Thanks Be Unto God

Hello! Happy (early) Thanksgiving to my American readers! This time of year, our thoughts focus on the things for which we are thankful. Our focus verse this week at Word Art Wednesday is 2 Corinthians 9:15 which states, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." At the top of our list of blessings is the gift of salvation through God's Son, Jesus. Have you accepted this gift? What about your family? About a month ago, our grandson made the decision to trust Christ as his personal Savior. We are so very thankful and excited about Jack's decison. You can be sure as we are counting our blessings on Thanksgiving, Jack's salvation will be one of the things we list as one of our top blessings for 2016.

As you have probably noticed, I am really loving Echo Park's I Love Family 6 x 6 paper pad. The colors and patterns are definitely ones that "speak to me." Simon Says Stamp is our sponsor for this week's challenge and I was able to use several of their products on my card. I smooshed Audrey Blue and Maliblue inks on an acrylic block and used a water brush pen to add some color to the banner in the Scripture WORDart. After die cutting the verse, I matted it with Audrey Blue cardstock. This same cardstock was used for mat the other patterned paper panels. I used the A2 Card Curved Edge die to cut the plaid paper panel. I also used it to come some panels for the interior decorating.

Some baker's twine, faux stitching and some Wink of Stella on the banner finish off the card front. I kept the card flat to make mailing easier.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Craft Your Passion Challenge #339 - Anything Goes
Crafting from the Heart Challenge #137 - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today. I hope you'll be able to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi and see the projects from the rest of the Design Team. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and may the Lord bless you and your family abundantly.

I've linked the products I've used in today's project below. I've used affiliate links whenever possible.

WORDart by Karen	Echo Park I LOVE FAMILY 6 x 6 Paper Pad ILF113023	Simon Says Stamp Card Stock 100# AUDREY BLUE AB19	Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
Simon Says Stamp Hybrid Ink Pad Cube Set ZEN zn04 Plan On It	Sakura WHITE GELLY ROLL Medium Point Pens Set 37488	ink of Stella Clear Brush Tip Marker	Staedtler
Tim Holtz DETAILER WATER BRUSH Ranger Watercoloring TIP33080	Maraschino Stripe Mini Bundle - 15 yards	Cappuccino Stripe Mini Bundle - 15 yards	Simon Says Stamp A2 CARD CURVED EDGE Craft DIE s201
S4-114 Spellbinders STANDARD CIRCLE LARGE Dies	S4-116 Spellbinders STANDARD CIRCLE SMALL Dies	Fiskars 12 Inch SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer	Fiskars PREMIUM CUT LINE Paper Trimmer 12 Inches
*Ranger PAPER CREASER BONE FOLDER Fold Cardstock & Cards Easily BON10029	*Martha Stewart SCORING BOARD Score Craft Tool 42-05002	Scotch Advanced Tape Glider (ATG)	Dahle Self-Healing Cutting 18x12 Mat 10671
Cuttlebug Machine

InLinkz.com

For It is God Which Worketh in You...

I really like this week's focus verse at Word Art Wednesday.  It's Philippians 2:13, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."  When things happen in my life, or in the lives of those I love, it's good to know that it is God that is working in my life.  He is controlling the events of my life and it is for my good and His pleasure.  He knows what is best.  A friend and I were recently discussing the struggles our children were having.  We both agreed that the road to spiritual growth is not an easy one.  As moms, we don't want to hinder our children's spiritual growth but we sure wish they didn't have to struggle so much.  We rest in the knowledge that God is working of them for their best.

Today's card is a bit different for me.  I use digi stamps all the time but rarely use digi papers.  However,  when I saw this cute Seashells digi set from Deedee's Digis, I decided to use some of the papers too.  I printed all the papers, images and sentiments on Neenah Solar White cardstock.

I have to tell you, using the digi papers sure made putting the card together so fast.  Using this week's great challenge sketch from The Kraft Journal made it even faster.  I think I'll be reaching for this sketch often!  Using Word I layered the brown swirl paper on the seashell paper.  After printing it out, I decided I just had to have a mat.  So I cut out the brown swirl paper, added the kraft mat and then adhered the panel back on top.  An added bonus to not printing them separately is that I saved some printer ink.

I added some faux stitching, enamel dots and some glitter from a Wink of Stella marker to finish off the front.  I ran an E25 Copic marker around the edges of my digi elements and kraft mats.  The E25 marker is almost an exact match for the brown swirl paper.

I added a sentiment, image and digi paper on the inside of the card too.  I did all the layering for the interior in Word too.  This also helped save that precious computer ink.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Neenah Solar White, Recollections kraft
Stamps:  WORDart by Karen (Philippians 4:13), Deedee's Digis (Seashells)
Tools/Embellishments:  Spellbinders dies (Classic Squares Large and Small), My Minds Eye Chalk Talk enamel dots, Uniball white gel pen, Staedtler Tri-plus fine tip black marker, Wink of Stella clear brush marker, Copic E25 marker

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
The Kraft Journal Challenge #171 - Sketch
Chocolate Coffee & Cards Challenge - Circles and Squares
Just B Creative Crazy - Anything Goes
Just Keep on Creating - Anything Goes
Top Tip Tuesday - Here Comes Summer
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Dies

Thanks for visiting with me today.  Please be sure to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up your free digi and for some special inspiration.  The design team for one of this week's sponsors, Flying Unicorn, have made projects to share with you.  I know you won't want to miss seeing them.  Have a good week - the weekend is in sight!

Matthew 5:16 -- WAW #30

It's hard to believe that this is my last week as a Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this month and want to thank Karen for the honor of designing for WAW.

This week's verse is Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." If you notice in this verse, the fact that your light is shining is accepted as an obvious fact.  The question is whether our works will glorify the Lord or not.  We are a witness for the Lord whether we want to be or not.  Even when we don't realize it, people are watching us.  Our challenge is to consistently be a good witness for the Lord; a witness that will bring honor and glory to Him.  Consistently. I don't know about you but for me,...that's a big challenge!

Word Art Wednesday's sister challenge blog is Stampin' Sisters in Christ.  The challenge over there this week is to "do something on your card that you are afraid of."  For me, CAS is a challenge and the idea of a one layer card gave me the willies.  Since I think just about everything needs a mat (I know at least one of my friends is laughing at that comment), this was a real stretch!  However, I accepted the challenge and made a one layer card {for me embellishments don't count as a layer. *grin*}.

After printing my Scripture on the card, I scored the borders 1/2" from all four edges using my Scor-buddy.  Then I stamped the flowers using fluid chalk ink and heat embossed them with clear embossing powder.  A ribbon at the top and silver rhinestones for the flower centers and it was done!

In the spirit of the Shopping Our Stash challenge mentioned below: I was able to use several supplies that have been in my stash for a long time.  I've probably had the flower stamp for well over a year (maybe 2-3?), the rhinestones have lived in my stash for quite awhile too.  Well, come to think of it...except for the Scripture digi, everything on this card, including the ink & embossing powder, has been in my stash for at least 6 mos.  :)  So, shop your stash....you'll not only save money but if nothing else, you'll make room for more goodies.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill
Stamps:  Word Art Wednesday Scripture Digi, Studio G (flowers)
Ink:  ColorBox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Embellishments/Tools:  embossing powder (Stampendous - Detail Clear), silver rhinestones (Michael's), ribbon (Michael's), Scor-Buddy

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #141 - do something on your card you are afraid of
Sentimental Sunday #104 - Pocket full of posies
Love to Create #17 - Add a Sentiment
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C138) - One layer (embellishments OK)
Scripture Thursday - use Scripture on your card
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
My Time to Craft #180 - Use two of anything {I used my flower stamp twice}
Shopping our Stash #53 - Use anything flower or floral related
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Each Card Tells a Story - Scripture Sunday #3

Thanks for stopping by today.  Be sure to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog and see what the rest of the design team have done and to pick up your free digi Scripture.

Psalm 62:8 - WAW #29

I chose to doing something other than a card to highlight the focus verse for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  The verse is Psalm 62:8, "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is refuge for us. Selah."

I think this verse is such a good reminder that we should trust the Lord no matter what is going on in our lives {ALL times} and also that He wants us to pour our hearts out to Him.  In my mind, the phrase, "God is a refuge for us," means that He is a place of safety.  Not only will He protect us but also, when we pour out our hearts to Him, our secrets are safe with Him.  What a wonderful, loving Lord we have!

Since this verse is one of those verses that it's good to keep in front of you, I decided to make a wall hanging out of it.  I bought a small, unfinished sign at Michael's and altered it.  It came with the cord hanger so I didn't have to attach one.

 

After painting the sign with acrylic paint and letting it dry, I swiped a distress ink pad across the service to add a little distressed look to it.  I distressed the edges of my papers and inked them as well. After adhering the papers to the sign with Mod Podge, I gave it a couple more thin coats and let it dry overnight.  

Then, I embellished the sign with some flowers and a pearl flourish (it was cut into 2 parts).  This was really a simple project.  It's a great way to keep Scripture before us and having it hanging on our walls is another way to witness to others.

Supplies:

Unfinished sign - Michael's

Cardstock - Recollections

Patterned paper - Prima

Embellishments/Tools -  acrylic paint (Anita's - latte), Mod Podge (matte), flowers and butterfly rub-on (Prima), pearl flourish (Recollections), Tim Holtz Distress Ink (tea dye)

I'm entering my sign in the following challenges:

Scripture Thursday - Use Scripture

Crafty Friends Challenge #4 - Anything but a card

Tuesday Throwdown #99 - 3D

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll play along with us this week -- don't forget to stop by the Word Art Wednesday blog for your free digi of this week's Scripture.

2 Timothy 1:7 - WAW #28

I am truly enjoying my month as a Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday.  I'm so glad this month has 5 Wednesdays so that I get to play a little longer.  :)

This week our Scripture verse is 2 Timothy 1:7 which states, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  This verse encourages me that the Lord doesn't want me to be fearful.  Instead He wants me to be strong in Him, to be loving and to be thinking clearly.  So when I find myself fretting and fearful about a certain situation, I know it's Satan trying to get my eyes off the Lord and to discourage me.

After coloring my bird with copics (I make no pretense to be color accurate in my coloring of birds and flowers), I colored a 2nd set of the flowers and fussy cut them.  I then popped up the flowers in front of the bird on pop dots for some added dimension.  You can see this a little better in the picture below.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Bazzill
Patterned Paper:  Prima (madeline)
Stamps:  WAW 5-15-12, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Bluebird digi)
Inks:  ColorBox Fluid Chalk
Embellishments/Tools:  Ribbon (Offray), rhinestones (Best Occasions), Stickles (yellow), Copics, Spellbinders Nestabilities (Circles large and small; Labels 4 and Labels 4 small), Sakura Clear Star pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Scripture Thursday - Use Scripture
Mojo Monday 241 - Sketch
Stampin Sisters in Christ #139 - Use a bird, bug or animals
Paper Sundaes #120 - Things with wings
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge #39 (PPMC39) - Glitter (I used a glitter pen on the flowers and stickles for the flower centers. I also used a dot of glitter pen on the bird's eye)
Papertake Weekly - In the garden

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at Word Art Wednesday.  Don't forget to stop by and pick up your free Scripture digi.  To play along, you may use the freebie or another other Scripture you're using on your project.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Birthday Praise - SNSDC53

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

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

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


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

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

Thanks for stopping by today.  Come back soon.

Isaiah 41:13 - WAW #27

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exciting News to Share

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

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

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

 

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

I even did a little interior decorating.  :)


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


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





 

Scripture on Cards

When the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection closed, that also ended the weekly Say It with Scripture Challenge that I was hostessing.  For those of you who enjoy using Scripture on your cards, I have discovered two other blogs that have weekly challenges to use Scripture and thought I would share them with you.

Word Art Wednesday - they have a weekly challenge to use Scripture or inspiring quote on your project.  They give a free weekly digi.  You are free to use that Scripture for your project but don't have to do so.

Little Birdie Blessings Scripture Thursday - you may link up to four projects that have Scripture on them during each two week challenge.

Please be sure to check out both of these sites.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

If you know of other sites that have Scripture challenges, please leave a comment letting me know. 

Morning Glories - SNSDC51

This week's Sweet 'n Sassy Digi challenge is to make a project inspired by this quote from Thomas Tusser,  "Sweet April showers do spring May flowers."  I've really liked this Morning Glory digi stamp ever since I first saw it.
 

I colored them with my copics and then did a very brave thing....I used the telescoping image technique to layer it.  Whew!  It turned out OK and I didn't ruin my images.  You can find a great telescoping image tutorial by Beate Johns.  I used Papertake Weekly Sketch #67 for the card front.

I went back & forth trying to decide whether to use a sentiment on the front.  In the end, I decided to leave it plain. I used a Spellbinders M-bossabilities folder and highlighted the embossing with a sponge dauber and some distress ink.  Some pearls, liquid pearls, a border punch and an organdy bow finished it off.

I did some interior decorating on this card and used the Psalm 30:5b digi stamp for the sentiment.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific, Recollections
Patterned Paper:  Echo Park (Times & Seasons)
Stamps:  Sweet & Sassy Digis (Morning Glory, Psalm 30:5b)
Ink:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Antique Linen, Tea Dye)
Embellishments/Tools:  Ribbon Trends organdy ribbon, Recollections pearls, Liquid Pearls (buttercup), Fiskars border punch (Apron Lace), Spellbinders (M-bossabilities (Whimsy A), Lacey Squares, Labels 3)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #166 (FTTC166) - Bingo {I chose the bottom row - blue, flowers, emboss)
Stamptacular Sunday #160 - Loaded with layers
Love to Create Challenge #12 - Anything Goes
Die Cuttin Diva #62 - Pearls, Pins and/or Punches {I have pearls and a border punch}
Crafty Friends Challenge #2 - Use two die cuts
Word Art Wednesday #25 - Use Scripture
Scripture Thursday #26 - Use Scripture
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week.

Be Still

I have a card with one of the new February digi stamp releases from Clear Dollar Stamps to share with you today, Psalm 46:11.  I used this week's CPS sketch #253 for the card design.

When you are in a time of great uncertainty, this verse is a great reminder to just be still and remember that the Lord has it all under control. 

One thing I really like about the Label 7 Spellbinder's die is that it can be bent to make it look more like a book, or in this case, Bible.  I inked the sentiment panel before removing it from the die.  The edges of all my papers were inked and I also emphasized the embossing on the circle with ink.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  DCWV (tan), Recollections (brown, cream)
Patterned Paper:  SU
Stamp:  Clear Dollar Stamps (Psalm 46:11)
Embellishments/Tools: Stampin Write pen (SU - Close to Cocoa), Flowers (Prima), Ribbon (Michael's), Pearls (Recollections), Cuttlebug EF (Victoris, D'Vine Swirls), Spellbinders (Labels 7, Eyelet Circles)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS253 - Sketch
Word Art Wednesday #16 - use Scripture (their focus Scripture is Psalm 46:11 this week)
Scripture Thursday #17 - use Scripture
Catered Crop - Use red (the circle and flowers in the paper may look orange but they truly are red)
Simon Says Stamp - 3 papers (brown cardstock & 2 patterned papers)
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - use 3 of something (3 papers, 3 flowers, 3 pearls in each corner)
Paper Pretties Wed. Challenge (PWC194) - use dies or punches
Sentimental Sunday #90 - sentiment is the focus

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you're having a great weekend.