SIWS36 -- Abundant Grace

This week's challenge verse at the Say It With Scripture Challenge at The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is 2 Corinthians 4:15, "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

If we look at 1 Corinthians 4 as a whole, we will find that it's talking about how the Christian should live and specifically, how the Christian should live when faced with hardship and trials.  The first part of our focus verse, "for all things are for your sakes" is pretty easily understand and something we've talked about before.  The Lord uses trials in our lives for our benefit.  But if we look further into the verse, we will find that not only do our trials benefit us, but they can benefit the church as a whole.  As others see us go through trials, and see the Lord's grace at work in our lives, it will bring encouragement and thanksgiving to them.  Thanksgiving?  Yes, in the sense that they are thankful for how the Lord is working and helping us thru the trial.

I looked up the word "redound" at Dictionary.com. It defines redound as to have an advantageous or disadvantageous effect (on): brave deeds redound to your credit. Using this definition we can see that when we go thru trials and allow the Lord's grace to help us thru them, not only does it encourage other Christians but it brings (redounds) glory to the Lord. Doesn't that put a whole different light on trials? 

When I made my original card, I goofed and put the main panel on the card base so that the card opened backwards.  I cut off the card front and turned the card into an easel card.  As one person has said about making cards, there are no mistakes, just opportunities for creativity.  :)


For my card this week, I used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch (SSS146) for the main panel of the card. This week it's a sketch with a spin - which means there's a prize.  The spin is to use dies or punches.  I used several spellbinders on this card.


I colored the bird and flower image with copics and fussy cut them.  I colored an extra set of flowers to use as accents.  What type of bird is this?  I don't know...I just thought she looked pretty colored this way.  :)  Pearls, ribbon and stickles added my finishing touches.


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific (white), Bazzill (kraft), Misc from scrap bin (blue)
Pattern Paper:  BG (Out of Print)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Amazing Grace, New Creature, Bluebird digi stamps)
Embellishments/Tools:  Ribbon (Michael's), Pearls (Oriental Trading), Stickles (yellow), Copic markers, Spellbinders (Circles Lg & sm, Lacey Circles, Petite Ovals Small, Petite Scalloped Ovals Large, Big Scalloped Border Petites), Bow Easy

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #127 - Image must be or include a flower 
Shelly's Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown #86 - Use blue in your project
Papertake Weekly - Getting Krafty
Wordart Wednesday #16 - Use Scripture on your project 
Scripture Thursday #17 - Use Scripture 
Paper Pretties Wed. Challenge (PWC194) - Use dies or punches

I hope you'll play along with us this week for the Say It With Scripture Challenge.  Don't forget to stop by and get your free digi.

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

Tou-Can Pray Better Than One

Today I have a quick card to share with you using one of Clear Dollar Stamps' pre-colored digis.  Using a pre-colored digi makes putting the card together soooo much faster.  I used this week's sketch from MOJO Monday #229.  It's an easy sketch to follow so this card came together pretty quickly for me.  That's a rare thing!

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Georgia Pacific and a piece of misc patterned white from my scrap bin (used behind the image panel)
Patterned Paper:  Crate Paper (Farmhouse)
Stamps:  Clear Dollar Stamps (Toucans of Love digital image set)
Embellishments/Tools:  Baker's twine (The Twinery - honeydew), Spellbinders (Petite Oval, Petite Scalloped Oval)

I'm entering this in Shelley's Terrifically Thrilling Thursday challenge - Anything Goes.

Be sure not to miss the Extreme Inventory Makover Specials going on now at Clear Dollar Stamps.  There are some great deals to be had!!

Thanks for stopping by today.

I Thank God for You - SNSDC41

This week we have a photo inspiration challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog.  Here's the inspiration photo:

Inspiration I used from the photo:
1. The brown and pink colors for my card
2.  The swirls in the icing are represented by the background panel
3.  The 3 cupcakes inspired my 3 layers on the sentiment panel and the three layers on the background panel.

I embossed the background panel and then accented the raised areas with a glitter pen.  I threaded baker's twine thru the Lacey Eyelet Border Die and pulled the twine thru to tie a bow on top of my sentiment panel.  I decided to stop there to keep this card flatter so that it would be easier to mail.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (A True Friend digital stamp set)
Embellishments/Tools:  SNSS Lacey Eyelet Border Die, The Twinery baker's twine (cappuccino), Cuttlebug EF (D'vine Swirls), Spellbinders (Labels Four - Lg and small), Sakura Clear Star pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown #85 - Use Twine
Really Reasonable Ribbon #42 - Use Pink & Brown
Going Gray with Scrap-Creations - 3 Layers (I have 3 layers on the sentiment panel and 3 layers on the background panel)
Paper & Such - Show us the Love (love for a friend)
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you have time to play along with us this week.

SIWS35 - The God of All Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for stopping by today.

Clear Dollar Stamps February Digi Release

It's Time for another Digi Stamp release at Clear Dollar Stamps.  As usual, there are so many fantastic sets this month that you'll have a hard time choosing which ones to purchase first. I was able to play with two of the new sets.

The first one is called, Pray Without Ceasing and was designed by Deedee Anderson. 

Aren't these children adorable?  There are so many great sentiments and a Scripture verse to let people know you're thinking of them and praying for them.  This is a fantastic set that you will want to have to make encouragement cards of all types. 

I chose to use the girl image and colored her hair and skin with copic markers.  I paper pieced her dress and shoes.  I used my paper piercer and a white pen to make my faux stitching.  A stacked flower and white satin bow finished off the front of the card. 

I like fancy-fold cards, so I chose to make a Double Z-fold Card this time.  You can find a great tutorial for this type of card on SCS.  Here's a view of the interior with the "Praying specifically for you today" sentiment.

Supplies:
Stamps: Pray Without Ceasing
Cardstock:Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (yellow, card base)
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Picadilly)
Copics: E00, E31, E33, E35, E37, R20
Accents/Tools: Uniball Signo White Pen, Tim Holtz Craft Pick, Brad (Making Memories), Ribbon (Wright's), Flowers (Prima), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals)
Technique: Double Z-fold card, paper piecing, paper piercing, faux stitching

I'm entering this card in the Paper Pretties Wed Challenge (PWC193) - Unique Folds.

The next set I was able to use was the Jesus Paid It All set designed by Laurie Wilson.  As you can see, it has so many wonderful images and sentiments to use for the upcoming Resurrection Sunday/Easter season.  I really like this set because the emphasis is placed on Christ's sacrifice for us when He died on Calvary.  Truly He paid all our sin debt.  We just need to accept His free gift of salvation.

I chose to keep the colors to a minimum to keep the focus on the cross image. I embossed the white layer and mounted it on a lavender panel.  The image of the three crosses is mounted on a petite scalloped oval Nestabilities cut from dark purple.  The same dark purple is behind the sentiment panel. I highlighted the center cross with black diamond stickles.  Purple ribbon and pearls complete the front of the card.

Supplies:
Stamps: Jesus Paid It All
Cardstock:Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (black), DCWV (lavender, purple)
Accents/Tools: Cuttle Bug Embossing Folder (Victoria), Oriental Trading Pearls, Offray Ribbon, Bow Easy, SU Punch, Stickles (Black Diamond), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals)
 
I hope you'll stop by the Clearly iStamp blog to see the rest of the digi sets being released today and to see the beautiful projects made by my fellow design team members.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hats Off to You!! -- SNSDC41

Today's challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog is to use any element or image that includes a hat.  I chose this sweet Rhubarb's Birthday image.  I thought this would be so appropriate for the CPS Birthday celebration.  I used the CPS Birthday Celebration Day #1 sketch for this card.

I colored my pearls with my copics.  Being able to color your own pearls makes matching so much easier.  Rhubarb was colored with Copics.  A birthday sentiment tied with 2 colors of twine completes the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections (brown), DCWV (pink), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: BG (Blush)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Rhubarb's Birthday, Feminine Birthday)
Embellishments/Tools:  twine (The Twinery), eyelets (Oriental Trading), pearls (Queen & Co.), Spellbinders (petite ovals - small & large), Copics

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS Birthday Celebration Day #1 - sketch
Birthday Sundaes #42 - Birthday card with sentiment
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge (PWC192) - Texture
Paptertake Weekly - Anything goes

We hope you'll play along with us this week.

Thanks for stopping by today.

All Things Are Become New -- SIWS34

I'm sorry I'm late with this post today.  I've been under the weather and am still not feeling very well.  I'm starting a new antibiotic tomorrow so hopefully that will clear things up once & for all!

Our focus verse for the Say It With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new."  Last week we talked about how our music should change once we've accepted Christ as Saviour.  This verse tells us that the changes should not stop with just our music.  Old things are to pass away and ALL things are become new.  This means those old attitudes, actions, vocabulary and ways of thinking need to change.  Depending on the person, it may require a change of wardrobe, viewing habits and how we interact with others.   WHY do we need to change?  Because we are a NEW creature in Christ.  We are not the same as we used to be and we now wear the name of Christ.  People should be able to see a difference in our lives; we should not look, act, sound or react like an unbeliever.  This week, let's each take a look an inward look and ask the Lord to show us areas where we're allowing the world to creep back into our lives.  Then, let's ask the Lord to help us make the changes necessary to make sure "old things are passed away."

I chose a card style that really stretches my comfort zone...CAS (clean and simple).  I like the look when other people do it but I'm not so sure about mine.  I used CPS Birthday Celebration Day #5 sketch for this card.

Supplies:
Cardstock - Recollections (cream), Bazzill (kraft)
Patterned Paper - BG (Oxford)
Stamps - Sweet 'n Sassy (New Creature)
Embellishments/Tools - Jute (Joann's), Scor-Buddy for scoring lines, Spellbinders (Label One)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS Birthday Celebration Day #5 - sketch
Stamp TV Mix It Up Monday (STV12MON3) - Adding Texture (add at least 2 - mine are jute & dry embossing)
Word Art Wednesday #14 - Use Scripture
Paper Sundae's #106 - Clean and Simple
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Scripture Thursday #15 - Use Scripture
Paper Pretties (PWC192) - Use Texture

I hope you'll play along with us this week.  Don't forget to stop by and get your free digi.

Thanks for visiting today.

My Love for You - SNSDC39

This week's challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog is to make a Valentine's Day card.  I started out intending to go with a fairly traditional color scheme but...I ended up with very non-traditional Valentine's Day colors. Since this will end up going to my hubby, the more masculine colors are certainly appropriate.

I colored Rhubarb and his heart with copics.  I fussy cut him out and popped him up on the blue dotted panel with pop dots. I just love this sentiment and it's perfect for how I feel about my wonderful husband. 


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Recollections, Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper:  Bo Bunny (Snowfall)
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Rhubarb's Heart, Valentine's Day Greetings)
Embellishments/Tools:  Spellbinders (Circles, Lacey Circles), Copic Markers, Brads (JoAnn's) Ribbon from Stash

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS Birthday Day #2 - sketch
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C121) - Layers
Craft Your Passion #95 - Beary Sweet (use at least one bear)
Paper Sunday #105 - Valentines
Tuesday Throwdown #83 - Use Hearts
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge (PPM24) - Love
Simon Says Stamp - Animal Antics

I hope you'll play along with us this week at the SNS Digi Challenge blog.  Show us your Valentine for someone you love.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Please come back soon.

Be of Good Courage

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

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

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

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

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


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

Do you have a Song? - SIWS33

This week's focus verse for the Say It With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is about music.  1 Chronicles 16:23, "Sing unto the Lord all the earth;"  My husband and I love music.  He's an accomplished pianist, he directed choirs for over 24 years, and we sing together.  We also both work for a small Christian music publishing company.  Because of our love for music, we especially enjoy the verses in the Bible that talk about it.

The purpose of music is to bring praise and honor to the Lord.    When the Lord saved us, our lives changed completely.  Psalm 40:3 says, "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God..."    This tells us that even our music {song} should be different.  The music of a Christian should sound different than the music of an unbeliever.  We should use our music to praise the Lord.

You might say, "But, I know nothing about music and I can't carry a tune in a bucket." The Bible tells us in over half a dozen places that we're to make a "joyful noise" in praise to the Lord.  You can sing in the shower, when you're alone in the car, and certainly should take part in congregational singing at church.   A preacher from the past used to say, "I care not if you can sing, but do you have a song?"  As we consider all the wonderful things the Lord has done for us, we should each have a song.  So, "Sing unto the Lord all the earth;"

I used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch #143 for my card design.  After I dry embossed a piece of cardstock, I inked it to bring out the music notes & symbols in the embossing.  A few layers of cardstock and patterned paper, a bow, a diecut edge finished off this monochromatic card.


Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections
Patterned Paper:  SandyLion
Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy (Sing Unto the Lord digi set)
Ink:  Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Embellishments/Tools:  Spellbinders (Fair Isle Border Petites), Ribbon (Michael's), Paper Studio Embossing Folder (Music Notes)

Challenges:

Sentimental Sunday's #87 - Dry Embossing
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C121) - Layers
Word Art Wednesdays #13 - Use Scripture on your project (either the one they provide or one of your choosing)
Scripture Thursday #14 - Use Scripture on your project

I hope you'll come play along with us this week over at the SNS Connection.  Don't forget to stop by and pick up your free digi.

Have a nice day and thanks for stopping by.