Delightful Details

Bear Hugs - TESC151

2012-01-29T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Bear hugs to you!! I had fun making this card for Valentines Day (for my grandson Jakob age: almost 5!!)The sketch from Taylor at Taylored Expressions is fun and easy, I can see myself using it many times.

I tried a new technique (for me) with my Copic coloring to get a bit of texture (kind of) on sweet Buddy Bear. After coloring all the brown fur (E13, E15, E18), I soaked a small section of a dish towel with the Colorless Blender, then I dabbed around the brown. The texture of the towel had a weave rather than being terry cloth. It looks somewhat like the basket weave that shows in the background of the photo. The picture turned out pretty dark but the other one I took was washed out! Drats! This one was truer to the color and since it's getting dark out and it's almost time for our Evening Service at church, I decided this was going to have to be good enough!

I think he is just the cutest. Perhaps we will be seeing more of him...

Here are the rest of the ingredients to my card:

Designer Paper: Basic Grey - Kissing Booth (stripes and the brown); Card Stock: Bazzill (base)and Neenah bright white; Ink: Memento, Tuxedo Black; Spellbinder Nestabilities: Standard Circles Large and Classic Scallop Circles Large; Buttons (my stash); Anchor Floss 1204; Copic Markers: E0000, E13, E15, E18, W1, W5, RV25, R01, R81, R83, R85, YG03 and Colorless Blender. Finished card is 5.5 x 5.5

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a delightful comment, it's so thoughtful of you when you do! I love the following verse what a boost to those of us who are facing the work week!

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:28-29

God bless....

John 14:15 He Who Loves Me (part 2)

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Welcome back to this weeks Bible Study in John (we are still experiencing difficulties at ODBD so I'll be posting here, too.)

John 14:15 He Who Loves Me (Part 2)

Last time in our study we looked at verses 12-14 and the thought of “He Who Believes in Me”. Today we will take a look at verse 15 and “He Who Loves Me” although I suppose, most of the readers are female, so I should rename it “She Who Love Me” ;-)

If you are new to the study (and even if you are not!) please read from verse 1. It’s important not to lose the continuity or context of what is being said. John did not write one sentence and then two weeks later add a couple more! We can get misguided by taking things out of context and that is how false doctrines get started. Please take a moment to pray and prepare your hearts to receive the Word today and that the Holy Spirit will teach us His truths.

John 14:1
If you love Me, keep My commandments. (NKJV)
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (KJV)
If you love me, obey my commandments. (NLT)
If you love me, you will obey what I command. (NIV)
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV)
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. ( NASB)
If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. (ASV)
If ye love me, my commands keep, (YLT)

I love looking at all the different versions and translations to get a better understanding of a verse or word. You cannot question what is being said here. If you love Jesus, obey His Word. This is simple truth and very compelling.

The Greek transliteration for “keep” is tereo - the meaning is to: attend to carefully, take care of, take heed to, observe. (Strongs #5083 / Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words)

This verse is huge (spiritually speaking) and the theme of “keeping” His commandments will be repeated three times in this chapter, one in the negative sense. (verses: 21, 23, 24)

Evidence of our love for the Lord is obedience to His Word. I do not think we should take this lightly or make excuses for not obeying. Notice the word “if” in the verse. That word denotes a condition. If we love Jesus... we will keep/obey His commands. Now this is impossible without Christ in us and the Holy Spirit to guide us, which leads us to the next verse but I do not want to skim over the importance of our loving obedience to Christ. So, I will save that until next time.
Jesus has set the example for us in His love and obedience to the Father. We are called to follow Him (Read: John 10:27; 12:26; 1 Peter 2:21 ).

Here are some other verses to reflect on and hopefully memorize especially when we are tempted to disobey.

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”1 John 2:3-4

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 John 3:24

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:2-3

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12
"Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." Revelation 22:7

Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." Revelation 22:9

Next time we will be looking at how the Holy Spirit helps us live this Christian life as God would have us live it. What a gift we have in the Holy Spirit who helps us live obedient lives to glorify the Father through our obedience and love of Jesus.

Thanks for studying with me and I hope that you are growing in your love and knowledge of God's Word and in your relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. Please keep me lifted up in prayer as we continue this study. I covet your prayers!

Affectionately,

Natalie

Thinking of You - FS260 WANNABCRE8TIVE

2012-01-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Delightful Friends and Family,

Just a quick post to share a card I did for the Featured Stamper Challenge at SCS. This weeks featured stamper is Shirley Quarry aka WANNABCR8TIVE. Here is the card I CASE'd called Razzleberry Sympathy. The changes I've made are 1. image and ink color 2. Embossing folder 3. ribbon 4 sentiment. I really liked the layout so I didn't change much except add a layer of designer paper under the image layer.

Here are the ingredients: Stamps - Gina K Design, Botanicals and Taylored Expressions - Love Grows Here (sentiment) Inks: Memento, Tuxedo black and Ranger Distress Inks, Worn Lipstick and Frayed Burlap. Designer Paper: Basic Grey - Kissing Booth collection; Copics YG97 (stems). American Crafts, ribbon; Embossing Folder and Cuttlebug from ProvoCraft. The card stocks I've used are from my stash and I'm not sure of their manufacturer.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful Lord's Day.

Tomorrow I will be posting the John Bible Study first thing in the morning so be on the look out. They are still having technical difficulties at Our Daily Bread Designs so I'm posting it here and on the forum at ODBD (private forum).

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Miss You - STV12FRI1

2012-01-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

Happy Saturday morning to you! (actually it's technically still Friday night here on the west coast but getting closer to the midnight hour!) I spent all morning at the church preparing for the online Gospel of John Bible study which will post this weekend and got the other church responsibilites finished early since the little kiddos are with their momma and daddy today. Kelly is doing much better but still not well enough to go to work and they are staying home with her. So I was able to get a lot done today and will be able to relax and not be so rushed during the weekend.

I've been playing (experimenting) at my craft table with Distress Stains and watercolor paper. Trying to go outside the box and do something different. I think I achieved "different"! But I managed to squeeze in a challenge along with it. My friend and neighbor (actually Brenda lives in the town over from me, but in blogland it would definitely qualify as neighbor!) is sponsoring the Friday Free For All challenge at Stamp TV this week. Yay, Brenda!!! Her challenge, should we accept the assignment is to make a card using a flower PLUS use at least two different shapes. So, I've accepted the challenge and I've used a circle and a square (easy peasy!) and I've used the Botanical Stamp Set from Gina K Designs. Mission Accomplished!

Here are the deets: Inks: Memento, Tuxedo black; Distress Ink, Frayed Burlap; Distress Stains: Tea Dye, Weathered Wood, Mustard Seed, Tumbled Glass, Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters; Bazzill card stock; American Crafts, ribbon; Queen & Co rhinestone; EK Success Scallop Circle border punch. The finished card size is 4.25 x 5.5

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6

Thanks for looking and leaving a delightful comment! Enjoy the weekend!

Rejoice in the Lord - ODBDCAS40

2012-01-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family! It's Friday night and it looks like I get to spend a little time in the craft room after I post this! Fun! Here is a card I did for a challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs Forum for a CAS card using the colors yellow and white (ink: black or blue). Molly had a nice write up over there concerning the challenge and I was excited to be able to play.

(Sorry about the shadows)

Details:

Stamps: Christmas Verses set (ODBD); Ink: Memento, Tuxedo black and Distress Ink, Mustard Seed; Designer Paper: Jillibean Soup - Homemade 6 Bean collection; Bazzill card stock; Spellbinder Nestabilities Petite Scallop Ovals, Large; Marvy Uchida butterfly punch; Ribbon (my stash); Scissors, CM Borderlines ruler. Finished size 4.25 x 5.5

Thanks for looking and remember to "Rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice!"

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my delight friends and family!

I made this card a couple of weeks ago and keep forgetting to post it. This is a watercolor technique I've used with Distress Inks and Distress Stains. Both are waterbase so after applying the ink directly onto the craft sheet, (Worn Lipstick, Spiced Marmalade, Mustard Seed - Distress inks; Fired Brick and Peeled Paint Distress Stains); I've sprayed them with water then loaded my stamp with the mixture and then stamped onto watercolor paper.

Easy peasy and I know I'm not proficient at it but for my first attempt in a long time, I thought it turned out okay! I love this stamp which is probably retired by now (Hero Arts) called Showy Blossoms. My base is Bazzill card stock and then I've matted the focal piece with a smooth cream colored card stock (Taylored Expressions). The sentiment is also from Taylored Expressions and I've used the Spellbinders Tag Trio die (cut from watercolor paper leftovers!) I've stamped the Je t'aime with Stazon black ink (Moka Collection - Cherie stamp) The little heart was also stamped with Stazon, then stickles added for a little bling. The heart is also from TE - Buddy Bear set. The red ribbon is American Crafts. I've sponged around the edges with the Distress ink, Worn Lipstick. Finished card is 4.25 x 5.5

(inside "You have my heart" from Buddy Bear set - TE)

Thanks for looking! Hope you are having an excellent day! God bless.

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. Psalms 145:13

Introducing Ivy - Hugs and Kisses

2012-01-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

It's almost Friday, yay!! Hope you are looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend ahead. Not sure what's in the works for me other than going to Jake's Kindersport basketball on Saturday and church on Sunday. I'm hoping to get a lot of the preliminary "stuff" done for Sunday, Friday a.m., so that I can actually enjoy a Saturday rather than always feeling pressed for time. Enough about me...

Here is an adorable new image from the Bug and Roo Collection created by 15 year old Hannah Boyd (daughter of Lori of BY LORI Designs) she is one talented young lady! This is Ivy one of six new images. This one reminds me so much of our little Addy (2-1/2 yr old granddaughter) who has beautiful curly brown hair. I made this card to give her for Valentines Day.

I'm participating in two challenges with this card.

1. Card Positioning Systems Sketch challenge (CPS252)

2. Photo Inspiration Challenge (BLD 23) at By LORI Designs

Finished card is 5.5 x 5.5

Here are the details:

Designer Paper: Queen & Co. "Cute Kids" Collection; Card stock: Bazzill (Taylored Expressions); Ribbon (my stash); Ric Rac (Taylored Expressions - Key Ingredient Kit Aug 2010); Spellbinders Nestabilities Scallop Circle, large; Kenmore sewing machine; Sentiment: By Lori Designs (digi); Copics: R01, R20, R81, R85; E0000, E000, E00, E09, E11, E13, E15; G82.

Inspiration photo and sketch:

"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" Ephesians 2:10

Have a super excellent day and thank you for visiting!

Calender Challenge - Jeremiah 29 (TECALCHAL)

2012-01-26T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family,

Can you believe it's the last weekend coming up for January, goodness where has the time gone!

This calendar page is just getting in before the months end for the monthly calendar challenge at Taylored Expressions and I thought how appropriate this verse from Jeremiah 29 was for the beginning of the new year. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD....." Isn't that comforting to know that we are in the Lord's capable hands no matter what we encounter? Good times and tough times it doesn't matter, we are His, if we've called on the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can rest in His peace.

Details: Stamp set: Rest and Renewal (TE); Designer Paper, Making Memories, Paper Reverie collection; Ink: Memento, Tuxedo black, Distress Ink, Antique Linen; Adirondack, Dimensional Pearls, Espresso; Ribbon (TE); Bazzill card stock; Spellbinders Nestabilities, Scallop Circles, large; Desk Top Calender set (TE)

That's it for me this afternoon! Have a great evening!

HELLO! CFC#36 (a second card)

2012-01-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Couldn't resist doing another black and white card! So I'm playing along again with CASual Fridays challenge of black and white only, no exceptions!

Here are the details:

1. Black card base of Bazzill card stock, cut 4.25 x 5.5

2. Stamp 4 different backgrounds on white card stock (Neenah) and cut 1.25 x 1.25

3. Cut black card stock square 3 x 3; adhere small backgrounds

4. Cut white card stock square 3.5 x 3.5; Adhere step 3 to white c/s.

5. Adhere the above to base.

6. Stamp label on white c/s; Stamp "hello" on to label, cut out. Adhere to card.

7. Stamp heart, cut out and adhere with dimensionals.

Stamps used: Taylored Expressions: Bugabee set (label and sentiment); It's in the Bag set (backgrounds).

Unity Stamp Co. Ippity : Devoted set

Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful week.

Thanks to all who have prayed for my daughter, she's home now and recovering from the leg infection. She is still on antibiotics for another week and her white blood cell count is still elevated but we are praying and hoping that her next blood test will show great improvement.

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Totally Adorable - CASual Fridays Challenge 36

2012-01-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hello to my Delightful Friends and Family from a very soggy and windy Northern California!

Just a quick post to share a CAS card challenge. Why do I have such a difficult time with clean and simple? It's crazy! Anyhoo, here is my card and the challenge is from CASual FridayS and if you cannot tell the challenge is black and white only, in honor of PENQUIN AWARENESS DAY (Jan. 20th). My friend, Cindy Coutts is sponsoring this weeks challenge so be sure and check out her blog, too! I won this stamp set from her 12 Days Of Christmas last month (and a Cricut Cartridge!). It pays to play!!

Here is my CAS card! I've used the Unity Stamp itty bitty (Simple Stories - Absolutely Priceless) and stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The card stock is from Bazzill and I've used a scrap of black gingham checked ribbon (stash) and two dies from Spellbinders Nestablities -Classic Scallop Circles Large and Standard Circles Large. The embossing folder is Polka Dots (Provo Craft) and I used my Cuttlebug (I love that machine!) to emboss and diecut. The finished size is 4.25 x 5.5 (A2 envelope).

Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciple, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Howdy! Introducing Jesse

2012-01-21T00:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

It's been a very crazy, hectic and somewhat anxious week with my youngest daughter in the hospital since Tuesday (she is improving and we hope she will be discharged in a day or two) in the meantime, I'm taking care of the two grandbabies 24/7 and to say I'm a little on the tired side would be an understatement! But tonight I was determined to get into my craft room and de-stress and now that Addy is tucked in and asleep, I'm good to go! (Jake is spending the night with Auntie and Gee-Gee)

It's not often I get in on 3 challenges can I just say Yee-ha!

Here are the three challenges and their links:

1. CPS - Card Sketches #251

2. Play Date Cafe a Color Challenge #115 (Slate, Moss, Bark & Tan)

3. That's Krafty Thursday #57 (The Spotted Chick) using Kraft

This was such a fun card (loved the sketch!) and a challenge to get all the correct colors! I've added just a touch of Kraft paper with the sentiment base and the stars. My card base is slate and it matches Jesse's long sleeved shirt. The next layer is the Moss green, then the designer paper. The papers I've used are Bazzill card stock, Neenah (bright white) card stock, DCWV, The Natural Stack. This cute cowboy is Jesse, from Taylored Expressions Moka Collection. I've stamped him with Memento, black tuxedo and used Distress Ink, Frayed Burlap around the edges. The Deckled Rectangle is a die from Spellbinders (Nestabilities line), I've used the Star punch and the Circle punch from EK Success. The dark green buttons are from my stash and the hemp cording is by Darice. I've used the following Copics: BG05, BG93, BG99; YG67; B45; W1, W5; E19, E37, E51, E55, E70, E74, E79, E95. The bolo tie has a dot of Stickles (Icicles) over the color for just a touch of bling!

Thanks for looking and leaving a delightful comment, have a great weekend!

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

SCS - FS258 - Thinking of You

2012-01-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

We are starting off our Wednesday with quite a rainy and windy storm, we are definitely in need of rain so that's okay, but buckets of rain are in the forecast, I hope we just get a small bucket, flooding is no fun.

Well I've been visiting Splitcoast Stampers frequently as of late and so I decided it was time to play in a challenge. My friend Cindy Coutts is the challenge hostess for the Featured Stamper challenge and she's been delighting a lot of stampers with her choice of stampers each week. This week is no exception. I found creative inspiration from this weeks gallery choice belonging to Linda (aka at SCS as: Holstein)

I chose THIS card to CASE and I did change a few things on it.

1.color 2. bottom edge 3. moved the sentiment 4. image

I hope you like the changes, I know that mine is not nearly as beautiful as the original. Linda's card is stunning and is so classic with the crisp white and navy colors.

The colors I've chosen are a cream and sort of a midnight blue with yellow accents (ribbon & Liquid Pearls, buttercup). Taylored Expressions "Birds of a Feather" is the stamp set I've used with Archival Ink (cobalt blue) to stamp it. I did use the same Spellbinders Lacey Circles and Classic Circle die. I'm not sure Linda used the die to cut out the circle in the layer of white as I did but perhaps she cut out a navy circle and added the lacey circle to it. I've also used the Spellbinders Edgeabilities called Classic Postage Stamp border which if you noticed did not cut the postage edge and I didn't notice until I had pulled it out of the die. Oh well, I like it (probably would have liked it better if it had done what it was supposed to! I may have to try it again) I've added the ribbon (American Crafts) and a button from my stash. The sentiment is stamped and cut out using the Shopping Bag and Labels die set from Taylored Expressions. The inside is finished with the Lacey Circle and another sentiment and image from the set.

Thanks for looking and have an excellent day! God bless.

Ooo La La!

2012-01-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

Bonjour!! Hope you all have had a nice weekend. Our household is somewhat happy, the 49ers won but

Denver lost, we have been cheering on Tim Tebow. We love an underdog, especially a brother in Christ.

Friday night I made this card and it's been a whirlwind of a weekend ever since, so I'm just now getting it posted. This is for my friend from high school (and hairdresser) who had surgery last week. Pre-surgery she walked her dog early in the morning and her dog is definitely NOT a poodle. AND her dog's name is Jack which I aptly re-named on the inside of the card Jacques. I think she'll enjoy the note and the reference to Jack/Jacques!

Sorry, I didn't do the greatest cropping of this pic!

Here are the ingredients to the card:

Stamp: Mimi In Paris (Penny Black stamp); Designer Paper: Stella Rose (My Minds Eye); Ink Memento, black; Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts); Spica Pens, gold, clear, olive; Tiny Twinkles (Taylored Expressions); Tools: Spellbinders Nestablilities Label 16 and Ribbon Tag Trio dies; Cuttlebug; Copic Markers: E18, E35, E37, E51, E55; Y28, Y35; BG000, BG53; W1; R000, R00, R11, R21, R35. The finished card is 4.25 x 5.5 (A2)

I paper pieced Mimi's hat and scarf, then fussy cut the image out. A little bling is added to the bow on her beret and she's ready for the walk in Paris!

Thanks for visiting and have a blessed day! Au Revoir!

Gospel of John Bible Study (14:12-14) Part 1

2012-01-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

Blessings to you delightful readers!! Hope you’ve had a great week and that the Lord is speaking to your heart about just how much He loves you!! We are continuing the Gospel of John Bible Study here because Our Daily Bread Designs forum is still experiencing technical difficulties. For those that may be new to this, I take a few verses at a time and we examine them and then, Lord willing, we put them into application in every day life, so that we bear fruit that glorifies the Lord. I trust and pray that you are growing close to the Lord Jesus!

John 14:12-14 “He Who Believes in Me” (Part 1)

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

The first two words in the text should get those spiritual antennae tingling! When we find this (translated also: Verily, verily or truly, truly) it should clue us in to an important doctrine that Jesus wants us to get! So let’s look at what Jesus desires to teach us through His Holy Spirit. Just a bit of a warning, this may rock a few boats but that’s okay! The Word says “let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4)

He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

My hope is to share this as sound doctrine because there are two extremes that I’ve seen in the Body of Christ. I believe I’m sharing this “rightly divided” so that we as believers can experience God’s power working through us to a lost world, for the Lord’s glory.

Let us first look at “the works that I do…” What are some of the works that Jesus did? He healed the sick, cleansed the leper, cast out demons, and raised the dead. What were the signs that Jesus said would follow those who believed?

Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Further reading: Acts 5:13-16; Romans 15:18-19; Hebrews 2:3-4;

We also must understand that it will not be more sensational or monumental works that the Body of Christ will do. But it will be a greater quantity since Jesus is with the Father. In the next lesson we will see that the Holy Spirit is given to every believer. Plus, we were all given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and yet Jesus had faith without measure and limited Himself on earth, to the lost children of Israel. We are ministering to whosoever! Thus the greater works! Further reference: John 13:16

So we have instruction (Most assuredly, I say to you,…) from Jesus, on how to proceed after He leaves (remember in the first few verses of this chapter, Let not your heart be troubled…) he tells us to “ask in My name”. So we must humble ourselves and go to His throne of grace and ask what we will, so that the Father will be glorified!

The goal of answered prayer should not be from selfish, self-centered desires but to bring glory to the Father. Don’t we often get our priorities royally messed up in this? I know I am certainly guilty of acting like the spoiled child of the King! And yet, in spite of our childish behavior, most assuredly, He loves us!

This week let’s work on getting to know the nature of God so that we can ask according to His will. A little hint: the more you get to know the Word of God, the more you’ll understand His nature and His desire for good to those who believe.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

Affectionately,

Natalie

P.S. please keep me lifted up in prayer for this study!

For You... Play Date Cafe Challenge

2012-01-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

I had fun with this color challenge after I finally found some papers to work! It took me a while to get a design going, but after all is said and done, I'm pretty happy with the results AND it's already in the mail off to someone... just in case they stumble across this post I will not reveal to whom.

Here are the fabbie colors for Play Date Cafe (#114)

Here is my card: Mimi in Paris (Penny Black stamps)

Inside: Taylored Expressions Stamp set: Buddy Bear (New release last week)

Here is the list of my supplies: Designer paper: My Minds Eye - Stella Rose (beret) and 29th Street Market; Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; Ink: Palette, black; Distress Ink, Milled Lavendar; Accessories: American Crafts ribbon; Taylored Expressions, tiny twinklettes; Ranger, Liquid Pearls (Bisque); Spica Pens: gold, lavendar and garnet; Tools: ProvoCraft Embossing Folder, Cassie's Brocade; Cuttlebug; Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lacey Circles; Marvy Uchida Scallop Heart punch; Copics: Y00, Y02, Y11, Y21, Y26, Y28, YR23, W1, E35, R000, R00, R11, R21, R59, BV02, V04, V09, V17. Finished card A2 size.

Thanks so much for looking and I appreciate the delightful comments!! Have a blessed weekend.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

HELLO! BLD #22 & CPS #250

2012-01-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Delightful Friends and Family!

Today I'm sharing a card for fun. Two challenges, a sketch and a color challenge.

Lori Boyd is starting up her challenges again (yay!!) This week is a color challenge and I'm using one of her digis from the Sugar Sticks Collection named Sallie (isn't she adorable?!)

Yummy colors!

Here is my card using the sketch from Card Positioning Systems #250

I'm trying really hard to only use paper from my scrap basket so unfortunately I cannot tell you what designer paper I've used. The card stock is Bazzill and Neenah (bright white). I've used the Marvy Uchida punch to punch out the image and the Fiskars border punch (Upper Crest) for the side border, EK Success Corner punch (one of my fav tools) rounded the bottom edges of the card base. The sentiment stamp is from Taylored Expressions (Bugabee set) and the ink is Palette, black, I've used my scissors to cut the ends of the paper. I've accented Sallie's dress, bow and shoes using Smooch pearlized accent ink (moonlit, sassy pink). The Copic markers used are: E09, E15, E18, E35; R000, R00, R11, R21, R81, R83, R85; The finished card is A2 size.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful week! God bless.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

Winter Birthday Card using Card Patterns Sketch 147

2012-01-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

I've been on a roll the last few days and have been able to get some cards made for some birthdays and thank you cards that needed to get sent out. I'm almost done with the ones I need for the first half of the month! Sean liked his card a lot! (read last post) His wife, Amy has a birthday at the end of the month so I'll be searching for just the right stamp to make her card soon. Here is the latest sketch challenge I found to play along to get the crafty juices flowing! Here is the link to the Card Patterns Blog.

And here is my card, the sentiment inside is from Taylored Expressions which I didn't take a pic of but all the paper and the buttons on the front are from the Key Ingredient Kit from December from TE. This cute image is from By Lori Designs and she is a Puddle Jumper named Winter Dana and her friend Penny.

Here is the rest of the ingredients: Designer paper: Bella Blvd - Christmas Wishes; Card Stock: Bazzill, Neenah; Ink: HP computer generated; Spellbinders Nestabilities Deckled Rectangle; Spica Pens: Melon (scarf) Red (bow and zipper); This image was colored by Copic markers: R000, R00, R14, R20, R22, R32, R46; YG67, YG03, YG63; E00, E31, E13, E51; Y19; BLACK 100; Distress Ink, worn lipstick was used to soften the bright white edges of the card stock; American Crafts ribbon was used to embellish this A2 card.

Thanks for looking and may God bless you this week!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Happy Birthday Card with Just Us Girls Sketch 118

2012-01-07T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Delightful Friends and Family!

I found a fun sketch at the Just Us Girls blog which I've been following but have never played. I thought it would be perfect for the card I was making for my son's birthday (on Monday!). As far as I know Sean does not read my blog so I'm safe to post it a day early! He was quite the football player in high school. So when I saw this fun digi from By Lori Boyd (Puddle Jumpers Gavin) I couldn't resist, especially since it's football season! The Happy Birthday sentiment is from Taylored Expressions (Jess - The Moka Collection).

Here are the rest of the ingredients: Designer Paper: Basic Grey; Card Stock: Neenah and Bazzill; Ink: Palette, Black; Distress Inks - Antique Linen and Vintage Photo; Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Scallop Oval; Cuttlebug; Copic Markers: R000, R00, R21, R39; B18, B41, B45; YR12; Y28; E09, E15, E18, E19.

Thanks for looking! Have a blessed day and take time to be grateful.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

It's Friday! "Just Scootin by" with a Couple of Challenges

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!!

You all are probably excited because it's FRIDAY!! (It's also payday, double YAY!!) Hope you've all had a great week. I have my house de-Christmasized with the help of my dear hubby and it's back to normal (somewhat normal, I still have the Christmas tablecloth under the "stuff" on the kitchen table that will be next on the list today to take care of!) And I must admit, there are dishes in the sink because I spent the evening after Bible Study in my craft room. I've a number of birthdays this month and I needed to get a start on some cards! So I let it slide.... It's so like me :-)

I was inspired by a couple of challenges and I was excited to use my Sweet Stamp Shop stamps (Scootin' By set) since they are sponsoring the prize at the Play Date Cafe Challenge blog AND I could incorporate some Kraft paper (which I love to use!)

1. Play Date Cafe Challenge (#113) - Color challenge (see picture)

2. Make It Monday With Kraft "Anything Goes Challenge" - The Kraft Journal

I paper pieced, did some fussy cutting and colored with my Copic Markers. The finished card is A2 (4.25 x 5.5)

(Inside)

Ingredients: Paper: Bazzill and Neenah card stock; Designer Paper: My Minds Eye - Stella Rose collection; Inks: Palette, Black and Distress Ink: Antique Linen (used to sponge around the mint green and white card stock); Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities Reversed Wonky Rectangle; Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft) Fiskars Upper Crest Border Punch; Copic Markers: BG0000, BG53; YG00, YG41; CO; Spica Pens, Melon and Turquoise;

Thanks for looking and God bless!!

Here is a verse from Philippians 4:8(KJV) to encourage you:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Bonjour! (PDCC#112)

2012-01-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Wow, two posts in one day! It's been a while since I've played along in a challenge so it's fun to start the new year with one of my favorite challenge sites - The Play Date Cafe! It's a color challenge (#112)

Details: Designer Paper: My Minds Eye (Stella Rose) and Doodlebug Designs (Petite Prints - Grasshopper); Card Stock, Bazzill; Stamps: Taylored Expressions - Birds of a Feather and Labels of Love; Ink: Palette Black; Ribbon (American Crafts); Copic Markers G000, C0; Kenmore Sewing Machine; Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft); Spellbinders Nestablities Labels Sixteen (part of my Christmas gift from my dear hubby!) Finished card is A2.

I'm loving my new camera lense another Christmas gift from my sweet hubs!!

Thanks so much for looking and leaving a delightful comment! Have a fabulous day!

Gospel Of John Bible Study - Chapter 14 verses 7-11

2012-01-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year to all my delightful friends and family!

We are still experiencing technical difficulties at Our Daily Bread Designs Forum and so I'll be posting the Gospel of John Bible Study here until further notice. We are in chapter 14 and I've been writing this study for over 2 years now. If you are new to this blog just a little info about me and this study. I was on the Christian Paper Crafts Design team and part of my service to the Christian Paper Crafts site was teaching the Bible Study and it was open for everyone to see but the site was sold to Kelley Holland who owns ODBD Stamps and my services on the DT were no longer needed since they already had two DT's already in place but Kelley was kind enough to allow me to continue to teach the Bible Study and post it there. I'm still posting it on that site, but it is not open to the public at this time.

( I'm going to post it just as it is written at ODBD Forum and please feel free to comment! I did do a little editing but nothing significant from the original)

We are continuing the Gospel of John Bible Study today and hopefully you are ready to be challenged to grow in faith. So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Please take a moment to pray and prepare your heart and may there be a willingness to be instructed by the Holy Spirit as you study this weeks lesson! God’s blessing to you.

The Father Revealed

John 14:7-11

"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.”

The Lord seems to be rebuking the disciples for their lack of understanding here in this first verse (verse 7) We have already read in John chapter 8 that Jesus had taught that God was His Father and it created quite an uproar with the Pharisees. Fortunately, Jesus was working on God’s timetable and was not arrested, (remember, His time had not yet come – I encourage you to reread John 8). For these Jewish disciples this teaching is still very new and without the Holy Spirit to reveal these truths to them, I can only imagine the confusion they may have been experiencing.

Remember what John 14:6 says “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me”.

In those next verses, Jesus asks the disciples “Do you not believe….”

#1 …He is in the Father

#2 The words that He speaks are the Father’s

#3 The works that He does are the Father’s.

Then He says “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me,”

And then He says, “Or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.”

Jesus wants the disciples to get this! We cannot separate the words or the works of Jesus because both come from the Father and reveal the Father to us. He is our Creator, our Father, no wonder we have no need to have troubled hearts!! We can have reassured hearts that we are His children and are in His hands.

Have you ever read the Bible and you just don’t quite grasp what is being stated? Sometimes it is so easy to understand and then other times it just goes over your head? When this happens, then we must continue to pray and read the Word, do not give up. If you keep studying and proving Scripture with Scripture, the understanding will come, the Lord knows what we have need of and will reveal His Word to us. I believe the Holy Spirit plays a huge part in our learning, especially when we put forth the effort and have a desire to learn and a willing heart to listen to Him. He wants to reveal the Word to us. The Holy Spirit was given to us so that we can know Jesus better! (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13)

I believe that our attitudes play a big part in learning, too. Here are three keys to successful studying. Add prayer to each one and have a journal and pen in hand and watch yourself grow in the Lord! It should be each of our goals to be more like Jesus, in our words and actions. We must apply what we are learning to be fruitful for the Kingdom. Trust me when I say it can be quite an adventure!

(Have the heart of the Psalmist! Read Psalm 119)

#1. Desire to learn

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. Psalms 119:18

2. A willing heart to listen: we are instructed throughout Scripture to “hear”

I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Psalm 85:8

If you have time this week do a word study on “listen or hear” it can be a real eye opener!!

3. Put forth the effort.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

In the days which we are living it is so important to know the Father. Not just facts although that certainly is part of it. But to know Him in an intimate relational way. It is having a deeper communion with our Heavenly Father, it is not a religious duty, it is a delight! Paul said it well in Philippians 3:8-17 ( …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection,… verse 10)

The burning desire of every believer should be to know God better. That is why we do Bible studies, read devotionals, pray, and worship the Lord… That I may know Him.

May this year be a new beginning of growth for you in your relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please do not let the cares of this world stumble you. God is faithful and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6) That is a promise with wonderful strings attached!! :-) To God be the glory!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

I would love to hear your comments and remember something you share may be just the thing someone needs to read today to encourage them in the faith! Thank you for your continued prayer support! I truly covet your prayers.

With affection,

Natalie

Glad Tidings of Great Joy!

2011-12-31T00:02:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!
Happy New Year's Eve to you all. I thought I'd do something a bit different in todays post. Normally I show a paper craft project or pics of family but this post is a Bible Study that I shared a week before Christmas at Our Daily Bread Designs Forum (formally, Christian Paper Crafts). For some reason the studies are not being made public as they were before and until they are again I will be posting in both places. We've been blessed with a Gospel that is free to "whosoever" and I just don't feel right about the studies not being made public. (Kelley - the owner of the site, is checking for me to see if that can be changed).

THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US AND WE ARE FILLED WITH JOY!! (PSALM 126:3)

Joy – Greek Chara; Hebrew – Sameach
Meaning: rejoicing, gladness, merry, glad, merryhearted, celebrate.
This is His eternal and internal(!) gift to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. My prayer is that the eternal would rule your joy, rather than the external!

We’ve been given “glad tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10)

Here are some wonderful gifts the Lord has supplied abundantly to each of us. It is my prayer that this would be a springboard for you to search the Scriptures for yourselves to see all the blessings that Lord has for us:

Salvation:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,              1 Thessalonians 5:9

PEACE:
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

TRUTH:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."       John 14:6

HIS SPIRIT:
"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." John 15:26

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."    John 16:7

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." John 16:13

HIS LOVE:
"And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:26

FREEDOM:
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 31-32

HIS WORD:
"But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." John 17:13-17

Luke 10:17-20 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we are encouraged to persevere in the knowledge that the Lord is coming back! I pray that our upward look towards Jesus would dictate our attitudes rather than the hustle and bustle that comes so often with the Christmas season. May our hearts sing throughout the year - Joy to the World!

Amen and Maranantha!

In Christian love,
Natalie

It was a very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-29T00:38:00.000-08:00

Hello delightful friends and family! We had a wonderful Christmas and I was busy behind the camera and of course was focused on the grandkids. It was a very busy two days but it was so fun to watch the little ones.

Tucker Lynn (age 1) all ready for the festivities to begin on Christmas Eve!

Our daughter Kelly's family (Addy was excited over every gift, it was so cute!)

Christmas Day at Gee-Gee's (great Grandma's house) - Jakob opening up his new Bumblebee (Transformer) as Riley looks on.

Addy giving Riley a big hug! Sweet cousins, they are playing so well together. LOVE this picture!

Showing off their new S.F. Giants jackets.(Riley age 4, Addy age 2-1/2)

Sean, Amy and their youngest daughter, Tucker. Cousin Will looking on.

Tucker checking out a Christmas bulb while sitting on Poppa's lap.

Thanks for visiting!! Have a fantastic week & God bless!

Merry Christmas from Mimi (Penny Black)

2011-12-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

Here are a few cards I made for the girls at work this week. This is one of my favorite stamp lines from Penny Black "Mimi" is the name of this adorable character. These images are from a clear stamp set called Mimi's Christmas. All are colored with my Copic markers.

Paper: My Minds Eye: 12 Days of Christmas; Neenah Card stock; Distress Ink, broken china; Memento, rich cocoa and fun accents using Spica pens and Liquid Pearls. Can you tell she going downhill, I've torn the paper for the white to show to look like snow.

Inside of the above card: Stamp, Taylored Expressions, Woodland winter set; Spellbinders, Nestie Oval Scallops.

Same papers as above with the addition of American Crafts ribbon and Polka Dot embossing folder (ProvoCraft)

Same Designer Paper, Bazzill and Neenah card stock. I've used the Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle and the Christmas Tree Die from Taylored Expressions.

Designer Paper: Making Memories, Twinkle collection; Bazzill card stock; Neenah Bright White card stock; Ribbon (stash) Distress Ink: Aged Mahogany around edges.

Designer Paper : Memory Box; Embossing folder (ProvoCraft) Snowflakes, Scallop Eyelet border Die and Tiny Twinkles (Taylored Expressions)

Thanks for looking, sorry for the quick post but I've got to go check my list.....again!! Shopping and baking to finish! Merry Christmas!

Jake and Miss Addy-tude!

2011-12-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family! As promised the pictures that did not get on the Christmas card! We have here mild mannered Jakob and then little miss Addy-tude! Can you tell? I applaud professional photographers and their patience and perseverence with children!

This just makes me laugh!

Silly!

Getting bored with this picture taking!

Sit still Sissy!

After 83 pictures my daughter did narrow it down to five. I do love the "less than perfect" which truly shows the fun and sometimes exasperating personality of the little ones and these are definitely scrapbook worthy!!

Have a wonderful day and I hope these have brought a smile to your face and a giggle or two!

SNTOBDB48 a Christmas challenge

2011-12-16T00:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!
I can't believe that December is half over and it's been almost a month since I've posted anything here on the blog. That just shows how extra busy I've been. I have a couple of things to share today for a Christmas challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs (SNTODBD49). One is a card I just finished tonight and the other is a mini canvas that I made (actually I made 30!) for our Ladies Ministry Christmas party. Both items I used ODBD Christmas Door stamp set.

I've colored the door scene with Copics and the ribbon is from my "stash".

I used a green and pink Spica pen for the glittery look. The picture isn't showing the details but the bow is a very pretty and sparkly. The garland also has a touch of bling as well.

Inside of the card. The designer paper is Making Memories and the card stock is Bazzill and Neenah. Memento Rich Cocoa ink and Spellbinders Nestabilities Die were also used.

I really should do a quick pictorial tutorial for these because they are really fun. These canvases come with the easel and each canvas is 2.5 x 2.5.

The verse is from Psalm126:3 (ODBD Christmas Door) the other stamps are from Taylored Expressions. I've used Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint, Stazon Ink, Mod Podge, white tissue and Ranger Liquid Pearls, Tiny Twinklettes, American Crafts ribbon and Snowflakes (stash)

Thanks so much for looking! I plan on another post very soon of the kiddos and pictures that you WON'T see on their Christmas card this year! Have a blessed day and truly "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY!!

Go Metallic! - ODBDSLC84

2011-11-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family,
Just a quick post:
I'm participating in the challenge to Go Metallic!! at Our Daily Bread Design. And those two words inspired this card. I kept it pretty simple in design, I hope you like it.

The stamp set I've used is called Christmas Verses (ODBD) which I've stamped with Versamark and embossed with Ranger Gold Embossing Powder. The beautiful gold and cream designer paper is from K&Company (a couple of seasons old, I'm not sure the name of the collection - it came in a 12x12 pad) the holly leaves and berries are a gold foil embossed into the paper. The card stock is from Bazzill and the ribbon is American Crafts. I've used the Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 22. I've embellished with Tiny Twinkles, gold (Taylored Expressions). The EK Success border punch is called Scallop Diamond, the Corner Punch is also from EK Success. I've used the Cuttlebug to cut and dry emboss.

Thanks for looking and commenting, may you have a blessed day!

Thankful Blast from the Past

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family! Glad you've come to visit and I'm sure you are here for the Blast from the Past Blog Hop featuring the fun stamps from Taylored Expressions! The theme for the November hop is "Thankful". We are to create a card or project to show our thankfulness. It can be a card to send a friend or a simple 'thank you' for the always needed stash of thank you cards!

The stamps are older sets released before September 2011 and it's exciting to be able to participate again this month! We have a fabulous sketch to work from, it is optional but it sure is a great way to get the creative juices flowing (thank you Sankari)! I'm using the stamp sets In the Park and It's In the Bag, today. I've paper pieced the leaves using BoBunny (Forever Fall collection) designer paper. It was a great way to use up some of the scraps! You will find the list of participants at the end of this post. Enjoy!!

Taylor Expression Dies:

Other ingredients: Bazzill card stock; Inks: Memento rich cocoa; Distress Ink, Aged Mahogany, Shabby Shutters; Bic Z4 0.5mm liner pen; EK Success Corner Rounder; Darice, Hemp cording; Copics: E25, E35, YG95, YG93, BG93, BG96; Cuttlebug

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Looking forward to your delightful comments, I am thankful for them!

I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Sketch Challenge at ODBD

2011-11-11T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

'Tis the season... This is the card I've made for the sketch challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs (ODBDSLC83). A random drawing determines the winner of a $15 gift certificate to be used at the ODBD store and I'm just going to confess this: there is a stamp set I'd really like to get for a project I'm doing for our Ladies Ministry Christmas Party. Do I NEED it? Probably not a need but... it has a Scripture verse with it that would be ideal for what I'm doing. So I'd best get this posted so I'll at least have the opportunity to win!

Ingredients: Stamp: Our Daily Bread Designs, Luke 2:11 set; Designer Paper: Girls Paperie; Card Stock: Bazzill; Ribbon: American Crafts; Inks: Archival: Olive; Distress Ink, Shabby Shutters; Memento: Tuxedo Black; Adhesive Pearls: Kaiser Craft; Glimer Glam (Organic Garden), Tattered Angels; Image colored with Copics: R37, R46;YG95, G97. Spellbinders Nestabilies: Labels Twenty-Two, Cuttlebug.

Thank you for looking and may you have a real blessed weekend!

Happy Birthday, Cupcake!

2011-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting today. I only have pics of my youngest granddaughters birthday to share no crafty card, today!

The baby version of "Rub your head and Pat your tummy" (Chew on hand and Pull off sock)

She was fascinated by the noise and lights on her new toy from Grammie and Poppa!

She loved her new blanket from Gee-Gee (great grandma) "so cozy" (as cousin Addy would say!)

Cupcake time!

Delish!! (The pink marks on her forehead is lipstick from Gee-Gee!)

Kisses for her new baby!

Big sister enjoyed her cupcake and the celebration, too! Fun day!

Happy Birthday Tucker Lynn!

2011-11-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family! Today is our youngest granddaughter's 1st birthday! Tomorrow is her party so you can count on more pictures to come!

Last weekend we went to the school Harvest Festival and then the next day my son Sean, granddaugher Riley Ann and I went to the pumpkin patch.

They found the face painting booth!

And the cotton candy!

Addy chowing down on all that sugar (yikes!)

Riley jumping the bales in true athletic form!

Picking out a good pumpkin with her daddy.

Yummy! A refreshing treat!

Christian Paper Crafts "Giving Thanks" Blog Hop and the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

Today is the Christian Paper Crafts "Giving Thanks" blog hop and you are invited! Just head over to the Creative Blog and either visit the participants or link up and join the fun - but hopefully you will do both! There are some prizes to win so be sure and check it out.

Here is my contribution to the hop. I've embellished a kraft colored gift bag and made a matching 3x3 note card.

Ingredients: Designer Paper: BoBunny, Card Stock: Bazzill; Dimensional Pearls (Terra Cotta) Ranger; Die Cut: (Tim Holtz Alterations Movers and Shapers) Mini Tattered Leaves, Sizzix; Ink: Versamark; Embossing Powder (Gold) Ranger. Stamp: Gina K Designs, Thanks a Million set.

We spent a little time today with the grandkids at the Pumpkin Patch (sponsored by Mad River Community Hospital). They have a garden behind the hospital and it was free for the employees (our daughter, Kelly) and their families, they even had a pony & buggy. I'm sure there will be more pics to come!! ;-)

Jakob and his pick!

Addy deciding... although there was a spider giving her fits and she was not liking the dirt on the pumpkins! Oh, our little princess!

Thanks for visiting!

Blast From the Past Blog Hop

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends, family and hoppers! I can't believe it's been a month already since the last Blast From the Past Blog Hop! What a fast month, don't you agree?!

I was so glad that we had a choice this month 'cause I'm not at all into the "trick" season but definitely give me the sweets! My first card follows the sketch very closely (thank you Sankari for another fantastic sketch!) and the second card I've done my own thing (which is pretty wild 'n crazy in the color scheme!) If you're hopping along then you know that Taylored Expressions sponsors this customer blog hop every month (Thank you, Taylor!) and it features the "older" TE stamps, in this case anything released before August 2011. All the participants are listed at the end of the post. Grab a cup of coffee/tea and a "sweet" and enjoy the hop!

Ingredients:

Card #1 Stamps: Kid at Heart; Designer Paper: My Minds Eye, Life of the Party (KI Kit-July); Bazzill Card Stock; From the Heart Die (Taylored Expressions); Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black; Distress Ink (Ranger) Vintage Photo; Spica Pens: melon, pink, turquoise; Copics: FBG2, FYG2, FRV1; R29, Y08, YR16. Ribbon (KI Kit July) Buttons, stash.

Card #2 Stamps: Make A Wish; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Spica Pens: melon, lavender; Designer Paper: Creative Imaginations (Marah Johnson); Copics: V25, YR16, FYG2; Spellbinders Nestabilities Reverse Wonky Rectangles; Fiskars Border Punch, Upper Crest; Tiny Twinkles (Taylored Expressions).

Thanks for visiting and leaving a delightful comment! Enjoy!

An October Gracious Glimpse

2011-10-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Christian Paper Crafts last day for the October Design Team's sneak peeks called Gracious Glimpses! If you've missed out on the first four days please check out the Creative Blog and see all the beautiful cards and projects supplied by my sweet sister's in Christ! They are a talented group! I've crafted a card that it's quite simple in design and only a little time consuming with the embossing and ink blending on the base card stock. I've started with a base (kraft card stock - Bazzill) that is 4.75 x 6 (when folded) so the dimensions may require me to make a customized envelope. If you should try this you could always change the size to A2 which is standard.

I began by embossing with Versamark using one of the leaf stamps from the Simple Blessings stamps (Unity Stamp Co) and clear embossing powder (Ranger). After I heated the embossing powder, I used a blending tool (Ranger) and began blending Distress Ink, (Aged Mahagony) over the base. After I was satisfied with the coverage I used Distress Ink, Vintage Photo all around the edges.

Next, I cut a piece of card stock (dk brown) 5 x 3.5 and a piece of the designer paper (BoBunny - Forever Fall collection 6x6 pack) 1/8" smaller than the card stock. I adhered them together. Then added the Darice Hemp Cording, tied a bow and added an adhesive pearl (Hero Arts). The sentiment (Unity Stamp Co. Simple Blessing set) was stamped on a coordinating piece of designer paper and then cut 3.75 x 1.25. I then used the Aged Mahogany Distress ink around the edges to darken. Another piece of dk brown card stock was cut an 1/8 of an inch larger and the two pieces were adhered together then using dimensionals added to the card.

Quick and easy inside to finish off the card. The designer paper is another piece that comes from the BoBunny collection and I stamped the leaf in the corner to tie it all together!

Here are a couple of Scriptures that I thought would be very appropriate to share since our theme is "Giving Thanks"

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Don't forget to give thanks to Jesus who gave Himself for us that we could be reconciled to God the Father!!

Thanks for visiting and I hope that you have a wonderful Autumn!

Shining Light Challenge #79

2011-10-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Delightful friends and family! I've made a card to encourage (always good to have a few of those around!). This also meets the requirements for the challenge to make your own embellishments at ODBD (ODBDSLC79). The butterfly is diecut from grungeboard and I used Distress Inks (Broken China, Aged Mahogany) to color it, then stamped it (Inkadinkadoo - the tiny swirl on the butterfly), and then applied (with a paint brush) Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam (Mermaid) to give it a shimmery look. After it was dried I added Adirondack Dimensional Pearls (Espresso & Terra Cotta) to accent. I've used the adhesive pearls from Hero Arts Gems and Pearls.

These pics unfortunately turned out more green than blue.

The inside was completed with a stamp from Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 3 I used another piece of the designer paper from BoBunny Forever Fall and stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink and framed it out with Bazzill card stock.

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

Hello! Play Date Cafe Challenge #102

2011-10-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family! Just a quick post tonight because it's late and time for me to think about going to bed! But I want to share a card I did the other night and had some fun with a color challenge from the Play Date Cafe.

PDCC#102

Ingredients: Designer Paper and Alpha Stickers : Echo Park; Card Stock: Bazzill; Stamp:The Greeting Farms (Spotlight set); Copics: V04, 09, 12, 17; E00, 09, 13, 15, 25, 51; G24; R20; Ink: Memento, rich cocoa; Ribbon, American Crafts; Button: Foofala Bag 'O Buttons; Spellbinder Nestabilities, Scallop Circle and Standard Circles; Liquid Pearls, Lavender Lace (Ranger)

Thanks for looking!! Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Prayer, Praise and Paper Craft Night!

2011-10-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Members!
Prayer, Praise and Paper Craft Night is coming up this Friday, Oct. 7 at Christian Paper Crafts. There will be four challenges announced on the hour beginning at 8 pm EST. Preceding the challenges, will be a time of prayer and online fellowship. You can click on the blinky for more details or head on over to Christian Paper Crafts.

A Pumpkin - Veggie or Fruit? SSIC #109

2011-10-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome Delightful Friends and Family!
It's been ages since I've played in a challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ so I'm really excited to be able to join in the fun this week.
The challenge is to use fruit on our card/project to go along with the theme of Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Did you know that a pumpkin is also considered a fruit? If you "Google" it you will find that a pumpkin is a squash-like fruit! Yum! I had to justify using pumpkins on my card! (ha!) Take time to fill up on the Spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control) and you will find yourself pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others!

(SSIC#109)

Here are the ingredients to my card:

Designer Paper: BoBunny - Forever Fall Collection

Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah (stamped image on the Neenah white)

Stamp: Great Impressions; Gina K. Designs (Thanks a Million!)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black; Ranger Distress Ink, Aged Mahogany

Embellishments: American Crafts ribbon; Hero Arts, Gems and Pearls

Prismacolor Pencil - Green Apple

Copics: YR14, 15, 16, YG13, 45, 63, 91,

Finished card is A2 (4.25 x 5.5)

Thanks for visiting!! Hope you'll leave a delightful comment and don't forget to fill up on the fruit of the Spirit and be a blessing to someone today!

Stamping in Time with Our Daily Bread Designs!

2011-09-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

The challenge week is to distress and so boy did I distress!! Welcome to Delightful Details!

Today I'm playing in a challenge from Our Daily Bread Designs called Stamping in Time. This week the challenge is to distress. The distressing can be by inking up edges, using a distressing tool, crumble up paper, you name it, and so I did it!

(SNTODBD44)

I cut my base from Bazzill (Aqua) card stock and set it aside (A2 size). Next I cut a piece of designer paper, (Dream Street Papers - Father Knows Best - Arties Tie) crumbled it up and then using my fingernail I distressed around the edges of the paper. Then I used a blending tool (Ranger) and inked all around the paper with Ranger Distress Ink (Vintage photo). Then I adhered it to the base.

This middle piece is actually Sticky Back Canvas (Claudine Hellmuth) which I've prepped with Gesso (this was done ahead of time) and then I used the following Claudine Hellmuth Studio acrylic paints: altered orange, classic teal, sable brown, traditional tan (base), dab of yellow, yellow pastel and dab of red. I wasn't sure what I was doing to be perfectly honest with you! But after the paint was on and smeared and combed and splattered with a toothbrush, then I stamped over the wet paint with one of the stamps from the Artful Flight (Tim Holtz Stamper's Anonymous, the flourishy looking stamp) It just leaves a subtle design. I used a heat gun to dry, then I stamped the Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 4 verse from Philippians 4:6 with Memento Tuxudo Black ink. In retrospect, I wish that I had lightened up the center so the verse would have stood out more. (next time!)

Here are the accessories I've used they include all buttons from Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient Kit (Sept); The Darice Hemp twine (curlies) was twisted around a paint brush and I added Studio Multi-medium (matte) to stiffen and then cut to size and adhered with Glossy Accents. The little butterfly stamp (Taylored Expressions - Summer Wreath) was stamped on the left over Sticky Back Canvas and then fussy cut (2) and adhered to the card. The flowers I've used come from Making Memories and BoBunny. The aqua colored flower I crumbled then used Distress Ink (Vintage Photo) to distress and age it. Whew, I think that about covers it!

I couldn't help but think about the word distress and that doesn't sound like something we like to go through in our daily walk but in reality we do go through things that are quite distressing so I think the verse on the card really says it all! It's a really good verse to memorize and take to heart. The two verses before it in the Bible says "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men, the Lord is at hand" (verses 4&5) Have a blessed day and rejoice!

Thanks for visiting and have an excellent day!

A Hair Raisin' Birthday!

2011-09-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend, hooray!! Welcome delightful friends and family!
Here is a card I did for my niece who turned the BIG 30. I'm great at making the cards and not so great in getting them mailed on time. As a matter of fact I've had this card for over a month and did not post because dear niece reads my blog on occasion and would have seen it. Hopefully she's received it now and I'm safe to post!

I'm a big fan of Mo Manning digital stamps and this little darling (Angelina's Balloons) I thought was perfect for the hair raising event! (Not sure if it was more hair raising for my niece or my sister! Ha!) I've used Bazzill card stock, Basic Grey (Kioshi collection) designer paper and the sentiment is computer generated, Martha Stewart border punch and EK Success corner punch were used for the decorative touches and American Crafts ribbon. I've colored it with my Copics (of course!)
Y26, 21, 11; YR20; R000, 01; E00, 95; C1, 5; RV63, 32; V12; BV0000, 13, 17, 02, 00, 31; W1

Happy belated birthday, Shae!!

Fabulous Fall Blog Hop with Christian Paper Crafts!

2011-09-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family,
Welcome to our monthly blog hop over at Christian Paper Crafts Creative Blog! Our theme this month corresponds with our Design Team Delights gallery theme “Fabulous Fall” which opened at Christian Paper Crafts on August 15th. It’s full of stunning projects! The verse that really describes this blog hop is: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Each month we offer several prizes for blog hop participants and for members of Christian Paper Crafts, that includes a crafty prize generously donated by a fabulous company. To see the details and the prize, please hop on over to our blog for more details!

Here is my card. It's a very simple design but there was a lot of fussy cutting. The image is from BoBunny Forever Fall collection (6x6 pad). I used two sheets cut down to 4 x 5.25. Using the second sheet I cut out the image on the paper and matched it up to the first after I had placed the Scripture (Our Daily Bread Designs - Scripture Collection 3) so that the leaves would overlap.

I stamped the Scripture with Versamark and used the Ranger Distress Empossing Powder (Antique Linen) then the Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One die was used to frame it out. I cut with the Cuttlebug and while still in the die, sponged with Distress Ink (Scattered Straw). WeR Memory Keepers Bakers Twine (Lemonade) is the used to embellish. Bazzill card stock (Sept. Key Ingredient kit from Taylored Expressions)

If you are going through a trial right now just remember to hope in the Lord, He is your strength! He wants us to trust in Him and He will supply everything we need to overcome. I love the verse in Jeremiah 32:27 that says "Is there anything too hard for Me?" Well, the answer is "NO!" Put your trust and believe in Jesus Christ and find that when you are weak, He will be your strength. To God be all the glory!

Thanks for looking and I appreciate the comments. Have an excellent day and God bless!

Celebrating Birthday & Birth Day with Blast From the Past!

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!
Welcome to the Blast from the Past Blog hop featuring Taylored Expressions Stamps released prior to July 2011! There is a double theme for us today Birthday/Birth Day. My first card celebrates birthdays which I have a lot during the fall months especially in November so I'm glad to get started with the many I need to make.
This card features two TE stamp sets Make a Wish and It's in the Bag. Before I go any further I just would like to congratulate Taylor and her husband on the birth of their new daughter Madelyn Grace!

Here is the sketch supplied for inspiration by Sankari Wegman.

The ingredients: Designer Paper, My Minds Eye (Life of the Party - July KI kit); Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; White Corrugated Paper, Jillybean; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Ranger Glossy Accents; Adirondack Dimensional Pearls, Espresso; Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles, large; Cuttlebug; Dotted Swiss Embossing folder; Copics: BG0000, BG01, BG10, BG72; B0000; G40; N3; C0; E74, E31

In honor of our hostess Taylor, I made this baby card. Love this double-sided paper from My Little Shoebox(Enchanted Garden - Magnificent). The stamp set is In the Bag (sentiment and pacifier aka binky in our home) I simplified the sketch a bit and came up with this cute "new baby" card. I haven't finished the inside of this card but I think I will probably make an envelope for a gift card.

Love the 3-D bag, a die set from TE that coordinates with the In the Bag stamp set called Shopping Bag and Labels.

I used the Liquid pearls (rouge) by Ranger to make the pacifier more dimensional.

Other Ingredients used: Creative Charm Adhesive Pearls; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Ribbon (handle on bag) TE Key Ingredient July kit; Bazzill card stock; Spellbinder Nestabilities scallop circle and standard circle; Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft); shredded crimped paper repurposed.

Thanks for visiting and I look forward to reading the comments and visiting the rest of the hoppers and being inspired by all the creativity! God bless!

Just Scootin' By to say Happy Birthday!

2011-09-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

(This is my second post for the day, scroll down to see the Christian Paper Crafts Gracious Glimpse!)

Hey there Delightful friends and family!

Here's a super cute new stamp I've gotten from The Sweet Stamp Shop (Nicole Rixon, owner). I've been following Savannah O'Gwynn ( Savannahland2 blog) for quite a while and saw her using some of these stamps and she shared a nice way to store the stamps on YouTube. So easy and makes so much sense! Thanks Savannah!!!

I just love this scooter, it's perfect for paper piecing (One is in my gallery at Christian Paper Crafts) and now this one which I've colored with Copics Markers. I've lots of fall birthdays in my family so I'll be using this one soon!

Ingredients: Designer Paper: BoBunny Forever Fall Collection; Bazzill & Neenah card stock; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; American Crafts ribbon; button (my stash); Darice Hemp cord; Taylored Expressions, Scallop Die; Spellbinders Nestabilities Label One; Copics: Yo7,14,15,16,18; E07,09; Black 100; B0000, BG01, 10; C1; Y02; Colorless Blender.

Here is a Scripture to encourage you today!

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28

Have an excellent day!!

Fall Colors: A CPC Gracious Glimpse!

2011-09-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello dear delightful friends and family,
I have been MIA to the blogging world due to other responsibilities but I'm back now!! Christian Paper Crafts is getting ready to reveal the Design Team's wonderful cards, layouts and projects on September 15 (Fabulous Fall) so head over to the Creative Blog and get informed and get involved and check out the last 5 days of Gracious Glimpses!
But now, it's finally my turn to share a sneak peek from this months Design Team Delights! I chose a project that was just a bit out of my comfort zone but it was good to stretch and play with materials and techniques that I've been neglecting. Here is my Grungy "Fall Colors" Wallhanging. The sections are broken down and described and I've tried to keep this short and sweet but you know how that goes! So I warn you now, this is a long post. (a complete list of ingredients follow at the end)

Each separate panel is a piece of gray grungeboard (Ranger - Tim Holtz) What is grungeboard you ask? Good question, here is a description: it is a compressed, flexible sheet of dingy material that can be painted, inked, sanded, hammered or grunged. Hmmm.... I'm having all sorts of analogies running through my head from that description! As a preacher might say, "That'll preach!" :-)

(I apologize ahead of time that I don't have the names of all of the Inkadinkado stamp sets that will be shown but I've owned them longer than I've been blogging and some came in a large kit from Costco that I received as a gift!)

This stamp from Inkadinkado was my inspiration for the wallhanging. The grungeboard was blended with Distress inks and then stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored using Prismacolor pencils and Adirondack Dimensional Pearls (red pepper). The metal "Inspire" was originally light blue and I used Adirondack Alcohol Inks (Mushroom, Terra Cotta) to change the colors.

Left side top: the grungeboard was painted with Adirondack Dabber (Stream) the leaves are Stickyback Canvas (Claudine Hellmuth) that I diecut using the Sizzix Alterations "Tattered Leaves" die (these were leftovers from another project!) If you click on this pic for a closer look you will see small music notes that I stamped using the stamp off technique so it's very subtle. Next section I've used Almighty God stamp from Unity Stamp Co., (love that stamp, designed by our own Patter Cross!!), I've used Ranger Distress Inks, Dusty Concord and Peeled Paint and then the leaf stamp(background) is Inkadinkado. The trio of leaves are brads from my stash and Distress Inks, Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo were used. Bottom left is stamped with an "inchie" from still another Inkadinkado set, it is a separate piece and adhered to the base piece. I've also used the Distress Ink Dusty Concord and the leave/branch stamp is a different Inkadinkado stamp set. The next piece was put thru the Cuttlebug using the embossing folder Divine Swirls, the Distress Ink: Mustard Seed. The tiny grunge piece is inked with Spiced Marmalade and Crushed Olive on the edges and a button added.

The puzzle piece was in a kit and I inked it up with Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade (Ranger Distress Ink) then stamped lightly with a leaf stamp. The base was inked with Vintage Photo, then I used Tattered Angel Glimmer Glam (Paprika) and using a brush covered it to give it a little shimmer.

Ranger Crackle paint (Antique Linen) was used on this section then stamped with Ranger Distress Ink, Black Soot. Urban Tapestry is the stamp I've used from the Stamper's Anonymous, Tim Holtz collection. I also used Distress Stain (tea dye) to age it a bit more.

The "Inspire" ink background is Ranger Distress Ink, Barn Door.

Here's a cool metal embellishment from a kit that says Courageous. I've used the Adirondack acrylic paint Dabber (stream). The pumpkin was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Prismacolor pencils. The background color is Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Here is a list of products that I used:
Inks: Ranger Distress inks: peeled paint, vintage photo, crushed olove, dusty concord, barn door, spiced marmalade, mustard seed. Ranger Grungeboard; Crackle paint, antique linen;
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Archival Ink, Olive
Ranger Distress Stain: Tea Dye
Tattered Angel: Paprika Glimmer Glam
Adirondack Acrylic Paint: Stream; Dimensional Pearls, Red Pepper; Alcohol Inks, mushroom and terra cotta
Stamps: Assorted Inkadinkado stamp sets; Unity Stamps (Almighty God); Ranger Stamper's Anonymous Urban Tapestry;
WR Memory Keepers, Bakers Twine (lemonade)
Misc: flowers, buttons, brads, metal "inspire"
Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Tattered Leaves die
Claudine Hellmuth Stickyback canvas
Gesso
Prismacolor pencils: orange, apple green, canary, sienna
Black card stock cut 8x8; black chipboard cut 8x8
Everything was mounted on the card stock then the card stock was adhered to the chipboard.

Well, I think I've said quite enough! I applaud you if you've made it through to the end! I hope you've enjoyed and been inspired by this little piece of art. I love reading the delightful comments, God bless!

Thankful Thursday!

2011-08-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family,

I'm thankful for summertime and having some fun with the kiddos!

It looks like we may be having some yummy blackberry cobbler in the very near future!

Feeding the rainbow trout at the fish hatchery.

Look at them all! It's enough to give a fisherman heart palpitations!

Just a pretty view east, as we leave the fish hatchery.

Head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd! What do those clouds in the background look like to you? Did you ever just lay on your back and watch the clouds form? Definitely reminds me of a lazy summer day as a child! May your day be filled with child-like faith!

Have a fabulous day and enjoy! God bless!

Christian Paper Crafts Blog Hop

2011-08-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Welcome to our monthly blog hop! Our theme this month corresponds with our Design Team Delights gallery theme “Back to School”. Each month we offer several prizes for blog hop participants. For members of Christian Paper Crafts, that includes a crafty prize generously donated by a fabulous company. This month we are thrilled to have Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps donate the versatile set Many Thanks for our member prize. You definitely want to win this! To join in our blog hop, you just need to make a NEW card or project that goes along with our theme (“Back to School”) and add the direct link from your blog post to the collection at the CREATIVE BLOG. The collection is only open from Monday, August 22 at 8:00 AM EST through Wednesday, August 24 at 11:59 PM EST. You may add your link at any time during that window. Be sure and check out the CPC Creative Blog for more info!

Here is a very simple card with a powerful verse. And what better verse to memorize and know than that the Lord is our Strength and Shield, especially during "test" time! Of course, test time does not necesarily mean a classroom test...kwim?

Ingredients: Designer Paper: MME (Stella & Rose) Card stock, Bazzill and Neenah; Stamps: Ippity Stamps by Unity (Devoted); Ink: Memento, rich cocoa; Distress Inks: Antique Linen, Scattered Straw; Ribbon, American Crafts; Spellbinders Nestabilities, Deckled Rectangle, Cuttlebug (ProvoCrafts); Finished card is A2.

Thank you so much for looking and don't forget to visit us at Christian Paper Crafts!

God bless!

A Much Appreciated Thank You!

2011-08-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's the weekend! Oh wait a minute, I have to work today! That's okay, it should be a fun (and busy) day at work, we are having a crop going on to benefit the Boys and Girls Club (all the crop fees and 10% of all the purchases today will benefit the local club!) If you are in the Eureka, CA. area be sure and stop by Scrapper's Edge and support the Boys and Girls Club!
Before heading to work I want to share a very special thank you card I made for some friends of ours that did something very sweet for us. They made reservations for us to stay at a very nice place (The Palomar Hotel for 2 nights!) so that we could celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary in style!! Isn't that so cool!! So we will be heading to San Francisco in the near future to take in a Giants game and enjoy a bit of pampering! I can hardly wait, I'm still pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming!!

This card also qualifies for three challenges:
Taylored Expressions Sketch #144
Christian Paper Crafts Bible Verse Thursday (Thankful) #120
The Shabby Tea Room challenge #75 Polkadots

The main ingredients for this card come from the July Key Ingredient Kit from Taylored Expressions (designer paper, card stock, ribbon and chipboard fence). The Stamp set is actually two different sets from T.E. Garden Party Blooms and the sentiment: Much Appreciated) Ink: Memento Tuxedo black; I've colored the bloom with my Copic Markers: R21, R22, R32 then sponged the edges with Distress Inks: Worn Lipstick and very lightly with Vintage Photo. Liquid Pearls (Ranger) White Opal were used for the center of the flower. The stem and petals were colored with Copics: YG11, YG23,YG45, YG93,YG99 and E79. The border punch is EK Success Scallop Diamond.

The Scripture is a Verve Stamp (Psalm 37:4)

The recipients of this card will completely understand the verse I've chose!

Close up to see the chip board fence that I painted with Adirondack (Lights) Dabbers, Juniper, and then added Old Papers Crackle Paint - you'll need to enlarge the photo to see that effect and I also sanded the edges of the fence to give it a shabby, peeled look. The shimmery bow (from the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient July kit is a fun chic accent!)

Enjoy your Saturday and hope you have a blessed weekend!

Thanks for visiting and I look forward to your comments!!

God bless!

The Yard's A Bloom!

2011-08-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!
Today is thankful Thursday. Today I'm thanking the Lord for the beautiful colors in my yard. I took all (but 2 ) of these pictures this morning.

The ever faithful and hardy Petunias!

I caught this in the morning before they open up completely. (another Petunia in the background)

(I took this the other day in full sunlight)

A pretty yellow rose that was transplanted years ago from a dear friends yard.

A Dahlia from the front yard.

A gorgeous Hydrangea! Love the colors.

My pretty and most favorite rose in my yard.

This is a Dahlia with some lillies in the background. My uncle gave me the bulbs and wasn't sure what was going to show up!! (ha!)

This is a Rock Rose bush (I personally don't care for it in my yard - it has a tendency to take over but dh likes it so..... It is pretty when it's blooming.

This Wisteria is blooming a second time, I didn't do the planting or any research on this but it always seems to bloom once in the early spring and then again in the summer. It could be that 2 different species was planted because we also have a white blossomed one that is beautiful with the purple in the spring.

Thanks for taking time out to visit my flower garden, I hope you enjoyed the tour!

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. (and I'll be thankful, too!)

Take time and smell the roses!

Blast from the Past "Collectors Anonymous" Hop

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Taylored Expression's Blast From the Past blog hop!! If you are following in order you should be coming from Margie's blog

The theme for this month's hop is "Collectors Anonymous". I guess I'm having a hard time parting with some of my pretties but I did manage to add a piece of ribbon, a button and a brad so I hope that counts!! Perhaps I do belong to that club of "hoarders" (oh dear!!) But I can honestly say it's not so much the pretty embellies as much as it is the pretty papers. Do you have a hard time cutting into them too? Well my card went in a different direction because when I think of collecting it made me think of my mom, who loves to sew and has MOUNDS of fabric and has 3 sewing machines each with it's own purpose! And oh my the spools of thread and I cannot forget to mention the button jar, no lacking there! I think I'll give her this card, she will love it!

Thanks to Sankari for the fun sketch. I took some liberties but I sure appreciate the inspiration! (The list of participating hoppers will be at the end of this post!)

Here is the stamp set I've used and you can find it HERE.

The Ingredients:Designer Paper, Doodlebug Nifty Notions; Card Stock, Bazzill and Neenah; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Ranger Liquid Pearls (buttercup, ocean blue, peacock, cantaloupe, rouge); TE KI kit ribbon; Doodlebug Design Braddies (bobbin); Spellbinders Lacey Circle Nestabilites (although the "lacey" part didn't cut through with the heavy Neenah c/s); EK Success Scallop Diamond border punch; Copic Markers: Y00, 26, 38; YR00; BG09, 23; G19; FYG2; RV17, 19. Finished card is A2.

I'm sure you'll be inspired by all the crafty blogs! Your next stop is Bonnie so have a great week and enjoy the hop! Thanks for visiting and leaving a delightful comment!! It's always an encouragement!

Life is Sweet! Two cards, three challenges!

2011-08-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

(Scroll down one post for the Christian Paper Crafts Sneak Peak!)

Hey there Delightful friends! Thanks for dropping by and visiting my blog! It's a new week and I had a pretty restful weekend, which I'm so grateful for! Nothing really pressing over and above the usual, which makes me very thankful. So this gave me some unwinding and relaxing time at my craft table so I played with paper and my Copic markers and watched the S.F. Giants play (or rather listen to them since my eyes were focused on my coloring!)

Here are the results of my playing (AND the Giants won!!)

TWO CARDS - THREE CHALLENGES are represented here Play Date Cafe #94 (color),

CAS-ual Friday #15 and Clean & Simple Stamping FTL#153 have joined forces this week (sketch).

This first card has many layers so I cannot say that it is a CAS, however I did use the FTL#153 Sketch for inspiration. But my second card is the CAS card using the Play Date Color challenge.

(PDCC#94, FTL#153)

(CFC15, FTL 153 and PDCC#94)

Card #1 Ingredients: Designer Paper: My Minds Eye (Fine and Dandy); Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah, bright white; Stamps: Hero Arts (Owls) and Gina K. Design, (How Sweet it is! set); Ink: Memento, rich cocoa; Spellbinders Lacey Circle Nestabilities; Copic Markers:BG72; Y13, 17, 21, 26, 38; YR14, 23; RV63; C0. Finished card A2

Card #2 Ingredients: Designer Paper: My Minds Eye (Fine and Dandy); Card Stock, Neenah bright white; Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Garden Party Blooms); Inkadinadoo (sentiment); Button (stash); EK Success, Corner Rounder and Scallop Diamond border punch. Finished card A2

Thanks for looking and I appreciate your encouraging and delightful comments! God bless!

Don't forget about the Christian Paper Crafts Design Team Delights featuring "Back to School" the gallery is opening today (8/15) and the blog hop starts August 22!!

Did You Say "BACK to SCHOOL?"

2011-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Delightful Friends and Family! We are enjoying summer days here and I truly don't want to make you think about this BUT here, school IS just around the corner again! Can you believe it? Do you even want to think about it? Me either! HOWEVER... here in northern California, school will be starting in just a couple more weeks, (just when the weather is starting to cooperate and act like summer, too!). Well, that's just our neck of the woods and something we've learned to accept living in the north end of the state. Late summer is always gorgeous around here and we enjoy it. I don't have to go to school although I ~~almost~~ always ;-) like those teachable moment that come along! Are we ever too old to learn?!

On the 15th of each month Christian Paper Crafts opens the Design Team Delights private gallery for all Super Sisters and King’s Daughters subscription holders, there are cards, scrapbook layouts and fun altered projects that go along with this months theme of Back To School. The five days prior to that are the Gracious Glimpses for all to see at the Creative Blog!

Many of you have grandchildren or nieces and nephews that do not live close, I think it would be nice to send them a card and let them know you are keeping them lifted up in prayer during the school year. I have a nephew who is starting as a new student at a Christian School and is having some family issues that could make things a little bit harder for him to stay focused. I won't be sending him this card (just a little too girlie for a boy!) but I've made another one that will do nicely. So here is my sneak peek:

I just love this little digi from ByLORiDesigns! Her name is Lacey Lollipop. I've printed and resized the digi image using Microsoft Publisher 10 and printed her out on Neenah (Bright White). After coloring with my Copic Markers I used the Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities Die from Spellbinders to cut the shape and to frame out the image. The finished card is A2.

(inside)

Ingredients: Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Summer Wreath set - both sentiments); Ink: Memento, Tuxedo Black; Designer Paper: Karen Foster, (Writing Practice, Buses); Bazzill card stock; Copic Markers: G24; BG53, 99; E00, 15, 37, 79, 95, 97; YG00, 23, 67, 91, 93, 95; Y26; R46.

Thanks for looking and I hope you'll leave a delightful comment! Don't forget to check out the other sneak peaks at the Creative Blog!! You won't be disappointed, there have been some fabulous projects shared to inspire you!

Don't forget that you can join the fun on August 22, if you have a Back to School themed project we'd love for you to LINK UP with us and share at the Christian Paper Crafts Creative Blog Hop!!

Fun Summer Challenges!

2011-08-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!
Thought I'd play in these fun summer challenges. Clean and Simple is the technique and summer/botanicals is the theme.

Cindy Coutts Designs is having an impromptu challenge to show her appreciation to Paper Creations Magazine and there will be blog candy for the winner so be sure and check out all the requirements (very minimal) and join the challenge and win a wonderful stamp set from Papertrey Ink.

Also Moxie Fab World is having a challenge called "Fanatical About Botanical"

Last but not least is Flourishes - Bring Back Beautiful Challenge "Clean and Simple" (BBB13)

Here is my entry:

Step 1: Make base from card stock A2 size. Corner round the bottom edge.

Step 2: Ink up flower stamp (stamp off once) stamp image. Repeat but position a little lower than the first flower.

Step 3: Stamp sentiment near the top of the card in black ink.

Step 4: Stamp 3 different butterflies, color in lightly with Copic Markers.

Ingredients: Card Stock: Neenah bright white; Stamps: Gina K. Designs - Botanicals and Taylored Expressions (butterflies) Summer Wreath; Inks: Distress Inks: Peeled Paint and Mustard Seed; Memento Inks: Cantaloupe and Tuxedo Black; Copic Markers: Y11, E95; EK Success, Corner rounder

I've been in a real creative slump lately so starting out with a CAS card, although out of my comfort zone (all that white space, YIKES!) worked out pretty well. Hope you like it! Thanks Cindy for inspiring me to get "crafty" and thanks Jan for encouraging me to play the challenges! Be sure and check out Christian Paper Crafts for the latest challenges we have going on too!! Did you know we have a whole thread dedicated to just Cricut techniques? And another thread specifically for Spellbinders dies? Our gallery is full of wonderful projects by the members that will amaze you and inspire you too. So, won't you consider joining us at Christian Paper Crafts for encouragement, Bible study and lots of fun inspiration with paper crafts!

Thanks again for visiting and God bless!

A Day at the Beach and the Park

2011-07-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!

It's been a month since I've posted pics of the grandkids so I thought I'd better take care of that!! These were taken a month ago and we were still bundling up due to the cold wind. Notice Riley Ann is dressed ready for the snow and Jake has his heavy flannel jacket on! It looks like a beautiful day however the wind was not pleasant at all! We only stayed at the beach for about 30 minutes and said that is enough!! If you enlarge this first pic you can see the whitecaps on the waves.

Jake and Riley digging and climbing the "dunes" (they are mini dunes!!) nevertheless they had fun climbing them. They had their pails and shovels and thought for sure they were going to help Poppa dig for clams!

Addy and Poppa not liking the gusts of wind!

Addy wanting to see Riley's gum. Thought they would cooperate for a picture (silly me!)

click to enlarge or you'll miss the girl's expressions!

So we left the beach and headed to the park where we thought for sure we'd find shelter from the wind....not! We didn't last long there either but I did get a few cute pics and we had a "Happy Meal" and a little bit of time on the playground.

Addy (age 2)

Riley (age 3) and Addy

Yes, Tucker Lynn was there too, she was bundled in a frontpack with her momma most of the time, just too cold!

Well, it has warmed up considerably and we had a fun day today at the Fish Hatchery (and yesterday too!) but I forgot my camera. Oh well, if next week is as nice as today, we will go again with camera in hand. I think I saw a young eagle or possibly an osprey in the trees (obvously I'm not an expert on bird species). So I'll be on the look out!

Thanks for visiting!! Hope to have some fun cards to post soon and be sure and check out the Christian Paper Crafts Creative Blog we have some fun challenges to participate in and I posted this weeks Bible Study in John (An Object Lesson - John 13:1-5) and you can find it HERE.

Have a blessed weekend!

CPC Retro and Vintage Blog Hop starts today!!

2011-07-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Friday to all you delightful friends and family! Hope you have a fun and restful (do those go hand in hand??) weekend!

We've starting our monthly blog hop featuring Christian Paper Crafts Retro and Vintage Theme. Be sure and visit the Creative Blog for directions and see the prizes for this months blessed participants!

Here is my vintage looking card. Most of the cards I've done this month in the CPC gallery have been "retro" so I thought I'd better try a little harder with the vintage! Hope you like it.
I've started with a yellow base (Bazzill card stock) and distressed the edges with Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress ink); I cut another yellow piece of card stock, embossed the edges with a new Sizzix embossing folder (Fancy and Floral Frames) Then I used two different distress inks and starting with the lightest I blended the ink from the edges inward.Starting with Scattered Straw, then the darker Vintage Photo. After I finished with the inking, I distressed around the edges with a Heidi Swapp distress tool before attaching it to the base.
I had two flowers that were a peachy color and recolored them using Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam and painted them to darken and add a little glimmer using the color Espresso Bean. I added a brad for the center.
I've used the Spellbinders Nestabilities Lacey Circles to frame out the sentiment by JustRite Faith set. I've stamped using the Memento rich cocoa ink.

Here is the inside of the card. Same stamp set which included the sentiment and the pretty border design. I've stamped with Memento, rich cocoa then sponged with the Vintage Photo Distress ink by Ranger. I've used the same embossing folder to do a strip of the dark brown card stock to give the inside a finished look.

The only thing I'd change about this quote is that I wished it said "Faith in Christ, makes all things possible" because we do exhibit faith everyday whether we are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ or not! It takes faith to turn on the lights (faith in the gas and electric company), it takes faith, a whole lot of faith driving your car! Think about that one - you have faith that the other driver is going to be a good driver and the list could go on! But having faith in Jesus Christ changes everything. The most important change is our eternal destination. We have some wonderful discussions and lots of encouragement at Christian Paper Crafts, it's a blessing to be a part of it and I invite you to visit us if you'd like to know more. If you enjoy paper crafting that will glorify the Lord we have lots to inspire! Thanks again for visiting and I look forward to reading your delightful comments. God bless!

Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop!

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all the Delightful hoppers!!
Hope your day is being filled with lots of fun sunshine both in and outdoors! I have two cards to share using the same stamp set (Garden Party Blooms) so without further chit chat, here are my cards:

My first card is my CAS design using the sun stamp from the set. I've embossed using the Ranger Clear embossing powder and Distress ink (Dried Marigold) to blend the ink for a custom background. My card base is a Bazzill card stock (not sure of the color maybe sienna, aztec or yam, kind of a rusty orange)

I cut another piece of card stock (yellow) 1/8" smaller than the base front. Using another piece of scrap yellow card stock I embossed another sun used the distress ink to add color then using the sun die from the Taylored Expressions Garden Party Blooms set 2 cut it out using my Cuttlebug. To add a little dimension I've added some dimensionals to give the sun a little lift! Then I double matted the sentiment, stamping with Memento, Rich cocoa and sponging around the outer layer of yellow card stock with the Dried Marigold Distress ink.

Addtitional ingredients: Buttons, doubled up (my stash); We R Memory Keepers bakers twine (primary colors)

Here is my second card. Thanks Sankari for a great sketch to work with! This card has lots of layers, fun patterns and color!

This close up shows the detail of the sun. I inked up the stamp with Scattered Straw (Ranger Distress Inks) and then I applied the Dried Marigold Distress ink stamp pad directly to my Inkessentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet and then loaded the stamp from there and then stamped the image on the paper with both inks being applied at the same time. TE Garden Party Blooms Die was used to cut out the sun.

This picture shows the Andirondak Dimensional Pearls (Red Pepper) that I ordered from T.E., I think I should take some lessons from Sankari!!

Here are the rest of the ingredients: From the Key Ingredient Kit: Designer Paper: My Mind's Eye - Stella Rose - Gertie; Bazzill Card stock.

Ink: Memento, Rich Cocoa; Taylored Expressions - Scallop Eyelet Border Die; Spellbinders Nestabilities: Lacey Circles. We R Memory Keepers Bakers Twine (Primary colors); Buttons: my stash.

Well, that's it for me, I'm hoping for a sunny day and want to take advantage of it while the grandkids are here! Enjoy the rest of the hop and looking forward to reading your delightful comments! Don't forget to come back in a couple of days to participate in the Christian Paper Crafts Blog hop featuring retro/vintage style cards. God bless!

Have A Groovy Day!!

2011-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!
It's been quite a few days since I've posted but have been busy finishing up some projects for the Christian Paper Crafts Design Team Delights for the month of July. Our theme this month is Retro and Vintage. I sure hope you've been visiting the Creative Blog, I've been inspired by the DT's fantastic projects and I've peeked into the gallery and have been blown away by all the projects!

Okay, today is my turn to give a little glimpse so here is my card for just a tiny taste of what you will find at the CPC Gallery (list of ingredients and directions at the end of this post):

(close up)

I hope you like this! I thought I would have a difficult time with the Retro theme but it was just the opposite. I had a really hard time making a vintage card and having a super groovy time with the retro! Weird!

This is just a fun card that is very retro with the design elements of the paper and the background stamp and of course the lava lamps! I've used the Unity Stamp Co. "Going Retro" stamp set (lava lamps, background, sentiment). The geometric designer paper is My Minds Eye (Lush collection - Hip Luxurious Basics). The card stock is Bazzill (patina, snow white and raven).

Step 1: Cut card base from Patina colored card stock 4.25" x 11" fold to make card. Cut designer paper 1/8" smaller than the front of base. Adhere together.

Step 2: Cut black (raven) card stock 3.5 x 3" and cut patina card stock 1/8" smaller than black.

Step 3: Stamp patina with Archival Aqua Marine ink with the background stamp (tone on tone). Adhere to black card stock and adhere to card.

Step 4: Stamp Lava Lamps onto white card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Color in the "lava" with Copics BG18, BG45, BG49 then use the Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam (mermaid color) over the lava to give it a little "bling!" Fussy cut it out and adhere with dimensionals.

Step 5: Stamp sentiment onto patina card stock with Memento Tuxedo black ink and adhere to card.

Our Design Team Delights gallery is a monthly gallery that all Super Sisters and King’s Daughters can access. It’s filled each month with stunning projects created by our design team and amazing special guests (this months guest designer: PATTER CROSS please check out her blog!). You won’t be able to see the projects that are inside the gallery anywhere else…not on blogs, in galleries, or anywhere! They are exclusive to the Design Team Delights, so join us today and don’t miss a thing!

I invite you to visit us at CPC and join us in our Bible Study, we just began Chapter 13 in the Gospel of John. I thought it would be good to give a little sneak peek and overview of the chapter and next week we'll dig right in and go verse by verse. If it's your first visit there, you'll find all the studies in the Bible Study thread so you can start with chapter 1 if you'd like. It's a real blessing to be able to serve the online community this way.

Also our RETRO and VINTAGE Blog Hop is July 22 so be sure and check out HERE for more of the details and prizes!!

Thanks for visiting and I love to read your delightful comments!! God bless.

Does Running Late Count As Exercise? CAS-ual Friday - Krafts-Men

2011-07-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Family!!

Hope you all had a delightful 4th of July and enjoyed time with your families! We enjoyed seeing and visiting with friends (many from our fellowship!) and listening to Christian music in the Park. Then we ate too much (thanks mom for putting us over the top with those root beer floats, yum!!) and enjoyed the fireworks that the neighboring streets supplied (although they were illegal, they still were pretty from afar!). Addy was a little fearful of the loud noise but Jake loved it. My nephew Will is here and they had a blast with my son-in-law making sure we had a successful firework show of our own!

So what about the title of this post? Can we count running late as exercise? Funny I know and it's wishful thinking! The inside sentiment says "If so, I burned a lot of calories for your birthday this year!! Is this not a hoot!!? I've had this stamp for a while now and was glad I had a challenge to ink it up and share. I struggle with the masculine cards, I just don't have that many stamps that fit that criteria. But then I remembered this fun set I purchased from Taylored Expressions. Here's the challenge at CAS-ual Friday: Create a clean and simple masculine card using kraft. FYI: I love using kraft!!! FYI: I'm not so great with the CAS!! This is my second card because my first one was SO NOT Clean and Simple, I got carried away and forgot!! Silly me! The Kraft Outlet is this weeks sponsor and someone is going to win a prize pack valued over $35! More info here

CFC#9

Ingredients: Stamp: Taylored Expressions (Apple Doodle Ink mini set); Bazzill card stock; Neenah bright white cardstock; Ink: Memento, tuxedo black; Copic Markers; Shirt was pieced from a scrap which I think was a piece of My Minds Eye. Spellbinders Nestablilities Labels One.

Thanks for looking and hope everyone has an incredible week!! Be sure and check in at the Christian Paper Crafts Creative Blog for some fun challenges!

Looking forward in reading your delightful comments!! God bless you this week!

The Word Lights our Way! BVT113

2011-07-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy, so busy I almost forgot to post!! I finished this card last night for our BIBLE VERSE THURSDAY challenge at Christian Paper Crafts!! Abby had a wonderful challenge for us using LIGHT FOR OUR PATH as our theme from Psalms 119:105. She used a lighthouse on her sample which was perfect for this but since I don't have a lighthouse stamp I had to use my lamp stamp from Unity! I did the Bible verse on the computer and used the font called Berkely. Very simple design and was quick and easy! I added a little bit of bling with the dimensional pearls as an accent.

Ingredients: Stamps, Unity Stamp Co., (Shine On set) Designer Paper: Basic Grey (Sweet Threads); Card Stock, Bazzill; Ink, Memento, rich cocoa; EK Success, scallop border punch and Adirondack Dimensional Pearls, Red Pepper. I've paper pieced the lamp shade. Finished card A2.

Thanks so much for looking and may God's Word direct your path and may His love shine from your heart today. Thanks for looking and God bless.

Praying for You - CPS#224

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family!!

Tami Mayberry was our guest designer at Christian Paper Crafts in June and it was a pleasure having her join the team and share her wonderful card making skills with our community! She owns a fun challenge blog called Card Positioning Systems. New sketches are posted on Sunday mornings along with 3-4 design ideas. More design ideas are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You do not have to have a blog in order to participate. Simply upload your card to your favorite online gallery and leave a link to that page in the comments section. The following sketch is this weeks challenge #224 and my card follows.

Here is my card: Praying for You (CPS #224) I really liked the simplicity of the layout and there are many possibilities and styles that could be used with this sketch.

Yummy papers!!

Here is a close up to see the layering and inking of the edges of each flower.

I've used the Sizzix Alterations Tattered Flower die with the Basic Grey Sweet Stitches Designer Paper and a cream colored paper flower that was in my Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient kit to make the layered flower. Vintage Photo (Distress Ink) was used to age the edges of each piece. The button was from my button jar.

The PRAYING FOR YOU sentiment is from the Care and Comfort set from Taylored Expressions.

All the designer paper is Basic Grey Sweet Stitches and the card stock is Bazzill.

The finished card is A2 size.

Well, thanks for looking and have a fantastic weekend. Be safe and God bless you and God bless America! Have a blessed 4th of July. (Hope to be back before that!)

Princess Addy

2011-06-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe June is over and I haven't posted any pictures from Addy's 2nd birthday (bad grammie!) Boy, it's been a busy month!

Princess Addy just awakened from her nap.

Princess Addy eating watermelon

Princess Addy eating her birthday cake.

Princess Addy being chauffeured by her 4 year old brother at her birthday party. (wearing her new S.F. Giants dress from Mimi!)

Love you Princess Addy!

Celebrate!

2011-06-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hello delightful friends and family!

Started to post this last night just under the deadline, but blogger was not allowing me to save my post let alone publish it so I missed out on a challenge that was about getting edgy (CAS-ual Fridays); the challenge was to tear, distress or use a punch to decorate the edge of your card or project. I just happened to see it posted on Tami Mayberry's blog and thought I'd give it a go. I had everything done and listed and then I got the BIG error message and had to give it up. So, I'm just going to share this with whoever decides to take a look at my blog and perhaps I'll play next week!

CFC-8

I've used the Martha Stewart border punch twice but you'll have to really look hard to see it in this picture. It doesn't show up quite as well in the photograph over the green satin ribbon.

Ingredients: Designer Paper: Basic Grey "Sweet Threads" and Bazzill card stock; Stamp set: Fourth of July Wreath from Taylored Expressions; Ribbon: TE Key Ingredients Kit; Buttons (my stash) Ink: Memento, tuxedo black.

I did not get to play but I do want to give credit to CAS-ual Fridays for the inspiration!

Be back later to post another card, I'm off now to our mid week Bible Study! God bless!

Win it before you can buy it!

2011-06-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

How would you like to win this stamp set from Tami Mayberry? Head over to her blog HERE and leave a comment. You only have until tomorrow morning so do not delay!!

A Sketch Challenge "Happy 4th of July"

2011-06-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday!! Time for a fun sketch from Gloria at Christian Paper Crafts! Be sure and make your way over to the Creative Blog and link up and join the fun. I LOVE sketches! It really gets the creative juices flowing and although my cards do not always look exactly like the sketch it is enough to get me started! Hope you enjoy my 4th of July card.

CPC - ST115

Closeup of the embossing. I was actually trying to do a double emboss (another challenge, but that didn't work out - I'll have to read up on that technique) but I couldn't just let this paper go to waste.

Here are the ingredients: DESIGNER PAPER, Karen Foster Designs, Fireworks Finale; CARD STOCK, Bazzill; STAMP SET: Taylored Expressions, 4th of July set; INKS: Memento, tuxedo black; Archival, crimson; COPIC MARKERS: R27, B29; EMBOSSING FOLDER, ProvoCraft Stars, Cuttlebug; RIBBONS AND BUTTONS, stash. Finished size A2

Have a blessed day and remember to share a smile and a kindness with someone today!

Color Monday Challenge at Christian Paper Crafts!

2011-06-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Delightful friends and family. I'm getting this posted later than I wanted but Monday is a work day so I'm finally home and can concentrate on getting this challenge posted. It's COLOR MONDAY at CHRISTIAN PAPER CRAFTS and some yummy colors are on the menu!! Jennipher has done an outstanding job in creating a wonderful palette to challenge us with. If you love to be inspired by color, I hope you'll play along and head over to the Creative Blog and link up! We would love to see your project!

(CPC - CM114)

This shot shows how I've curled up the edges of the cut out flower that I've stamped. I've popped it up with a dimensional, then added the button (BoBunny) and Cording bow (Darice).

Ingredients: DESIGNER PAPER: My Minds Eye, Stella and Rose line; CARD STOCK, Bazzill; STAMPS: Taylored Expressions, Much Appreciated (bonus set for Key Ingredient subscribers); INK: Memento, rich cocoa; Archival, Olive. This card is pretty straightforward and not a lot of extra embellishing. I used 2 different pieces of double sided coordinating designer paper.

Step 1: Cut base from darker green (4.25 x 11 and fold over to form base), cut designer paper (script) an 1/8" smaller adhere to base; Cut light green card stock 4.75" x 3.5"

Step 2: Cut 3 pieces of coordinating designer paper 3"x1.5" Adhere to the light green card stock. I did the two ends first then added the middle piece last. Stamp THANKS to bottom panel.

Step 3 Cut coordinating blue/teal card stock 2" x 3.25;

Step 4: Stamp STEM with Archival (Olive) Ink onto white card stock and cut out 1.75" x 3". Stamp FLOWER onto pattern paper and cut out. Gently curl up edges of flower and adhere to the stem with dimensional. Add button, adhere panel to the blue/teal card stock mat. Finish the inside with sentiment.

That's it! Hope you like it. Lots of cutting with the trimmer but a simple design. If I were to make another one, I'd probably do some stitching around the edges to add a bit of interest and dry emboss one of the panels and perhaps add a bow or ribbon.

Hmmm.... I think I may have to do another one of these!!

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Grace and peace to you this day!!

Blast From the Past Fun! Featuring Old Glory - Red, White & Blue

2011-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

(If you are looking for the Christian Paper Crafts Sweet Summertime hop please scroll down!!)

Happy summer everyone and welcome to the Blast From the Past - Taylored Expressions Blog Hop!! The list of participants are at the end of this post.

This month is zooming by isn't it? I'm looking forward to visiting all the blogs. Talk about a talented group of women, I'm always inspired after visiting everyones blog. Well enough of the chit chat, I'm sure you're anxious to get to see all the fabulous blogs and then head outdoors to enjoy the first week of summer. We have plans to take the little grandkids clamming this morning. Poppa does the clamming, I take the pics and stomp the sand! (ha)

I've used my very favorite and the very versatile Make A Wish set. So many possibilities with this set. This card could be a birthday card but it's optional with the sentiment I used on the inside, it could be used for an all occasion July card!

The ingredients follow but I did want to share that the blue button is colored with a Copic Marker (B29) to make it two-toned to coordinate with the bottom layer of the cake. The top cake layer is frosted with Ranger Liquid Pearls (white opal) and the background (white) was embossed with the Stars embossing folder (Cuttlebug, ProvoCraft). I stamped the image on the white card stock twice. One I colored and then cut out each layer. The other one was embossed then die cut, the colored cutout cake layers added then adhered to the colored card stock. Finished size A2

(INSIDE)

Ingredients: Designer Paper: Karen Foster, Fireworks Finale; Card Stock; Bazzill and Neenah (bright white); Buttons and Ribbon (my stash); Ink: Memento; Copics: B21, B24, B29; R27, Y13. Spellbinders Nestabilities Reverse Wonky Rectangles.

Thanks for looking and I enjoy reading your delightful comments!

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Christian Paper Crafts Sweet Summertime Blog Hop!

2011-06-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting today!! So pleased that we've been having some beautiful sunny days! I even got a little sunburned while out weeding and watering the flowers! All I can say is "it's about time!!" Love waking up to a sunny day! Today we are starting out Sweet Summertime blog hop and I invite you to play along or hop along and see the fun projects everyone is sharing today (and the next few days as more link up to participate!) Be sure to start at the CPC Creative Blog and link up your card or project. It's so fun to share ideas and the Creative blog has the pertinent information for all the hoppers!

Here is my first card "A Pinwheel Thanks"

Remember playing with pinwheels? I remember as a young girl going to the summer fair/carnival and seeing all the beautiful colored ones.

This was really simple to do. Here is a link to a step-by-step instructions to make your own pinwheel. My pinwheel starts out as a 3"x3" square, the directions show 4"x4"

The designer paper (American Crafts - Happy Go Lucky line), button and Thickers Alphas (white fabric) are from the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient Kit (May).

My second card is a one that I thought would be a cheery encouragement to someone. (Summer flowers are so cheerful!) Again I've used the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient Kit (May) which include the American Crafts Designer Paper (Happy Go Lucky line), Bazzill card stock, buttons and gingham ribbon. The Scripture I've used is from Our Daily Bread Design and is the Scripture Set 3. I've used the Memento, rich cocoa color to stamp the verse. Both cards are very clean and simple and I hope you enjoy them! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a delightful comment! Please visit us at Christian Paper Crafts!

Thanks again for stopping by and I look forward to visiting and being inspired by all the participants!! Don't forget to check out the prizes at the Creative Blog!!

Christian Paper Crafts Sweet Summertime - Sneak Peak!

2011-06-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome!! It's my turn to share a little summer inspiration just for you! Each month the Design Team Delights feature a different theme and this month is Sweet Summertime. So, here is my sweet summer sneak peak (that could qualify as a tongue twister!) This is the last day of the sneak peeks and I hope you've been following along for the last few days at the CPC Creative Blog.(it's not to late to see the other sneak peeks!) Tomorrow is the big reveal for our members!! It's been a very productive month and there are soooo many cards, projects and just plain old sweet summer creative inspiration for you!

Here is my card:

The papers were torn and distressed, then stickles added to the water edges (icicles color) and gold to the sand to give it a little glisten but it's not showing up in the picture. Why gold? Have you ever heard of fools' gold. We have it in some of the sand around the lakes in our area. A dot of Liquid Pearls was added to the "i" in "special".

I've cut out the pail and shovel and positioned them and then added dimensionals to adhere so it looks like Cole (our cute digital stamp) is carrying them.

view of the inside (notice I've cut apart the sandcastle to fit on the front and I used the leftover for the inside!)

Lori Boyd Digi Stamps (Cole)

Copics: E00, E31, E15, E97; RV69, YR07, Y08; C1; B29, B66, B45, B63, N3

Designer Paper: Creative Imaginations (Helen Darkik); Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; EK Success Jolie sticker: Sandcastle; Ranger Stickles: Icicle and Gold; Ranger Liquid Pearls, Cantaloupe; Sentiment stamps: Inkadinkadoo; Distress Tool by Heidi Swapp. Technique: tearing and Copic coloring.

Finished card: 4.25 x 5.5"

Thanks for looking and God bless! I love to read your delightful comments!! Don't forget tomorrow is the reveal of all the projects at the Christian Paper Crafts Gallery!