~Guide Us~

I love this stamp from Sweet 'n Sassy~perfect to ink up in blue!

I think I am over zealous for this challenge...since my favorite color is blue!!!

CAS-ual Fridays CFC79

Plus, they gave us extra time to participate....so get your blues on!!!


stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Seek Him Still
dies: Papertrey Ink Edgers #1 Die
other: American Crafts satin ribbon,Scor-Tape,Fiskars rotary cutter deckle blade
paper: Georgia Pacific white,Teresa Collins DP
ink: Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin

~A Pink Journaling Tree~

I pray you are having a hopeful morning


~despite your situation today.


There are no words for what some have experienced and are dealing with right now.


Believe me, if I had the right words, I would write them.


 I pray the Lord heal what was broken and bruised...


those precious hearts and minds that have been rattled.


~We are truly blessed, friends, to be alive while today is still today~

 

 

This leftover tree is from

 

 the journaling card I created here,

 

 

and it stared at me LONG ENOUGH from my cluttered desk.



It was too pretty and joyful to leave buried under scraps.



I funned the tree  up by


adding black and grey Copic coloring to the edges to give it a jazzy look.

 
 The dots are from my Sakura Souffle pen.


It takes a delicate touch to get the pouf (if you smear down too much, it will lay flat).


If you haven't used those pens, know that the shades are a bit lighter when they are completely dry.

I am entering this  card in


The Journaling Cards Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

It seemed natural to wrap the sentiment die cut around the card base,


because if I left it whole, it would have competed with the tree.



This falls in line with the theme of

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #193

(create a card or project where your focal image falls off the page)

I am also inspired by the pink pink fun here at

Inspired By #47

Take care~

supplies: Papertrey Ink (In the Meadow,Count My Blessings) dies, Pink Paislee (Daily Junque Ephemera Pack) journaling card, My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair, Fiskars crimper

~Virtual Stamp Day Sketch~

Sweet 'n Sassy had me on my toes these past few days!

I look forward to their monthly weekend challenges that I can sink my creative teeth into~so to speak. ;)

Challenge #3 is a lovely sketch.

Embellish Paint Color Trends Challenge

I used a glossy accents fabric paint (it was easy to just scribble it around the circle die).


Maybe I'll carve some time out to make another one for this challenge~I love these colors and playing with paint~


Thank you for stopping by today-it's such a blessing to have company~ ;)



stamps:Sweet 'n Sassy The Sea,My Favorite Things Christmas Ornaments Stamp
paper:Papertrey Ink Kraft,Georgia Pacific white,Piggy Tales grey
embossing folder: Cuttlebug Embossing Allegro folder
die: Spellbinders classic circles
ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf and True Black
other: Fiskars Rotary cutter deckle blade,Tim Holtz distress tool,Crop-a-Dile corner chomper

~Season of Change~

Unfortunately, a sympathy card is needed.

Sometimes I get too stuck on, "What do I say?"~I'm glad this sentiment made it easier.

I kept it simple for 

 the Virtual Stamp Day at Sweet 'n Sassy's (actually, it lasts a few 

days...YAYYYY!!!).

Challenge 2:

Create a card using at least three of the colors of Fall:
red, orange, yellow, green, and brown and ADD Kraft.
The Kraft can be card stock, twine, or ribbon.

There's green (Pistachio),orange and brown.

The leaf is die cut from Kraft.

I used staples for the rawness of change.

I pray if you are feeling raw today...that it soften more and more over time.

Supplies:

Stamp:Sweet 'n Sassy Season of Change

Dies: Sweet 'n Sassy Season of Change Leaf Die, Papertrey Ink Movers and Shakers Spinners Die Collection

Paper:Bazzill orange,Papertrey Ink Kraft,Studio Calico Abroad DP

Other:Fiskars Crimper,Scor-tape(1/8"),stapler

Ink:Tsukineko Memento Ink Pistachio

~Triumph Over Fear~

Fear is debilitating.

It takes time, effort and faith~

lots and lots of faith...to move forward or at least stand in the face of it.

If you don't, you'll get mowed over!

I saw this lil' guy and he seemed to fit with this powerful sentiment.

Sometimes I feel like him-standing, but eyes bugged out and a little pale! ;)

If there is fear in your heart today...I pray the Lord allow you to triumph in the face of it!

Challenges:

I played with the hexagons from BoBunny's Hello Sunshine stamp set to create movement for the

Movement Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

 Word Art Wednesday #44 -encouraging words


Simon Says Stamp:Put a Stamp On It -all the images are stamped

Supplies:

Stamps: BoBunny Hello Sunshine and Camp-A-Lot,Verve Words of Wisdom

Ink: Tsukineko Memento Ink Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black

Paper: My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Georgia Pacific White cardstock

Die: Spellbinders Large Labels

Other:Fiskar's crimper

~CASE Study~

I recently started participating in the CASE Study challenges~lots of inspiration there!

This week, CASE Study Challenge #104,  we are to case one of the design team members.

I CASEd Clare's 4th Card Here.

One thing I love about Clare's work, is when she puts some surprise texture in her cards.

I love that!

I didn't add a paper ruffle, but I used soft colors and kept the strings for an unexpected "something" tucked behind the sentiment panel.

I also added crimping to 1/3 of the label.

My colors are inspired by 

Color Throwdown #205.

Since I'm using Verve Words of Wisdom,


I am entering this in the Card Carnival.



~I told you I've picked up that set almost everyday since it arrived! ;)

Thank you for stopping in~

Supplies:

Stamp:Verve Words of Wisdom

Ink:Tsukineko Memento ink tangelo,Ranger Tim Holtz spiced marmalade

Paper:Authentique Lively,My Mind's Eye All is Bright,Piggy Tales Dp

Other:Fiskars crimper,Spellbinders label four,Sweet n' Sassy New Beginnings dies,zig zag scissors,Tim Holtz distress tool,sewing machine,Faber Castell Gelatos,stapler

~CASE Study 2nd Anniversary~

CASE Study Challenge #102

Show us YOUR signature style.

I would say I lean toward CAS and gadgety textures.

I crimped, colored the crimped edges,speckled with a Copic and stapled.

My favorite ways to play on a card!

I am also submitting this to Hero Arts August CAS challenge.

Supplies:

Stamps: Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages,Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings butterfly

Ink: Papertrey Ink premium dye Hawaiian Shores,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin

Paper:Teresa Collins Everyday Moments DP,Georgia Pacific white

Other:Fiskars crimper,stapler,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Copic Grey,zig zag scissors

~Stamp-A-Faire Camp Card Set Challenge~

Stamp-A-Faire Camp Card Set Challenge

Betsy Veldman's technique of partially die cutting patterned paper and then stamping in the void is such a fun look!


I zig-zagged down the card with that inspiration.

I also used Betsy's technique of wrapping a card set in a paper bag.



It is so easy and economical!

Stamp-A-Faire Camp Card Set Challenge

Thanks for stopping by today~it's always a blessing to have you visit!




Stamps: Papertrey Ink Shape Up Series Snowman and In the Meadow
Die:Papertrey Ink Snowman Series
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Inks:Morocco,Pistachio,Rich Cocoa
Paper: Georgia Pacific White,Authentique Genuine,Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Other:Crop-A-Dile eyelet punch,eyelet,Martha Stewart twine,lunchbag,Fiskars scalloped rotary blade

~U N ME~

I love this week's color at Less Is More Week 75

GOLD!

I found these scrap metal letters that I've had forever.

 

I stamped with Papertrey Ink's Year of the Flowers:Roses' leaf on texture for

Make It Monday #74:Stamping on Texture.

The roses are beautiful in that set...but the leaf proves it's worth too!

 

 I am entering this card in Stamp It:Cards Love Card Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Versamark ink, gold embossing powder, and my crimper were my GO TO tools for this CAS card.

 

Hope you are having a terrific day and are motivated to create something beautiful~

Stamp:Papertrey Ink Year of the Flowers:Roses

Ink:Versamark

Other:gold embossing powder,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,

Fiskar's crimper

~Summer Birthday and a Tag~

I salvaged a tag from my daughter's new blouse recently.

This week's Tuesday Trigger's poppies reminded me of the tag's gorgeous swirled flowers and butterfly wings.

Yay for me...a card finished for my sister who has a birthday this month. ;)

Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger:A Plate of Poppies

I die cut the bottom of the recycled tag with a Sizzix die and attached it to a white tag that was sponged with Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink.

I inked up KaiserCraft Numbers for the tag's background and used Hero Arts Untitled Word Shadow for the birthday sentiment.

I offstamped that circle and stamped again for a light look in the background of the card base.

The deckled edge of the card is Versamarked and gold embossed.

CAS-ual Fridays CFC60:Text Me

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Tags or ATC's

Hero Arts July Challenge: Summer Adventures

Birthdays, flowers, and butterfly wings speak summer to me....lots and lots of birthdays in my family!!!  LOL.

I am a bit more chatty this post than the previous...the heat brought on a migraine and I was afraid I couldn't put coherent sentences together.

I believe it took me countless times to edit this post, though.

I'm feeling much better~I thank God for that!

I pray you are doing ok...if not, let me know how I can pray for you.

Thanks for stopping in...

Stamps: Hero Arts Untitled Word Shadow,KaiserCraft Numbers

Paper:Bazzill Coconut Swirl,Georgia Pacific white

Ink:Versamark,Memento Ink Morocco,Ranger Tim Holtz Tea Dye

Other:Whispers gold embossing powder,brad,American Crafts satin ribbon,Fiskars rotary deckle blade

Dies:Sizzix tag and Spellbinders classic circles

~Friends With Flair~

Unity's

Friends With Flair

is today!

I used Unity's Make Life Sweet sentiment and broke open the package of Little Yellow Bicycle's Vellum Tape Strips.

They are super sturdy and can fold in half off the card.

I am also submitting this to CAS-ual Friday CFC59.

Hope you had a fantastic day so far!

God bless.

Stamp: Unity Make Life Sweet sentiment

Ink:Papertrey Ink Premium Dye True Black

Paper:Georgia Pacific white,Little Yellow Bicycle Hello Spring DP

Other:Little Yellow Bicycle Vellum Tape Strips,Fiskars crimper,Spellbinders Classic Circles

~My Bowler~

My oldest girlie, Mallory, made it to the Pepsi Bowl State Finals.

I'm so proud of her!

Her favorite colors are pink and black ~ she rocks!

I used Heidi Swapp's Sugar Chic Drama to paper piece the bowling ball and pins.


It's double sided, so the possibilities are endless!

The hardest decision?

Pink pins or pink ball???

If only most decisions were that hard! LOL.

I was inspired to splat with my Copics and Memento markers for the

 Spatter Technique Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

I used a very similar technique here.

I didn't crimp the front cardbase until AFTER I slattered.

I crimped and then I colored the edges with a black Copic marker.

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

Hope you have a rockin' day!!!

Stamps:The Alley Way adoraBowl,Papertrey Ink On the Links sentiment

Ink:Versamark

Paper:Heidi Swapp Sugar Chic Drama,Georgia Pacific white

Embossing Powder:Ranger black super fine detail

Markers:Memento angel pink and rosebud,Copic black

Other:Fiskar's Paper Crimper,American Crafts satin ribbon

~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

~You Plus Me~

I don't know when I last linked up to Unity's Friends With Flair-Fridays FLY for some reason.

I got some new DP today and it was fun to play with.

(Unity You+Me=Bliss,Memento ink Paris Dusk,Teresa Collins Everyday Moments,BoBunny Weekend Market Collection,spiral clips,Fiskars crimper,clear embossing powder,Martha Stewart drippy goo border punch)

I used my drippy goo border punch-FUN!

Isn't it cool that those spiral clips fit the wheels on this bike from You + Me?

I "let" my stitches be hazardous on purpose..."Bliss" is a relative term.

It doesn't have to be a smooth ride to be blissful, I say!

It's BECAUSE it takes work that it's worthwhile and valuable!

Got some hopping to enjoy....

have a great weekend. ;)

~Miss You Petals~

Make It Monday #61

"--Create a project utilizing your take on the challenge. Your project must use at least one Papertrey product and must include a die-cut flower made with a non-flower die."

Using my Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 Die, I made a humongous flower for my card.

*Papertrey Ink Communique Curves sentiment,Papertrey Ink Grunge Me splatter,Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 Die,Fiskars crimper,BoBunny Country Garden paper pad 6X6,Basic Grey Lauderdale paper pad 6X6,Authentique Genuine paper pad,Versamark ink,Whispers embossing powder,Spellbinders classic circles,Georgia Pacific white*

After cutting out the petals with my die, I ran each one through the crimper to soften them.

I bent the edges in and sewed each down except the one that is lifted.

My colors were inspired by The Play Date Cafe PDCC127.

Hope you're having a fantastic week so far!

~Paper Towel Texture~

There is no comparison to a mother's love.

My mom is almost across a continent and in the middle of the Pacific.

I miss her.

I bought this image to use on her card.

*Unity Present in My Heart,Versamark ink,Recollections Sapphire Pearl Embossing Powder,DP,Martha Stewart border punch,Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals,Bazzill Kraft,Fiskars crimper,American Crafts AC cardstock,paper towel adhered to cardstock*

I could just cry THINKING about this image, isn't it touching?

It also has the sentiment "I Miss You" in the set.

WAAAAAAAHHHHH!

Okay, don't worry, I'm getting a grip.

I wanted to try a softer approach to the image, esp. since I wasn't going to color it.

So, I adhered a paper towel (Bounty to be exact...we have pets and it holds together for our needs!) to cardstock with temporary spray adhesive.

After inking and embossing, I cut the image out with my Spellbinder's oval.

The process sealed the towel to the cardstock, but I'm paranoid, so I gently lifted the top and bottom edge and adhered with a glue stick also.

I am submitting this to The Household Items Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Thank you for stopping by today!

~Tweet of You!~

The Craft's Meow is celebrating their first birthday!

There are challenges and hops galore.

I made a card I based on Amy's sketch the first day, using The Craft's Meow, Tweet of You.

*The Craft's Meow Tweet of You,Versamark ink,Memento ink paris dusk,Fiskar's Paper crimper,Ranger Tim Holtz distress embossing powder spiced marmalade,Authentique Genuine,Bazzill cardstock kraft and blue,DCWV natural stack,Spellbinders classic circles,Georgia Pacific white cardbase,Scor-Tape,Copics*

Amy's sketch

I used just a wee bit of coloring on the wee bitty bird.

The sentiment banner was just snipped from a leftover strip of kraft.

Hope you are having a great week so far, thanks for stopping by!

~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)

~Another CAS-ual and the Cafe~

 I'm on a quilling streak, it seems. ;)

How many times before I can say "I quill"?

I am truly enjoying my gift.

I used CAS-ual Friday's 37 Sketch again!

 (supplies: Sticker,Piggy Tales DP,American Crafts AC cardstock,Fiskar's border punch,Marvy circle punch,quill paper)

 I just noticed quarter lines in the belly of my Marvy punch.

It helped me determine a quarter of the circle to create notches in my sentiment panel.

I think these look way better than if I had just eyeballed it.

Here is the sketch again, by Laura at

 CAS-ual Fridays 37.

My colors were inspired by

The Play Date Cafe  116 Challenge Colors.

I was so excited to find this sentiment sticker that looked pretty close to the colors...it motivated me to finish this card! ;)

Thanks for stopping by today! ;)