Consider What He's Done for You

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

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

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

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

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment panel), Darice (green glitter cardstock)
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Jingle All the Way 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Snowflake dies, Nuvo glitter drops (White Bizzard), The Paper Studio (gems), Martha Stewart small snowflake punch

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

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

The Birth of Jesus

Welcome back. It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on Matthew 1:18, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." I've always been so challenged by Mary's complete willingness to be submissive to the Lord's plan for her life. She was young (some Bible scholars say even a young teenager) and yet when the angel told her that she was to bear the Christ-child, she didn't complain about how this news would change her plans or protest because there would be wagging tongues, she simply said, "...be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) Oh, that I would have that sort of instantaneous, unquestioning obedience to the Lord! This Christmas season, let's not get so caught up in the "hustle and bustle" and forget the true meaning of Christmas. Christ truly is the reason we celebrate.

I kept my card simple this week to focus on the verse. The design was inspired by a sketch from My Favorite Things (MFTWSC312). Some flat gold embellishments and some Nuvo glitter drops add some shine and sparkle.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment panel), Darice (green glitter cardstock)
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Jingle All the Way 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Matthew 1:18)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Snowflake dies, Nuvo glitter drops (White Bizzard), Best Occasions Metal Dots

I'm entering this card in th following challenges:
A Place to Start December Challenge - Happy Holidays
Artsy Stamper Challenge #5 - Winter Holidays
Double Trouble Challenge #44 - Wrap it Up (use holiday papers)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Use patterned Paper
Tuesday Throwdown #446 - Anything Goes

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

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!

I Thank My God

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week our theme verse is 1 Corinthians 1:4-5, "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge." Paul is writing to the Christians at Corinth and telling them that he not only thanks the Lord for them but also thanks the Lord for the grace He has given them. This is the grace that brings salvation. He is also thankful for the blessings that the Lord has given (enriched) them. The Lord had given them knowledge and spiritual gifts. In later verses, Paul goes on to admonish them to use those gifts in a spiritual manner. We are no different from the Corinthians. The Lord has greatly blessed us by giving us the gift of salvation. He has also given us many gifts that we should in turn use for Him. As Warren Wiersbe says, "The fact that God has called us, set us apart and enriched us ought to encourage us to live holy lives." (The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament Volume 1)

I used Mojo Monday's sketch #477 for the inspiration for my card today. I used the measurements provided by Kristie Marcotte as a guide but didn't stick to them exactly. I love these papers by Pebbles and in fact this is my 2nd 6 x 6 pad of this design. I added some gold foil paper for some shine and some white blizzard Nuvo drops on some flower centers and around the verse for some sparkle.  The card remains pretty flat and will be easy to mail.

I know I have been over-using this butterfly lately. But it is just the perfect size when a card needs "just a little something."

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (dark blue), Ms. Sparkle & Co. (Gold Foil), Darice (blue sparkle)
Patterned Paper: Pebbles (Family Ties)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)
Tools/Embellishments: Fiskars butterfly punch, Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), The Paper Studio (bling)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Dare 2B Artzy September Challenge - Favorite Color to Work With (I love working with shades of blue)
Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #441 - Anything Goes
Get Creative Challenge #84 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you are having a good week and will come back soon.

Fall Joy Fold Card

I'm back with another Word Art Wednesday challenge card. This week we're focusing on Psalm 91:11, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." I don't know about you, but it is a comfort to me to know that the Lord sends His angels to watch over me and help me. I do believe they assist us in more ways that we'll ever know. I believe they also provide protection for us as well. How wonderful that the Lord not only protects us Himself but also sends His angels to help us in our daily lives.

I decided to make a joy-fold card for this week. Here are complete directions on Splitcoaststampers in this Joy Fold tutorial by Beate Johns. I used the measurements at the end of the tutorial for a square card. It is 4.25" square when folded. I love fall and am ready for some cooler weather. So, I chose to use some fall theme papers this week.

I did some interior decorating and included a secondary sentiment on the interior flap. If I need to write more than the small space allows, I will use the back of the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (#110 white card base), Georgia Pacific (white sentiment panels), C'oredinations (Krafty Canvas), Bazzill (green)
Patterned Paper: Ms. Sparkle & Co (Woodland 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 91:11), Dare 2B Artzy (Praying for You)
Ink: Versafine (Onyx Black)
Tools/Embellishments: Spellbinders Dies (Classic Squares Large & Small, Decorative Labels One), The Eyelet Outlet Jewels (Gray), The Paper Studio sequins, May Arts ribbon

I'm entering this card in the Get Creative Challenge #84 - Anything Goes.

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free and digi and see the projects from the rest of the Design Team.

Confidence

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, "And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." The Apostle Paul (the author of 2 Corinthians) is talking about the trust he has in Christ. The word trust could also be stated as confidence. "Confidence describes the quality or state of being certain. It describes Paul's assurance of mind and his firm belief in the integrity, stability and veracity of God. Paul expressed a reliance on God, the idea of reliance being an expression of confidence or trust based on experience." {Henry Alford, PreceptAustin.org} Paul gained his boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Christ because of this confidence/trust. He didn't think he was "all that" but knew that anything he did or was able to accomplish was only because it was the work of God.

As the Puritan pastor Richard Baxter (1615-1691) lay on his deathbed, someone encouraged him with a reminder of the good which so many had received from his preaching and writings. Baxter who clearly understood 2 Corinthians 3:5 replied..."I was but a pen in God’s hand, and what praise is due to a pen?" {PreceptAustin.org}

I was at the StampAway convention this past Saturday in Cincinnati, OH. I had a good time getting to see the products of some of my favorite stamp companies in person and talking with several of the owners. Of course, I brought home a few goodies and decided to use some of my new items and some favorite older items on today's card (I've linked them below in my supply list). I also wanted to keep the focus on the verse so I used a frame around the verse panel and put it on an easel card.

I really like easel cards and don't know why I don't make more of them. I like the way they sit up for display and think they are the perfect way to showcase a Scripture verse or encouraging sentiment.

Supplies:
Cardstock; Recollections (#110 white card base, pink), Bazzill (Moody Blue), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Dare 2B Artzy (Summertime Collection Variety Pack - this sheet is Bright Blooms)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (2 Corinthians 3:4-5), Simon Says Stamp clear stamp set (Always & Forever - retired)
Ink: Versamark
Tools/Embellishments: Divinity Designs dies (Double Stitched Rectangles), Pink & Main dies (Reverse Scallop Rectangles), Lawn Fawn dies (Everyday Sentiment Banners), My Favorite Things die-namics (Mini Scallop Edge - retired), Simon Says Stamp embossing powder (White Fine Detail), Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops (Morning Dew), Fiskars butterfly punch, Eyelet Outlet bling

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Dare 2B Artzy - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you'll stop by again soon. Please be sure to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog for lots more inspiration and to pick up your free digi.

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.

True Freedom

Hello! Happy Wednesday! It's time for a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we are looking at Psalm 119:45, "And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts." So many people think that following the Lord's plan for our life is constricting, confining and brings misery. However, it is just the opposite. When we follow the Lord's precepts, we are free from the bondage that sin brings. When we do things within God's will, we are free from the fetters of the consequences of our own bad decisions. We don't have to feel weighed down by a load of guilt and shame. Those who follow the Lord are the ones that are truly free.

I made two cards to share with you this week. The first card uses this week's free WORDart designed by Karen Murray. Don't forget to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to download it for yourself. I used Mojo Monday Sketch 477 for my card design and papers and dies by Divinity Designs. Since we are celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, I chose a patriotic color scheme.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Bazzill (Night Water), Ms. Sparkle & Co. Glitter & Foil Paper - Gold and Silver (silver foil), Georgia Pacific (white for sentiment panel)
Patterned Paper: Divinity Designs (Old Glory Paper Pad, Stars and Stripes Paper Pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Psalm 119:45)
Dies: Divinity Designs (Sparkling Stars, Double Stitched Rectangles)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Always Fun Challenges #117 - Patriotic 
Crafty Cardmakers #237 - Dies or Punches (I used dies) 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Stars and/or Stripes
 

My second card features products by this week's wonderful sponsor, Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. I used two stamp sets and one die set on this card. I chose to just MOJO Sketch 506 as my inspiration but I changed up several of the elements.  The main tulip image from the Get Well Tulip stamp set was colored with Copic Markers. The image panel was cut down and matted with some pink cardstock I found in my stash. A sentiment from Thinking of You Rose was stamped on white cardstock and die cut with one of the dies in the Fishtail Sentiment Banners die set. A few sequins from my stash embellishment the fishtail sentiment banner. The final embellishment is a coat of Wink of Stella on the tulip.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections #110 (white card base), Bazzill (Greenbriar), Pink (unknown), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Anything Goes 6 x 6 Pad)
Stamps: Stamp Simply (Get Well Tulip and Thinking of You Rose)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black), VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Copics: YG03, 07; R81, 83, 85
Tools/Embellishments: Stamp Simply die set (Fishtail Sentiment Banners), Zig Wink of Stella glitter brush marker (clear), sequins (unknown)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Inkspirational Challenges #190 - Use three or five items 
YNS Friday Fun Challenge #117 - Use three of something
Crafting from the Heart Challenge #246 - Anything Goes 
Tuesday Throwdown #435 - Anything Goes


Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope those of you in the US enjoy celebrating our country's birthday tomorrow. It was also my dad's birthday and when I was little I thought the whole country was celebrating his birthday too. LOL

Please visit our wonderful sponsor's website. You're sure to find several things to add to your wish list. Also, please visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the other projects by the Design Team and to link up your own projects.

Walk Worthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Captain America Father's Day Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

Masculine Fancy Fold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Be Bountiful

Happy Wednesday! Today is the start of another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. We're focusing on Proverbs 11:25, "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." The first part of this verse reminds us that being a blessing to others will also bless us. This goes along with Proverbs 22:9 which teaches that those who are "bountiful" or generous will be blessed. Acts 20:35 reminds us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Meeting the needs or even wants of others just makes your heart happy. In a world where the motto seems to be "it's all about me," it's good to be reminded that in fact true happiness comes in meeting the needs of others. Look around you and see who you can bless today.

Our sponsor this week is Stamps of Life. I used their Gift Card Envelope Die with Border to show case the sentiment and to provide a pocket for a pull out tag. I cut the flap off the envelope and used a small circle punch to notch the top so that pulling out the tag would be a little easier. The background patterned paper was die cut usig Large Rectangle Dies - 2 Pack.

I used the stamping off technique for the butterfly on the tag and then stamped the verse in black ink. A scrap of ribbon and a brad provide the pull tab for the tag.

Some blue bling and Nuvo glitter drops embellish the centers of the motif on the background paper and add lots of sparkle.

For interior decorating the Large Rectangle Dies - 2 Pack was used for the writing panel and the mat and the border from the Gift Card Envelope Die with Border set helps add some added decoration.

Supplies:
Cardstock: The Paper Studio Heavyweight (white-card base), Bazzill (Night Water, Cake Batter), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Genevieve 6 x 6 pad)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (Proverbs 11:25), Layers of Color clear stamp set (Joyful Noise - retired), Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps clear stamp set (Our Refuge - retired)
Ink: Versafine (Onyx Black), Ranger Archival (Cobalt)
Tools/Embellishments: Stamps of Life Dies (Gift Card Envelope Die with Border and Large Rectangle Dies - 2 Pack), The Paper Studio gemstones, Making Memories (brad), Marvy circle punches (1/2" and 3/4"), The Paper Studio circle punch (1"), Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard), scrap of ribbon from stash

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sparkles Monthly Challenges Blog Challenge #115 - Flowers or Religious
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes but must use Dies
Daisy Chain Challenges - Make It Feminine
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use Patterned Paper
Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes

I hope you'll stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the projects by the rest of the Design Team and also visit our wonderful sponsor, Stamps of Life. Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back soon.

According to His Abundant Mercy

Happy Friday! I'm a couple days late posting my Word Art Wednesday card. We rolled out the first phases of a 4 month project this week and it's been a bit crazy! I'm so thankful for weekends off work! This week our focus verse at Word Art Wednesday is 1 Peter 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Let's look at one of the phrases of this verse, "according to his abundant mercy." "According to" carries the idea of proportion. The example is given that if a billionaire gives you $10, he's giving you out of his riches. However, if he gives you $1,000,000, he's giving you according to his riches. The first is a portion, the second is a proportion. God is infinite, therefore so are all of His attributes. So using the word "abundant" to describe His mercy toward us is a vast understatement. Mercy is an outward demonstration of pity and assumes need on the part of the one who receives it and sufficient resources on the part of the one that shows it. So if we put all of this together, God gives us mercy, which we most certainly don't deserve, from His vast storehouse. This wonderful treasure of mercy is ready to meet our every need and forgive our every sin.

Our wonderful sponsor this week is Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. They carry MUCH more than ribbon. I really like how their stamps provide such a crisp impression right out of the package. I didn't use any of their dies on today's card, but they are also fantastic. They provided me with the Get Well Tulip stamp set to use. I heat embossed the tulip image with Liquid Platinum embossing powder and matted this panel with a purple cardstock. I heat embossed a scrap of white cardstock with more of the Liquid Platinum embossing powder and used it to punch the 3 circle embellishments. The dry embossed background panel was highlighted with a Wink of Stella clear glitter pen. The verse panel and background panel were also matted with purple cardstock. Some sequins provide the final embellishment.

Supplies:
Cardstock: The Paper Studio heavyweight (white card base), Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (Boysenberry Delight)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (1 Peter 1:3), Stamp Simply Ribbon Store clear stamp (Get Well Tulip)
Ink: VersaMark (embossing ink)
Tools/Embellishments: Ranger embossing powder (Liquid Platinum), Simon Says Stamp Sequins (Assorted Moonshine), Zig Wink of Stella glitter brush marker (Clear), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Victoria), Divinity Designs dies (Double Stitched Rectangles)

This card is being entered in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - No Designer Paper
Addicted to Stamps and More! - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #249 - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you have a relaxing weekend. Please visit again soon!!
 

Looking unto Jesus

Happy Wednesday!! It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. Our focus verse this week is Hebrews 12:2, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. As we look at this verse, we first see the admonition "looking unto Jesus." When studying to this verse, I read some comments by  Charles H. Spurgeon, often called the "Prince of Preachers. Regarding "Looking unto Jesus" he explains, The Greek word for “looking” is a much fuller word than we can find in the English language. It has a preposition in it that turns the look away from everything else. You are to look from all else to Jesus. That really helped me see where our focus should be. 

Then I wondered what was meant by "the joy that was set before him." Mr. Spurgeon had this explanation, The joy that was set before Jesus was principally the joy of saving you and me. I know it was the joy of fulfilling His Father’s will, of sitting down on His Father’s throne, of being made perfect through suffering—but still I know that this is the grand, great motive of the Savior’s suffering: the joy of saving us. It was this joy that made Christ strong to endure in the day of His sorrow, and joy must make you also strong to endure unto the end. What an amazing love Jesus has for us that saving us brought Him that much joy! When we keep that in mind, it should be easier to look from all else and keep our eyes on Jesus!

Our sponsor this week is Pink & Main. I have a couple of their beautiful double-sided paper pads and wanted to showcase them in some cards. I have three to share with you today. My first card uses this week's free WORDart that is available on the Word Art Wednesday blog.

I wanted the Scripture to be the focal point so I used this Sweet Sunday Sketch. I kept the embellishments simple so that I wouldn't distract from the verse.

Supplies:
Sweet Sunday Sketch #236
Cardstock: Recollections (burgundy), Georgia Pacific (white), The Paper Studio Heavy Weight (card base), tan - unknown
Patterned Paper: Pink & Main (Take Flight 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp: WORDart by Karen (Hebrews 12:2)
Tools/Embellishments: My Favorite Things Die-namics (Mini Scallop Edge Die), Gina Marie Designs (enamel dots)

My 2nd card uses the same paper pad and one of my all-time favorite quilt dies. Quilt dies are a great way to use up those smaller pieces of patterned paper and really stretch your supplies. A banner stamp and sentiment were embossed on burgundy cardstock and then die cut. This was popped up over the quilt squares and this 4.25" square card is done.

Supplies
Cardstock: Recollection (burgundy and kraft)
Patterned Paper: Pink & Main (Take Flight 6 x 6 pad)
Stamp set: Paper Sweeties (Hello Friends clear stamp set)
Ink: Versamark
Tools/Embellishments: Simon Says Stamp fine detail embossing powder (white), Paper Sweeties Sweet Cuts (Be Happy), Gina Marie Designs Quilt Die (9-Block)

I'm entering this card in this challenge:
Always Fun Challenge #103 - Use Kraft 
Dream Valley Craft Challenge #198 - Let's Get Krafty - Use Kraft card

 My last card features a wonderful loon die adhered over a Distress ink blended background.  The Happy Birthday sentiment was stamped on top after the Distress inks were dry. Another Pink & Main paper pad provided the patterned paper for this masculine birthday card.

Some scraps of the same patterned paper and another stamped sentiment provide the interior decoration.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), The Paper Studio Heavy Weight (card base), Recollections (kraft), Scraps from stash (orange and dark brown)
Patterned Paper: Pink & Main (Pumpkin Spice 6 x 6 pad)
Inks: Distress inks (Squeezed Lemonade, Spiced Marmalade, Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean), VersaFine (Onyx Black)
Stamps: My Sentiments Exactly Clear StampSet (Inspirational Birthday Innies and Outies)
Tools/Embellishments: Gina Marie Designs (Lake Loon Die), The Paper Studio (burlap ribbon)

I hope you will visit Pink & Main and check out all their wonderful products. They have beautiful papers, stamps and dies. They also have a new monthly kit. It's packed full of beautiful papers, stamps and supplies. I also hope you'll be able to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog and see the rest of the Design Team projects and pick up your free digi. 

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