Pink Ribbon

To relaunch my blog after a short hiatus, Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge this week was a good place to start. The challenge is to create a "mostly pink" card that also sports a pink ribbon -- this is in honor and prayer for those battling cancer. A gatefold was my choice for this and I am making one for each of my friends who are cancer survivors. Thanks "Sisters" for re-inspiring me.

Details: PSX Stamp, Diamond Glaze, Art Institute glitter, Cuttlebug embossing folder, gold EP, $ store flowers, ribbon - stash.

This Little Light of Mine....

"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine...." This is a happy song from childhood and Stampin' Sisters verse for inspiration to the challenge this week has brought back the memory. The verse is Luke 8:16 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light." Dt

member Peggy Sue's challenge is to make a votive holder, or a card or project with a candle on it. I was pointed to a tutorial for a luminaria by Beate when I visited another DT member, Chris. Make your own light and share your creation with us! I plan to make many little lights with the gold pansies and let them shine at our anniversary party. Gold - yup! Pure Gold! It's our 50th this year.

Some details: Pansy stamp by Rubber Stampede, fine line gold ep on vellum, textured cardstock DCWV, nestabilities, copper tape, cuttlebug embossing folder, flowers, pearls, ribbon from stash, glass globs for feet (I thought this made it less "tipable.")

Plans

Something built with a set of plans, this is what the DT hostess, Grace, wants to see at Stampin' Sisters in Christ this week (Challenge #48). She draws her inspiration from Psalm 127:1a . "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" I am away on vacation and had no idea what the challenge was going to be but I don't go anywhere without a "few" of my favorite things so I was able to find something in my "suitcase" to play along. This card not only fits the "built with plans" but will certainly bring some nostalgia with it (it certainly does that for me). I love it when a plan comes together!

Stuff I used: Stamp by Mostly Animals, "doodads" by Sizzix. I begged my DH to take me to a Michaels so I could add the little stars and gems. Isn't he a gem?

Find Peace

What image for you might symbolize peace or rest? That is the challenge proposed by Miesje, guest designer for Stampin' Sisters in Christ this week.

To me any outdoor quietness brings peace to me and brings me rest and a feeling of calm. The card I have created, and the Bible verse that inspired the challenge both bring that to me: Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." I can just envison this scene up in the northwoods on a lake with a loon floating across the moonlit water.

Stuff I used and a few details: Vellum Flower Kit by Cloud 9 Designs (red tag at JoAnns!); Stamps: Embossing Arts, PSX, The Pines (I think I bought this loon stamp in Wisconsin), Sizzix frame, Sizzlets corners, the Loon is dry embossed on the breast, painted with nail polish for sheen and dusted with Art Institute Glitter, and set atop it all with pop dots.

What image brings you peace? You have until this Saturday 7/17 to post an answer to this challenge.

Little Boy Blue

The Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge is to produce a creation in the color blue and/or red. It is very plain to see my choice as everything is pretty much blue -- with four different pattern papers stitched together. The blue flowers are dry embossed for dimension and have liquid applique centers. The charming little boy colored with prismas, is peering with a toothless grin from out of a sizzix frame. I didn't want to make this one girly, girly so bugs are added -- ' cause boys like bugs right? I encourage you to visit Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge to see the fabulous design team creations and consider participating in their great challenges (one every week -- posted on Sundays along with a Bible verse and inspiring commentary). This little boy blue is in the mail to someone I think is very special -- my grandson.

Stuff I used: Stamps by Art Impression, Stampendous. Sizzix, Nestabilities, Emagniations punch, ribbons and bugs from stash.

Have a Sparkle kind of Day

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge inspired by Isaiah 53:5 is to use stripes and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time with America's birthday just around the corner -- since our flag has stripes! "Patriotic Emily" is a charming stamp from Embossing Arts that I always delight in coloring and sparkling. The background paper with more stripes than Emily's apron, is from "the other Martha" on the internet. Funny thing about that -- serendipity for sure: I had printed it out to make a fan for my granddaughter and it was just sitting on my work table when this challenge was presented. The rest, as they say, "is history." Having just completed my patchwork card, where I dry embossed the pieces, I embossed Emily's dress for more "poof" and dimension -- all attached with pop dots. Nuff said -- hope you have a sparkle kind of day!

Other stuff: wire ribbon, grosgrain pleated ribbon (thanks to Candace for posting her cards with this technique), gold pen, Art Institute Glitter for sparkle, colors by prismacolor and OMS, Inkpads - Marvy and Versa Magic (sounds like a law firm? - no -- just orange and Mango Madness), Metallic Rub-On - Copper, Cuttlebug and Sizzix.

Happy Birthday America -- Sarah -- and America (my blogging friend)

Just words

Just words? Stampin' Sisters In Christ by DT member, Candace, presents a scripture: Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Her challenge is to use only words -- no image in a creation this week. Because the verse I used was to dominate the card, I decided to make a tent card to draw extra focus. The design paper is from a

pad (Two Scoops) I cut into for the first time sent to me by Kelly at KL StampinNscrappin (random prize draw at a House Mouse challenge). Kelly has a new challenge every Saturday and among her DT tutorials is one for a tent card.

Stuff I used: Northern Lights Embossing Powder, Birthstone Kaleidacolor stamp pad, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug embossing folder, MS Border punch, Emaginations punch, ribbon, flowers, heart from stash. Stamps: Embossing Arts and Stampendous. Sometimes it just amazes me how much stuff it takes to make just one card! I feel so lucky! (to have lots of stuff).

A Grand Old Dad

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge hostess and DT member Lisa presents the verse for this week: 2 Timothy 1-6 and the challenge: make a project or card in a masculine style for Father's Day or other acknowledgement. Father's Day is just around the corner and Magical Crafts, Cupcake Craft Challenge, Cards for Men and C.R.A.F.T. also have father/masculine challenges. I encourage you to visit these links for great inspiration and a wonderful display of creativity. The image I used for this card is another of ever so many that have never been inked. But, it is not an every day kind of stamp so I was delighted to ink it here for the very first time to honor a "Grand Old Dad." Features cuttlebug embossing folder with gold metallic rub on, stamped background paper, blue metallic tape, sizzix die cuts, and metal charms from stash. Stamps: Judi-Kins and PSX. My DH is a "Grand Old Dad" and in fact, he is an "Old Grand-Dad" too- so yet another card for him. Thanks for visiting.

Ledge Sitter

Another great Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge with Kathy Winter's scripture selection Genesis 1:26 And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Kathy's challenge? Create a project that has some kind of animal on it; i.e., a fish, bird, land mammal, or a creeping bug. "Creeping bug?" When I looked at all the creatures great and small that are on my stamping wall, this little kitty jumped at the chance to pledge, to sit upon this charming window ledge. Features stamping on acetate, Amy's flakes, toled kitty. Other stuff: punches by Martha Stewart, McGill, Diamond Glaze, water color pencils. Stamps: Penny Black, G-Rated, Stampa Rosa. Now you have the story of how this was made, it's your turn to tell me what you think.

Every Heart

Every heart beats true... One of the best parts of the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge is the weekly Bible verse choice and the inspirational commentary included by the design team member presenting the challenge. This week the Lovely Linda Lucas has chosen Hebrews 11:6 and asks that a heart be included in the challenge project. This was a great challenge and an opportunity for me to commemorate once again the iconic famous Kiss in Times Square which appeared on the cover of Life Magazine. The stamp is from The Stamping Ground. What goes with a heart -- but a kiss? Thanks for coming by and I would "heart" a comment.

My Song

Visit Stampin' Sisters in Christ to see what the DT has done with this week's challenge scripture --John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." This challenge and scripture presented by the DT Lovely Linda to create in shades of brown, blue, and white was the inspiration for this card. This is a favorite image by Magenta stamped in blue on white cardstock and set upon a blue background stamped in blue with Stampendous texture. All this assembled atop brown patterned paper and a Martha Stewart punched border with a new favorite base card by curious metallics (Cappuccino) brings forth "The Lord is my strength and my song, . . ." Isaiah 12:2 (Holly Pond Hill - Uptown Rubber stamps). The bird chorus is chirping to my delight as my mojo has returned -- "The Lord is my strength and my song, . . ."

Awarded Stampin' Sisters in Christ Shining Star!

Peace

I always enjoy the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge and I have missed a couple of weeks so I am doing "make-up" by creating a second card for this week's challenge. The challenge details are here along with my first post. This card a product of some of the pieces I couldn't get on to my first card (below). From the beginning, I had wanted to use the dove as an important image for Peace and so when I created this second larger card, I was able to do just that. The Dove is a Sizzix die cut, tolled, and overlayed with another die cut (embossed). MS border punch and some more of my new favorite flowers (Primas) from my blogging friend Sue. Again, go visit here (Stampin' Sisters) and here (Sue's Rubber Stamping Adventures) for great examples of creativity. Two posts in one day -- a new first for me! Thanks for coming by. This one is being delivered to my sister in Christ, Ann.

Psalm 46:10

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge verse: Psalm 29:11 "The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace." The Challenge: Make a card/layout/project using a peaceful image or a verse about peace. For extraordinary inspirational pieces submitted for the challenge, I encourage you to visit Stampin' Sisters in Christ. When I think of peace, I think of God and the DeNami stamp: Psalm 46:10 seemed just right for the centerpiece of this card. "Be still and know that I am God." (Now that is peace that passeth all understanding.) I was delighted to have just received in the mail some beautifully frosted prima flowers from my blogging friend Sue's blog candy to complete this card. Sue's Rubber Stamping Adventures is another great place to visit for fabulous card creations -- go take a look and tell her hello - she presents new blog candy every month -- not to mention great eye candy. Sent to Sandy B with sincere sympathy for her loss of Joe.

Stuff I used: Cuttlebug embossing folder, from stash: ribbon,

heart brad, sizzix die cuts, and those beautiful new Prima flowers

(blog candy) from my friend Sue

The Cross

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Blog presents Challenge # 28 Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Pamela's challenge is freedom to choose the project but with one caveat: actively create this project as an act of worship to God. For more about this challenge and to see the DT's beautiful contributions visit here. The verse I have used for this card is from Stampin' Up: "We pause to thank the Lord above for family and friends who give us love! " The cross is a reminder of the ultimate Love of God. With this card, I say Thanks to God for everything.

I lost my daylight for this photo -- I hope to replace it tomorrow with the coming of the sun! But -- I've got a date to meet my Canadian Stamping Buddies, Ann and Anne, at the 13th Annual Rubber Stamp Spring Fling!

Stuff I used: Sizzix, Stampin' Up, DCVW paper, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, stash stuff

Time Flies

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge presents a new scripture and challenge every Sunday. A visit to their blog is a good way to start a new week. This week's scripture: Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" and as a challenge: Make a card or project using a time piece or in some way denoting time or the passage of time. This timepiece reminds me of my grandmother's pocket watch which was given to her by her husband as a wedding gift. Throughout her life, she carried it with her always -- and she celebrated 50 years of marriage. As her namesake, I was given the honor to continue the tradition. I now have her treasured pocket watch and this year, I will celebrate 50 years of marriage! It's all about time. " We listen, we laugh, we sigh, time flies by . . ." -- and so we must cherish each day! I am a real promoter of recycling and/or repurposing, and Kelly's challenge this week was "Go Green" and so I would like to share this project there too! When you go visit, be sure to see the tutorial on paper quilting. Yet another way to use bits and pieces! Gotta go -- time is flying!

Details: The watch was made from a soda can which I hand embossed -- added to that are layers of cuttlebug embossed metallic cardstock. The winder on the watch is a craft punch shell, gears and flourish corner are Ellison and Sizzlets - stamp by Stampendous.

As for Me...

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge is to make a project about the home to reference "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15. Additional challenges for me were to use a mix of pattern paper, sewing, and stamping on patterns after reading an article by one of my favorite designers Julia Stainton. Julia's great article is over at Ellen Hutson's. This oversized easel card (8 1/2 x 5 1/2) has as the "stopper" a cuttlebug textured throw rug which would not be complete without a little kitty and a ball of yarn. I have been fussing with this project for several days and while rummaging around in my studio I was delighted to discover a stamp I didn't know I had: Joshua 24:15 in the frame. Ta Dah! -- I was then inspired! So I cast aside all the ribbons and embellies I had been working with in favor of making just a comfortable little home spot. Some of the details: the pillows and kitty are on dimensionals, the frame has diamond glaze for the glass in the frame, and the sofa doiley is touched with glitter. Speaking of inspiration, I encourage you to visit the challenge spot to view all the creativity from the design team members -- Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge. And, speaking of kitties, when I went outside to photograph this card -- look who was on the roof supervising:

Stamps: Hero Arts, G-rated, Darcie, Stampendous, Background (stripes) unknown
Art Institute Glitter, Diamond Glaze, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
watercolor pencils, prismacolor markers
Lots of fussing around time

Thanks so much for stopping by, please let me know what you think.

Awarded Stampin' Sisters in Christ Shining Star!

Hope for the New Year

Stampin' Sisters in Christ's challenge is to make a New Year's card inspired by Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long." This Judi-Kins stamp has been a favorite of mine for a very long time though I've never inked it -- so I was glad it offered an opportunity to start the new year right. My New Year's resolution is to let no stamp go uninked! The design team over at SSCC has done their awesome best for this challenge -- go take a look. And while you are surfing around -- please visit the Cupcake Craft Challenge to see some great work there for the challenge "A Time for Celebration" where I've also submitted this card. And, while I was surfing around myself, I found another New Year's card challenge at the Lily of the Valley Challenge Blog -- go see! Happy New Year everyone! Oh, and by the way, my son has approved this design. LOL

Stuff I used: Stamps - Judi-kins, Inkadinkado, River City Rubber Works, Cuttlebug folders, gems, Art Institute Glitter

Be Strong

The Stampin' Sisters in Christ DT has done another awesome job with the scripture:2 Chronicles 7:14 --"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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV)

and the challenge to make a card to let someone know you are praying for them. I am so glad for this challenge to remind me that I have a special Sister in Christ who needs comfort and prayer and now I have a card to surprise her with. The first photo has a little ray of sunshine so I took a second one but then realized that the sunshine is God's blessing so I've posted both.

Though this looks pretty simple, I used lots of Stuff:
Stamps: Stamps Happen, G-Rated, Penny Black -- Sizzix, EK Success punch, Bradletz,
Fiskar Border Punch, Prismacolor Metallic Marker,
Cuttlebug folder, Marvy Punch
The image is paper pieced and also colored with watercolor pencils -- I've raised up the little boy's collar with a pop dot for a little dimension
the heart charm phrase is computer generated

Thanks so much for looking,

Thanks

It is Veteran's Day here in the United States and so today I made a thank you card. The Stamping Sisters in Christ challenge (No. 12) this week is to make a card for folks in the service -- either a thank you card directed to one of them or a blank card that they can use as a greeting to a friend or loved one. If you would like to participate, take this link -- there you will see some lovely work by the DT and also some important information about Operation Write Home and how you can share your talents with our troops. The approved card size is A2 and cannot have any glitter -- making it a bit more challenging as lately I have been making larger sized cards. But I did manage to get a lot of "stuff" on it (and with my son's approval). Because I couldn't glitter it up, I pounced a gold pigment ink pad on the star string and heat embossed with Northern Lights Embossing Power.

For a bit more interest, I continued the star strand on into the inside:

Stamps: Posh (All Night Media), Stampendous, Stampin' Up
Other stuff: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Northern Lights Embossing Powder,
Nestabilities, Sizzix, brads, and water color pencils


Thanks for dropping by --

A Plan

A plan indeed! This morning, I was delighted to follow one of Gina K's links to bring me to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog challenge. Also very exciting, is to learn of Gina K's sponsorship of this particular challenge by offering up two gorgeous to die-for stamp sets. The challenge is based on a sketch and a scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The blog says: "What better challenge for this scripture than a sketch challenge... plans! The Lord lays the foundation and we have lots of options about how to build on that foundation,..." The sketch below is the foundation. I enjoyed playing along and look forward to your comments.

Stamps: "Believe" by PSX, Covered Bridge by Embossing Arts --Other Stuff: Paper - DCWV, coloring by Prismamarkers, leaf punch, gems, and ribbons from stash