Thursday 29 December 2011

I'm Not Saying What It Is Or You Won't Come Look! :o)

Surprise!! It's a Christmas card! lol I have been seeing everybody post about how tired they are of seeing Christmas cards. Well, as this is only the third Christmas card I've made, it certainly isn't HERE that you've been seeing them all! I really wanted to participate in the Card Crafter's Circle second Challenge and that is to make a Christmas card. The funniest thing happened though. As I was posting this, their second challenge actually ended, and they started their third challenge. So after I got over my giggles...I think I lost a few hours, or was it perhaps a day! lol You can see their new challenge HERE. Fortunately the new challenge is "Anything Goes", so I'm just going to post my Christmas card! Too funny, right?!
Guess what? I won the Card Crafter's Circle very first challenge with my Birthday Christmas card. Isn't that fun? I won some great digital stamps that you'll be hearing about soon. So considering the feelings of all of you, I made a card that didn't look very seasonal. I used a wonderful digital image from my friend Pamela over at Free Vintage Digi Stamps , and a colour combination that I always love! You'll notice that the sentiment does include New Year's greetings as well, so there you go! A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to each one of you dear people! Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? :o)



Papers: Recollections Cardstock;
MM Slice Design Card: Noel;
Sizzlits Decorative Strip: Circles & Triangles;
Distress Stickles: Antique Linen
Ink: Stampin' Up - Cherry Cobbler;
Unknown Gold Ink;
Zig Water Brush.

Also entering this card at:
One Crazy Stamper:  December Challenge - Christmas/Holiday Theme

Wednesday 28 December 2011

ABC Scripture Challenge - Zeal

Hello,  my dear friends! I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas! It came so fast that I didn't even get a chance to post any special greetings to you! I want you to know I prayed that each one of would have a special day of BLESSINGS! Our girls were both home and we had a fabulous time of JOY and laughter...and scrumptious turkey! I really enjoy a good turkey! :o)
So, here it is...the final Scripture Challenge page of 2011! Patter gave us such a fantastic word and the Scripture the Lord gave me for this word is actually going to be my verse for 2012! Isn't that FUN? I'm even going to find a way to post it on the top of my blog! The dictionary defines "zeal" as: "eager desire; enthusiastic diligence." I have always loved Romans chapter 12...the whole chapter...but these two verses (11 & 12) are perfect as we end one year and begin another...
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
These verses are mine today and in the days to come, and perhaps you'd like to claim them along with me! Let us be enthusiastic and diligent in living a life that honors and serves the Lord. Now verse 12 has three parts, and these three parts are definitely connected. I know from experience that when we are JOYFUL in hope and FAITHFUL in prayer, it is much easier to be PATIENT in affliction. God is so GOOD and I can't wait to see what He has planned for 2012. Let's all face it together with ZEAL!! :o)

Papers: K & Co - Ancestry, Recollections Cardstock;
MM Slice Design Card: Vintage Findings;
Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Die:  Baroque, Baroque Mini;
Sizzlits Decorative Strip: Circles & Triangles;
Pearls: Gift From Tracy;
Flower: Recollections;
Trim & Pin: From My Stash..

Saturday 17 December 2011

ABC Scripture Challenge - Yield

WHEW!!  I'm getting this page posted just under the wire! I haven't been late with a Scripture Challenge page yet and I'd hate to start with the second to last page of this year! lol It's hard to believe that the final word for the ABC Scripture Challenge will be posted tomorrow. Patter has some very exciting plans for the 2012 Scripture Challenge and I sure plan to participate again. It has been such a blessing to me, and I hope to continue to encourage you throughout the coming year. Please consider participating yourself...you won't be sorry! 
So, on to today's word which is "yield". The Scripture verse I chose is found in 2 Chronicles 30:8, and I used the King James version. It says: Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified forever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
My page is very simple. It's a road sign that simply reminds us to submit to God and follow His path for our lives. No more stiff necks for us, my friends! :o)
Papers: MM Vintage Findings,
Recollections Cardstock;
Alpha: MM Creative Letters - Chunky;
MM Slice Design Card - Basics 1.

Thursday 15 December 2011

A Christmas Birthday Card! :o)

Happy Thursday, my friends! Well, guess what I discovered? I can actually color WHILE I listen to my music! Who knew I could do two things at once! :o) Originally I was going to paper piece it but that doesn't work with my music. If I bop instead of sway an extremity disappears, and that's just not good! lol I've had lots of fun working on this card. A nativity scene depicts what Christmas is all about for me...it is the birthday of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 10-11

 

Papers and Stamps: Recollections;
Prismacolor Pencils; Gold Stickles;
MM Slice Design Card: Summer

I'm entering this in:
  Stampin' Sisters in Christ: Make a Birthday Card
One Crazy Stamper: Christmas/Holiday Theme
Card Crafter's Circle: Celebration

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Could it be a Christmas Card?

Hello, my friends! I would like to show you the one and only Christmas card I have made...so far! Well, there are still 12 days to go until Christmas, right? My list keeps getting longer each day without one thing getting crossed off. I'm really not sure how that's happening but I'm not even worried about it. I'm just enjoying my music, and what gets done...gets done! I'm a happy girl in my own little JOY OF CHRISTMAS bubble! :o)

I actually made this card several weeks ago but I forgot to post it. My friend Alexandra from Art Scrap & More made a sketch that I thought was super cute! You can see her post about it right HERE. Speaking of Alexandra...she also had a giveaway a little while ago. I was the fortunate winner of her mini album prize; a Little Yellow Bicycle decorative edge Christmas mini album and paperpad! Thanks again Alexandra! I'm going to have lots of fun with that! Probably not until after Christmas though, when I'm not so busy listening to all this music! lol

Here's Alexandra's sketch:
Here's my card:

All Items from my stash.
*Use of tag was inspired by Alexandra :o)

Friday 9 December 2011

52 Week Scrapbook Challenge - Use a Transparency on a Page

Hello, my friends! I have another Challenge page for you today, and it contains a couple of really fun firsts for me! The challenge was to use a transparency on a page. So guess what I did? I made my own transparency! Does that work? I actually didn't look into it before I tried it! lol Guess what else I did? I used digital images for the very first time! Yay! All the images on this page are digitals from a wonderful site I just discovered called Free Vintage Digi Stamps. You can find them right HERE. I know you want to, but please don't go there until you've finished here! :o)
It's so nice to be back on track with this Challenge. There are only eight more to go. Remember I'm doing 8 X 8 pages, so that gives you some perspective on this page. Here the background is the transparency. You know that I just have to do a cream and black page every once in a while...and it was high time. I had plans to make a really fancy "couture" flower for the pop of red. However, the light was fast fading here and I really wanted to get this page posted today. So I decided this pretty Prima would just have to do! I hope you all have a weekend full of JOY!! :o)


Papers: Recollections Cardstock;
Border Punches: EK Success, Martha Stewart;
Digital Stamps: Free Vintage Digi Stamps;
Transparency Sheets: from stash;
Flower: Prima.

Saturday 3 December 2011

ABC Scripture Challenge - Exercise

Well, when I saw the Scripture word was "Exercise" I immediately thought of my treadmill again! Oh, no! lol I posted about the value of exercise recently. (ABC Scripture Challenge Value Page HERE) What I neglected to mention is that we actually purchased a new treadmill; a very nice, new and improved treadmill, because the old one was worn out. However, what I also neglected to mention is that I have not yet "bonded" with this fabulous new treadmill. I'm taking my time getting to know it and easing into a relationship. That being said, my Scripture page goes in a different direction. There are other meanings of the word exercise, you know! lol  
Patter has a fabulous devotional about how important it is to EXERCISE our spiritual muscles daily. Please take a peek at my page and then go read her devotional HERE.

Jeremiah 9: 24 says:

 "...but let the one who boasts boast about this: 

   that they have the understanding to know me, 

that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, 

   justice and righteousness on earth, 

   for in these I delight,” 
            declares the LORD.

Isn't that lovely? So if kindness, justice and righteousness are things that delight the Lord, I think those are some EXERCISES we should be practicing daily as well, don't you?   I would love to delight my Lord! :o)

Papers: K & Company - Sweet Nectar, Recollections;
MM Slice Design Cards: Grandma's Attic, Bon Appetit;
Flowers: Red - Gift from Joy, 
Yellow - Flora Doodles - Gift from Debbie;
Lace: Gift from Dunja;
Pearls & Bling from Stash.

Thursday 1 December 2011

52 Week Scrapbook Challenge - Potpourri Page

Yes, my friends, I am finally posting another 52 Week Challenge page! It's been a LONG time!
This was a fun one that involved a little bit of planning...and then some quick additions in the end! lol Remember I'm only working with an eight inch page! The challenge was to use at least one of each of the following:
letter stickers - the title;
rub-ons - the silver snowflakes;
punches - wave border punch, snowflake punch;
chipboard - the glittered flourishes;
stencils/masks - light bulb banners;
decorative scissors - pinking shears on ribbon;
ribbon - bow at top of page;
brads - gold one at top of tree;
stamps - snowman and tree.
I hope you like my little snowman scene! Big white flakes were falling outside as I was putting it together, so I didn't have to look very far for my inspiration! :o)
Papers: Recollections Cardstock;
Stickers: Making Memories Shimmer Alpha Stickers;
Chipboard: Making Memories Shimmer Flourish blue;
Stamps: Inkadinkado Pattern Play Holiday;
Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Black, Color Box - Celadon;
Stencil: Provo Craft - Xmas Lights;
Transparencies: Deja Views Clearcut Shapes Winter;
Punches: Fiskars Boundary Waters Border Punch,
unknown snowflake punch;
Rub-ons: Cosmo Cricket Metallic Rub-Ons - Holiday Phrases;
Glitter glue,  Marvvy Markers.

Sunday 27 November 2011

House Mini Album Tour Continues

Hello my friends! I'm back today with another group of pages from my little House Mini Album. This is also my last post as Guest Design Team Diva for Creative Scrapbooking Divas. Since I took a break from posting last week, this isn't the last you'll see of this mini here on my blog; there are still a few pages left to go. So let's get to it...

Our Home Is Filled With Gratitude and Thanksgiving! This page was decorated with my favorite Martha Stewart punch, some stickers and a bit of bling. It's a fold-out and it's just held down in one corner with a photo turn.
The inside was actually kind of a mistake! lol I intended to stamp the center medallion and some of the other accent pieces, leaving the middle space empty to write my Scripture verses.  As I was doing this I was listening to some great music and I totally zoned out and got carried away with my stamping. Rather than redoing it, I decided to cut out the leaf tags and use those for my verses instead! :o) The fold-out is one page from a Squash Book design. I didn't bother with a template for this one. If you'd like to know how to do this fold you can probably tell by looking, or just google Squash Book and you'll find LOTS of instructions!!
Our House Is Filled With Abundant Blessings! What could be better after a "Gratitude and Thanksgiving" page than a Blessings page! This is literally my overflowing bag of blessings! I used a small paper bag and folded up the bottom to form a tag pocket. I added a bead charm I made and a butterfly charm I received as a gift.
I wrote verses on strips of paper and stuffed them in my bag. God is so good! He gives us abundant blessings! Please take the time to click on the pictures and read the verses!
Our Home Is Filled With Love! I had just a regular fold-out planned for this page but then I saw a variation that Donna did in her video and it was just the twist I needed! Thank you Donna! I'll put a link in the supply list.
You can't really tell the difference in the photo when it's closed, but when you open it up you can see that the front is cut in a heart shape.
Our Home Is Filled With Comfort! When I think of "things" that provide us with comfort, one of the first that come to mind is a warm blanket, so I made one for my page pocket.
Then I filled it with tags that also bring comfort; a pot of soup, a pot of tea and a cup of tea, and a warm bubble bath.
On the back of the tags I added more Scripture verses. The Lord is the greatest comfort of all!
That's it for today! Thanks so much for your interest in my mini! Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you to the Creative Scrapbooking Divas for having me as their guest for this month! I wish you all a Very Happy Day! :o)

Materials Used That Haven't Already Been Listed:
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Punch: Martha Stewart  - Wildflowers;
Stamp: Stampin' Up - Day of Gratitude;
Fiskars Leaves Template;
Alphabet: MM Shimmer Stickers.
Blessings
Paper Bag: Celebrate It:
Love 
Flowers: Prima - Pastiche Small;
MM Slice Design Cards: Wedding, Basics 1;
Fold-out Design: Donna's Video - Click HERE
Stamp: Inkadinkado - Scrapbook Sentiments,
and Friendship;
Ink: CTMH Garnet
Comfort
MM Slice Design Card: Bon Appetit

Thursday 17 November 2011

ABC Scripture Challenge - Weary

Hello Friends! Do you notice anything missing from my Challenge page this week...like perhaps my Scripture Challenge Word? lol Can you believe it? I didn't even notice until my husband came home and saw my page, and then he asked me what the word was. I just stood there with my mouth open in shock! haha I also forgot to add my little "w" in the top right hand corner. I had my photo ready to post...it never occurred to me I had missed putting something on my page that I have added for the last 22 pages; as well as all of 2010! "Well, okay...it will just have to wait until I can fix it because I am just far too WEARY..." and then I laughed! :o)

I do a lot of praying before I post these Scripture Challenge pages so that I share with you what the Lord wants me to share. I want to share my Lord with you! If I can do that by giving you just a little bit of encouragement to help you with your daily struggles...well, that's all I want to do! One thing I've learned is that living with pain makes one weary! We all have our pains and burdens, don't we? They can wear us down and tire us out! What a comfort it is to read the words of Jesus himself say, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He knows just how we feel and understands our weariness. When we go to Jesus we can receive the rest we need. He alone can give us the strength and energy to face all the pain and burdens of tomorrow...and we can do it with great JOY! :o)

So tomorrow, after I'm rested, I'll find some way to fit WEARY on my page. It may be wonky and odd but I'll always remember this one! lol


Papers: Basic Grey - Indian Summer, Recollections;
Border Punch: Fiskars; Flowers: Prima.
*Note: I wanted my page to look "weary" so I used
these flowers that I received free with a store purchase.
They were rather worn and broken and weary looking.

Sunday 13 November 2011

House Tour Begins! :o)

Hello and Happy Sunday to you all! Thank you SO MUCH for your sweet comments on my mini album! I'm overwhelmed by your generous response to what you've seen so far! I sure hope I don't disappoint you with what I've done to the inside and I certainly appreciate you coming back to take a look! This is my second week posting as November Guest DT Diva for Creative Scrapbooking Divas. You can find their blog by clicking on the bright pink button in my sidebar.
I hope I didn't throw you off with my title because you won't be seeing any photos of my house in this album! Actually, you won't be seeing any photos at all! lol This album is a Faithbooking project. I didn't actually know there was such a term as "Faithbooking" until I found the CSD blog. You know how much I enjoy using Scripture verses on my projects and pages...well, enough rambling, right...let me show you what I did!
This is what the first page looks like when you take off the cloud-like closure:


 Isn't that sun cute shining over the house? Can you guess what my house is filled with? The first page is:


Our Home is Filled With Light. I had lots of fun with this page. I spread it over two pages because the first one is quite small. Here are a couple more pictures of it. I added Stickles to the sun, pleated vellum for the lamp shade, and a doily lace punch under the lamp.


On the tags I wrote some of my favorite Scripture verses about being a "light". The tags have a second generation stamping of a chandelier in the background. If you click on the picture you'll be able to read a couple of the verses I've chosen.


Our Home is Filled With Peace. Now this word has nothing to do with our nest being empty and our girls being gone! lol Thankfully our home has always been a place of peace. I heat embossed "Peace" on a tag pocket. There are four tags with lots of room for verses. Some fiber, ribbon, and buttons for embellishments.


Here is a look at the page with the tags pulled out. I used two different styles. Again, please read some of these tags...the verses are fantastic! The next page is made to follow this one.


Our Home is Filled With Quiet. Again, this has nothing to do with our girls being out of the house! Well, on second thought, it has become significantly quieter since then! ;o)  This page also has a pocket on it. I decorated it with some dies that I cut with my Slice Machine, and a border punch.


Here's what this page looks like open. To me a cozy chair, a fireplace, and flowers are all "quiet" things.


Here's another photo that includes the tag from the front pocket as well. The pull-outs on this page actually open, so there's lots of room to write on them. The verse on the tag to the right about living a quiet life is very special to me. Years ago when I had my website it was front and center on my homepage. I guess you could even call it one of the "theme verses" for my life!


Here is a template for the pocket that I made for my Quiet page. 


Instructions for pocket:
  1.  Score in half both ways along score lines - at 4 1/4".
    1. Cut along diagonal cutting lines. *Note: if you want to use a border punch along angle cut it should be done now.
    2. Apply glue along glue lines. *Note: I advise using a wet glue for this purpose. My favorite is Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive; it's easy to apply in a very thin line, it dries very quickly, and the tags won't get stuck in it. 
    3. As soon as you have applied the adhesive, fold along the horizontal score line and have A meet B. Hold for a moment until the glue is set.
    4. When glue is all dry fold in half along vertical fold line. 
    I sure hope that makes sense. Let me know if you have any questions. This design can be adjusted for any size pocket you need. My tags are cut 7 1/4" X 4" and folded in half to measure 3 1/8" X 4". This size may need to be adjusted depending on how thick a line of adhesive you use.

    One more little tip I'll share with you is how I made these little flower clips.


    I layered two Prima flowers and attached them together with a brad. I punched out a 1/2" circle from blue cardstock. I laid a white paperclip on the circle and then sandwiched it together with the flower using a Zot adhesive dot. It works great! I put one on the corner of each of my folio tags. They serve as a little pull to take the tags out of the pocket.
    Okay, friends...that's it for today! It was another super long post. Thanks so much for coming! I hope you'll come back again next week to see what else my little house holds! Have a very happy week! :o)


    Materials Used  That Haven't Already Been Listed:
    Light:
    Dies: Sizzix Scallop Tags; 
    MM Slice Design Card: Home Sweet Home, Summer;
    Ranger Stickles - Gold;
    Punch: Martha Stewart - Doily Lace;
    Stamp: Inkadinkadoo - Chandeliers;
    Ink: CTMH - Moonstruck;
    Stash: Buttons, Vellum.
    Peace:
    Stamps: Recollections - Feelin' Groovy;
    Bling: i-Rock Compact - Jewels;
    Stash: Ribbon, Fiber.
    Quiet:
    MM Slice Design Cards - Home Sweet Home, 
    Vintage Findings;
    Bling: i-Rock Compact - Crystals;
    Flowers: Prima;
      Martha Stewart  Border Punch;
    Brads: Recollections.

    Sunday 6 November 2011

    Another Special First For Me! :o)

    Hello, my friends! Guess what? My big project is complete! It's actually not really that big...it's mini since it's a mini album! lol It's a special mini album that I made for a special event. I was invited to be the Guest DT Diva at the Creative Scrapbooking Divas Mansion for the month of November! So I made a special house mini just for them. When you're finished here pop on over there and take a look. I even answered some questions for them! :o) You'll find their bright pink button just to the left of this post! Today I'm going to share a little bit about my process of putting this mini album together. First though, here's a peek at the finished product:


    This album is entitled "OUR HOME IS FILLED WITH..." I'll share more about that in later posts, but for now we'll just talk about the construction. The first thing I did was gather up some supplies that I decided I wanted to use.


    Then it's time to cover the base pieces with the paper. I covered my house pieces liberally with my ATG adhesive, laid my chosen paper over, and used my craft knife to trim around. I did this on all the pieces of the album. Some careful planning was involved due to the varying sizes of the album pieces. Next, it's time to smooth all the edges of the album. I've discovered a quick and easy tip when it comes to the sanding all the edges...I use my Dremel Tool. I used to use my sanding block and emery board, but when I saw the Imaginisce d-stress tool it reminded me of my Dremel sanding tip and I tried that. It works like a charm...so quick and easy! I just have to remember to keep it on a LOW speed, or I have a completely new shape! lol
    Usually I ink all my edges but this time I wanted to try something different. I thought white would look nice so I painted all the edges with white acrylic paint. When using acrylic paint on paper products, try to use a good quality paint because it has less water in it. Also, use a dry bush and don't ever add water. I applied the paint and set the pages up on some paint bottles until it was dry. When you paint with acrylic paint it leaves quite a "tooth" or a texture. My solution for this is to take a little piece of brown paper bag and give it a quick sanding. This does a fabulous job of removing all the tooth but not taking away any of the color. It leaves it as smooth as the paper.


    For the front cover I used one of the great house stickers as it fit the shape perfectly. I backed it with cardstock and popped it up on dimensionals. I then punched out a few tiny flowers and glued them along the fence. A few tiny bling and it was finished.


    Since I bound my album along the bottom, and it's made to open forward, I really needed to make a closure of some kind. I also want to have the flexibility of adding more to this album as time passes, so it couldn't be a solid closure. Here's what I came up with:


    The title is a label placed in a Grungeboard book plate that has been heat embossed in white and backed with a tulle ruffle. I took a long piece of tulle and tied random knots along it's length. A loop is sandwiched between the title and a chipboard circle with velcro adhered on the back. The other end of the tulle is looped through another chipboard circle with the other side of the velcro. This end of the tulle is then tied in a bow and can be tightened or loosened as needed. This fastener can just be wrapped around the album and placed above the house to look rather cloudish!
    So that's my mini album construction! Thanks so much for sticking with me for such a LONG post! Hey, wake up...it's over!! lol Next Sunday I'll start showing you the inside pages! If you have any questions please leave a comment! In the meantime give some thought to what your house is filled with and have a JOYFUL week! :o)
    Materials Used in Book Construction:
    7 gypsies Home Sweet Home binderie board kit;
    My Reflections Paper Packet - Sweet Home;
     My Reflections My Stickease Assortment - Sweet Home,
    Bind It All & 1 1/4" O-Wires, ATG gun & Adhesive,
    Folk Art Acrylic Paint - Wicker White,
    Dremel MultiPro Tool & Sanding Tip; 
    Flowers: Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Mulberry paper,
    Crystal Fire BeJeweler & i-Rock Hot Rocks Metal Accents;
    Title Band: Dymo Letra Tag & label, blue tulle, 
    Grungeboard bookplate, chipboard circles,
    Stamp'n Stuff Embossing Powder - detail white opaque, 
    Recollections Brads, Self-Adhesive Velcro, Unknown Bling.




    Friday 4 November 2011

    ABC Scripture Challenge - Value

    Happy Friday to all of you! I know I've been a little bit quiet lately but I've still been busy with my big project. It will be posted on Sunday, so I hope you all come back and take a look at it! :o)
    I'm happy to have a Scripture Challenge page for you today! Today's word is "value" which is defined as "relative worth, merit or importance." There were several different directions to go with this word but I really liked this verse in 1 Timothy 4:8. It says: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Now, I don't know about you but I got quite excited to read the part where it says "...physical training is of some value BUT..." Does this mean I don't really have to get on the treadmill today? lol No, we can't stop reading there...we have to keep going and read the WHOLE verse. What it says is that there is value in excercise but there is much greater value in the pursuit of godliness. They both benefit us in this life, but only godliness will benefit us in the life to come. Again, I will remind myself that I still need to get on the treadmill! However, I need to do it with a book, music or tv show that will also promote the pursuit of godliness. I do appreciate it when the Lord leads me to an action verse! It reminds me of what I need to be doing every day! So I'm off to put the finishing touches on my big project, and then get on the treadmill with some worship music! I wish you all JOY as you pursue godliness in your own lives! :o)


    Papers: K & Company - Julianne 6 X 6 Paperpad;
    MM Slice Design Cards: Vintage Findings, 
    Grandma's Attic, Home Sweet Home;
    Ribbon: Celebrate It;
    Bling: i-Rock Hot Rocks Metal Accents.


    Tuesday 25 October 2011

    Another Altered Birdhouse

    Happy Tuesday! I should actually be calling this post "Another Procrastination Project"! lol I have a big project that I should be working on and I seem to be having a bit of trouble keeping my focus. This little birdhouse has been sitting in my studio since I altered my last one. Now that the cooler weather is moving in, I thought this poor little bird needed his home! This is the first time I've used a couple of new toys. First, I now have my very first Stampin' Up punch; the Boho Blossom Punch. So I didn't have to fussy cut these flowers this time...just stamp and punch! Yay for me, right? Secondly, I used the Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist on the finished flowers and the fence. I love it! I did just a light spritz and I love the shimmer it gave! I cut the Scripture verse a little bit short so that the whole bird would show but I'd like to share it with you here. Psalm 95:1 says: "O come, let us sing to the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." Okay, now I think I better try to get some work done on my big project. On second thought, I think I need a coffee break, and then I should clean up the mess I made, and then I have to make supper...maybe I'll get to it tomorrow! lol Hope you're all having a happy week! :o)


    Here's a close-up of the glimmery flowers:


    Papers: Susan Winget - Nature;
    Ink and Stamps: Stampin' Up;
    Punches: Stampin' Up, Martha Stewart;
    Die: Tim Holtz On the Fence Die;
    Spray: Ranger Perfect Pearl Mist - Perfect Pearl;
    Brads: Recollections Mini Brads;
    My Stash: Wooden Birdhouse, Wire, 
    Mushroom Bird, Cardstock, Spanish Moss,
    Miniature Watering Can.

    Friday 21 October 2011

    ABC Scripture Challenge - Useful

    Happy Friday! You would not believe the week I've had, my friends! I could tell you story after crazy story of what has gone on in my life this week, but I won't! lol You know how I can ramble, and you wouldn't even believe half of it! I'll just say that I'm incredibly happy to have this page completed for posting! :o)
    Most of you have probably caught on my now that I really love my Bible! When Patter posted "useful" as the Challenge Word I knew right away that I would use this verse in 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  Isn't that a great verse? The Bible is so full of instruction and training that can guide us in making right and good choices in our life. Did you know that the Bible is FULL of much more than just instructions for teaching us?  The Scriptures are also USEFUL if you are: worried, sad, have lost someone, are feeling discouraged, in pain, scared, in doubt, lonely, tempted, lost, sick, hurting, or searching. At the other end of the spectrum, the Scriptures are also USEFUL if you are: happy, joyful, thankful, at peace, full of praise and gratitude, or in love. The Bible is full of history, poetry, wisdom, songs, and life lessons; and I encourage you to see how USEFUL it can be in your life! It's my God-breathed guide book for life! :o)

    Papers: K & Company - Olive Tree, DCWV Mat Stack;
    Dies: Sizzix - Tim Holtz - Styled Labels,
    MM Slice Design Card - Basic Shapes 2;
    Brads: Recollections Gemstone;
    Chipboard Letters & Mosaic Tiles: Gift from Debbie;
    Marker: Marvy Le Plume II No. 72 pine green;
    Hemp & Bling: Unknown

    Saturday 15 October 2011

    I Did It! A Fall Project Completed :o)

    Yay, I got a Fall project done! Can you believe it's a card? I really don't know what's going on! I seem to have become a card-maker! How did that happen? lol I truly think it's a case of  "monkey see, monkey do"! Not that I'm calling all of you...my dear, sweet friends...monkeys! haha Or if I am, I'm right there with you! ;o) I had lots of fun making this one and I hope you like it! I'm even going to enter it in THREE challenges which is something I've never done before! They are:


    I've been on the look out for some skeleton leaves for a little while now and not had any success finding them in my area. A little while ago, when I was going through some of my old stamps, I came across this really nice leaf stamp that looks just like the skeleton leaves. I don't know where it came from, and it has no information on it. So I had some fun with it today and heat embossed with white onto some white vellum. I'm really happy with the results. I took a closeup photo so you could see them better. I'll be doing some more playing but it gave me just the look I wanted for this card. What do you think? 
    Well, I think come Monday I better get back to work on a layout before I forget how to do them! :o)

    Papers: Basic Grey - Indian summer, Recollections;
    MM Slice Design Card: Basic Shapes 2;
    Stamps: Unknown Leaf Stamp, Stampavie - 
    Sarah Kay - Chloe watching the trees in the autumn wind;
    Ink: Ranger Distress Ink - Fired Brick;
    Martha Stewart Punches: hydrangea, branch, rose leaf;
    Unknown: brads, pearls, lace, vellum, embossing powder.

    Friday 14 October 2011

    Good Intention Tags! lol

    That's not really what these tags are called! I just had very good intentions of getting a Fall project completed today, and that didn't happen. I'm happy to have these tags to post instead! :o) I was in touch with my prize winner and told her that I've decided not to post a photo of her her little "Share" package before she receives it. Surprises are so much more fun, aren't they? However, this is a little bit of a sneak peek! Perhaps that would have been a better name for the post..."Sneak Peek Tags"!  Before beginning on my non-existent Fall project I thought I should work on the giveaway. I got out some tags to wrap some lace and trims around. Well, I just couldn't use plain old tags! I decided to dress them up a little bit so they could be used once the lace and trims were gone. Here's what I did with the tags. Maybe tomorrow I'll get to a Fall project! :o)


    All Stamps and Inks: Stampin' Up!;
    Regular  Office Shipping Tags;
    Everything else from my stash.

    Monday 10 October 2011

    Happy Thanksgiving - And a Fun Announcement!

    Hello Everybody! Happy Thanksgiving! I've been so busy this weekend with all my fun family festivities that I haven't crafted anything to post! So instead, here's a photo I took showing some gorgeous Fall colors! :o)

    Now for the "fun announcement" part of this post! If you'll remember back to my ABC Scripture Challenge "Share" post...I encouraged you all to leave a comment and come back today to find out why. Well, I put all the names of those that commented in a bowl, plus one extra who emailed me a comment because her blogger didn't work. I had my daughter, Liane, draw the name. Whose name did she pick?
    Yes, Jonia! It was you! I get to SHARE a special package of goodies with YOU! Congratulations! I don't have a picture yet, so I'll post what you've won very soon! Putting this together has been lots of fun for me and I've decided that I'll be doing it more often. I won't be doing big announcements...they'll just be quiet little ones like this one. Just sharing with those of you that leave me words of encouragement that mean so much to me!  Thank you very much, my friends! :o)

    Wednesday 5 October 2011

    ABC Scripture Challenge - Trouble

    Now you're probably wondering why I made such a happy and cheerful page when the word was "trouble", right? Well, first you have to read the Scripture verse I chose. James 5: 13 says: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." Isn't that lovely? It deserves a bright and sunny page! I even wheeled music notes across my background paper to denote the "songs of praise", and of course I had to include a happy bird!
    We're all going to face troubles in life...there's just no way around it. However, when you put your trust in Jesus, you have help to get you through the troubled times. In John 16:33 Jesus says: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." So if you have troubles in your life today - PRAY! Your troubles aren't too big for the Lord...He's overcome the world! Then feel the peace that only He can give you. After that you can move on to being HAPPY and singing songs of PRAISE! :o)


    Papers: Basic Grey - Hello Luscious 6 X 6 ;
    MM Slice Design Cards: Noel, Basic Shapes 2;
    Stamps: Stampin' Up - Music Notes Wheel,
    Language of Love;
    Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Brown;
    Punches: Martha Stewart - Rose Leaf,
    Branch, Cosmos;
    Decorative Pins: The Nickel Nook;
    Unknown Bling, Fiber.

    Friday 30 September 2011

    Black, White, and Read All Over Challenge

    Here's the completed challenge that I mentioned in yesterdays post. This is Diva Pammie's challenge over at the Creative Scrapbooking Divas. You can read all about it HERE. The rules are:
    *MUST use colors black, white, & red only, with red only being about 20% of the layout.
    There was an Option A, but I went with...
    *Option B: Use a pattern paper with a newspaper print or feel to it. Not a letter, but dictionary pages are okay.
    My problem with this challenge was that I had no paper with a newspaper print or feel to it...so I had to make it from scratch. It was lots of fun to do and I think it looks pretty good. I opted to decorate a frame. I was inspired by a wonderful project we did in my Splurge Group, and also by Diva Jessica. The first thing I did was adhere a piece of white cardstock to the wooden frame. I suspect it may have been smarter to stamp the cardstock before adhering it, in case a big mistake was made, but that didn't occur to me until later! lol I trimmed the extra paper away, cut out the center, then filed and sanded all the edges smooth. Then I gathered all the various word stamps that I wanted to use and just randomly stamped them with black ink. I made sure to stamp off the edge all around the piece. When it was all finished I did a light inking of gray ink over the stamping so it looked more news-printy, and an inking of black around the edges. I then made some red flowers with my new Slice Design Card. Looks like about 20% to me...give or take! I had a great time with this challenge! A couple of the words could be a lot straighter but that's okay, right? :o)
    Ink: Stampin' Up: Basic Black, Basic Gray;
    MM Slice Design Card: Basics 2;
    Stamps: CTMH, 7 gypsies, Prima,
    Inkadinkado, Pink Paislee, K & Company,
    MME Lost & Found, Kimberly Poloson;
    Unknown: Cardstock and Brads.

    Thursday 29 September 2011

    3D Project Challenge

    Happy Thursday, my friends! Today I'm playing along with my friends over at Creative Scrapbooking Divas. The challenge is to create a 3D project of your favorite holiday. Well, Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday, of course, it's when Jesus was born! :o) I bought this Sizzix die a little while ago and hadn't used it yet, so this was the perfect time! I used some lovely glittery papers that were gifted to me. The die actually cuts out a wonderful ornate window, which I filled in with decorative vellum - also included in the paper pack. I added a few decorative non-paper embellishments and a glittery ribbon. There you have it!  You can find the challenge HERE. I've also added the Creative Scrapbooking Divas button on my sidebar. They're a fun bunch of busy ladies over there! I hope to finish another Diva project tomorrow but we'll see how it goes. I'm actually having trouble finding the paper I need for the next challenge in my stash. Can you believe it? It was hard enough to find Christmas paper! Does this mean I have to go shopping? Oh, no!! lol :o)

    Papers: Papermania - A Silent Night (Gift from Sarah);
    Die: Sizzix XL - Box w/ Ornate Window;
    Ribbon: Offray - Gold Metallic;
    My Stash: Cinnamon Sticks, Dried Apples, 
    Other unknown Christmas Bits.

    Saturday 24 September 2011

    "CELEBRATE" CARD!

    Hello again, Everyone! Can you believe I have ANOTHER post already? I know...it's incredible! lol This is a fun one for me. A little while ago I had a post on my sidebar about a giveaway that my friend Dunja was having. Her blog is "Dunja's Cards and More" and you can find it HERE. I didn't win her grand prize but Dunja was so sweet that she added a second prize. I was fortunate enough to win that one! Yay for me! So I received this lovely package all the way from Germany! It includes ribbon & lace, owl charms, and the sweetest little stamp!

    I just had to make a card right away using the stamp. I also used some of the gorgeous pink lace! It doesn't show very well in the picture, but I first colored her sweet tutu with a silver pencil, and then I applied the diamond stickles. I also had to stickle the stars a bit! Isn't she adorable? :o)

    Papers: K & Co - Sweet Nectar;
    Stamp: Nellie Snellen - Dawn;
    Prisma Colored Pencils, 
    Odorless Mineral Spirits & Blending Stumps;
    Die: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels Fifteen;
    Flowers: Gift from Silvia;
    Ranger Stickles: Diamond, Gold;
    Unknown: cardstock, brads, pearls, leaves.

    There's one more special gift I would like to share with you. I received the most amazing parcel in the mail this week, and it came all the way from South Korea. My dear friend Joy made it for me. She has posted really wonderful photos of it over on her blog Art Angels Designs. She is such an amazing talent, you really should pop over and take a look at it. It even includes my family photo...you'll see that my girls really are all grown up! lol To see my incredible gift just click HERE. Joy also sent me some other wonderful goodies, including some fantastic stamped images. So I'm off to do some more coloring! :o)

    Blog Archive