SNS July Digi Stamp Release - Christmas in July

For this month's digi stamp release, we're having a blog hop.  Be sure to visit the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge blog for all the details.  You'll also want to visit each of the blogs in the hop and leave a comment.  One of us is a mystery blogger.  The mystery blogger will randomly choose one of the commenters on her blog to receive the entire July Digi Stamp Release.

There is a challenge to go with this week's digi release (SNSDC63).  Appropriately the challenge for this week is to make a Christmas card.

I'm actually getting to use 3 of the new releases.

Immanuel

 

Poinsettia

Christmas Sentiments

I chose to make an easel card.  I paper pieced the poinsettias and added a pearl to the center of each flower.

When I packed my scrapping supplies for our recent move, I was obviously exhausted.  I own the Cuttlebug (CB) and the Grand Calibur (GC).  Apparently I packed the plates and machines in 4 separate boxes. What was I thinking?!? We're in temporary housing for the next couple weeks so all I've been able to find so far is my GC machine and the CB plates.  The reason I'm confessing *grin* is to give an example of how to use your spellbinders dies without a machine.  I traced the interior of one die around my sentiment.  I traced the exterior of the same die on patterned paper for a mat.  I then handcut them both out (you'll notice I chose a pretty simple die with fairly straight lines - ha!). I thought the mat was a little wide so I got brave and handcut another mat (the green one) for in between the sentiment and the burgundy mat.

I thought the patterned paper that I used at the top of the card would look good accented with something.  My glitter pens are hiding from me so I used pearls to make a lacey look. Tweezers are your friend when placing pearls/gems like this.   I thought the lacey edge on the paper by Anna Griffin helped with the "lace" theme.

Supplies:
Card base:  Strathmore Bristol
Patterned Paper:  Basic Grey (Figgy Pudding), Anna Griffin
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digis (Immanuel, Poinsettia, Christmas Sentiments)
Embellishments/Tools:  pearls in flower centers (Queen & Co. - pearl), small pearl flourishes (Recollections), all other pearls (SU Jewels Basic - Pearls), Spellbinders Labels 7, Colorbox fluidchalk (chestnut roan), CM fine tip black pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Card Positioning System #274 - sketch
Going Gray with Scrap Creations (GGSC122) - Christmas in July
Shopping Our Stash #60 - use a precious/hoarded item (I used the Anna Griffin paper - I've had it in my stash for about 10 mos., the Figgy Pudding paper has been in my stash for a couple years)
Love to Create #24 - Use 3 of something (I used 3 poinsettias and 3 different digi stamps)
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Show us What You Got Christmas Edition
Word Art Wednesday #37 - Use Scripture
Divas by Design #44 - Anything Goes
52 Card Pickup - make a card

Here is the full blog hop list.  Be sure to visit each one and leave your comment for the best chance to win the full release.

• Cathy Wallington
• Crafty Math Chick
• Ceal Pritchett
• Cyndi Bundy
• Melinda Gleissner
• Patricia Hays
• Stephanie Serrano
• Stephanie Wright
• Wendy Jordan
• Korin Sutherland

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you'll come back soon.  And remember....when packing your scrappy tools, ALWAYS pack your die cutting machine in the same box as the plates that go with it.  *smile*

Birthday Praise - SNSDC53

This week's Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge is to make a feminine card/project.  I used the Sweet 'n Sassy Proverbs 31:30 digi stamp as the focal image on my card this week.  This verse states, "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Now, usually you think of this as a Mother's Day verse.  But when you read it, it doesn't say a mother that feareth the Lord, it says a woman that feareth the Lord.  So, I used it on a birthday card for a special young woman that we've watched growing in the Lord and truly striving to put Him first.  We felt she deserved praise for putting the Lord first even when it was difficult to do so.

I wanted the card to be special so I used one of my favorite "fancy fold" cards, a Tri-Shutter Card. This Tri-Shutter Card tutorial on SCS explains how to make one for yourself.  I used some favorite Basic Gray papers, lots of pearls and bling and a bow to finish it off.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill, Recollections
Patterned Paper:  Basic Grey (Scarlet Letter)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digis (Proverbs 31:30, Feminine Birthday)
Ink:  Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Embellishments/Tools:  Spellbinders (Standard Circles Small, Lacey Circles, M-Bossabilities - Whimsy B), Offray ribbon, Recollections Pearls, Best Occasions rhinestones, Fiskars Border Punch (Apron Lace)


I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Really Reasonable Ribbon #47 - Feminine card
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge #38 (PPMC38) - Use Ribbon
Sentimental Sunday's #101 - For a special woman 
Free For All Friday (STV12FRI12) - A Birthday card in your style (use of dies, fancy folds, pearls) 
Craft Your Passion Challenges #109 - Torn or Distressed Edges 
Scripture Thursday - Use Scripture
Crafty Friends Challenge #3 - Inspiration Challenge - My colors were inspired by those in the photo 
The Squirrel & the Fox #17 - One for the Girls
 

Please join us this week.  We'd love to see your feminine cards.  Don't forget to only use digi stamps and that each project you enter gets you a chance to win some free digis.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Come back soon.

Isaiah 41:13 - WAW #27

This week's free Scripture digi from Word Art Wednesday is Isaiah 41:13, "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not; I will help thee."   What a wonderful promise from the Lord! When I'm facing a difficult thing, holding my husband's hand can give me not only comfort but courage.  In a MUCH greater way, no matter what I'm facing, the Lord not only knows about it but is there with me holding my hand.  That means He's right there beside me, caring for me, comforting me, giving me courage, and helping me. He will do the same for you...just ask Him. 

Sometimes it's fun to try a new technique.  This time I tried the wax paper technique shown in these Wax Paper Background  and Wax Paper Focal Image tutorials on StampTV.  It was so easy and yet has a great a nice impact.  The possibilities are endless when you consider all the different embossing folders and ink colors you can use.

I tied my bow with the Bow Easy and then added a flower to the middle.  A few pearls, some matting and a dot of a glitter pen on each of the scallops finished off the card front.  Since the card base is black, I'll mat a cream colored piece of cardstock on a piece of the gold cardstock for the interior.

Supply list:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific, Recollections, DCWV
Ink:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Broken China, Antique Linen, Tea Dye)
Embellishments/Tools:  Pearls (Queen & Co), Ribbon (Offray), Flower (Prima), Sakura Clear Star Pen, Spellbinders (Petite Ovals Large & Small, Petite Scalloped Ovals Small), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Victoria), wax paper, iron, SU ticket punch, Bow Easy

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Scripture Thursday - Use Scripture
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge - Use Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll play along with us this week.

Exciting News to Share

I have exciting news to share with you today.  I have been asked to be the Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday for the month of May.  I love to use Scripture on my cards and was so honored when they asked me to help out this month.

Be sure to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog and get your free Scripture digi.  This week the Scripture is Nahum 1:7, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."  My dad loved this verse so it is extra special to me.  This verse is such a great reminder that no matter what, God IS good.  Even when we're in the middle of a trial, He's still there and He hasn't forgotten about us.  I read this quote recently (I'm not sure who wrote it originally) and found it to be a great encouragement:  "Sometimes when you wonder why you can’t hear God’s voice during your trials. Remember the teacher is always quiet during the test."

For my card this week I used an old Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO152).  My card is 5.5" square -- I think that's my new favorite size.  Maybe it strikes a chord from my scrapbooking days.  :)  I was able to use some new Three Bugs in a Rug papers and a new M-bossabilities embossing folder.  I love that they are 2 embossing folders in one.

 

I wanted a button in the middle of my bow but didn't have any the right color of green.  Then I found a clear button and decided to back it with some of the patterned paper I was using.  It was a guaranteed perfect match.  I punched a circle from my patterned paper and then used SU Crystal Effects to glue the paper to the back of the button. After allowing a little drying time, I found some DMC floss that was a great match with the salmon/orange-ish color in my papers and threaded the button with it.

I even did a little interior decorating.  :)


Supplies: 
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper:  Three Bugs in a Rug (Ellie 6 x 6 pad)
Digi Scripture from Word Art Wednesday
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Big Scalloped Border Petites, M-bossabilities Splendid Side A, Petite Ovals Small, Petite Scalloped Ovals Large), Wright's ribbon, button from stash, Marvy circle punch, DMC Floss (#351), Recollections pearls
 
I'm entering this card in the following challenges challenges:
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #137 - Something planted or incorporate the color green (I did both)
Paper Sundaes #118 - Ribbon & Pearls
Love to Create #13 - Flowers & buttons
Stamp TV Mix it Up Monday (STV12MON15) - make a square card
Craft Your Passtion #108 - Lots of texture
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes 
Catered Crop - B is for Bodacious (use things with the letter "B" - I used a button, Bible verse, & bow)
Really Reasonable Ribbon #47 (RRR47) - Mother's Day/Feminine card
Scripture Thursday - Use Scripture


Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you come back again soon. 





 

SIWS35 - The God of All Grace

I know I'm late again - I do apologize.  I have still been sick (a case of getting worse before I got better) but am now gradually improving.  I am thankful for the Lord's healing and for a very patient & supportive husband!  I will do my best to get next week's card posted on time.

This week's focus verse in the Say it With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is 1 Peter 5:10, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

The two verses before our focus verse say (1 Peter 5:8-9), "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."  Now let's read verse 10 again, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."  This verse is a comfort because it tells us that while we will suffer {after all it is a battle} in resisting the Devil and remaining stedfast in the faith, the Lord will use this to strengthen us. Frequently in the Bible, the word perfect can be read as "mature."  So we learn that by resisting the Devil and remaining stedfast, the Lord will use that to mature us. This will then help to stablish (establish), strengthen and settle us more firmly in our our faith.  The Lord is not going to leave us out there on our own to fight these battles, but instead, He will use our struggles to help us "grow up" in Him.

While I've been sick, I've been re-watching videos from StampTV on my Kindle.  I came across the Heat Embossed Background with the Cuttlebug technique and decided to give it a try.

I used the same embossing folder that Gina does in the video but used black cardstock underneath the embossing powder instead of slate.  I also used her card as my sketch.  It's so simple but I think gives such an elegant look.  I will probably be using it again.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections (black), Georgia Pacific (white)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Amazing Grace)
Ink:  VersaMark
Embellishments/Tools:  Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Victoria), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals large & small), Gold Pen (Michael's), Pearls (Oriental Trading), Ribbon (Offray), sanding block (brand unknown) 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Paper Sundaes #107 - Sundae Bar (use any two or more:  cream, blue, distressing, pearls - I used distressing & pearls) 
Word Art Wednesday #15 - Use Scripture
Scripture Thursday #16 - Use Scripture (this week's theme is Amazing Grace)

I hope you'll play along with us this week and don't forget to stop by The Connection for your free digi.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Be of Good Courage

I have a card using one of the Clear Dollar Stamps Scripture sets to show you today.  Scriptures of Hope has six Scripture verses in this beautiful set.

I used my petite oval spellbinders to make a shadowbox type effect.  To give it some additional depth all the layers above the sentiment panel are popped up above the sentiment on pop-dots.  You may be able to see it a little better in the photo below.

I used pearls on every other scallop, a pearl flourish, some green bling (in the pics they almost look clear but they are a deep green) and a green bow to finish off the front of the card.  I really like this patterned paper and didn't want to cover it up too much.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections
Patterned Paper:  SU
Stamps:  Clear Dollar Stamps (Scriptures of Hope)
Embellishments/Tools:  Ribbon (KaiserCraft), Pearls and Pearl Flourish (Recollections), Bling (Studio 18), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals small & large, Petite Scalloped Ovals)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Stamptacular Sunday #149 - Diamond or Pearls (I most definitely prefer pearls on my cards)
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #124 - a project true to my style (I like these colors and tend to use pearls, ribbon, & lots of layers)
Stamp TV Mix-It-Up Monday (STV12mon2) - Pins or Pearls (Pearls for me!)
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C121) - Lots of Layers
Word Art Wednesday #13 - Use Scripture
Scripture Thursday #14 - Use Scripture on your project
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - All Tied Up (use ribbon, twine or something that can be tied)
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge (PWC191) - Use ribbon or twine


Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you have a great day.

SIWS32 - Nehemiah 8:10

This week's focus verse for the Say It With Scripture Challenge at The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is one of those verses that is easy to memorize but harder to put into practice.   Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Have you ever been around someone who is going thru a difficult time and yet they still have a joyful attitude?   They are practicing this week's verse.  However, more often, we allow our circumstances to get us down  and we forget that our joy come from the Lord.  I'm as guilty of this as the next person.  It's a struggle to "live above our circumstances" as my husband calls it. Our joy doesn't come from things or circumstances or good health...it comes from the Lord and His goodness.  Instead of meditating on this, we keep looking at the negative things in our lives and don't look at all that the Lord is doing and has done for us.  I want to work this week on changing my focus and allowing the joy of the Lord to shape my attitude.  Care to join me?



I made a new type of pocket card for me this week.  It's an easy design and I found the tutorial for it at StampTV's Mix-it-Up Monday Challenge for this week.  I did alter their sketch to make my finished card 5" wide by 5.5" high. 

I colored the hummingbird and flower with copics and then inked the background of my diecut.  A lacey circle mat, some pearls and a bow finished off the image panel.

I put the Scripture verse on the top of the pull-out panel and anchored each end with a brad.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (red)
Pattered Paper: BG Picadilly
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Hummingbird digi set)
Ink:  SU (Bliss Blue)
Embellishments/Tools:  Copics, Ribbon (Wright's), Pearls (Recollections), Brads (MM), Spellbinders (Circles large, Lacey Circles), Cuttlebug EF (Swiss Dots), SU Stampin' Writer

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sentimental Sundays #86 - Die Cuts (Spellbinders Circle and Lacey Circle)
Stamp TV's Mix-It-Up Monday - Pocket/Envelope Card
Word Art Wednesday #12 - Use Scripture
BasicGrey Challenge #61 - Favorite Things + BasicGrey product (my favorites on this card are my spellbinders, pearls, and the fancy fold + I used Picadilly papers)


I hope you'll join us this week on our Say it With Scripture Challenge.  Don't forget to stop by and get your free digi.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Please come back soon.

Psalm 127:3 - SIWS8

This week's focus verse in the Say It With Scripture Challenge #8 at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is Psalm 127:3, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward."  In today's society, children are often seen as an inconvenience or bother.  This verse reminds us that they are a blessing, a reward, from the Lord.  Jesus, showed how much He valued children when the disciples were trying to send them away.  "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16.  Whether you have children of your own or not, you can still have an important part in the lives of children.  Even when they are not acting like little angels {smile}, we should try to remember that they are a blessing and highly valued by the Lord.

I made this card for friends of ours that just welcomed their fifth child into their family.  I used this week's Say It With Scripture freebie Scripture verse and Rhubarb's Blocks from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

I paper pieced Rhubarb and his blocks.  I added lots of faux stitching to help carry out the quilt theme.

I did a little "interior decorating."   This sentiment is also part of the Baby Blessings set.

Supplies:
Cardstock - Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (kraft)
Patterned Paper - Echo Park (Little Boy)
Stamps - Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Baby Blessings, Rhubarb's Blocks)
Embellishments - Buttons from stash, Ribbon JoAnn's, DMC Floss, SU Journal Writer Pen (Night of Navy)

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges:
ODBD Shining Light Challenge (ODBDSLC70) - Sketch
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #100 - any type of creature
Craft Your Passion #69 - Anything Goes
StampTV (STVMNCT6) - Break the rules

Don't forget to stop by The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection and get your freebie digi Scripture stamp!  I hope you'll play along with us this week.  Thanks for stopping by!

Have a Beary Happy Day

Today I have a birthday card to show you using the Rhubarb digi that was just released today from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  He's called Rhubarb's Balloons. Isn't he adorable?   I chose to put him on this easel birthday card. 

Supplies:
Cardstock - Bazzill (kraft) and Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned paper - Echo Park (Little Boy)
Stamps - Sweet 'n Sassy (Rhubarb's Balloons, Bear Sentiments, Masculine Birthday)
Embellishments - Copics (E08, E29, E33, E35, E37), Prismacolor pencils, Twinery Twine (Cappuccino), Brads (American Crafts - Denim), Spellbinders Nestabilities (Circles Large & Small, Labels 3), Uni-ball Signo White Pen)

Challenges:
Stamp TV - Mix It Up Monday - STVMONVD2 - Sketch
Birthday Sundaes #18 - Anything Goes 
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #120 - Animal Antics 
SNSS-J4F6 - Use Twine 
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #98 - Something that moves on the card 
Craft Your Passion #67 - Text It

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blog Candy Winner and a Card to Share

Sue is the winner of my blog candy.  Her prize is on the way to her {it may even have arrived by now}.  Sue, thanks for your sweet comment and I hope you enjoy your prize.

The card I have to share with you uses this week's sketch from The Sweet Stop (SSS107).  I have been trying to use some of my older paper stash and was able to make this card from some scraps I've had for a couple years. I used one of the four sentiments in the great digi set Praying for You from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

I used my Spellbinders Fancy Tags Trio 3 for some added detail behind my sentiment panel.  I actually cut the tag in half and attached the halves to the back of my embossed petite oval.  Here's a close up of my sentiment layers:

I also did a little interior decorating:

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Stampin' Sisters in Christ #88 - use beautiful things - pearls & butterfly
Stamp TV's Mix it up Monday Challenge - use two designer papers
Tuesday Throwdown #48 - use diecuts



Supplies: 
Cardstock:  Recollections, ColorMarks
Patterned Paper:  Carson-Dellosa (Recess line)
Stamp:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Praying for You Digis)
Ink:  SU (Creamy Caramel)
Embellishments: Pearls (Kaiser Craft), Butterfly (Jenni Bowlin), Bazzill Just the Edge, Cuttlebug EF (Victoria), Spellbinders (Fancy tags 3, Petite Oval, Labels 4)

Thanks for stopping by.

New Scripture Sets - Psalm 61:2

Have you seen the new Scripture sets Deedee's Digis just released?  Wow!  I am loving them!!  The two newest are:  Be Glad in the Lord and The Lord is Our Refuge.  Both sets are full of encouraging Scripture verses to include with another image, to use as part of what I like to call "interior decorating" or as the focal image on the front of your card.

For this card, I chose one of my go-to verses when I personally need encouragement and used it as the focal image on the front of my card.  It is Psalm 61:2 from the The Lord is Our Refuge set.  I love using Scripture as the focal image for several reasons -- here are my top three.   The primary one is because it's such a great witnessing tool and Isaiah 55:11 teaches us that the Lord's Word will not return unto Him void.  Second, what better way to encourage a fellow Christian than with God's Word? Third, there's no coloring required.  :)  This makes the card quicker and, in my opinion, easier to make.

I used the current Stamp TV  {STVSKSP21} sketch for this card.

Supplies:
Sketch:  STVSKSP21
Cardstock - Georgia Pacific and a misc. mustard yellow from my stash
Patterned paper - BG
Stamp -  Deedee's Digis - The Lord is Our Refuge
Ink - SU - creamy caramel 
Embellishments - Ribbon - Offray, pearls - Queen & Co, Nestabilities (petite oval & petite scalloped oval, decorative photo corners), Fiskar's border punch



Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp TV Sketch

I've enjoyed watching the videos over at StampTV for awhile now.  Recently they started having sketch & color challenge videos each week in addition to their technique videos.  This week I decided to play along with this week's sketch challenge (STVSKSP9)...have you guessed yet that I love sketch challenges?  :) Here's the card I entered for the challenge.

I used Ollie Owl on the outside of my card.  I received the Forest Branches embossing folder for Christmas and haven't had a chance to use it until now.  I just thought this owl and the branches were a perfect match for each other.  Jute just seems to go with the whole forest theme too. 

Supplies:
Cardstock - Paper Studio, Georgia Pacific, Recollections
Paper - AdornIt (Fern Collection)
Stamps - Sweet 'n Sassy (Owl Occasions & Ollie Owl)
Ink - Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Embellishments - Jute & button from my stash, Prismacolor pencils, Art Studio blender
Tools - Spellbinders Nestabilities (Petite Oval Large, Petite Scalloped Oval Large, Circles Large, Lacey Circles), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Forest Branches)

This card also qualifies for this week's challenge of "something new" at Stampin Sisters in Christ.  My paper and the embossing folder are new.  It's also the first time I've entered a challenge over at Stamp TV.  :)