For Unto Us a Child is Born

Hi!  I'm just popping in for a quick post to show you my project for this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.

I made another notepad cover and pen set.  You can see my first set in this post. These have been quite popular as gift items and they've been selling quite well. My husband and I gave each of our co-workers a pad and matching pen for Christmas. 

Here's a peek at the interior.  I didn't make the post-it note cover for this set.

I'm working feverishly to get gifts ready to put in the mail {nothing like the last minute! ugh!!} but I'll try to come back later to edit this post with a supply list.

I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog and see what the rest of the design team has made this week.  Thanks for stopping by!

{Rest} in the Lord

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is Psalm 37:7a, "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. Fret not thyself..."  Now the word "rest" is near and dear to my heart these days.  For the first time I'm working a seasonal retail job in addition to my regular job.  I really enjoy what I do, but usually come home ready to REST.  Just as we like to sink into our easy chair/sofa and just relax, we are to have the same attitude when waiting on the Lord.  Just be patient, wait on Him to act/answer and don't fret.  Patiently waiting and not fretting can be quite difficult.  But just think of yourself relaxing in your favorite spot and remember that should be our heart attitude.  Ouch!  I need to practice this more.

My project this week is a gift set.  It includes a standard A2 sized (4.25" x 5.5") birthday card, a corner bookmark and a post-it note pad.  All three use the same papers and techniques. The green floral paper was dry embossed and then inked to help bring out the embossing. I used faux stitching, a border punch and various sizes and styles of ovals to tie each item in the project together. 

The card holds the bookmark is a side fold so that the corner bookmark can be showcased inside.  I kept the bookmark embellishment free so that it can be used in a favorite book or Bible. 

The post-it note pad has the focus verse on the front.  I'm imagining this pad sitting on a desk or tucked into a purse.  The Scripture can be a frequent reminder to rest, be patient and don't fret.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill (green), Recollections (cream)
Patterned Paper:  K & Company (Hannah 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps:  Card (exterior: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps - Feminine Birthday Greetings Digital Stamp; interior: Hero Arts - Special Birthday), Bookmark (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps - Across the Miles clear stamp set); Post-it Note Pad (WORDart by Karen - Psalms 37:7a)
Ink:  Versafine (Onyx Black), Memento (Toffee Crunch)
Tools/Embellishments:  Staedtler Fineliner pen (brown), Want2Scrap bling (Mother of Pearl), Spellbinders (Classic Ovals Large and Small, Lacey Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals Large and Small, Petite Ovals Small), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Victoria), Fiskars border punch (Apron Lace)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Pile It On Challenge #48 - P is for... (patterned paper, present (it's a gift set)
Timeless Tuesday #149 - Stitch it Up (use real or faux stitching)
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Clear It Out Challenge - Anything Goes

I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog, pick up your free digi and see what the rest of the Design Team have come up with to inspire you.  And in this season of hectic hustle and bustle, don't forget to REST!

Be Thankful for the {Little} Things

As we think about Thanksgiving tomorrow, it's a time to be thankful for the Lord's blessings to us.  This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday puts things into perspective, "Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasures and trouble therewith." (Proverbs 15:16)  How much more enjoyable to have few material possessions and know that you are right with the Lord than have many "things" and experience the trouble that comes when you are not following the Lord.  As someone has said, "the most important things in life aren't things." So tomorrow (and every day), let's remember to be thankful for the little things.

This week I decided to use the emboss resist technique with my distress inks.  I stamped the flower images with VersaMark and embossed them with clear embossing powder.  Using an ink blending tool, I used 3 colors of distress inks to go over the image panel.  For the mat on the sentiment panel, I die cut it using white cardstock and then used one of the distress inks to help it coordinate.  A sheer ribbon and bow and some bling finish off the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen, Recollections (flower stamps)
Inks:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Peacock Feathers, Broken China, Tumbled Glass)
Tools/Embellishments:  ribbon (Michael's), rhinestones (Recollections), Spellbinders (Classic Ovals Small), My Favorite Things (Oval Open Scallop Doily die), Stampin' Up embossing powder (Crystal Clear)

Challenges:
 LEJ Designs Challenge #81 - Button, Bows or Beads (I chose to use a bow)
Aud Sentiments Challenge #94 - Any Sentiment

I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the rest of the projects from my fellow Design Team Members and to pick up your free digi.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I truly am thankful for those who visit and for those who leave comments.  You are greatly appreciated.

 I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love.

Great Big World

Happy Wednesday!!  It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  As always, the challenge is Anything Goes as long as it includes an encouraging/uplifting sentiment and is family-friendly. 

Our focus verse this week is Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."  All we have to do is look at the sky and know that God is amazing.  We have been privileged to go to the planetarium show at the Creation Museum a couple times.  Seeing how the universe works and all the stars, galaxies, etc. is just mind boggling.  It definitely shows what a great God created it all.  Then when you look around at nature: the cycle of the trees, the beautiful landscapes, the plethora of colors and designs in flowers and plants....how can you not be amazed at God's handiwork?  What a mighty God we serve!!

One of our sponsors this week is Digi Darla.  I thought this Great Big World image was perfect for this week's verse.  I colored the image with copics, die cut it and then inked the panel.  It was matted on another die cut.  Some gems were added to the mat and the little girl's pony tail bow got a gem too.   I used Mojo Monday #320 for my card design inspiration.

A fish tail banner die was used for the verse.  I inked the verse, matted it and fussy cut the mat.  A brad finishes off the verse panel.  It is popped up off the card.  The background panel was embossed and the edges were inked.  A little interior decorating finishes off the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Neenah Solar White, Recollections (cream), brown (unknown)
Patterned Paper:  MME
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Psalms 19:1), Digi Darla (Great Big World)
Ink:  Distress Ink (Tea Dye)
Copics: Skin (E00, 01, R20), Hair (E25, 29, 31, 50), Dress/Socks (B000, 21, 23, 26), Stool (E33, 35, 37), Globe (BG000, 01, YG03, 05, YR20, 21), Box (E11, 31, 33), Shadows (N0, 1, 3)
Tools/Embellishments:  The Paper Studio Bubble Jewel brad, Want2Scrap gems (Mother of Pearl), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Tropic Blooms), Spellbinders (Classic Square Large, Lacey Square), My Favorite Things die (Fishtail Flags Stax)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Mojo Monday #320 - sketch
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
V's Sweet Ideas Challenge #17 - Color Challenge (use some or all of brown, red, sage green, golden yellow - I used brown and sage green with a touch of golden yellow)
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #154 - Anything Goes
Aud Sentiment Challenge #94 - Any Sentiment
Fab 'n Funky Challenge #194 - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today.  I hope the next time you are outside that you will take the time to look around and admire the beautiful work God has done in nature.

Reindeer Gift Card Holder

Yes, this is the 2nd post for the day.  I had a chance to have a crafty day with a friend yesterday so I have a couple extra projects to show you.  :) The current challenge at the Scrapbook Blessing Club is to make a twisted gift card holder.  You can find a link to a video tutorial on their blog. I've made these before and, for me, the greatest challenge is cutting the pattern paper.  I make a template but then turn it the wrong way when cutting my good paper. grrr I finally got it turned the right way and all is well.  :)

This version has lots of glitter and sparkle.  The green background paper has lots of glitter and the deer and snowflakes are covered with glitter as well (so was my desk).  The pocket on the front is glued shut. I had a bit of a seam where the two papers met, so, I used a strip of pearls to cover the seam.  The reindeer is popped up over the pearls and off the card.

After stamping and die cutting the interior left sentiment, I traced the inside edge of the die with a gold gel pen.  This added just a bit of sparkle.  The mat was die cut and then the edges covered with Versamark ink.  I embossed it with gold embossing powder and then while it was still hot added glitter embossing powder and reheated it to set it all.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper:  DCWV (Heirloom Christmas stack)
Stamps:  Mark's Finest Papers (Greetings of the Season), Studio G (Merry Christmas)
Ink:  Versafine (Onyx Black), Versamark
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangles Large and Small), Michael's gold gel pen, Joee's Boutique dimensional stickers, pearls (The Paper Studio), StampCraft gold embossing powder, A La Mode Sparkle embossing powder

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Scrapbook Blessings Club Challenge #6 - Twisted Gift Card Holder
4 Crafty Chicks #168 - Snowflakes
Clear it Out Challenge:  Theme:  Anything Goes; Stash:  Put a Snowflake on your card
Going Gray with Scrap Creations - Make it Sparkle

Thanks for visiting.   Please come back tomorrow for the newest Word Art Wednesday challenge.

Daniel's Tree - Digi of the Month

Today's card features the November "Digi of the Month" at Deedee's Digis.  Daniel's Tree is available here for only $1.25 (or you can get it for FREE when you make a $10 purchase in Deedee's store)!  What a great deal!!  Deedee has a monthly progressive challenge.  Use this digi by the deadline and you'll receive next month's Digi of the Month for free.  It's a great way to collect free digis.

I used the pre-colored version of this digi and one of the 5 included sentiments.  I went with a more country-Christmas theme and used lots of kraft cardstock, buttons and twine.

I popped up the image panel and then popped up the snowflakes from that.



Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Neenah Desert Storm, Neenah Solar White, Gray cardstock from stash
Patterned Paper:  The Paper Studio
Stamps:  Deedee's Digis (Daniel's Tree)
Tools/Embellishments:  Sakura Glaze pen (used on duck bill and sled runner), Atyou Spica Clear pen (used on snow), My Favorite Things (Fishtail Flags Stax), Spellbinders (Classic Circle Large, Scalloped Circle Large, Create-a-Flake 4), buttons from stash, baker's twine (The Twinery)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Clear It Out Challenge - Theme:  Anything Goes; Stash: Use a Snowflake
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #168 - Snowflakes
Craft Your Passion #189 - Buttons Galore
Tuesday Throwdown #174 - Snowbirds

I hope you'll stop by Deedee's Digis and and play along in the challenge.  Thanks for stopping by to visit today. 

Love in Deed and in Truth

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is 1 John 3:18, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."  This verse admonishes us to not just say we love others but to put our love into action.  When we get to do what we like to do, showing our love for others is easy to do.  However, when it costs us something, time, money, self-sacrifice, then it gets a bit harder.  However, that is the kind of "love in action" that the Apostle John is talking about.  For the perfect example of this principle, we need only look to what Christ did for us by dying on the cross.  Now THAT was love in action.

For my card this week, I chose to use the sunburst technique for my card design.  The trees were paper pieced.  I think the faux stitching gives it a sort of quilted look.  I masked the trees and inked the image panel with some distress and dye inks.  {Yes, I realize I could have done my inking before paper piecing the trees and then I wouldn't have needed a mask.  However, I didn't think that far ahead when planning out the card.}  I mounted the sunburst panel and verse panel on a square of dark brown cardstock before adhering it all to a white 5.5" square card base.

The verse is printed on patterned paper and a ribbon covers the seam between the sunburst panel and the verse panel. The image panel is popped up off the card and placed over the ribbon.  I also did a bit of interior decorating and included more faux stitching.

The verse panel is finished off with more faux stitching and some pearls.  The tree tops were given some stickles for a bit of shimmer.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill (Bitter Chocolate)
Patterned Paper:  Basic Grey (Out of Print 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (1 John 3:18), Stampabilities (3 Simple Trees)
Inks:  Memento (Desert Sand, Rich Cocoa, New Sprout), Ranger Distress Inks (Broken China, Antique Linen, Peacock Feathers)
Tools/Embellishments:  ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Stickles (Star Dust), pearls (Queen & Co. - Grass Green), Spellbinders Classic Squares Large, Staedtler triplus Fineliner (brown)
Techniques:  Paper Piecing, Sunburst, Inking/Masking, Faux Stitching/Doodling

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Scrapbook Blessings Club Challenge #5:  Sunburst Technique
SCS Try a Technique #455 (TLC455) - Let's Revisit Paper Piecing
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Got Ink?
Craft Your Passion #188 - Add some doodling
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Shopping Our Stash #127 - Use something already out on your desk (I used white cardstock and some inks)
Twist of Faith #63 - Lots of Layers

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll also visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to see what the rest of the design team have made this week and to pick up your free digi.  I hope the rest of your week goes well.

Coffee Themed Gift Set

I really like the coffee cups and cute sentiments in the Cuppa Love set at Deedee's Digis.  I decided to use it for this gift set.  I used one of the outline images and colored it with my copics.  There are 3 images (in 3 formats) and 6 digis in the set.

The main part of the gift set is a junior legal pad notebook.  The pad measures 5" x 8".  I cut a piece of red cardstock 10 3/4" x 8 1/4".  It is scored on the long size at 5 1/4" and 5 1/2". 

The front is decorated with an embossed strip of patterned paper and the sentiment and fussy cut cup are popped up.  SU! Crystal Effects was added to the coffee for some shine.

The top of the legal pad is covered with some patterned paper for a little extra decoration.  It was then attached to the cover with Score-Tape.  As you can see in the first picture, I made a coordinating RSVP pen to go with the set.

The final part of the gift set is a cover for a 3" x 3" pad of post-it notes.  The red cardstock was cut as 3 1/4" x 6 3/4" and scored on the long side at 3 1/4" and 3 1/2".  The front was decorated and the post-it note pad was added inside with Scor-Tape.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), The Paper Studio (red)
Patterned Paper:  The Paper Studio
Stamps:  Deedee's Digis (Cuppa Love)
Ink:  Memento Toffee Crunch
Copics: E07, 08, 25, 31; YR20, 21; N0, 1; W-1
Tools/Embellishments:  SU! Crystal Effects, Spellbinders (Classic Squares Small, Labels Four, Labels Four Small), Fiskars border punch (Apron Lace), Pentel RSVP pen

I'm entering this set into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge:  Anything Goes
Through the Craftroom Door:  Anything Goes
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #244:  Plaid or houndstooth
LEJ Designs Challenge #77:  Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp:  Anything Goes
V's Sweet Ideas Challenge #17:  Color Challenge (use some or all of: brown, golden yellow, sage green, red)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll check out all the great sets at Deedee's Digis.  The new Digi of the Month Challenge will begin on Nov. 4th.

Trust in the Lord

This is going to be a quick post this week as I'm fighting an eye infection, feeling pretty lousy and am having trouble seeing very clearly.

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is Psalm 37:3, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."  A New Testament parallel of this verse comes from the lips of our Savior Himself when He taught His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11). 

I used a die cut as the shape for this card and attached a plain card blank (approx 3.5 x 5) to the back.  I used my Score Buddy to emboss a piece of white cardstock for the front of the card.  The red "tablecloth" is a smaller stamp that I stamped twice and covered the join with the doily and sentiment die cuts.  The table cloth was fussy cut.  The strawberries were colored with copics and then fussy cut.  Please forgive the lack of shading and that some of the fussy-cutting on the strawberries isn't very close.  This eye infection makes seeing small details difficult.  Stickles were added to the strawberries and flowers for a little sparkle.  A few rhinestones and faux stitching finish things off.

Tip:  Whenever I get a new set of dies, I cut a sample of each size from scrap cardstock.  I label each sample with the name of the die and the size (I count the smallest die as #1).  If it's a decorative die and I have coordinating dies, I will also sometimes make notes of which one layers best on top of it.  I store these samples in the same CD case as the die.  When I'm designing a card, I can pull out the sample and have a better idea of what it will look like and which size I need to use.  This is also helpful when trying to decide if certain die cuts look well together.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific, Bazzill
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen, Flourishes (Berry Sweet Frame)
Ink:  Versafine - Crimson Red; Memento - Tuxedo Black
Copics:  R20, 27, 29; Y11; YG03, 05, 100, Colorless Blender
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders dies (Timeless Rectangles, Classic Oval Small), My Favorite Things Doiley Die, Score Buddy, Stickles (Star Dust), rhinestones (Small - Recollections, Large - The Paper Studio)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
LEJ Designs Challenge #77- Anything Goes
Top Tip Tuesday Challenge #113 - Seasons (I chose summer as my season)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I do appreciate your visit.  Don't forget to also visit the Word Art Wednesday blog in order to see what the rest of the Design Team have made and to pick up your free digi.

Paper Pieced Rosebud Frame {Galatians 6:14}

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is Galatians 6:14, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."  Our world is so ME-focused that the first half of this verse is so foreign to us.  To glory (brag) about possessions, accomplishments and status is second-nature to some of us.  However, this verse tells us that we are only to glory (brag) about what Christ did for us on the cross.  Just as the world is spiritually dead to us, we are to be dead to the world.  If we are blessed with possessions, accomplishments and/or status, let's remember Who allowed us to receive them.  To God be the glory, great things HE has done.

I've been wanting to give a twisted easel card a try.  This week was the week.  The card's fold is on the left side and the twist faces to the right.  Due to the way I decorated the interior, the message to the recipient will have to be written on the left side of the interior or the back of the card.  This card is definitely made to display and will either have to be hand-delivered or included in a package.

I have been wanting to use this digi frame by Deedee's Digis. You can find it free here.  I paper pieced the frame and fussy cut both the frame and the verse panel.  {I went around the edges of the frame with a black copic.  However, in real life, the black outline is not quite as prominent as it is in the pictured}  I then layered it with pop dots onto two die cuts. The frame includes rosebuds and leaves.  However, I used some paper roses over them and a glitter pen accents the frame and sentiment panel.

The background panel was embossed and then layered under a border punched strip, more cardstock and a shimmery ribbon.  The sentiment panel & frame were then popped up over it.  Some bling finishes off the front.

The interior cardstock was embossed with the same embossing folder.  Another die cut, some bling and a sentiment finish off the interior.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), The Paper Studio (pink)
Patterned Paper:  Recollections (floral), The Paper Studio (dark pink)
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Galatians 6:14), Deedee's Digis (Rosebud Frame), Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Jesus Cares clear stamp set)
Ink:  Stazon (Jet Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders dies (Petite Scalloped Ovals Small, Floral Ovals, Fancy Tags 3), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Textile Texture), Fiskars border punch (Apron Lace), ribbon (Michael's), clear rhinestones (Recollections), pink rhinestones (The Paper Studio), Sakura Clear Star pen, Copic marker (100), paper flowers (The Paper Temptress)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Scrapbook Blessings Club #4 - Twisted Easel Card
Craft Your Passion #185 - Think Pink
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge #115 - Paper Piecing
4 Crafty Chicks #164 - Multiple Layers
Cards Galore October Challenge - Flowers
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #243 - Fussy Cutting

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you will visit the Word Art Wednesday blog and join us this week.  Don't forget to get your free digi, visit our fabulous sponsors' sites and see what the rest of the Design Team has made this week.

{Perspective}

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is Psalm 18:32-33, "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."  What another great reminder!  It is God that is the source of our strength and He is the one that lifts us above the troubles in life.  I was able to visit our daughter and son-in-law this past weekend. I went to chapel with them yesterday and the speaker reminded us that no matter what trial we may be experiencing, the need for a Biblical perspective is the same.  My favorite quote from his message was, "I do not want to waste what God wants to do in me thru this trial."  Wow!  This is from a man that lost his wife to cancer about 7 mos. ago and is now raising their 5 young children alone.    It was obvious from his message that He has learned the truth of this week's focus verse.

I really like the rich fall colors in these papers.  My card design is pretty simple and includes pearls, flowers, die cuts and faux stitching.

Some pop dots behind the sentiment panel pop it up over the pearl flourish.

A little interior decorating completes the card.


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill, Recollections
Patterned Paper:  Sassafras Lass (Indian Summer)
Digi Stamp:  WORDart by Karen
Tools/Embellishments:  CM Fine Tip pen (black), Portafolia flowers, Prima pearl flourish, large single pearls (Recollections), small single pearls (Want2Scrap), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals Large & Small, Fancy Tags 3), Sweet 'n Sassy (Lacey Eyelet Border die)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Chocolate Coffee & Cards Challenges #50 - Autumn NOT Halloween
Cards Galore October Challenge - Flowers
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge #280 (PWC280) -  Permission to embellish everything (except the truth)
Inky Impressions Challenge #30 (IIC30) - Fall/Autumn
Penny's Paper-Crafty #149 - Anything Goes
Divas by Design - Autumn Colors

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi.  While you're there, why not check out our awesome sponsors and the projects from the rest of the design team?

Happy Birthday, Amy!

Today is our beautiful & talented daughter-in-law's birthday. Amy loves bling, glitter, sparkle and beautiful things. She is also a big fan of Audrey Hepburn.  When I saw this A Day for Daisies digi called Hepbern Dress, I knew I needed to use it for her.  OK, I realize the spelling is different but still.... :)  I mailed the card several days ago so hopefully she's received it by now. 

I added LOTS of sparkly elements to this 5 x 7 card.  Stickles were added to the centers of each of the embossed flowers and all over the skirt of the dress.  The edges of the floral oval are covered in crystal glitter.  And then of course, there are the two rhinestone flourishes.  No matter which way you turn the card, something sparkles.

I wanted to carry the extra touches to the interior so I added two more rhinestone flourishes here as well.

Supplies
Cardstock:  Bazzill, Georgia Pacific
Digi Stamp:  A Day for Daisies (Hepbern Dress)
Copics:  Hair (E25, 31, 50), Skin (E001 & 11, R20), Dress (BG000, 01, 05)
Embellishments/Tools:  Stampendous Crystal Glitter, Stickles (Star Dust), rhinestones (Recollections), Spellbinders (M'Bossabilities Splendid (side B), Floral Oval, Petite Oval Small), Zutter Round-it-All (1/2")

Challenges:
Papertake Weekly - Two by Two (2 bling flourishes, 2 die cuts)
Inky Chicks #14 - 2 die cuts
Inky Impressions #129 - Glitter & Sparkle

Amy, I hope your day is as special as you are.  We love you!  Happy Birthday!!

He Shall Feed His Flock.....

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday, is Isaiah 40:11, "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."  I love the verses in the Bible that talk about the Lord being our Shepherd.  A shepherd spends all his time caring for his sheep. He's searching for the best places for them to feed, keeping alert to protect them from danger and harm, guiding the errant back to the flock and comforts the sick and weak.  If you study sheep, you'll learn they aren't the brightest in the animal world.  They can be stubborn, willful, and rebellious.  Sounds just like us -- I guess that's why the Bible compares us to sheep.  But how comforting to know that when I'm stubborn and rebellious, the Lord is willing to guide me back to Himself.  When I am weak, hurting and just can't go another step, He'll carry me.  Now THAT is comforting.

I wanted to play along with this week's sketch at Mojo Monday.  I've also been seeing doilies used on cards fairly often lately and wanted to give it a try.  I also managed to add my usual favorites:  ribbon, bows, pearls and faux stitching.  

There's quite a bit of dimension on the card even though pop dots were only used on the sentiment panel.  The picture above and the one below give sneak peeks of the interior decorating.  It also includes faux stitching.  :)

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill
Patterned Paper:  Crate Paper (Farm House)
Digi Stamp:  WORDart by Karen
Embellishments/Tools:  ribbon (teal - Offray; white - Michael's), brad (The Paper Studio), pearl flourish (Recollection), individual pearls (The Paper Studio, Queen & Co.), Spellbinders (Decorative Photo Corners), doily (Sunny Side Up Bakery), CM Fine Tip pen (black), Uniball Signo White pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
MOJO Monday (MOJO314) - sketch
Crafty Ribbons Challenge #64 - Anything Goes (must include ribbon)
Papertake Weekly - Two by Two - Use two of something (I have 2 patterned papers, two ribbons, two colors of faux stitching)
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
Divas by Design - 3 or more layers

I hope you will stop by the Word Art Wednesday Challenge blog to pick up your free digi and to see the projects the rest of the design team have made.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Your visits and comments are greatly appreciated.  :)

Just sayin' Hi!

Last week our grandson called me (with his mommy's help).  He asked what I was doing.  I told him I was making a card.  He then asked if I would make him one.  Now, I realize that since he's not quite 4,  he's probably just wanting mail of his own and it's not a great love of my cards that prompted his request.  However, being a typical grandma, I said yes.  Here is the card that will be going in the mail to him tomorrow from his Papaw and Mimi.

Deedee's Digis has started a monthly progressive Digi of the Month Challenge.  Basically, you use this month's free digi in the anything goes challenge.  All those who participate this month will get next month's digi free.  You can see all the details here.  I'm using a pre-colored version of this month's free digi on my card.  I used the sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches for the card design.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill (burnt orange), Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (kraft)
Patterned Paper:  Unknown (possibly MME)
Stamps:  Deedee's Digi (Fall Bulldog - Pre-colored), Impression Obsession (Hi!)
Ink:  Stazon (black)
Embellishments/Tools:  Creative Memories 1 1/4" Square punch, Stampin' Up 1 1/2" Scalloped Square Punch, Spellbinders (Classic Squares Large & Small, Lacey Squares), button from stash, The Twinery baker's twine (Cappuccino)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches #219 - sketch with a twist (the twist is to use a fancy die - I used Lacey Squares)
The Kraft Journal Challenge #141 - Use a button, bow or bangle (I used a button and a bow)
Papertake Weekly - Two by Two (Use 2 of something - I have two stamps and two dies)
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #227 - Cats, Dogs, Pets, Animals
4 Crafty Chicks #162 - Fall/Autumn Colors
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Fall Inspiration Picture (I used the leaves and colors as my inspiration)
Inky Chicks #14 - Use 2 Die cuts (I have squares & lacey squares)

Thanks for stopping by. 

Think Pink!

Deedee's Digis has some free digis for you on the blog.  These digis are in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.  You can see the free digis here.  If you like Oscar the cat, you'll love them.

I chose to make a card with the pre-colored version of Oscar and the un-colored version of the sentiment.  I printed Oscar and fussy cut him.  I added some stickles to the ribbon on his collar to give it a little sparkle.  I popped him up on a die cut.  I used a cause ribbon die cut to anchor the sentiment.  I colored in the hearts on the sentiment with a Bic Mark-It marker and then added some stickles to them.

The embossed panel is popped up off the card base and Oscar is popped up off the pink die cut.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (pink)
Stamps:  Deedee's Digis (Think Pink)
Embellishments/Tools:  Cuttlebug (Cause Ribbon die, Swiss Dot embossing folder), Spellbinders Floral Oval Die, baker's twine (The Twinery), Stickles (Star Dust), buttons from my stash, Zutter Round-it-all

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Shopping Our Stash #121 - Pink and/or Breast Cancer Awareness
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Inky Chicks #14 - Use two different die cuts
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Going Dotty (I used a Dotted Swiss embossing folder)
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #147 - Anything Goes
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #227 - Cats and Dogs/Pets/Animals
Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge #114 - Pink/Breast Cancer Awareness
Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge #39 - Any Digi Goes

Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a good weekend!!

Know Ye That the Lord He is God

This week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is Psalm 100:3, "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture."   This verse was chosen weeks if not months ago to be used on this particular week.  However, the Lord knew that this reminder would be very good for me this exact week.  A good friend found out she had cancer two weeks ago but the doctor thought he'd gotten it all during her surgery.  However, a follow-up visit this week revealed that the cancer was much more extensive than previously thought.  She's facing some pretty dark waters.  This verse is just the reminder I needed that the Lord is still in control.  This week's news did not take Him by surprise.  Because my friend has accepted Christ as her personal Savior, she's one of His people, one of His sheep.  Why is He allowing her to travel thru this dark valley?  I don't know.  But I know God can see all of the details that we can't see and that for reasons I definitely don't understand now, this is what is best.   I needed this reminder.  While yes, I am most certainly praying for healing for my friend, I'm also praying that she will experience the Lord's comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead like she never has before.

One of this week's sponsors is Deedee's Digis.  Deedee generously provided the design team with some digis to use.  I was able to play with the Bloom and Grow set.   When I saw the set, I knew I wanted a clean, feminine feel to my card. We are having special meetings at church this week so my crafting time was limited.  For that reason, I chose to use some of the pre-colored flowers included in the set.  I printed and then fussy cut 5 flowers and two extra 1/2 flowers so that I would have extra leaves.  I tucked an extra leaf behind the top flower and layered two flowers together for dimension.  In the bottom trio, an extra leaf was tucked behind the center flower.  All flowers were accented with a pearl center and some stickles.

Behind the flower is a die cut fancy tag that was cut in half.  Each half was adhered to the back of the sentiment oval and accented with more pearls. A shimmery, sheer ribbon was added behind the sentiment panel. The card base was die cut along the bottom edge. The back ground panel was embossed and then adhered to the card base.  A row of pearls hides the line where they join.  The centers of the flowers in the embossed panel are accented with more stickles. The interior is lined with a piece of yellow patterned paper that just peeks out behind the scalloped edge of the card.  The shimmery ribbon, the stickles and the pearls give this card a feminine and sparkly look.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper:  Basic Grey
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen, Deedee's Digis (Bloom & Grow)
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders (Petite Ovals Large, Fancy Tags 3, M'bossabilities - Splendid B), pearls (Recollections, The Paper Studio, Queen & Company), Stickles (Star Dust), ribbon (Michael's)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown #166 - Clean & Simple
Crafty Ribbons Challenge #62 - Anything Goes with Ribbon
Chocolate Coffee & Cards Challenges #48 - Anything Goes (must be a card)
Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge #113 - Sparkle (bling or glitter - my card has lots of glittery via stickles)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see what the rest of the design team has made and to grab your free digi.

Owl Gift Tag

My Once in a While card was chosen as a Winning Recipe at Catered Crop this past Sunday.  As a result, I have the honor of being a guest designer for them during their current recipe challenge.   This time they want us to take a break from cards and feature gift packaging, tags, bows and/or treat holders.  I chose to make a tag.

One of this week's sponsors at Word Art Wednesday is Diane's Daydream Designs.  She has several adorable owl sets.  One of her newest ones is Falling For You Owls.  Diane generously provided digis for the Design Team to use this week so, of course, I had to choose this new owl set.

I printed out one of the digis from the owl digi set and fussy cut it.  I then inked the edges.  I used an embossing folder to emboss the burnt orange cardstock and then inked it with the direct-to-paper technique.  I finished this layer off with some faux stitching.  I used some brads to attach the owl digi to the burnt orange layer and then adhered them to a kraft tag.

Another piece of the burnt orange cardstock was used on the card back.  "To" and "From" stamps were heat embossed with white emobssing powder.  This layer was then attached to the tag base.  A few ribbons were added so that the tag can be tied onto a package.  An added bonus is that the tag can also be used by the recipient as a bookmark.  I really like making tag do double-duty.  It kind of makes them part of the gift.

This was a very simple project and Diane's pre-colored digi made it even easier. 

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill, Recollections
Ink:  Memento (Toffee Crunch)
Stamps:  Diane's Daydream Designs (Falling For You Owls), Studio G
Embellishments/Tools:  VersaMarker, Stampendous White Opaque embossing powder, Crop-o-dile, Uniball Signo White pen, Cuttlebug embossing folder (Distressed Stripes), Zutter Round-it-all (1/2"), Offray ribbon, Doodlebug Designs brads

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sentimental Sunday #172 - Humorous
Crafting When We Can #53 - Seasons
Craft Your Passion #180 - Fall Colors
Digi Darla #80 - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown #165 - Something with Wings

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today.

Graceful Speech

This week's focus at Word Art Wednesday is Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."  This verse is one of those that makes me say, "Ouch!" According to Dictionary.com, some synonyms for grace are: forgiveness, charity, mercifulness, kindness, love, and leniency.  I know my speech is not always full of grace. Many times I'm too quick to be critical or harsh (antonyms of grace).  In Bible times, salt was valuable and sometimes used as currency.  So for something to be seasoned with salt meant it was valuable.  To apply this to our speech, it means what we say should be of value to those that hear us.  Another "Ouch!"  How often is what I say worth hearing?  Not often enough! I don't know about you, but I need this reminder to let my speech be full of grace and to speak things of value.   I should post it where I can see it often.

For my card this week I chose to use this new digi by Deedee's Digis.  I thought this little kitty and his bird and butterfly friends looked like they were very friendly and kind.  After all, in real life, it would take a very kind cat to let a bird perch on its head and smile about it.  :)  Want to know something else very kind about this kitty image?  He's a freebie on the Deedee's Digi Blog!!  You can find him here.

 I really like easel cards and decided to try my hand at making a circle easel card.  I kept it monochromatic by using papers in various shades of green.  The grass, bird and butterfly make me feel like I've just stepped outside on a sunny day and am spending some time enjoying the wonders of nature.

Rows of green gems set off the verse and the top row acts as a stopper for the image panel.  I used faux stitching around the circles to add a finishing touch to the edges.  I added some stickles to the butterfly and bird for a little additional sparkle.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper:  Studio G
Digi Stamps:  WordArt By Karen (Scripture), Deedee's Digis (Cat and Bird)
Copics:  R20, 81, 83, 85; Y11, 13, 17; YG03, 05; N0, 1, 3, 5
Tools/Embellishments:  Staedtler Fineliner (green), Uni-ball Signo (white), Sakura Glaze pen (on kitty's nose), Stickles (Star Dust), gems (Studio G), Spellbinders (Grand Circles, Lacey Circles, Standard Circles Large and Small)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sentimental Sunday #171 - Something Tweet (have a bird or birds on your card)
Digi Darla's Challenge #79 - Anything Goes
Twist of Faith #54 - Monochromatic
Inky Chicks #12 - Stitching (real or faux)
Cuttlebug Mania - Back to nature
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #144 - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Blessings Club Tutorial Challenge #2 - Circle Easel Card

Thanks for stopping by to visit for a few minutes.  I hope you'll go by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see what the rest of the Design Team has to show you and to pick up your free digi.  I also hope you'll be able to link up some projects (up to 5 are allowed) this week.  Our sponsors for this challenge are Digi Darla's and Nice Crane Designs.  They both have a nice prize to be given to random winners.

A Drop of Ink....

I have another "Back to School" card to share with you today.  Now, this card does not specifically have the words "Back to School" on it but it was sent to a grad student for that purpose.  :)  It also has a lot of school-themed elements...books, pencils, pens, and owls.  Owls just seem like an "education" bird to me.  I also used my favorite "Back to School" paper - Basic Grey's Oxford collection.

I saw this cool fold on this German lady's blog.  As you know I love fancy folds and just had to give this one a try.  I converted her measurements to inches and made my interior folded piece 7"x7".  The card base is a standard 4.25" x 5.5" card.  I used good cardstock for the interior and added matting & patterned paper.  While I like the look, it does mean the card ends up quite thick when folded up and it definitely will not go flat.  I mailed it (with extra postage of course) in a envelope for a 5"x7" card.

I have had this box of "Proverbs to Go" by K & Company for years.  I was looking through it recently and found this great quote.  Since the card is going to a writer in grad school, I thought it so appropriate.  Writers have such a unique tool to influence so many people by what they write.  It can be both a reminder and an encouragement.

On one of the recent challenges at Word Art Wednesday, May Pack posted a card that had a book embellishment on the front that she had made.  You can see her book embellishment here.  I loved it and had to try it out for myself.  I had some tissue-paper script paper that I used for the book's pages.  A piece of cardstock made the cover and some leather thread tied up the book. A Stampin' Up! owl punch adds to the school theme.  I added red Stickles to the heart and a black pen for his pupils.

I used a Spellbinders Owl die for my interior image and stamped two of the sentiments from the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Across the Miles set on him. I used the eyes and heart from the Stampin' Up! punch for his eyes and drew his nose and outlined him with a white gel pen.  I left the bottom square blank so that I could write a message.

The card will stand up on its own and folds up well.  I waited until I had the folded square completely done before cutting off the points that stuck over the card edge.  Next time I think I'll cut them off before doing all the decorating. This card fold has a cool look but really isn't hard.  If you have any questions about it, leave me a comment below and I'll try to help.

Supplies:
Cardstock  Bazzill, Recollection
Patterned Paper:  Basic Grey (Oxford), Recollections (Script Tissue-Paper)
Ink:  VersaFine (Vintage Sepia)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Across the Miles)
Tools/Embellishments:  Creative Memories fine point black pen, Sharpie Ultra Fine Point brown pen, Uni-Ball Signo white pen, thread (Silver Creek Leather Co.), brads (American Crafts), sticker behind owl on front (Basic Grey Oxford), Stickles (Christmas Red), Spellbinders (Owls), Stampin' Up! Owl punch, Proverbs to Go (K & Company)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Roll 'em (3-Die or punch, 4-Kraft paper, 2-border)
Basic Grey Challenge #101 - Back to School/Good Luck
Aud Sentiments #88 - Any Sentiment
Milk Coffee Challenge - Back to School
Shopping Our Stash #117 - Back to School
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Back to School
Inky Chicks #12 - Stiching - Real or Faux

Thanks for stopping by to visit today.