Craft Room with a View

Fun Birthday Card

2012-01-30T20:49:00.003-05:00

Oops - I inadvertently overwrote my post from Monday with this one - so sorry! I am uploading the first (deleted) post below this card - it was called Soft Birthday.

Here is another birthday card for one of my family. I really made each card for a specific person. Although I am not going to say here which card is for whom - I have to keep some things secret!

This card was made from one of Theresa's sets called Whimsical Flowers from GinaK. These flowers are such fun to paper piece! I found the sketch at CPS and the paper is from Basic Grey. An easy card to make.

This was the first card. I used GKD Stately Flowers and colored the image very lightly with some soft pink Copics.

Thanks for stopping by! I love comments too!

Card Recipe:

Stamps - GKD - Whimsical Flowers

Paper - GKD - white and Black

Designer Paper - Basic Grey - Out of Print

Other - a few gems

Challenges:

StampTV - stamped flower

Basic Grey Challenges - Favorite Things - gems and paper piecing with BG!
CPS - Sketch

A Child: Philippians 4:8

2012-01-29T06:00:00.023-05:00

Hello Sunday! I do believe that this is my favorite day of the week for several reasons. We usually attend, and often participate in, (reader, cantor, Eucharistic minister) Mass on Saturday Nights so Sunday is a day of rest for us. I also enjoy being a part of another challenge based on scripture at Stampin' Sisters in Christ!

This week the ever lovely Linda is our hostess and the verse she chose is from Philippians - chapter 4 verse 8. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her devotion on the scripture this week.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Oh Linda, love this verse, everything about it spoke to me of a child. Truth, honesty, just, pure, lovely; those are such wonderful words that evoke such warm feelings in me especially when I am holding a baby or being hugged by one of our grandchildren. They know how to love! Some adults could learn from their example.

I am so lucky to be able to work in a Catholic school where 8 of my grandchildren attend - I get their hugs in the halls whenever we come across one another. Their love truly is pure! I found the scripture verse that I used on my card at Word Art Wednesday and it made me think of when I first became a mother and when we were handed our first son (now the father of 6)! We could not have children in the physical sense so all 8 of ours were adopted and so very wanted and prayed for! Many wonderful memories were brought forth with this verse.

The challenge this week is to create a card/project true to your style - show us who you really are! Oh yes this card is me! It has scripture on it (that is me!), it is about a child, (very me!), and used patterned paper (my style of crafting). I loved this challenge!

This week's sponsor is a new sponsor to SSIC and we are so excited to have them. Be sure to visit their store at Inspired Stamps - you will love their stamps! Be sure to enter for your chance to win a $15 shopping pass to their store!

Don't forget to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: GinaK - Oh Baby
Paper: GinaK - Smokey Slate

Designer Paper: PinkPaislee - Queen Bee

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders dies, a few gems and a button

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp:Anything Goes
Word Art Wednesday - sentiment
Lily Pad - Patterned Paper
ATCs & Cards With Attitude – Anything Goes
Fussy and Fancy - Polka Dots

Card Patterns - sketch
MFP - 4 layers

Birthday Poppies

2012-01-25T19:46:00.001-05:00

Can you tell I am back in the swing of things. I sure did miss my crafting time! The month of February is a big birthday month in my family. I have 2 daughter in law birthdays a daughter birthday and my mother in law's birthday! It is also the birthday of my son's girlfriend. That is a lot of birthday cards!

Here is one of the cards I made this week. I used a lot of the pinks because that is the DP that was on my craft table! I was also in the mood to do some coloring with my Copics so pulled out the pinks for these poppies. I also used some Sakura pens to add sparkle which does not show up on the picture. Are there pink poppies? Hmmm... not sure. I really liked this weeks sketch over at CPS so I used that for this card as well, just flipped it. Well, back to the craft table!

Thanks for stopping by! I love comments too!

Card Recipe:

Stamps - MFP - Wild Poppies

Paper - GKD - white - SU - Pixie Pink

Designer Paper - GKD - StampTV kit

Other - Ribbon, Sakura Pens

Challenges:

CPS - Sketch

JUGS - Colors - red, pink, white (I did add some green - hope that is okay!)

MFP - Birthday Card

My Mum's Craft shop - flowers

Sisterhood of Crafters - striped paper
Simon says Stamps - Anything Goes

Forever

2012-01-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

I just love this StampTV kit. Such great images and the paper - well - I really love that! This is going to be my DH's Valentine card. Kind of masculine looking don't you think? I also really liked this sketch on Simon Says Stamps.

I stamped the sentiment and image on white card stock and then again on pink so I could cut out the hearts and glue them on. I took a Sakura pink pen and just filled in a border. The background kind of came together. I had the scalloped circle left from my last card and decided to put the plaid paper behind it. I really did like how it turned out. I used a Cuttlebug folder on the white panel and just added ribbon and buttons and a couple of more hearts.

Card Recipe:

Stamps - GKD - True Love StampTV kit

Paper - GKD - white - Passionate Pink

Designer Paper - GKD - StampTV kit

Other - Cuttlebug folders - ribbon - Nestibilities - buttons

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - Sketch
Cupcake Craft - All You Need Is Love

There She Goes - Love is in the Air
Corrosive Challenges - I {heart} You
Card Cupids - Valentines
Sentimental Sundays - must include a Sentiment - Die Cuts
2 Sisters - Embossing

You are Awesome: Proverbs 3:3-4

2012-01-22T06:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Sunday dear friends, it is always good to see you for another challenge based on scripture here at Stampin' Sisters in Christ!

This week Kris is our hostess and the verse she chose is Proverbs 3:3-4. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her take on the scripture this week.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

Well, the wedding is over, all the company is gone and the house and yard are almost back to normal! We had so much help that I should probably make a half dozen of these cards to send out to my family and friends! They were awesome! Weddings are great - seeing my son and his new bride so happy does great things to my heart! This is what God wants for all of us - love and faithfulness. Great verse this week!

These stamps are from the new StampTV kit at GinaK. I love the sentiment! It goes to show that you do not have to use hearts only in Valentine cards - they can be used for a special thank you cards too! I used a couple of different Spellbinder Dies and some sponging around the edges. I added a few beads to the center of the flower for that sparkle effect.

We are all challenged to make a heart stand out in our card or project. Our sponsor this week is Digital Delights by Louby Lou and she is giving away 3 digital images! Woo Hoo!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: GinaK - StampTV kit - True Love
Paper: GinaK - Passionate Pink

Designer Paper: StampTV kit paper

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders dies, pearls

Challenges:
JUGS: Color Challenge
Simon Says Stamp: Sketch
Simply Create Too - Love is in the Air

Happy Wedding Day: Revelations 21:5

2012-01-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Another Sunday has rolled around and that means another challenge based on scripture here at Stampin' Sisters in Christ!

This week Traci is our hostess and the verse she chose is Revelations 21:5. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her take on the scripture this week.

And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He [!] said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."

Our challenge this week is to use something new on our card/project this week. It can be a new stamp, paper, or embellishment...or even a new technique or an idea that is new to you! Just have fun with your creation!!

Yesterday my son got married and I am sure that it was a lovely day. I am writing this a few early since the wedding is in our back yard and the preparations are keeping us hopping. A marriage is most definitely something new for both the bride and the groom. I get a new daughter - and I am so lucky that she comes with 3 lovely children who are now my grandchildren. How lucky I am!

I did use a new stamp set for this challenge and made this card for my son and his wife. It was a quick and easy card and totally suited their style.

Our sponsor this week is Nina Bracket and she is going to send the winner 2, yes 2 of her stamp sets! Lucky winner!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: GinaK - Special Occasions Tags
Paper: GinaK - Sweet Mango and Chocolate Brown

Designer Paper: BG - Curio

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders dies, pearls

Challenges:
MFP: Border punches

Snowy Cabin: Philippians 2:3-4

2012-01-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I missed sharing time with you and look forward to sharing in the form a challenge based on scripture here at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! I am so glad to see you all!

This week Peggysue is our hostess and the verse she chose is Philippians 2:3-4 . Be sure to stop by our home page to read her take on the scripture this week.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (4) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Great verse! Perhaps we have to think back (for me) to when you held your infant in your arms. Everything I did was for him. I did not focus all my attentions on him for a reward or for others to say, "Look what a good mother she is!" it was all because of the love I felt (and still do) for that baby. There are times when we Christians (and I do speak for myself here) tell others all the wonderful things we are doing in our church. All the committees and and groups we belong to; all the good works we do, have done, and will do soon. Is that so others will see what good "Christians" we are? Good question to ponder.

Our challenge this week is to make a card that tells someone we are thinking of them. I like these kinds of cards and I think that everyone likes getting them from time to time.

Love the fake snow! We do not get snow here so it is fun to play with the fake stuff. Right now I would not mind being curled up in a chair in front of a fire in that cabin with my DH! I used a background stamp from ODBD with some versamark and glitter. The cabin and sentiment is from GKD. I colored the image using distress inks - love the rustic look it created.

Our sponsor this week is The Craft's Meow.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: ODBD Background stamp - GKD Life is Good
Paper: Gina K - In the Navy

Designer Paper: None

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders die, distress inks

Challenges:
Crafty Emma - #67 Anything goes

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Winter Something; DT Call

Dilly Beans – Winter Wonderland

Fabulous Friday – Cardstock only, no patterned paper
Craft a Scene -must include a Scene - (January) Anything goes (with a Scene) (ends 28th Jan)
Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes
Gingerloft - Anything Goes

Thanks from the Heart

2012-01-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

A few posts ago I shared the 40th anniversary card I made for my wonderful husband. Well, our equally wonderful children threw us a surprise anniversary party! It was perfect in every way with our extended family and dearest friends. Here are some thank you cards I made to send out.

Card Recipe:

Stamps - GKD - Stately Flowers 1

Paper - GKD - white - lipstick red - black - wild dandlion

Designer Paper - none

Other - Cuttlebug folders - ribbon - Nestibilities

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Secret Crafter - Anything goes

Stampin For The Weekend - 2W, 1E – Week 2, Anything Goes

Fairy Tale - 2W, 2E – Week 2, Something Easy

Miss Me?

2012-01-01T17:32:00.000-05:00

I missed me! I was shocked to see how long it had been since I uploaded a card. It is NOT that I have been idle! Like most of you this is a busy time of the year. I have kept up with all of my commitments with a few extras thrown in. Our second youngest son is getting married in 2 weeks in our back yard! I made the invitations and sent them out and am planning the wedding with help from wonderful family and friends. My son and his soon-to-be wife live in Alaska and we are in Florida. We are flying them down so that the rest of the family can celebrate with them. Here is the invitation:

Yup - you guessed it, it is a western kind of wedding. Fun and a challenge for me. It is coming together and now we just pray for good Florida weather! I do have another post coming with another few cards that I made this past week. So don't give up on me - I miss stamping time! And I will be back!

Christmas Blessings to You: Luke 2:14

2011-12-18T06:00:00.004-05:00

A week from today is Christmas and today is Sunday which means time for a challenge based on scripture at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! So glad you stopped by.

This week it was my turn turn to be our hostess and the verse I chose is Luke 2:14. Be sure to stop by our home page to read my devotion.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14)

This week your challenge is to make a Christmas card with a religious theme and/or image. If all of your Christmas cards are done for this year look at it as a head start for next year!

This is my last Christmas card for this year. I used one of my favorite stamps from ODBD. It was the first stamp set I purchased from them. I really loved the sketch by Carly and the 2 worked perfectly together. I colored the image with Copics and used a gold pen on the flames and candle holders. A little bling to finish it off.

Our sponsor this week is ODBD with a $15 gift card on stamps that you will love.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: ODBD
Paper: Gina K - White and Rocket red

Designer Paper: EP Season's Greetings

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders die Copics, and a few pearls

Challenges:

Sketches by Carly - sketch

Marks Finest Papers - Christmas card

Simply Create Too - Embossing
Our Daily Bread Designs - N (Nestabilities) O (ODBD stamps) E (Embossing) L (Layering)

Happy Anniversary Honey

2011-12-17T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today is our 40th wedding anniversary. This is the card I made for him. Our wedding colors were red and white with the men in black tuxes. Our mothers made the bridesmaid dresses and my mother made my wedding gown. And I do believe that I was actually that thin 40 years ago too! Do you notice the diamond earring? Well, I got some beautiful diamond earrings too!

The stamp set is from GKD - called Because of You.

Christmas Hearts

2011-12-15T21:32:00.000-05:00

I really needed to make a few more Christmas cards so when I saw this free - yes I said free digi at Stamp TV I knew I wanted to make this card. Then I fell in love with the sketch from Card Patterns and the card flew together.

I loved how the ribbon turned out. It was a flat ribbon that I heated with my heat gun. The felt poinsettia was purchased after Christmas last year. I love when I do that!

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Free Digi

Paper: GinaK - Lipstick Red and some gold vellum.

Specialty Paper - EP - Season's Greetings

Other: Ribbon, felt poinsettia, Spellbinder dies

Challenges Entered:

Card Patterns - Sketch
4 Crafty Chicks - Christmas Card

Crafting for all Seasons - Christmas
Crafts and Me - Christmas

Divas by Design - Christmas

Sisterhood of Crafters - Christmas

Birthday Baby: Luke 2:11

2011-12-11T06:00:00.005-05:00

The third week of Advent already and another Sunday which means time for a challenge based on scripture at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! We are always so glad to have you visit.

This week it is Marilyn's turn to be our hostess and the verse she chose is from Luke 2:11. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her incredible devotion!

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Preparing our hearts for the birth of our Lord - such a wonderful season. I just had to make that above card from an old stamp set that I had. It required some digging to find it but this verse really cried out for me to use it. It is simple, exactly what this scripture verse is. Simple with a powerful message. At church tonight we sang one of my favorites - "I looked up and saw my Lord a-coming.....". There are other verses but you get the drift and perhaps you even know the song. This is a very special time of the year - and the message that is required is in the verse above. He is born - for us.

I colored that card very simply as well, dug out the old coloring pencils for it. I wanted the muted look. I used this week's sketch from Card Patterns for this card.

The challenge for this week was to make a birthday card in honor of Christ's birth. Well I first made the card below because it is one of my granddaughters 9th birthday on the 23rd and I wanted to make her card totally all about her.

So this card was made for Dreama - happy birthday sweetie! I used another sketch challenge this week from Mojo Monday.

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp with an adorable stamp set called Terra's Penguins Have Style.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: SU - The nativity set and I am not sure where the cute birthday girl is from
Paper: Gina K - White and Rocket red

Designer Paper: Graphics 45 for the nativity and EP Dots and Stripes for the birthday girl

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders die Copics and pencils to color

Challenges:

MOJO Monday - Sketch - Card 2

Card Patterns - Sketch - Card 1

Crafty Emma - A Traditional Christmas

Card Makin' Mamas - cards only – Week 1, Christmas

Raise The Bar – Christmas

Simply Create Too - Embossing

Totally Papercrafts – Anything but Christmas

Angel of Peace: Matthew 1:20-22

2011-12-04T06:00:00.004-05:00

Another Sunday means another challenge based on scripture at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! We are always so glad to have you visit.

This week it is our fearless and faithful leader Lisa's turn to be our hostess and the verse she chose is from Matthew 1:20-22 . Be sure to stop by our home page to read her incredible devotion!

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'"

Gulp - would I be that obedient, that trusting? I don't know. Mary and Joseph trusted completely that what the angel said to them was fact. I may not have angels coming to me in my dreams (at least not that I remember) but I do know that I hear God's word in many other ways. Through church services and reading and the radio station I listen to in the car. Often it is the words of others in my life that hold a message from God, but I have to be listening for them. I often have a tough time letting my worries and concerns go and just let God do His will through me and be open to listen.

The challenge this week is to create a project depicting an angel.

I recently received this wonderful angel from Layers of Color. I was happy that there was a challenge that allowed my angel to be inked up. I stamped her on white card stock and carefully cut her out. I colored her with Copics and I used some Sakura pens to add glitter. I wanted a halo kind of look around her head and chose a red circle to put behind her. The angel is popped up. She does look peaceful doesn't she?

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps with a $15 gift card.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: LOC - Angel and sentiment
Paper: Gina K - White and Rocket red

Designer Paper: Graphics 45

Other: Ribbon, spellbinders die (for circle), Copics to color and some red glittery embelishments

Challenges:

Allsorts - Going round in Circles

Crafty Catz -colors of Christmas with sparkle

Fairy Tale - Christmas

Raise The Bar – Christmas

Simply Create Too - All About Christmas

Wags 'n Whiskers - Angel or Fairy

Christmas Cardinal: Matthew 6:25-34

2011-11-27T06:00:00.004-05:00

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. A season to reflect and prepare for the coming of Jesus! Today is also time for another Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge based on scripture!

This week it is the Lovely Linda who is our hostess and the verse she chose is from Matthew 6:25-34 . Be sure to stop by our home page to read her devotion.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?"

I have a bird feeder in the back yard and I love watching the cardinals come to feed. Their chirps are so distinctive and their color so vibrant. They always make me smile. They do not worry and I know I should not worry. I do though, no matter how often I have a strong talk with myself not to. So this is a good reminder at this time of the year as we prepare ourselves for Christmas. We are not to focus on the shopping for presents or food and all the other things that the world tells us we must have to make us or others happy at Christmas, instead focus on preparing our hearts.

The challenge this week is to create a project that has a bird on it - as DP, image or charm.

I think you can tell that my bird is center stage for this card. I love this winter cardinal, so bright and cheery.

Our sponsor this week is Sweet and Sassy with a $10 gift card.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Winter Wings
Paper: Gina K - Kraft and Red

Designer Paper: Graphics 45

Other: Red gems, ribbon, spellbinders die, Copics to color and sponging

Challenges:

The Sweetest Thing - Sketch (too late for the challenge but loved the sketch!

Simply Create Too - 2W – Week 1, All About Christmas

Totally Papercrafts - Christmas

Southern Girls - 2W, 1E - (2nd week) BINGO* (Die Cut, Gem, Ribbon)
Gingerloft -Winter OR ChristmasScrappy Frogs - Use Kraft Card Stock

Stamptacular Sunday - Must use a stamp - Anything Christmas

Hallelujah: Job 13:15

2011-11-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

This is Thanksgiving week - oh I have so much to be thankful for! I want to sing my Hallelujahs to the heavens above! One of the many things I am thankful for is all of you who join us regularly at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week ever faithful Rebekka is our hostess and the verse she chose is from Job 13:15 . Be sure to stop by our home page to read her devotion.

"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him "

Yes I do sing my Hallelujah for all my blessings. It has been a tough year and throughout the challenges I have trusted in Him and not let the difficulties slay me. A lot to be thankful for indeed.

Make a card of praise, using music, stamp, or design paper or just the word praise.

I stamped the musical notes on white card stock, first stamping off so that it would look a little muted. I placed that panel behind the poinsettia frame. Teh trumpet was stamped on gold and very carefully cut out. I colored the image with Colpics.

Our sponsor this week is Pizzazz Aplenty with a $15 value surprise grab bag .

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Festive Frame, Vintage Borders, The Magic of Christmas. The sentiment is from LOC.
Paper: Gina K - White and SU

Designer Paper: None

Other: Gold peals and a little ribbon

Challenges:
Art Impressions Stamps Challenge: Use Red, Green and Metallic

Card and Scrap - Traditional Christmas colours

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Red and Green

Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes

Floweret - Christmas
JUGS - Red White and Green

CSS - Inspiration Blog Hop - 11/18/2011

2011-11-18T21:59:00.003-05:00

It is another StampTV blog hop. I really enjoy these blog hops, it is such fun to see all the different things everyone comes up with - each one wonderful! This one is an Inspiration Blog Hop, look at this great photo, so many options to choose from.

You should have arrived from Melissa Shultz blog. She always has such wonderful ideas and projects.

This is the first card I made - I focused on the circle and decided to make a round card in blues. The stamps are from the Stamp TV kit called "Wishing you Joy". There are so many really nice images in this set. I love it. In fact the second card is also made with this stamp set. I used a silver doily on the back and stamped the snowflakes in white craft ink. the dove was colored and popped up. The snowflake was purchased at the end of the season last year. The card stock is GinaK Little Boy Blue.

This second card also uses the new StampTV set, called Wishing you Joy. I wanted to show the circles so I used 4 on one. I pulled in a little DP from Jillibean Soup and I also used GinaK Designs Rocket Red card stock and some of her luscious ribbon. I colored the images with my Copics.

Now hop on over to visit Sharri Seffins! I am sure she has some inspiration for you as well. If you want to start at the beginning or get lost along the way, just jump directly to the links for all of the wonderful creations on StampTV.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (November 22), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs who will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!

Giving Thanks: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

2011-11-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

Brrr... It was unusually cool this weekend here in sunny Florida - I loved it! Thanks for joining us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week sweet Traci is our hostess and the verse she chose is from 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her devotion.

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Giving thanks, do we remember to give thanks for everything? Yes, even the storms that pass through our lives. Some are small little rain showers that slow us down a bit, and others are hurricanes or blizzards that can throw us into a tailspin. We do still give thanks, for it is the storms that make us stronger and help us to cling to our God even more! So, thank you Father for the ups and downs and for standing with me through them all!

The challenge this week is to create a card or project that depicts gratitude...it can be an image of something you are grateful for, a scripture that evokes your gratitude, or it can be a card made especially for a person you would like to thank this time of year. I love this image from TCM, she is really holding spring flowers - but with the magic of fall colored Flower Soft it became a fall arrangement. Perfect for a fall thank you card.

I used the Midnight Madness sketch this time!

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamps with an adorable stamp set.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: TCM - Little Frieda's Flowers
Paper: Gina K - Cranberry Tart and White

Designer Paper: GKD exclusive DP

Other: FlowerSoft, Spellbinder dies, ribbon, brads, button and MS leaf punch

Challenges:

Midnight Madness - Sketch
2 Sisters - #65 Anything Goes
My Sheri Crafts - Be Thankful
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Thank you (Thanksgiving)
Card Makin' Mamas - thankful
Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes
Corrosive Challenges - Give Thanks
Sentimental Sundays - Thanksgiving/ Thank you
Sparkles Forum - Autumn

Joyful Penguin

2011-11-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

I am falling way behind in Christmas cards this year! So I decided to pick up the pace and create a few. I now have several pieces of Christmas cards laying on my table - this is the first that came together.

This card was stamped with the newest StampTV kit from GinaK called Wishing you Joy. This set has a lot of really fun images for such a great variety of stamps. Nothing fancy with this card - loved the DP with the stripes. Not too much coloring, just some paper piecing and a button. .

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Wishing you Joy

Paper: GinaK - Green Apple and white

Specialty Paper - Jillibean Soup - Christmas Eve Chowder

Other: Ribbon, a button, Spellbinder dies

Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Stamps - Button

Card Patterns - Sketch

Top Tip Tuesday -#59 Anything Christmas Goes

Jolly Santa:Genesis 3:6

2011-11-06T03:00:00.001-05:00

Did you remember to set your clocks back an hour? That extra hour of sleep sure is nice! Thanks for joining us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week our ever faithful PeggySue is our hostess and the verse she chose is Genesis 3:6. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful devotion.

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it."

Temptation! It is always around me. Temptation to eat what I shouldn't, buy what I don't need, and say what I shouldn't say. I think that many of us can relate to the "diet" word. It seems to be a losing battle with me lately.The temptation to have all the newest stamps and all the wonderful "stuff" that are all "must haves" is another battle that I wage, especially now that our funds are so incredibly tight. But the one that I am working on the hardest right now is the last one. There have been times lately when I really have to make an effort to NOT say what is on my mind, to NOT judge others, to think and pray before I speak. Temptation - they are all around us but we can resist with the help of our Father.

The challenge this week is to dig in your stash and use one of your oldest stamp sets, one that hasn't seen any use for a long while. I used a stamp set that I got several years ago from SU. Love this Jolly Old Man! I did also use a new stamp for the sentiment from LOC. The sentiment and banner is just what I wanted for this card.

I really like sketches as a starting point and Carly's was the perfect sketch for this stamp. Great sketch Carly!

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps with a $15 gift card

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: SU - Naughty or Nice - LOC - Sentimental Banners
Paper: Gina K - White, Lipstick Red

Designer Paper: EP - Season's Greetings

Other: Cuttlebug Folder and a few pearls, buttons, ribbon, liquid applique (for the beard), Copics to color

Challenges:

Stamp with Fun - Buttons

Sketch by Carly - sketch

Stempelsonnen Challenge - must have stamp as main focus - Santa Claus

Simon Says Stamp - Buttons

Hope!

2011-10-30T11:37:00.002-04:00

This is my second post for today. To see the SSIC post please scroll down.

I made this card for a friend who did the 3 day walk for breast cancer this weekend. She is a cancer survivor and does this walk every year! Yeah Karen!

This card was stamped with a stamp set from GinaK called Strength and Hope designed by Theresa Momber. Great set! Make the ribbon change colors for any cause! Here is a link that shows the different colors and what they stand for: Ribbon Causes

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Strength and Hope

Paper: GinaK Brown - Innocent Pink

Specialty Paper - BG - hopscotch

Other: border punch, pearls

Challenges Entered:

Our Craft Lounge - pink for breast cancer awareness

Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

BasicGrey - #56 Anything Goes

Sending Blessings: Isaiah 1:18

2011-10-30T06:00:00.006-04:00

Happy Sunday - this is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice and be glad in it. I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week our wonderful Lisa is our hostess and the verse she chose is Isaiah 1:18. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful devotion.

"'Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’”

Is it not amazing that our sins, no matter what they might be, can be wiped away - our souls can be as clean and white as snow. Do we do that with our brothers and sisters in Christ? With our spouses, our children, our parents, or co-workers? It is not easy to "forgive and forget" when someone has hurt us especially someone we love. Yet that is what we, as Christians, are called to do. Just as I ask God to forgive me my sins and know that He will forgive AND forget so must I forgive those who hurt me. Easy to recite that prayer - more difficult to actually live it. So this week forgive AND forget some transgression against you. Think about it, pray about it and then - forget about it. That is a goal for me this week - care to join me?

The challenge this week is to use fall colors in your creation: crimson, orange and gold (or similar).

I was in the mood for a sketch challenge so I found a great sketch at CPS. The most difficult thing about this card was the cutting. It was different for me to use kraft - I do not use it often enough!

Our sponsor this week is Lily of the Valley with a 10 pound gift card from her store!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Basket Additions, Spring Basket and Basket Blessings
Paper: Gina K - kraft, SU - rust

Designer Paper: Cosmo Matilda (scraps left over from last year!)

Other: Cuttlebug Folder and a few pearls, Copics to color

Challenges:

CPS: Sketch (which I was too late for!)

Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes

Designed 2 Delight - Pumpkins

Sweet Stampin - must Stamp - Anything goes

C.R.A.F.T. - Colour Combo
MFP - Speedy the Cat - Use your scraps -

CSS - Sketch Blog Hop - 10/28/2011

2011-10-28T21:59:00.003-04:00

It is another StampTV blog hop. This time it is a sketch blog hop. I really like sketch challenges. I do believe that those are my favorites. I do want to apologize up front for the pictures. It was a dreary day and by the time I got home from work tonight the light was about gone, and I just noticed that the first one is also crooked. Oh well, too late!
If you came from Sharri Seffins blog, then you're right where you should be. You can also go to StampTV to see a list of all those participating.

I made 2 cards for this hop. The first card uses Theresa's new stamp set called Strength and Hope. This is a very special stamp set for me and for many, many other people! The ribbons in this stamp set can be colored in for causes and many different kinds of cancer. My husband has just finished his chemo and radiation treatments for head, neck, and throat cancer. The colors for that are burgundy and ivory. So this card is for the many wonderful family and friends who supported (and still are) us with prayers, meals, and cards! I made another card using this set with pink, for a friend from work. So many uses for this stamp set!

I used GinaK Pure Luxury Cranberry Tart, Sweet Corn and Ivory. I colored using my Copics and the strips of DP was from Pink Paislee's Old School. My dear Nesties, a Cuttlebug folder, some scraps of ribbon, and some GKD gold brads finished up the card.

This second card uses the new StampTV set, called Wishing you Joy, that arrived at my front door yesterday!! Woo Hoo! So I had to ink a couple of the stamps up and make a quick Christmas card. The DP came in that wonderful box too! Isn't it awesome? The DP is from Echo Park called Season's Greetings. I colored the ornaments with Copics. The ribbon was in my "red ribbon" container and I had some gold that I scavenged from a gift once upon a time. It really was a quick and easy card.

Now hop on over to visit Melissa Shultz! I am sure she has some inspiration for you as well. If you want to start at the beginning or get lost along the way, just jump directly to the links for all of the wonderful creations on StampTV.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (November 1), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs who will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!

Every Minute: Ecclesiastes 3:1

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Another Sunday and another chance to share some scripture with you, our faithful friends. I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week it is MariLynn as your hostess and the verse she chose is Ecclesiastes 3:1 . Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful testimony.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..."

This verse is wonderful to keep in my heart and mind all the time. Those of you who follow my blog and SSIC know some of the things that have been difficult for my family. Well, there is a season for everything and we are looking ahead to some wonderful things that are coming. We will have the arrival of one grandchild in April and another in May! What blessings they will bring to the entire family! New life - new season.

The challenge this week is to make a card that shows the passing of time. A clock ( for hours) a sun (for days) a calendar for (years) etc.

I was in the mood for a sketch challenge so I headed over to Sketch by Carly - and took her sketch to this challenge. I used stamp sets from 2 different companies. The sentiment is from ODBD and the hourglass is from GKD. Love both of those. It was a simple card to make. The most difficult was the cutting of the hourglass because I wanted it to look 3D. I think that did it!

Our sponsor this week is Digital Delights with 3 digis from the store!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: ODBD - Each Minute and GKD - Timeless Treasures
Paper: Gina K - white and SU Grey

Designer Paper: BG - Pyrus

Other: Spellbinders Dies - lace and a few white nailheads

Challenges:

Sketches by Carly: Sketch

Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes

Loving Fall

2011-10-17T19:42:00.002-04:00

I really do like the season of Fall. We don't see many colored leaves here but fall is in the heart too! I actually made this card yesterday for a challenge on StampTV to use fall leaves. Well, I finished the card in time but had used all my uploads already so .... missed that challenge. I also used the sketch from CPS so it will be entered there.

To make the jar I stamped it twice - once on white card stock and the other time on a transparency sheet (with staz-on) I cut them both out and wet glued them together. After it was dry I carefully stuffed the leaves that I had stamped into the jar. Pretty cool!

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: GKD - Buds and Vases - sentiment from A Year of Leaves

Paper: GinaK Wild Dandelion and Tan Leather

Specialty Paper - BG - indian summer

Other: Leaf punch, twine, distress inks, cuttlebug folder

Challenges Entered:

GKD: Monday Challenge (that I was too late for)

CPS - Sketch

BasicGrey - #55 Autumn/Fall/Halloween - indian summer paper pack

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Falling for you anything with leaves

Stampin For The Weekend - Colours of Autumn

Faithfulness - Matthew 11: 28-30

2011-10-16T06:00:00.002-04:00

Another Sunday and another chance to share some scripture with you, our faithful friends. I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week it was my turn to be the hostess and the verse I chose is Matthew 11: 28-30. Be sure to stop by our home page to read my full testimony.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

My devotion was a bit lengthy this morning and is on the main SSIC website. Please read it there.

The challenge this week is to use everything twice: use 2 of everything you use. ie: 2 DP - 2 flowers - 2 stamps - whatever you use must be doubled

I really felt drawn to this stamp set today - Randi's Song from ODBD. I used 2 different sheets of the DP, 2 sections of lace. Stamped the images twice, two buttons, two different die cuts. I also used some distress inks on some ivory paper and then stamped the leaf images on that before cutting them out.

Our sponsor this week is Designed to Delight with a $10 GC to the store!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: ODBD - Randi's Song
Paper: Gina K - Vanilla

Designer Paper: BG - Out of Print

Other: Spellbinders Dies - buttons - lace - distress inks

Challenges:

Marks Finest Papers -Double image - stamped the leaves twice
Card Patterns - sketch
BasicGrey - #55 Autumn/Fall/Halloween - out of print paper pack

Crafty Emma - #58 Forever Autumn

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Falling for you anything with leaves

Glitter Geeks - Two's Company

Stampin For The Weekend - Colours of Autumn

CSS - Special Blog Hop - 10/14/2011

2011-10-14T22:00:00.014-04:00

It is another StampTV blog hop. This time around we will be spreading the word about a very special card drive being hosted by Giovana Smith.
This is a Card Drive for Kids with Spina Bifida and we invite you to play along for an amazing prize package - scroll down to see all of the prizes and the details.

You should have arrived from Melissa Schultz blog where I am sure you saw an adorable card.

For this card I used the stamp set called "Dino-Mite". The perfect set for little boys don't you think? The DP is from Basic Grey called marjolaine and the card stock is all Gina K. I added some twine and a button. I used the paper piecing technique for this.

This second card was made using the cute little critter from "Under the Weather". I used some brown flocking on the mouse. The DP is from BG called hello luscious. Some dies and sparkles and a ribbon. I heat embossed the sentiment from the "Little Critters" stamp set.

Would you like a chance to win - look at this prize package! I know I am crossing my fingers!

Create a fun, uplifting card or cards for one or all the kids listed below (you can click on their names to read more about each of them). The card can be anything cheery, encouraging, supportive, etc. Please DO NOT send sorry, get well or anything like that. Remember, we want to cheer them up. The kids:

Madison: 2 years old
Logan: 2 years old. (turning 3 on October 17th!!)
Tanner: 2 years old (turning 3 on December 25)
Rebekah: 9 years old

All cards need to have a message in it for the child/family. Please also sign your name and where you are from. On the card envelope, write the name of the child. Please, don't seal the envelope, as the parents might want to read the cards before the kids see them.
Cards must be received by October 31st to be eligible for the drawing.
Mail your card(s) to Giovana along with a piece of paper with your name, address, e-mail address and blog (if you have one). This will help a lot to contact the winner a lot faster!:

Giovana Smith
Card Drive for Kids
181 Perry Way
Yakima, WA 98901

Everyone who mails in a card for each of the children will be entered into the drawing to win a grand prize.

Awesome companies have donated amazing prizes for you! More than $400.00 in prizes!!

Heartfelt Creations: 8 stamping sets + 1 Coordinated Die Set. Value: $150.00!
Gina K. Designs: 2 StampTV Kits: Value: $70.00 (Gina will send the prize direct to the winner!)
Unity Stamps: 10 Itty Bitty Stamps. Value: $70.00
SP & Company: 3 Stamp Set. Value: $40.00
Lawn Fawn Stamps: 2 Stamp Set: Value: $30.00
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps: 1 Stamp Set. Value: $11.00
Spellbinders: 2 die sets!!
Tombow: 6 packs of markers and several packs of adhesives

Now on to the next stop in this wonderful blog hop to the fabulous Sue Morris! If you want to start at the beginning or get lost along the way, just jump directly to the links for all of the wonderful creations on StampTV.

As always, your comments really do mean a lot to me. Thank you for leaving them.

Peace: Mark 10:27

2011-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hello Sunday - I love this day of the week, the chores are done and it is a day to relax. Many of you will be attending services this morning at your places of worship, we attended and participated last night. As always it is good to see you, I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week the every Lovely Linda is the hostess and the verse she chose is Mark 10:27. Be sure to stop by our home page to read wonderful testimony.

"Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

All things are possible for God - yes indeed. I think of this verse a lot, even recite it on a regular basis, especially when a tough choice or obstacle is in my path. "Through Him all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26) is another one that is always on my mind. So many verses give us the same encouragement or sometimes it is the kick in the pants that I need to move forward. Right now it is the encouragement that I seek - and find in Him.

The challenge this week is anything goes!

Sometimes I hit a dry spell and when I do I look through different challenges and try to use my newest stamp(s). So I came upon the "black magic" technique challenge over on JUGS. Looked like fun so I decided to try it with the newest stamps from Layers of Color. So that is what I did.

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp with an adorable stamp set!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: LOC - Glad Tidings
Paper: SU Black and Garden Green

Designer Paper: None

Other: Spellbinders Die - ribbon - jewels - cuttlebug folder - gel pen

Challenges:

Marks Finest Papers -No designer Paper
JUGS - Technique - black magic
Midnight Madness - Sketch

October Cards

2011-10-06T20:20:00.001-04:00

I am finally making a few cards again just for fun. I love the season of Fall, even here in Florida we appreciate the lower humidity so I had some crafting time and two cards to show for it!

First I made a card using the JUGS sketch challenge. I used some flowersoft for the branches. The stamps are GinaK Designs. I it also for the PaperPlay challenge to use Autumn colors.

This second card is the first of many Halloween cards I send off for my grandchildren. They are fun to make and the kids love them. This is for the MFP challenge to use polka dots and also uses their stamp set called Boo to you!

Thanks for looking!

Grateful: Galatians 5:22-23

2011-10-02T06:00:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday, I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture! It arrived - cool weather is here and oh how lovely it is!

This week Kris is the hostess and the verse she chose is from Galatians 5:22-23a. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful testimony.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Fruits of the Spirit - such a wonderful array of good qualities. Sometimes some are ones I have to work on more than others. Sometimes specific ones are very visible in others too. Right now I am really working of the gift of patience. I want my wonderful husband to be all better NOW! I know he is going to be getting better but the waiting for it is not not always easy.

The challenge this week is to create a card / project that uses fruit or vegetables either in stamp or charm or designer paper.

This card was fun! I won those apple dies last year and had not used them yet so when I saw this challenge I knew I was going to use them. I colored the wonderful basket with apples with Copics, cut them out and placed them on the apple. Added a bit of twine and a few more leaves. I also cut out a piece of paper just smaller than the card and sponged around it with some Maple Distress Ink. I like the result.

Our sponsor this week is a $15 gift certificate to Clear Dollar Stamps.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Autumn Splendor - GinaK Designs, Blessings
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury Vanilla

Designer Paper: Old School - Pinkpaislee Paper

Other: Spellbinders Apple Die - twine

Challenges:

Easy Craft Projects - Fall or Thanks
Marks Finest Papers -Use Polka Dots
Totally Papercrafts - Autumn

4 Crafty Chicks - Anything Goes
Paper Crafting Journey - Die cuts and/or a punches
Southern Girls - Anything Goes
Crafting for all Seasons - fall colors
Freshly Brewed - Autumn
I Brake For Challenges - Fall
Inky Impressions - punches or dies
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Alota Rubber Stamps - Fruits
Artistic Stampers - Autumnal Colors
Emerald Faerie Garden - Punches/ Dies

Prayers and Blessings: John 16:32

2011-09-25T06:00:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday, I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture! Another hot day here in Florida - hope you are experiencing a few Fall pleasantries where you are. Even though it is hot here I am still going to transform my house into my favorite colors of Fall today and crank the AC down.

The challenge this week is to create a card / project that either says "Blessings" or uses an encouraging Scripture.... but it should be created to be a blessing to someone who may be going through a difficult time. If you know someone personally going through dark times... why not take this opportunity to make a card for them and send it to them!

This week Grace is the hostess and the verse she chose is from John 16:32. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful testimony.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Peace, sometimes not the easiest to come by, especially when we are facing tribulations as we all do from time to time. My card says, "Prayers go up and Blessings come down". Isn't that awesome and very true. Not always the blessings we think we wanted but blessings none the less; especially if we choose to see them as such. Those of you who follow my blog know that things have not been easy at our home. My mother passed away a few weeks ago and my husband is undergoing chemo and radiation. Add to that full time jobs. Well, blessings have been coming down! A friend is cleaning my house once a week (for free) and my co-workers are providing meals three times a week. WOW - those are blessings!

This card was pretty easy to make. I used stamp sets from 3 different companies - how fun is that? I used markers to color the words - red embossing for the butterfly and popped up the center circle. The hat pin with the bow and pearls added just the right touch.

Our sponsor this week is Pink Cat Studio with a 5 free digis!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Lovely Labels2 - GinaK Designs, Blessings - ODBD, Butterfly Kisses - TCM
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury White and black and rocket red

Designer Paper: StampTV kit

Other: ribbon, red embossing, hat pin, ribbon

Challenges:

MFP - Wings
Simon Says - Use Punches or Dies
Raise The Bar - things with wings

CSS - Technique Blog Hop - 9/23/2011

2011-09-23T21:59:00.002-04:00

It is another StampTV blog hop. This time around we are showcasing a technique called shaker card. And that is what should be done - shake that card! We were also showcasing that wonderful season of Fall. If you have not tried it before then go to the StampTV archives and watch Gina's video. Easier than you think and fun!
You should have arrived from Sharri Seffens blog where I am sure you saw a creative marvel.

For both cards I used the newest StampTV kit called Falling for You. There is a nice variety of stamps in there. This first card I made the background paper with distress inks. I just swiped the inks on a pad, spritzed the pad with water and then put the GK Pure Luxury paper on it. Fun and easy and a little different. I found this awesome ribbon in my "Fall" craft box which means I brought after the season last year on super sale! Love it! The shaker frame and the mat is GKDesigns Fresh Asparagus. Some gold dots and a finished card.

This second card is not really Fall but it was a super fun card to make. I love my bird feeder and used some of my seeds to make this one. The DP was from Basic Grey Lime Rickey paper pack. The frame and mat are GKDesigns Blue Raspberry. A bow and a button and some white dots.

Your next stop is bound to give you some wonderful eye candy, be sure to give all your attention to the super creative Linda Payne! If you want to start at the beginning or get lost along the way, just jump directly to the links for all of the wonderful creations on StampTV.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (September 27), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs who will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!

As always, your comments really do mean a lot to me. Thank you for leaving them.

God Understands: Isaiah 40:31

2011-09-18T06:00:00.003-04:00

Hello again, it is Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture! This week I made 2 cards - I will explain why in a moment. First I will tell you that the challenge this week is to use wings and a biblical verse or quote on your creation.

You know that saying - all the best intentions? Well, I started my card for this challenge with plenty of time to spare, really I did. I found the sketch on CPS and saw the challenge on ODBD to lace something on the card so I did that too. Well that challenge is now over but at least I did it right? I used a stamp from ODBD too. Well, my card was close to finished but life happened and I did not finish till this morning (Saturday). I then quickly looked over the challenge instructions and noticed that I did NOT use a Bible verse and I had no wings! Yipes - quick grabbed a butterfly punch and put a butterfly on it. Thought I was just going to go with it.

But I couldn't do it. The instructions were to use a Bible verse so I made a really quick second card. This time I looked over at StampTV to see if they had a challenge posted that I could get my mojo from. There was a color block challenge that had the sketch for this one. So here is my second card for this week. I stamped the background flowers with Versamark and then put some Pearlex on it with a brush. So there you go - two cards for this week's post!

This week our sweet Chris is the hostess and the verse she chose is from Isaiah 40:31. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful testimony.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with winds like eagles."

I really do like this verse - I really like the book of Isaiah though. There are many times when I feel like my strength is just zapped by life. When putting one foot in front of the other is just very difficult. That has been my life lately, difficult things to deal with. I have to say though that I KNOW I would not be able to handle all this tough stuff if not for my faith. I am mounted on eagles wings and I will make it through this storm. I have friends who are praying for me and mine - those prayers are powerful and have kept me on those wonderful wings!

Our sponsor this week is Our Daily Bread Designs with a $15 gift card.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe: Card 1

Stamps: Pray and Randi's Song - ODBD
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury vanilla and kraft. SU - Rose

Designer Paper:Echo Park - For the Record

Other: MS butterfly punch, embossing folder, nesties, pearls,ribbon

Challenges:
Emerald Faerie Garden - Challenge #9: Pearls
Little Miss Muffet Challenges - Things With Wings
Tuesday Throwdown -#66 Pearls
Card Cupids - Anything Goes

Recipe: Card 2

Stamps: Hugs and Prayers - GinaK Designs
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury White, Sweet Corn and Cranberry Tart

Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket - Material Girl

Other: Pears, flowers, pearlex

Challenges:

Miss You Mom: Matthew 7:7-8

2011-09-11T06:00:00.010-04:00

Hello again, it is Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture! Before we get on with it I would like to take a moment to think of all of our friends and family who were effected by the horrific tragedy of 9/11/2001.Thanks to the heroes of that day and the many heroes who followed.

This week the amazing Rebekka the hostess and the verse she chose is from Matthew 7: 7-8. Be sure to stop by our home page to read her wonderful testimony.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

My mother joined our Father in Heaven a week ago today. I made this card for her. She has suffered for the past 4 years with a lot of mini strokes, was in a wheelchair and could no longer take care of herself. My wonderful dad has been taking care of her at home all these years. Then 2 weeks ago she had a massive stroke and really did not want to go to a nursing home when it was obvious that dad could no longer care for her. She prayed and asked God to take her home. The door was opened for her. She is now free of the "cage" that held her body captive and free to fly! I love you mom!

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Fly Free - The Crafts Meow
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury white and SU Sage Shadow

Designer Paper:Echo Park - Victoria Garden

Other: MS butterfly punch, embossing folder, nesties, flower, colored pearls, metal tag

Challenges:

The Crafts Meow: Sketch
Marks Finest Papers - Use a Punch
Show and Tell - Anything goes
Lili of the Valley - Miss You
Catered Crop - Recipe - embossing - butterfly - die cut
One Stitch At A Time - Anything Goes

Heartelt Thanks: 1 Corinthians 10:17

2011-08-28T06:00:00.003-04:00

Hello again, it is Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture! Before we get on with it I would like to take a moment to think of all of our friends and family who are being effected by hurricane Irene. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

This week I am the hostess and the verse I chose is 1 Corinthians 10:17.

"Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

Isn't it amazing and heartwarming when there is a crisis facing our friends somewhere in the world we are all gathered together to pray for those effected. Some send monetary gifts, some send food and necessities, some leave their homes and offer themselves to help. And most of us pray for them. That is what this verse is about - all of us offering whatever we can for the good of others. Please read the full devotion on the SSIC home page.

The challenge this week ties into this verse - different aspects to put together a nice card or project. So this week it is a recipe challenge - choose at least 3 of the following for one card. (ribbon, button, a swirl, hat pin, brad, charm, popped up image)

I did have fun with this card. I stamped the flowers twice, first on the vanilla and then on the DP from Echo Park. I cut those out and put them on the vanilla. I love paper piecing! I used some cut up fibers for the center of the flowers and glued them on. There are a couple of brads on the corners of the image panel. The sentiment was also slightly popped up. Fun and easy.

Our sponsor this week is Sweet and Sassy Stamps.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Heartfelt from GinaK Designs.
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury Vanilla - cranberry tart

Designer Paper:Echo Park - Walk in the Park

Other: Swirl Punch, buttons, popped up images, brads

Challenges:

Stamp TV - Sketch with a twist

Double Birthday

2011-08-25T20:54:00.000-04:00

My oldest two grandsons both have birthdays this week. Eleven and ten - and such handsome young men they are too! Since they are brothers and their birthdays are only 2 days apart I try to make the cards look similar. So these are this year's birthday cards. Happy birthday guys!

I made these cards rather quickly and I used similar colors and one Cuttlebug folder. The images are from 2 different stamp sets. One of the problems was that I photographed the cards on different nights and with different cameras. Yikes - not sure which I like better. I think the boys won't notice.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: MFP - Cupcake Birthday; GKD - Sent with Love

Special Paper - Echo Park

Extras - Cuttlebug - ribbon - ribbon slides

Challenges:

MFP - embossing

Thank You: 2 Timothy 1:7

2011-08-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

Hello again, it is Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week our creative Marilynn is our hostess and the verse she chose is Timothy 1:7.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Fear is a powerful emotion that is very debilitating to some some people. I remember when I was in an automobile accident during a violent Florida rain storm. It took me many years to not be afraid of driving in the rain. Now I just know to use caution but I am not afraid any longer. We really do not need to be afraid of anything because we are never alone. We are loved!

This week we were challenged to try something that you might have been AFRAID to try before now, examples... a new technique, a new color combo, a new style (CAS if you are a layered stamper, or reversed).

I am NOT a CAS card maker and definitely not a single layer card maker. So this was out of the norm for me. I also do not often use the technique of coloring on the stamp, then spritzing water on it and putting it straight on the card. It worked!

Our sponsor this week is Paper Fashions with a $15 gift voucher.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Various Verses from GinaK Designs.
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury white

Designer Paper: none

Other: markers and a water spritzer

Challenges:

CAS Sunday Challenge - Must be CAS
Creative Inspirations Paint - CAS (Clean and Simple)

Challenge Up Your Life -#50 No patterned paper

Designed 2 Delight - Anything Goes

Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes

Birthday Song: Colossians 3:16

2011-08-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hello again, it is Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week the talented Teresa is our hostess and the verse she chose is Colossians 3:16 .

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Singing - I think that music is a universal language. We use it to express joy, sorrow, and praise. I remember (I know aging myself here) when I was a teenager there was a song called, "Can't get over losing you" by Andy Williams that I would play and sing over and over again (while crying of course!). I think that we can all relate to a song that brings back an instant memory. Now we see kids with their IPods (some of us gray hairs too) bee bopin along to the tunes. Yesterday it was one of our grandsons birthday party and we all gathered around and sang Happy Birthday to Adam. Celebrations also have singing. But I think that the songs that mean so much to me are the worship and praise songs we sing at church. That is what is on my Ipod: the music that fills my soul and warms my heart!

This was quick card that would be good for any birthday. I like having some generic birthday cards in my stash. I generally like to make my birthday cards for a specific person but there are times when I need one NOW!

This week we were challenged to to use music in some form. Sheet music, music notes, instruments, or singing.

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamps with an adorable stamp set.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Gleefully Yours and the sentiment is from Candles on Your Cake - both from GinaK Designs.
Paper: SU - YoYo Yellow and Brilliant Blue

Designer Paper: EP Victoria Garden

Other: Cuttlebug folder, ribbon, and a few pearls

Challenges:
MoJo Monday: Sketch

CSS - Sketch Blog Hop - 8/12/2011

2011-08-12T21:59:00.005-04:00

It is another StampTV blog hop. This time it is a sketch blog hop. I really like sketch challenges. I do believe that those are my favorites. If you came from Melissa Cash's blog, then you're right where you should be. You can also go to StampTV to see a list of all those participating.

The sketch was created by Melissa Cash who is also celebrating her birthday today. Happy Birthday Melissa! We decided to surprise her and design birthday cards using her sketch! We wish you a wonderful birthday Melissa and here's the birthday card I came up with:

I do believe that I am into the fall colors mode already! My order from GinaK arrived a couple of days ago and I just had to use the new StampTV kit! The stamps and the awesome designer paper and the twine all came from this fun and versatile set. I did a little paper piecing too and used some Vivid Garnet ink for the sentiment and the inside of the frog. The flowers were colored in using copics. The pearls were not in the set but from my stash of embellishments that we all seem have around.

Now hop on over to visit Tera Fujan! I am sure she has some inspiration for you as well. If you want to start at the beginning or get lost along the way, just jump directly to the links for all of the wonderful creations on StampTV.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (August 16th), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs who will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!

School Owl

2011-08-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here is another card I made this weekend. Is this not fun? I have 13 grandchildren and I am very blessed that 12 live within about 10 miles of us. This year we are having a "Cousin Back to School Bash" at our house on Sunday. The grand-kids are invited - their parents are not! The oldest is 11 and the youngest is 3. It is going to be fun with lots of lake time. Anyway----one of our grandsons, Hunter, lives too far away so I am sending him this card. He is starting Kindergarten in a few weeks. Oh - and if you have a minute - say a prayer for us (the grandparents) on Sunday!

This card is also for the TCM sketch challenge, I really liked this sketch!

I really played around with this one because I wanted to personalize the card just for him. So I added a box and wrote his name in it. It was simple and a lot of fun. These new stamps from the last release were fabulous!

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: TCM - Owl Be Seeing You in Class and Owl be Thinking of You

Paper: SU: Brown and Artichoke

Specialty Paper - October Afternoon and some from TCM

Other: cuttlebug folder, Copics to color, Spellbinder die - some puffy stickers

Challenges Entered:

My Sheri Crafts - Back to School

Send a Smile for Kids - Anything Goes must be for Kids

Crafty Catz - back to school

Fabulous Friday - color in an image

Simply Create - favorite animal

Heart Song Inspirations - Back to School
TCM - Sketch

Birthday Wishes

2011-08-08T06:48:00.000-04:00

I has a good stamping day yesterday - I love it when the creative ideas are just flowing. StampTV had their release party last week and that included a couple of challenges. I LOVE winning new stamps (who doesn't) and wanted to take advantage of it, especially when my order arrived yesterday in the mail. Nothing like new rubber in the hands to create with.

This card is also for the JUGS sketch challenge - neat sketch isn't it?

This was not a difficult card to make - it was fun! I used a Cuttlebug folder for the cranberry panel. I stamped the fence image twice - then used both sides for the 2 circles. The flowers in the center were colored with Copics and I used a few black fibers cut up finely for the centers of the flowers. The dots on the side were punched out of the DP. Cool idea huh?

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Heartfelt, Taglines - GinaK

Paper: GinaK Pure Luxury Cranberry Tart - Sweet Corn

Specialty Paper - From the StampTV kit

Other: cuttlebug folder, Copics to color, Spellbinder circle dies

Challenges Entered:

JUGS - Sketch
StampTV - all embellishments must be paper - sure hope the fibers don't disqualify me
Birthday Sundaes - Birthday Card
Come and Get It Challenges - Fall (Autumn) Birthday Card

Corrosive Challenges - 2E - Earth Tones

Thanks: Lamentations 3:22 -23

2011-08-07T03:00:00.004-04:00

Hello again, it is Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week the Lovely Linda is our hostess and the verse she chose is Lam 3:22 -23.

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning."

Is this not the most amazing promise ever?! A love and mercy that never ends, no matter what we do, no matter what we face He is there. There are times in our lives when we have to climb a mountain, that mountain could be in the form of many things and is different for everyone. Right now our "mountain" is cancer. How incredibly wonderful to know that He climbs that mountain with us.

This week my card did not come together easily. I am not even sure if I like it. I got my new stamps from TCM and really wanted to make a card to thank our many friends for their prayers and this stamp set is perfect! I am just not sure if I like the colors I chose. Anyway - I added a Magnolia stamp and gave her a cross to hold. I used the crimper (rarely used but had to have) on the main card.

This week we were challenged to dig deep into our craft cupboards and use something from my stash that I 'just had to have' cause I would use it everyday....but have forgotten about...! That would be my crimper. I have several of them. For this card I used the swirly one. I think I had only used it once before.

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps with a $15 gift card.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Telegram from TCM and one of my treasured Magnolias
Paper: SU - Purely Pomegranate

Designer Paper: BG - Basics White and Indian Summer

Other: Crimper, charm, ribbon,

Challenges:

Allsorts - Colour RED
Raise The Bar - anything goes
Charisma Cardz - Bingo - charm, ribbon, circles
Some Odd Girl - 2W, SIO - 2nd week - Thank you

Wild Poppies

2011-08-02T19:39:00.000-04:00

I love checking out the challenges and this week a couple of them really caught my eye. One was on JUGS - using fabric. That is something I had not tried before. Then MFP wants "not ribbon". I had a good time with these. I did realize that coloring on fabric takes a steady hand and do NOT get too close to the lines because the color will bleed so don't look too close!

The sketch is from Midnight Madness. Not perfect but I do believe it works. I really do like sketch challenges - they get my creative juices flowing.

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Poppies, poppies, poppies - MFP

Paper: GinaK White and black

Specialty Paper - none

Other: white muslin fabric, Copic markers, orange raffia, butterfly charm, cuttlebug folder

Challenges Entered:

JUGS - use fabric

MFP - No ribbon
Midnight Madness - sketch

Praise: Psalm 148: 7-10

2011-07-31T03:00:00.008-04:00

Praise God! Every day start it off with a PRAISE GOD! There is always something to thank Him for, today it could be that it is Sunday! So glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week the wonderful Peggysue our hostess and the verse she chose is Psalm 148: 7-10.

"Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all depths; Fire and hail, snow and mist, storm winds that fulfill his work; You mountains and all you hills, you fruit trees and all you cedars; You wild beasts and all tame animals, you creeping things and you winged fowl."

Praise is a powerful word. These verses are a reminder that we all need to praise God for everything. Yup - even the creeping things {shudder}. I do believe that a lot of us praise God through song and there are a lot of songs out there that we love. This week we are sharing our favorite songs. There are a lot of favorites on my list but I went with "Everything Glorious" by the David Crowder Band. I love to sing this loud - but only when no one is in hearing range! If the code below is gibberish - click on HERE for the link to the video.

Throughout the year I find that I often tell our children and/or grandchildren that I am proud of them for an achievement or just because they are good parents or spouses or sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. But sometimes I don't say it and wish I had or didn't have the words at the time. When I saw this image from Doodle Pantry and the sentiment I knew I wanted to make a card. Now I can send the words I could not or did not speak.

This card came together but it took a while. I had the image colored and set on my table but it just didn't come together - until today! I was digging through a drawer that had a lot of older, don't use it but won't get rid of it stuff, and found a baggie with fancy fibers. Remember those? Well, when I saw these fibers the card was a done deal!

The challenge for this week is to create a card or project that uses any type of creature from tiny (like an ant or bug) to a very large creature (whale, elephant). The possibilities are endless! Have fun!

Our sponsor this week is Doodle Pantry - the peacock and verse is from them!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Doodle Pantry and the flowers in the corner are from Aloha - GinaK
Paper: GKD Pure Puxury White Turquoise Sea

Designer Paper: none

Other: Cuttlebug folder, Fancy Fibers, Copics, colored pearls

Challenges:

Marks Finest Papers: Use something other than ribbon - think the fiber counts?
Midnight Madness: Sketch
Fabulous Friday - circles
Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes

The Vine - one more time

2011-07-29T09:59:00.004-04:00

Being the guest designer for Melanie Muenchinger's newest stamp set designed for GinaK Designs called The Vine has been such fun. I am thrilled to have her showcase another project of mine using this wonderful set on her blog, Hands, Head and Heart and here is one more card that I made this week.

I had scooted over to StampTV last night to see what challenges I have missed and could catch up on. Well the last challenge was to CASE a card of Carolina's. So I found this one that I liked and used it to make this card. Then this morning I realized that oops, that challenge was due last night! Oh well, on to this weeks challenge which is being hosted by Carolina and (lucky me) the challenge is to make a CAS card! I think this qualifies, don't you?

I do not think that I have ever colored on Kraft paper until this one. It is amazing how different the colors look. Anyway - a 1 layer card using some of the stamps from "The Vine". I stamped the flowers directly onto the Kraft and colored with Copics. I ran the Kraft partially through the Cuttlebug and then used some purple Stickles to add the dots. I used a Spellbinder tag die and some ribbon that I still had from SU. The sentiment is from Melanie's set called Wild at Heart. I had a few leaves left over from another Vine project and used them to add to the tag. Hope you like it!

Thanks again Melanie! This has been a great time for me and I appreciate the opportunity with this great stamp set! If you would like to win a free set of Melanie's (and who wouldn't) become a follower of mine and leave a comment on Melanie's blog!

Thanks for stopping by and for your always welcome comments,

Challenges:
Some Odd Girl - thank you
Simon Says Stamp and Show... - Anything goes

God's Promises: Isaiah 55:8-9

2011-07-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

Another Sunday and I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week sweet Grace (lives up to her name) is our hostess and the verse she chose is Isaiah 55:8-9 .

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. "

I suppose that means that I do NOT know best! I often find myself asking (really telling) God what I think needs to be done. Please heal this person from cancer. Please heal that relationship. Please ease the way for my parents. So I know what is needed, I know what I want. Is this God's way? Is this me totally trusting in Him? In my mind I know and believe totally in what the verse says - it is my heart that gets in the way at times. It is me wanting things to be easier for my parents and wanting my married children to have a relationship with Him and with each other like my husband and I have. Those sometimes get in the way of me saying, "Your will be done, not mine."

I really do like the sharp contrast between black and white. This was a very easy card to make. I used a Cuttlebug folder on the black panel, added some swirly pearls, a large, soft bow and a small bow button. I must admit that I used 1 Copic (RV000) on the flowers just to soften them up a tad!

The challenge for this week is to create a card or project that depicts the sharp contrast of black & white or ivory.

Our sponsor this week is Layers of Color with a wonderful stamp set!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: LOC
Paper: GKD Pure Puxury White and Black

Designer Paper: none

Other: Cuttlebug folder, ribbon, pearls

Challenges:

Crafty Ann's - embossing or debossing or both
Craft Us Crazy - anything goes

Paper Pretties - Shiny
Deep Ocean Challenge - Ribbons
Stamp Something - include embellishment
Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes

The Vine - Take 2

2011-07-21T09:00:00.005-04:00

This card was me just playing around! I dug out some old stuff (vellum and some of GinaK Designs digital paper called Vintage Basics and one of Melanie's others sets that coordinates perfectly with The Vine called Branching Out. The only "new" used on this set is The Vine stamp set!

I stamped the vine on the digital paper with Memento Brown just kind of randomly. Then I distressed the vellum with a sponge and the Memento Brown. I wanted a little bit of a different look so I used a scallop die on the vellum which shows off some of the vine. I stamped the sentiment in a stamp from Branching Out and cut it out very carefully. Stamped and cut some of the flowers out of some DP paper I had and popped it up. A few pearls colored in red and some ribbon that I have no earthly idea where I got it. Looks nice though doesn't it?

Thanks for stopping by and for your always welcome comments,

Challenges:
Clear It Out! - Use Old Supplies - Anything Goes
Deep Ocean Challenge - Ribbons
Make it Monday - Anything goes
Crafts and Me - add a flower

Thank you bee

2011-07-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hello and happy Monday - today I am posting a card I made for a friend who knew just what I needed when I needed it! This was a quick and easy card that turned out exactly the way I wanted it. That does not happen very often! I found a couple of challenges and this card emerged.

Some simple designer paper from October Afternoon, a stamp set designed by Rupa for GinaK and a few little embellishments and the card is done and will be in the mail today. I colored the adorable little bee with Copics.

Thanks for stopping by and your comments are always treasured!
God Bless,

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Cute as a Bug - GinaK Designs

Paper: GinaK White - SU - Basic Grey

Specialty Paper - October Afternoon - Schoolhouse

Other: Scrap of ribbon - some black gems - yellow flower with brad, Copics to color

Challenges Entered:

StampTV: Sketch

Flutter By Wednesday: Inspiration Photo

Simon Says Stamps: Anything Goes
Stamptacular Sunday: Animal Antics - a bee is an animal, right?
Soartful Challenges: Use a bee

Birthday Pop-Up: 2 Samuel 6:14

2011-07-17T06:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Sunday! I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week the creative and talented Kris is our hostess and the verse she chose this week is 2 Samuel 6:14.

"And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod."

Okay, I admit it, I had to look up the word "ephod". In my bible (NAB) the verse reads, "Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the Lord with abandon," An ephod was traditionally worn by the priests and Levites, not by a king. David put aside his kingly robes to show that although he was a king - he is first a servant - a servant of God. Aha - now it makes sense. As with every verse in the bible it is always good (for me) to read the text before and after for the complete message. Just as it is important for everyone to put aside whatever "robes" they show to others - the robe of anger or regret - the robe of worry and concern - the robe of whatever it is that prevents us from dancing as God's servant - all for His glory!

This card was a challenge for me. I am not the best at the altered items and moving parts. But I did it! I followed a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers - it is here if you want to try your hand at it. The second image shows me lifting up the tab from the top and the image below is it laying down so that you can see the images and the words. I put some purple buttons on the corners with a red pearn in the center of them. I have to say I am not thrilled with the way it turned out, it took me a couple of days and that is a LONG time for a card. The good thing is - - my dear grand-daugher Ella will love it and that is the important thing! Her birthday is next week - 9 already.

The challenge for this week is DANCING - Make a card that "moves" (ie. tilt card, slider, pop up, waterfall, etc."

Our sponsor this week is Designed to Delight with a $10 gift certificate to the store!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Cupcake Birthday by MFP. (this set is no longer available but there is another similar one)
Paper: SU: Barely Banana and Orchid Opulance

Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket - Pixie-Licioous

Other: Scorepal - buttons - ribbon

Challenges:

Simon Says Challenges - Anything goes
Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes
Wags 'n Whiskers - birthday
The Rubber Cafe - use Spellbinder die(s)
Southern Girls - happy birthday
Fab 'n' Funky - food
Ruby's Rainbow - Happy Birthday (2nd wk)
Your Next Stamp Challenge - buttons (2nd wk)

CSS - Technique Blog Hop - 7/15/2011

2011-07-15T21:59:00.010-04:00

It is another StampTV blog hop. This time around we are showcasing a technique called paper piecing. I happen to really enjoy this technique. If you have not tried it before then go to the StampTV archives and watch Gina's video. Easy and fun!
You should have arrived from Melissa Shultz blog. I am sure that she did some fantastic paper piecing!

This card was such a blast! I used 2 stamp sets both from Theresa Momber called Whimsical Wishes and the other is Vogue Vases. Do they not work well together?!! I also used a fabulous paper pack by Echo Park called "A Walk in the Park". I stamped the first flower image on some GinaK Pure Luxury White with Memento Bamboo Leaves ink. The 2 vases were stamped on the DP and cut out. Then I took scraps from the paper and made lots of flowers and cut them all out. The second vase is popped up and so are the flowers and leaves. On the bottom of the card I stamped some of the leaves (stamped off once) and then scored some lines. The sentiment was stamped on that portion. The dragonfly was also stamped on the EP paper. I added some gems and a ribbon and distressed the entire thing with some Tea Dye Distress Ink. The card base is GKD Cranberry Tart and the panel is GKD Sweet Corn. I used the sketch from Card Patterns.

This second card was just too fun for words. I pulled out an older stamp set called Beach Bum that was designed by Rupa. Even the name is fun! I paper pieced the towel, umbrella, and beach ball. For this set I pulled out a brand new paper pack by Echo Park called Splash! I literally opened it up a couple of days ago and knew that it had to make a card for this hop. Did you notice the FlowerSoft (sand)? Is that not too cool? I also had just received the newest card stock color from GKD called Blue Raspberry - that paired with some white and and Ocean Mist made for a beachy kind of card! I used a sponge and template to create the whispy clouds and some Stickles to give the card the bling effect. The Sketch for this card was created by Tami for CPS (Card Positioning System).

Your next stop is another favorite stop on this hop, be sure to give all your attention to the super creative Sharri Seffins! If you want to start at the beginning or get lost along the way, just jump directly to the links for all of the wonderful creations on StampTV.

As always, your comments really do mean a lot to me. Thank you for leaving them.

The Vine

2011-07-12T09:16:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled to be asked to help showcase Melanie Muenchinger's newest stamp set designed for GinaK Designs called The Vine. It was one of those jumping up and down moments - and when I saw the stamp set, well it was love at first sight! The sayings were right up my ally and the design is totally Melanie! Today she is showcasing one of my cards on her blog, Hands, Head and Heart and here I am showing another card that I made.

This first card was so fun and easy! I had ordered the silver doilies from StampTV and had not yet opened them. The right thing just had not come at me for it - until now. I had stamped the verse first on GKD Pure Luxury White and it sat on my desk while I made 2 other cards with this set. One of those is on Melanie's blog right now and the other I will show at another time. Then the doilies popped into my line of vision and the card came to me and came together very quickly. I used my Spellbinder dies for the circle and the scalloped circle placed them on the doily and that is my focal image. Then I stamped the vine twice and silver heat embossed it on the GKD In the Navy card stock. I wanted a splash of color so I colored and cut out the flowers and popped them on. A few silver pearls finished it off. I stamped a single vine in blue on the inside of the card.

This second card is the fastest card I ever made in my life - truly it is! My stamp set arrived the day of the StampTV release party and I wanted to have a card to showcase for the party. I started stamping just at the release party was starting and posted it within the first hour. That included a badly photographed image too! This is a new photograph of the card. I stamped the vine on GKD white card stock and the verse on another piece. While trying (operative word here is trying) to keep up with the release party conversation I colored the vines and flowers and cut the flowers out. I then used the Spellbinder die that was out on my table from another project and a scrap of Basic Grey DP (can't find which one it was) for the mat around the verse. A little distress ink - some ribbon and some finely cut fancy fibers for the center of the flower, quick photo (in bad lighting) and posted it.

Same stamps, same verse, two very different cards.

Thanks for stopping by and for your always welcome comments,

Hello: James 2: 18, 19

2011-07-10T06:00:00.003-04:00

The holiday weekend is over (and it was wonderful) and now it is the wonderful lazy days of summer. Being a teacher has summer vacation as a huge benefit! I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week sweet Rebekka is our hostess and the verse she chose this week is James, chapter 2 verses 18 and 19.

"But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works". Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. "

It goes together, faith and doing good. In a way I am very selfish - it makes ME feel good to help others and to do things at the church and for those less fortunate. Not everyone shows their faith in the same way - so I do caution myself to not let this verse lead me to judge another persons faith by their works. For me - it goes together.

I made a very simple card today. Something that "works" for me is paper piecing. I use that technique a lot. I also like to use my scraps and the pieced sections were all scraps that were laying on my craft table. This card is simple for me, but it worked.

The challenge for this week is to do "what works for you" use your favorite item for stamping, it could be a stamp, embossing folder, favorite spellbinder shape.

Our sponsor this week is our ever faithful Simon Says Stamps with an adorable stamp set!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters (listed on the sidebar) to see what they have to share this week:

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Sending you Sunshine by TCM
Paper: GinaK Kraft

Designer Paper: scraps

Other: Scorepal

Challenges:

2 Sisters - Summer Fun
Crazy 4 Challenges - Summer Themed
Allsorts - July long Free & Easy
Less Is More - One Layer Card - Something With Legs (the bird)
Alphabet Challenge - J just for one word

Simple Peace: Psalm 46:10

2011-07-03T06:00:00.004-04:00

This is a busy weekend for me and also fun since I will have a house full of family by the time you read this. I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week dear PeggySue is our hostess with the verse and the challenge. The verse she chose is so beautiful and powerful from the book of Psalms 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God "

Less is more - we have all heard that and even said it. This verse is short and sweet but has an incredible message! It is a message that I cannot hear too often. "Be still and KNOW that I am God" The be still tells me to not worry - just be still - He is and He is here. Powerful message!

CAS cards are not so "simple" for me. In fact this is the second card I made for this because the first became just a bit too fussy! I will have to use that one another time. All I did was stamp the dahlia onto the white panel then colored it with my Copics. Um - just was looking at the card and wondering if I stamped the image upside down? Is there an right and wrong with a single flower. Not sure now. Anyway - the sentiment is from one of GinaK's new stamps set called "The Vine" (designed by Melanie) and said exactly what I wanted this card to say.

The challenge for this week is to make a CAS (clean and simple) card.

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps with a $15 gift card!

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters to see what they have to share this week:

Chris Olsen: Twinkles Glow With Stamps

Grace Nywening: Th-INK-ing of You

Linda Lucas: Lovely Linda's Craft Central

Lisa Hjulberg: The Craft's Meow

Peggysue Turner: Roses By My Window

Rebekka Reed: Diamond in the Rough
Kristine Breach: Ink Something
MariLynn DeGroot - Mississippi McGyver
Sabrina Jackson - SJ Butterfly Dreams
Randi Barret: A New Creation (On break)

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: Dahlia - ODB, The Vine - GindaK Designs
Paper: GinaK Pure Luxury White

Designer Paper:None

Other: Ribbon, Copic Markers, Spellbinder Tag Die

Challenges:

Inspire Me Fridays - Always anything goes
JUGS - Sketch

TCM Release Blog Hop

2011-07-01T03:00:00.004-04:00

This is it - shopping day at The Craft's Meow! It has been a fun week for me - I love each and every one of the stamp sets that were previewed this week. I do not think I could name a favorite. You should have arrived from Lynn Miller's fabulous blog. She is one creative lady!

For this card I used 2 of the new stamp sets and one from the last release because Frieda wanted to play too! All of the sets are available at the TCM. I used Echo Park's "A walk in the park" for the DP. The only thing I colored was the hair and skin on Frieda - oh and some of the ice cream cone! I used some glittery stickles for the sun and did a whole lot of paper piecing! The stamp sets I used were Life is a Carnival, Baggin Some Rays, and Little Frieda and LuLu My Girl. These are all available in the TCM store! If you look at that stamp you will notice that she is holding a mirror - I just cut the mirror off and gave her the yummy cone! Fun, fun, fun!

Now hop on over to very talented Nadia Cannizzo ! I know you won't be disappointed!

After you have stopped at all the blogs along the way head on over to The Craft's Meow and shop!

One lucky winner will receive all four stamp sets, so don't forget to hop along and be sure to leave a comment at The Craft's Meow Store Blog and tell us which of the new sets is your favorite. You have until 10:00 pm Pacific on Tuesday, July 5th to enter for the random drawing. All four stamp sets are available staring today at The Craft's Meow

I am also entering this in the Outlawz sketch challenge.

Thank you for sharing this week with us! It was fun and I will look for your wonderful creations!

God Bless,

TCM Sneak Peak - Baggin Some Rays

2011-06-30T03:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the last day of The Craft's Meow Sneak Peak previews! The stamp set today is called Baggin Some Rays by Michelle Bertuzzi! Being a Florida girl this stamp set is perfect for me. I had fun with this card. It has been kind of rainy and dreary here these past for weeks so this is hoping that I can soon say, "Hello Sunshine"!

I stamped the sun the sun on some white card stock with yellow ink and then the sentiment on some yellow card stock. I cut both out and popped them up. The background circle was some of Echo Park's Summer Days - perfect isn't it? I used a cuttlebug on some of the light blue. The ribbon was just in my stash.

I then dug out one of the TCM stamp sets from last month called Sending you Sunshine to make the banner along the bottom. I also made this for this Card Patterns sketch challenge.

Be sure to click on the other design team for some more amazing creations:

Amy Tsuruta

Amy Young

Debbie Pamment

Jean Martin
Jenny Suchin

Jessica Fick

Julie Ranae

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein
Lynn Miller

Miesje Flach - Me
Nina Brackett

Ren-Yi Lo

Viola Mahr

What would new release festivities be without chances to win prizes? Yep, once again, we'll draw THREE of you to win Life is a Carnival... one from each of three of the design team and friends blogs. You'll have until 10:00 pm Pacific tonight to make the rounds and leave comments. We'll announce the winners in tomorrow's post. Enjoy and good luck!!!

This stamp set and more will only be available at The Craft's Meow Shop on July 1!

Thanks for looking and don't forget to come back tomorrow another look and time to shop! Come on - you know you want these stamp sets!

TCM (The Craft's Meow) Sneak Peak - It's a Banner Day

2011-06-29T03:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to day 3 of The Craft's Meow Sneak Peak previews! The stamp set today is called It's a Banner Day again by the super talented Nina B Designs! Oh the possibilities with this set are endless. I can't wait to see what all the other design team members came up with either! I think that one of the biggest challenges for me is coming up with masculine cards.

This was really one of my simpler cards for this release. I really made this for my Father in Law for Father's Day. The stamp sets came in just as I was struggling with how to make his card. I looked at this set and there it was! I stamped the letters in 3 of the banner pieces, cut them out and hung them on some brown twine. I then dug out one of the TCM stamp sets from last month called Timeless Tags for the sentiment. There were a lot of brass brads used for this card and the paper was from Basic Grey called Life of the Party. Simple but it gets the message across!

Be sure to click on the other design team for some more amazing creations:

Amy Tsuruta

Amy Young

Debbie Pamment

Jean Martin
Jenny Suchin

Jessica Fick

Julie Ranae

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein
Lynn Miller

Miesje Flach - Me
Nina Brackett

Ren-Yi Lo

Viola Mahr

This stamp set and more will only be available at The Craft's Meow Shop on July 1!

Thanks for looking and don't forget to come back tomorrow for another sneak peek!

The Craft's Meow Sneak Peak - Life is a Carnival

2011-06-28T03:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to day 2 of The Craft's Meow Sneak Peak previews! The stamp set today is called Life is a Carnival by Nina B Designs! Oh my goodness, you are going to trip over yourselves getting this stamp set! There are so many fun stamps in set - choosing which image to use first was really hard! But here is my card, fun isn't it?

I stamped the roller coaster image first on scrap paper and then on the pre-sponged white card stock. I wanted it to be int he background a bit. Then I used black embossing powder on the ferris wheel and just added a little color to the baskets. For the sentiment I used markers to ink up the stamp using different colors on the the main word. The DP for the top canopy was from (you guessed it) Echo Park - Summer Days.

Be sure to click on the other design team for some more amazing creations:

Amy Tsuruta

Amy Young

Debbie Pamment

Jean Martin
Jenny Suchin

Jessica Fick

Julie Ranae

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein
Lynn Miller

Miesje Flach - Me
Nina Brackett

Ren-Yi Lo

Viola Mahr

This stamp set and more will only be available at The Craft's Meow Shop on July 1!

Thanks for looking and don't forget to come back tomorrow for another sneak peek!

The Craft's Meow Sneak Peak - Lovely Birds

2011-06-27T03:00:00.006-04:00

Oh what an exciting day! It is day 1 of The Craft's Meow Sneak Peak previews and the release is awesome! I am so excited to have been asked to help showcase this month's release and have had so much fun playing with these stamps! This first set is called "Lovely Birds" designed by Nina B Designs and they are lovely! Here is my card:

I stamped the main image on white card stock and just lightly colored it with Copics. I used some crystal effects for the water. The flower centers were kind of an accident. I had put some yellow gemstones on them before running it through my Big Shot with the Spellbinder Die. I know - what was I thinking!? However - it turned out kind of neat so I left it! I used Echo Park (love that paper!) for the background, cut out some of the birds, added lace and there you go - some truly lovely birds!

Be sure to click on the other design team for some more amazing creations:

Amy Tsuruta

Amy Young

Debbie Pamment

Jean Martin
Jenny Suchin

Jessica Fick

Julie Ranae

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein
Lynn Miller

Miesje Flach - Me
Nina Brackett

Ren-Yi Lo

Viola Mahr

What would new release festivities be without chances to win prizes? Yep, once again, we'll draw THREE of you to win Lovely Birds... one from each of three of the design team and friends blogs. You'll have until 10:00 pm Pacific tonight to make the rounds and leave comments. We'll announce the winners in tomorrow's post. Enjoy and good luck!!!

This stamp set and more will only be available at The Craft's Meow Shop on July 1!

Thanks for looking and don't forget to come back tomorrow for another sneak peek!

Freedom: Galations 5:1

2011-06-26T06:00:00.006-04:00

It is almost the 4th of July weekend - and I am going to be getting ready for some family arriving. It is hard to believe that we are already in the middle of summer - at least that is what I think of when I think of 4th of July! I am so glad you could join us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ for another challenge based on scripture!

This week was my turn to choose the verse and the challenge. I chose Galatians 5:1 and decided to be patriotic with the card.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. "

Slavery can take many forms. It may be difficult to think of slavery as affecting us in these modern days. We associate it more with a history lesson – not something that we can relate to in our lives. Yet I, for one, am burdened by a yoke of slavery that prevents me from living in the freedom that Christ created for us. One of the things I struggle with is worrying. Honest to goodness my husband says that if there is nothing to worry about I will worry about not worrying! How is that like slavery you may ask? Well it keeps me from living in each precious moment and being thankful for it. When I worry about everything large and small it also affects my prayer life. I expend such energy on what could go wrong and what might happen that I end up praying for the “what ifs” instead of sending forth my thanks and praise. My life is so good – I am so blessed that my focus should be on that. So this is a burden in my life, not just for me but for those I love.

I decided I wanted to use wonderful little Frieda and Lulu - My Girl from TCM for this card but instead of holding the mirror she is holding the flag. I paper pieced her dress and colored her using my Copics.

The challenge for this week is to make a red, white, and blue thank you card.

Our sponsor this week is Gingerloft who has some wonderful digital images for you to peruse.

Be sure to stop by my SSIC design sisters to see what they have to share this week:

Chris Olsen: Twinkles Glow With Stamps

Grace Nywening: Th-INK-ing of You

Linda Lucas: Lovely Linda's Craft Central

Lisa Hjulberg: The Craft's Meow

Peggysue Turner: Roses By My Window

Rebekka Reed: Diamond in the Rough
Kristine Breach: Ink Something
MariLynn DeGroot - Mississippi McGyver
Sabrina Jackson - SJ Butterfly Dreams
Randi Barret: A New Creation (On break)

It is always great to see you, thanks for the comments!

Recipe:

Stamps: TCM - Little Frieda and Lulu - My Girl - thank you script is from GinaK
Paper: SU Brilliant Blue and Real Red

Designer Paper:October Afternoon Schoolhouse for the dress

Other: Star Cuttlebug folder, Nestability, ribbon, flag

Challenges:

Fairy Tale - America (not just the United States).

Stamp Something - Celebrate with red, white & blue

Craft Us Crazy - Red, white & blue and/or Summer theme

Paper Play - Stars & stripes

Shelly's Images - Patriotic stars & stripes

Penny's Paper-Crafty - red white and blue
JUGS - 3d (flag) Patriotic project

Catch The Bug - Red, White & Blue + Add a Ribbon

Card Creations & More By C -Something Patriotic

My Sheri Crafts - Independence Day or Canada Day

Sweet Stampin - Use Something Old (flag - left over from last year's cupcake making session) with Something New (first time inked up this stamp)