soon.

Peace and Encouragement

It's Wednesday and time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Romans 14:10, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace and things wherewith one may edify another." Have you noticed that some people seem to really enjoy "stirring the pot" or being antagonistic? They seem to derive pleasure from stirring up trouble and tearing others down. According to the Bible this is NOT the kind of person we are supposed to be. We are to seek those things which bring peace and build up (edify) each other. I once read of a man who made it a practice to verbally encourage each person with whom he interacted even if he was only with them for a short time. How long does it take or how much effort does it require to remark to a clerk, "the colors in your shirt are really pretty"? I'm not saying be dishonest. However, it's rare that you can't find something positive to say. Wouldn't you rather people left your presence with a smile in their heart instead of dreading to see you walk into the room? Let's try to encourage those we meet this week and leave them with a smile.

Deedee's Digis is one of our wonderful sponsors this week. I used one of the pre-colored images in the Little Readers set on my card today. I had to use the little blond boy in honor of our grandson. I had the privilege of having him read to me for the first time a couple weeks ago. I added some shadows below the boy and on his book with various gray Copic markers. Two ribbons were layered along the left side and anchored with brads. I used Multi Medium Matte to attach the burlap ribbon. It worked great! Since it goes over the ribbon, the verse is popped up over the card base so that it would stay level. The entire matted patterned paper panel is popped up over the white card base.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific, Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Christy Lyle
Stamps: WORDart by Karen, Deedee's Digis (Little Readers)
Tools/Embellishments: burlap ribbon (The Paper Studio), blue ribbon (Offray), brads (American Crafts), Ranger Multi-Medium Matte, Spellbinders dies (Classic Rectangles Large, Deckled Rectangles Small), Copic Markers (W1, N3, 5)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Craft Your Passion Challenge #280 - Anything Goes
Shopping Our Stash Challenge #220 - Show us your smile (image with a smile or the word "smile")
ABC Challenge - R is for Recipe (I used the middle horizontal row:  ribbon, dies and/or punches, blue)
Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for spending a little time with me today. I hope you'll have time to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi and see the other Design Team projects.

A Shell in Your Pocket

This week's challenge at The Kraft Journal is a Pick Three challenge.  Choose your choice of at least 3 items from the chart.  For my easel card, I started with a Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card. The beach patterned paper was layered on a piece of Lunch Bag Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock.  All the shells are colored with Copics. As a child, growing up in Florida meant we spent a lot of fun days collecting shells on the beach.  Ocean...shells...beach....all bring back memories of those fun times.

A Mini Polka Dot Kraft Merchandise Bag holds a tag, also made from Lunch Bag Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock, for a message or a gift card. The "hello" die cut was by stacking two diecuts cut from Lunch Bag Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock and one diecut of patterned paper. 

I managed to fit five of the items from the list on my card: beach, shell, aqua, sentiment and punch.

Supplies:
Card base: Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card - The Kraft Outlet
Cardstock: Lunch Bag Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock -The Kraft Outlet, White Cardstock  - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Paper House (Beach)
Stamps: Deedee's Digis (Seashells)
Copics: Cluster of 3 shells (BG000, 01, 05, 10, 15; E01, 31, 33, 35; YR21; N1, 3; Y13, 15, 17; W1; C0), Interior Shell (R01, #01, 31, 33, 35; W1; C0)
Tools/Embellishments: Mini Polka Dot Kraft Merchandise Bag (The Kraft Outlet), Spellbinders dies (Deckled Rectangles Large and Small), Lawn Fawn Lawn Cuts (Hello), brad (Making Memories), scrap of ribbon from my stash, Marvy 1" Circle punch, WRMK Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, Staedtler fine tip marker (brown), craft foam (Darice), Ranger Multi Medium Matte, Zig Wink of Stella brush glitter marker (clear)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crafting When We Can Challenge #98 - Summer Fun
Pile It On Challenge #77 - Water/By the Water
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Summer
Top Tip Tuesday - Summer Fun
Eureka Stamps Challenge #149 - At the Beach

Thanks for visiting with me today.  Please come back soon.

Deedee's Digis: Featured Artist in Through the Craft Room Door

We are really excited that Deedee's Digis is the Featured Artist  in the July/August 2015 edition of Through the Craft Room Door Magazine.  The Design Team was asked to provide some samples for this issue.  We had the choice of using an old favorite or making something brand new. I chose to submit a couple of my favorite Deedee's Digis cards. Please visit the Deedee's Digis blog to see all the details on how to get a copy of the magazine - your paid subscription will be accompanied by FREE digis!!

This card uses Fluttering By and was originally posted on my blog September 16, 2014 - With Sympathy. 

My second card I submitted uses Winter Woods and was originally posted on my blog November 29, 2014 - Winter Woods.

You can see complete supply lists and full details on how I made the cards by clicking the links to the original blog posts. 

Fear Not, O Land

It's time for another Word Art Wednesday challenge. This week's focus verse is Joel 2:21, "Fear not, O Land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things." When we look at the background of this week's verse, we find that it was written during a time when the nation of Israel had taken steps to turn back to the Lord. The results was that Joel was able to tell them that instead of living with fear, they could have joy and gladness because the Lord was going to do great things for them. That is the way it always is for followers of the Lord. When we follow His clear teaching in the Bible and obey His leading, we will experience His blessing in our lives. In our world today, people in general are abandoning Biblical principles in favor of what is culturally or politically acceptable. This is the broad path that the Bible says leads to destruction. This makes it even more important for those who call themselves Christians to stand up for what is right and follow what the Bible teaches. God's Word is the final authority for life and practice.

This does not give us an excuse to be unkind or deliberately antagonistic. The Bible says we were to speak the truth in love. We may disagree, but that does not mean God's command to love others does not still apply. Just like a light in the window on a dark night draws the traveler home, we should live so that others are drawn to the Light we are showing, So, Christian, be loving but unwavering when it comes to standing up for truth and righteousness. God will bless you for it.

Deedee's Digis is one of our sponsors this week. I chose to use the image from a brand new set, Morning Window, on my card today.  The sentiment was die cut and matted with oval dies and then backed with a Fancy Tags 3 die.  I like to cut this die cut in half and use it behind oval diecuts for a little special touch. The background panel was embossed with an embossing folder. Lots of pearls, some ribbon, faux stitching and a scalloped border finish off the card front.

I colored the image with Copics. A white gel pen adds some details to the curtains and a clear Wink of Stella pen adds shimmer to the sun. A glaze pen adds some shine to the "coffee" in the cup. The image was trimmed out with my paper trimmer and matted with a Spellbinders' Rectangle die.

The image panel was popped up over the pearl Flourishes. The finished card is 5"x7".

Supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (for image), Recollections (cream), Paper Reflections (blue)
Patterned Paper: American Crafts (Hip Hip Hooray 6x6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Joel 2:21); Deedee's Digis (Morning Window)
Copics: Table/Bible (E000, 00, 01, 07, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 50; N5), Grass (G03, 07, 09, 17), Curtains (R81, 83, 85), Chair (B21, 23, 26), Woodwork/frame (E29, 35, 37), Sun (Y11, 13, 15), Cup (Y000, 11, 13; E31, 25), Sky (B000)
Tools/Embellishments: Sakura Glaze Pen, Uniball Signo white gel pen, Zig Wink of Stella brush marker (clear), Want2Scrap pearls and pearl flourish, My Favorite Things Die-Namics (Mini Scallop Edge), Spellbinders dies (Petite Ovals Large and Small, Classic Rectangle large, Fancy Tags 3), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Honeycomb)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Craft Your Passion Challenge #268 - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Take Your Pick (I'm using the Product theme: pearls and the Color Theme of Pink)
Digi Chooseday Week #26 - Embossing
Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenge - Anything Goes
Mod Squad Challenge - Patterned Paper
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Spots or Dots

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back often.  There is a lot more inspiration on the Word Art Wednesday blog and a free digi there for you as well.

But in the Power of God

Hello!  I hope your week is going well. It's time for another Word Art Wednesday challenge. This week we're focusing on the verse in 1 Corinthians 2:5, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Have you ever had to step out in faith in a way that did not make sense to the wisdom of the day? Twice now my husband and I have turned in our resignations, knowing without a doubt that the Lord wanted us to move, but have not known WHERE we were to go. The first time, he had a job and we had a place to live before we finished working out our notice.  However, the second time required a bit more faith. We packed up our belongings and moved in with his mom (for a little less than a month) while the Lord was working out the details of our next ministries.  We knew the Lord had a plan for us that would work out in His timing, however, that didn't mean it was easy to take those steps of faith. I can honestly say, we were so glad we did. Watching the Lord work out all the details was fantastic!! Seeing His power at work was such an encouragement and helps us through the ups and downs that life inevitably brings. It's when we step out in faith, even when the wisdom of man tells us it doesn't make sense, that we truly see the power of God at work.

For my card this week, I used the current sketch at Sweet Sunday Sketches.  I really liked the simplicity of the design and the curved panel. I don't have a die that will make this curved edge (it's on my wish-list) so I used a piece of scrap paper cut to the size of my panel.  I measured up an equal distance on both sides and, using a pencil, sketched a curved edge.  I cut out my template and then traced it on the back of the patterned paper and cardstock.  After cutting along the traced lines, I held the patterned paper and cardstock together and trimmed them at the same time so that the curve on both pieces would match exactly.  I kept my template for future use.

The image from Deedee's Digis was colored with Copics, die cut, matted and popped up over the background. The flower centers were filled with Liquid Pearls and the flowers and leaves accented with Stickles. More Stickles accents both shades of purple flowers in the patterned paper. I'm not sure how well the Stickles on the background paper shows up but in real life it has such a pretty sparkle.  Stickles is my all time favorite way to use glitter and Star Dust Stickles is my favorite shade!! Some faux stitching and purple rhinestones complete the card front.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (purple)
Patterned Paper: Recollections (Blue Ditsy Floral)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (1 Corinthians 2:5); Deedee's Digis (Blooming Blessings)
Ink:  Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics: Y13, 17; YG03, 05; G07; V01, 04, 06
Tools/Embellishments: Stickles (Star Dust), rhinestones (Studio G), My Favorite Things Die-Namics (Blueprints 1), Spellbinders dies (Standard Circle Small, Eyelet Circle), Liquid Pearls (Buttercup), Staedtler fine tip marker (black)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #270 - Sketch
Crafting When We Can Challenge #95 - Bling it Up
Cuttlebug Mania - Bling
Outlawz Greeings Challenge - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Blessings Club - Anything Goes

Thanks for taking the time to visit with me today.  I hope you'll be able to visit again soon.  Don't forget to pick up your free digi at the Word Art Wednesday blog.

With Effort Comes Success

Deedee's Digis is sponsoring the Fan-Tastic Tuesday challenge this week.  The challenge is to make a square or rectangular project that includes some texture.  For this card, an embossing folder, pearls, brad and floss tassel provide the texture requirement.  The finished card is a standard 4.25" x 5.5" so that satisfies the rectangular part.  I saw this card on Pinterest and had to try my hand at making one.  There was no tutorial so I made it up as I went along.  Classic Diamond Spellbinders dies were used to make the v-shaped collar of the graduation robe.  Copics were used for the skin tone and a pearl "necklace" provides a feminine touch.  The tassel was made with DMC embroidery floss and attached to the hat with a brad.  The entire hat was popped up over the robe.  A sentiment from the Congratulations Graduate set finishes off the front.

Congratulations Graduate - Non-EU Residents ONLY

Congratulations Graduate - EU Residents ONLY

Two more sentiments from the set were used on the card interior.  Both were double matted in the school colors.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (black), Strathmore Water Color paper (collar), Best Occasions (green), Georgia Pacific (white), Papertrey Ink (white for flesh toned area)
Stamps: Deedee's Digis (Congratulations Graduate)
Copics: E00, 01, 02, 11
Tools/Embellishments: DMC floss (white), brad from stash, pearls (Michael's), Spellbinders dies (Classic Squares Large and Small, Classic Diamonds), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Herringbone)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #246 - Anything Goes 
Going Grey with Scrap-Creations - Celebrations 
Inky Chicks Challenge #51 - Pearls 
Cuttlebug Mania - Bling (pearls or gems) 
Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes 
Scrapbook Blessings Club - Anything Goes 
V's Sweet Ideas - Emboss It! 
Crop Stop Linky Party #4 - Use something available in the store (Cuttlebug Herringbone embossing folder)

I hope you'll be able to play along in the challenge.  You just might win a $15 gift code to spend in the Deedee's Digi store if you do.  Thanks for visiting with me today.

Perseverance - Chronic Illness

Deedee's Digis is sponsoring the Path of Positivity (PoP) challenge this month.  PoP is a month long challenge with a different theme word each month.  The theme for this month is Perseverance.  You can see my first post for this challenge here.

Dictionary.com defines "perseverance" as: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Whenever I think of "perseverance," I think of our children. Since childhood, they have both battled chronic health issues. Since all their illnesses are "invisible," they have also battled the disbelief of others.  "But you don't look sick," ranks up there as a least favorite comment.  I've learned so much from both of them and they have been such a great example to me of how to trust the Lord even during the difficult times.  They don't complain and just go on day by day doing what they need to do. Most people don't realize how badly they feel because they don't make a big deal of it.  As our son-in-law once put it, "It's sometimes a limitation but never an excuse." Our daughter's college recently wrote an article about how she continued to persevere in order to graduate and posted the article on their website.  You can read the article here.  My husband and I are so proud of them and thankful for them and the attitude they have.  The Lord has truly blessed us.

I chose to use two sets from Deedee's Digis to make encouragement cards for them.  With the exception of the colors used, the cards are very similar. I used the outline version of the cause ribbon in the Passionately Pink set (a FREE set in the store) and colored it with Copic markers.  The sentiment comes from the Greatest Joy set (available for Non-EU Customers and for EU Customers). I handcut the fishtail ends to the sentiment panels. To represent that their health issues are invisible, I chose to use a clear card base. The card design is based on last week's Tuesday Morning Sketch #300 (I'm too late for the challenge but loved the sketch).

Most of our daughter's challenges fall under the purple ribbon on the awareness chart.  For this reason, her card has a purple theme.  I've used the background swirls on several other projects for her during her college years, so that also is another little detail I wanted to include.

A year ago, our daughter-in-law was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  As I've watched her learn to live with this diagnosis and deal with the other auto-immune issues that come with it, I've also seen her persevere to continue to live life as fully as possible.  Due to some new health issues, our son now has to eat gluten free.  So I'm letting the green Celiac Disease ribbon represent both of them. May is also Celiac Awareness month. If you know someone that requires a gluten-free diet, please remember that even just a little gluten can cause great harm to them.

Supplies for both cards:
Cardstock: Papertray Ink (image and sentiment panels), Georgia Pacific (white interior message panel), Bazzill (purple and green matting cardstock), Paper Temptress (acetate sheet for card base)
Digi Stamps:  Deedee's Digis (Passionately Pink, Greatest Joy)
Clear Stamps:  Autumn Leaves (Swirls)
Rhinestones: Best Occasions
Zig Wink of Stella glitter brush marker (clear)

Supplies for Purple Card:
Hero Arts Shadow Ink: Passion Flower
Copic Markers: V04, 06, 09; 100; N3
Supplies for Green Card:
Hero Arts Shadow Ink: Green Hills
Copic Markers: G03, 07, 09; 100; N3

I'm entering these cards in the following challenges:
Mod Squad Challenge - Mix it Up (Use stamps from at least two different sets - I used 3)
Scrapbook Blessings Club - Anything Goes

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

Perseverance - Graduation

This month, Deedee's Digis is sponsoring the challenge at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog.  The theme this month is Perseverance.  Regular visitors to my blog know that I've really come to enjoy the Path of Positivity challenge and have even had the privilege of being a Guest Designer for them.  So I'm extra happy today to get to combine two things I really enjoy....Deedee's Digis and the Path of Positivity!

It's the time of year for graduations.  When I think of perseverance, graduating from school comes to mind. We personally know several graduates from all levels and types of schools this year...high school, home school, Christian school, college and even grad school. Each one has had to work hard to accomplish their work load and complete the course to earn their degree.  That takes perseverance. This shaker card will be going to one of those graduates.  I used a sentiment and one of the pre-colored images from the Congratulations Graduate set. 

For Non-EU Customers ONLY

For EU Customers ONLY

After matting the patterned paper, a circle die was used to make the shaker portion.  Star sequins are inside the shaker and provide accents on the card front. Two nesting circle dies were used to make a frame for the shaker window.  Several of these frames were stacked on top of each other for some added dimension.  A label die that reminds me of a book was used to mat the sentiment.  The mat for the sentiment panel was made by tracing the outside of the die on the cardstock and then hand cutting it.

Here is another view with the shaker pieces mid-shake.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Creativity Inc. (gray), Papertrey Ink (image and sentiment panels), Georgia Pacific (card base and interior panel), The Paper Temptress (acetate)
Patterned Paper:  Recollections
Stamps: Deedee's Digis (Congratulations Graduate)
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders dies (Standard Circles Large, Labels 7), V's Sweet Ideas sequins (Holographic Stars 5mm), Stickles (Star Dust), Darice fun foam, Multi-Medium Matte

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Craft Your Passion Challenge #260 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday Challenge #371 - Use a Sentiment
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #244 - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today.  I hope you'll have time this month to play along in the Perseverance themed challenge at the Path of Positivity blog.  You will have a chance to win a $25 gift code to the Deedee's Digis store if you do!!

Right on Track

Deedee's Digis is celebrating the  21st Annual National Scrapbooking Day with a special challenge.  On the Deedee's Digis blog you'll find sample projects (layouts and cards so that no crafter gets left out) from several of the DT.  Your challenge, if you chose to accept it, is the case/scraplift one of the projects and make your own project using any Deedee's Digi.  Link up your project and you'll have an opportunity to win a $21 gift  code to the shop AND a spot as Guest Designer in an upcoming month on our blog.  Be sure to make a new project for this challenge (no back-linking please).  You have until Saturday, May 9th to enter your project. There's also a 21% discount code to the store available to use thru May 9th. Visit the blog for all the details on the challenge, the samples from the rest of the DT and the discount code.

Right On Track - For EU Customers ONLY

Right on Track - For Non-EU Customers ONLY

For my card, I chose to make a non-traditional size.  The finished Size is  3.5" x 6.25" and it fits in regular 3-5/8" x 6-1/2" letter envelope. I used the Right on Track set and chose some of the pre-colored images and sentiments. I had some scraps of this train paper left from earlier projects and thought it coordinated perfectly with the Right on Track images.

I'm working on keeping my cards flatter so that they are easier to mail.  I did pop up a small heart die cut that anchors the sentiment on the front of the card.

The train theme was carried into the interior.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill (blue), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper:  My Mind's Eye (Out of the Blue "Boy" Train Paper)
Digi Stamp Set:  Deedee's Digis (On the Right Track)
Tools/Embellishments:  Lawn Fawn Lawn Cuts (Hearts), Wink of Stella glitter brush pen (silver)

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Clear It Out Challenge - Theme:  Kids, Stash: Primary colored things (papers, embellishments)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge #225 - Anything But Square
Cute Card Thursday Challenge #371 - Use a Sentiment
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #244 - Anything Goes
Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes

I hope you'll visit the Deedee's Digis blog, find a DT sample that inspires, a Deedee's Digi you like and play along with us!