thankful

Thankful for this new day~

Thankful for a fresh start~


Thankful for being able to post that I'm thankful~

 I took another try at The Play Date Cafe PDCC #155.

This time, I broke out my Stampendous Aged Ivory Embossing Enamel.

I drew "stitches" across the sentiment die with an embossing pen and sprinkled that magical powder and heated.

I then inked up the cardbase with my damaged Versamark pad 

(read the sidebar about that oopsies...#5 on my list of YOU KNOW WHEN).

I can't bring myself to throw that old Versamark pad away...it was one of my first cardmaker investments!

I am also entering this in the 

Square Punch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

 I used my square punch to create notched borders on my focal panel.

 I created with dry AND wet embossing for 

DYSU #95: Embossing Wet or Dry.

supplies: Papertrey Ink Count My Blessings die, square punch, Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Zig embossing pen, K&Company SW Nature pad,Georgia Pacific white cardbase, Stampendous Aged Ivory Embossing Enamel,Piggy Tales DP,My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

~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

~fall card~

What-da ya know, another for today~

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #188

fall theme

&

Retrosketches #31

This is a great sketch...not intimidating!

Have a great evening~

Supplies:

Clear Stamps:  Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Tree Background, My Mind's Eye Rosy "Everything"

Paper: My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Papertrey Ink Kraft,Bazzill orange

Punch: EK Medallion Chain

Other: Piggy Tales ribbon,Recollections Carnelian embossing powder,Sizzix Framelits Kite die,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper

Ink:Versamark ink,Rich Cocoa Memento Ink

~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

~Rustic Jar of Sea~

There are so many fun challenges to play with...it's hard to choose sometimes, isn't it?

I DO LOVE how they inspire and motivate me to finish a card, though!

I picked up some of this and that which were sitting on my desk~waiting for a card to call home.

I used a jar filled with the "sea" for the

Jars of Joy Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

I added birthday banners for the

There She Goes Birthday Celebration Day 4:Banners

with a birthday theme.

CASual Fridays CFC69:Embossing

(I brought out my Herringbone impression plate)

I love the warm fall colors  and rustic texture at

Inspired By #40.

Just like that~another card done!

Hope you are having a great week so far~thanks for stopping by.

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Friendship Jar Summer Fillers and Game On Sentiment,KaiserCraft Fine & Sunny banners

Dies:Papertrey pint jar

Ink:Papertrey Ink New Leaf,Memento Ink Rich Cocoa,Ranger Tim Holtz Dusty Concord

Paper:Papertrey Ink Kraft and Rustic Cream,Authentique Fresh

Other: bobby pin,Piggy Tales ribbon,Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate,Scor-Tape

~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

~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

~Plans~

I'm so glad that the Lord has His own plans and doesn't go by the ones I've made. ;)

Oh the big plans I had for my life...one of comfort, lack of irritation, and ease.

One in which I was always happy and never lonely.

Had I been given that life....I might not have met Him or wanted to know Him.

I might have been my own god.

That's a small god.

His way is higher than my way and His thought is higher than my thought. (Isaiah 55:9)

I have the nerve, sometimes, to question His plan in my life...even when I don't know what to cook for dinner that night!!!

I'm not proud of that, but I'm sure others can relate. ;)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #34 has this beautiful verse to share with everyone.

Thank you for stopping in today.

Sentiment:Word Art Wednesday Challenge 34

Stamps: Heidi Swapp Memory File arrow and earth

Die:Spellbinders Postage Stamp 

Ink:Memento Ink Morocco and Rich Cocoa

Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Hello Spring DP, Piggy Tales DP, Authentique Carefree DP,Georgia Pacific white

Other: Little Yellow Bicycle Vellum Tape Strips,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

~Telephone Hello~

Embellish has a new challenge up!

Here is my creation:

I thought about all my dear friends across the globe who have spent countless hours laughing,crying,and praying with me (esp. during lonely deployments).

God bless them for their kind hearts and listening ears!

I appreciate you stopping in today~you're a blessing to me!

Stamps: My Mind's Eye Stella Rose Mabel, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Lovestruck

Ink:Memento Ink Bahama Blue,Versamark Ink

Paper:Georgia Pacific white,Piggy Tales DP,Pink Paislee DP,October Afternoon Sidewalks DP

Other:Martha Stewart border punch,Spellbinders scalloped circles,mini stapler,Tim Holtz distressing tool

~ColourQ and Sketch Merci~

I've never taken French.

It seems like a gorgeous language~filled with elegance and mystique.

The Waltzingmouse Stamp set Paris Nouveau exudes that sophistication.

I used the border to decorate this Spellbinders postage stamp die cut cardbase.

I based this card on Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #102

using the colors from

ColourQ Challenge #142

These butterflies were fussy cut from BoBunny's Country Garden pack..there are a few of those beauties floating around in it.

In the graveyard basket that holds all miscellaneous tools and such...I went hunting for my mini stapler to attach the twine bow to the smaller butterfly.

It saves me having to find a glue dot small enough to adhere the twine to, and keeps me from

 having problems with it sticking to other cards in my stash.

I'm keeping that lil' guy (18 years old) close by-he's upgraded to usefulness in my tools. 

 I believe I even have extra staples to go with it.

This is why I rarely get rid of anything!

Thanks for stopping in~

take care now!

Stamp: Waltzingmouse Paris Nouveau

Ink: Memento angel pink, Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin,Ranger Tim Holtz mustard seed

Die:Spellbinders postage stamp die

Paper:Georgia Pacific White,BoBunny Country Garden,Piggy Tales DP cardbase

~Mantastic Bordered Sentiment~

Make It Monday #71 Bordered Sentiments

is a terrific look demonstrated by Betsy at Nicole's Blog.

I thought of the Piggy Tales DP I had when I saw the pattern for

 Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger:Mantastic

Hope your week is well so far - thanks for stopping by. ;)

Stamp: Papertrey Ink In the Meadow

Ink:Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin,Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink Fired Brick,Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink Tea Dye

Other:Scor-Pal,Zig pen,sewing machine,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Stix 2 Anything Adhesive 

Paper:Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Piggy Tales DP,Bazzill kraft

~Embellish and a Sketch~

Did you have a beautiful Easter?

Was it peaceful and serene?

Ours went well...we had a meaningful service with wonderful worship music.

Two of my girlies and I were a part of the handbell choir's presentation.

I won't lie to you...I messed up!

However, there was grace in the room and I pray God was glorified with our offer of praise.

As for crafting...

I'm so happy I was motivated to create a card combining a couple of challenges today.

It's a great way to start my week!

Here is my card...

*My Little Shoebox Summer Breeze-Flourishes Tiny Flowers and Tags sentiment-Versamark ink-Papertrey Ink Premium Dye ink Hawaiian Shores-Ranger embossing powder Antiquities weathered white-Want2Scrap baby bling-Martha Stewart All Over the Page Pattern Punch Caning-Piggy Tales DP-Bazzill Basics paper-Georgia Pacific White cardstock-Spellbinders classic circles-American Crafts ribbon*

 

The beautiful sketch is from CardPatterns Sketch 160 by Michelle.

The color and rhinestones were inspired by 

Embellish's Jeweled Color Trends Challenge

I inked and embossed the doodle from My Little Shoebox's Summer Breeze and used baby bling from Want2Scrap to make it more special.

LOVE this Martha Stewart punch! It's fun to punch wherever you want-to get the look you want!

I know Mondays can be difficult...but hang in there!

Embrace life and it's beauty. It can be a lovely moment, song or hug.

Even better, make something pretty or yummy...you know you'll feel better!

Take care now.

~The Lord is With Me Masculine Card~

I love when I can gather some great scraps on my desk and complete a card.

This card came together easily with the perfect challenges to motivate me!

*Our Daily Bread Designs Not Forgotten~Versamark ink~Whispers black embossing powder~Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks (mustard seed and dusty concord)~Papertrey Ink In the Meadow dies~Spellbinders classic circles~Bazzill basics cardstock~Authentique Blissful pack strip~DCWV natural stack strip~Piggy Tales DP strip~Papertrey Ink Grunge Me stamped on deer~Georgia Pacific white cardstock~

The following challenges helped me along:

Inspired By #17

I had these yellow deer laying around from my Grunge Deer card.

 I decided to stack them up like these striking animals.  

I added the ruler strip to mimic the one in the photo.

I also want to submit this card to

 ODBDSLC102 Favorite ODBD Stamp Set.

My favorite masculine ODBD set is Not Forgotten.

The verses are STRONG and they are presented as such.

 Have a beautiful day, thanks for stopping by! ;)

~Rejoice!~

I played with my Beyond Borders stamps and worked my way up the card.

*I Heart Papers Mint Motif Beyond Borders,Flourishes He is Risen, Memento ink rich cocoa,Staz-On pumpkin and red,Piggy Tales DP,Scor-Tape 1/2",Georgia Pacific white cardbase*

Doesn't it look like a dress?

Hence this is my first submission to Runway Inspired.

 Challenge #7

The backdrop of blue really pops the red. 

My "belt" serves the same purpose.

See my modern "bow"? 

I took the remaining piece of my strip of blue and folded it over and over and bent it to pop up.

I chose my colors for Color Throwdown 182.

I love these colors together!

Finally, I was welcomed to

Word Art Wednesday

"We'd love for you to use it to play along with us, but if you are working on another project that has scripture or an encouraging quote, you can share that too." 

 I feel the awesome sentiment is the bodice...right where my heart is!

REJOICE!

~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.

~Throwdown Colors~

Here is a creation inspired by Color Throwdown colors.

(Flourishes He is Risen,Bazzill cardstock(pink sponged to orange),Piggy Tales DP(blue),Georgia Pacific Cardstock,Spellbinders Classic circles,Spellbinders Label Four,Copic orange and green,Tim Holtz Distress ink marmalade, Recollections music punch)

While coloring and creating my card, I could hear my sweet grandma's voice so clearly in my head singing

"Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia..."

It doesn't matter that she's been long gone here on earth....

her praises still ring through all eternity!

Amen?

Amen!!

Color Throwdown #180

~London!~

Simon Says Stamp and Show:LONDON
inspired me to create a card for my sister.



  While we were stationed in Germany, she came to visit.

If it weren't for her, I would have never had the guts to travel to

my dream destination~London.

With her help, I was able to do so with my girlies in tow 8 years ago.


Look how wittle they were!!!

 BTW, they wore those hats on the flight home(zero room to store elsewhere)...they weren't too thrilled about it.

I don't care...they looked way too cute in my photos!

I made a card for my sweet sister~I owe her a hello/thinking of ya.

I was so excited to use my cool double decker bus button.

(Papertrey Ink Grunge Me,Papertrey Ink All Booked Up,Spellbinders classic circles,Ranger Tim Holtz distress ink fired brick,Sassafras flowers,Piggy Tales DP,Bazzill cardstock,Memento ink london fog,Creative Memories corner rounder)

I'm hoping she will remember that chapter of time...when we got to visit Shakespeare's globe and other cool sites.

We are both English majors, so that was a HAVE TO.

We even rode those red buses!


I glittered up some buttons for Make It Monday #54:Glitter Buttons.
Ashley's tutorial offers a variety of ways to add glitter to your buttons.

I used my daughter's glitter glue to give some sparkle to these awesome Sassafras button flowers.


Thanks for stopping by! ;)

~ColourQ and a Sassafras Flower~

I was so blessed to win some gorgeous Sassafras Flowers from  

Lauren.

I used one on this card.

I also recycled a gorgeous heart tag from my daughter's new outfit.

(Inspired Stamps Strength,Sassafras flower,Spellbinders scalloped circles,Piggy Tales DP,Bazzill cardstock,Brilliance red ink,Ranger Tim Holtz distress ink fired brick)

ColourQ Challenge #124

 Inspired By #11

I am also submitting this to 

Paper Crafts February 2012 Gallery Challenge.

~Card Patterns and Green ~

This is my favorite green DP.

I could cover a card with Basic Grey and call it done. ;)

(Unity Better With Love,Basic Grey DP,Piggy Tales DP,Ranger Tim Holtz distress inks,Sizzix tipsy heart die)

Unity Opportunity Challenge:

L-"Love" sentiment

0-oval sentiment frame

V-Valentine card

E-Embroidery Thread (machine style)

Card Patterns Sketch 152

I'm highlighting green because of FYI Challenge 24.

I am also submitting this to 

Paper Crafts February 2012 Gallery Challenge.

Thank you for stopping in today.

~The Bee Movie~

Hey, I just thought of another movie for CAS-ual Fridays CFC 38!

How about BEE MOVIE? That was a cute one, wasn't it?

Also, another submission for Papertrey Ink's 5th Anniversary (Day 2),

this time using Beth Silaika's adorable image.

 (Papertrey Ink download,Papertrey Ink In the Meadow tree die,Spellbinders scalloped circles,Corrugator,Georgia pacific white cardbase,Piggy Tales DP,Bazzill yellow)

Guess how I got my grass!

Like this:

That In The Meadow tree die from PTI can be used for more than trees!

Here's the info for CAS-ual Friday:

~CFC38: Clean And Simple Movie Inspiration!  From old classics to currently nominated, any genre (but let's keep our projects PG! *giggle*) Make sure to tell us which movie inspired your CAS creation.~

I'm like a maniac today with all these cards...but hey, more for my stash and I'm having fun. ;)