Magnify Him with Thanksgiving

 Hello! I hope you are all having a good week. I'm sorry I missed posting for the last Word Art Wednesday challenge. We had an emergency at work and then it's been crazy ever since. Whew! I'll post the card I made for the last challenge at the end of this post. For this week's challenge our focus verse is Psalm 69:30, "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." This is the time of year that our thoughts turn to thanksgiving. After the year we've all had in 2020, it's even more important to focus on our blessings. The Lord has been so good to all of us. I am so thankful that He is still on the throne in control. God is good!!

For my card this week, I wanted the verse to be the focus.I chose this MFT sketch 353 to be the inspiration for my card. I stayed fairly close to the sketch and used one of my favorite rose gold foil cardstocks for some added pizzazz.

Supplies:

Sketch: MFTWSC353

Cardstock: Recollections (rose gold foil, #110 white for card base), Darice (red, brown), Pen & Gear (white cardstock)

Patterned Paper: Pink & Main (Take Flight 6 x 6)

Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 69:30)

Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders dies (Standard Circle Large, Petite Scalloped Circle Large), Big Lots ribbon, The Paper Studio gems

My card for the last challenge:

Supplies:

Divinity Designs Center Step Cards card base

Cardstock: Recollections (rose gold foil), Darice (brown), Pen & Gear (white)

Patterned Paper - unknown manufacturer

Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Exodus 15:13)

Tools/Embellishment: Spellbinders Classic Squares (Large & Small), Big Lots Ribbon, Eyelet Outlet jewels (gray), The Paper Studio sequins

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog so that you can be inspired by the rest of the Design Team.

God's Creative Bouquet

Hello! I hope you're having a good week. It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week our challenge verse is, Hebrews 1:10, "And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands." The Lord we love and serve is the one that made the foundations of the earth and created the heavens. He is the one that "upholds all things by the word of his power." (Hebrews 1:3) I know this week's verse was picked a while ago but what a great reminder for the times in which we live. The same Lord that made the foundations of the earth, created the heavens and upholds all things by the word of His power is taking care of us today. None of this takes Him by surprise and our King is still on the throne. When we take our eyes off the Lord and look around us, it's a pretty scary sight. However, I read a reminder recently that our King has never lost a battle. That has really stuck with me. Let's keep our eyes on the Lord and let Him handle all of this for us. He didn't promise it would be easy but He did promise to take care of us and love us no matter what. That's good enough for me.

Stamp Simply is our sponsor this week. I was able to play with some of their products and use them on my card this week. First I stamped the image from the Floral Cluster-Summer Roses with Memento ink on white cardstock. I colored the image with Copics and added white gel pen details. The Floral Cluster and Sprigs die set was used to cut out the image. (Side note: This die will also work with 3 other stamps sets made by Stamp Simply) Since I knew the image would hang off the edge of the card, I cut an additional Floral Cluster die cut out of light blue cardstock to back my colored image and give it a more finished look. I used a floral cardstock instead of patterned paper and embellished the flowers with Wink of Stella and a white gel pen. Stamp Simply's Fishtail Sentiment Banners were used to die cut the verse and the mat was fussy cut from light blue cardstock. The edges of the mat were highlighted with Wink of Stella and the rest of the card was given some white gel pen detailing.

Thanks to Stamp Simply for providing the stamp sets and dies for me to use in this project. I genuinely enjoy using their products. The stamps give a crisp image right out of the package, the Floral Clusters suite of products is pure genius and the Fishtail Sentiment Banners are so versatile. They are one of the die sets that I use the most on my card projects.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white for card base), Darice (Dark Blue Flower), Light Blue cardstock brand unknown (I think Bazzill but I'm not sure), Pen & Gear (white for sentiment and image panels)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Hebrews 1:10), Stamp Simply (Floral Cluster - Summer Roses clear stamp set)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics: BV02, 04, 08; Y38; YG21, 23, 25, 99
Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply Dies (Floral Cluster and Sprigs Dies, Fishtail Sentiment Banners), Spellbinders dies (Classic Circles Large, Grand Circles), Park Lane bling, Gelly Roll White gel pen, Wink of Stella glitter brush marker (clear)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Createful Heart Design #19 - Anything Goes
CCC Digi Creations #113 - Use a Flower/Flowers
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes with Dies
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Flower Power

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope you'll come back again soon. Please be sure to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog for more inspiration from the rest of the design team. Our sponsor, Stamp Simply is currently having a sale and only $1 shipping fee until 4/26/20.

I Will Sing

Happy Wednesday!! It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Psalm 13:6, "I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me." This is the time of  year when we are especially conscious to express our gratitude for the things the Lord has done for us. It's easy to be light-hearted and sing to the Lord when things are going well. But do you know, that if you concentrate on the many wonderful things the Lord has done for you, it makes it easier to deal with the curve-balls of life? I've experienced that my self this week. While rejoicing over a long-term problem being resolved, we had a serious car issue occur this evening. However, when I think of all the Lord has done for me, not just in resolving the long-term problem but in the circumstances surrounding the car break-down (it occurred as I was pulling into a parking lot just a little over a mile from home), I can't help but continue to have a song in my heart and on my lips. The Lord is good to us on a day-to-day basis and having a heart filled with gratitude just makes your day go so much better.

For my card this week, I used a sketch by Mojo Monday (#469) for the card inspiration. Other than rotating the sketch 90 degrees, I followed it pretty closely and just added some bling and sequins as accents. Some faux stitching and white gel pen accents are the final embellishments.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (for card base), Georgia Pacific (sentiment panel), Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (A Perfect Autumn 6 x 6)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 13:6)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders dies (Standard Circles Large & Small), Divinity Designs (Double Stitched Circle dies), The Paper Studio (sequins and bling), Gelly Roll (white gel pen), Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen (black)

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the rest of the Design Team projects and to pick up your free digi.

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!

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.

Golden Butterflies

I'm feeling under the weather this week so this will be a short post. But I did want to share this card for the new Word Art Wednesday challenge. I used Reverse Confetti Sketch #24 for the inspiration for my card. Foil butterflies embellish and pearls the verse panel.

I did add a little interior decorating.

Supplies:
Card base: Neenah Premium Extra Heavey Folded Card and Envelope Set (black)
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Ms. Sparkle Glitter and Foil Paper Pad (Gold & Silver)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park Dots & Stripes
Embellishments/Tools: Fiskars butterfly punches, The Paper Studio pearls, Spellbinders Classic Square Dies Large & Small

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll have time to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the other Design Team projects and 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.

Flowers and Butterflies

Happy Wednesday!! It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we are looking at Isaiah 54:13, "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." What a great goal it is for all those who are mothers or are in a place of influence over those that are younger to teach them of the Lord. Teach them how the Lord provides, teach them how the Lord wants us to live, teach them how the Lord wants us to treat others and most of all, teach them about the salvation the Lord provides through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Then no matter what is going on in their world, those children will be at peace because they will have the confident assurance that the Lord is in control. Of course, in order to teach the ways of the Lord, we must know Him ourselves. How about you? Do you know Jesus?

For my card today, I used the window design featured in this Fun Window Card video by Connie Stewart. While I didn't frame my window exactly like she did (her way is much easier and I want to try that next time), I really like this fun design. It adds an unexpected element to an otherwise pretty simple card.

I added some butterflies to two of the corners of my frame and a smaller butterfly on the sentiment. Some tiny pearls provide bodies for the butterflies and centers for some of the flowers.

For the interior, I added two more butterflies with pearl bodies. More patterned paper was used to provide decoration on the left interior panel. This card will be my mother-in-law's Mother's Day card. She has certainly lived out the truth of this verse. My husband can write his message to her above or below the verse panel or on the back.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white for card base, black), Bazzill (Aqua scraps for butterflies), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Pebblies 6 x 6 pad (Garden Party)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Isaiah 54:13)
Tools/Embellishments: Fiskars butterfly punches, Spellbinders dies (Classic Rectangles Large and Small), Gina Marie Designs (pearls), Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - must use patterned paper
Daisy Chain Challenge #30  - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - For Mom or a special lady
Always Fun Challenges - Female or Mom
Tuesday Throwdown #431 - Frame It
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - For a Special Lady

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

Book Lover Happy Birthday

When I saw the digi stamp, Bookworm Jess by Sweet Escape Digis, I know it would be perfect for a  birthday card for a major book lover. I dusted off my copic markers and colored the image and then die cut it with some oval dies. I used MojoMonday Sketch 506 as my inspiration. The background panel was dry embossed. The sentiment was die cut with a fishtail die and the mat for the sentiment was hand cut. Some Nuvo Glitter Drops add sparkle to the floral paper, around the sentiment and around one side of the image panel.


Supplies:
Cardstock: Strathmore Bristol (card base), Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (kraft, burgundy)
Patterned Paper: Authentique 6 x 6 pad (Companions)
Stamps:Sweet Escape Digis (Bookworm Jess), My Sentiments Exactly clear stamp set (Inspirational Birthday Innies and Outies)
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Tools/Embellishments: Copic Markers (I forgot to write down the exact colors - sorry), Spellbinders dies (Classic Ovals Large & Small), Stamp Simply dies (Fishtail Sentiment), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Swiss Dot), Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard)

 I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Make a birthday card
Crafty Hazelnut's May Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use patterned paper
Outlawz Festive Friday Challenge - Birthday

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

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.

God Is Love

Hello! It's time for another Word Art Wednesday challenge. This week our free digi WORDart is 1 John 4:16, "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us, God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." With Valentine's Day being celebrated tomorrow, many people's thoughts are turning to love and romance. How do we truly know how to love that special someone? The best example of how to truly love someone is to look at how the Lord loves us. He loves us unconditionally. That means that He doesn't tell us, "I'll love you if you _____." He loves us with a never ending love no matter what. Certainly we do things that grieve Him and break our fellowship with Him, but never our relationship with Him. His love for us never ends. We can look at 1 Corinthians 13 for some other characteristics of a true, godly love. By reading this chapter we learn that true love looks out for the other person and isn't focused on itself. It's not easily hurt or provoked and believes the best in the other person. It's patient and kind. Wow! What a challenging list! We definitely need the Lord's help to apply these guidelines in our love for others. One of the ways we can show that God is at work in our lives is how we love others. As always, He is ready and willing to help us if we will just ask.

For my card this week I chose to use Mojo Monday Sketch 214 for the card design. I am really enjoying this 6 x 6 paper pad that a friend sent me. These florals have such an elegant look to them. Other papers in this pad have beautiful blue and yellow designs.

I used a couple different size butterfly punches for embellishments and use small half pearls to accent the body of each butterfly. The larger butterfly was popped up over the sentiment panel. Both banners were hand cut.

It's hard to see in the pictures, but Nuvo Glitter Drops were placed around the outside of the circle element and also scattered on the verse panel. This gives the card such a pretty glittery/shiny look as the light hits it. You can click the pictures to enlarge them to see the details a little better.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Park Lane #110 for card base, Bazzill (navy), Georgia Pacific (sentiment panel)
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Genevieve 6 x 6)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (1 John 4:16)
Tools/Embellishments: Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), Fiskars Butterfly punches, Divinity Designs dies (Double Stitched Circles), Spellbinders dies (Standard Circles Large), Gina Marie Designs (pearls)

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll pick up your free digi on the Word Art Wednesday blog, check out our generous sponsor and see what the rest of the Design Team has made. Please come back soon!

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

  

Sunflower Season

This week at Word Art Wednesday, our sponsor is Stamp Simply. Earlier this year, they were kind enough to send me two stamp sets. I have three cards to share with you today featuring the image from one of the sets and sentiments from both.

This first card uses the image from Sunflower Seasons. I stamped it with Versafine ink on some watercolor paper and then used Distress markers and a water brush to color it. I used Freshly Made Sketches #249 for my card design. Some Wink of Stella glitter marker in the center of the flower adds some sparkle. The sentiment is from the Thinking of You Rose stamp set and was heat embossed on a strip of watercolor paper.

Cardstock: Park Lane (#110 white for cardbase), Bazzill (brown), Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (A Perfect Autumn 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: Stamp Simply (Sunflower Season, Thinking of You Rose)
Ink: Versafine (Onyx Black)
Distress Markers: Shabby Shutters, frayed Burlap, Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade
Tools/Embellishments: Gina Marie Designs (enamel dots), Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Pen (clear), Simon Says Stamp embossing powder (clear)

I'm entering this card in the following challenge: 
Crop Stop Challenge #443 - Use item or brand from the Crop Stop online store (I used Fiskars, Tsuineko, Ranger/Distress and Bazzill.

For the next card, the sunflower image was repeatedly stamped on watercolor paper with VersaMark ink and white heat embossed. Distress inks and a water brush were used to color the image. The sentiment, also from the Sunflower Seasons stamp set was heat embossed on a piece of vellum. A kraft frame was die cut and the vellum strip was adhered behind it. Foam tape was used to raise the frame up above the water colored panel. The framed panel was matted with cardstock before being adhered to the card base. Some glossy dots finish off the card. My card design was based off a sketch by My Favorite Things (MFTWSC247).


Cardstock: Park Lane (#110 white for cardbase), Bazzill (yellow), Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Paper, Recollections (kraft), Taylored Expressions (vellum)
Stamps: Stamp Simply (Sunflower Season)
Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink (Fossilized Amber, Mustard Seed, Salty Ocean, Ground Espresso Gathered Twig, Mowed Lawn, Lucky Clover)
Tools/Embellishments: Pink & Main Glossy Dots (silver), Simon Says Stamp embossing powder (white), My Favorite Things Die-namics (Blueprint 1, Blueprint 29)

For my last card, I kept things very simple and let one of my favorite sentiments from Sunflower Seasons take center stage. Four patterned paper rectangles were mounted on cardstock and then matted before behing adhered to the card base. The sentiment was stamped, die cut and double matted before being popped up over the patterned paper panel. It doesn't get much easier than that.

Cardstock: Park Lane (#110 white for cardbase, #65 burgundy), Bazzill (green), Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment)
Stamps: Stamp Simply (Sunflower Season)
Ink: VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Dies (Standard Circles Large and Small, Petite Scalloped Circles Large)


For those in the path of Hurricane Florence, I do hope you'll stay safe. Be careful!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those that voted for my card in the Paper Sweeties contest. Thanks to you taking the time to go vote for me, I won the contest. Here is a pic of my prize:

I am truly humbled by how many of you voted. Thank you so much!!

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the projects from the rest of the Design Team. We even have a new DT member being introduced today. Please give my good friend, Tamara, a warm welcome. Also, please be sure to visit our sponsor, Stamp Simply. They have many beautiful stamp sets that are sure to catch your eye.

Like a Watered Garden

I hope your week is going well. I'm late to the party with my Word Art Wednesday post for this week. This has been a bad headache week and I've been trying to rest as much as I can. Our focus verse this week is Isaiah 58:11, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." God rewards His people for their faithfulness. When we obey Him and follow His leading in our lives, He will provide for us even during the tough times. He will minister to our spirits and provide encouragement and satisfaction. God is always faithful and NEVER fails.

I needed easy this week so I went with a good sketch (Sweet Sunday Sketch #203) and used Kristie Marcotte's measurements as found on this blog post. Faux Stitching, stickles and a few gems are the only embellishments. This card will mail easily and hopefully be an encouragement.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Park Lane (white card base), Recollections (black)
Patterned Papers: Echo Park (Have Faith 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen
Tools/Embellishments: Our Daily Bread Designs dies (Double Stitched Circles), Spellbinders dies (Standard Circles Large), Gina Marie Designs bling, Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen (Black), Stickles (Star Dust)

I hope you have a fantastic week and that you'll check out the rest of the design team projects on the Word Art Wednesday blog. Please come back soon.

Reverse Confetti's Paper Bliss Paper Pad

I am a long-time fan of Kristie Marcotte and her 6 x 6 paper pad tutorials. Kristie takes a 6 x 6 paper pad and usually makes 30-40 cards from it. She doesn't design card sketches but she figures out the measurements to use and then shares those measurements on her blog, The Best Things in Life are Pink. Most of the time, she also provides a video of her process on her YouTube Channel. I've always wanted to give this process a try but have never made it through a whole paper pad. She recently had a give-away sponsored by Reverse Confetti and I won their new Paper Bliss 6 x 6 paper pad. A card group I'm in had a challenge to make 30 cards for a Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte so I thought the time was right to be inspired by Kristie's process, use my new paper pad and make cards to encourage the families of some children with cancer. Kristie uses several card sketches per paper pad. I only used about 4 and I'm very pleased that I was able to make 41 cards: 30 for the Ronald McDonald House and 11 to help build my stash.

The next six pictures are of the cards going to the Ronald McDonald House.  All their cards had to have a "Just for You" or "Welcome" sentiment.

 Here are pics of the 11 cards that went into my stash - some have already been sent out in the mail to friends/family.

This project was so much fun. I definitely want to try it again. If you have questions about specific supplies, leave me a comment below and I'll let you know what I used.

Thanks to Kristie Marcotte for the inspiration and to Reverse Confetti for the paper pad.

Have a good week and thanks for visiting with me today.