Lia Stampz Challenge #50 - Shabby Chic

Happy Tuesday, my friends!

Today is the start of a new challenge over at Lia Stampz! This time it's "Shabby Chic"...a favorite of many of you! 
For my project I decorated the cover of a Heidi Swapp wood album. I used this adorable little bird image called "Christmas Birdie"; it's a brand new release. You can find it at Whimsy Stamps right HERE.  

I decided I wanted to make myself a "Blessings" book. I'm going to use it to record the many blessings I have in my life. Then, if I'm ever having a bad day, I can just open this book up and be reminded of how blessed I really am! :o)

I had fun coloring the background with a combination of Glimmer Mist, Glimmer Glam, some Smooch and a stencil. Then I added a little bit of stamping, some diecuts, and the sweet little bird. He's been colored to match the cover, complete with smooched boots and pompom!

So there you have it...a brand new challenge! You've got until October 15th to come on over to Lia Stampz to join us. You could win an image or be the featured artist! 

Oh, and just so you know...your names are all written in my new book of blessings! :o)

Here's a close-up look at the image. You can see some of the sparkle better in this one.

Materials Used:

Image: Lia Stampz - 

Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;

Glimmer Mist: Mallard:

Glimmer Glam - Twinkle Toes;

Smooch - Gold

 Tim Holtz Alterations Dies: Caged Bird, Bird Branch;

MM Slice - Design Card - Baby (gift from Friday);

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp - Music 2 My Ears,

Pink Paislee - London Market;

Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black;

Stencil: Delta - Chintz;

Album: Heidi Swap.

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Also, anyone using a Lia Stampz image to enter the challenge during the month of October will receive this image for FREE!

Check out the details at Lia Stampz!

A Fun Announcement!

Guess what, my friends! 
I am a Dressy Girl! What is a Dressy Girl, you ask? It's a Design Team member for the brand new All Dressed Up Digi Stamps Challenge blog! Woohoo!! I've been sitting on this secret for weeks now but I was absolutely beyond thrilled to be invited to join the team! :o)

Hopefully you all remember the fabulous Wendy Burns images I've been playing with over the past few months. They have been listed in my labels under Wendy Burns but that has now been changed to All Dressed Up. Wendy has been very busy working on some fabulous new designs...I can't get over how cute they are! Her team coordinators have been super busy setting everything up and preparing for our very first challenge on October 2nd. There is so much great fun ahead: challenges, freebies, inspiration and tutorials. I know that you won't want to miss any of it! I will have all the links listed at the end of this post!

For my announcement today I wanted to make something special. I instantly fell in love with this adorable image called "Sweetie Pie". She reminded me of one of my daughters when she was little, right down to the few freckles sprinkled on her cheeks! It's looks to me like she's gazing out a window doing a little daydreaming, so I had to give her a window. Here's my card:

Here's Sweetie Pie! Isn't she the cutest thing...so full of personality!

Here's all of the inside of the card:

Materials Used:

Papers: Recollections - Kraft, Crate Paper - Emma's Shoppe;

Image: All Dressed Up - Sweetie Pie;

Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;

 Cricut Cartridge: French Manor;

Punches: Martha Stewart - Branch, Recollections - Mini Flower;

Stamps: Stampin Up - Woodgrain, CTMH - Dreams Come True;

Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink - Walnut Stain;

Pears: Ranger Liquid Pearls - Buttercup, Petal Pink;

Lace and Ribbon: My Stash.

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Okay, here are all the links:

All Dressed Up Challenges

All Dressed Up Stamps Shop

 All Dressed Up Facebook Group

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Make sure you stop by and join everything! You won't want to miss any of the excitement! :o)

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #16 - I Love to Tell the Story

Hello, my friends!
I'm back today with a new Hymn and Scripture challenge page. I've had it finished for a few days but am just getting around to posting it. I'm still busy, busy working on some upcoming fun! I'm thinking perhaps it's been a little bit TOO busy, busy; I've accidentally finished Challenge #16 before Challenge #15. Oops!! I'll get to work on #15 right away.

I decided it was time to create a pretty page with flowers, as I haven't made any flowers for quite some time. I was also quite anxious to try out some new punches. I made the two larger flowers. The flowers were all white to begin with but they were colored with some sprays. I added the title with letter stickers in a contrast color so that it would stand out. 

This is seriously one of my favorite hymns! It's another one of those that bring my Dad's voice right to my ear! I love that! I've included the first verse of the hymn on my page. It says:

"I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;

it satisfies my longings as nothing else could do."

Isn't that beautiful? For my Scripture verse I used this one found in Psalm 89:1. It says:

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever,

with my mouth I will make your faithfulness

known through all generations."

God is so good and I love to tell the story of all He has done for me! It's so easy to carry on with life, day by day, without taking the time to stop and acknowledge the abundant blessings we receive from the Father above. It's important that we do share because it gives others the opportunity to experience the love of God for themselves! So please tell me tell me your story...I'd love to hear it! :o)

Materials Used:

Papers: Recollections - Cardstock;

Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels Fourteen,

Tim Holtz Alterations Die - Tatered Florals;

Border Punches: EK Success - Palm, Lattice Chain;

Punches: Martha Stewart - Branch, Rose Leaf;

Alphabet: MM Tiny Alphas - Mixed Ledger;

Sprays: Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Butternut Squash,

Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist - Mandarin;

Pearls: Stampin' Up - Jewels;

Mini Roses: Unknown.

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Linking Up To:

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #16 - I Love to Tell the Story

Word Art Wednesday #98 - Anything Goes

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I tried repeatedly to upload a traditional version of this hymn sung by Alan Jackson. 

No matter what I tried I could not upload it!

It seems this was the version I was supposed to share instead!

It's fabulous and I hope you enjoy! :o)

A Die for a Sketch - Challenge #16 - Reminder

Hello, my friends!

Thanks for stopping by today! A great big welcome to all my new friends! :o)

Well, it's the 20th of the month, and that means I'm here to remind you of the great challenge going on over at A Die for a Sketch. I even have a card to share with you this time.  It was made using this sweet image from StampArt Design by Kathryne called "Happy Pumpkin". You can find it in the Whimsy Stamps store right HERE.

Materials Used:

Papers: DCWV - Textured Cardstock, Basic Grey - Indian Summer;

Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Circles (LG), 

Scalloped Circles (LG);

Cuttlebug: Embossing Folder;

Punches: Stampin' Up - Oval, Martha Stewart - Fall Leaves Corner Punch;

Stamp: CTMH - Harvest Happiness;

Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black;

Confetti and Ribbon: My Stash.

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Here is the sketch for this month:

The rules are very simple! Follow the sketch and use at least one die! We have two very generous sponsors again this month. Please click on the links below and pay them a visit!

A gift of five images to one lucky winner!

  A gift of seven images to another lucky winner!

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So pop over to A Die for a Sketch and see what my talented Teammates have prepared for your inspiration! Then create a project using the sketch and at least one die, and join us in the fun! You have until the 4th of October! :o)

Just Having Some Fun! (and doing lots of rambling)

Hello, my friends!

I have recently discovered a fun "new to me" blog. It's called Scrapping Everyday Miracles, and it's right up my alley! Turns out I even know a member of the DT! (Hi Tracey!) This lovely group encourage people to  "see that God is working in their lives all around them. That everyday is full of miracles if we just take the time to see them." That was taken right off their blog. See...right up my alley! It's all about including God in our work! :o)

The main challenge this month is to create a layout of our favorite season. I jumped in to participate! It's when I was trying to decide which season is my favorite that the trouble began.

Spring used to be my favorite season. My birthday is the first day of Spring. Spring is fresh and new and full of the promise of what's to come!

Summer is what's to come! Summer is full of relaxation, holidays, company! I don't like the heat but I sure like the attitude...and spending time in my yard with my Sweetie!

Fall...*sigh*...Fall is fabulous! Cooler days and the incredible beauty of the trees! Harvest and Thanksgiving and JOY! 

Winter is the wonderful season of hibernation! A time to cozy up and settle in! To cook and bake and create! A season to celebrate the birth of Christ and much more JOY! Also, towards the end, the Season of anticipating Spring! lol

Well, you see my problem, right? I love ALL the seasons! I am very grateful to live in a place where I can experience each and every one of them! So when it came to creating my layout for this challenge, I really had no choice but to include all four seasons!

Spring: A bright sky, sunshine, green grass, leaves budding on the trees, flowers starting, the birds and butterflies.
Summer: A bright sky of a different shade, sunshine, flowers and trees full and lush, more birds and butterflies.
Fall: A beautiful night sky full of twinkling stars that are out before I go to bed, a rainbow of leaves falling from the trees and piling on the ground, pumpkins.
Winter: A dark sky, big fluffy white flakes, glittery fields of snow.

With God right in the middle of them all: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven!" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

What's your favorite season? :o)

Materials Used:

Papers: GCD Studios - Family Jeans,

Recollections - Cardstock;

Cricut Cartridge: Alphabet;

MM Slice Design Card: Summer;

Die: Tim Holtz Mover & Shaper - Pumpkin,

Stampin' Up Sizzix Embosslit - Beautiful Wings;

Border Punch: Fiskars - Grass;

Punches: Martha Stewart - Hydrangea, Rose Leaf,

Marvy - Mini Snowflake, Unknown - Star;

Stamp: KaiserCraft - Sweet Pea;

Glitter Glue: Unknown, Stickles - Diamond;

Felt Flowers: Stampin' Up;

Felt Birds: Recollections.

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 Linking Up To:

Scrapping Everyday Miracles - September Main Challenge

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #98 - Anything Goes

Lia Stampz Challenge #49 - Anything Goes

Happy Day, my friends!
It's the start of another fun new challenge over at Lia Stampz and it's an easy one...Anything Goes!
For my card I used this fun image called "Grandparents". It's available at Whimsy Stamps right HERE. I thought of all kinds of fun ways I could have colored this couple up...especially the woman. I was worried that you would all think I had lost my senses, so I kept it safe by matching my papers. I did add the turquoise eye shadow, and the red lips and hair. Doesn't she look like a character?  
This is one of the images I purchased after I first discovered Lia Stampz. Along with the purchase of the image comes five free designed sentiments of your choice. This sentiment is one that I requested and was made up by Laura. It made me laugh! 
I hope you come on over and link up your Anything Goes project. You could win a free image, or even be our Spotlight Artist! See you there! :o)

Materials Used:

Papers: Recollections - Cardstock, Studio Calico - Take Note;

Image: Lia Stampz - Grandparents;

Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;

Pearls: Basic Grey;

Doily: My Stash.

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Hymn and Scripture Challenge #14 - Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Hello, my friends!
I'm finally back with something new for you to look at! It's been busy days around here but I haven't been able to show you anything of my work...yet! 
I'm still a couple of challenges behind with my Hymn and Scripture pages but I'm determined to catch up soon. Can you believe that Patter has chosen three hymns in a row that are my favorites?! I know, right? :o)
Breathe on Me, Breath of God is a beautiful hymn of worship! Doesn't the title just give you goosebumps? It is a hymn of prayer, and here are the words:

Breathe on me, breath of God, 
Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love, 

And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Until my heart is pure, 

Until with Thee I will one will, 

To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God, 

Blend all my soul with Thine, 

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God, 

So shall I never die, 

But live with Thee the perfect life

Of Thine eternity.

What a beautiful and personal prayer of renewal! The "Breath of God" actually refers to the Spirit of God. It's another special gift that has been given to us to help us live our daily lives in a way that honors the Lord. "Breath of God" evokes a beautiful intimacy, doesn't it? Which is exactly what it is when we are open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Here is my Scripture verse:

But it is the spirit of a man, the breath of the Almighty,

that gives him understanding. (Job 32:8)

My page was inspired by the third verse. I know it kind of looks like a flower but it's actually supposed to represent flames as in "Glows with Thy fire divine." I tried something new on this piece. I cut this shape out of watercolor paper. I drew the zig zag pattern around it using a white oil pastel which created a wonderful resist. I colored over it with watercolor paints using all the flame colors. I cut out the letters and did a bit of doodling on them, then added the Scripture verse along with a bit more doodling. I also wrote the words of the third verse of the song around the page.  
I'll be back again very soon! In the meantime, I would encourage you to experience the Breath of God in your own life! JOY to you all! :o)

Materials Used:

Papers: Recollection - Cardstock, Watercolor Paper;

Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Circles (LG);

Cricut Cartridges: Florals Embellished, Alphabet;

Pens: Micron Pigma Pens;

My Stash: Watercolor Paints, Oil Pastel.

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Linking Up To:

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #14 - Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #97 - Anything Goes

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Here is a traditional and beautiful version of the hymn!

Here is an updated version of this hymn...but very un-hymn-y! lol 

I REALLY like this version! 

For some reason I couldn't upload it but you can find it HERE! Enjoy! :o)

A Die for a Sketch - Challenge #16

Hello, my friends!

Things have been pretty quiet around here this week but I'm very busy working on some new projects. I hope to share them with you very soon! :o)

Today begins a new Challenge over at A Die for a Sketch. I will be back on September 20th with a reminder and the card that I created for this challenge. In the meantime please head over to A Die for a Sketch and see what my talented Teammates have prepared for your inspiration!

A very big "THANK YOU" to all of you that entered our last challenge! There were so many beautiful cards, and I hope to see you all join us again this time around!

Here is the new sketch...isn't it a fun one?

The rules are very simple! Follow the sketch and use at least one die! We have two very generous sponsors again this month. Please click on the links below and pay them a visit!

A gift of five images to one lucky winner!

  A gift of seven images to another lucky winner!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! See you again very soon! :o)