The Golden Rule

Hello, my friends!
Guess what? I don't have a card for you today....I have a layout and I'm quite excited about! It seems that since I've learned to make cards, I've forgotten all about making 12 X 12 layouts. I decided it was high time I get back to it!
This layout was very therapeutic for me. Yesterday I had a very heavy heart.  A dear friend of mine was hurting and there was nothing I could do to help her. I could pray for her, which is LOTS, but I couldn't do anything to take her pain away. When I feel burdened or heavy-hearted I have a process that takes care of it. First, I pray! Then I turn on some fabulous worship music and I create. The page I have today is the result!
"The Golden Rule" is something we are all familiar with. I often mention that I consider the Bible my guidebook for life. Not everyone feels the same way, but I think that most people do agree with living by the Golden Rule. It can be found in Luke 6:31:

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

It's a simple concept, right? All we have to do is take a moment to think BEFORE we act! Is this the right thing for me to be saying or doing? How would I feel if someone else said or did this to me? If I  wouldn't like it then I shouldn't do it! Yes, it's very simple!

So why is it that when it comes to the internet there are so many instances where the Golden Rule goes right out the window? Is it because we don't SEE each other...so we're not really there? Is it because we think we won't be found out...nobody will know what we're really doing? Is it because we live in different countries and speak different languages...so it doesn't apply? What is the justification for hurting each other. I don't know! I do know that there seems to be a trend happening online...a trend towards no consideration towards other peoples feelings. I spoke of a similar trend last June in my post  entitled "Just A Little Kindness" which you can find HERE. It's funny that it was also in June. Is it a bad month for people? Are we letting the stresses of this time of year dictate how we treat others? 

I think that every once in a while we need to check ourselves and see how we're doing with following the Golden Rule. We also need to remember that our online friends and acquaintances are real people with real feelings that can be hurt by our poor decisions. Just some things for us all to think about! :o)

I thought this lovely sunflower photo worked great with the Golden Rule theme. I did some layering, some punching, some cutting and some distressing. I even added some doodle stitching! Then I needed some more sunflowers. I made them using my Cricut. The cut was for Mums and not sunflowers but with a little work they turned out. I added a few more goodies, some pretty trim,  and finally a little heart charm to the seam binding on the tag. That's about it! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend! :o)

Materials Used:

Papers: DCWV - Haberdash Stack, Recollections Cardstock;

Punch: Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page - Wildflowers;

Cricut Cartridges: Essentials, Alphabet, Flower Shoppe;

Spellbinders Nestabilities: Labels Fifteen;

Sizzix Dies: Tim Holtz Alterations - Tag & Bookplates, Tattered Pinecone;

Flowers: Recollections and Prima Mini Roses;

Ink: Distress Ink - Walnut Stain;

Charm: Heart - Gift from Lynn;

Garment Pin - Making Memories;

Yellow Sprigs: Art Angels Designs;

Trim: My Stash.

* * * * *

A closer look at my sunflowers:

Linking Up To:

Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #85 - Anything Goes

Crafty Friends Challenge #4 - Use A Charm

A Die for a Sketch - Reminder for Challenge #13

Hello, my friends!
I'm back today to remind you of the fun challenge going on over at A Die for a Sketch! This time I will share the project I made following Dunja's lovely sketch. I have decorated another gift bag. This is a great baking bag that would be wonderful filled with yummy cookies! The fun image is from Bugaboo and it's called Occupation Bear Cook. You can find it right HERE. Isn't he cute? I wonder where I came up with the great cookie idea? lol

Materials Used:

Papers: K & Company - Sweet Nectar, Recollections - Cardstock;

Sponsor Image: Bugaboo - Occupation Bear Cook;

Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;

Dies: Sizzix Decorative Strip - Circles and  Triangles,

Spellbinders Borderabilities - Eyelet Borders;

Flowers: Making Memories;

Ribbon: Offray;

Button: My Stash.

* * * * *

Here is the Sketch:

 

* * * * *

Our wonderful sponsor this month is Bugaboo Digi Stamps!
You have the opportunity to win 7 fabulous Bugaboo Digi Stamps!

 

* * * * *

Remember...the rules are very simple!
Create anything you would like using the Challenge Sketch and at least one die!
Then link it up at A Die for a Sketch! Don't forget to have fun with it! :o)

* * * * *

A - Just Because it's Monday - Kinda Post!

Happy Monday to you all, my friends!

I had opportunity to have some fun playing with a wonderful new digi image. There's a great new artist in town that I'd like to tell you about. Her name is Wendy Burns and she's recently opened an Etsy shop called Wendyburnsdesign where she sells her fabulous images.  You can find Wendy's blog HERE and see more of your amazing talent!

The image I used on my card is called "I Love My Puppy" and it can be found right HERE. If you purchase this image you actually get 4 options with it. One is the entire image as I have used it. Then you also get each of the components individually; the flowers, the puppy, and the pretty little girl. I just love the sweet and whimsical style! With all four files you have unlimited options of what you can create! This sweet image has inspired me to try something else that I hope to share with you in a future post!

Also, with this project, I have created my first center step card. They've been appearing everywhere and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try it! I have actually made this card for a very special person...my sweet young niece Rachel. I recently received some mail from Rachel that she sent "the old-fashioned way" - those are her words! lol This mail included a beautiful letter and a fabulous piece of artwork that she made for me! I can see her becoming a famous digital artist in the future, as she has amazing artistic talent! When she was tiny, she would draw stick people like you have never seen before, the detail was incredible!

Here is my card! I'm sorry about the shadows...the sun hasn't been out for days!

Here's a side angle:

Materials Used:

Papers: Prima - Sparkling Spring, Recollections Carstock;

Image: Wendy Burns Design - I Love My Puppy;

Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;

Punches: EK Success Border Punch - Scalloped Scallop,

Flowers: Mini flower punches from Recollections, Fiskars, and EK Success;

Die: Stampin' Up Sizzix Embosslit -  Beautiful Wings;

Ink: Distress Ink - Vintage Photo;

Ribbon: Details Accessories;

Pears: My Stash.

* * * * *
I don't usually do this but I thought it would be fun to link up to some fun "new to me" blogs along with my usual hangouts!
Linking Up To:

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #84 - Anything Goes
Eureka Stamps Challenge #44 - Anything Goes
Make It Monday # 145
There She Goes #212 - Anything Goes
Lacy Sunshine Challenge #10 - Special Anniversary - Anything Goes
Quirky Crafts Challenge #12 - Fold It!
Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Something Sweet
Word Play Saturday June Challenge - Summertime

* * * * *

So pop on over to Wendy's shop HERE and take a peek at the rest of her lovely and whimsical designs!

Hope your day is full of sunshine...mine is starting to appear! :o)

LiaStampz Challenge #43 - Anything Goes

Hello again, my friends!
I'm here today to share my latest project for the new challenge over at LiaStampz! I had to buy this image as soon as I saw it in the store. Isn't it fabulous? This image really makes me laugh because it is SO my girls! One is a BIG hugger and the other is NOT a hugger...at all! The expressions on their faces are so precious...and very familiar to me! :o)
The image is called "Asha with Friends" and is available HERE. All of the other LiaStampz are available here at Whimsy Stamps. This image comes with a free page of sentiments, PLUS you can receive up to five custom designed sentiments of your own choosing! How fun is that? The sentiment on my card was one that I requested from Laura at LiaStampz! So head on over to store and be inspired and don't forget to link up to the fun challenge! :o)

Materials Used:

Papers: K & Company - Sweet Nectar, Recollections Cardstock;

Image: LiaStampz - Asha with Friends;

Prismacolor Pencils and OMS;

Cricut Cartridge: Essentials;

Ink: Distress Ink - Vintage Photo;

Flowers: Making Memories - Vintage Findings;

Pins: Gift from Susan.

* * * * *

Linking Up To:

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #84 - Anything Goes

* * * * *

I hope this scheduled post works out!
If the new challenge isn't up when you see this then just check back later!

Today is my 28th wedding anniversary and my Sweetie and I are off to enjoy a day of fun together!

I am so grateful forevery hour of every day of every year!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend too! :o)

Sushi Dolls #11 - Dolled Up

Happy Wednesday, my friends!
Thank you all so much for your sweet comments about the photo of me and my girls! You are all so sweet! :o)
I have a confession to make...I still play with dolls...Sushi Dolls! lol I had lots of fun coloring up this image from the June release called Dolled Up. Isn't she sweet? You can find here HERE!
Guess what? Susi is having an open Design Team Call. If you want to have some fun playing with dolls too, just pop over to the Sushi Dolls Blog HERE and read all the details.
I also had some fun playing around with my Cricut on this card. I love the intricate cuts that it makes!
It's been great getting back into my routine. I've been getting lots done so I'll be back very soon with more to show you! :o)

Materials Used:

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

Image: Sushi Doll - Dolled Up

Prismacolor Pencils and Odorless Mineral Spirits;

Cricut Cartridge:  Pretty Pennants;

Stamp: Stampin' Up - Itty Bitty Banners;

Fiber: Hemptique - True Hemp;

Pearls: Stampin' Up - Jewels - Basic Pearls;

Flowers: Maya Road - Velvet Blossoms;

Mini Clothes Pins: My Stash.

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #8 - Faith of Our Fathers

Happy Monday, my friends!

I am finally back into the swing of things after taking a much needed break. I want to thank you all for your sweet words and wishes regarding my daughter's wedding! It was a really beautiful day and all went just as planned! I opted to leave my camera at home and just treasure every moment. The official photos aren't in yet but others are sharing, and I will add one of my favorites at the end of this post!

Today I have a new Hymn and Scripture Challenge page for you. The hymn is called Faith of Our Fathers. It's a very familiar hymn to me and I have sung it many times. As I was going through the videos to find one to share, my husband remarked how sad the song sounded. He pointed out that it sounded like a song one would play at a funeral. You know what? He was right! Most of the copies did indeed sound very somber! If you look at the words to the hymn you see that although it does include some somber thoughts, it has a message of encouragement and hope. As it says in Hebrews 11 verse 1:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Here are the words to the song. Only one version I found had all four verses. The second verse is the one that was usually missing:

1. Faith of our fathers, living still,
   In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
   Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
   Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
   • Refrain:
     Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
     We will be true to thee till death.
     
     
     Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,

     were still in heart and conscience free;

     And blest would be their children's fate,

     If they, like them should die for Thee.
2. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
   To win all nations unto thee;
   And through the truth that comes from God,
   We all shall then be truly free.
3. Faith of our fathers, we will love
   Both friend and foe in all our strife;
   And preach thee, too, as love knows how
   By kindly words and virtuous life.

For my page I used the Scripture found in Romans 4:20-21. These verses talk about Abraham...one of our great "fathers" of faith. It says:

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, 

but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 

being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."

A wonderful note in my bible says: "Whereas works are man's attempt to establish a claim on God, faith brings glory to Him." Isn't that beautiful, and isn't that what we want...to bring glory to God? So let's live a life of faith, KNOWING that God will do ALL that He has promised us, and giving ALL the glory to Him! :o)

My page is very simple as the paper does most of the work. I used one of my favorite Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page sets. I fussy cut a few butterflies from a coordinating paper and added them. For the Scripture spot I did some playing with my Cricut E2. The title was also cut on the Cricut. Then I added the pearls and my page was finished!

Materials Used:

Papers: Susan Winget Nature by K and Company,

Recollections Cardstock;

Punches: Martha Stewart  Punch Around the Page - Wildflowers;

Cricut Cartridges: Alphabet, Essentials;

Stamp: Studio G - Faith;

Ink: Martha Stewart - Stem Green, Distress Ink - Vintage Photo;

Pearls, Gold Metallic Gel Pen: My Stash.

I used a gold pen to add some detail to all of the butterflies. You can see it a little bit in this photo:

Linking Up To:

Hymn and Scripture Challenge # 8 - Faith of Our Fathers

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #83 - Anything Goes

* * * * *

Here is a lovely version of the hymn:

* * * * *

Okay, onto some details of the big day! After the ceremony we all went to a nearby park for formal portraits. It was such a beautiful day! When these were finished the bridal party went on to have more photos taken at a pool hall and a fifties diner. I think I've mentioned that Andrea is totally into retro! I've seen a couple of the photos and they are so fun! I hope to share some of those with you too. In the meantime, here is one of me with my girls!

That's it for today! So sorry for the super long post! It looks like I've missed you all! lol Thanks for hanging in to the end! I hope to be back soon with more of something! Have a wonderful week! :o)

A Die for a Sketch - Challenge #13

Hello, my dear friends!
Today's post is another scheduled post. I am busy with family visiting after the wedding, and then I will need a few days to recuperate from all the festivities! I hope to be back to my blogging very soon! :o)
I want to thank everyone for their wonderful participation in our birthday celebrations at A Die for a Sketch! We had lots of fun with our blog hop, and very much appreciated all the beautiful entries for Challenge #12!
I don't have a project to show you for the Challenge #13 sketch. My project will be posted with the reminder post on June 20th. In the meantime, please go check out what half of the Design Team has done with this great sketch HERE.
Here is the new Challenge Sketch:

 

* * * * *

Our wonderful sponsor this month is Bugaboo Digi Stamps!
You have the opportunity to win 7 fabulous Bugaboo Digi Stamps!

 

* * * * *

Remember...the rules are very simple!
Create anything you would like using the Challenge Sketch and at least one die!
Then link it up at A Die for a Sketch! Don't forget to have fun with it! :o)

* * * * *