So ThAnKfUl

I love these recycled "so" tags...

they don't last long on my desk.

Check out the fun inspiration at

Runway Inspired Challenge RIC#31.

I was also driven by the

Chevron Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Maybe I've had too much caffeine today...LOL, hence the overflow of creating and blogging.

I don't want to stop while I feel inspired~hope you are getting some crafty time in also, friends!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings,My Favorite Things Die-namics sentiment strips,Verve Pennant Banner

other: recycled tag

paper: Bazzill gold,American Crafts Sketchbook,Georgia Pacific white

ink: WPlus9 White Pigment Ink

other: My Mind's Eye twine,Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Xyron,stapler

~Happy New Year~

I woke up yesterday morning in a PANIC~

it was the last day of 2012.

WHAT have I done that was important???

What NEEDS to be done next year???

This is BIG....am I ready to transition???

Then, I took a DEEP BREATH and was reminded....

it's ONE MORE DAY....

~~~~ to tell Jesus I love him

~~~~ to tell my husband I love him

~~~~to hug my girlies...they KNOW I love them...but I'll tell them BECAUSE I CAN


~~~~to call my parents and ring my grandma's cowbell through the phone,   land and ocean that divide us
(I have been bestowed the honor of keeping the precious bell~I know that everyone who was around her can hear it in clanging in their memories of happy times when she was around)

~~~~~to laugh until my sides hurt ...

Lately I've been IN PAIN with giggles...totally gifts from God when silly silly things happen and there is someone RIGHT THERE to share the memories with...better yet...3 girlies who mean the world to me....

~~~~to pray....

for those who can't

for those who won't

and for those who don't know how.

Let's not freak out with over-preparing on the FIRST day of this fresh New Year...


 I want to celebrate the ordinary day.

EACH ordinary day can be wonderful

...leading up to a wonderful week


....a wonderful month



...and eventually,



another wonderful year.

 The following challenges inspired me:

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #60:Faith/Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp and Show:The totally mad (no rules) tea party

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday#202

I chose this card from challenge #196.

The theme was to make a card that makes you feel happy.



We are blessed that happiness doesn't have to fall on just the special days...

it's possible in the ordinary days too! 

 

 

 

 Here is to your NEW year and my NEW year!!!

~May the Lord bless us and keep us and fill us with His joy~

 

 

stamps: Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards Ordinary Days,Flourishes Hydrangea

ink: Memento Ink Teal Zeal,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint

die: Spellbinders Label 25

other: Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill blue dot cardstock,Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Want2Scrap bling,white uniball pen,staple

 

~Let Us Not Become Weary~

Because of the heaviness in the air today...I am grateful for any motivation to create, among many things.

I'm sure you've been hugging your family like crazy, as have I.

 

I needed and wanted to create for the hard working Sunday School teachers that faithfully minister and pray for my girlies.

I created some ornament/gift holders today.

This one took exactly 9 minutes and 48 seconds.

I was inspired by Paulina's 10 Minute Craft Dash #8.

I'm so glad I bought the cinnamon car freshener clips and cranberry gels~

they were fun to coordinate with.

Here is the side that shows the gifts in a clear bag...they are secured by a strip of Scor-Tape.

The base is simply a strip of white cardstock 3 1/2" wide and 11" long, scored in the middle and finished with holes for the twine handle.

The ends are secured with three staples.

These are simple designs like these ornaments I made last year.

The main thing I changed, were lighter embellishments for gift giving.

I stamped the back, so it's pretty from every angle.

Here is another version, a few seconds off the 10 minute mark...using  the colors from

The Play Date Cafe #161

I used my FAVORITE ink, Rhubarb Stalk, for 

Simon Says Stamp: What's Your Favourite?

May the Lord lift your spirits and help you to cope with the tragedies this season...

May you not become weary.

May you not give up.

supplies:

paper: Georgia Pacific Paper,Bazzill green and red

ink: Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk and Pear Tart,Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst and New Leaf

stamps: Verve Galatians 6:9 Plain Jane and Treasured Words Rectangle frame,Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie, Hero Arts Classic Holly

Other: Verve rounded rectangle,Martha Stewart snowflake punch,holly berries,twine,Scor-Tape,stapler,plastic ornament,hole punch,Spellbinders deckled Rectangles

Recycled Clothing Tag and a Pink Notepad

I obviously don't have willpower when it comes to neon....
and when enabled by challenges. ;)

CASE this SKetch #7

Keen On Neon Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

The tag is a recycled clothing tag, and I glittered the plastic "U" for the challenge:

Make It Monday #94 Detail Glitter Technique.

Crafty Friends Challenge #12:CAS Card



stamps: Papertrey Ink Winter Penguin sentiment
dies: Papertrey Ink Photo Finish Strips Die,My Favorite Things Sentiment strips,Sizzlet
other: Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate,Bazzill cardstock,hot pink post-it note,clothing tag,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone cardstock,stapler,K.I. Memories Alphabet soup letters,Memento Pear Tart ink

~Leany Tree~

Here's another for Retro Sketches...

I remember almost 12 years ago....I was big big pregnant with my littlest girlie, and our Christmas tree fell


3 TIMES IN A ROW...


decorations and all.


There was water all over the carpet...it was a disaster and I was bawling my eyes out.

Now, the older girlies and I reminisce about how funny it was...


with me, big as a HOUSE (with one more month to go)...struggling with straightening a tall, decorated tree all by my lonesome.


(Hubby was at work and couldn't save me. The kiddos were only about 3 feet high or so-just munchkins...they couldn't really help either-all they did was point tearfully at the wee head of a mousy ornament that broke off.


they. were. horrified of his demise).






At the time it was chaotic and...


not so funny!



Now, it's one of our favorite "when things go terribly wrong" stories to retell....



This sketch here at

Retro Sketches #38

is the perfect platform to highlight this fun tree from Verve.



Paper piecing it made it doable to tilt it just a wee bit for character.



May your Christmas tree stand tall this year....




If it should fall...



may you stash it in your fond memories for years to come!!!



stamps: Verve Winter Tree Plain Jane,sentiment from Waltzingmouse Teeny Trees
ink: Papertrey Ink True Black,Memento Rich Cocoa
dies: Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle Die,My Favorite Things Die-namics Sentiment Strips,Verve rounded rectangle
paper: Georgia Pacific white,Authentique Fresh,Lively and Journey
other: gold pen,stapler

~Torn Edges and a Simple Embossed Tree~

One lovely embossing folder and the right journaling paper (with numbers up to 25) set the stage for this CAS card.

No sentiment needed...just circle, tear and staple ~adhere the ends if you want.

I've got another for

DYSU Challenge DYSU97

I had the

CASE Study Challenge #116

Angeline Yong

challenge in mind when I put this together.


The muted colors and simple format was perfect for the elements I had on hand.


I am taking advantage of this week's

CAS-ual Fridays CFC 78

It's a fun one~let your inner rebel loose!

If you are hesitant...take that DP that you aren't sure what to do with and tear away~

embossing folder: Sizzix Textured Impressions Seasons Greetings

paper: Papertrey Ink Soft Stone,Bazzill metallic silver,Authentique Journey

other: stapler,gold pen

~Triumph Over Fear & a Pink Cord~

Cancer touches my family like so many others.

~so does FEAR.

It's a constant battle to just DEAL in the heat of it, right?

CAS-ual Fridays CFC73

This is for my mom, aunt, and sisters in Christ who DEAL with it more than they'd like.

~May your hearts triumph~

Stamps:Verve Words of Wisdom

Paper:Studio Calico Abroad DP,Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream,Bazzil Pink

Ink:Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst,Ranger Tim Holtz walnut stain for edging

Dies:Spellbinders classic circles and scalloped circles

Other:Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,mini stapler,Kid's Jewelry Braiding Cord

~It's All in the Timing~

I remember when our Pastor talked about what was "normal" vs what was not (for ex. miracles and such).

He made a great point.

Normalcy was set by God~so for Him to bypass or go beyond normal should be understandable/expected.

What we regard as "normal" was created and set and can be "unset" anytime.

I'm sure I didn't say this as eloquently as he did...but hopefully I conveyed the gist of it.

I purposely "fit" a panel to look like it doesn't fit.

Sometimes we think and act as if God is on OUR time table and should fit in our plans.

In reality, He's on His own clock and we need to fit in His.

His rules.

His boundaries.

His TIME.

We might look a little "off" centered and weird at times when we are in His will (to others, anyway).

In God's world-one day- we will fit PERFECTLY. ;)

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

1 Corinthians 13:12

Blessings my friends~

Challenges: ODBDSLC123:Stamp Your Own Background
Word Art Wednesday Challenge #46


Supplies:Stamps-Our Daily Bread Designs Time and Scripture Series 3
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Ink Potters Clay and London Fog
Die:Spellbinders Postage Stamp
Paper:Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream,American Crafts tan,Piggy Tales cream
Other:Stapler,Tim Holtz Distress Tool

~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

~Asymmetry~

The Card Design Handbook Challenges are going on at Moxie Fab World...

this card is for the Asymmetry Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

The Spellbinders Label is a scrap piece I stamped on...the rest were added to finish the card.

I put this off because I don't normally design this way (stacking)...but it's better than I had hoped.

I AM thankful...that part was easy. ;)

Blessings~

Supplies:

Paper: My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Georgia Pacific White cardstock,American Crafts grey,Bazzill orange

 Dies: Spellbinders Label Four,Sweet n' Sassy Season of Change Leaf Die,Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings Die

Other:Cuttlebug embossing folder,stapler,Copic marker to splatter

Stamp:Jenni Bowlin Ruler Border Clear stamp,Our Craft Lounge Shades of Fall

Ink: Tsukineko Memento Inks Tuxedo black,london fog and tangelo

~August 2012 Papertrey Blog Hop~

Wow, is it really that time already?

 Papertrey Ink's August 2012 Blog Hop

I created this card for our big table.

I hope to make two more using the other dies from the Counting My Blessings set.

I got my first Papertrey Ink impression plate~ Herringbone ~ it was used on the mustard paper before it was cut with the die.

Mmmmm, cozy, warm textiles!

Hope you're having a great weekend~

Supplies: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings Die Collection and Herringbone Impression Plate,Authentique Genuine DP,DCWV Naturals Stack,American Crafts cardstock,stapler,Tim Holtz distressing tool

~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

~CAS Verve~

Verve has an Anni-VERVE-sary party going on~this card is for the 4th Day, the

CAS Challenge.

I love the Happy Days set~awesome HUMONGOUS wavy element and huge sentiments~perfect for a CAS card.

It's LIKE, TOTALLY AWESOME DUDE. ;)

They are having a sale going on until the end of the month too...savings alert!!!

You still have time to participate in the challenges~even if you don't have Verve.

yet. ;)

LIKE, 

GO MAKE SOME CARDS, MAN.

sorry.

I'll stop now. ;P

supplies: Verve Happy Days,Tsukineko Memento Inks (Rose Bud,Pistachio,Tuxedo Black),Authentique Lively paper,Georgia Pacific white paper,random ribbons,stapler (hidden staples to hold the ribbon tabs),Scor-Tape 1/4"

~Tongue In Cheek Anniversary Card~

I don't have an anniversary sentiment for Verve's Anniversary Card Challenge,

but I felt this would do.

Plus, it's the truth. ;)

Right?

My husband and I have been married 20 years.

It's not perfect.

But it sure is wonderful!!! ;)

I used silver embossing powder and a "wood grain" dp to fit the challenge.

There is still lots of time left to participate~

Have a great day~

Supplies:

Stamp: Verve Words of Wisdom

Ink:Versamark,Ranger Tim Holtz walnut stain

Paper: DCWV Naturals Stack,Making Memories Just Chillin' DP

Other: Spellbinders classic circles,Tim Holtz distress tool,Zig pen,stapler,Whispers Embossing powder (silver)

~Just Be~

What a blessing it is when God gives you a FRIEND.

I ran into my friend yesterday...we haven't seen each other for awhile!

We don't get together often (busy mommies we are), but knowing she cares is enough for me.

She was the first person here that let me JUST BE.

Nothing to prove.

Nothing to earn.

She loved me because God loved me.

That's special, guys.

They don't come by very often.

God gives them when you really need them~a reminder that He loves us.

For my friend....

I picked up this fun, crazy DP months ago.

It spoke to me happy thoughts...but I didn't know what to use it for until this challenge.

ColourQ Challenge #150

WOO HOO number 150!!!!

Congrats ColourQ!

Another inspirational site:

Word Art Wednesday#41

Check out their quote this week...it's a sweet one!

May God send you someone that loves you just because "you are"~especially when you really need it.

Blessings!

Stamps:Verve Words of Wisdom

Ink:Tsukineko Memento ink tuxedo black

Paper:Bazzill yellow, BoBunny Alora

Other:sewing machine,Kid's Jewelry Friendship thread,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,stapler

~Birthday Card With Throwdown Colors and Sweet Sketch~

I needed a birthday card ASAP.

Love The Throwdown Colors:

The Sweet Stop Sketch

I'm glad it came together fast.

Oh, and I "hid" staples under the scalloped circle and the ribbon...saving that adhesive tape!!!

No one will ever know the difference!

Have a blessed day~

Supplies:

Stamp: Verve Happy Days

Ink:Tsukineko Memento Ink Tangelo,Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fired Brick and Spiced Marmalade

Paper:Georgia Pacific white base,Authentique Fresh,My Mind's Eye All is Bright

Other: Martha Stewart Garden Rail,stapler,Scor-Tape 1/4",Spellbinders Scalloped Circle,Piggy Tales ribbon

~Remote Control Stickers and School~

I'm a homeschool mom...that means school will be starting soon and will be,

well, 

EVERYWHERE!

I used these extra TV remote stickers I saved to create a card.

There were others~24 to be exact.

So many areas to be entertained...who knew?

If I had that many....NOTHING WOULD GET DONE.

Here's the inspirational lineup:

Inspired By #35

You made me think Primary colors, Laurel~thank you! ;)

Retro Sketches #23

Thanks for the fab sketch Kasia!

Time for the girlies and I to prepare to get all serious-like!

Supplies:

Stamps: Jenni Bowlin Ruler

Ink:Versamark

Die: Papertrey Ink Fruit Fusion apple die

Other: TV remote labels,Ranger Antiquities weather white embossing powder,stapler,Bazzill cardstock

~LIM Blue and Green/DYSU Polka Dot~

Less Is More Week 79:Colour

Blue & Green

I stamped and stamped and stamped some more.

I had lots of fun with this one...

It makes my head all swimmy! ;)

Polka dots and circles inspired by

DYSU #83:Polka Dots

I really enjoy my dots~they are my favorite elements in any stamp set.

It's Monday, folks~time to face the world~ ;)

Have a great week.

Stamps: Clear & Simple Circus Fun,Waltzingmouse Teeny Trees

Paper:Georgia Pacific White,BoBunny Ambrosia Flowers

Ink:Tsukineko Memento Ink Bamboo Leaves, Cottage Ivy,Bahama Blue

Other: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

~You Are Very Special~

Hero Arts August 2012 Sketch Challenge

I kept my pieces from this card

to make another.

It's almost like "buy one, get one free!" for this challenge:

ColourQ Challenge #148

I am also entering this at Word Art Wednesday #39 .

Thank you for stopping by~blessings!

Supplies:

Stamps: Hero Arts Live & Laugh,Waltzingmouse Heirloom Patterns

Dies:Spellbinders Classic Circles

Ink:Tsukineko Memento Ink Angel Pink,Tangelo and Tuxedo Black

Paper: BoBunny Country Garden,Authentique Carefree,Georgia Pacific white

Other:stapler,Scor-Tape 1/4"