Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Twist of Faith - Anything Goes

Can you believe that today is the last day of the year?  I certainly can't!!  And not only is it the last day of the year, but it's the last challenge of the year at Twist of Faith.  Usually we have a sponsor and offer a prize, but since this is the last challenge, we decided to just have the theme as "Anything Goes" and use any image we want without a sponsor and without offering a prize.  This week it's just about the love of this "hobby" we share.  It's about making something just because we love to make cards or other projects.  Why don't you come on over and join us?

I'm showing a card that I made for a previous Twist of Faith challenge...but never go the card loaded in time.  I used a Bugaboo image and kept things simple with a black & white color scheme.

  

I hope you come over and join us for our last challenge of the year.  God bless you and thank you for stopping by today.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Crafters of Faith - Blessings

This post to my blog is one that both brings me joy but also saddens my heart.  It's the 30th which means that it's time for the "Crafters of Faith" to share our projects based on the theme chosen by the hostess of the month.  It brings joy because, while I've only been part of this group for a short time, I have come to love these ladies.  But it saddens my heart because this is the last month for Crafters of Faith.  I'll miss this group so much!!!

For December our hostess is Kelly!  Here is the challenge that Kelly gave to us:

Psalm 113:2 (KJV) "Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore."  

During this celebratory time of year, we rejoice at the miracle of the birth of the son of God! One of my very favorite Christmas songs is Holy Night, heads bowed before the Redeemer. The literal translation of the first verse is:
Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.

With that, I ask you to create a card based on the blessing we receive from knowing how much was given for us! May we all be aware of the beautiful blessings we have and bestow to others.

For your December card, create a card of your choice in color and design with the theme: Sprinkle an abundance of Blessings!

The Lord has certainly blessed me in my life!!!  More than the material things I have, He has blessed me with friends and family.  He has been there for me every step of the way even when I wasn't living my life the way that I should.  I'm blessed.  I'm not wealthy by an means.  But He has provided for our every need.  And He suffered and died so that I could be forgiven and have eternal life.  There's a song we sing at church (even sang it last night) and it puts into words how I feel:
My God is Awesome
He can move mountains
Keeps me in the valley
Hides me from the rain
My God is Awesome
Heals me when I'm broken
Strength where I've been weakend
Forever He will reign
My God is Awesome
Savior of the whole world
Giver of salvation
By His stripes I am healed
My God is Awesome
Today I am forgiven
His Grace is why I'm living
Praise His Holy Name
 
He is Awesome and I'm so thankful for all He has done...and all He hasn't done.  Yes, even the prayers that I've prayed that didn't get the answers I wanted...but the right answer in His perfect plan.
 
For my card I used a Bugaboo image that I love - Beautiful Blocks - Faith.
 
 
To all my Craters of Faith sisters - It's been a pleasure spending the last couple months with you and you will continue to be in my prayers!!!
 
God bless you today as we finish our last couple days of 2013 and head into 2014.  Thank you for stopping by and spending a few moments with me.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Let it snow!

Today it was 50 degrees!  Can you believe that?  The end of December in Ohio - and it's 50 degrees!!  I LOVE IT!  But of course, this won't last....temps will drop and the snow will return.  Alas, winter is still here.  Since it is, I thought I would share a card I made a few weeks back...I love this little snowman.  The items for this card came from a card kit I received.


I'm submitting this card for the following challenges:
Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day with me.  God bless you!!!

Friday, December 27, 2013

You've Got Mail

"You've Got Mail"...remember how we all used to hear that when we logged onto our computers?  Or it was a great movie too!  And it's also one of the bonus sentiments that comes along with "Snow Mail" - the name of a new digi from StampArt Design by Kathryne!  It just so happens that is the image I used for this week at Card Crafter's Circle for the "Home for the Holidays" challenge.  One of the great things I enjoy at Christmas is the beautiful cards that we receive in the mail.  It's what connects our homes to other homes - a time to share what has happened in our lives this year and catch up with friends and family.

I didn't want to use traditional Christmas colors so I went with a plum color.  The papers are from a package that was given to me recently.  Add a few buttons and Stickles for the snowman and ground....and here's what you get:


Come on over and join us at Card Crafter's Circle.  

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:
Thank you for stopping by and have a very Happy New Year!!!!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

A very special day

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.    And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 
 
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2:1-20
_________________________________________________

In the rush and of opening packages and eating with family and friends, let's not forget what it is that this day is truly all about.  

God bless you today and I pray that He reveals Himself to you in a very special way today.  
~Merry CHRISTmas!~

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Twist of Faith #69 - Your Favorite

Tuesday brings a new challenge at Twist of Faith!  This week our theme is "Your Favorite".    Our sponsor this week is Milk Coffee Digital Stamps.

The theme of "Your Favorite" can mean anything - your favorite technique, favorite color, favorite image, favorite Holiday, or even representing a favorite time in your life.  For me "my favorite" is a representation of my favorite person on this earth and one of the best days of my life.  I chose to use "Bride and Groom" for my card because my favorite person is my husband and one of the best days in my life was the day that I became his wife.  We've been married for 13 years and it's been wonderful!  He is truly a gift from God and so much more than I deserve.  I love him with all my heart!


I'm also submitting this card to the following challenges:
If you're reading this on Tuesday or Wednesday - Merry Christmas!!!!  And if you're reading it after Wednesday, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2014 brings you many blessings from above.  Thank you for stopping by today and spending a few minutes of your day with me.  God bless you!!!

Monday, December 23, 2013

A Ducky Birthday!

Ah, vacation is so nice!  It's afforded me the time to make some cards just for fun and believe me when I say that my card stash is seriously depleted and needs replenishing!

I don't have one Birthday card in my stash so that's where I'm starting....and today I made a couple Birthday cards using "Harold the Duck" from Doodle Pantry.  Isn't he just adorable?? I also used a Birthday sentiment that is from Doodle Pantry.  Harold is colored with Spectrum Noir markers and then I used some misc papers I had plus a few buttons.



I'm entering this ducky Birthday card into the following challenges:
Thanks for stopping by today!!  Merry Christmas!!!!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Reuse / Repurpose

Store bought cards.  Admit it - you still buy them from time to time when in a rush.  And most certainly you receive them.  I sure do.  And those store bought cards I receive really are beautiful cards!  When I started making cards myself, I started looking at those store bought cards differently.  Not "differently" as in I would never buy another one.  But "differently" as in is there something from it that I can use.  I don't do that with all cards...of course there are some that are just so special because of the sender, beauty, or occasion that I would never dream of tearing it apart to use it for something else.  But admittedly, there are some that I do.  And then when someone gives me cards that they have received or used...better yet!!!!

I have a stash of items from some of those cards and this morning when I saw the theme for Robyn's Fetish Challenge - I knew exactly what I was going to use!  The heart on this card actually came off a store bought card!!  The sentiment/verse was a RAK I recently received and the paper, ribbon, and pearls were from a card kit I received from a swap a few years back (which was for everything in a card kit except an image - what a neat concept for a swap!).  This is what I came up with:


I'm also submitting this card to Word Art Wednesday which is always Anything Goes and Loves Rubberstamps Challenge which is also Anything Goes.  So why not join me at Word Art Wednesday or at Robyn's Fetish Challenge for the Gold or Silver challenge they are having.  Thanks for stopping by!!  God bless you!!!!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Card Crafters Circle - Deck The Halls

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly - FA-LA-LA-LA-LA...LA-LA-LA-LA!"  (Be glad you can't hear me singing - LOL!!).  "Deck the Halls" is the theme over at Card Crafters Circle and I am blessed to be a Guest Designer this week!

Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps and More is the sponsor for this week and gee, the winner of this week's challenge gets 5 FREE IMAGES OF THEIR CHOICE!  WOW!!!! Doesn't that make you want to play along?  And here's another great thing - Robyn's Fetish is having a sale right now!!  All images are 40% off until December 31st!  WOW!!!!

I used "A Bell For Christmas" and colored it with Spectrum Noir markers.  Several years ago I received some Christmas papers from a swap and those are what I used for layers.  Add a few red pearls and voila!  Christmas card done and in the mail!


Come on over and join us at Card Crafters Circle this week....let's see how you have Decked The Halls!

I'm also submitting this card for:

 Thanks for stopping by today and spending a few moments of your day with me.  Merry Christmas!!!!!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Twist of Faith #68 - Nativity

Do you sometimes think we miss the point?  I love the lights, the decorated trees, the songs, the gifts....but do we miss what Christmas is really about?  Jesus entered this world as a baby.  No trumpets sounding or tinsel in that stable.  He could have come to Earth in any form - but He chose to come as a baby.  Think about that.  A baby is so helpless and dependent.  But our Savior, the One who would grow up and die on that cross for our sins - the One who would do miracles and wonders - the One who had created the universe - the One that WAS - came to this earth in the form of a helpless baby.  And born in a stable.  Our King - our Savior - the Lord of All - born in a stable.  WOW!

This week at Twist of Faith we celebrate Christmas by remembering what it truly is all about - the Nativity. 

Our sponsor this week is MelonHeadz.  I love MelonHeadz images - they are so fun and easy to color!  I colored my image with Spectrum Noir markers and then I found a freebie sentiment on the MelonHeadz blog to go along with the image.

I hope you come over and join us at Twist of Faith this week as we celebrate Jesus coming the Earth!  God bless you today and thank you for stopping by.  Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Monday, December 16, 2013

"It's Starting to Look like Christmas" at Eureka Stamps!

I keep seeing the Christmas countdown calendars on blogs and it hit me yesterday when I saw one and it said "9 days"!  NINE DAYS!!!  Well, 8 today...and that means I better get busy!!!  LOL!!

This week at Eureka Stamps our theme is "It's Starting To Look Like Christmas".  And it certainly is here because not only are we decorated on the inside, but God has decided to decorate on the outside too and we are covered with inches and inches of snow.  I think it's going to be a White Christmas this year!

There isn't a whole lot that I don't like about Christmas....and one thing that certainly has my heart is the decorations.  I love seeing trees and lights and ornaments.  It always brings a smile to my face.  I decided to use Digi 17401 Every Day Christmas and Digi17402 Pointed Ornament for my card.  I colored the ornament with Spectrum Noir markers and used some new paper I received in the last week from a friend on SCS.  Here's the final result:


 Now don't forget that with Eureka Stamps you an not only get the images in digi form, but if you're a purist when it comes to stamping, you can get them in red rubber too!!  Now are you ready for a gift?  You can pick up a freebie at Eureka Stamps Challenge blog this week!!!  Yes, that means you have no excuse to come and play with us - LOL!!

I look forward to seeing your project at Eureka this week.  God bless you today and Merry CHRISTmas!!!  Thanks for stopping by today. 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Pattie's Creations & Card Crafter's Circle

Yep - it's another "2 challenges for 1 post" today!  If you're looking for Card Crafter's Circle please head to the bottom half of the post.

Friday's bring challenges from Pattie's Creations Design Challenge and this challenge couldn't be more timely for me here in Ohio since we have snow...and are expecting a ton more tomorrow.  The theme this week is "Snowy Scene Within The Image".  You just have to check out Pattie's images because she has amazing winter scenes...and my favorite ones are the snow globes!  I chose to use Winter Cottage Snow Globe.  I colored the image but then just thought it had to have some sparkle so I added Stickles for the snow.  I'm usually not a glitter type person but when it comes to Christmas cards I love it.  And gee, I think overall I'm finding a fondness for that sparkling look.  Here's how it turned out:
Remember when joining us at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge you can enter two times for each challenge and your card must always have an image.  While you're not required to use one of Pattie's images, we do love seeing them used. :)

I'm also submitting this card for:

Next up is is more glitter!  LOL!!  This week at Card Crafter's Circle the theme is "Golden Days - Use Gold".  One of the designers is actually the sponsor this week!  How neat is that??!!  Sara Sherlock has some very cute images....one of which I used was "Bells".  Of course after I colored them - and even used my gold metallic pencil - I thought it needed some sparkle.  LOL!!  So out came the gold Stickles and I went a little crazy with them.  This was the final result:
I'm also submitting this card for:

So there it is - two great challenges to take part in - and both can be used for Christmas cards - because if you're like me - you haven't even started addressing them yet....gee, I sure hope I have enough.  LOL!!  Thanks for stopping by today and I pray that you have a very blessed day and Merry Christmas!!!!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Twist of Faith & {PIN}spirational - 2 for Tuesday!

It's "Two for Tuesday" time again!  If you're looking for the {PIN}spirational challenge, please head to the 2nd half of this post.  :)

Twist of Faith has a very timely theme this week:  Traditional Christmas!  What does that mean?  Well, it can mean anything you want it to mean!  Do you have a Christmas tradition that you do every year?  Or is there an ornament that you hang every year?  Or maybe it's traditional Christmas colors...or a trip you take every year.  I decided that I would interpret "Traditional Christmas" as the true meaning behind Christmas - Celebrating the birth of our Savior.  

Our sponsor this week is Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps & More who provided our Design Team with not only wonderful images, but even Guest Designers!  Be sure to not only visit Twist of Faith and participate in our challenge, but also to check out the wonderful Christmas images that Robyn's Fetish has....because they are having sale that is running through December 31st - 40% off ALL inventory!!!  WOW!!!!!!  It's a great time to pick up some new Christmas images....and any others that are on your wish list.

I used "Christmas Scene 1" for my card and colored it with Spectrum Noir markers.  I wanted to keep things a bit "rustic" so I used kraft color cardstock for the base of the card and found some brownish type dsp to go along with it.  Add a couple buttons and one of my favorite verses and this is what I ended up with:

I'm also submitting this card for the following challenges:
 Next is {PIN}spirational Challenge.  As you know, we have a picture that is our inspiration and this week the picture is one of my favorite embellishments - BUTTONS!  
 http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141581982009147557/
 We have two great sponsors this week:  Bugaboo and Scribble & Scrap.  I used "Sewing SB Thread" from Bugaboo.  I love Bugaboo images and guess what?!  They are having a sale too!!!!  Check them out because all images are 50% off through December 31st!   I decided to use pencils to color the image and used some stash items to finish it up.

Be sure to stop by Twist of Faith and {PIN}spirational Challenge this week!   Thank you for spending a few minutes with me today - God bless you!  Merry Christmas!!!!
 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Eureka Stamps #69 - Step Card (Center or Side)

"OH NO" or "NO WAY"....that was screaming in my head when I saw what this weeks challenge was going to be at Eureka Stamps!  Don't get me wrong - I always love seeing step cards...they are so neat!  But I had NEVER attempted one myself.  And believe me when I say that I was in no hurry to try them because I'm such a basic person and new things scare me.  But alas, I figured I would have to come up with something.  So Saturday I sat down at my craft table and and had my laptop with me with the instructions on how to make one (I used the instructions on Split Coast Stampers) and gave it whirl.  

The image I used was digi17103 Three Candles.  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a jade green color for the greens around the candles but the color didn't photo well.  Since the DSP I used had some yellow in it - I decided to use a light color base.  While I was happy with the end results on the front....you should see the back!  There are score marks on the back of the card too.  LOL!!  But I must say that I really enjoyed making it and will certainly make more step cards in the future!  So my lesson for the day:  don't be afraid to try something new.  Here's the end result:
 

Does the idea of making a step card scare you?  Or have you made so many of them that you're a pro?  Or do you fit somewhere in between?  Come on over to Eureka Stamps this week and play with us!!

Have a great week and blessed Christmas season!!  Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day with me.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Crafty Gals - Christmas decor....and sad farewell

I'm late...I'm late...for a very important date!!!  The week slipped away from me and I missed the 5th of the month posting for Crafty Gals.  Maybe I was just forgetting on purpose because I didn't want to face the fact that this will be the last Crafty Gals post I'll do since the group will be disbanding at the end of the December.  I'm so sad....yet completely understand why the group is ending.  I've been able to get to know these AMAZING women who are not only wonderful paper crafters - but just great ladies who have a very special place in my heart.

Since this is December, Melina (our leader) asked us to post either our Christmas cards or Christmas decorations.  My cards aren't done yet...UGH....so can't post them.  But we did put out a tree last weekend.  About 5 years ago we gave away our tree and decorations because we just didn't have room to store them.  We decided since we didn't have kids at home we just wouldn't decorate.  That worked out well for the last few years.  But this year Christmas dinner is at our house - my mom is coming over.  I told her this year she is just sitting back and propping her feet up for Thanksgiving and Christmas - that I would do it all.  That meant we had to get a tree.  So off we went to buy a small tree and decorations.  Russ' favorite color is blue...so when I saw the blue and silver ornaments I knew our tree had to be blue and silver with white lights.  We still need to get a topper....but when we put it up the first time it looked great!  Yes, you read that right...the first time.  About a half hour after we put it up, our kitty decided to get in the window and when he did he got tangled in the tree & lights and jumped down taking the tree with him.  So yes, we had to put the tree up again.  It didn't look as good the second time because I didn't redo the lights and ornaments...just sort of set it back up and hoped for the best!!!   We will not only get a topper, but buy another set of ornaments so that there will be twice as many ornaments.  Here's the second time set up (without the extra ornaments or topper yet):


 And now - here in Ohio - it's snowing so it's really beginning to feel and look like Christmas!!  I wish you and your families a very Merry CHRISTmas!!!!  Presents are fun and decorations are beautiful....but don't forget to reflect what the real meaning of this beautiful season is all about.  Blessings to you!!!!

Card Crafter's Circle challenge #104 - Celebrations

It's the season to celebrate!  Celebrate family, friends, Christmas, the birth of our Savior.  I just love this time of year (although here in Ohio I could deal with different weather - it's snowing right now).  Ah, but along with the weather of snow comes snowmen!  So this week for the Card Crafter's Challenge of "Celebrations" I decided to embrace the snow and use "Snowman Wreath" from The Doodle Garden for my card.  I wish I would have added some glitter to the snowman to make him glisten, but then don't we always wish we had added one more thing.  LOL!  But overall I'm pleased with how the card turned out. 

 
Come on over to Card Crafter's Circle and play along this week. You can celebrate anything - a Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, or just life itself.  Thanks for stopping by today.  God bless you!!!!  And Merry Christmas!!!!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Twist of Faith #66 - Baubles & Bells

Christmas is in full swing for me - making cards, decorating, buying gifts.  We have already received 2 cards too!  Gee, I need to get mine done and in the mail.  Since I'm in Christmas Card production, the theme at Twist of Faith this week - Baubles and Bells - helped me get a few done.  How about you?  Need to do a few more cards?  Why not join us this week?  Our sponsor is Digi Darla Designs - who has some AMAZING Christmas themed digis!!  I used "Christmas Bell" and "Because You Mean So Much".  Take a look:


I can't wait to see what you create!  Thanks for stopping by today.  Merry Christmas and God bless you!!!!!

Monday, December 2, 2013

Eureka Stamps #68 - Button It Up

What's your favorite embellishment to use?  Is it metal?  Maybe die cuts or chip board?  How about eyelets, flowers, or brads?  Mine is ribbon and BUTTONS!  This week at Eureka Stamps our challenge is "Button It Up".  LOVE IT!  

Since I need another 30 Christmas cards made in the next week or so, I went with a Christmas theme.  The images I used are Digi6901 The Night Before Christmas and Digi6803(122) Merry Christmas.  Don't forget that at the Eureka Stamps store you can get the images in digi form...but also in rubber form too!  And of course with some other goodies as well.  Oh, and speaking of the Eureka Stamps website.....there's a HUGE SALE going on just today (Monday, December 2nd).  All the digi's are $1!!  Can't beat that huh?  Now back to my card - I used some paper I had already on hand and then colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers.  Here's what I came up with:



Come on over and join us this week at Eureka Stamps.  Your theme can be anything - just make sure you get those buttons on it!

Thanks for stopping by today.  God bless you!!!