Home of the Free...

This is my 2nd post of the day.  If you are looking for my Word Art Wednesday post, please scroll down one post or click here.

I'm back with another card for the Scrapping Everyday Miracles 2nd Birthday Bash Card Challenges.  This time its Challenge #3 - a Patriotic Thank You Card.

I made the sentiment the focal point and added a gold embossed Thank You to the bottom of the card.  The dark blue panel is embossed with a Swiss Dot folder and Classic Square Nestabilities were used to cut out the sentiment panel.  Some faux stitching, a couple gold star brads and some gold ribbon complete this card. Yes, it's very simple for me but I think the gold packs a nice little punch.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections, DCWV, Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper:  Sassafras Lass (Dainty)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digi (Because of the Brave), Gina K Designs (Masculine Tags)
Ink:  Versamark
Tools/Embellishments:  Zig Ball pen (Red), Spellbinders (Labels 22, Squares Large & Small), Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Swiss Dots), Misc. items from my stash (gold star brads, gold ribbon, gold embossing powder)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Craft Your Passion Challenge #171 - Thank You
The Kraft Journal - Pretty Papers

One more challenge and I'll have all five of the Birthday Bash Challenges completed.  :)  Not bad for me - especially since keeping them flat so the soldiers can easily mail them is a challenge all of its own for me.  LOL

Thanks for stopping by.  I truly do appreciate your visits.

Washi Tape Checkerboard

It's time for another challenge at the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog.  Our theme verse this week is Isaiah 12:3.  I looked up this verse in an online Matthew Henry commentary.  He says that Isaiah 12:1-3 is part of a hymn of praise.  I found what he had to say about verse 3 so encouraging, I'm including just a little bit here.  [source:  Bible Gateway]

They are taught to derive comfort to themselves from the love of God and all the tokens of that love (Isa. 12:3): “Therefore, because the Lord Jehovah is your strength and song and will be your salvation, you shall draw water with joy.” Note, The assurances God has given us of his love, and the experiences we have had of the benefit and comfort of his grace, should greatly encourage our faith in him and our expectations from him: “Out of the wells of salvation in God, who is the fountain of all good to his people, you shall draw water with joy. God’s favour shall flow forth to you, and you shall have the comfort of it and make use of the blessed fruits of it.”

This week's sponsor is Freckled Fawn.  Among other embellishments, they sell all kinds of washi tape.  I was privileged to win a prize sponsored by them a few months ago.  I got some washi tape but then didn't know what to do with it.  LOL  When I saw they were the sponsors this week, I challenged myself to use it.  I came up with using it to make a checkerboard pattern to use as the background for this week's verse panel.  I first adhered alternating strips the width of a piece of cardstock.  I then cut it lengthwise in strips the width of the tape.  Then I glued these strips to another piece of cardstock in the checkerboard pattern and cut it to size.  {clear as mud right?  I am at the end of a migraine so what makes sense in my head might not translate to what I type.  :(  }

The white background was embossed and then matted on black cardstock.  The checkerboard was also matted on black cardstock. The verse was printed and matted with a black lacey circle.  The bottom of the circle was cut off even with the bottom of the checkerboard.  A black lattice border die cut was added and then the card was finished off with a few pink rhinestones. 

I am entering this card in another of the Scrapping Everyday Miracles Second Birthday Bash Card Challenges (challenge #2).  This time the challenge was a sketch.  In my version, the lattice border replaces then pennant border. I really enjoyed this sketch and can see myself using it again.  :)  Another part of the challenge was that the card was to be a Birthday, Thinking of You, or Thank You card.  For me, cards with Scripture on the front are Thinking of You cards.  I like to send cards to let people know I'm thinking of them and I try to match the Scripture with the recipient.  I try to send something that will encourage them in their current situation.


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, The Paper Studio
Stamp:  WordArt by Karen (Isaiah 12:3)
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Circles Small, Lacey Circles, Lattice Accents), CuttleBug embossing folder (Swiss Dots), Freckled Fawn washi tape, The Paper Studio rhinestones (pink)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown #156 - Anything Goes
LEJ Designs #62 - Anything Goes
2 Sisters Challenge #152 - Make it Sparkle
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge #267 (PWC267) - Tongue Tied (Make the sentiment the focus)
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #136 - Use black somewhere on your project

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you are having a good week and will come back soon.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

It was time to get reacquainted with another favorite....Rhubarb!  Scrapping Everyday Miracles 2nd Birthday Bash Card Challenge #4 is to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas card using a sketch they provided.  One of my favorite Rhubarb images is Rhubarb's Stocking so that's what I used.

I made a frame using Spellbinders Deckled Rectangles Large & Small.  After I backed it with some patterned paper I added Rhubarb to the center with some thin pop dots.  I used another die to make the snowflake and topped it with a flat metal dot.  The sentiment is a sticker from the Echo Park Season's Greetings paper collection.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Recollections, Bazzill, Core'dinations
Patterned Paper:  Echo Park (Season's Greetings)
Stamp:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digi (Rhubarb's Stocking)
Tools/Embellishments:  Copic Markers, Best Occasions Metal Dots, Offray ribbon, Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangles Large & Small, Create-a-Flake Four) Sakura pens (Glaze, Green Star, Clear Star)

I'm entering this card in these additional challenges:
Sentimental Sunday #163 - You've Been Framed (frame your image)
The Kraft Journal - Pretty Papers
Fab 'n Funky #179 - Christmas in July
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #215 - Christmas
Shelly's Images - Christmas
Crafty Ribbons #52 - Anything Goes (must use ribbon)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'm not really ready to think about Christmas but....Rhubarb was fun to visit.  :)

Happy Birthday, Cocoa!

I haven't made a card with my old friend, Cocoa, in awhile.  I am taking part in a couple challenges and thought he would be perfect for them.

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps July Release Challenge #3 is to include a border on your card.  I used one of the Sweet 'n Sassy Lacey Eyelet Border dies to make a border between the patterned paper and the cardstock.  I also used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch (SSS219) for the card design.  Cocoa was colored with Copics and then die cut using the out-of-the-box technique. 

Scrapping Everyday Miracles is having a 2nd Birthday Celebration.  They have 5 card challenges as some of their celebration events.  All the cards made for the challenges are to be sent to Cards for Soldiers.  This is an organization that sends blank cards to soldiers for them to send to their loved ones back home.  This card is for Challenge #1 which is to make a birthday card using at least 3 patterned papers.  Since glitter and lumpy embellishments are to be avoided, I just used a glaze pen on Cocoa's nose and resisted the urge to add embellishments to the flower centers.


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (blue)
Patterned paper:  unknown (it's been in my stash for awhile and was part of a RAK)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Digi (Peek-a-Boo Cocoa), Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big)
Ink:  Versamark
Tools/Embellishments:  Stampendous embossing powder (White Opaque), Uni-ball Signo (white pen), Sweet 'n Sassy die (Lacey Eyelet Border), Spellbinders (Classic Ovals Large & Small), Copic markers, Sakura glaze pen

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'll probably be back several times this week at there are other SNS July Release Challenges and Scrapping Everyday Memories Birthday challenges.  See you soon.

Butterfly Spotlight

I have a different type of card to share with you today.  I've seen a couple cards recently that were clear.  I really like them but haven't made one in a long time. When I saw this week's challenge at Flourishes to use acetate on your card, I decided now was the time.  I also was introduced to a great sketch challenge blog, Tuesday Morning Sketches.  They are having a birthday celebration (Happy Birthday, TMS) and have 4 different sketches to choose from this week.  I chose to use sketch #4 but added the bow element to help cover where the acetate is attached.  Sketches are for inspiration and don't have to be followed exactly...right?  :)

I also wanted to try a "new to me" technique I've seen around blog-land and decided to try the Spotlight Technique.  It was kind of fun and certainly adds a dramatic touch.  Beate has a great tutorial on the Spotlight Technique over on SCS.

I lined the interior of the card with a lavender dotted paper and added a place for a note.  The decorations on the front hide it from view.

I used the space behind the front decorations to add a Scripture verse.

Here's a view of the inside of the front panel of the card.  I learned that photographing a clear card with a white background can make cropping/editing it a challenge.  It's hard to see where the card ends.  Maybe I'll try a black background next time. 

Note to self:
When making clear cards in the future, and when using a thick transparency instead of clear "cardstock",  add patterned paper or cardstock to the bottom edge for stability.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Express-it, Creative Imaginations (Lavender)
Patterned Paper:  NRN Designs (Purple Floral), Art Impressions (Dotty Lavender)
Stamps:  Flourishes (Picking Wildflowers), Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Our Refuge)
Ink:  Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics:  V04, 06, 09; YG03, 05; R20; YR21; E29, 50; Y11, 13, 15, 17, 21
Tools/Embellishments:  Transparency (brand unknown), Spellbinders (Circles Large & Small, Lacey Circles), Doodlebug Stitched Grosgrain ribbon (Lilac), CM Fine Tip Black pen, Fiskar's Border punch (Apron Lace)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches #206 (TMS206) - 4th Birthday Sketch Challenge
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge (FTTC228) - Seeing Clearly (use acetate on card)
Tuesday Throwdown #155 - Use Spotlight Technique
Going Gray with Scrap Creations - Use ribbon & bow
Crafty Ribbons Challenge #52 - Anything Goes with Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today.

Be Thou An Example

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."  This verse is a great reminder that even those who are "young" have a responsibility to be a good example.  I think we short-change young people so often by thinking they are not capable of being responsible and just assume they couldn't possibly know what they are doing.  This verse tells us that young people are to be responsible and can be an example to "older" people in how they talk, how they treat others, and in the way they conduct themselves.  Let's remember that we're all an example....the question is are we a good one or a bad one?

I used the SCS sketch #443 for my card this week.  I cut a fancy tag die cut in half and used it to frame the sentiment panel.  One of the vertical panels was embossed with an embossing folder.  I stamped a solid butterfly stamp in green ink and then stamped over it with a dotted butterfly in a darker shade of green.  The butterfly was fussy cut and given a body and antenna ends of pearls.  A rhinestone flight path and rhinestones on the fancy tag finished off the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill
Patterned paper:  Basic Grey (Picadilly 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Scripture digi), Studio G (butterfly stamps)
Ink:  Memento (Bamboo Leaves, New Sprout), 
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders Fancy Tags 3, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Victoria), pearls (Stampin' Up), rhinestones (Prima)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Shopping Our Stash #109 - summer themes or colors
Crazy 4 Challenges #193 (C4C193) - Let's Get Wordy
V's Sweet Ideas Challenge #13 - Summer

Thanks for stopping by today.  I do hope you'll come back soon.

Happy Anniversary {Butterflies}

I thought this card by Cards4Joy on SCS, was a great design and decided to CASE it.  Actually, I liked it so much, I made two different versions. I swapped out a few things to make it my own but kept her overall design.


Version #1 - White embossed card base

I embossed the card base and added a matted patterned paper strip.  The edges of the strip were die cut with  a Spellbinders Classic Edges die.  I did not use one of the inserts on this card.  The butterflies were stamped, colored with Copics, fussy cut and inked.  They were adhered only in the middle so the wings could be folded up for dimension.  There were given a strip a pearls for their bodies.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill, Paper Trey Ink
Patterned Paper:  MME (Graceful Circles)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big), Studio G
Inks:  Memento (Toffee Crunch), Versafine (Vintage Sepia)
Copics:  R81, 83, 85, E25
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Fancy Tags 3, Classic Edges 2, M'bossabilities embossing folder - Whimsy Side A), Recollection pearls, Zutter Corner Rounder

Version #2 - Green Card base

I used pre-embossed  cardstock for the card base.   The rest of the card construction was like version one except I used an insert on the die cut edges, the butterflies' wings were accented with Stickles and I added faux stitching to the card base.

This card also got some interior decorating.  I added a pocket on the left inside panel so that a gift card could be tucked inside.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill, Paper Trey Ink
Patterned Paper:  MME (Graceful Circles)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big), Studio G
Inks:  Memento (Toffee Crunch), Versafine (Vintage Sepia)
Copics:  R81, 83, 85, E25
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Fancy Tags 3, Classic Edges 2, Classic Decorative Inserts 5), Stampin' Up pearls, Zutter Corner Rounder, Stickles (Star Dust), Uni-Ball Signo Broad White pen, CM Fine Tip black pen

I'm entering the following challenges {even though I have two cards, since they are of the same design, I'm just entering once per challenge}:
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Aud Sentiments #84 - Use 2 words only
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #214 - Bride, Wedding, or Anniversary

Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a great weekend.

For This Child I Prayed

We know several couples who have had or soon will be having little baby girls.  I made a card for one of them tonight.  I wish all cards went together this easily.  :)

I adhered the gingham paper to the white panel (round the opposite corners first).  Then I used an oval die to cut a "window" in it.  I used the same die to cut out the middle of a floral oval die cut.  I used this die one more time with a scalloped oval to finish the frame.  After assembling the frame, I adhered it to the gingham panel.  The Scripture was attached behind the panel with pop dots, then the entire panel was adhered to the card base with more pop dots.

The little bear was colored with Copics and fussy cut.  The flower got a pearl center and the butterfly was accented with stickles.  Crystal Effects was used on the bear's nose.  The bear was attached to the card front with pop dots.

The frame was accented with pink bling and pearls. 

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Express-it (image)
Patterned Paper:  Frances Meyer (gingham), American Crafts (solid pink)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Scripture), StampArt Design by Kathryne (Baby Bear's Butterfly - bonus image)
Copics:  E11, 25, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37; R81, 83, 85; Y11, 13, 15, 17, YG03, 05; BG10
Embellishments/Tools:  Spellbinders (Petite Ovals Large, Petite Scalloped Ovals Large, Floral Ovals), pearls (Stampin' Up, Oriental Trading), rhinestones (Recollections), SU Crystal Effects, Stickles (Star Dust)

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Sentimental Sunday #161 - All Things Digital (both the bear and the Scripture are digi stamps)
Pile It On #26 - Bling
Catered Crop - Die Cuts/Punches
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Clear It Out Challenge - Theme:  Make Someone's Day, Stash:  Sparkly
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Delightful Challenge - Use a Critter
Divas by Design - Cute

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you're having a good start to your weekend.

Blessed is the Nation

It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  As usual, it's an anything goes challenge.  We'd love to have you play along with us.  You may link up to five family-friendly projects per week. Each week we have a free Scripture digi for you to download.  You are NOT required to use the freebie in your project.

This week's focus verse is Psalm 33:12.  The first part of this verse says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."  America has been blessed because she was founded on Christian principles.  What a comfort to have the Creator of the universe watching out for you.  God can only continue to bless America as she follows His principles.  It makes me sad to see our country turning from the Lord and His Word.  That road is not a good one to follow.  May each of us do our part in following God's Word, bringing honor to Him and praying faithfully for our country.




This week I chose to use the MOJO Monday Sketch (MOJO300) for my card.  In celebration of our country's birthday, I chose to use a red, white and blue color scheme.  Here is a close up of all the layers.  I included lots of faux stitching around most of the layers.  The red circle is emobssing with a Cuttlebug Swiss Dot folder.

I used lots of pop dots between the layers. As you can see in the picture below, it gives the card lots of dimension.

I even did a little interior decorating and included a little more faux stitching.  I think it adds a nice finishing touch when your project just needs a little "something."

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (blue, red)
Patterned Paper:  Fancy Pants, Sassafras Lass
Scripture Digi - WordArt by Karen Murray
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangles Large & Small, Circles Large & Small), pens (Uni-ball Signo Broad White, SU Stampin' Write Night of Navy), baker's twine (The Twinery), ribbon (Offray), Best Occasions metal dots, button from stash

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
MOJO Monday (MOJO300) - sketch
Wags & Whiskers #107  - Cute as a Button
Sentimental Sunday #161 - Use digis
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion #169 - Red, White & Blue
Digi Darla #69 (DDC#69) - Red, White & Blue

Chocolate Coffee Cards #42 - 4th of July
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown #154 - Patriotic
Shopping Our Stash - Red, White & Blue
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
ODBD Shining Light Challenge #160 (ODBDSLC160) - Red, White & Blue
Simon Says Stamp - Patriotic


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

Happy Birthday, America!!

Happy Birthday, Cupcake

I haven't paper pieced in awhile and it's been even longer since I paper pieced with regular stamps.  I decided that this cupcake image would be perfect for that technique.  This card is made entirely of scraps.  Even the card base is what was left over after making another card.  After paper piecing the cupcake and cherry, I colored the cherry stem & leaf with copics.  I added Crystal Effects to the cherry and stickles to the leaf & frosting for some sparkle.  I found some waxed thread on clearance recently and used it for the buttons.  I really like this type of thread.  It's SOOOO easy to thread thru the buttons. I untwisted the ends of the thread a bit after knotting.   The sentiment is embossed with Versamark and white embossing powder. 

{For those friends who know me well, yes, the two strips that aren't matted are unusual for me and yes, I wish I'd matted them.  :)  }

Lesson learned:  I tried rounding the corners of the card AFTER adhering the background paper and matting.  My rounder didn't go in as far as I thought so I didn't get the look I wanted.  Since I was using scraps, I didn't have enough to re-do the card so I'm living with it.  :( 

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections, Bazzill, DCWV, Express-It
Patterned Paper:  MME Miss Caroline (Dilly Dally)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Celebrate Big)
Ink:  Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Copics:  E25, G28, N0, 1, 3, BG10, Colorless Blender
Embellishments/Tools:  buttons (Making Memories, Basic Grey), CM Fine Tip black pen, Silver Creek Leather Co. waxed thread, Stampendous Embossing Powder (White Opaque), Spellbinders (Circle Small, Eyelet Circle), Crystal Effects, Stickles (Star Dust)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sweet Stop Sketch 217 (SSS217) - sketch
Tuesday Throwdown #153 - Glitz & Glimmer (add some sparkle and/or shimmer)
Clear it Out Challenge - Paper Piecing/Scraps
Inky Chicks #7 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
4 Crafty Chicks #148 (CCC148) - Cupcakes
Wags & Whiskers #107 - Cute as a button (use at least one button)

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