Thursday 31 October 2013

Lia Stampz Challenge #52 - Upcycle or Recycle Something

Hello again, my friends!

A new challenge has begun over at Lia Stampz, and it's "Upcycle or Recycle Something."

I have made two little projects for this challenge. I recently received a wonderful new thimble for my collection from my MIL. She gave it to me in this tiny little paper bag. You just know I had to keep the bag, right? I think I'll be using it for a pocket in a future mini album. I also had this little gift box ready to reuse. Both of these were the perfect size for this sweet Lia Stampz image called "Christmas Bunny." You can find it at Whimsy Stamps right HERE for a bargain price! 

Come on over to Lia Stampz and join in the fun challenge! :o)




Materials Used:
Recycled Mini Paper Gift Bag;
Papers: Crate Paper - Peppermint;
Image: Lia Stampz - Christmas Bunny,
Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;
Spellbinders Nestabilities: Lacey Ovals;
Punch: Fiskars Border Punch;
Fiskars Oval Template and Shape Cutter;
Washi Tape: From Simon Says Stamp Card Kit
Stickles: Frosted Lace.



Materials Used:
Recycled Cardboard Gift Box
Papers: Crate Paper - Peppermint
Image: Lia Stampz - Christmas Bunny,
Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;
Die: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Curved Rectangles;
Washi Tape: From a Simon Says Stamp Card Kit;
Stickles: Frosted Lace.

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Sunflowers!!

Hello, my friends!

I had a long list of things I wanted/needed to do today. Instead of doing ANY of it I grabbed a fun sketch and made a layout!

Many of you know that I love sunflowers. They decorate my kitchen and fill my back yard. So I tend to have lots of photos of sunflowers. I used one of them on this page. I created a PNG file using a Helen Keller quote. I will try to remember to add it to the end of this post. Please feel free to use it. It says: 

"Keep your face to the sunshine
and you cannot see the shadows.
It's what the sunflowers do."

It's a very dark and dreary day here, so it was very hard to get a good photo. I layered my papers and stitched around them a couple of times, adding some lace in between the layers. It's still hard for me to sew crooked but I'm working on it! lol I always try to stay very true to the sketch I'm using. I searched my Cricut Cartridges and found some cuts that were pretty close to the ones shown. One thing I did change was to use tags instead of the puzzle pieces in the sketch. The tags and the chipboard letters are a gorgeous sparkly green. I sprayed them with Adirondack color wash and followed that with Perfect Pearls Mist. The kraft piece behind the photo was embossed with the wood grain folder. Everything was distressed and inked. Oh, the background paper was also stamped using a variety of stamps. I think that's about it. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I guess the day is not quite over yet...I'm going to get to work on that list! :o)


Materials Used:
Papers: Colorbok Textured Cardstock, Recollections - Kraft,
DCWV - Spiced Cider Paper Pad;
Cricut Cartridge: Florals Embellished;
Dies: Spellbinders Shapeabilities - Orchard Harvest Tags;
Sprays: Adirondack Color Wash - Meadow,
Perfect Pearls Mists - Green Patina;
Chipboard Letters: Scenic Route;
Stamps: Tim Holtz - Boundless Flight, Heartfelt;
Ink: Distress Ink - Vintage Photo;
Embossing Folder: Tim Holtz - Woodgrain.

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Here's the sketch from Let's Capture Our Memories:


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Linking Up To:




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Here's the quote image!
A Nickel Nook original. I hope it works! ;o)



Wednesday 30 October 2013

Postcard Pocket

Happy Wednesday, my friends!

I have a little postcard pocket to share with you today. This one came together very quickly due to several sources of inspiration. 

Firstly, I watched my friend Linda's video yesterday. She never fails to inspire me with her fabulous tutorials. I've made pocket pages before but Linda's method is super fast and doesn't waste any paper. You can see her video HERE. You'll want to subscribe to her channel when you get there because she's extremely talented!

Also, yesterday began a new challenge over at Twist of Faith Card Challenge. Their sponsor this time is StampArt Design by Kathryne, so I simply must play along! When I visited my friend Tracey and saw her sweet DT card, I knew I had to put a postcard into Linda's pocket and link up! 

Then today I was visiting my friend Jennifer and found out she is having a challenge. We are to make a card that tells someone we are thinking of them, and also include pink somewhere on the card. Well, I have the pink covered! On the back of the card I stamped "Thinking of You" and left lots of room for a note. 

So thank you very much to Linda, Tracey and Jennifer for the inspiration! Thank you to all of you for stopping in to visit! :o)



Materials Used:
Papers: K & Company - Classic K McKenna,

Recollections Kraft;
Ink: Distress Ink - Vintage Photo;
Stamps: Stampin' Up - Post Card, Recollections - No Name,
Pink Paislee - London Market, Stampendous - Time Flies;
Punches: Martha Stewart - Branch, Stampin' Up - Boho Blossoms,
Unknown Brads.

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Linking Up To:


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Friday 25 October 2013

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #18 - My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

Hello again, my friends!

Wow! Can you believe I'm back already with another Hymn and Scripture page? I bet you haven't even seen the last one yet! With this page I am FINALLY all caught up on this challenge! :o)

This is another beautiful hymn that is one of my very favorites! It is an incredible thing to hear hundreds of voices of believers lifted together in this song...especially when they hit the chorus! You can FEEL the HOPE and the JOY!

The first verse, the chorus, and the third verse go like this:


My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand; 
all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

The Scripture verse I chose is found in Romans 15:4. It says:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,
so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope.

If you find yourself feeling discouraged or disheartened by life, get out a Bible and read it. You will find encouragement and receive HOPE!! :o)

Several factors played into the design of this page. First of all is the hymn itself and the message of HOPE.  Secondly, is the fact that October is breast cancer awareness month, and we have all heard the exciting announcement that Jennifer has been declared cancer free. She has been an amazing example of someone living in hope. Then finally, was this sweet Jellypark image that I wanted to add to my page, called "Girl hugging heart." I added the word HOPE to the heart. Then I remembered that Jellypark has a Pinktober challenge going on. That is what inspired my color choice for my page.

I hope you all have a weekend of JOY...and HOPE! :o)



Materials Used:
Papers: Recollections - Cardstock,
K & Company - Sweet Nectar;
Image: Jellypark - Girl hugging heart,
Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;
Dies: Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers - Styled Labels, Hope;
Punches: Paper Shaper - Venetian Corner, WRMK Mini 8 - Doily;
Ink: Martha Stewart - Stem Green Pink Geranium;
Flowers: Recollections - Boutique Fleur.


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Linking Up To:



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Here's a lovely video for you to watch with the lyrics included:



Thursday 24 October 2013

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #17 - Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Hello, my friends!

I hope your week has been full of blessings so far! It's hard to believe that it's already Thursday! :o)

I have another Hymn and Scripture page to share with you today. Tell Me the Stories of Jesus is such a sweet song. It has become popular as a worship song for children. The first verse says:
"Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear;
Things I would ask Him to tell me if He were here;
Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea;
Stories of Jesus, tell them to me."

Children are very important to Jesus! In Luke 18 it says:

But Jesus called the children to him and said,
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

As believers, we have a responsibility to share Jesus with our children, and our children's children! The Scripture verse I used on my page is found in Deuteronomy 6:7. Regarding God's commandments, it says:
"Impress them on your children. 
Talk about them when you sit at home 
and when you walk along the road, 
when you lie down and when you get up."

In other words, we should tell our children about them ALWAYS, whatever we are doing!

My page is very simple but fitting for the hymn. I stamped some sweet children silhouettes onto the sheet music. I added an assortment of books that I cut out on my Cricut. Then I added an open book diecut.

There are many wonderful books available to help us share Jesus with our children, but everything we need to tell them can be found in the Bible! It's the most wonderful book of all! :o)


Materials Used:
Papers: Recollections - Cardstock, Basic Grey - Basic White;
Cricut Cartridge: Wrap It Up;
Punches: EK Success - Round Binding Edge, Binding Edge;
Stamps: CTMH - Childhood Portrait;
Ink: Stampin' Up - Crumb Cake;
Book Die: My Stash.

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Linking Up To:


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Since this has become such a popular song for kids, 
I thought it would be fitting to share a video of a young girl singing it. 
Enjoy!


Sunday 20 October 2013

A Die for a Sketch Challenge #17 - Reminder

Hello, my friends!

It's reminder time for challenge #17 over at A Die for a Sketch! Today I have my card to share with you. I used the sketch upside-down, like this:




I used an adorable Milk Coffee Image called "Michelle Autumn" which can be found right HEREHere is my card:



Materials Used:
Papers: Basic Grey - Indian Summer;
Image: Milk Coffee - Michelle Autumn,
Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;
Dies: Stampin' Up Framelits - Hearts A Flutter;
Ink: Walnut Stain Distress Ink;
Sequins From My Stash.

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Milk Coffee is our generous sponsor this month and they are offering a fabulous prize!



So head on over to A Die for a Sketch and get in on the fun!
A new challenge will begin November 5th! :o)

Thursday 17 October 2013

All Dressed Up - Inspiration Post

Hello, my friends!

Today is my first turn at sharing an inspiration post over at the All Dressed Up Challenge Blog. Besides the two challenges a month, there are also tutorials and inspiration projects posted almost every day. It's really worth taking a look if you haven't stopped by yet!

I made a little hanging using Wendy's fabulous image called Abi Ballerina. Can you believe it is offered as a freebie over on the blog? You can find it right HERE, along with the rules for use. There is also another version of this sweet image in the All Dressed Up Shop right HERE.

I had lots of fun making this one. It's the first time I've used watercolors and the first time I've used Twinkling H20s. I will definitely be using more of these two mediums in the future!

I printed this image "fit to page" on 8 1/2 X 11 watercolor paper. I colored it in using a combination of the watercolors and H20s. When it was dry I adhered the watercolor paper to a heavy chipboard base. The flowers and leaves were cut from watercolor paper as well, and then colored with the H20s. What a beautiful shimmer those paints have! Iridescent sequins were randomly added to the background. Finally, I added eyelets at the top to string the ribbon for hanging.

I hope you like what I've done! Please let me know if you have any questions! Happy days of JOY to you all! :o)



This photo shows a bit of the wonderful shimmer:


Materials Used:
Image: Abi Ballerina;
Twinkling H20s,
Die: Memory Box - Cherry Blossom,
Tim Holtz Alterations Die - Tattered Pinecone;
Punch: EK Success - Mini Flower Punch;
My Stash: Sequins, Watercolors, Watercolor Paper.

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Here are all the links for you:








Tuesday 15 October 2013

Lia Stampz - Challenge #51 - Spooky Bingo

Hello, my friends!

We've just had a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada! My girls were both home...one brought the Boy...and we enjoyed lots of fun and lots of food! It was a special time of giving thanks for our abundant blessings from God!

Today I want to share the new challenge going on over at Lia Stampz. Challenge #51 is Spooky Bingo and here is the bingo board:


I chose the first vertical line for my card. I cut the shape on my Cricut (love that thing), I've glittered the candy cane in the image, and I've added ribbon. I think this image is super fun! It's called "Ilinca Candy Cane" and you can find it in the Whimsy Stamps store right HERE. Not too much that's "spooky" about my card, is there? ;o)
So pick any line of three on the card, and come on over to Lia Stampz to link up your project. You could win a free digi stamp, or maybe you'll be our Featured Artist! See you there! :o)


Materials Used:
Papers: American Crafts - Merrymint, Colorbox - Textured Cardstock;
Image: Lia Stampz - Ilinca Candy Cane;
Die: Sizzix - Label, Ornate #2;
Cricut Cartridge: Elegant Edges;
Punch: Stampin' Up - Decorative Label;
Stamp: Hampton Art - Sweet;
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black;
Glitter: Stickles - Frosted Lace, Smooch - Red;
Ribbon and Candy Canes: My Stash. 

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Also, for the month of October:


Thursday 10 October 2013

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #15 - He Leadeth Me

Hello, my friends!
I'm here today to share the Hymn and Scripture Challenge page that should have come before the last one I posted. I'm hoping to be back very soon with the one that comes after the last one I posted, because a new one is coming out on Sunday! :o)

This is another beautiful and familiar hymn, and it holds a wonderful message for us. I will include all of the lyrics after the video for those of you who don't have time to watch it. Here, I want to share the second verse and the refrain:


Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, sometimes where Eden's flowers bloom,
by waters calm, o'er troubled sea, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. 
Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me; by His own hand He leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.

What a comfort that is...to know that it is God's hand that leads us...even in the "deepest gloom." I know that some of you are dealing with some major hardships these days. My prayers are with you! Better yet, God Himself is with you, holding your hand. It says in Psalm 73:23-24:
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you take me into glory.

A friend of mine shared verse 23 with me after my Dad died. The mental image of God holding my hand...of being that close to me...was a great comfort. He is that close to you too. Just reach out your hand and let Him lead you through your struggles! As it says in Psalm 94:18-19:

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought JOY to my soul. 

In our great anxiety, God consoles us and brings us JOY, JOY, and more JOY!! That is my prayer for you! :o)


Materials Used:
Papers: Recollections - Cardstock;
Inks: Stampin' Up - Lucky Limeade, Pretty in Pink;
Die: Spellbinders Shapeabilities - Ironwork Accents;
Punch: EK Success - Binding Edge;
Ribbon: Details - Sheer Ribbon;
Flowers: Gift from Bonnie;
Pearls: My Stash.

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Linking Up To:



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This is a very pretty video...enjoy!




  He leadeth me: O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me;
by His own hand He leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be,
for by His hand He leadeth me.

 Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
sometimes where Eden's flowers bloom,
by waters calm, o'er troubled sea,
still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. Refrain
 Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see,
since 'tis my God that leadeth me. Refrain

And when my task on earth is done
when by Thy grace the victory's won,
e'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
since God through Jordan leadeth me. Refrain

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Yes...I'm Ready For Winter!

Hello, my friends!
I took a little time to play today and made a fun page. This page is for the Anything Goes Challenge over at Jellypark. I haven't played with them for a long time and was happy to finally get a chance!

I've created an 8" page that will be going into a Winter/Christmas album that I'm making. I think this just might be the first page. The sweet image I used is "girl in winter coat hat and gloves" and can be found in the Jellypark Shop HERE. I believe I won this image in a previous challenge. I've layered some papers, used some punches, and even pulled out the decorative scissors to cut the snow. I added some inking and the sparkled everything up with stickles. 

The leaves on our trees have been incredibly beautiful this year. Today a big wind blew through and some of the trees are almost bare. I say when the pretty leaves are gone then it's time for winter, and that sparkling blanket of white! I might have a bit of a wait though since it's been 22 degrees Celcius. 

What about you? Are you ready for winter? :o)


Materials Used:
Papers: Recollections - Cardstock, Basic Grey - Eskimo Kisses;
Image: Jellypark - HERE;
Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;
Stamps: Inkadinkado - Artistic Holiday;
Inks: Martha Stewart - Forget Me Not, 
Distress Ink - Vintage Photo, Memento - Tuxedo Black;
Punches: Martha Stewart - Arctic Snowflake,
Fiskars - Snowflake Corner Punch;
Scissors: Provo Craft Decorative Edge;
Stickles: Diamond;
Bling: Unknown. 

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Linking Up To:

Saturday 5 October 2013

A Die for a Sketch - Challenge #17

Hello, my friends!

Can you believe that it is already the 5th of October? That means that next weekend is our Canadian Thanksgiving! It also means there's a new challenge over at A Die for a Sketch!

We have a very talented Guest Designer joining us this month, so you'll want to head over to the blog and see her great card!

We also have a very generous sponsor that is offering a fabulous prize:


Here is the wonderful new sketch:

 

So head on over to A Die for a Sketch and get in on the fun!
I'll be back on the 20th to show you my project! :o)

Wednesday 2 October 2013

WOOHOO!! All Dressed Up Challenge #1 - Anything Goes

Hello, my friends! 

I'm here today, in my role as a Dressy Girl, to share with you the very first challenge over at the All Dressed Up Challenge blog. Wait until you see the fabulous newly released images from Wendy Burns, and what all my Team-mates have done with them! What an incredibly talented group of women! 

The challenge is "Anything Goes" and I have created a little gift bag/box. I have used the brand new "My Best Friend" image. Isn't it adorable?? You can find all of Wendy's gorgeous designs in the All Dressed Up Stamps Etsy shop.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet because you need to head straight over to the challenge blog and sign up for the fun! You can read all the details there, and see all the beautiful work by the Team. 


Materials Used:

Papers: Bazzill Cardstock, 
Papers from Simon Says Stamp August Kit;
Cricut Cartridge: Wrap it Up;
Die: Cheery Lynn - English Tea Party;
Punch: EK Success - Arrow Border, 
Martha Stewart Corner Punch - Flower Shower,
Fiskars Corner Punch - Lace;
Ribbon: Offray.

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Here's a closer look at the image:


If you have any questions just let me know!
Thank you for stopping by...I'll be back soon! :o)


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