Word Art Wednesday - Counted Faithful

Hello Delightful friends and family!

We are having a heat wave this week!  I can't believe it was as warm and balmy as it was and it's late October! I've been working on a couple of classes for December at Scrapper's Edge our local scrapbook store and of course they are Christmas cards but it feels like I should make a beach scene instead of a snow scene! But looking at the leaves on the trees outside bring me back to reality for they are beautifully changing colors and falling on the ground. The changing seasons most definitely shout out the glory of God. 

Today I have a card to share for Word Art Wednesday - Hope you will play along with us and link your project at the challenge blog.  We have sponsors and prizes so be sure and check us out HERE.  You can link up to 5 new projects!  This challenge is Anything Goes - Family Friendly.

I've pulled out my all time favorite Unity Stamp Co. pumpkin stamps.  It's probably retired but I just love it and pull it out every fall season. I've used a mix of regular Distress Inks with Oxide Distress inks on both watercolor paper and also on 80 lb Neenah bright white. I fussy cut out the leaves and pumpkins after coloring them and then popped up the smallest, added hemp cording and a button.

This Scripture Art this week is from 1 Timothy 1:12 and this card with Scripture would be ideal to give to someone in ministry (especially a pastor since it's Pastor Appreciation Month).  I know from experience how important it is to have an encouraging word from time to time, especially when we are right in the midst of the spiritual battle that we face when in the ministry.  It is so important to persevere and remain faithful, the Lord gives us the strength and truly does enable us to do the work He has called us to do. My prayer is that when I see my Savior face to face that He will say "well done, good and faithful servant." 

But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace.  Acts 20:24

Have a blessed week and thanks for visiting!

Baby Shower - Baby Girl Nautical

Hello Delightful friends and family,
Finally getting all my pictures cropped and ready to post to share the baby shower for Ashlee the mommy to be.  Here momma goes to our church and I said I would help host it at the church.  The theme wasn't an easy one, Ashlee wanted lighthouses first and I said, I don't think that would be an easy "baby" theme (right???)  so she changed it to a nautical theme.  Still not the easiest for a baby girl theme but we managed  pulled it off.

I used my Cricut to design the onesies and little dress with bloomers (New Arrival Cricut and Celebration cartridges)

 Here is a fun centerpiece top.  We had some leftover diapers from the diaper cake that we wrapped with ribbon and set the candy dish on top.  I found a fun Lawn Fawn Tutorial  HERE that I used to fold the boats (Bella Blvd paper).  I designed the labels to go on the mini chocolates. We had six of these on the tables.  Tickled Pink is a Unity Stamp and I used an EK Success punch to make the flag.  Washi tape was wrapped around a toothpick and then adhered to the sail with Zots.

 Guess how many M&M's... The sailboat was a scrap of leftover 12x12 paper and I'm not sure what company but I fussy cut the sailboat and then punched the waves from an EK Success border punch.  I designed the invitations, drawing tickets and the Blessing and Advice card for everyone to fill out which I am making into a book for Ashlee.

 Drawing ticket for those bringing packages of diapers.  Baby girl Peyton is set for quite a few months in diapers!! Yay!!

 Everyone received a thank you gift and I bought the little treat bag from Taylored Expressions (Doodlebug), I stamped thank you (Avery Elle stamp) and dyed the seam binding to match the aqua color using Distress Inks and Dylusions Ink Spray (Ranger). 

Here is the fun diaper cake we made. 

Aren't those little shoes just the cutest!

Mommy-to-be Ashlee.

  I took a quick picture of some of the table goodies.  I still had to finish making the punch and get the finger foods out.  The baby blocks were cut out using New Arrival Cricut Cartridge.

Ashlee and her mom, Angela.  Ashlee is due June 15th and we cannot wait to meet baby girl Peyton!

Hope this gives you some ideas for your next baby shower!  

Thanks for visiting and I'll have two mini albums to share real soon!  I just finished them tonight and need to take some photos tomorrow.

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk--not as unwise people but as wise.  Ephesians 5:15

Word Art Wednesday # 107 - Simple Blessings

Hello Delightful Friends and Family! 

 Hope you've had a good start to your week!

I'm blessed to share another project as Guest Designer for the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog (Anything Goes)  Today I'm sharing a card using the Simple Pleasures (pumpkins) from Unity Stamp Co. and the diecut Mini leaves from Sizzix (Tim Holtz Alterations line).  I LOVE the paper  from We R Memory Keepers (6x6 Paper Pad Happy Campers) it was in my Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient Kit for August.  Love the color combination!  The ribbon (seam binding), I custom colored with Distress Inks (Vintage Photo and Peacock Feathers) and a Mini Mister.  The wonderful Scripture verse is Psalm 19:1 and is this weeks "Scripture Art" from WAW.  This is free to use and you can download here and play along if you'd like.  It's not required to use the verse to play along in the challenge but it does need to be "family friendly" and we appreciate you keeping that in mind when you link up. 

I love how nature declares God's glory and His plan that was ordained before the very foundation of the world, that through Jesus Christ we would be reconciled to the Father. Each season speaks of it! God's ways are so perfect!

 Here is the inside (obvious I'm sure!)  I've used the Upper Crest border punch from EK Success to fancy up the strip of paper along the bottom. 

Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Tickled Pink baby card

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Summer is in full bloom at the Houston home here in northern California.  I pumped up the kiddie pool so it is official summertime!! It was a gorgeous morning today and before going to work I took my Bible out to the backyard with a cup of tea and enjoyed some time in the Word. I kept waiting for the little hummingbird that likes my lilac bush to visit but I didn't get to see it this morning.  Twice it's gotten about eight inches away from my arm, it was so cool!

Last night I made this card for a friend (Kacie Scott), who is having a baby shower in two weeks.  I'm also helping with the decorations for her shower.  I've made a banner and 45 favors for the event but that will have to wait for another post!  

If you enjoy Country Gospel check out Kacie's music, HERE  Not only is she a sweet girl with a precious testimony, she has a beautiful voice and has written songs for her latest CD.  

I've entered this card at 

 Word Art Wednesday challenge (Anything Goes #88)

Sister Act Card Challenge (Anything Goes #15)

(inside of the card)

Here are the ingredients to my card:

Stamps:  Unity (Tickled Pink); Gina K Designs (Basket Additions 2, sentiment); Taylored Expressions: Thankful (inside Scripture); 

Ink: Memento, Tuxedo Black; Distress Ink, Worn Lipstick and Vintage Photo.

Paper:  Basic Grey (Kneehighs); Bazzill and Neenah card stock.

Dies:  Spellbinders Nestabilities, scallop oval; Taylored Expressions: Scallop border (inside); MFT Die-Namics Mini Tabs foursome; 

Embellishments: Ranger Liquid Pearls (Petal Pink); Taylored Expression ribbon (Key Ingredient kit); Spica Pen (pink)

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Polka Dot)

Technique: paper piecing, diecutting

Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.  Psalm 33:22

Thanks for visiting!! Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

With All Diligence - My Faith Art Journal - WAW#74

Hello Delightful friends and family,

It's already Thursday, can you tell me how that happened?! Hope you are having a wonderful week . I'm enjoying this new faith art adventure, here are my latest pages, just finished (well I think they are done, you never know I may revisit them and add more, time will tell!)  

My last art journal post I  shared about the verses in 2 Peter chapter one that I want to use for my inspiration in this journal. Those verses were the beginning of the "stepping out of my comfort zone" and the beginning of a woman's Bible study (that was just about 15 years ago!). 

 I had been teaching the children for years but never had taught in the women's ministry at our church.  But you know (or maybe you don't, I don't want to assume) when the Lord begins to speak to your heart about something that He desires you to do, He goes to great lengths to get your attention!  For me it was this small voice "suggesting" that I start a morning Bible study for the ladies at our church. Being the great woman of faith I jumped at the chance to be obedient (NOT)!!!! Sadly, I questioned, "Lord is this just me?  Is it because my husband is the pastor that I have to do this??"  I reasoned that the other pastor's wives never did this... surely this is just my own thoughts, right Lord?  I teach the children, I'm not scholarly, I'm not a good speaker, I hated speech class!  You've got to be kidding, right? 

Well, this went on for a week or so but it just wouldn't go away.  So, I prayed, Lord I believe this is You and I want to please You and be obedient, but if this is just me and my own thoughts, I just don't want to do it if that is the case.  Well, the Lord did answer that prayer by waking me up in the middle of the night and spoke to my heart and made it clear to me that I was to begin a study for the ladies and it was to begin in 2 Peter. Period. And that He would equip me to do it. Period.  And I can honestly say that He has done exactly that  and He has been so patient with me!  He is faithful and it is so true that when He guides us, He will provide for us, whatever the need may be.  

And so that gives you (if you made it this far) a little insight into my faith art journal and why these verses in 2 Peter are so personal to me.

I'm excited to share with you that my friend Abby (Little Birdie Blessings) has shared on her blog part of an outline of one of my Bible studies.  I had originally shared this with the group of ladies from the local Vital Network (Stonecroft Ministries) in February of this year.  The Lord is still taking me out of my comfort zone, from the four walls of my church and into the community to share His Word.  Thank you, Abby and to God be all the glory! 

Thanks so much for visiting!

I'm also entering this into Word Art Wednesday # 74

Some of the ingredients used: Stamp - Unity Stamp Co. (She was a Daughter); Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart); Chevron and Leaf Die (Taylored Expressions); Dylusions Spray Ink and stencil (Ranger); assortment of acrylic paints and Prismacolor Pencils; Zig Pen Writer, black; Faber-Castell crayons

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  James 1:17

Faith Art Journal - Word Art Wednesday #71

Hello Delightful friends and family!

It has been a busy and exhausting week for some reason, nothing really has changed in my schedule.  Oh wait a minute, the time change.... ugh... I don't know why one hour of time can cause me to feel so wiped out!  Weird.  Or am I just getting... ya know... kinda old...worn out?  Wait a minute, that can't be it, Jake my 6 year old grandson is having the same reaction...never mind!  I think I'm feeling better already ;-)

Well, after much perusing of Pinterest and being inspired by the girls at work and their wonderful examples of mixed media art I decided to start my faith-based art journal.  I didn't have a journal that could withstand all the techniques and then I saw on one of my rabbit trails in Pinterest that I could use an old hardbound book.  But here's the catch: I would have to tear out pages and then glue some of the remaining pages together for added depth and strength.  Well, what's the rub?  I'm a former librarian, it's extremely difficult for former librarians to deface a book after years of teaching little ones not to! 

But I faced the challenge, found a duplicate "old" book, which happened to be a devotional, which will come in handy as I use the torn out pages to stamp on, make flowers etc. (is that justifying the situation or what!??) plus I don't have to worry about inappropriate words popping up on a Faith journal under the  Gesso'd  pages! It's a win-win.  As a matter a fact, I found this quote on one of the torn out pages which I've used on my first pages.  "Live every moment as best we can... trust God for the result."  It was this quote that was the springboard for the two pages.  Give your best effort for God's glory then TRUST the LORD for the results = BLOOM.

Here is a "partial" list of the ingredients:  Book: Pocketful of Hope by Mary C. Crowley; Stamps: Unity Stamp Co (Andi girl) and Ranger Dylusions stamps (How Does Your Garden Grow); Copic Markers, Sharpie black marker (fine tip); Acrylic paints: Ranger Adirondack Dabbers, Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints; Making Memories Acrylic paints. Faber Castell crafter crayons; Mod Podge. Dylusion Spray Inks (fun colors!).

I'm entering this at the Word Art Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes #71

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend!

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

More thank you's

Hello Delightful friends and family!
I have three more thank you cards to share.  I think I have two more and I'll be finished for the time being.  I'm always in need of thank you cards aren't you?  I got to my craft room yesterday afternoon after doing a couple of loads of laundry and the general "pick-up" of the house.  Although I confess, the Christmas décor didn't yell quite loud enough for me to put them all away!  Or maybe I just tuned them out by turning KLOVE up on high!   

 

 I just love Cocoa from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  This set is called Cocoa's Latte.  I've paper pieced the container with Cosmo Cricket's Tea For Two.  The ribbon is from one of the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient kit and I've also use a TE Die (Scallop border).  I've framed out the image using the Spellbinder Nestabilities Label die.  The Copics used are: G000, G40, G43; R000, R00, R01; N0; E04, E11, E13, E15, E37

 

 Inside sentiment using Archival Ink Coffee (of course!)  I've also used the Die-Namics Fishtale Flags STAX from My Favorite Things.  Bazzill and Neenah card stock were used.

 

 

 

 Here is a CAS card and I used the resist emboss technique using Gloss Card Stock Paper (Ranger - Inkessentials), Versamark, Distress Ink, Picked Raspberry (Ranger).  The heart stamp is from the Unity Ippity Devoted set (one of my favs!)  The base of the card is Neenah card stock and I've also used Bazzill (raven)

 

Inside of the card: I stamped the sentiment from a left over piece from the Gloss Paper and punched out the heart using a Marvy Uchida scallop heart punch, then adhered it to a piece of the Bazzill c/s.  Sentiment is a Taylored Expressions stamp ( Buddy Bear set) using Stazon Jet Black ink.

 

 

This card I CASE'd from Danielle Daws card HERE.  Her card is gorgeous  and mine doesn't hold a candle to it!!  She has some awesome video tutorials, too.

  I definitely need a bit of practice with the ink blending and masking technique.

 I used the Ranger Masking sheet to cut out the circle using a Spellbinder Nestie Circle. Once I finished blending ink into the circle, I splattered water on the ink, hoping some of the lighter colors would come through.  I wasn't sure what kind of reaction or design I would get and I think I would liked it better if it was a bit more subtle. (it would have helped if I had my glasses on and saw how many drops of water were splattered!)  But for my first attempt I shouldn't complain!  The stamp I've used is from Unity (The Simple Things).  Distress Inks used:  Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Spiced Marmalade.  Memento tuxedo black ink was used to stamp the image and sentiment.  I've added a little shimmery to the image by using a clear and gold Spica Pen.  Neenah white c/s for the base, Bazzill black and My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found) are the other papers used.

 I stamped off the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The sentiment is PTI (Thank you in and out set).

 

Thanks for hanging through this long post!! 

 

Be sure and check out my post for the  Season of Love classes, if you leave a comment your name will go in a random drawing for the classes.  The value is $24.95 for the two week session of classes and continued access to the class and videos. The drawing will be held on January 9th

 

 

 For more information visit Cindy's Blog

 

 

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  Romans 15:4 (KJV)

Hope You Had a Merry Little Christmas!

Hello and a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my delightful friends and family!! It has been a very busy time for just about everyone I know and so my time here has been very limited.  This post will be short on words but filled with the special cards I made for my co-workers. 

 

Hope you enjoy them as much as I did in making and giving them!  I'll share some of the ingredients next to each card. I did get a new laptop for Christmas from my dear hubby (which I LOVE!) unfortunately I'm not familiar with Windows 8! Yikes!!  So my arrangement may not be how I really would like this post to look.

 

Card#1   This is CASE'd from the DT at Taylored Expressions.    Stamps: Taylored Expressions(Wheelie Great and Woodland Winter sets); Designer Paper: WeR Memory Keeper (Winter Frost); Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; Colored with Copic Markers; Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities Circle and Lacey Circle; My Favorite Things Die-Namics Fishtail Flags; Tiny Twinklettes (TE) and Glossy Accents.  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Distress Inks for inking edges.

 

Card #2 CAS - I saw a card that was similar on Pinterest which I've CASE'd, the original is pinned on my Pinterest Cards and Tags site. The stamp is from Taylored Expressions (Christmas Blessing Set) and the dies are Spellbinder Nestie Hexagon and 2012 Snowflake Pendant. Designer Paper: Memory Box and Card Stock: Neenah and Bazzill; Ink: Russet Archival Ink; Stickles to accent the snowflake.

 

Card #3 Stamp: Unity Stamp Company and I've colored with Copic Markers and accented with Liquid Pearls and Glossy Accents.  Designer Paper: Memory Box; Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah.  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Distress Ink to blend.  Die:  Spellbinders Nestie Card Creator, A2 Matting Basics B.

 

Card #4: Stamp: Stampers Anonymous (wood mounted K5-1878);Colored with Copic Markers and accented with a Taylored Expressions Stamp (Woodland Winter and Wreath of Joy); Die: Spellbinder Nestie Scallop Circle and My Favorite Things Die-Namics Fishtail STAX; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Archival Crimson; Adhesive Pearls (stash); Designer Paper from a Taylored Expressions Key Ingredient Kit.Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah.

Card#5 Stamp from Stampin' Up! (Evergreen set)colored with Copic Markers, sentiment:Hero Arts (wood mount: Believe); Designer Paper: Echo Park (Winter Wishes collection); Inks:Memento Tuxedo Black and numerous Distress inks for blending the background. Dies: Spellbinder Nestabilities Wonky Reverse Rectangle and A2 Matting Basics B; Taylored Expressions Mini Label die set and My Favorite Things Die-Namics Fishtale STAX.; Tiny Twinklettes and Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and buttons and ribbon from my stash to accent.  

Card #6 Stamp from Our Daily Bread Designs(Luke 2:11 set); Ink: Memento, Tuxedo Black; Designer Paper:scraps from my collection of Christmas papers; Card Stock: Neenah Bright White; Adhesive pearls (from my stash).  Spellbinder Shapeabilities Nested Pine Trees Die.  I CASE'd this card from this year's CARD magazine (Dec 2012)

 

 

Well, thanks so much for making to the end of this LOOONG post! 

 Let me know which is your favorite. I'd love the feedback.  Have a safe and blessed New Year!

 

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere.  James 3:17

 

 

Neon Happy Birthday - CPS#276 and Scrappin' N Style #3

Happy Friday to all my Delightful friends and family!!

Hope you have an excellent weekend ahead of you.  I'm working on Saturday at the local scrapbook store (usually I only work there on Mon. and Tues.)  I was needed to fill in until the new girl gets trained, which I'm happy help out. It does make the weekend very short though!

Here is a card I made for Amy's Style challenge #3 at Scrappin' N Style.  Hope you'll check out her blog and challenges.  She is the Cricut go-to girl around here!  Her color challenge inspires using neon colors and then to make it sweet, so here we go!  This was definitely a challenge for me!  Here is the sketch from Card Positioning Systems  this week is #276

 

 The Stamp set I've used on the front of the card is from Taylored Expressions : Build a Treat.  I've used Memento Love Letters ink to stamp the sentiment and Archival Ink in Venetian Orange to stamp the cone and topping.  The background paper is Die Cuts With A View (it's an older 8x8 pad, I'm sorry I cannot remember the name but it had something to do with sweets!). The card stock is Bazzill (Bubble gum and Limeade).  I've used Neenah bright white to stamp my sentiment and add the ice cream cone diecuts to. (Build a treat matching dies from TE).  I've also used the Neenah card stock as a base for my panel that was created using the Dylusions Ink Sprays ( Bubblegum Pink and Fresh Lime) and it also is the ice cream! The ribbon is from my stash.  I drew the white lines with a white Sharpie Paint pen. Spellbinders Nestabilities Deckled rectangles is the die used to cut the focal panel.

 

Inside sentiment: Gina K Designs (One in a Million) and the ice cream cone is a Unity Stamp (Retro BBQ... sweet summertime). Copic markers to color and Memento Tuxedo Black to stamp and white Sharpie Paint pen to outline.

Thanks a lot for visiting today and hope you have an excellent weekend!

If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.  1 John 1:7

You Simply Shine - CPS#262 and SSIC #136

Welcome to the Delightful Weekend!!  Hope your day is starting off well.  I'm getting a card in quickly for two challenges, the deadline is today so I'm just getting it in under the wire!

 1. Card Positioning Systems Sketch #262

2. Stampin' Sister's in Christ #136 - Soft pastel colors

 

 I  moved up the middle section just a bit to make room for the sentiment (compare to sketch).  I kept the embellishments at a minimum because I want to mail this without a lot of bulkiness (only a little rhinestone was added to the "i" in shine) and I popped up the image with dimensionals.

Ingredients: Unity Stamp Co (Shine On); Designer Paper: Authentique (Delightful Collection - how appropriate for my blog) Card Stock: DCWV - Pastel Stack, Bazzill (white base); Ink: Memento, rich cocoa:  American Crafts ribbon; Rhinestone (on sentiment); EK Success corner rounder: Marvy Uchida, scallop circle; Prismacolor pencil (Rose Deco);  Finished size: A2

Speaking of "shining" here are some of the little gems that brought some shine into my life this week!

 I babysat last night at my son and daughter-in-love's home for my two little granddaughters.  This pic is of Riley Ann. She is a cutie!  Unfortunately Tucker Lynn was all tuckered out and in bed before I could get the camera out.  They are ages 4 and 1 so I thought it was great I could get one to slow down for a picture!

T-Ball is in full swing (no pun intended!) and here is Jake swinging the bat and hitting off the tee. He had his first game this week!

Ready to "play" the field.

Another little "gem" our little Miss Addy-tude. This is what I got when I said "smile for grammie" Oh my she is full of passion and has quite a sense of humor!! She is going through a real naughty stage right now (almost three years old). Not a lot of fun with the training, but she is learning and she is remorseful and willing to apologize when in the wrong (usually to her brother).  Speaking of learning she just learned to make faces not too long ago from Poppa and big brother.  Nice.   Shall I save this one for when she turns 16?

 Last post I shared some spring pictures from my backyard and here are a few more:

One of the gazillion bees loving my Wisteria.

The mock cherry tree loosing it's blossoms in exchange for the green leaves.

Not snow or hail but blossoms from the above tree.

Well that's it for me today.  Hope you all have a blessed week.  Thank you for visiting!

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold to those who walk uprightly.  O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!"