Monday, July 31, 2017

Bold Hello


I made another card using the Frantic Stamper Wave Tangle background stamp (#FRA-CLG-B017). It really is a versatile - and GORGEOUS stamp. It measures 6" square, so obviously the piece on this card is only part of the stamped image.



The Hello Die on my card is one of my most favorite word dies - it's Frantic Stamper's Brush Script Hello (#FRA-DIE-10195). I popped it up on a die cut piece from the Frantic Stamper Tag Builder #4 die set (#FRA-DIE-10179).





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Image: Frantic Stamper Wave Tangle Background Stamp #FRA-CLG-B017 stamped with Ranger Broken China Distress Oxide Ink

Frantic Stamper Precision Dies: Brush Script Hello #FRA-DIE-10195 and Tag Builder 4 #FRA-DIE-10179

Papers: Stampin' UP! Tempting Turquoise and all other papers from unknown vendors

Embellishments: Your Next Stamp Gum Drops

SaveSave

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Grace, Grace, God's Grace



I love Bible Journaling (BAJ)... so much so that I am in a Bible Journaling group on SCS. That being said, the last time I posted a BAJ page on my blog was June 23. Yikes! That is a long time ago. I really need to do better than that, don't I? Especially since I love doing it.

Julie, the leader of the SCS BAJ group gives us a challenge each month. This month's challenge theme is GRACE. She reminded us that "without the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would all be lost forever."

So true.

I chose to use butterflies on my BAJ page because they are a great example of transformation, as they change from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.





Yet God, in His grace, 
freely makes us right in His sight.
Romans 3:24


The right side of my page is actually one of the drawn illustrations in my Inspire Bible. Truthfully, I usually just cover these over with the elements of my page.... but this time I decided to incorporate it into my design and color the words. I stamped the butterfly on the page.

The tip-in page also has two of the butterflies on it. The stamp is from a Stampin' UP! stamp set that my friend Carol gave me many years ago. THANKS Carol!

The back side of the tip-in page is where I put the brief version of my salvation testimony (in my sloppy handwriting).



Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Image: Stampin' UP! God's Beauty stamped with Colorbok Chalk Ink and colored with colored pencils

Paper: My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Paper Pad

Letters: American Crafts

Embellishment: Michael's Washi Tape

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Sunken Treasure


This card features several dies from the July Release at Frantic Stamper.


Frantic Stamper Precision Dies:


The sentiment inside is a stamp set from the same Frantic Stamper Release -




Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Frantic Stamper Precision Dies: Deep Sea Diver #FRA-DIE-10248, Large Staghorn Coral #FRA-DIE-10242, Seaweed Corner #FRA-DIE-10250, and Treasure Chest #FRA-DIE-10246

Sentiment: Frantic Stamper You're a Treasure #FRA-CL-077 stamped with Gina K Black Onyx Ink

Papers: Recollections Black and Blue CS and all other papers from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones and Stickles Glitter Glue

Friday, July 28, 2017

Have Your-ELF a Merry Christmas In July



I love the Challenge Your Stash group... once a month we create something based on the theme chosen by that month's host.... AND we can NOT purchase anything new in making it. We have to use what we have.

This month Carol is the hostess. Her instructions were to "make a Christmas card or item - think decoration". I hope Carol (and the other CYS gals) like the Christmas card I made.





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!



Image/Sentiment: MFT BB Santa's Elves stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers and a Spectrum Noir Sparkle Marker

Papers: Recollections Black, Red, and White and Stampin' UP! Bashful Blue CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishment: Washi Tape from an unknown vendor

Thursday, July 27, 2017

You're a Gem


I don't do CAS cards well, but I keep trying. On this one I used a sentiment from the July Release at Frantic Stamper.








Thanks for stopping  by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Sentiment: Frantic Stamper You're a Treasure #FRA-CL-077 stamped with Gina K Black Onyx Ink

Papers: Recollections Black and White CS and all other papers from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones and a Brad from an  unknown vendor

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Mid-Week Joy Report with Trip Around the Sun



WOW! WOW! WOW!!! I've had blog posts every day so you might not have noticed I was gone, but I just got home from a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. An awesome, amazing, adventuresome trip! WOW!!!

And now that I'm home again, I'm trying to catch up. I left my guys at home... so envision a bachelor's pad that needs cleaning/organizing, a pile of laundry to do, and tons of emails/correspondence to sort through, just to mention a few things.

AND..... I have BIG news! I now get to reveal the two winners from my week as a Growing In Unity Gal!!! DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

Corrine Derby and Susan McFeggan, this is your lucky day! You are the two winners! Please get in touch with me (I need your mailing address so Unity can get your prize package to you). THANKS to all who commented all week long. There were many of you!!! I'm so glad the winners were chosen by a random drawing and not something I had to personally select.


I also have a card ready to show you - inspired by a chapter in the little book 50 Truths Worth Knowing.


Age Is Just a Number
Chapter 30


Katie's grandmother is a delightful woman. At 76-years of age, she knew how to have fun and not to let life get to her. She'd buy shoes just because she liked them (and then figure out what she could wear them with), she'd flirt unashamedly (and harmlessly) with young waiters. She was a world traveler.

Then... to no one's surprise... she decided to go parasailing. Strapped to a parachute, she set out for the adventure she so longed for - after all, she'd dreamed of parasailing for quite some time.

To her age was just a number,not a deterrent. She lived life to the max, without worry. She enjoyed sharing the bright summer day with her family while "savoring the thrill of wind and speed lifting her in the air."





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamp: Verses Enjoy the Trip stamped with Gina K Onyx Black nk

Sun Effect: MFT Sun Rays Stencil sponed with Ranger Fossilized Amber Distress Oxide Ink

Splatters: White Watercolors

Papers: Recollections Black, Core'dinations White, and Stampin' UP Daffodil Delight CS

Embellishments: Your Next Stamp Gum Drops

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Try Something New in the Kitchen




I love the One-Minute Videos that Unity does. I get them in my inbox and am often inspired to branch out and try something new. Recently there was one that really caught my eye... HERE.

I decided to use the Unity What's Cooking stamp set for my attempt at this technique.

It sure was fun!






Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used 

Stamps: Unity What's Cooking stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Die: Square Nestabilities

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Real Red CS and DP from the Recollections Black and White Paper Pad

Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Silverware Brads  

Monday, July 24, 2017

Sea Horse


I had so much fun with the July release at Frantic Stamper - this is another one of the cards I made.

One of the amazing things about this card is the background piece (the center panel). It looks like DP, right? It isn't. I made that using a Frantic Stamper Background Stamp and Ranger Distress Oxide Inks. It was a lot of fun!

I used water color paper and my Misti to create this look. The Misti was important, because I actually stamped the piece four times in the exact same spot - each time with a different color of Ranger Distress Oxide Ink. Between each color, I spritzed the paper with water and let it dry.

The Sea Horse is a Frantic Stamper Precision Die.





Oh, and that "netting" piece... it's actually a piece of the bag that my Vidalia Onions came in. That's recycling at its smelliest, right?




Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamp: Frantic Stamper Wave Tangle Background Stamp FRA-CLG-B017

Inks: Ranger Distress Oxide (Broken China, Peeled Paint, Wilted Violet, and Worn Lipstick)

Die: Frantic Stamper Seahorse #FRA-DIE-09511

Papers: Récollections CS, DP from my scrap file, and Watercolor Paper from an unknown vendor

Embellishment: Netting from Onion Bag

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Puppy Kisses


There's a new challenge at International Art & Soul today...



July 23 - August 5
Theme: Dies 

I hope you'll participate!


Okay, it's no surprise... I love Unity Stamps, so I chose an image from a Unity stamp set for today's card...



Dies Used:
AMuse Studio Scallop Border


The sentiment on the inside is not from the Unity stamp set. It's actually a stamp I purchased at a store while on a trip - because it made me think of my daughter, who loves dogs!




Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Image: Unity Life Is Better stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Sentiment: American Art Stamp stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Dies: AMuse Studio Scallop Border, Frantic Stamper Tag Builder #4 (FRA-DIE-10179) and Brush Script Hello (FRA-DIE-10195)

Papers: Recollections White and Stampin' UP! Creamy Caramel, Early Espresso, and Rose Red CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Pearls and Rhinestones

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Birthday Cake


There's a new challenge at Sweet Stampin' - and it's all about CAKE!


July 22 - 28
Theme: Cake

I hope you'll play along!


When I think of cake, I think of Birthday cake... so my card is a birthday card.





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Image: Art Impressions Out to Lunch stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Inland colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Old Olive CS and DCWV Birthday Pink and Stampin' UP! All Abloom DP

Embellishments: Stickles Glitter Glue and Tiny Brads from an unknown vendor

Friday, July 21, 2017

Wonderful Winter Snowman


Each month one of the Creative Card Chicks (a group I'm in) serves as hostess and sends out an envelope of goodies and instructions to the other group members. This month was Roxie's turn.

Now it's time to reveal our creations.

Roxie chose a Christmas in July sort of theme, telling us that she always starts her Christmas card making in July. One of her favorite color combinations is blue, gray, white and silver, so that's what she put together for us.

The  image she chose is a cuter than cute snowman. It looks like he's dancing with that little bird, doesn't it?

THANK YOU, Roxie!






Roxie's kit included:
DP and Stickers - Bo Bunny - Sleigh Ride
CS and Embellishments - Stampin' UP!
Images - Stampin' Bella
Sentiment - Stampin' UP!

The only thing of my own that I used on this card was some Kraft CS

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Read Any Good Mysteries Lately?


The Mystery Image swap group on SCS swaps every other month and this month is our 41st round. WOW! We've been at this a long time.

Terry is the hostess this round which means she got to choose the image we all used on our cards. She also sent a sentiment. THANK YOU Terry! I loved the stamps you used!

Here's the card I made:





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Image/Sentiment (provided by Terry): MFT Here's the Story - I colored the image with my Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and Red CS and Crate Paper Love Notes double-sided DP

Embellishments: Greenbrier International Dots and Washi Tape from an unknown vendor

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Mid-Week Joy Report


NOTE: This is my second blog post of the day. If you're interested in seeing the Ready, Set, Go post either keep scrolling (it's my next blog post) or simply go HERE.


It's time for my Mid-Week Joy report, but truthfully, I'm typing this post way early since at the time this blog post goes live here on my blog, I will be in the Dominican Republic. I am on a mission trip, helping to staff their Vacation Bible School as well as being involved in some other ministry projects. I'm certain it is a JOY-filled week!



Before I left, I worked to get cards made and blog posts scheduled. I made 11 cards this week (which really means in 3 days time. WOW!

The card on my blog today was inspired by a chapter in the book 50 Truths Worth Knowing.












Chapter 29
Attitude is Half the Battle


Elizabeth recalls that she was never a very good athlete. She attempted various sports and discovered that cross-country was her favorite in High School. She never came close to winning, but she never gave up trying.

Her coach ("who wasn't known for his praise") pulled her aside one day and told her she wasn't very fast and her form needed some work. BUT what she did have, he said, was a willingness to keep running. He could always count on her to be in the race, with a smile on her face.

I call that determination.




Thanks for stopping by my blog today!



Stamps: Unity Determination stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections White and Stampin' UP! Night of Navy and Read Red CS and DP from the DCWV Year Round Paper Pad

Embellishments: Oriental Trading Washi Tape and Brads from an unknown vendor

Ready Set Go X3


It's time for round three of the Ready, Set, Go challenges. In May, Kelly challenge the three of us to create using the newest stamp/set we've purchased AND the stamp set from our oldest post in the SCS Gallery (or the oldest one that we still own the stamp set). Then in June, Barb challenges us to add something that begins with an R (ready), S (set), and G (go) to our card.

Yes, you've guessed it. This month I got to choose the theme. We all three just happened to establish our SCS galleries in 2008, so I challenged us to go back and find our 8th entry (to represent 2008) and CASE that card. I assured them the CASE could be anything - color scheme, images, sketch, whatever... just tell us how they CASE'd the card.

I'm so excited to see what Barb and Kelly came up with.


Interestingly, when I went back to look at my 8th card, I discovered some things.

First, my photography was AWFUL!!! (Blurry, blurry, blurry!)

Second, I loved DP even then. (Truthfully, I remember being afraid to use DP for a long time in my cards. I collected it, hoarded it, but often times cringed at the thought of actually using it.)

Third, the picture is pretty blurry so it's difficult to tell what coloring medium I used, but I know I didn't color the image with Copics because I didn't own them then.

AND... I still own the stamps I used on the card.


Here is my CASE of the 8th card in my SCS Gallery:



Obviously I used the same stamps, but I also used the color lavender/plum. That's not a color I use very often. I added a lot of green to it, too... kind of like that color scheme. And I also used two white brads for embellishment, just like in my original card.





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: Whipper Snapper Daisy Teacup Mouse and Penny Black My Cup of Tea stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers and a Gelly Roll Gel Pen

Sponging: Tim Holtz Distress Ink

Papers: Recollections White and Stampin' UP! Perfect Plum and Wild Wasabi CS and DP from the Recollections Bold Basics Paper Pad

Embellishments: Brads from an unknown vendor

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Try Something New with Napkins


While on Facebook one day I heard the rave about using napkins in Bible Journaling. It involves using Gesso and paper napkins with a pretty design/image on them. I wanted to give it a try, but was hesitant to do so in my Bible without first trying it somewhere else. So... I did it on a card.

But... I messed up.

I didn't realize there is clear Gesso. I had Gesso and thought it was what they were talking about. Then, when I used it, I discovered it really dulls the image... so I'm thinking I was supposed to use clear Gesso. I guess I'll be making a trip to the big box Craft store before I try this technique again.

It doesn't show up real well, but I add a little bit of Stickles on the outline of the poinsettia to give it a bit of definition and sparkle.





Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Sentiment: Stampin' UP! stamped with Memento Cottage Ivy Ink

Image: Napkin from an unknown vendor

Papers: Recollections Black, Ivory, and Red CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones and Stickles Glitter Glue

Monday, July 17, 2017

Sea Shells


Don't you just love sea shells?  I have fond memories of going to the beach as a child and gathering sea shells. I loved placing the large ones up to my ear so I could "hear the ocean." Bliss!

This card features Frantic Stamper Precision Dies.









Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supply List

Frantic Stamper Precision Dies: Nautilus Shell #FRA-DIE-09925 and Shell Edger #FRA-DIE-10251

Papers: Recollections and Stampin' UP! CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Clear Enamel Dots and Washi tape, both from unknown vendors

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Treasure


I love the treasure chest items in the July Frantic Stamper release. I see so many fabulous options for using them - and look forward to creating with them again soon. (I even have an idea to use them in my Bible Journaling).




Frantic Stamper Products Used:






Thanks for stopping by my blog today!



Image: Frantic Stamper You're a Treasure Stamp Set #FRA-CL-077 stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Dies: Frantic Stamper Treasure Stamp Matchers #FRA-DIE-10260

Papers: Stampin' UP! Daffodil Delight and Dapper Denim CS and DP from the Cosmo Cricket Salt Air Paper Pad

Embellishments: Stickles Glitter Glue and Your Next Stamp Gum Drops