Crafters of Faith - Innocence of Childhood

Recently I was able to join the "Crafters of Faith" blog group on SCS.  I was so excited to be able to join this group!  It's wonderful not only to be able to share our crafting but also be able to share our faith.  

Each month one of the members of the group issues a challenge and we create a card based on that theme....and of course post it on our blogs....on the 30th of the month...which is TODAY!  

Darlene issued our theme for November and here is what she wrote:

Matthew 10:13-16
"People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them."

I have always loved the image that this brings to mind. The culture of the day was such that children were valued even less than women were, so once again, Jesus is teaching that he came for the least ones in society. My biggest pleasure in teaching Sunday School is always experiencing God's love and grace through the accepting eyes of children.

So, with that in mind, look through your treasure trove. What do you have that shows the innocence of childhood? The pleasure in simple things? The wonder of nature? The pure fun of our world? What speaks to that child-like spirit that you remember from your childhood? Try to create something that takes you back to your childish, unquestioning, innocent faith in God. Create a little bit of heaven on paper!

When I was thinking about what to do I knew I wanted to keep with the winter/Christmas theme of the season.  Growing up in Ohio we always have had snow for winter....of course some years more than others.  And even today as I drive home from work, I always enjoy seeing the kids out playing in the snow and making snowmen.  So that's where I started - a snowman.  I also love snow globes....always have.  I had a kit that had the perfect image in it!!!!  It was a kit from another group on SCS.  Here's what I came up with:

Be sure to stop by the other Crafters of Faith and see what they created.  Thanks for stopping by today.  God bless you!!!!!

Pattie's Creations Design Challenge - Christmas Card

Thanksgiving is over, the frig is full of leftovers (YUMMY!), and today our Christmas tree gets put up...which means Christmas season has begun!  I know for some it started last night with the pre-Black Friday shopping.  But I don't do the Black Friday shopping.  Instead I stayed home last night and relaxed...and slept in this morning!  I must confess though that tomorrow I do have to go out shopping.  LOL!!

Since it will start looking like Christmas around here by the end of the day, it also means I need to drag out my stash of Christmas cards and start addressing.  I know I don't have enough...thought I did but I don't.  Let's just face it - we never seem to have enough right?  Today could save you from that problem!  It's a new challenge over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge and theme:  CHRISTMAS CARDS!  Oh come on now, you know you need just one more at least.  LOL!!!  The only requirement (besides being a Christmas card of course) is that you must use an image - either digital or traditional stamp.  And guess what?  Pattie offers a freebie the first Friday of every month - it's always available for 1 week so pop over and grab the freebie too!

For my project I went a little out of the box for colors.  For some reason I seem to be in a pink and purple mode lately.  I chose to use "Vintage Christmas Stocking" and then color it pink and purple to give it a modern feel.  
 

And here's some other exciting news!  Pattie's Creations is having a Design Team Call!!  Why not apply?  Here's the info:  Design Team Call

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope to see your Christmas Card soon!  Blessings to you and your family.

Doing double duty - Twist of Faith & {PIN}spirational

Today is double duty here in my post.  Below you will find my cards for Twist of Faith and {PIN}spirational Challenges.

First up is {PIN}spirational Challenges.  We are given a photo to use for inspiration and have two sponsors:  Eureka Stamps and Anne's Digital Art.  The inspiration photo this week is:

I was able to use digi56801 Fall Frame by Eureka.  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers and then I used a sentiment stamp I had to put inside the frame.  I love using kraft colored cardstock and thought this was the perfect time to use it as a base.  Add some pieces of leftover paper and a few buttons and here's my final product:

 

Next up is Twist of Faith challenge #65 - 3 Color Combo.  You can use any 3 colors you would like but remember that you must include a positive or uplifting scripture, verse, or sentiment.  Our sponsor this week is StampArt Design by Kathryne.  I chose to use "Inspirational Candy Canes" because I love that the sentiment is built right into the image itself!  Plus how true - Jesus is the true Reason for the Season.  Of course my colors became red, white, and green.  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers and used an embossed piece that was sent to me in a swap.  Once I was done I thought it still needed a bit of "bling" so I dabbed red Stickles for the berries and center of all the poinsettias.  Here's the final product:

I hope to see you at {PIN}spirational Challenges and Twist of Faith Card Challenges this week.  Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day with me.  I'm truly honored.  God bless you!!!!

Eureka #67 - Santa is on His Way (Christmas Theme)

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?  Are you one of those who waits until Christmas Eve at 5:30pm and you're running through the stores trying to find all the gifts you need to get?  Or did you have yours all purchased and wrapped by the end of July?  Honestly, I've done both before!  This year I'm in pretty good shape...only a few more to get and then I'll be done and can kick back and enjoy the Christmas season without stress.

Eureka Stamps is gearing up for Christmas this week.  Our theme is "Santa is on His Way (Christmas theme)".  Oh now come on...even if you have all your cards done already, you know you'll need an extra few because someone you cut off your list several years ago will send you a card and you'll be scrambling to find one to send back!  This way you can not only participate in our challenge, but you'll have that extra card on hand.  (Don't forget to have an extra stamp too!).

For my card I used digi22303 Elf of Ornament and digi403(408-415) Merry Christmas.  Don't forget that at Eureka Stamps you can purchase the images in digi form and also rubber form!  I cut the image using a Spellbinders die and had to add some pop dots since I also wanted to break up the blue by adding some corrugated white paper for dimension.

Come on over and join us this week at Eureka....I look forward to seeing your Christmas Creations.  Have a fantastic week and a very Happy Thanksgiving to my USA friends.  Thank you for stopping by today.  God bless you!!

Card Crafter's Circle #102 - Thankful/Thank You

I'm so happy to be able to be a Guest Designer again for Card Crafter's Circle.  This week the theme is Thankful or Thank You.  The sponsor is MelJen's Designs...and guess what?  There's a SALE going on right now!!!!  If you're like me, you have a list a mile long of images from MelJen's Designs that you would love to have...so now is your chance!!!  The whole shop is 50% off!!!!!  But you better hurry because the sale ends Nov.30th.  You can't beat that deal!!!

For my card I decided to use "Hot Apple Pie" and colored it with Spectrum Noir Markers.  The papers are from my stash and the Bible verse is from Clear Dollar Stamps (now out of business).

 

Come on over and join me at Card Crafter's Circle this week.  And don't forget the big sale at MelJen's!

I'm also submitting this card for the following challenges:

• Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes 
• The Sisterhood of Crafters - Embossing
• Creative Belli - Thank You
• Get Inky! Challenge - Thank You 
• Lexi's Creations - Thanks
• Path of Positivity - Thankfulness
• Whoopsi Daisy - Give Thanks

Speaking of being thankful - I'm thankful that you took the time to stop by and visit me today.  Have a very blessed day!!!

Twist of Faith #64 - With Thanks

What are you thankful for?  Is it your health?  Your family?  Your home?  Your job?  We certainly do have lots to be thankful for and should have thankful hearts.  With that in mind, Twist of Faith's theme this week is "With Thanks".  Remember, your project must include a positive or uplifting scripture, sentiment, or quote.  Our sponsor this week is Eureka (so of course I just loved this challenge!).  

I wanted to stick with a sentiment only card this time because I wanted that to be the prime focus.  I used "Bounty of Blessings" from Eureka and then added paper, ribbon, and of course - more buttons that my wonderful husband altered for me!  (What would I do without him??).

 Come on over and join us this week at Twist of Faith!  I look forward to seeing you.  And I am very thankful for YOU!!  God bless you.

Eureka Stamps Challenge #66 - Thanksgiving Theme

For those of us in the USA, Thanksgiving is one week from this Thursday!  Can you believe it??  While we are reflecting all on that God has blessed us with, it's a great time to send a card to someone and let them know they have touched your life in a special way this past year or even for many years....or maybe even just recently.  Eureka Stamps Challenge this week is Thanksgiving so just think - if you participate in our challenge this week you'll have the perfect card to send!  

My card this week will be going out in the mail at the end of this week.  While I used digi images for my card, don't forget that at Eureka Stamps you can purchase images in either digi form or rubber stamps!  How cool is that?!  I used "Cornucopia" and "Thanksgiving Blessing".  The image is colored with Spectrum Noir markers and the papers are some that were sent to me in a swap several years ago.  Lastly, the little squashes were buttons....and my wonderful husband even got into the action on this card and cut off those little loops on the back!  I think he has a new job!!!  

We hope to see you at Eureka Stamps Challenge this week.  During this season of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that you have taken the time to spend a few moments with me today.  God bless you!!!

Pattie's Creations Design Challenge #80 - Giving Thanks or Thank You

TGIF!  And Friday brings a new challenge at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  This week is "GIVING THANKS or THANK YOU".  Remember that you must always use an image to participate in the challenge.

Since I've been making so many Thanksgiving cards lately, I wanted to do something different.  I decided to with "thank you" but not the usual thank you card...but a "thanks for being you" card.  I know, I know - I'm taking a little liberty with the theme...LOL!!  But here's where I really go off  the scale.....well, just look at the card first and then I'll explain:

I know - pink flamingos?  LOL!!  I have several "Secret Sisters" at church and one of them I have had this year loves pink flamingos.  I wanted to send her a card telling her how much I've enjoyed being her "Angel" this year (since we reveal in just a few short weeks) and when I saw the pink flamingos - well, how could I resist?  

Come on over and join the fun at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  Remember - you must use an image on your project.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

• Love To Create - Thanksgiving/Thanks (obviously going with Thanks instead of Thanksgiving - LOL!!)
• Created With Love - Thank You
• Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes
• Delightful Challenges - Thankful

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

Twist of Faith #63 - Lots of Layers / {PIN}spirational #83

It's TWO FOR TUESDAYS here in my world today!  I have two projects to share today.  

First up is Twist of Faith - Challenge #63 - LOTS OF LAYERS.  As soon as I saw the "Pretty Poinsettia" image by Meljen, I knew what I wanted to do.  Printed the image out several times and then cut the layers out and raised them with pop dots.  Christmas always should have some sparkle so I added some red Stickles to the petals.  I also used some layers with the paper too...and then added a simple sentiment to the inside.

 (side view and inside)

Next up is {PIN}spirational Challenges #83....here is our inspiration picture...

Isn't it just adorable!!!  Our sponsors this week are Creative Bug Digital Stamps and Bugaboo.  I was able to use a Bugaboo image.  I didn't want to use traditional baby colors because of the pea pod so I found some paper in my stash that was just perfect with the pea pod color!  Add a few buttons and voila!

I hope you come by both Twist of Faith and {PIN}spirational this week.  You could win some great prizes!!  Thanks for stopping by today and have a very blessed day!!!

Eureka Stamps #65 - Color Inspired

I can't believe that it's the start to another week - but it is.  And with a new weeks comes a new challenge at Eureka Stamps!  This week our challenge is a Color Inspired challenge.  Have no fear though because the colors are perfect for this time of year - don't you think?

I must confess that I've been very busy this week and so I didn't spend as much time on this card as I should have.   But I am super excited because it's the first time I used my new corner chomper!  Yep, I now have one!!  I've seen all the beautiful cards with those rounded corners and have wanted one for so long.....and recently I was given a gift card so I took the plunge and bought it.  I think this is the first card I've used it on.....oh my, I can't remember anything anymore!  LOL!!

The images I used are "Oak Leaf Wreath" and  "Bounty of Blessings".  While I used both images in digi form, they are are also available in rubber too!  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers.  The honeycomb layer is a piece that was sent to me through an RAK group on SCS.  I used pop dots to lift the sentiment off the card.  Here's the final product:

I hope to see your color inspired creations over at Eureka Stamps!  Remember if you don't play along you can't win.  Enjoy your day and thank you for stopping by today.  God bless you!!

WINNER-WINNER (Blog Hop)

Good morning!  No card to share in this post...only a WINNER!  Today is the day to announce the winners of the Eureka Blog Hop (and also the QKR Stampede Blog Hop).  Each blog chose a winner and you can see the full list of winners at the main Eureka Stamps blog and QKR Stampede blog.  But we were able to chose a winner who commented on our own blog.  I used a random generator to pick the winner from my blog...and who won?  DANIE MAY!  So Danie, congratulations!!!  You have won 2 digis from the Eureka Stamps Store!!!  Head on over and pick out your favorite 2...then email your choices to eurekastamps.sponsorship@gmail.com. 

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments....I love each and every one.

God bless you today!!!!

Crafty Gal's - Honoring Diane

It's the 5th of the month which means it's time to honor another one of the Crafty Gals!  This month it's time to honor Diane.  We are supposed to go through her blog and find inspiration to make a card in honor of her.  She has so many beautiful cards posted on her blog....take some time and go through it...you can find her blog here:  Stampin Ldyglfr62

I went all the way back to the beginning....her second post:  Flight of the Butterfly.  Diane made three cards using the same layout.  I sort of tweaked her card a bit and came up with this:

 The image is a Bugaboo image and I colored her with Spectrum Noir markers and then used some papers I had in my stash. 

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

Twist of Faith #62 - In Rememberance

Welcome to a new week at Twist of Faith!  This week our theme is"In Remembrance" with Digi Darla as our sponsor.

I used 2 Digi Darla images for my card....."Dandelion Spray" and "In Sympathy Sent".  I've been using so many dark and Fall colors lately that I broke out the butter-cream-color cardstock I just bought a few weeks ago at Hollo's.  The image is barely colored with pencils since I wanted a very soft feel to the image.  In the box of misc. scrap pieces of paper I found a green colored design that I thought would fit the bill and then added a piece of light yellow ribbon from SU. 

 

Stop on over and visit us at Twist of Faith....you could be our random winner!  God bless you today!!  Thank you for stopping by.

Eureka Challenge #64 - Fall Leaves or Feathers

The leaves here in Northeast Ohio are at their prime!  It's a bit late - usually prime leaf colors is mid October and they have all fallen by November...but this year they seem to be holding on a bit longer.  It's so beautiful!  Since I'm still enjoying the Fall leaves, I had to go with the "Fall Leaves" instead of "Fall Feathers" for this week at Eureka Stamps Challenge.

I never use background stamps.  The first time I ever really used one (that I can remember) was for the Eureka Blog Hop this past weekend.  Now there's a shameless plug...if you haven't checked out the Blog Hop - be sure to do so - there are some great Christmas gift ideas!  Ok, back to this challenge... I used digi26901 Leaf Background and digi27202 As We Celebrate.  Now don't forget - they are available in both digi form or rubber stamp form from Eureka Stamps.  

For the background stamp I colored the leaves with Bic Mark-It markers.  Then to tone down the color and add some more "Fall" dimension to it, I went over the whole image with Ranger Distress Ink.  I almost went over the sentiment with the distress ink too, but I wanted it to pop and was afraid it would blend in too much if it was also brown.

Hope to see you over at Eureka Stamps.  

I'm also submitting this card into the following challenges:

• Robyn's Fetish - Thanksgiving 
• Sentimental Sundays - Falling into Autumn 
• Hinding in my Craftroom - Fall Colors 
• Inkspirational Challenges - Photo Inspiration 
• The Stamping Boutique - Using Fall Colors 
• Digitally Sweet Challenges - Trees/Leaves 
• Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes 
• Wags 'n Whiskers - Fall Colors 

Thank you for stopping by today.  Blessings to you and your family!!!

Eureka - It's a BLOG HOP!

I have been looking forward to today!!!  Today is the first Blog Hop that I've ever been part of - WOW!!! 

Our blog hop is the "QKR Stampeed and Eureka Stamps Handmade Gifts Blog Hop".  You know, Christmas is right around the corner.  Can you believe it's only 7 1/2 weeks away!!??!!  Yep - time is going so fast.  Now if you reading crafty type blogs then that must mean that you're a crafty type person.  And if you're anything like me - you maybe a crafty person but you also wait until the last minute to do things.  LOL!!!  So why not get a jump on things and make a few gifts in the coming weeks.  Your friends and family know your a stamper...but have they ever received anything you've made?  Well here is a chance to get your creative juices flowing and find some inspiration.  Now while I'm thinking about Christmas, you can adapt any of the ideas to gifts for any occasion.....the sky is the limit!

If you're arriving to me through the Blog Hop then you must have just come from visiting Cheryl.  Have you been amazed so far???  Believe me when I say that I am so often amazed by the work that these ladies do....so after you've hopped through the blog roll, I encourage you to go back and spend some time with each person....you never know what inspiration you might receive.  If you're visiting me not through the blog hop, then I encourage you to start at the beginning (you can find the list below) because you won't want to miss a chance at all the prizes you could win along the way!!!  What are the prizes?  Well let me tell you - each and every blog along the hop will be choosing a winner from the comments left on their post.....the prize is 2 digital images of your choice!  So while you're visiting make sure you leave some comments.  And then there is the GRAND PRIZE!  A Grand Prize Winner will be chose from the very last stop on our hop (which is the Eureka Stamps Blog.  The hop will run for 1 week and end on Thursday, November 7th at 6PM EST.  The lucky winners will be announced on the Eureka Stamps Blog on Saturday November 9th.  

What did I create?  Honestly, my project has already been shipped and received!  My original idea was to make a prayer journal for one of my secret sisters at church.  (I have 5 secret sisters - yes, I'm crazy - LOL!!).  But when I sat down to start making it, the person that leaped into my mind was my daughter-in-law.  She has touched my heart so much.  She married our oldest son this past summer...and she has started calling me "Mom".  Honestly, I never thought I would ever hear anyone call me mom.  (Our children are my step children and I came into their lives when they were in their mid to late teens).  But she has started calling me "Mom" and I can't even explain how that makes me feel.  I recently sent her a Bible because she shared with me that she had difficulty understanding the KJV...so I sent her a modern translation and she has been reading it!  Again, I can't even begin to tell you how much that touches me.  So I made her a journal....one that she could use as a prayer journal or even to just jot down some notes or thoughts.  

I love black & white and knew immediately that I wanted to stick with that basic palette and maybe just add one other color.  I had this very pretty wide light green ribbon so the supplies were in hand:  the ribbon, a composition book, adhesive, some bling, a couple pages of DSP, and of course - images from Eureka!  Here are the pics of the finished project:

 

(outside cover)

 

 (inside front cover)

 

 (center)

 (inside back cover)

(back cover)

Making a journal is doesn't take exact cuts so it's right up my ally.  And a journal is a thoughtful gift to give anyone.  You can find all the images I used here at Eureka Stamps - they are available in digi and rubber format.

Thank you so much for stopping by my little part of blog-land.  I invite you to follow me and also come back any time and look around.  You are always welcome!  :)  

Your next stop will be Amanda.  Now don't forget in order to win prizes you must leave comments along the way!  In case you get lost, below is a list of all the stops.  Good luck!!!  And again, thank you for stopping by.  God bless you!!!!

Eureka Stamp blog http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Sara http://sarastudio.blogspot.com/
Karen http://www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com/
Marji http://www.fstampaholic.blogspot.com/
Vicky http://crafting-vicky.blogspot.ca/
Kristie http://www.kristiekreates.blogspot.com/
Cheryl http://capturingamomentintime.com/
ME!  www.zturley.blogspot.com
Amanda http://oldenough2beakid.blogspot.com/
Eureka Stamps blog http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/

Card Crafter's Circle - Cute Cards

Shocking!  I was asked to be a Guest Designer for Card Crafter's Circle this week!  The theme is "Cute Cards" and their sponsor is Michelle Perkett Studios.  Michelle has such great images so of course I was thrilled to join in the fun.  I used "Birthday Flower Cupcake" for the image.  I had to have another Birthday card soon so it was the perfect choice for me. 

 

Come on over to Card Crafter's Circle and join me this week with a cute card.  Hope to see you there!!!  Thank you to Card Crafters Circle for giving me the opportunity to be a Guest Designer for the week!  God bless you and you family today!!!

 

Pattie's Creations Design Challenge #79 - Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  What?  It's not your Birthday?  It's not mine either.  But let's face it - do we ever have enough Birthday cards?  It seems like I'm always scrambling to find one.  This week at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge we are solving that problem!!!  Yep, our challenge is Birthdays.  

For my project I used  "You Moove Me".  I colored the cows with Spectrum Noir markers and then used a small Happy Birthday stamp I had in my stash.  They screamed pink and brown to me so I used some dsp I had in my stash and made their spots brown.  

Come on over and join us at our Birthdays challenge.  Remember you must use a stamped image (either stamped or digi).  Of course you can use any image you'd like, but we'd be tickled pink if you used one of Pattie's images.  :)

Thank you for stopping by today and God bless you!!!