Stampin' Sisters in Christ

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

It's my turn to host the challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. I chose the well-known Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." My challenge is to predominately use the colors blue (still waters) and green (green pastures) in your card/project. 

I ran out of time before leaving for CHA to make a card for my own challenge. Can you believe it? I'm so ashamed. But the rest of my design team have lots of beautiful cards to share with you, so be sure to stop by the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to see their creative inspiration.

So, why did I pick this particular scripture? Isn't it kind of a downer? I mean, don't we usually only hear Psalm 23 read at funerals? What was I thinking?

I was thinking this... that this scripture embodies just about everything wonderful that is yours if you accept Christ as your savior. He is your shepherd... caring for you, leading you, protecting you, comforting you. He restores your soul... trusting in him is the peace that passes all understanding. Because you know him, because he leads you, you desire to travel the paths of righteousness for his sake.

I don't believe "the valley of the shadow of death" necessarily means actual death (although it surely can be), but maybe also the death of something else... the loss of a job, the loss of a friendship, the end of a marriage, a turning point in life that scares you... anything unsettling. But with the Lord by your side, you need not fear! The Lord is with you as you stand against your enemies! In all things you are blessed... your cup overflows! Goodness and mercy (from the Lord) will follow you all the days of your life... and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! This is the promise made by God in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." Ultimately, that is the greatest comfort of all.

So don't be sad when you hear or read Psalm 23. Instead, be assured, be comforted, be fearless!

Our sponsor is Taylored Expressions, who is offering the beautiful new Rest & Renewel stamp set as a prize for one lucky player in this week's challenge. So why not join us? I believe you will be blessed. For more inspiration, be sure to stop by the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to see what the rest of the design sisters have created for you. I also highly recommend visiting each of their blogs... folks often say that reading all the individual devotionals is spiritually refreshing. I have to agree!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed day! 

Sketch Saturday!

 Hello everyone! Time for another fabulous sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!

Valentines seem to be on my mind lately (*grin*), so I pulled out the sweet papers and embellies from the Taylored Expressions January Key Ingredients kit, images from Love Everywhere, and the Heart Border die and went to work! I love coloring images, but sometimes it's fun to just stamp, don't you think?

To give the image a bit more interest, I first stamped the scene on Choice Snow White cardstock and then embossed it with a Cuttlebug embossing folder featuring sweet little flowers from the Once Upon a Princess bundle. I stamped the little house a second time, cut it out, and popped it over the original image with pop dots. Very easy!

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge! Our sponsor is The Craft Barn. You'll want to nip over to the Sketch Saturday blog to see what the rest of the design team ladies have come up with for this sketch. So much lovely eye candy!

I'm on my way to a bridal shower this afternoon and then on to CHA to meet up with friends for dinner. Tomorrow will be my first full day at the show. I'll be working in the La-La Land Crafts booth off and on through Tuesday, so be sure to stop by and say hi! We're hosting some wonderful make-and-takes that you won't want to miss!

Have a wonderful day!

Sending you love...

Hey y'all! Happy Thursday! I can't believe it's Thursday already. Gee wiz, where is the time going? And why am I not more caught up? Next week... that's it... I'll get caught up next week after I get back from CHA. Can't wait to go!!!

I was playing around in my neglected craft room last night and whipped up this card. I'm in LOVE with the yummy papers and other goodies in this month's Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit... it works well for both Valentine and birthday cards/projects. I just got the new Wreath of Love Bundle and I'm one happy girl! I can't wait to use the birdies next. I have a special fondness for birds, especially their song. :)

If you haven't already subscribed to Key Ingredients, what are you waiting for? There is an amazing New Subscriber special going on... check the blog for all the deets. There's never a shortage of inspiration, either, in the Gallery. Oh baby!

Thanks for stopping in today! I'll be back soon with more goodies...

Happy Birthday Dear Claire!

Today... January 26th... is a very important day... it's our dear Claire's birthday...the genius behind Waltzingmouse Stamps. Those of us who are privileged to be on her design teams have come together to celebrate and let Claire know how much we love her and appreciate her! The hop waltz begins here. But just in case there's a break along the way, you can find all the links on the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog, where you can also leave your own birthday wishes for Claire.

Claire, I wish you all the best on this, your birthday, and every day. I feel so privileged to not only be your right-hand girl, but your friend. You are a treasure to me! 'Twas fate that brought us together, and I thank my lucky stars. Happy Birthday dear girl!!! With love, from Lisa

Now grab your hanky and continue on to Sandie's blog. She has a special message for you, too! Enjoy your day!

Love is in the air...

Hello all you love-ly ladies out there. Time for another fantastic challenge at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!!!

The theme is love, l'amour, amore.

I happen to love this image of Cafe Lucy. I confess, I'm partial to coffee. Gotta have it every morning, and sometimes even at night. I paired Cafe Lucy with patterned paper from Papertrey Ink. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw the challenge graphic... perfect!

The sketch is from Friday Sketchers.

Why not come along and play with us this week? There's a chance you'll win a free stamp! You'll really be inspired when you see what the rest of the design team have come up with for our LOVE theme:

Cindy Haffner, January Guest Designer

Kim Yu

Laurel Seabrook

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Stephanie Kraft

I also need to mention that this is my last post as a member of Sparkle's design team. It was a hard decision to make 'cause I've loved every minute of being on her team. I am so proud... always will be... that I was part of her inaugural team. And no doubt I will continue to be a customer and enjoy my SCRS stamps for a long time to come. Wait until you see who's joining the team in February! I see lots of wonderful things in store for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. ;)

Cheers!

Just Saying Hi

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is Lovely Linda Lucas! She has chosen as her inspiration scripture Jeremiah 31:3, "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Her challenge is to make a vintage style card/project.

God's love is everlasting and unconditional. That's hard for many of us to understand, especially those who have never really experienced unconditional love. Most children are raised to think they need to behave a certain way in order to be loved, and oftentimes parents don't even realize that this is the message they are sending. Many of us have become estranged from someone who was "supposed" to love us unconditionally. And we all know that if we don't behave a certain way... or should I say, we go too far... we will likely lose the love of friends, spouses and family members. No wonder it's hard for our human minds to grasp this concept of everlasting and unconditional love.

But God's everlasting and unconditional love IS there for each of us, my friends. Most assuredly. All sin which separated us from God was washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. This doesn't give us a free ticket to sin with abandon, but it does give us salvation and assurance of life everlasting if we only reach out and accept God's love and have faith in his promises. It's when the going gets tough that it's the most important for us to remember this.

God loves you and he isn't the one doing bad things to you, but he very much wants to help you get through whatever it is that you are experiencing. Trust in this. Believe in this. Reach out for the peace that passes all understanding. It really does make a difference. I promise.

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge! Designed 2 Delight is our sponsor. Be sure to pop over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to see all the lovely creations by the rest of the design team and to read Linda's devotional on her scripture choice. You will be blessed!

My card features images from one of the new Hero Arts stamp sets, Just Saying Hi. I love the old-fashioned telephones. It's hard to see in the picture, but I used Ranger's Distress Crackle Paint in Clear Rock Candy over the image. The patterned paper is by Echo Park (love it!), which I distressed with an edge tool and sanding block. The flower is by Prima.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed day my friends!

Waltzingmouse Stamps Grand Calibur Party!

Note: this is my second post for today. Please scroll down for Sketch Saturday. Thanks!

Have you heard the news? Waltzingmouse Stamps is hosting a party celebrating our brand new Grand Calibur machines, courtesy of the ultra-generous and ultra-fantastic Spellbinders! You probably already know that Waltzingmouse Stamps is a leader in creating stamps that are "Nestie" friendly, and is product partners with Spellbinders. We couldn't have been more thrilled to have received this gift to enhance our Spellbinders experience!

At first, I didn't think that I really needed a Grand Calibur, but now that I've played with it, it's most definitely a must-have! I can honestly say the cutting is smooth and deep. I love that it suctions to your table for stability and cranks easily. But most of all, I love the larger platform and the way you can lay out and cut all your pieces at once!

My first card demonstrates this perfectly...

First, I laid out all the dies of Blossom on patterned paper and cut them all out in one swipe!

Then I cut the card base by layering two pieces of cardstock under the largest of the Labels 8 die, and cut them at the same time with the second largest of Labels 8 on patterned paper to make the mat. The Grand Calibur cut through both layers of cardstock cleanly and easily!

I then scored the end of what would become the back of my card one quarter inch from the top.

And used strong "red" tape to adhere it to the front of my card...

I rolled and crumpled all of the layers of the Blossom and inked the edges (except for the smallest piece, which I substituted for a brad to hold all the layers together. I also inked the edges of the card base and background mat with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain distress ink, which I used to stamp the greeting from Sewing Box Hugs. Don't be afraid to cut your greetings like I did to make them fit your space. That's the beauty of acrylic stamps!

I also used an image from Sewing Box Hugs in my next card.

I love the simplicity of this card... and I love that I was able to cut the aperture so easily with the Grand Calibur.

I first made the card base, cut a patterned paper mat from Echo Park's Be Mine collection, chose my stamp, and then selected the correct sizes of Spellbinders Classic Rectangles Large to fit my image and allow for the "frame."

I opened up the card, taped the larger die to the patterned paper with Scotch Removable Tape, and used a paper piercer to put tiny holes in the four corners of the smaller die through the card base to mark the spot to cut.

Once the patterned piece was removed, it was easy to take the smaller die and match it up to the tiny holes, tape it down, and then cut both at the same time with the Grand Calibur.

I used the embossing pad that comes with the Grand Calibur to run the card base through one more time to create an embossed edge to my "frame." I love the way it turned out!

Simple pimple, as Claire would say!

Finally, I made a cute card with one of my favorite stamp sets Half Pint Heroes. The dotted circle is from Faux Fun Circles.

This card also follows this week's sketch at Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. To make the "waves," I first cut the larger die from Jumbo Scalloped Borderabilities Petite and then cut that in half, layering one piece over the other with pop dots. Once again, all I needed was one swipe through the Grand Calibur!

Oh, one thing to note: the recommended sandwich puts Plate C (the cutting plate) on the top. But I always put mine on the bottom and cut "down." I prefer to see where I'm cutting, especially when I'm cutting out a stamped image, like the dotted circle. Also, I removed the tray from my Grand Calibur so that I can easily use 8 1/2 x 11 paper. You can find instructions for this here.

I hope you've been inspired! Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a stamp set of choice. For more details on all the party festivities and ways to win, hop on over to the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog where you'll find links to the other design team members posting with me today... and those who posted yesterday and will post tomorrow. You won't want to miss all the fun!

You're Sew Sweet!

Hey everyone! Happy Saturday!!! Time for another fun sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

My card features Lavender Quilter from Kraftin' Kimmies to celebrate my other favorite hobby, quilting! In fact, I'm spending the day today at Road to California with my sweet friend Alicia, gazing lovingly at all the beautiful fabrics, ribbon, buttons and quilts. A veritable feast for the eyes!

The background paper is, appropriately, from the Material Girl collection by Cosmo Cricket. It seemed only right to add a bit of stitching. (*grin*)

I hope you'll join us this week at Sketch Saturday. Our sponsor is Bugaboo Stamps! You'll definitely want to pop over to the Sketch Saturday blog to see what the other talented ladies on the design team have come up with. Another feast for the eyes!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I'm slowly getting my life back to normal after our last trip to Arizona. Grandma E is settled into her new digs and I think she really likes it there. Now I've got to get ready for CHA!

Have a great day!

Ginormous Sale at Taylored Expressions!

Taylored Expressions is having a ginormous sale!

Get 'em while the gettin's good! Just sayin'! (*wink*)

Taylored Expressions January Key Ingredients!

Today is not only the day that the January Key Ingredients Kits start shipping, but it's also my day to post on the Key Ingredients Blog! Be sure to jump on over there to read more about my project AND to read about the special offer for new, current and former KI subscribers, plus all the new benefits of membership that debut this month!!!

All I can say is MEOWWWW!

Happy Birthday Ian!

Happy Birthday to my first-born son, Ian! The day he was born was definitely one of the four best days of my life... maybe the best because he was my first. I remember it all so vividly, from the time I went into labor the night before, to the first time I held him. I tell him the story every year. He rolls his eyes. Ha! I'm not sure how it happened, but in spite of his father and me, he's grown into an exceptional young man who is well-liked by everyone he meets. I always know I can count on him. He is my heart. I love you Esker Bud!!!

Big News at La-La Land Crafts!

Hey all you La-La Land Craft Fans...wonderful news! All of the NEWEST Marci and Luka stamps - Formal Luka, Fancy Dress Marci, Darling Marci, Sweetheart Marci, Sugar and Spice Marci, and Amour Luka - are now available for purchase in RUBBER at the La-La Land Crafts store!

~ FANCY DRESS MARCI ~

~ FORMAL LUKA ~ 

~ DARLING MARCI ~

~ SWEETHEART MARCI ~

~ SUGAR N' SPICE MARCI ~

 ~ AMOUR LUKA ~

Not only that, but for a chance to win all SIX of these new rubber stamps for FREE, you'll need to pop on over to the La-La Land Crafts Blog and leave a comment! The deadline to enter is midnight PST on Sunday, January 16th, so hurry!


My card features Sweetheart Marci, and is JUST that...sweet!!! I paired her with patterned paper from the Be Loved collection by My Mind's Eye, and a chipboard piece (love) that I painted with Adirondack Red Pepper Acrylic Paint Dabber. The sketch is Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 99.

Now off you go to shop shop shop! I have a la-la lovely day!

Amore, Amour, Love

No matter how you say it, Love is a wonderful thing!

Hey everyone, time for another fantastic challenge at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!!!

My dear friend Kim Yu has come up with a wonderful sketch for us to play with this week! Since Valentine's Day is around the corner, I reached for adorable Valentine Oliver and paired him with patterned paper from the Sugar Rush collection by Basic Grey. As you can see, I cut out the words "amore, Amour and LOVE" from the patterned paper to create the greeting for my card.

Come on over and join us this week! You'll not only enjoy playing with the sketch, but you'll also have a chance to win a stamp from Sparkle! For more inspiration, take a peek at what the rest of the design team have created with this fabby sketch:

Cindy (Guest Designer)

Kim

Laurel

Lisa (that's me!)

Simonne

Sparkle

Stephanie

Before you go, check out this wonderful opportunity to become part of the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps team!

With the new year upon us, we are looking to add a new position to the Sparkle Creations team.  We are having an open call for a Sponsorship Coordinator.  Below are the specifications and requirements for the position.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Responsible for finding and maintaining sponsorships for Sparkle Creations
• Work with DT Coordinator to update our sponsorship schedule
• Make card samples for the sponsorships SCRS participates in
• Posting sponsorships on the SCRS blog

 Requirements:

• Must be able to write professionally and clear
• Have excellent card making and photography skills
• Knowledge on creating blog posts in Blogger
• A public place to post your cards (can be blog, Flickr, Splitcoast, etc)

 Benefits:

• Free product with each SCRS release
• 25% off all other purchases in the SCRS store

 You will have until January 26th to apply for this position.  Please send an email to sparklecreationsrubberstamps@live.com and put Sponsorship Coordinator in the subject title.

Please include:

1. Your name
2. 3 of your best cards within the last few months (doesn't have to be SCRS images, but should be something in the same lines of style)
3. Your blog or gallery link
4. Any current DTs that you are on (having DT experience is not a requirement for this position)

 Have a LOVE-ly day!

Very Important Fundraiser!

I'm just back from our latest trip to Arizona and haven't had time to craft yet, but I don't want to wait another moment to alert you to this important fundraising event for Katie Renz and family. I just contributed, and I hope you will, too. The digi images are amazing, but even if you don't use them, who cares? It's the thought behind the fundraiser that counts.

I'll be back soon after I've sorted myself and my household out!

Expect to have hope rekindled...

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Chris Olsen is our challenge hostess for this week's scripture-inspired challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. Chris chose as her scripture Ruth 2:12, "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Her challenge is to make a card/project featuring wings.

It's a bit hard to read, but the greeting on my card (which comes from the Faith & Hope stamp set by Taylored Expressions) says, "Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons do not last. The Spring rain will come again. -Sarah Ban Breathnach."

Folks, I have to confess... I'm completely drained at the moment. As I write, I'm still in Arizona at my MIL's, dealing with the move of her MIL into assisted living. My mind is drawing blanks. I'm exhausted. I don't like my card (except for the greeting) and came "this close" to scrapping it and giving the challenge a miss. But I want to make sure YOU know about this week's challenge at SSIC. And I do believe your visit there will be a blessing to you. I also think the greeting on my card is self-explanatory. Let's just say I'm living this very thing at the moment. It IS wondrous the way God answers prayer. Truly. I've felt His presence every step of the way on the journey we're on now and as it relates to my own life.

My friends, EXPECT your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways, and don't be surprised when they are! God is with you in everything!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a blessed day!

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge

I'm a bit behind on some of my crafting this week because my husband and I are back in Arizona to get my MIL's MIL settled in assisted living. Thanks to angels on earth... Micky (hospital social worker) and Mark (elder care placement assistant)... we've found a very nice board and care place for E. She was transferred from hospital rehab to the care home yesterday. Poor old girl is really depressed. It's so hard on her. Let me tell you, growing VERY old is not for wimps. Be sure that you have lots of financial security so that you have lots of choices if you ever need care. This has truly been an eye-opener for me. Oh, and exercise every day so you won't have to rely so much on walkers and wheel chairs and folks to lift you around. I think I've finally found my motivation to make regular exercise a part of my daily routine. And here I thought it was only to lose weight.

Anyway, I couldn't play in this week's sketch challenge at Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge, but you can! It's a fun one... lots of possibilities here. Be sure to check the blog to see what the Mischief Makers and some of our DT ladies have created! Oh, and did I mention there's a prize up for grabs?

Have a fabby day! And please... go for a walk. You'll be glad you did! (*smile*)

Note: this is my third post for today. Please scroll down for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps New Release Blog Hop and Sketch Saturday! Thanks!