Word Art Wednesday Blog Hop

 Hello, Friends!! Can you believe that Christmas is next week?? Today we start our last Word Art Wednesday Challenge for 2020. This challenge will run three weeks. In conjunction with the challenge, we are having a blog hop that will have prizes on each blog. More about that at the end of my post.

Our focus verse this week is, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name, Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23. Can you imagine being a young woman (possibly still a teenager), far away from home, and giving birth in a stable with only your husband to help you? Yet we find no complaint from Mary. Her focus was on the Christ Child and doing what God had called her to do. What a challenge that is to me! As we are all busy with Christmas preparations, let's not forget Who we are celebrating. I would challenge you to take some time over the next week and read the accounts of Christ's birth found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2. 

 

I chose to make an easel card this week. I love the papers in the Silent Night collection by Echo Park. I used one of the border papers and layered it over a starry sky paper. A strip of gold vellum adds a border between the two. I used the Fishtail Sentiment Banners dies provided by our sponsor, Stamp Simply, to add some interest to the card from. A stamped sentiment and some Nuvo crystal drops on the stars finish off the card front. 

This week's focus verse can be found on the interior of the card, matted and layered on top of another fishtail banner. This is popped up on the interior to provide a stopper for the easel portion. 

Supplies:

Cardstock: The Paper Studio (#110 heavyweight card base, gold vellum), Pen & Gear (white for sentiments), Recollections (Rose Gold foil), Bazzill (dark blue and gold)

Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Silent Night 6 x 6 pad) - this is available from our sponsor, Stamp Simply

Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Matthew 1:23 digi), Jillian Vance Designs (O Holy Night clear stamp set)

Ink: VersaFine (Onyx Black)

Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply dies (Fishtail Sentiment Banners), Spellbinders dies (Classic Circles Large & Small, Labels 4, Labels 4 Small), Nuvo Crystal Drops (White Blizzard)

Word Art Wednesday will be offering the usual prize for a random participant in our challenge. Stamp Simply has provided this generous prize. In addition, at each stop on the hop, we will have a prize package from Emma's Paper that will be given away (US winners only). All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on each blog. This is the prize from Emma's Paper that will be given away here on my blog:

 

As an extra bonus, I will also be giving away an envelope of various new craft supplies to one person who leaves a comment below (I can only ship to the US).

I hope you will make the time to visit each stop on the hop to be inspired and have an opportunity to win some nice prize packages. Then link up one of your projects in order to have a chance to win a prize from our generous sponsor.

Here's the blog hop list:

Word Art Wednesday

Karen Conner

Holly Lau

JoAnn Atterbury

Ginny Maxam

Natalie Houston

Stephanie Wright - that's me! :)

Karen Letchworth

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. May we concentrate on the greatest Gift of all, and the reason we have to celebrate: Christ, our wonderful Savior. He was born so that He could provide us with the gift of salvation.

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.

Consider What He's Done for You

Happy Wednesday!! It's time for the last Word Art Wednesday challenge for 2019! That is so hard to believe! As our thoughts turn to reflecting over the past year, this week's challenge verse encourages us to consider the wonderful things that the Lord has done for us. Because of all that He has done for us we should serve Him with all of our heart. During the busy-ness of the Christmas season, let's not forget to take some time to reflect on God's goodness and all the blessings He has given to us.

For this card, I used one of the Tri-Shutter card bases from Divinity Designs. I could not find this on their website so it may be a retired item. I matted and layered the two coordinating pattern papers on glitter cardstock for each panel.

The interior has a panel for a personal message that is decorated with small punched snowflakes that are accented by gems.

I really like Tri-shutter cards because of their "Wow!" factor. They stand up for display very well and there are plenty of panels to decorate if you like interior decorating.

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
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Snowflake dies, Nuvo glitter drops (White Bizzard), The Paper Studio (gems), Martha Stewart small snowflake punch

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #447: Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge: Use patterned paper
Mod Squad Challenge: Christmas / Winter

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you will visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to see what the rest of the Design Team have made. I also hope you'll visit our generous sponsors. We so appreciate their prizes to our participants. Merry Christmas!!

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.

Walk Worthy

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week our focus verses are Colossians 1:10, 11, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." There is a lot we could say about these verses, but let's just concentrate on the first phrase, "that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing." In order to please the Lord, we have to be walking in His will. If we want Him to direct our steps, we have to be moving along the path that He's already shown us. One commentator put it this way, "True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it." (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown).  We should have a desire to please the Lord. No matter what situation comes our way, our desire, first and foremost, should be to please the Lord. We have no control over what others say or do, but we do have control over our response to their words and actions. Let's stay close to the Lord and allow Him to help us please Him.

Our sponsor this week is Lawn Fawn. They have some of the cutest critter stamps and also have dies, papers, inks and more. For my card today, I chose to use two of their stamp sets that I have in my collection. For the card design I was inspired by Jennifer McGuire's video on Interlocking Gatefold Cards. For the folding panels of my card I stamped the Woodgrain Backdrop stamp several times across the front with Walnut Stain distress ink and then embossed it with clear embossing powder.

 I used square dies to make the frame and sentiment panel. After gluing the frame to the left side of the card and the matted sentiment panel to the right, it was time for embellishment. The critters were stamped with Memento ink and colored with Copics and then fussy cut. Some black Nuvo drops were added to their eyes. More Nuvo drops were added on opposite corners. This was a fun card design and I'll definitely be trying it again. This is my 2nd card this week with no patterned paper. That's very unusual for me!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Park Lane (Neutrals), Recollections (kraft)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen, Lawn Fawn clear stamps (Yay, Kites!, Woodgrain Backdrops)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black), Distress Ink (Walnut Stain)
Copics: E31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 41, 43; R20; W1, 3; BG11, 13; Y15, 19
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Classic Squares dies (Large and Small), Nuvo Crystal Drops (Metallic Caramel Cream, Black)

I'm entering this card in the following challenge:
Cuttlebug Mania - Tic Tac Toe (I chose the left column: Sentiment, More than 2 layers, Embossing dry or wet)

I hope you will take the time to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi and see the projects from the rest of the Design Team. Also, please be sure to visit our sponsor, Lawn Fawn. They have so many wonderful products. Thank you for visiting with me today. Please come back soon.

Captain America Father's Day Card

My husband is my biggest card making supporter. I really like to make him unique cards for holidays, special occasions and just because cards. Last week I saw the Jessica Lynn Original's Captain America Shield video tutorial. I also saw Jennifer McGuire's Triangle Gatefold Card tutorial. Since my husband really likes Captain America, I decided to combine them. I made the Captain America shield as the belly band element on the Triangle Gatefold Card. I made the star on the shield a die cut inlay.

I used a star embossing folder on the inner flap and then used an old Gina K Designs stamp set for the Father's Day sentiment and for the small stars stamped on the belly band and the interior.

I did minimal interior decorating. I just stamped a few more stars and left myself lots of room to write a message. My husband is a fantastic dad to our children and Papaw to our grands. I like to let him know I notice and greatly appreciate his dedication to our family. He really liked the card and has showed it to several people at church. I think this one was a hit.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white for card base), Darice (red), Bazzill (blue), Georgia Pacific (white)
Stamps: Gina K Designs cling stamp set (Masculine Tags - retired)
Ink: Ranger Archival (Cobalt)
Dies: Divinity Designs (Sparkling Stars and Double Stitched Circles), Stamp Simply (Fishtail Sentiment Banners)
Embossing Folder: We R Memory Keepers

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Cuttlebug Mania - Tic Tac Toe (I chose the far right column: sentiment, more than two layers, and embossing)
Outlawz Festive Friday Challenge - One of five themes including Father's Day

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

Masculine Fancy Fold

Hello! I hope your week is going well. It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on 2 Corinthians 6:18, "And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughter, saith the Lord Almighty." We might wonder about that word "and." If we look at the verses preceding this one, we'll see that the Lord is telling the Christians that they need to be different from the unbelievers in the culture surrounding them. He contrasts the life of righteousness with that of ungodliness and finally in verse 17 tells them to "come out from among them and be ye separate..." Then in verse 18 He's encouraging them that if they do so, He will take the father's place in their lives and they will be His sons and daughters. As Christians our lives should be different from those around us. We should not blend in with the culture. I'm not talking about being different just to be different, but the way we act, dress and talk as well as the places we go and the activities in which we participate should all let others know we belong to the Lord. May the Lord help us to be the people we already say we are.

When I saw the fancy fold card in this video by Linda Bauwin, I know I wanted to give it a try. I made up my own measurements to fit my verse. I used some wonderful masculine papers by Pink & Main and some of my new Nuvo drops.

The verse panel and plaid strip lift up to reveal a spot for writing your message. If you have more to say, you can continue your message on the back of the card. The only down side to this card is that it doesn't display easily. It will stand up on the plaid "leg" but it tilts forward to do so.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white for card base, layering weight kraft), Bazzill (Boardwalk), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Pink & Main (Pumpkin Spice 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen
Other:  Nuvo Crystal Drops (Metallic Caramel Cream)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - must use patterned paper
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes - Optional Twist-Masculine
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Masculine

Thanks for stopping by to visit with me. Be sure to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi and to see the rest of the Design Team Projects. Have a good day!!

Consider in Thine Heart

Hello Friends! Thanks for joining me today. It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we are looking at Deuteronomy 4:39, "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else." As we've started a new year, there is a lot of talk about choosing a "word of the year." I read this blog post, Choosing a Theme for the New Year and it really struck a chord with me. I have chosen Consider Your Ways (Haggai 1:5) as my theme for the year. I want to consider my words, thoughts and actions and make sure they are pleasing to the Lord. Are they a good testimony or will I bring shame to His name? In today's verse, we're told to consider it in our hearts that the Lord is God and there is none else. In our world today, we're told it doesn't matter who or what you believe in or even if you believe at all. We're told that all gods are the same, they just go by different names. This is just one of the verses in the Bible that tells us that line of thinking is NOT true. There is one true God and it is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In these days of uncertainty, let's hold fast to the truth of God's word and consider our ways.

For my card today I used one of my favorite fancy fold card designs, the Double Z-Fold Card. You can see my other Double Z-fold cards here and here. For the card I used one piece of cardstock measuring 4.25" x 11" and another measuring 2.5" x 11". Each piece was scored along the 11" side at 2.75" and 5.5". A Scor-Pal makes the measuring and scoring so easy. A bone folder helps get crisp folds on each piece.

For the front panel, I used a couple die cuts to showcase this week's focus verse. I used the largest die in the Large Pierced Flower Set by Gina Marie Designs as the base of the stacked die cuts. I love this paper from a new 6 x 6 pad I received for Christmas. It's mainly a dog/cat paper pad but it had this beautiful floral pattered paper and a coordinating striped design. It's the first time I used this pad and I can't wait to go back and use some of the other cat/dog papers.

On the interior left panel, I used another of the dies from the set by Gina Marie Designs to mat the sentiment strip. On the right panel a heart punched from the patterned paper embellishes the sentiment panel.

Ribbon and Nuvo glitter drops provide the final embellishments.

Supplies:
Cardstock: The Paper Studio Heavyweight (cream for card base), Recollections (red and cream), Bazzill (brown)
Patterned Paper: Authentique 6 x 6 pad (Companions)
Stamps: WORDart Wednesday (Deuteronomy 4:39), Hero Arts Stamp & Cut set (Prayers)
Ink: VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Dies: Gina Marie Designs (Large Pierced Flower Set), Divinity Designs (Double Stitched Rectangle), Stamp Simply (Fishtail Sentiment Banners), Spellbinders (Standard Circle Die Small)
Tools/Embellishments: The Paper Studio (heart punch), Nuvo Glitter Drops (white blizzard), ribbon from stash, Tombow mono multi glue, Cuttlebug die cutting machine

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crop Stop Linky Party #47 - use items/brands from the Crop Stop online store (I used Tombow, Authentique, Cuttlebug, Tsuineko, Scotch, Fiskars and Spellbinders)
Make My Monday #87 - Use Words or a Sentiment
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - New (I used a new 6 x 6 paper pad)

Thanks for visiting with me today. I'll hope you'll come back again soon. Be sure to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi and to see the other Design Team projects

Most Viewed Posts in 2018

I enjoy looking back to see which blog posts received the most views for the past year. This year I have to do a top eleven because the #9 spot had a 3-way tie. Thank you to all of you who have visited my blog this past year and an extra thank you to those who have left a comment of encouragement. You are a blessing to me. I hope you'll visit often in 2019. Happy New Year!!

Click each card title link to be taken to the blog post for card details & supply list.


# 9-11 Post for 2018 (3-way tie)

Love You So Much

Mighty Waves of the Sea

God Gives Wisdom

#8 Post for 2018

Following the Shepherd 

#7 Post for 2018

Sunflower Season 

#6 Post for 2018

Be Ye Strong 

#5 Post for 2018

Thanks a Latte! 

#4 Post for 2018

Because of His Lovingkindness 

#3 Post for 2018

Our Guide 

#2 Post for 2018

Paper Sweeties 6th Birthday Challenge 

#1 Post for 2018

Ye Shall Not Fear Them

  

Take Care of Others

Hello! I hope your week is going well. It's time for a new challenge over at the Word Art Wednesday blog. Our verse this week is Philippians 2:4, "Look not every man on his own tings, but every man also on the things of other." I hear a lot in social media about "self care" and "self love." The thought being that we need to look out for ourselves and take care of ourselves. While it is true that we need regular times for rest and relaxation, and we are to care for our bodies because they are the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 6:19). However, I think we have to be careful that we don't become selfish. It's very easy to slide into a mentality that puts oneself first. Today's verse tells us that we're to look out for others. This verse isn't giving us a license to be busybodies but instead is encouraging us to look for ways to help others. Find ways to lighten the load or brighten the day of someone else. It doesn't have to be something big. Maybe a few flowers from your yard that you know they like. Maybe send a card, email, or text just to let them know you're thinking of them. Maybe help with a chore or just provide a listening ear.

When I saw this Cat Silhouette stamp on the Bugaboo site, I just had to purchase it, especially since it was on sale! It goes well with my watermark, don't you think? I used two Copic markers to add some color and interest to the kitties. I flipped the image for the cat on the interior because I thought it looked better facing a different direction. I love that with digis you can not only re-size them but also flip them as needed.

Pink & Main is one of our sponsors this week. Some of their Pumpkin Spice patterned paper was layered over cardstock and adhered to a Half Shutter card base. I really like the graphic patterns and beautiful colors in this paper pad. It is the first time I've ever used Pink & Main's paper and I really like the weight and texture of it. It's very easy to work with. The colors in this paper pad are traditional fall colors and yet they are able to be used year round. And with the name of Pumpkin Spice you just can't go wrong. LOL I saw Kristie Marcotte's recent Pink & Main haul video where she talked about the Glossy Dots. When I visited their booth last weekend at a stamp show, I couldn't resist picking up some for myself (along with this paper pad and another one - considering all the fantastic items in her booth I think I showed great restraint. 😊). I used the Glossy Dots to accent both cat panels. The plain white panel was added to allow a space to write a message. Some twine adds interest to the front of the card.

I'm not sure it shows up well in the pictures, but stickles were added to some of the circles in the white background papers. It adds some nice sparkle that goes well with the Glossy Dots. You will be seeing a lot more of Pink & Main papers in the near future and I'm pretty sure this cat will be making multiple appearances as well.

Supplies:
Card Base: Our Daily Bread Designs (Half Shutter Card Base)
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (Tangelo)
Patterned Paper: Pink & Main (Pumpkin Spice 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Philippians 2:4), Bugaboo Stamps (Cat Silhouette), Dare 2B Artzy (Prayers 4 You)
Ink: VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Copics: B02, YR04
Tools/Embellishments: Pink & Main Glossy Dots (Silver), Our Daily Bread Designs dies (Double Stitched Rectangles), Jillibean Soup Bean Stalks (Blue/Green Twine), Stickles (Diamond)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crop Stop Link Party #42 - Use brands/items found in the Crop Stop Store (I used Fiskars, Scotch, Ranger, Tsukineko, Jillibean Soup, Bazzill, Cuttlebug)
Whoopsi Daisy Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations Challenge #372 - Anything Goes
Always Fun Challenges #71 - Going in Circles
Cute & Crafty Challenge #7 - Use an Animal

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you'll be back soon. Please be sure to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog for your free digi and to see the rest of the projects from our Design Team. Also, please be sure to visit our sponsors. Link up your projects at the Word Art Wednesday blog to have an opportunity to win a prize.

Birthday Butterflies

I am so honored to be Guest Designing for the Crop Stop Blog today. I found a simple Step Card tutorial by Loll Thompson on Pinterest and used that for my card base. I decided to make this a birthday card for a friend who likes purple and also likes butterflies. I really enjoy this step card design because it still allows room to write a message on the interior.

After following the tutorial to make my card base, I cut solid cardstock slightly smaller to mat patterned paper. I inked the edges of the patterned paper with Distress Ink for extra dimension. The green patterned paper strip across the bottom front of the card was embossed with an embossing folder. After inking the edges of this strip, the embossing was also highlighted with ink to really help it pop.

The sentiment on the right side was stamped with Versafine black ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. A Spellbinders circle die was used to die cut the sentiment which was then matted on a Spellbinder Picot Edge Circle die cut. After adhering these to the panel, the circles were embellished with clear bling. The sentiment on the left was stamped directly on the patterned paper and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. The small butterflies were punched from dark purple cardstock with a Fiskars punch. The centers of the butterflies were accented with Stickles. The large butterfly was die cut with a Momenta die from cardstock and then from vellum. The vellum layer was also embossed with the coordinating embossing plates. The vellum layer was adhered to the cardstock layer only in the middle. After adhering the large butterfly to the card, it was accented with clear bling.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill (dark purple for butterflies), Taylored Expressions Vellum, Unknown {Pealized (cardbase), Lavender}
Patterned Paper: Recollections
Stamps: My Sentiments Exactly clear stamp set (Inspirational Birthday Innies & Outies)
Ink: Tsukineko Versafine (Onyx Black), Ranger Distress Ink (Dusty Concord)
Tools/embellishments: Scor-Pal scoring board, Scotch ATG gun, Fiskars (Trimmer and Butterfly punch), Momenta Butterfly Die, Spellbinders dies (Standard Circle Small, Picot Edge Circles), Bling (The Paper Studio, Gina Marie Designs), Simon Says Stamp embossing powder (Clear), Stickles (Star Dust)

Thanks for visiting, I hope you'll come back again soon. Thanks to the wonderful folks at Crop Stop for letting me Guest Design for them today.

Happy Mother's Day!

It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we are focusing on Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." As those of us in the US anticipate celebrating Mother's Day this coming Sunday, I find this verse very appropriate. I think fatigue and wondering if anything we're doing is really making a difference are pretty universal. So much of mothering is repeating the same actions over and over such as being consistent in training, taking time to listen, and reinforcing hygiene routines ("yes, Sweetheart, you do need a bath," "Have you brushed your teeth today?", and my personal favorite, "take a shower and be sure to use soap." LOL). It takes a lot of energy to teach and practice Biblical principles. However, this verse is an encouragement that if we remain faithful, we will reap a reward. Just like all sowing and reaping, it takes time for what is planted to grow and reach maturity. So it is with our children. We sow good habits, Biblical principles and godly character traits in them and after a long growing season, then comes the harvest. I'm at the "empty nest" stage of life and can see this in our children. We certainly weren't perfect parents, no one is, and we made LOTS of mistakes. No, they are not perfect adults. However, by the Lord's grace to us, I do see the benefits of our years of training because they are responsible adults that seek to please the Lord. For those of you that still have littles at home, be encouraged. This stage won't last forever, and they really are absorbing more of what you are trying to teach than you think they are.

I've been seeing the "Impossible Card" floating around YouTube lately. With my love of fancy folds, I had to give it a try. What makes it impossible? The card base, including the stand up display area, is made from a single piece of 4.25" x 5.5" cardstock. It's actually very easy to make. I have two versions for you. Both use the tutorial I found on Dawn's Stamping Thoughts YouTube channel. Both started out with a base made from pearlized cardstock that was given to me several years ago.

This first card has this week's WORDart on the display panel and a sentiment from the Mother's Day Sentiments Digital Stamp Set from one of our sponsors, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Some heart die cuts and bling embellish the card front.

My 2nd card uses two digis from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. I used the same "Happy Mother's Day" sentiment on the crossbar and use the Proverbs 31:30 Digital Stamp on the display panel. I used the same heart die cuts and bling.

These cards are so simple to make and give you a lot of bang for your buck. They are also a great way to use up some of those scraps you have piling up (or is that just me?).

Supplies:
Cardstock - base unknown brand, Georgia Pacific (white cardstock), Bazzill teal cardstock, Unknown brand pink cardstock
Patterned Paper - Card #1 - Recollections, Card #2 - The Paper Studio
Digi Stamps - WORDart by Karen, Sweet 'n Sassy Digital Stamps (Mother's Day Sentiments, Proverbs 31:30)
Tools and Embellishments - Gina Marie Designs (bling), Lawn Fawn dies (Heart), Spellbinders dies (Classic Squares Large and Small)

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back soon. The Word Art Wednesday blog has lots more inspiration from the rest of the Design Team and a free digi.

Be Ye Strong

Happy Wednesday!! It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on a verse in the Old Testament, 2 Chronicles 15:7, "Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hand be weak: for your work shall be rewarded." A little history lesson for this one (you can read it for yourself in 2 Chronicles 14 & 15). Israel's king at this time was Asa. He was a good king that sought the Lord and wanted to please Him. He put away the idols and altars made to false gods. When he was in battle, he prayed to the Lord and asked (and received) His help. A prophet, Azariah, came to Asa and told him that if he would continue to seek the Lord, the Lord would continue to help him. Azariah told King Asa that for a long time the people of Israel had neglected to serve the Lord and that because of this they had suffered adversity. But that when they sought the Lord, they found Him there to help them. He encouraged Asa in verse 7 to be strong and continue to do what was right and that the Lord would reward him. Asa took courage from Azariah's encouragement and continued to remove the altars, idols and other places where false gods were worshiped. He was such a good example to his people that they also worshiped the Lord. As a result, the Lord gave him a long period of rest from battle and blessed him.

So what does this have to do with us? It's a reminder to us that encouraging others is vitally important. If you see someone trying to serve the Lord, encourage them to keep on serving. Your pastor, Sunday School or Bible Study teacher, choir director or other church leader carries burdens you don't see. Encourage them to remain faithful and that the Lord notices what others do not. Encourage fellow Christians to hold the line and remain true to the Lord. As card makers, we have a perfect opportunity to turn our hobby into a ministry of blessing others. How about a note to a shut-in, a mom who has missed church due to sick children, or a missionary that your church supports? Let them know that they are not forgotten. Let's try to be like Azariah and encourage our Christian leaders and fellow Christians. Let's also try to be like King Asa and remain faithful in serving the Lord and be a good example to our fellow Christians. Who will you encourage this week?

For this week's card, I used the pleated drapery or curtain technique. This works best with double sided papers. The background cardstock was embossed with an embossing folder for added interest and texture. Burlap ribbon covers where the drape and patterned paper meet. Some layered flowers add some decoration and a little sparkle.

Supplies:
Cardstock: The Paper Studio Heavy Weight (cream for cardbase), Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment), Bazzill (Quicksand)
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Dilly Dally 6 x 6 Pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen
Tools/Embellishments: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Honeysuckle Vines), Bazzill Paper Flowers (slate blue), The Paper Studio White Beaded Micro Flowers, Our Daily Bread Designs dies (Double Stitched Rectangle), Distress Ink (Vintage Photo), Big Lots Craft Ribbon

I'm entering this card in the following challenge:
Crop Stop April Challenge #38 - Use item/brand found in the Crop Stop online store (I used Bazzill, Ranger, Fiskars, Scotch, and Cuttlebug)

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the projects that the rest of the Design Team have made, pick up your free digi and check out our wonderful sponsors.

Ye Shall Find Rest

It is time for another Word Art Wednesday Challenge. This week we're focusing on Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." The Lord wants us to get to know Him. That fact alone amazes me. He wants me to spend time with Him so that I can get to know Him better. And what does He promise that I'll find if I do take the time to get to really know Him? I'll find rest for my soul. We are in an incredibly busy season of life and physical rest is in short supply. While I realize this verse is talking about spiritual rest, I am open to any and all rest I can get! As we place our trust in the Lord and experience spiritual rest, this will lead to emotional rest. We can be less anxious about the things around us and our circumstances. This emotional rest then frequently leads to being able to get better physical rest. What a blessing!!

I wanted a card that would look special and yet be easy to make. For me that means a fancy fold card. I remembered this card I made last August when I was a guest designer for Our Daily Bread Designs. I loved that fold and decided to bring it back for today's card. For the card I used one piece of cardstock measuring 4.25" x 11" and another measuring 2.5" x 11". Each piece was scored along the 11" side at 2.75" and 5.5". A Scor-Pal makes the measuring and scoring so easy. A bone folder helps get crisp folds on each piece.

Bugaboo stamps was kind enough to provide this 4 Block Tulip Digi Stamp for me to use for today's card. Thanks Bugaboo!! I colored it with Copic markers and accented it with a white gel pen and some star dust stickles. After cutting it out, I double matted it before popping it up on the card with foam tape. I used 3 Standard Square (Large and Small) Spellbinders dies to die cut the verse panel and mats.

The teal cardstock behind the image and verse panels and on one of the interior panels was dry embossing used a Cuttlebug embossing folder and my Grand Calibur machine. A white panel provides a place to write a short message to the recipient. Star Dust Stickles on the patterned paper design finish off the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (teal), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Recollections (Teal Paisley)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen, Bugaboo Digi Stamps (4 Block Tulip Square)
Copics: V20, 22, 25; G16, 14; R22, 24, 27, YG23, 25; B01
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Dies (Classic Squares Large and Small), Stickles (Star Dust), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Anna Griffin-Honeysuckle Vines), Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Mod Squad Challenge - Ready for Spring
Scor-Pal More than One Fold Challenge - All Things Bright & Beautiful
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use patterned paper
Dare 2B Artzy - Favorite Colors (I love teal in all of it's shades and I love green - this card uses lots of both)

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

Mighty Waves of the Sea

Hello! I hope your week is going well. Mine has been a busy but good week. It's time for another Word Art Wednesday Challenge. This week we're focusing on Psalm 93:4, "The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." When you stand on the ocean shore and gaze out over the waves, you can't help but be amazed at the power and majesty of the ocean. Sometimes, the waves roll gently to shore and at other times they crash and roar. The Lord, the Creator of all, is mightier than the powerful waves of the ocean and in fact, controls their movements.  Sometimes in our lives, it seems like the waves of trials roar and crash against our souls and we wonder, "Does God know? Does He care?" He is mightier than those types of waves too. He does care and He is right there beside you to guide you safely to the shore. At least 15 times in the book of Psalms, God is spoken of as our refuge. My two favorites are: Psalm 57:1, "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." and Psalm 91:2, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." If the trials in your life seem to be threatening to toss you in the billowing waves, turn to the Lord and allow Him to be your refuge.

When I read this week's verse, I knew the papers from the By the Shore collection by Our Daily Bread Designs would be perfect for it. I chose to make a center step card and used two of the papers from the collection on the front.

The sentiment panel was matted and popped up at an angle over a ribbon loop accented with a button and baker's twine. I die cut some birds from a scrap of patterned paper. After adhering them to the card front and sentiment panel, they were coated first with Wink of Stella and then with Nuvo Jewel Drops. I really like the epoxy look they have. A trio of sequins finishes off the card front.

For the interior decorating, a sentiment was stamped on another one of the patterned papers in the collection. This panel was matted and then adhered to the card interior.

The finished card is approx 5.5" square and will stand up for display.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Black Iris), Recollections (kraft), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Our Daily Bread Designs (By the Shore 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 93:4), Morningstar Stamps (H63 Praying You Will Find wood block stamp)
Ink: VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Gina Marie Designs dies (Stitched Sky Die Set, Little Birds Die Set ), Nuvo Jewel Drops (clear), Wink of Stella Brush glitter pen (clear), Glossy Accents, Big Lots Craft Ribbon, The Paper Studio sequins, Walmart Button, Studio G baker's twine

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge Blog - Y is Your Choice
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Must Use Patterned Paper

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll have time to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog, pick up your free digi and see the projects the rest of the Design Team have made.