Piecing it Together

Make It Monday #117:Paper Piecing

by Melissa is a beautiful way to create a sympathy card.

When my father-in-law died three years ago...it was so disorienting and painful.

However, God was merciful and showed bits of beauty despite the excruciating absence of our loved one here on earth.

The comfort I can express to another going through this...is that we are sending prayers~

The beauty, is that the loved one will never be forgotten~the outline is still there in memories, hearts and minds.

stamp: Papertrey Ink Year of the Flowers Roses,Flourishes Calla Lilies sentiment

ink: Hero Arts Cup O' Joe,Ranger Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap

paper: Fancy Pants park bench, Prima Bohemian Bamboo

die: Creative Memories oval cutter,MFT sentiment strips

other: Want2Scrap rhinestones

~Much Obliged~

When I laid eyes on the new sheriff badge at Waltzingmouse...I had to get it-fast!


It's the perfect compliment to the Back in the Saddle Set I recently received.

I love the badge...it was exactly what I was looking for~


Big and bold!

I used my classic Creative Memories oval cutter (one of my earliest investments in this paper crafting adventure).

I utilized the fun sketch at

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #124

CASE Study Challenge #118

Angeline Yong

I mimicked her overlapping of stamping on the perimeter of the card, using these colors...

The PlayDate Cafe #158

Thanks for stopping by, it's always a blessing when you visit!



stamps: Waltzingmouse Sheriff,Back in the Saddle,Teeny Trees, French Country
ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf and Hibiscus Burst,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane,Memento Ink Pistachio,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint
paper: Georgia Pacific white, Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP
other: Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Creative Memories oval cutter,Spellbinders classic circles,hole punch,cord

~Don't Wanna Be a Bug~

I had fun with this card I made for an old friend.

In the early nineties, she loved to sing The Bug song.

I missed her birthday on the fourth...but I hope this makes her smile. ;)

The Paper Crafts July 2012 Gallery Challenge

inspired me to shape my card.

I partially cut the shape out with my Creative Memories oval cutter; left the frame for the car; and added side mirrors.

Another challenge...

Simon Stamp and Show Challenge: No Rules!

is JUST FOR FUN.

I designed the sentiment on Word~this HAD TO BE the sentiment. ;)

The road was masked and sponged with chalk,then reverse masked and sponged with Tim Holtz's distress peeled paint for the grass.

Hope your week started off great today...

if not, start over tomorrow! ;)

Take care now~

Stamp:dragonfly stamp,Papertrey Ink Grunge Me splat

Ink:Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Peeled Paint,Tsukineko Memento Ink Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black

Other: Pebbles Inc. Pearlescent Chalks,Word,Creative Memories oval cutter,Martha Stewart fringe scissors

Die:Spellbinders Lattice Rectangles

Paper:Bazzill silver,American Craft black

Word Art Wednesday July 4

*Note: If you are looking for the July 11 Word Art Wednesday Post click here*

Happy Fourth of July!!!

This is my first week of being a guest designer at 

Word Art Wednesday.

I am blessed to have this opportunity to be featured with the gifted designers there.

Join us and pick up the powerful verse that is offered free to you!

This verse is very personal to me.



There are times I've gotten caught up in challenges lost or submissions rejected in bloggy world...and the Lord whispers this verse to me.



Ahhhhh, I did it again, I realize.


I've put other endeavors before the Lord and filled my heart with them!



Yikers, I hate to admit how many times I've done that!!!



Today as we celebrate our freedom as a country...


may we also remember the ultimate freedom Jesus gives us when we allow Him to work in our hearts.


All disappointments and failures...even successes...pale in comparison to Him and His sacrifice on the cross.



May we give Him our ALL.




Have a blessed day.




Sentiment:Word Art Wednesday Challenge #35
Paper:Georgia Pacific white, Authentique Fresh
Other: Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Creative Memories oval cutter,Tim Holtz distress tool,sequins

~Happy Day~

Oh happy day...oh happy day...oh happy day...happy day...

When Jesus washed....

oh when he washed...

This is the song in my head. ;)

I created this card:

 ~Stamp:Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages;Ink:Papertrey ink premium dye true black;Paper:October Afternoon Sidewalks,BoBunny Ambrosia,Georgia Pacific white cardbase;Other: Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,sewing machine,Creative Memories oval cutter,Want2Scrap bling~

for this Embellish Challenge

The oval was cut from a cool bag I kept.

The lace border was bought on my trip~it sure came in handy!

The stamp set was bought at a little pharmacy/anything store-what a blessed surprise to find quality stamps and ink there!

~Hope you're having a happy day today~

~To My Pro~

Although I missed the deadline for

Make It Monday #65: Background Patterns From Patterned Paper Scraps,

I was so grateful for the inspiration!

It's a great way to tidy up my desk, and bless someone.

I was able to incorporate my favorite panel, the Perfection patterned paper from Authentique, which would fit in the 

Damask and Brocade Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

The other strips have stared back at me for the past few weeks, while scattered across my desk.

I didn't want to hide these striking patterns from myself (out of sight, out of mind).

I'm also plugging this in to Paper Crafts 2012 Gallery Idol.

I figured I'd give it a shot! ;)

This card is for my favorite someone, my husband, who finished up school!
 

I'm proud of him for many reasons, but today he's my hero, because he earned his degree.



After 22 years of serving in the Army, he went back to school to get his B.S. in Business Administration.



It's the goal he has worked toward for the past three years.

I'M SO PROUD OF YOU BABE!!!

Stamps:Papertrey Ink On the Links Stamp set

Inks:Staz on ultramarine for the sentiment (pretreated with Versamark ink first),Memento ink rich cocoa,Ranger Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink to edge the card

Paper:Authentique Genuine pack,Teresa Collins Everyday Moments dp,K&Company SW Nature pad,BoBunny Ambrosia Collection,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,BoBunny Country Garden

Tools:Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Spellbinders scalloped ovals,Creative Memories oval cutter,Sizzix texture plate,Zig pen,Fiskars rotary cutter with deckle blade

~TEE-rific!~

I made a card for my husband's aunt who is in her eighties and an avid golfer.

She's in better shape than me, I tell ya!

*Papertrey Ink On the Links~I Heart Papers Mint Motif Beyond Borders~Making Memories Just Chillin' Girl Paper Pad~Versamark ink~Papertrey Ink Hawaiian shores ink~Jenni Bowlin Ranger Weather Vane ink~Memento Ink Sweet Plum~Sakura Souffle pen~Stampendous Blushing Pink Rose Petal embossing powder~American Crafts ribbon~Scor-Tape 1/8"~Creative Memories oval cutter~American Crafts cardstock~Crop-A-Dile corner chomper*

Embellish Chevron Color Trends Challenge

Gorgeous color combo! 

My fun sketch is from CardPatterns Sketch 161

I may not be able to golf, but I can make a card for someone who does.

I find that satisfying. ;)

~Make It Monday Generational Stamping~

Ashley has the new Make It Monday #60:Generational Stamping

video up.

I love this technique!

I used Papertrey Ink's On the Links Stamp set.

*Papertrey Ink On the Links Stamp set,Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores and True Black ink,Bazzill basics artesian pool and yellow,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Creative Memories oval cutter*

I know a lot of golfers. 

You'll probably see me using this set often.

I cut out sections of the Tim Holtz rays embossing folder to allow the cardbase color to shine through.

Thanks for stopping by. ;)

~Timeless Tuesday Easter~

I've had this beautiful stamped cross sitting on my desk, waiting for a card to be featured on.

I was motivated by Flourishes'

Timeless Tuesday #162

Easter Creation challenge to finish this card.

*Flourishes He is Risen~Memento inks (bahama blue,cottage ivy,tuxedo black)~K&Company SW Nature DP~Uniball gold pen~Spellbinders classic circles~Creative Memories oval cutter~Georgia Pacific cardstock*

I left the image plain, but inked the edges of the oval with Memento cottage ivy.

I thought some circles breaking up the sentiment would draw the eye up.

He is Risen.

Alleluia!!!

~Retro Colors and Hello~

70's chick born and bred.

That's me.

I owe a hello to another chickie who I haven't called in way too long.

*American Crafts Amy Tangerine Lovestruck~Basic Grey Wander DP~Ranger Tim Holtz embossing powder spiced marmalade~Creative Memories oval cutter~MS Twine~MS border punch~Georgia Pacific white cardstock~American crafts cardstock~Versamark ink~Memento ink rich cocoa to swipe the edges*

I went with retro colors (specifically orange,olive,brown) from the trigger photo:

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: Happy Happy Joy Joy

These colors take me back to lil' girl times and fill me with a smile. ;)

~Your Best Game~

Make It Monday #56:Die Cutting Partial Images

hosted by Betsy Veldman creates a new look with your dies.

I partially cut my Mat Stack 3 for a shaped pocket.

 

 

*Papertrey Ink (PTI) Game On sentiment,PTI All Booked Up,PTI dies:In the Meadow and Mat Stack 3,Memento ink Paris Dusk and Rich cocoa,Memento marker rich cocoa,Sizzix sizzlet die buttons #5,Authentique Genuine Paper pack,Oak from Summer's End/Fancy Pants,American Crafts cardstock neutral pack,Creative Memories corner rounder,Spellbinders classic circles*

Inspired By #13 

has an awesome photo to glean from!

It made me think of denim.

I LOVE  wearing jeans-

especially comfy ones that fit!

Authentique Genuine DP pack is all denim and fun.

Perfect for a masculine card like this.

I just faux stitched the "pocket" with a Memento marker.

I used

Card Patterns Sketch #155

to tie it all together.

Thank you for stopping by today, I appreciate it. ;)

~CAS-ual Baby Card in Pink~

I wanted to try my baby card in pink this time.

I used my oval stamper instead and a wittle bow.

*JustRite oval stamper,Stampendous Love Buds,Memento Angel Pink and London Fog,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Creative Memories Corner rounder*

CAS-ual Fridays CFC42

~Hope of Spring~

Embellish is back with a new challenge!

We have snow predicted here, but I am holding on to the PROMISE of spring-and I'm excited!

 Although darkness shadows the day, sunshine is waiting to break.

The darker the day, the more the light will be appreciated.

 I am willing to WATCH and wait.

 *Flourishes He is Risen,Sizzix/Stampin' Up Bigz Lattice die pieces,DCWV Nana's Kids Chipboard Shapes,Creative Memories corner rounder,Versamark ink,Whispers yellow embossing powder,Bazzill Basics cardstock,Georgia Pacific white,DCWV The Fall Glitter matstack,"wings" EK border punch excess cut from vellum*

 

Embellish Spring Color Trends Challenge

~OLW 80~

One Layer Wednesday 80: Two By Two Plus Masking.

(My Mind's Eye Rosy "Everything" stamps,Our Daily Bread Time,Flourishes Enjoy the Ride,Inkadinkado pigment ink sky blue,Creative Memories corner rounder,Staz On ink fuchsia,Georgia Pacific white cardstock)



I love this image of a beautiful tightrope walker.


I resisted this stamp two months ago, but picked it up today.

 I don't have the guts nor the desire to walk a tightrope.




Seeing someone else do it makes me nervous too.


I have no idea why, but I find this image soothing and beautiful.



Maybe because I can imagine she is two feet off the ground. ;) 





 

~Inspired By Happy Birday Q~

 My Craft's Meow stamp set recently arrived-what a blessing!

I used it, the Colour Q colors and Inspired By photo to create this card.

(The Craft's Meow Tweet of You,Memento ink London Fog,Piggy Tales DP,Basic Grey DP,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Recollections music punch,Fiskars Rotary cutter with deckle blade,Sizzix texture plate,Creative Memories corner rounder)

Since it's punny and CAS, I am also entering this in 

CAS-ual Friday CFC 41

Colour Q Challenge #125

Inspired By #12

The color of the flowers and grey/blue typewriter are what I took from this photo.

~Home Sweet Hello~

Homespun.

Sweet, comfy goodness.

I admire the style.

I'm a graphics girl at heart~so here's my version of homespun.

(Flourishes Tiny Flowers and Tags,Memento tuxedo black and paris dusk,Quickutz square die,Fiskars border punch,Sizzix sizzlet card Rectangle,Making Memories Just Chillin' boy DP,October Afternoon Sidewalks DP,Copics (red,orange,green),Creative Memories corner rounder,PeelnStick Removable Ruler Tape-secured with Scor-Tape)

I know just the recipient for this-a friend of mine who is an amazing quilter.

I owe her a "Hello/hugs/from the heart" card. ;)

I designed this for the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger:Home Sweet Home.

I was inspired by the beautiful Card Patterns Sketch 153

Hope you have a blessed week with happy surprises and comfy goodness.

~PlayDate Cafe Colors and a Testimony~

I love this verse.

The Lord knows how weak I am.

He knows I need Him everyday.

Every decision I make, He's there.

He's there because I ask Him to be.

I need Him.  Without Him, I'm just lil' ole weak Marlena

Scared of her shadow

Scared of making mistakes

Scared of rejection

I step out anyway.

I step out because of Him.

Jesus is all I have to truly offer you.

He is worth it.

He is everything.

The PlayDate Cafe 119

(Inspired Stamps Strength,I Heart Papers Mint Motif Beyond Borders,Unity You+Me =Bliss,Memento ink tuxedo black,Memento rose bud dual marker,MS border punch,Fiskars rotary cutter deckle blade,Georgia Pacific white cardbase,Creative Memories corner rounder)

~Chiclectic Tuesday Trigger~

Chiclectic

It's the Tuesday Trigger word this week. ;)

(Autumn Leaves Journaling Tags,Stampendous cling Ranunculus,Memento ink tuxedo black,Versamark ink,Whispers white embossing powder,October Afternoon Sidwalks DP,American Crafts Delights paper flowers,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Creative Memories corner rounder,Ranger Tim Holtz distress ink marmalade)

A picture of chiclectic:

 

 Moxie Fab World: Tuesday Trigger:Chiclectic

I tried to represent the black and white thrown in with pink/orange (I sponged Tim Holtz marmalade ink in stripes across the pink DP). 

The paper flower just seemed right . ;)

Have a great evening, wherever you may be. 

~PTI 5th Anniversary Day 6~

Papertrey Ink's 5th Anniversary is quite a bash! 

Today is the 6th day of celebration.

I am linking up a creation based off of Nichole Heady's 4th sketch

(Papertrey Ink In the Meadow snowman dies,Papertrey Ink Thing Big Favorites #2,Whispers yellow embossing powder, Versamark ink,Authentique Blissful pack,Bazzill cardstock,Creative Memories corner rounder,Scor-Pal for scoring the top and bottom)

Yup, I cut those snowman arms off and used those little guys as tabs.

A simple card which I'm sure will come in handy, considering all the kind people I know. ;)

Hope you have a wonderful evening~thanks for stopping by!

~Orange and Gray~

My goal today is to try and use as many of the freebie images from

Papertrey Ink's 5th Anniversary (Day 2).

Assembly bootcamp!

They are printed and cut out so they are half-way done!

LOL.

(Papertrey ink free download,American Crafts AC cardstock neutral,Sizzix Tim Holtz embossing folder,Creative Memories corner rounder, Copics orange and gray,Spellbinders classic circles)

This second submission is an image from Maile Belles.

I love the swirls and room for color. 

I hope you're having a blessed day.