Mikyako Fan

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! For most of us in the USA, it's a work holiday. Woo hoo!!! 

I hope everyone had a good 4th. We took the easy route and headed down to the Club for the poolside BBQ. I actually got some sun, which my lily white body needed. Now I'm ready to head to the beach!

If it's Monday, then that means it's time for another fabulous challenge at The Pink Elephant!

3 Layers, 2 Die Cuts and Ribbon

Our sponsor this week is Whimsie Doodles! The prize up for grabs is Miyako Fan (featured in my card) and Miyako Cookies, both part of the new July releases at Whimsie Doodles.

I love these images! I might have mentioned that I've inherited a good many pieces of Asian furniture and decorative items from my parents, who purchased most of them while we were stationed in the Philippines during a sojourn to Hong Kong, and when my dad was in Thailand during the Vietnam war. So I have a special affinity for Asian things.

I have to confess I wasn't really sure what "three layers" meant... whether the card base counts, but I think I'm okay with the two layers of designer paper plus the card base OR the two layers of designer paper plus the mat for the image. My die cuts are the bamboo, which I cut using my Cricut Expressions, and the die cut mat behind sweet Miyako Fan. The ribbon is hard to see, but is wide gold sheer ribbon at the bottom, layered underneath the orange mat. The DP is retired SU paper... I can't recall the name, but I think it looks Asian enough for my card.

Please come on over and play with us this week at The Pink Elephant! And be sure to pop by the blog to see the rest of the Design Team's wonderful creations using Miyako Fan and Miyako Cookies... and help us welcome three new designers to the team: Joni Wilson, Jennifer Hagfeldt and Arielle Gordon!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Wishing Ewe A Happy New Year!

Woo Hoo!!! Happy New Year!!! I pray that 2010 will be the best year ever for each and every one of us!!!

What better way to start the new crafting year than with a brand new Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! And I'm loving this one!

Since this is New Year's Day, I couldn't help but make a New Year's card. This cute digi image and greeting are from Whimsie Doodles. I don't drink very often, but when I do, it's usually a Grey Goose martini straight up with three olives for me! Delicious!

I put a hint of color on the lamb with my B0000 Copic Sketch marker, and then used Cotton Ball White Fun Flock for texture. The DP is from the Farm Fresh collection by October Afternoon (love!). And, yes, that's a hidden tag... which you can see here:

Be sure to hop around to see what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created to inspire you:

Jami Sibley: More is More
Lynn Mercurio: Stamperosity
Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper
Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme

Melissa Sauls: In Stamping Mode
Rachel Sztonyk: Gingerbread Gallery
Alice Lihsuan-Wertz: Alice's Little Wonderland
and of course Taylor herself: Taylored Expressions

Before you go, I want to wish each and every one of you a blessed New Year. At church last evening, our pastor delivered an awesome message he called "A Magnificent Seven For the New Year." The sermon notes included this quote:

"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the years, 'give me a light that I may safely tread into the unknown.' And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be unto you better than light and safer than any known way.'" Anonymous

He then shared with us the "magnificent seven," which I list for you here, with the referenced scriptures (I'm not typing out all of the scriptures... I'm hoping you'll decide to look them up... I truly believe you'll be blessed if you do).

1. Travel light (Ephesians 4:26-27) (i.e., lose the baggage)
   
2. Live one day at a time (Matthew 6:33-34)
3. Be kind (Colossians 3:12-14) (and forgiving!)
   
4. Face your problems with faith and courage (1 Peter 5:6-7)
5. If you cannot change your circumstances, change your attitude (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
6. The secret of relaxation (i.e., peace) is essential to health (Psalm 23:1-3)
7. Pray for God's Spirit that you may trust in Him for the future (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

Every single one of these resonated with me, how about you?

Happy New Year my friends!

A Beautiful Summer Day?

Raise your hand if you've heard of Whimsie Doodles. If you have, then you KNOW that it's a new digi stamp company with the CUTEST images around! The name says it all... Whimsie...and that's just what I love to work with the most. I especially love the muffins!

My card is for the Whimsie Wednesday Challenge #7, which is to make a summery card... a break from autumn/winter/Thanksgiving/Christmas cards. I hope mine looks summery enough. Sunny Day was one of the first digi stamp sets I purchased from Whimsie Doodles, even though it was "off season." I couldn't help myself... it immediately caught my eye! How fun that I had an excuse to use it now rather than wait for the change of season.

The challenge host, Thanh Vo, is feeling nostalgic for sunny days since she lives in Vancouver BC in the land of endless rain (according to Thanh). Me, I live in the land of endless sunshine and long for some rain. I guess we always want what we don't have!

As you can see, I paper-pieced most of my card. How, might you ask? First print the image(s) on regular computer paper. Then cut your DP a little larger than the area you want to piece using that particular paper. Use a repositionable or temporary adhesive (I use Herma) to secure the scrap over the area you want to piece on the computer paper image, then run it through the printer a second time. Voila!

All of the paper is Cosmo Cricket except for a smidge of Basic Grey for two of the trees. I couldn't resist some rhinestones and a button... it's a weakness. Plus the stitching. The images already look stitched, so it was a natural.

Day Four of my time away from work is coming to a close. Waaaah! It's going too fast! I have to admit I'm doing a fair amount of goofing around...and loving every moment. Last night's movie was Slumdog Millionaire. I totally respect the quality of the film and the unique story. However, the movie was depressing. No one should have to live in abject poverty, suffer under tyranny and/or be subjected to abuse, especially children. Yet it happens all the time and it makes me very sad. Can you imagine how it makes God feel? He sees it all. Me, I'm counting my blessings... and looking forward to a more light weight movie tonight.

Thanks for stopping by to visit. I know I've been really bad about my blog visits lately, but I promise I'll get it together. I'm just wallowing in the luxury of being home with my family. I hope you'll come back again tomorrow for the La-La Land Weekly Wednesday Challenge and The Diedrich Dare. See you then!

Hi Lisa K! I miss you!

TESC90 - Feel The Magic of the Season

TGIF... especially since it's time for the newest Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!! Okay, so you might have to squint a little to see the sketch in my card, but it's there! I was desperate to use this darling digi image, Muffin For Christmas, from Whimsie Doodles, so I made it work. The snowman's belly is a circle, don't you think? Come on, work with me here! {LOL}

Remember when Taylor used to call it the Friday Cupcake Challenge? She is the quintessential cupcake girl, so this one's for you Taylor!

I used Prism cardstock for my base and mats. Have I mentioned how much I've fallen for Prism cardstock? Maybe a time or two. My secret source is Taylored Expressions (*wink*). While you're there, be sure to check what's Fresh Out of the Oven. Yesterday was another fabulous release day.

You'll also want to check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew have created for your viewing pleasure. I am simply in awe of their talent!

Jackie Pedro: The Scalloped Edge
Jami Sibley: More is More
Lynn Mercurio: Stamperosity
Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper
Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme

Melissa Sauls: In Stamping Mode
Rachel Sztonyk: Gingerbread Gallery
Alice Lihsuan-Wertz: Alice's Little Wonderland
and of course Taylor herself: Taylored Expressions

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a magical day.