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

NEVER too Late

Here is another for

The Play Date Cafe: PDCC#171.

 Word Art Wednesday Challenge #69

Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes

 Thank You for stopping in today~it's a blessing!

stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings

ink:  Hero Arts Just Beachy ink cubes (Soft Cantaloupe),Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores

die:Verve Pennant trim die

other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Die-Cut Accessory Sheet,MS fringe scissors

paper:Teresa Collins Tell Your Story DP,Georgia Pacific white cardbase

~Live the Life~

A testimony is powerful, because it is an experience that WAS LIVED


by real people with real feelings, hopes and dreams.

The tear drops were hard for me to use~ they are actually rain drop stickers.


I wasn't even a papercrafter when I bought them-I was moved by their realism!


I splashed them about...because many times the stories that are the most powerful (but hard to share)...are those which involved tears (at least in my life).




I got to play with the beautiful colors from

The Play Date Cafe: PDCC#171.

CASE Study Challenge #130
Teri Anderson

once again inspired me to use more than one sentiment.



Hope your week got off to a smooth start~

stamps: Verve Words of Wisdom,Waltzingmouse Stamps Paris Nouveau

paper: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story DP,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone
ink: Hero Arts Just Beachy ink cubes (Soft Cantaloupe)
 dies: Spellbinders Label Twenty-Five
other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Die-Cut Accessory Sheet and Sticker Sheet,raindrop stickers,sewing machine,Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper

Praying for You & Me

It's one of those days~

yuck.

No reason....

just yuck.

My grandma would call me on days like this...when the Lord laid on her heart that I needed encouragement and prayer.

That was really special...and it was when long distance calls actually COST YOU SOMETHING.

May I be used by God to do the same!

Runway Inspired #30

I am intrigued by bold, graphic patterns mingled with soft florals...I am seeing that more and more~there is something so....

relevant about that.

Harsh realities softened by bits of loveliness and hope.

I am also inspired by the

CASE Study Challenge #128

based on a pretty card by Teri Anderson.

I like the blues and yellows she combined, and the patterned background which adds interest.

Also, she included lots of fun embellishments...I've only included a few...but it's more than I usually pile on a card.

I'm patting my shoulder...I'm proud of using up these beautiful die pieces.

Ok, now I am less yuck...a bit of creating and prayer can really lift my mood!!!

Hoping you have a "non-yuck" day also~ ;)

stamps: Verve Wonderfully Made,Mama Elephant Trifecta 

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill yellow and blue

dies: Spellbinders Label 25 and Large Labels 

ink: Papertrey Ink True BLack

other: Pink Paislee (Daily Junque Ephemera Pack),waxed ribbon

~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

~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

~Rainbow Stache~

I got some cutie pie duck tape the other day.

Ack, aren't those 'staches the cutest???

DYSU #98 Rainbows

Word Art Wednesday #54:Anything Goes

Is it really Monday already????

Hope your week is starting off well....

I always appreciate when you stop by~thanks for visiting me today!

stamps: Verve Words of Wisdom

dies: Spellbinders classic circles,Verve arrow

ink: Memento bahama blue

other: orange and yellow Copics,MS fringe scissors,duck tape,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Basic Grey Lauderdale,Bazzill yellow

~Squash Soup~

We love V8 Squash Soup...but can't find it at our local store anymore.

Waaaaaahhhhhh!!!

But, I can make a card INSPIRED by it.

Here's my squash soup card~

It's fun to assemble elements with Erin's chipboard technique here.

 I swiped the buggy with Mod Podge for a nice finish.

Here is the soup pic from Inspired By #49

Laurel's source link under the photo will take you to a recipe I will have to try~

I used Lenet's sketch from Waltzingmouse Sketch #123.

The Waltzingmouse stamp I used was the shadow from My Island...isn't that a fun stamp???

My sentiment and die are from Papertrey Ink and the border die is from Verve.

I recently purchased Papertrey's Beautiful Beads die...and thought it would be the perfect platform for the sentiment~

Bet I have you thinking of warm soup now, too, huh?!!!

Misery loves company...LOL.

At least it's a healthy craving~

stamps: Waltzingmouse My Island,Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Verve Pennant trim die,Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings, Winter Penguin Die snowflake and Beautiful Beads die

embossing folder: Sizzix Textured Impressions Seasons Greetings

other: Martha Stewart border punch,Crop-a-dile corner chomper

paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Georgia Pacific white cardbase

ink: Memento Rich Cocoa,Tim Holtz Walnut Stain

The Blessing of an Ordinary Day

Appointments, commutes, lessons and the like are what ordinary days are made of.

ORDINARY, AVERAGE DAYS ~ are what make life,

well,

LIFE...

the building blocks of a home, the stairsteps to normal or a new normal.



In the midst of chaos and transition...



an ordinary lifestyle is





EXTRAORDINARY.

I used one of the beautiful sentiments from TT's Ordinary Days.

Brayed Walnut Stain distress ink on an embossing folder pulled up the retro design.


The little images/sentiments from BoBunny's Remind Me Clearly Calendar Set created the "sentiment background" for my card.

I love that they capture "ordinary" activities.

I went with the striking colors from Moxie Fab's

Tuesday Trigger: Ready for Red

DYSU #96 Brads





Crafty Friends Challenge
CFC #10 Sentimental


~I wish you an ordinary, average day my friends~

stamps: BoBunny Remind Me Clearly Calendar Stamps,Technique Tuesday/Ali Edwards Ordinary Days

embossing folder: Sizzix/Tim Holtz Retro Cirque Set
inks: Versamark, Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk, Ranger Tim Holtz Walnut Stain
dies: Verve Pennant Trim Die, Spellbinders Scalloped Circle
paper: American Crafts Cardstock,Georgia Pacific White, Bazzill red
other: Copper embossing powder,brads,brayer

~Glitz and Glam~

Crafty Friends Challenge

CFC #9: All Things Glitz and Glam

made me reach for the obvious Glitz paper and sticker.

The "vintage blue" DP design was also the obvious choice for the

DYSU Challenge #94 Vintage

I don't normally create elegant cards...but I just got Verve and needed an anniversary card, like NOW.



I stamped the sentiment on the rectangle die cut and the glitzy sticker fit right on top!


Don't you love it when the shoe fits???



I avoided a bow since it's going in the mail,...but knots are a great alternative!

paper: Glitz Paper Layers Vintage Blue,Bazzill silver,Georgia Pacific white
stamp: Verve Love Story
other: Glitz Glitzers Vintage Blue sticker,Verve Rounded Rectangle die,Spellbinders Lattice Rectangle Die,American Crafts satin ribbon,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper
ink: Memento Ink Teal Zeal

~pAtTeRnEd cLoUdS and bLaCk rAiN~

I love the challenge this week at

CAS-ual Fridays CFC#75.

I'll use the excuse to let my hair down and hang over the edge...

 Such a fun celebration going on there and big, big news!!!

BIG!

Verve Words of Wisdom,Sizzix Kite set,Waltzingmouse Teeny Trees,Authentique Lively,Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper

~JUST BE~

I tend to OVERTHINK.

This stresses me out and leaves me emotionally paralyzed.

It's the "big sister" syndrome I carry.

Many times I need to just chuck it ~

 JUST BE 

and move forward.

I kept my card simple for a couple of fun challenges-it was that, or not participate!

I love the outfit at

Runway Inspired Challenge RIC#22.

I let the red and tan colors take the stage.

 I love the linage going on~I went with zigzaggy vs straight.

I took a cue from the open jacket and slanted the panel off of the cardbase for the challenge~

CAS-ual Fridays CFC#75

Yay for the grace to 

~ JUST BE ~

stamps: Verve Words of Wisdom

dies: Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings butterfly die,Verve arrow die

paper: Papertrey Ink kraft,My Mind's Eye All is Bright

ink: Memento Ink Rich Cocoa

~True Colors~

Teens and Pre-teens have it tough nowadays, don't they?

Good gravy, not only are they bullied ... but NOW it spreads viral.

I had Cyndi Lauper's tribute as a teen.

 Boy, did this song oooze with therapy for me!

My girlies' generation have songs like Britt Nicole's "Headphones;"

she also sings encouragement into their souls(and mine for that matter).

Kids need to hear that they are awesome and accepted, you know?

Simon Says Stamp and Show:Your Favorite

I followed the maze of white from my favorite design in Basic Grey's Lauderdale pack~which left a cool and free result.

I fussy cut the kiss and sentiment "true colors"; then I embossed with my favorite embossing folder to press in the raw edges.

Placing the folder at an angle...I was careful to roll it through my Big Shot and spring back.  I did not follow through all the way, because it would have cracked a corner off of the folder.

 Crafty Friends Challenge #8:Dry Embossing

Fantastic colors and a celebration at the

The Play Date Cafe #154

Wooo hooo! It's their 3Yr Anniversary!

Have a blessed day~

stamps: Verve Words of Wisdom

ink: Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Basic Grey Lauderdale

embossing folder: Cuttlebug Diamond Plate

~The Battle is the Lord's~

I want to plaster this sentiment all over the wall...in every cupboard and all over my mirror so I'll never forget...

AMEN???!!!!


I'm a big 'ole chicken, so this sentiment


~SPEAKS TO ME~


The card came about with a

touch of embossing for

Crafty Friends Challenge #8:Dry Embossing...


an awesome sketch from

Verve World Card Making Day Challenge

and a place to share at
Word Art Wednesday #49.

I have stamped this sentiment numerous times...we'll see where they go....




stamp: Verve Wonderfully Made
paper: Studio Calico Abroad DP,My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Georgia Pacific white
tools: zig zag scissors
die: Spellbinders classic circles
embossing folder: Tim Holtz Rays
embossing powder: Recollections

~11 seconds to spare~

tappa tappa tappa tappa tappa tappa tappa....

That's the sound of me desperately inking up a HUMONGOUS background stamp with a Memento Ink Dew Drop when I

dove in today for...

Paulina's 10 Minute Craft Dash #4.

(while mentally placing a larger ink pad in my "virtual mind cart" to order  online later...) ;)

(9 minutes, 49 seconds)

You never heard such desperate tapping!!! LOL

It was my SECOND attempt, mind you....because my first card was CRASH AND BURN.

Note to self:make sure you have enough letter stickers to spell what you want.

Don't wait until the last "y" of Happy Birthday to realize you only have one "y" which was used for "Happy".

eekers.

That's ok, I like this second card better.

Live and learn, right?

There's still some time left to dive in...you got 10 minutes, right?

stamps: Verve Psalm 37:4 Plain Jane,October Afternoon Midway

dies: Spellbinders classic circles,Sizzix Framelits Kite die

other: Studio Calico Frames Wood Veneer,1/8" and 1/2" Scor-Tape

ink: Tsukineko Memento Ink Lady Bug

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill blue

~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

~Blog Header Card~

CAS-ual Fridays CFC72 has a GENIUS idea this week...

Toot Your Own Horn~create a project inspired by your blog header.

How cool is that????

I love it!

I think it's fun to read about the headers.

My youngest girlie wanted this cool citrus floatie~and to justify the cost...I thought I should use it as a prop. Had this great idea to put my crafties and some bright cards on it and let it coast!

Funny thing is...I wasn't worried about the cards (I give them away and they've been archived)...but I was seriously gulping once the float moved and I saw my Copics and stamp pads stare back at me all helpless like. 

 IT WAS SAD!

After "the shoot" was over...I coaxed them over to me, whispering sweet 'nothings and "apologizing" to my favorite tools. ;)

You might be rolling your eyes right now...but try taking your faves and send them out into the middle of a pool and then we'll talk. ;) LOL.

It's so weird.  I didn't expect to react that way.

Ironically, they didn't make the final cut as the header, but did make it in the smaller pic at the bottom of my list on the left sidebar.

Enough chatter...here's the card:

I meant to create a "playful" card...but I started reflecting..as I always do when I stamp.

Our handbell choir is operating at 60% right now...each and every person matters in such a choir (AND IN LIFE)~RIGHT?!

You don't have to be a big slice to matter in God's eyes.

You matter because He says you matter.

 "And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary." 1 Corinthians 12:21-22

 

AMEN?!

I'm curious to see the blog header interpretations this week....

Take care friends~

Supplies:

Stamps:Verve Words of Wisdom sentiment,Verve Happy Days swirl,Waltzingmouse My Island shack image and Teeny Trees "seeds"

Paper: Authentique Journey,Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill white

Other:paper piercer,Scor-Tape 1/4",Recollections white embossing powder

Ink:Versamark,Ranger Tim Holtz salty ocean (summer)

~Diva Dare Fanspiration~

Verve's Fanspiration Challenge


is about being inspired by a non-design team member's creation.



My eyes were drawn to Ann Heidel's card of three butterflies (linked at the Card Carnival).



I tried to do something similar here.

 I love the hibiscus from the Happy Days set~reminds me of home!!!




~Thanks for stopping in~



Supplies: Verve Happy Days,Papertrey Ink True Black ink,Tsukineko Memento Inks Tangelo and London Fog,Georgia Pacific White cardstock

~Carpe Diem~

I created one more card for

CAS-ual Fridays:CFC70

Black and White Plus One (other color)

This lil' guy is such a sweetie, isn't he?

There are glossy accents on the raindrops...I couldn't pick them up here.

The lil' bowtie and cloud are die cut from Sizzix's Kite set ~I trimmed the bowtie just a wee bit to fit the hedgie's body~don't want him to fall over! ;)

I was also inspired by CASE Study Challenge #108:Torico.

She has the cutest monkeys hanging from a negative die cut heart.

I went for the cuteness/action factor and then framed my lil' guy in a Spellbinders Large Label.

Rainy days are the PERFECT days to craft...I'm working on a bit of sunshine inside.

LOVE IT.

Have a blessed day!

Supplies:

Stamps:Verve Words of Wisdom,Penny Black Hedgie Friends,Waltzingmouse Stamps Teeny Trees

Paper:Georgia Pacific White,black cardstock

Ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores and True Black,Ranger Tim Holtz Broken China

Dies:Sizzix Framelits Die set(Kites),Spellbinders Large Labels

 Other:Ranger Glossy Accents

 

~COOL and ooopsies!~

Black and white challenges are my favorite!

CAS-ual Fridays:CFC70

Black and White Plus One (other color).

I love Verve's Happy Days~huge sentiments and big swirl!



I played with my Copics again...coloring outside the lines seems to be my thing. ;)




I used this sketch from
The Sweet Stop #176

but, I forgot the spin part:Welcome Fall.


oopsies. Oh well, I can't link up, but I can give them credit.


Perhaps I'll try again with that sketch...

I pray your Monday is easing along just fine~

Supplies:


Stamps: Verve Happy Days
Ink: Papertrey Ink True Black
Marker: Copic Lime Green

Paper:Georgia Pacific white