Ministering Hands......

BIG flower - ODBD 57

2011-04-19T06:48:00.000-04:00

Yep - that's right. Two posts in one week. A new record for me in recent history! The idea for this card came from my friend, Julie, again. She graciously came to my home to remind me and Crystal of what to do with some of our tools purchased ions ago. She brought some new toys - SU!'s punch & set that will do this kind of image.

The challenge from ODBD this week is to do no coloring. As you can see, it makes this card perfect for their challenge! The paper is from Basic Grey, the dots are Liquid Pearls Platinum, and the center of the flower is punched out with a MS punch.

(Sorry the date is on my picture. However, since I now have two grandsons, I need the date on most of my photos. I'll try to remember to turn that feature off next time I get to stamp. : P)

Watercolor Cards & a Challenge

2011-04-16T14:34:00.000-04:00

Hello, Dear Stamping Friends! I am happy to say that I've been stampng today, making birthday cards for the rest of the month. Can you believe tomorrow is Palm Sunday? I just had to show you my Spring-like cards. I've embossed both images on watercolor paper, but used different mediums to add the colors. The pink card was made by using Watercolor Wonder Crayons from Stampin' Up!. They are super easy to use, and thanks to my talented friend, Julie, I was reminded just how WONDERful they are. I simply swiped a line of color where I wanted it and used a water soaked paintbrush to 'swish' the color around. As you can see, the colors are soft & pretty. Because I wanted a more bold look, I made the purple card by using markers to add color. I then used the same 'swishing' technique to finish off the look.

I've put the purple card at the top of my post because I'm going to use it for a challenge - Stampin' Sisters in Christ asks us to use purple or wood this week. The verse is Mark 15:17 "They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him." CONTEXT PASSAGE: Mark 15: 16-20

I think the colors of Spring and the gorgeousness of flowers are much brighter to us when we know what a sacrifice our Savior made in order to have fellowship with us. Like you, I'm thankful for Jesus & the hope He's given me for a future with Him. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Blessings, Laurie

Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge - ODBDSLC52

2011-03-16T11:11:00.000-04:00

The challenge this week is to use leather or pearls because ODBD is celebrating their 3rd anniversary! I am extremely gratefull Kelley started the company & has done such a wonderful job of keeping us paper crafters in supply of Scripture sets. It's a blessing to be able to use a verse as the focal point of my cards. Having said that, however, I am not going to use any ODBD stamps on my submission. I simply had to share this cute duck image from an unknown company. I've used Copics to color him and Nesties to make some interesting layers, but other than that this is a very simple card. Hope you enjoy it. It surely does make me smile!

ODBDSLC47

2011-02-07T15:23:00.000-05:00

Here's my second card for the challenge. I used the same paper from called Linen Closet by DCWV. Again I'm doing challenge ODBDSLC26- Dies and Punches by using Labels 8 and 11. Go HERE to see the specifics for the Our Daily Bread Designs Anniversary Challenge.

It's been awhile! - ODBDSLC47

2011-02-07T09:22:00.002-05:00

Can you even believe I am making a blog post? It's been six months - Wow, that's a long time! I've been busy with my first two grandchildren who were born 2 months apart last Fall in addition to my work as a Cprint interpreter. It's incredible & challenging at the same time, but I've finally gotten some time to stamp. I'm out of practice, so you'll have to bear with me. Thank goodness for the wonderful tools we have these days. Fun, fun!

Here are two cards I made recently using DCWV papers. I love the soft color tones & the dainty patterns. I've received some new-to-me Nesties for my birthday and Christmas that were unused until now, too. The first card uses Blossoms and the second uses Labels 8 & 11. I just love how you can layer and mix-n-match. I've also used some ribbon & my new favorite tool: Liquid Pearls. I want to get them in every possible color. I am truly hooked, Friends! : P

Both cards will be used in the Our Daily Bread Designs Shining Light Challenge. You can see what that's all about HERE. I've chosen ODBDSLC26- Dies and Punches as the challenge for their one year Anniversary Challenge. I've used the Customer Scripture set that I adore. Hope you enjoy these simple cards. Thanks for checking in on me, Laurie

Stampin' Sisters In Christ challenges celebrates!

2010-08-16T03:00:00.212-04:00

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8

Our Birthday Blog Hop starts at the Stampin' Sisters In Christ blog! You'll want to start there and follow along. There are many blessings along the way and chances to win prizes, so we hope you'll join us! All of the blog links will also be there in case you need them.

Now you know a couple of my favorite verses. Romans 5:6-8 astounds me. God made a way for all people to know Him and have a relationship with Him even though we don't deserve it. We're not righteous people, not even good people. We all know it's true deep down in our hearts. There's no power in ourselves to make us worthy of God's love. But God didn't care about that. His love was higher, deeper, wider, & longer than all our sins. We mean more to Him than all our sins. He proved it when Christ died a death He didn't deserve in order to make a way for us to have that relationship with God, which we don't deserve. He did the work that gives us the gift of eternal life. Amazing!

I'm thankful you were able to join us for the celebration of a year's worth of Stampin' Sisters In Christ challenges. You'll want to go HERE to Linda's post as you continue on your way. May God bless you today. Hugs, Laurie

EDIT: Hey, don't forget to leave a comment on the SSIC blog post for the Birthday Hop. One fortunate commentor will win a $50 gift certificate to spend at the sponsor of their choice!!!
DP-Lemonade by Basic Grey
Sentiment-computer generated
Accessories-Martha Stewart corner punch

Sunshine for Your Day

2010-07-03T07:21:00.004-04:00

Good morning, Stamping Friends. I hope you are enjoying your day no matter the weather. But I have to tell you that we've had a string of sunny days that has been wonderful. Low humidity, sunshine, & warm. Ahhhh. But just in case you haven't had the same, here's a card to brighten your day!

This image is a wonderful Plain Jane from Verve. I've colored it with Copics & added some shimmery silver streaks with a Spica pen. Can you see those streaks? They don't show up too well in the pic. The paper is Basic Grey, but I can't remember which collection. It's one of my favorites, though. I don't often think of getting wired ribbon, but this was in my stash. It might be a bit big, but I think it works. : )
That's it for now. Thanks once again for checking in on my blog. Hugs, Laurie

2010-06-26T14:18:00.003-04:00

I hope today finds you well & enjoying yourself. I had a bunch of errands to run this morning so my day has flown by. I decided to make a list of every place I needed to go - I do like seeing items crossed off after accomplishing the task!

As you can see, my two cards for today use the same layout. I love the doing this! It's so much fun to pick colors, ribbons, bows, dp, & cardstock that coordinate with each other and put a layout together. If I'm making quite a few of the same layout, I usually cut out all the parts before assemblying them. The Bible verse & flower are by Verve & the cute cupcake is a $1 stamp from a bin at Michaels that I embellished with Stickles. I can't tell you where I got the dp or who made it, but I think both of them are wonderful.

That's it for today....Thanks for stopping by - Laurie

Hello, Baby Boy!

2010-06-25T10:08:00.003-04:00

Morning! Here's a card made with another Shirleys2girls image. Oh, I forgot to say yesterday that these are DIGIS. I love the super flexibility of digis - make 'em any size you want.

This one can be colored and layered with a girl or boy in mind & a stork as colorful as you like. The CB bubbles folder was used to complement the corner punch (one of my all time favs!) on just two corners.
Enjoy your day......Laurie

Birthday Babe

2010-06-24T17:30:00.002-04:00

This card was made with my wonderful daughter in mind. Her favorite colors are red, black & purple with a little silver or gray thrown in. She likes wild knee socks & has mismatched them since she was little. She does not like ruffles, lace, or pink! She thinks a 32 gigabyte ipod is just about right - and she likes her music loud : D

Even tho I couldn't bring myself to make this rocking girl have mismatched socks, she is a perfect picture of Jen. This wonderful image is from Shirleys2girls. There's no ribbon or doodads in keeping with our dh's preferences, and the image is colored with Copics.
Hope you have a one-of-a-kind Sunshine girl in your life.....Hugs, Laurie

Night time concert

2010-06-23T18:23:00.002-04:00

I keep forgetting that I have samples I can post! That sure does tell you how long I've been out of the blogging loop.

This card is made with BG dp, I think, and the image is by Magenta. I'm loving all the green Copic markers I have, so you can see that I've used a bunch of them. The best part of all, though, is the shimmery green Glimmer Mist I sprayed over the image after I was done coloring it. It's bling in a bottle - fun, fun! You gotta try it....
Have a great evening, Laurie

Graduation samples

2010-06-20T18:19:00.003-04:00

Today I have more graduation cards for you. These are made with my all-time favorite grad set: Tassel Time from SU! It was retired several years ago, so if you've never tried it, you might have to do an ebay search, but it will be worth it! The red, yellow, & black cards were made using school colors while the others were not. I had some pink cs already crimped & couldn't resist it paired with deep, rich brown. Those ribbons are sooo girly, aren't they?

I had a blast with those crimped cs pieces and added some CB folder action, shiny doodads, ribbon, and a MS edge punch to one of the cards.

Sadly, today was our last graduation party for the year. It was an honor to join with the families of kids we've seen grow up as they eagerly celebrated their completion of high school . We're excited to see where the Lord takes each one of them as they enter the next season of their lives.

Blessings, Laurie

Graduation Cards

2010-06-18T16:03:00.003-04:00

Hello, Fellow Stamping Friends! It's been such a llllooonnnnggg time since I've been able to post any samples. I've taken pictures of the cards I've been able to make since the end of April in anticipation of the new computer, so it's catch up time. That's good because I won't be able to make anything new for a little while since my stamping area is getting a face-lift thanks to my DH (& I do mean he is a darling!!). I'll tell you all about that when my spot is done & I can post some pictures of my fantastic work area.

My cards today are graduation cards made with some great dp by Graphic 45. They could just as easily be Father's Day cards, but I went the graduation route this time. I found my Fiskars crimper just as I was doing them. Woohoo! It's been ages since I used it but I don't know why - I love the look!

A couple of cards have some stitching thanks to a new tool...recently got a Janome Sew Mini machine. They aren't perfect, but I'm counting on that old saying of practice makes perfect.with practice. : ) That's it for today...Thanks a whole bunch for stopping by....Hugs, Laurie

Still Waiting......

2010-05-26T18:09:00.002-04:00

Ok, so my DH has decided that he just can't bring himself to buy a Mac. He has various reasons, which are all good, but I wish he had decided that right at the beginning of this process. Our new computer from Dell is scheduled to ship on - get this - JUNE 23! Ugh. DH had to get an upgraded video card (something about gaming???) that put the production of this baby into delay-mode. I am thankful we have something to use in the meantime, but can't do my regular blog hopping and challenge taking and ....well, you get the idea. I'm hoping to have gobs to post by the time we are up and running. Can't wait to catch up on all your wonderful creations! Blessings, Laurie

Still waitin' for a new computer!

2010-05-13T18:46:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it is 12 days later with no computer in sight. We've been trying to decide Mac or PC and then deciding what we need on it. Pretty sure my DH is going to order a Mac! (You can pray for me, as I will have a whole new system to learn.) I'm hoping to be up and running sometime next week. I've made a few new cards in the meantime, so I'll get 'em posted just as soon as I can. Hugs, Laurie

2010-05-01T13:18:00.002-04:00

Hi, Friends. Just had to get on here and let you know that we are having computer problems. We have a quick fix for today, but I will be out of commission for at least this next week. I'm trying not to complain...afterall, life can go on without a computer! I will just have to catch up with my favorite blogs and challenges after my DH either fixes our computer or gets us a new one. Have a wonderful weekend....Blessings to you all!

Birthday Card for a Special Friend

2010-04-22T06:17:00.000-04:00

As you can see, I have two watermarks on my picture today. How that happened? I have no idea! For fun, let's call it a tribute to Kristine who gave me this lovely watermark, complete with that cute heart! Thanks a bunch, Kristine!!

This card was made from a sketch I found at Taylored Expressions. The main idea was to use three different patterns of paper. I used a MS border punch across the middle, but you could easily substitute ribbon there for a more simple, straightforward look. The Verve flower is colored with Copics and layered onto Nesties Labels 11. I couldn't decide if my doodads should go on the Nesties to accentuate the curves or on the border. As you can see, the border has them, & I like it. : )
I'll be submitting this card for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge this week which is to make a card or project with flowers on it. I will also be using this to celebrate a dear friend's birthday with her. I am deeply thankful the Lord saw fit to provide such a sister-in-Christ....like Anne Shirley and Dianna in Anne of Green Gables. (Although I'd like to think we keep each other out of trouble instead of getting into it!!)
Thanks for checking in on me and my stamping. Blessings, Laurie

SSCC #34

2010-04-16T13:22:00.004-04:00

Hi, Friends! We're back from Florida & slowly getting back into our routine. Our trip was wonderful -warm, sunny days at the beach with no rain until the day we left. Ahhhhh.

I found myself thanking the Lord often for the sea breezes, the sea birds, and the beautiful colors of the sky and water. My requests revolved around my family and the sweet woman who is in her 80's that owns and operates the apartments where we stay. I was able to put aside regular responsibilities and burdens for a few days to be renewed in body and spirit. As I've already said, it was wonderful. : )
My card today is for the Sisters in Christ Challenge this week. The verse is Phil 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The challenge is to make a card or project about prayer and/or peace.
Casting our cares onto the Lord's shoulders is just a part of following Phil 4:4-7, but it is a blessing to know He wants to hear both the requests and the praises, giving us His peace in return.
Thanks for stopping by...Blessings, Laurie

You're the best!

2010-04-10T09:30:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I have never in my life worn a 'belly shirt,' as I call them, but this babe was just too cute to pass up. (I don't have a tatoo either...just in case you were wondering. LOL)

I had already precut my cs and dp, so I had to crop out part of the digi image by Shirley's 2 Girls. Check out their website HERE to see the rest of her. They've got some unique images that are fun, fun, fun! You can get some inspiration, too, from their design team members - very talented.
Wouldn't you love having someone greet you with this much enthusiasm? It would have to tickle you. That's the feeling I hope the recipient of my card gets.
Hugs, Laurie

Summertime Blossoms

2010-04-06T09:30:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. Spring has just arrived and already I'm talking summer? I just couldn't help myself! Thise red flowers with their visiting butterfly puts me in mind of summertime....hot, sunny days, lemonade, butterflies, bees, and blossoms!

This image is by Impression Obsession and is SOOOO easy to color. They've drawn the shading into each section, so all I had to do was choose the colors of Copics I wanted. The red ribbon adds a little drama and adds to my summer dream.
(I'm writing this before we go to Florida, but I'm hoping for some hot weather down there! I'll have to let you know when we get back.)
Thanks for visiting my blog. -Laurie

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge 33

2010-04-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

Easter blessings to you all! What a wonderful gift God gave us when He raised Jesus from the dead.

SSCC's challenge today is based on John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
The challenge is to have the word 'love' or something that symbolizes love appear on your card or project.
This CAS card was made with BG dp and GinaK's Lovely Labels, no coloring required! The most complicated part was using the CB and Nestie.
Enjoy your day.....Laurie

Happiness Always

2010-03-31T09:00:00.004-04:00

Good morning, Friends. I trust you are doing well and getting ready to celebrate our Lord's resurrection.

We are celebrating in Florida this year. That's kind of hard, but there is a wonderful church here where we can hopefully sing that old hymn, "Up From the Grave He Arose."
My card today was made using the Lovely Labels set from GinaK Designs. That set is made to coordinate with a couple of the Nesties Label die cuts. You can't see it very well in the picture, but the black layer has been run through a CB folder. The background paper is BG. The flower image is by SU! & was stamped with Versamark ink. I used chalks to add color.
Hugs, Laurie

SSCC 32 - Isaiah 40:31

2010-03-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Friends. It's been my pleasure to be on the Stampin' Sisters In Christ Challenge design team for the past 6 months. Sadly, today is my last challenge as a team member. I will be in touch, though, by continuing to check your examples & by submitting my cards via Mr. Linky each week as the Lord allows.

I've had a great time getting to know the other DT members, as well as seeing all of your wonderful cards and projects & reading your posts. I am deeply moved to know that I have sisters in Christ all over the world. Let's keep encouraging each other in our walks of faith!
Ok, enough mushy stuff (I'm tearing up!)....on to the challenge. Our verse this week is Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Here's the challenge: 'Mount up' parts of your image in layers. (Paper Tole technique).
On my card, this Daisy Kingdom bear's sleeves, ruffle, collar, and bow are all double layered. I've colored her with Copics, used SU! paper for my background, and added a border from an EKSuccess border punch. Finishing touches are the dotted ribbon, sticky gems, and this sparkly little flower.
Give this technique a try and link your sample HERE. In case you didn't know, I will be on vacation for two weeks & will not have internet access. I'm planning to catch up on all your samples when I get back! Hugs, Laurie

Spring Flowers

2010-03-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

I bet you think I'm here posting this card and writing a message on my blog, don't you?! Not this time....I'm scheduling this post because, Lord willing, I'm almost to our vacation destination in Florida! :)

Soon my family will catch up with me, and we'll spend two weeks together at the beach. I'm spoiled and get to fly down a couple days early to visit with my sister and bro-in-law who are there now. Sigh...as I pre-post this I can almost feel that sunshine and warmth.
Well, now for my card. This flower image is part of GinaK's Spring Floral stamp set. The leaves reminded me of this K&Co paper I found a while ago. I love the colors and swirls together. This was such a quick project to complete. I think I like the texured ribbon the best.
Thanks for stopping by my post....Blessings, Laurie

Psalm 51:7-10 Stampin' Sisters In Christ #31

2010-03-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Psalm 51:7-10: "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide you face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

That's our Scripture for this week, Friends. Our challenge is to make a clean and simple card/project (CAS).
My inspiration for this card came from Melanie Muenchinger. You can see her card HERE. I decided to make a very simple card by using white cardstock. You'll have to take my word for it that the bow looks a lot better in person. I don't know why it looks like that in the picture - Ugh! The sentiment and flower image are by Verve. The heart swirls are a background stamp by SU!
I hope you'll be able to play along with us this week. Check out the DT's samples and find out who our sponsor is HERE. Blessings, Laurie

2010-03-19T18:24:00.002-04:00

Here's another card using the same format as the Birthday Turtle card. My red button is vintage from a collection given to me by my MIL. Don't you wish this puppy was the real deal? I can just see his tail wagging......

These are random thoughts, I know. It's one of those days. I'm hopping between the computer, stamping, and watching March Madness (I love college basketball!!)

Birthday Turtle

2010-03-19T18:02:00.003-04:00

TGIF, Friends! Hope you've had a good week. The ending to our week here has been GORGEOUS! I definitely have Spring fever.

This card is made with a cute little turtle by Inkadinkado and some BG dp. I've colored him with Copics, added buttons, sticky gems, ribbon, and the sentiment. That's all there was to this card, but I love how it turned out.

Have a great weekend....See ya back here on Sunday for another great Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge. {{Hugs}} Laurie

SSCC 30 - Psalm 29:11

2010-03-14T07:58:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Friends. It's time for another wonderful challenge from Stampin' Sisters In Christ Challenge. Today our Scripture is from the Psalms.

Psalm 29:11 - "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."
Our challenge is to use a peaceful image or a verse about peace in our project.
Can I just take a moment to say how much SSCC continues to bless me? My fellow DT members can come up with some good challenges...and I'm not simply talking about stamping! The Scripture verses and their testimonies are so encouraging. And then I look at the projects others share & read their posts. Wow! I wish I had time to read every link every week!
My image today is from Our Daily Bread Designs. The paper is BG Origins.
Hugs, Laurie

Fun Project

2010-03-09T13:51:00.002-05:00

I'm so happy to have the chance to post in the middle of the week, Friends! This past Saturday I had a free day and designated it 'stamping day.' My goal was two-fold: use up cs and dp already collected and make 30 to 40 cards. I had a plan!

First, I looked through my collection of samples, sketches, and tip sheets and tagged the ones I thought would be good for an assembly-line type production. Second, I chose base cs and any dp for three to 10 cards, using the same layout. I cut everything as I went. Next came putting together the layers, except for the layer that would be stamped & any embellishments. All that was left to do was choose the images, sentiments, and embellies.
The ric-rac was my starting point for the these cards. I had 8 different colors and made 8 different cards (only 6 would fit in the picture).
I didn't notice until now, but all the stamps are retired SU! sets. Funny - I guess that's what happens when you're a former demonstrator. : D
Thanks for checking in on my blog, Friends. Enjoy your Tuesday afternoon. -Laurie

Isaiah 12:6 SSCC #29

2010-03-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 12:6 says, "Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

That's the Scripture this week for our challenge at Stampin' Sisters In Christ. Our challenge is to make a card that shows or expresses JOY or joyfulness. I think this digi image from Shirley's 2 Girls is perfect! Isn't this girl adorable flying away on her balloons?
The trick in life (for lack of a better word) is to allow this joy to be our experience no matter what our circumstance may be. In Nehemiah, he reminded the people to not grieve because the joy of the Lord was their strength. I think it's ours, too! When I focus on the Truth, I can somehow get beyond the circumstance of the day. I might still feel sad, but underneath at the very core of my being, there is JOY!
It's like that old hymn which is actually based on 2 Timothy 1:12: "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
Please join us HERE so we can see your joy! Blessings, Laurie
CS: DCWV, Accessories: Spellbinders Tag & sticky gems, Copics: 0, B52, R81, R83, R85, YR20, YR23, E21, E25, BG02, BG05, BG07

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge 28

2010-02-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good Morning, Friends. I trust you are doing well and enjoying this last weekend in February.

I'm so excited about Pamela's challenge to us this week. Whatever your project, she wants you to actively worship the Lord while you make it. Here's our verse from Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

As I thought and prayed about my sample this week, I decided my act of worship would be sending special wishes to a converted Muslim gentleman, praising God for His mercy and grace extended to all who accept His free gift.
Yasir lives in a sensitive country and has no family or friends who remember his birthday. There cannot be any religious overtones to the card. That being said, I continue to ask the Lord to extend encouragement (Hebrews 12) & His love to a brother whom I've never met through my card. I guess I want God to help him 'read between the lines' so that he in turn worships the Lord.
Since our verse tells us to give thanks to God, I'd thought I'd share the part my Thankful List that pertains to stamping: letting me feel like an artist when I stamp, color/color/color (I love 'em all!!), supplies in abundance, opportunities to minister to others, and sharing giggles & heartaches with fellow-stampers. There's quite a bit more on my list, but you get the picture.
Click HERE to head on over to SSCC. I'm looking forward to not only viewing your projects, but hearing about your experience as you worship the Lord through stamping. Blessings, Laurie
(BTW - My font size is going crazy, so it'll be a big surprise when this post actually publishes on Sunday. : P)
My card is made with SU!'s Wild Wasabi. I think I have Spring Fever and just need some green! I used a CB folder for my textured background. Although it doesn't show up in the picture, I've also used Stickles and Glitter Mist to add shimmer. I wanted to make a fun card, but kept it as flat as I could since it will be mailed overseas. I hope those tiny square brads will go through successfully.

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge 27

2010-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday morning, Friends. I hope you all have had an enjoyable week.

Our challenge at SSCC today is to make a card or project using a time piece or denoting time in some way.

It comes from Esther 4:14: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

I've always loved the story of Esther and through the years, the Lord has used it to help me overcome discontent many times. He has also used it to remind me that He does have a plan for me and a work to do for Him. I need to be willing to do whatever He calls me to do because there's no such thing as 'menial' when it comes to the jobs He asks of me.

Click HERE to read the full challenge and add your project.

Blessings and hugs, Laurie

My card was made with Bazzil cs and Basic Grey's Wisteria dp. The image is a wonderful digi from Mo. I've colored it using Copics and cut it out with a Nestie. One of the time pieces used for the background is from 'Artisan' by SU! The other is unknown. The sentiment is computer generated.

A Year of Flowers by Flourishes

2010-02-20T11:38:00.004-05:00

Here's a project I did earlier in the year with three great sets from Flourishes. My dh was extremely generous at Christmas, giving me not only the sets but quite a few Copic markers that were on my wish list. I'm a lucky girl! : D

I chose a basic layout for the whole project: base cs, dp (mostly BG), calendar printed on cream Neenah cs, flower & Scripture images on cream Neenah, 'ribbon' made with same base cs and a Martha Stewart border punch.
The flower/Scripture images were eac cut out with a different Nestie. The Scriptures are by Verve, SU!, and an unknown source. Even though you can't see it in the pictures, I used a matching ink color to go around the edge of each Nestie cutout. I also used a neutral gray to outline the flower images.
That's all there is to it! The posts below show the rest of the flower images close up. I had a ton of fun doing this project. Thanks for letting me share it with you.

2010-02-20T11:37:00.001-05:00

2010 Calendar

2010-02-20T11:32:00.001-05:00

Calendar for 2010

2010-02-20T11:01:00.004-05:00

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge 26

2010-02-14T06:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, Friends! Hearts stand for love wherever you go, and this week we are talking about the love that never fails.

Our verse is found in I John 4:10: "This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."
The challenge is to make a card or project for someone you love that lets them know how much God loves them.
Click HERE to see the DT's work and add your creation.
Stamps: Inkadinkado, Hero Arts, Stampabilities

Ink: Copics, Memento Tuxedo Black

CS: Bazzill, Stampendous (I bought these glossy cards with the hearts already cutout about 16 years ago! I don't know if the company still makes them.)

Accessories: Ribbon from Hobby Lobby, Nestabilities

It's a Birthday Celebration Day Blog Hop!!

2010-02-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Kris! Here's a card to offer you some bday wishes....some flowers to cheer you up on this cold winter day.

And for a GREAT BIG BDAY SURPRISE, I've brought you a trip to ITALY! Your first stop is the beautiful city of Venice where you will see the sights as you ride through the canals in a gondola. Then you are off to Florence in the heart of Tuscany. You'll visit the Piazza della Signoria, maybe see the Cow Parade, and stop by Boboli Gardens.

Take lots of pictures while you're there, Kris, & share them with us when you get back.

Click HERE to move on to Pamela's blog and keep the party rolling

2010-02-07T14:51:00.002-05:00

The challenge for this week is to use two of things to make your project. I've used two colors of ink, cs, ribbon and sticky gems. All the stamps and the cs are from SU!

Our verse for this week is Mark 10:7-9: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

Hop on over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to read Randi's words of wisdom and to add your creation to our challenge. I love the DT's cards....Valentine's Day is my favorite: everything's hearts! Yah!

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #24

2010-01-31T16:07:00.003-05:00

I am so silly! Can't believe I forgot to post this morning....Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge today! I think I was too excited to get my card made and turned in on time. Sorry about that.

This little girl image, I believe, is by Whiff of Joy. It was a stamped image sent to me by a Stampin' Sister - what a sweetheart. : ) Anyway, I cut her out and colored her with Copics. The dp is the new BG Sugar Rush punched out in a scalloped circle. I used a Nestie for the sentiment cs. The sentiment is by Hero Arts and one of my favorite fonts.

But back to the challenge: You can read Helen's post & add your card by clicking HERE. The Scripture for this week is Matthew 18:4 : "Therefore, whomever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

What do most toddlers do when they get hurt? Who do they call for when they're hungry? They call for their mom or dad. This verse is a great reminder to me to call out to my Heavenly Father when I'm in need. I shouldn't let my pride or arrogance blind me from the truth of God's knowing best, not me. To help us remember being humble like a child, our challenge is to make a card or project with an image of a child or childlike things, but not a baby card.

Have fun! Hugs, Laurie

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #23

2010-01-24T08:54:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! I hope you have had a good week and are excited to see what the Lord has in store for this coming one.

Unfortunately, I don't have a card or project to show you today. I've been busy with work and have started a minor re-organization project in the craft room. But you know how it goes....you get a new table, thinking it will be an easy switch, and then one thing leads to another!

Peggysue has an awesome challenge for us this week at SSCC. You can click HERE to see it & the DT's wonderful cards and to link us up to yours.

Our verse is 1 Peter 1:23: "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

I really love the words 'living' and 'enduring' in this verse. It blows my mind each time I think of the relevancy (living) of God's word which was written so long ago (enduring). Peggysue focuses on the idea of seed. Her challenge is to use a touch of green somewhere in your creation. She says not to have allover green....just a touch!

May the Lord bless and keep each of you this week. Hugs, Laurie

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #22

2010-01-17T18:21:00.002-05:00

It's time once again to get our SSCC challenge. This week our verse if Joshua 24:15:

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Our challenge is to make a project or card that is focused on the home....like a housewarming card or gift or some kind of decoration for the home.

I used letter images by PSX colored with Copics to make this tabletop reminder to 'PRAY.' I've also used dp and a MS punch along with the cs to create the final picture which fits into this 8x10 frame.

It was fun to come up with something other than a card this week. What about you? I'd love to see your ideas. Be sure to check out the DT's projects and add a picture of yours on the SSCC blog HERE.

Copics used: B24, B26, RV21, RV23, R22, R24, R27, R29, Y00, Y02, BV11, BV13, YG11, YG17, G94, G99, G21, G24, YG 63, YG67

SSCC #21

2010-01-10T07:53:00.003-05:00

Good morning, All. It's another Sunday and freezing here in Ohio. Hope no matter what the weather, you are toasty warm!

There have been some extremely sad stories in our local news this week. My heart hurts for these people whose lives were changed in an instant. Of course, all of us face hard circumstances and tragedy in our lives here on earth. Sometimes those experiences pile up around us, causing us to feel completely torn apart. When my family went through a lengthy time of trial, I was able to attend Downpour, a conference sponsored by Walk in the Word.

The conference Scripture was and this week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters In Christ is Hosea 6:1: "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds."

It's only as we return to the Lord again and again that we experience healing. The conference Scripture included verse 3 where God promises He will come as certainly as the spring rains. Oh, the comfort I recevied to be reminded that our wounds would be bound and our crushed hearts would be healed. I pray that each of us will continue to return to the Lord and seek His face everyday.

Now for our challenge: Make the broken look beautiful! Create a mosaic or tear apart something & stitch it back together. In some way, have your image look broken.

As you can see from my card, I did not follow the challenge exactly. I used two sided dp, cut it apart and fit it snuggly back together (don't have a sewing machine for papercrafting). Please join us by posting your creations to SSCC. May the Lord bless your week....Hugs, Laurie

Stamps: SU!, Stampendous

Paper: BoBunny, SU!

Accessories: Copics, Cuttlebug, Nesties Label 9, 6

Ink: Memento

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #20

2010-01-03T07:32:00.003-05:00

Happy 1st Lord's Day of 2010! Do you have your resolutions in place? Are you ready to get started? My dh, dd, & I will be having our family meeting this evening to take a look at what the Lord did in 2009 and to discuss our 2010 hopes and goals.

As I was thinking about a challenge for the first week of the new year, the word 'new' was foremost in my mind. The verse that kept coming to me was 2 Corinthians 2:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

I've been thinking about new things for a while now because there is a new baby in our family. My niece and her husband had their first baby on 12/14. We have new grandparents, a new aunt, new great grandparents, new tiny clothes, & new items at the grocery to buy (lots of diapers & wipes!!). Danielle has to get used to her 'new' body, & Andrew has a new member of his family he's responsible to take care of. It's all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. But I want you to know, our family has done some really fine rejoicing over this 'new'!!! The Lord says children are a blessing from Him, so it is good and right to celebrate.
Ok, so go with me here....This makes me think of a person's NEW birth when they accept Jesus as their Savior. The Bible says that the angels in heaven rejoice at this kind of conversion. I mean, can you imagine what that party is like? I believe there is nothing so important to God than when a precious soul has been united with Him for all eternity! Have you heard that song 'Favorite Song of All' by Phillips, Craig, & Dean? Here's a portion of it:
"And He loves to hear the angels as they sing, 'Holy, holy is the Lamb.' Heaven's choirs in harmony lift up praises to the Great I Am. But He lifts His hands for silence when the wicked, saved by grace, begin to sing. And a million angels listen as the newborn soul sings, 'I have been redeemed!'"
Oh, the glory and praise we give to our Lord when we realize the gift of His grace & mercy in giving new life. So, Friends, the challenge for this week is to make a card or project celebrating a new baby or a new Christian's conversion.
Sure hope you add your project to our challenge this week at SSCC. Hugs, Laurie
Image-Sew Many Cards digi image
Copics-E31, E33, E35, YG00, YG0000, B21, B24, B26
Effects-On inside of CB folder, use ink pad to apply ink. This transfers when you run the folder thru the CB, making the embossing pop.

Who do you trust?

2009-12-29T08:04:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Don't faint because I'm posting in the middle of the week....can you believe it? :)

When we went to a stamping convention in the Fall, my mom found this cool little border stamp by Endless Creations. I stamped it & then used my 2" scalloped punch. To color my flower image, I stamped it with Versamark and used chalks to give it color. The hardware is from SU! and the verse is by Our Daily Bread. The dp is from the cover of a K&Co 12x12 pad.
I'm sending this card to my sweet cousin, Tera, for her birthday. I won't tell you how old she is because I'm MUCH older! The inside sentiment reads: "Sending you warmest wishes on your special day. Happy Birthday with love..."

New Year's Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge 19

2009-12-27T14:59:00.003-05:00

It's almost the New Year, Friends! 2010 is just around the corner and our challenge this week is to make a card or project ringing it in. Lisa reminds us to let the Holy Spirit be our guide as we think of what we want to accomplish this coming year. She chose Psalm 24: 4-5:

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long."
My card this week is square, using blues and silvers. The image was a stamped gift from a fellow DT member but I don't know what company makes it. Thanks, Helen, for sharing with me. I love this sweet girl dressed for a snow outing. I hope you'll find time to look at the other cards on the SSCC blog. They are all so cute! And I also hope you'll be able to join our challenge.
Happy New Year! Hugs, Laurie

Celebrating Jesus - SSCC #18

2009-12-20T15:06:00.002-05:00

Our challenge this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is to make a card following Kathy's sketch. For some reason, I can't copy her sketch into my blog, so you'll have to hop on over to the SSCC blog by clicking HERE to see it, read the verses, and check out the DT's samples.

The verses for this week are from Luke 1:26 - 32 which tell the story of Jesus' birth. I decided to use this digi image from Sweet N Sassy stamps on my sample. I'm not sure I like how it turned out, but let me tell you what I did. I colored the image with Prisma colored pencils, embossed it all over with ultra thick embossing powder, and then highlighted portions of the image with Copics on top of the embossed 'glaze.' I used a Zig Painty to outline the Circle Nestie cutout to finish it off. I wish now that I had added something black to the dotted rectangle on the left...maybe using an edge punch of some kind to give it a little umph!

Anyway, please join us for the challenge this week if you have a free moment to stamp. We certainly understand that this is the most busy in addition to being 'the most wonderful time of the year.' :) I wish you a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate God's gift of a Savior to us. May your celebrations be a sweet fragrance to our Lord. Hugs, Laurie

Where's Your Treasure? SSCC #17

2009-12-13T07:59:00.004-05:00

Time for our weekly Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge....This week's challenge is from Kristine who wants us to think about treasure:

Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where theives do not break in and steal."

Instead of seeing earthly things as our security and success, we need to understand that heavenly treasures will be what really counts. Jesus' example of becoming a Living Sacrifice gives us an idea what this means. He gave the highest form of service to mankind. So how do I be servant when it comes to crafting? I know it's easy for me to regularly buy more stuff - paper & doodads are my weaknesses! But if I'm not using them to encourage, love, celebrate, or inspire others, I'm just gathering items that will ultimately burn.

You have to jump over to SSCC to read what Kristine wrote. I'm so glad the Lord laid it on her heart to give us this good reminder! Also, you can add your card to the blog and share it with the rest of us.

I guess I should tell you the challenge, huh? Ok, Kristine wants us to pull out all the stops and use our bling to make a card....no hording, but sharing!

My card is made with some metalic cs from SU!. You can't see it in the picture, but there is an embossed-in-gold word at the top: Cherish. The tulip underneath the shimmery vellum is by Flourishes. I added the wonderful pearl doodads to finish off this wedding card.

Enjoy your Lord's day! Blessings, Laurie

Praying - SSCC #16

2009-12-06T08:47:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I can't believe this week has gone by so quickly, and it is time for another great SSCC challenge. Today our challenge is from Ceal. She chose 2 Chronicles 7:14 as our scripture:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

The Lord tells us to pray for each other as well as for ourselves. There are several reasons why He would do this. One is for the simple reason that He wishes to have two-way communication with us. This is how relationships stay static and grow. Another is because through prayer the Holy Spirit can align our spirits to the Lord's, helping change our earthly perspective to that of our Omnipotent Father's. Thirdly, praying for others offers comfort to them and a chance for us to be others-focused instead of self-focused. In other words, it helps us get into that servant's heart mode that is like Jesus' heart. As God is who He is, there are probably a trillion other reasons why He wants us to pray, so I'm sure the benefits to His followers are endless!

Now for the challenge: Make a card that expresses your willingness to pray for someone, using images of people...men, women, children, and Ceal even says angels would be ok.

Click here to go to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog to see the DT's samples and to add yours to Mr. Linky.

My card today is simple and clean. The dp is by K&Co, the stamp is a Precious Moments stamp I've had in my collection for a long time, the ribbon is Basic Grey, and I've used Octagon Nesties to do my layering. Have a wonderful Sunday, Friends. Thanks for checking in on my blog....Blessings, Laurie

SSCC #15 & Birthday Blog Hop Surprise!

2009-11-29T08:07:00.006-05:00

Good morning, Friends. Our challenge this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenges comes from Randi Barrett with LaLa Land Crafts as our sponsor.

Randi chose the following verses:

Matthew 2:11 - On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask & it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know who to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

This time of year, it's all about gifts, isn't it? I love choosing an item for a particular person. It's fun to find something the other one will value or (my favorite reaction) love. What a gloriously loving God to give us good gifts...ones we can love! And we can give Him the gift of our love, honor & worship.

My card this week show cases gift packages for a birthday celebration. And it happens to be for our very own Lisa Hjulberg! The SSCC ladies are giving her a virtual birthday party today....Join us by heading on over to her blog to give her good wishes for a wonderful birthday. I've brought her a special gift: A Royal Albert Flower of the Month teacup to add to her collection. Go to Pamela's blog next to see what else we've got for our birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Dear Lisa. Happy Birthday to you!

I almost forgot to invite you to share your sample with us at the SSCC blog. Click HERE to find Mr. Linky waiting for you. : )

Thanksgiving - SSCC #14

2009-11-22T12:30:00.001-05:00

It's time for another Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge! This week we are talking turkey....well, kind of. I know you'll want to share your creation with us after you here the challenge. Head HERE to use Mr. Linky. Our verse is found in Galations 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Homeschooling my kids gave me the opportunity to do elementary school over again. I loved it! History has always been a favorite subject of mine because I like to see how God has moved in mankind's history from the beginning up to today. One of my favorite times in history, the Pilgrims, is also one of the saddest. I don't have the exact nubmers, but did you remember that most of the people who came to the New World by ship never made it? They died on the way over. If they did make it, they didn't fare much better. Many of them died during the long, bitter winter.
Can you imagine what it must have been like when there actually was a harvest to be thankful for? It must have given them the best feeling in their lives. I'm sure it went a long way in erasing any doubts that God had truly meant for them to leave their homeland. Although they didn't have it at the era of their lives, I have a feeling they'll be singing "Amazing Grace" right along with the rest of us when we get to heaven.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving. I hope you get to be with your loved ones and enjoy your time counting the good gifts that God has given you. Many hugs, Laurie

I Corinthians 13:12 - Stampin Sisters in Christ #13

2009-11-16T06:15:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Friends. This week's challenge is from I Corinthians 13:12: "For now, we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Peggysue writes: "Our view of God in this life is veiled; we can't see Him clearly. But just because our view is dim, it doesn't diminish His reality or His glory. When we get to heaven, we won't be looking through a dark glass or catching a brief glimpse in a mirror. We will see Jesus face to face."

Her challenge is for us to make a shadowbox card. Afterall, when we get to heaven, there won't be any shadows in our vision of Jesus - We'll see Him as He really is.

I have to tell you that I was doubtful of my ability to make this one. I thought it would be complicated and intricate. Wrong! You have got to try it....Peggysue provides a link to a great tutorial. I made mine in about ten minutes!

And speaking of mine.....the paper is from the Classic Design Mat Pad by K & Co, the stamp is a very old one by Uptown Rubber Stamps, and the ribbon is a fuzzy ric-rac from Hobby Lobby. I used a Labels 9 Nestie to make the window and one of the Fancy Tags for my sentiment. The 'inside' sentiment is by Sonlight and the tag sentiment is from SU! The image is colored with Copics: RV10, W1, W2, W3, R00, R20, R22, YG95.

Check out the DT cards at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challege and add yours. Blessings, Laurie

P.S. Sorry for the crazy font size in this post. I can't figure out how to fix it!

Who's Your Hero? SSCC #12

2009-11-08T17:03:00.003-05:00

It's time for another Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge, Friends. This week Candace is challenging us to make a patriotic card to send to a soldier expressing gratitude for their service to the citizens of our country. Our Scripture is John 15:13:

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

My card is straightforward and simple. The sentiment is computer generated. The base card is made using the direct to paper technique. Using a turguoise ink pad, I lightly ran over the top of the star impressions which were made with a new CB folder. I added the ribbon and brads to finish it off.

The card isn't red, white, and blue because I didn't automatically think of soldiers this time when I thought of making a hero card. I've been impressed lately with the people in everyday life who are living that same definition. For example, my cancer-fighting friend's husband and children, the wife of an Alzheimers patient, a son caring for his elderly parents, or a teacher in an area devastated by economic decline who encourages children to hope in their futures may not be facing death, but they are offering up their lives to love others.

If you'd like to join us in thanking an American soldier, please go to the Stampin' Sisters In Christ Challenge blog to add your card to our sample list and to receive more information on encouraging the troops. Thanks so much for your interest in my blog and the challenge. Enjoy your week......Hugs, Laurie

Fight Like a Girl! - SSCC style

2009-11-01T09:48:00.007-05:00

Good Sunday morning to all of you. I hope you've had an enjoyable weekend so far. Are you ready for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ?

Our verse for this week is Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." The challenge is to create something about when God is 'unseen.' It could be a scrapbook page, card, or wall-hanging that reminds us that God is with us always.

My card is made with a dear friend in mind, who started her battle against breast cancer within the past few months. I wanted to send her a card that encouraged her with the fact that God is there to give her strength and whatever she needs to go through this experience. He will not leave her to fight alone!
I've seen some terrific cancer awareness/encouragement stamps, but knew this one would be perfect when I came across it. I just love 'Fight Like a Girl!!' The folks at Whimsie Doodles did a great job on this digi set. I've used Basic Grey Bittersweet dp and two different Nesties for my layers. The verse image is from on old SU! set. I've colored this little fighter with Copics and added Smooch to give her some shine. Her scarf is colored, cut out, and attached with popdots to give it a little dimension.
If you'd like to show us what you make, click HERE. We'd love to see your samples, and one randomly drawn entry will win a wonderful prize from our sponsor this week - Cornish Heritage Farms. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week. Blessings, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 32

2009-10-31T08:30:00.004-04:00

"I praise you, O Lord... for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." That's how the verse ends. It's from Psalm 139 which tells us how God knows each person before they are born. Such an amazing thought!

This week's challenge colors were a true challenge for me. I couldn't picture anything in my life that had yellow & orange together with gray. Finally, I came up with pottery. I tried several different combinations on these pots until I found one that suited me. (I had to remember that many times 'less is more.')
I am anxious to see what the rest of the design team has created. It's sure to be a wide variety. How about you? Can you think of a good image to use these colors on? If you can, go to Artful Sentiments and use Mr. Linky to link us to your sample.
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs, SU! shape set
Paper: Basic Grey June Bugdp
Copics: Y15, YR07, W5, W3, W1

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #10

2009-10-26T06:26:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday! I even looked at the challenge and puttered around on the different blogs for a little while. I apologize to my Stampin' Sisters in Christ friends....will you forgive me?

Our challenge this week is to make a card that thanks to someone for something or for something they've done or that reminds someone to be thankful. It's based on I Chronicles 16:34 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." In my own life I've found that giving thanks to God for all the things He's either done for me or given me helps my focus remain on Him. When I don't, I start thinking about what I don't have or how I don't look or, well, you get the idea.
My card is made with Great Impressions stamps I purchased several years ago. I've colored the pumpkins with Copics but didn't choose them in my usual way. These colors do not start with the same letter and aren't a number apart. The dp is by Basic Grey and the ribbon is from Michaels. Love that deep-yet-bright orange!
If you'd like to join us at Stampin' Sisters for Christ Challenge this week, click HERE. We'd love to have you! Blessings, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 31

2009-10-24T09:00:00.003-04:00

Don't you love the colors for this week's challenge? Check out the other samples and join the fun by adding your own at Artful Sentiments.

The supplies available to us papercrafters are outstanding. If you analyze my card, you'll see that it's a very simple layout.....a couple of layers, some dp, ribbon, and embellishments. I'm no artist, Friends, but being able to put together this card made me feel like one! Here's a list of what I used:

Stamps - Sweet N Sassy "In His Time"

Paper - BG Indian Summer, Bazzill Glitter, SU! cs

Copics - YR23, E37, E59, Yooo

Accessories - Nesties Labels Four, Nesties Curved Rectangles, ribbon, charm, sticky gems

Have a great weekend! If you get the chance to stop by tomorrow, you'll find another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ. Hugs, Laurie

Stamp Convention stuff

2009-10-23T16:11:00.004-04:00

I can't believe the whole week has passed before I could take a few minutes to post! I guess I'm still getting used to coordinating everything with working parttime.

These two cards were made at my mom's house in Indiana when we went to a nearby stamp convention last weeked. Have you seen the new CB folders? Here I've used two of them: Diamond Plate and Herringbone. Also purchased at the convention was the Nesties Label Nine. I've used it to cut out my image of the tree (by Great Impressions) and to make a frame for the fish card. Speaking of fish, what do you think of the MS fish punch that my good buddy, Crystal, gave me for my bday? It embosses stripes on the side of the fish!

There you have it, Friends. Both cards were fun to make and easy to put together. I'm hoping to use some more fun stuff over the weekend, and if you can check back tomorrow and Sunday there will be posts for challenge blogs. Enjoy your Football Friday Night! Hugs, Laurie

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #9

2009-10-18T12:58:00.001-04:00

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 30

2009-10-17T19:37:00.004-04:00

Hi, Friends. I hope you can join us at Artful Sentiments this week. I think the colors are terrific together and definitely not a combo that I've tried before. Check it out here

The image I chose to use is a House Mouse stamp, although I don't think that's what they call it when it's a bear and not a mouse. I knew it would be perfect for that small sentiment stamp by Hero Arts. Although it doesn't show up too well in the photo, there is crystal laquer all over the balloon, so it has a sheen to it. The dp is BG Eva and the perfect-for-these-colors ribbon is unknown. I used the Curvy Rectangles Nestie to cutout the image.

It's not fancy but I think it's pretty cute, if I do say so myself! :) Thanks for stopping by.......Hugs, Laurie

Season of Sparkle from Flourishes - FLLCOCT

2009-10-13T15:43:00.003-04:00

Good afternoon, Friends. I want to tell you about a great challenge from Flourishes.

In honor of their October release, which will include SIX new stamp sets, they are challenging us to make a sparkly card celebrating the season. One winner drawn at random will receive their very own set of all six new sets! Isn't that exciting? If you go to their website, you can see a sneak peek of one of the new sets.

Here's my card for the challenge. The paper is by K&Co. The stamped image and sentiment are both unknown. I've used Stickles on the stamped image and the border of my Nestie layer. The red cs was run through the Swirl CB folder. I added ribbon and sticky gems to complete my shimmery card! Hope you can join the fun.......Hugs, Laurie

Babies Abound

2009-10-11T14:09:00.006-04:00

Good afternoon, Friends. Sure hope you are enjoying your Sunday afternoon. We are fortunate to have sunny skies and cooler temps...just right for a Fall day.

If you head on over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog, you'll see that our verse this week is Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..." Each person is known by God, our Creator, long before they arrive in their mother's arms. Wow - That gives me goose bumps! Our challenge is to make a card or project for a new baby or expectant parents. How exciting to celebrate a new addition to someone's family.

Heidi from Simon Says STAMP is our sponsor this week and has donated the cute "Baby Zoo Animals" stamp set. Head over to SSCC to see what the rest of the DT has done and to join us in the challenge! I'm looking forward to seeing your wonderful creations....{{Hugs}} Laurie

I forgot to tell you about my card! The dp and the stamp images are by Imaginisce. I used Stickles on a big brad to make a sparkly doodad. (I love doodads - LOL) The shaped card is made by using Labels One Nestie. Place one side of the Nestie slightly above the fold in your cs. Cut as usual - it's, oh, so easy! Attach everything with glue and pop dots and you've got a cute, little baby card.

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 29

2009-10-10T10:50:00.004-04:00

Good morning, Friends. Are you ready for another wonderful challenge from Artful Sentiments? The colors this week are so much fun....Fall-ish or not!

Can anyone tell me where I got this sweet Digi monkey? Doesn't he just make you grin? I used BG Marrakesh paper and a MS border punch to give him a background that makes him stand out. The sentiment is in a great Hero Arts set of 6. Other than using C1 for the sky, I've only used the challenge colors this week. The texture of the monkey's fur was made with the Colorless Blender. Oh, I just remembered I had to use one other color for his face. I know it was an 'E' but am not sure which one.
What kind of creations are you thinking of for these colors? Share your work with us, please! And you'll want to see the other fun cards made with them, too. Check it out HERE.
I hope this little guy does give you a smile for your day. Blessings, Laurie

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Design Team Announcement

2009-10-05T13:25:00.002-04:00

Exciting Announcement.....The lovely ladies at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge have chosen me along with 6 others to be on their recently formed Design Team! What an honor it is for me to be included with these wonderful women: Lisa, Kristine, & Kathy, who give us a Bible verse-based challenge each Sunday. Now the members of the team will join them as we share encouraging words to one another and other stamping sisters-in-Christ, focusing us on the Truth in Scripture.

This week's challenge is from Psalm 97:1 "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the oceans be glad. Make a card that shows the earth rejoicing: flowers blooming, oceans roaring, trees bursting with fruit, mountains and hills clapping. Anything goes as long as you show the earth rejoicing.

Get all the details, including info about the wonderful prize from our sponsor, on the SSC website.

I've chosen to show flowers in bloom as my reminder of the earth rejoicing. The stamp image is borrowered so I don't know who made it, but some of my favorite flowers are Black-eyed Susans in flower gardens and barn borders. They always encourage me to rejoice in what the Lord has done!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Blessings, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 28 & Blog Candy

2009-10-03T10:00:00.005-04:00

Hey, Everyone, are you glad it's Saturday? I sure am. I'm afraid I feel a little overloaded by my first week of working. But it's not a bad thing. I need to make some adjustments and will soon be in a routine, I'm sure.

This week's challenge uses some of those bold, beautiful Fall colors. They make you feel better somehow, don't they?
The layout of the card is very simple. Although you can't tell from the picture, the base card is white cs. I used Copic YR18 and a straight edge to make my dark border, then pretty much covered the whole base with two dp layers. Sorry, but I can't remember who made the dp. The image is by CC Designs & the sentiment is from SU!. I used the Curvy Rectangle Nestability to cut them out. The white satin ribbon is colored with YR18 and Y17. I believe the buttons are by Basic Grey. Copics used: R08, YR18, Y17, R05, YR16, Y11, G000
The samples on Artful Sentiments are gorgeous. We'd love for you to play along, too.
Also, if you noticed my sidebar, Chris is offering an out-of-this-world blog candy to celebrate her October birthday. Wow!
Have a blessed weekend. Hugs, Laurie

Birthday Buddy

2009-09-27T16:29:00.003-04:00

It's Monday, Friends. How was your weekend? Mine was good & fruitful. Here are two challenges that I thought would be fun to combine: Copics Colour Challenge & High Hopes Stamps . High Hopes is celebrating their Blogiversary by challenging stampers to make birthday cards. The CCC challenge is to use Copics V06, B23, & BG23.

The well-wishing sheep image is by High Hopes & has been colored with Copic W1, W3, W5, R24, BG13 (don't have BG23), B23, & V06. Nesties & a paper piercer were the tools I used, along with DP by Cosmo Cricket. This dp is so wonderful that I felt using anymore embellishments was unnecessary.

Thanks for stopping by yet again. I hope you feel blessed & inspired. Hugs, Laurie

Love You - SSS23 and Color Throwdown #61

2009-09-27T16:18:00.004-04:00

It's Sunday! I've been feeling under the weather today, but was able to do a little stamping this afternoon. A break in the rain clouds helped brighten my outlook & gave some inspiration.

It's a Sketch Challenge at The Sweet Shop this week. Isn't it a good one? And over at Color Throwdown we have a 5 color challenge. I love the block look of these SU! colors: Regal Rose, More Mustard, Red Rose, Chocolate Chip, & Olive. My image is by Pink Cat Studio & is colored with Copics: E47, YR23, RV000, R32, R43, B000, B00, E00, G99, & RV19.

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 27

2009-09-26T08:18:00.003-04:00

Time for the Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge! This week I chose to use two of the three colors: BG96 & B95. My stamped image is by Fred B. Mullett - bought this stamp in Seattle 11 years ago! To color this guy, I used BG96, G85, & YG63 in that order from the top of his back to bottom. I'm amazed that I didn't have to do any blending. The top fin was colored the same way but in reverse order. I found that SU! Artichoke cs and dp were perfect colors to complement my fishy friend. The CB folder made great bubble background paper, too. Spellbinders gave me the ovals and the tag. To get the shine, I used my Judikins bottle of embossing ink & clear embossing powder to completely cover the fish oval.

If you get a moment, check out the Artful Sent blog to see the wonderfully diverse samples this week.

A Fall Leaf FTTC 34 & SSC5

2009-09-26T07:39:00.002-04:00

Good Saturday morning! I hope you all had wonderful weeks...lots of time with loved ones and doing your normal routines.

My card today was so much fun to make. I just love these fall colors.
The Timeless Tuesday challenge this week at Flourishes is to make a card using the Stamp Misting technique. I decided to make a background paper with a leaf stamp and various colors. I applied ink to my stamp and sprayed a mist of water onto it just before I stamped it onto white cs. I kept repeating, changing my colors. When the paper dried, I used a Versamark pad and clear embossing powder to emboss two or three leaf images over the colored images...can't have a card with out some sparkle or shine! :) I used Labels 5 and Labels 3 Nesties, a SU! leaf stamp, CB corner die, and MS Loops punch for the rest of my card. Copic colors YR18, YR09, & R05 were used to color in the leaf. Added the beautiful ribbon and brown sticky gems to finish it up.

The Stamping Sisters In Christ challenge this week is from Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (NIV) The challenge is to make something with the colors of your autumn. Friends, this is what fall is to me...oranges, yellows, reds...bright and lovely against a background of evergreens and foregrund of fields of golden wheat waiting to be harvested. (Can you tell I'm a country girl at heart?)Oh, I think this must be my favorite season! Of course I say that with every one LOL

Praying your autumn will be a time of remembering the good things God has given you. Hugs, Laurie

Verve Plain Jane stamps

2009-09-23T10:45:00.004-04:00

Morning, Friends. I trust your week is going well. I am done with my online training course & will be starting my new job on Monday. I'm nervous & excited at the same time! Today I am showing you that project I talked about last week. This may be lengthy, but I'd like to explain how these cards came about.....

My mom saw a sample card at Stamping Day & Night, a stamp store in northern Indiana, that she really loved. It was made with an edge punch and a Great Impressions flower stamp, using white cs & a strip of dp or colored cs. It was a very simple layout with a short sentiment added to the front, but was embellished with paper flowers. The sample was stunning in it's simplicity.

I decided - like any good stamper does - to CASE the idea! How wonderful it was to discover that my Plain Jane verse stamps by Verve fit just right into the space between the punched edge and the stamped image!! I was sooooo excited! I've made several cards, using a variety of edge punches and a variety of colors. As you can see, it works on the long or short edge of the card.

I'm always concerned with blessing the recipient of my cards....I want to share the love of Jesus. But I have to tell you that every time I use these stamps, the Lord uses it to bless me. We all need those encouraging words to help us re-focus on Truth.

The two verses you can't see in my last picture are Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord. and Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!

Wonderful Wednesday wishes, Laurie

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #4

2009-09-19T20:45:00.003-04:00

I know, I know....it's feast or famine with me. Three posts in one day is over the top. But I've had this Hero Arts Set, Chinese Dolls, for a while and thought it would be perfect for the challenge. Check it out here.

I've made my card with unknown dp, Nesties Labels 2 & Scallop Circles, and the sweet sentiment by Stampendous. Colored the doll with Copics, and a little bling to make it all shine......voila - we have a card! :)

2 Sketches 4 You Sketch 35

2009-09-19T16:06:00.004-04:00

I just couldn't resist using some new dp by Basic Grey for the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge for this week.

I've layered the SU! cs with paper from the Indian Summer collection. I cut out the Flourishes image which is stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa using a Nestie. Don't you love the brown trim? I've been waiting to use it on just the right layout. Added dark brown sticky gems to spice it up a bit. Copics I used: E00, E11, E55, E57, R27, R89, YR07, YG03, & YG23.

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 26

2009-09-19T09:08:00.003-04:00

Good Morning! It's that time again for another Artful Sentiments Challenge. Kimm, as always, has done a great job of choosing colors that make me think. Please join our challenge here.

The details for my card:

The yellow & purple cs are SU!. The dp is from the Wisteria collection by Basic Grey. I'd love to give credit for the stamped image, but I can't remember the company's name. I stamped a couple of extra images from Sally Lynn's stamps when I went to my Copic Certifcation class. Besides the challenge colors, I've also used C1, E00, E11, R00, V000, V09, V01, YG67, YR02, & Y21. To add some shine, I used my glitter pen on the wings. The image is cut out with the Labels 4 Nestie and is layered onto the Fleur de Lis Pendant also by Spellbinders. As you can see from the middle picture, the pendant is really a square & comes with three other cut-outs. I used one of the extra cut-outs to add those two extra points (top & bottom) behind the image. I've circled what it looks like. It's exactly like the corner points of the pendant but it's the size of the other green sample. (Where was my extra one for the picture? Who knows!) My Zig Painty is one of my favorite tools, so I used it to go around the edge of the Labels 4 cut-out. Lastly, I added the gold ribbon and the butterfly embelishment.

That's it for this one, Friends. Have a great weekend, Laurie

Showers of Blessing

2009-09-17T07:42:00.002-04:00

Hey, what do you think? A post two days in a row....woohoo! This is another digital image from Sweet N Sassy Stamps (It's on sale right now if you're interested.). Korin chose one of my favorite hymns to inspire this set. Isn't it wonderful?

The base card is textured cs by DCWV. I used three pieces of ribbon for my background, laying them right next to each other. The leafy branch is by Sizzix. I used a Zig Painty pen on each leaf & added a teeny, tiny gem. I also used the Painty along the bottom of the base card. A Nestie was used to cut out the sentiment. Color was applied with Copics, but once again I did this so long ago I can't remember which ones I used. I have to remember to write a note!

I like my finished card, but if I could go back & change something, I'd make my girl image a bit bigger. That's one area in which I'd like to be more educated...understanding how to manipulate digital images better. My dh says I simply need to spend some time playing with our software. The only problem is that I wouldn't remember how I did something when I got it the way I wanted it! Can I get an "AMEN" from anyone?

I'm working on a project that has me so excited! It's nothing earth-shattering, but I love it when Scripture can be the showcased image on a card. Here's a hint: Verve's Plain Jane verses are perfect for my purpose. Thanks for checking in on my blog. Hugs, Laurie

Hanging on to Summer

2009-09-16T09:26:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to be able to greet you all today with a post! I'm going to make it quick...I'm training on-line for a parttime job & have lots to do in about 9 days. If you think about it, pray for my going on 50 brain to be able to commit this stuff to memory. :)

I've had this wonderful, digital image by Sweet N Sassy colored for a few weeks but just never put it together in a card. I guess I'm not ready to give up all things summer so I chose bright yellow - think sunshine - for my base. I used the new CB Victoria folder & Nesties Labels 2. I then added three different sized pearl sticky embellishments & the ribbon. I colored the image with Copics, but don't recall which ones I used.

Hope this simple card gives you a smile & a little boost for your Wednesday. Hugs, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 25

2009-09-12T12:42:00.004-04:00

Hey, Friends! How's it going this Saturday? Can you believe I almost forgot to post this week's challenge card? I was so excited to get groceries today...haha...not really. The excitement came from meeting a good friend at the grocery store so we could at least see each other's faces! It was fun, but we decided to work on getting together w/o the carts & coupons next time :)

Now for the challenge.....I had a hard time when I first saw the colors for this week, but after looking through some dp and my stamp stash, inspiration hit. The layout of the card is simple, like work projects ought to be. (My dh always says that after you figure the cost & time of a project you should multiply by 2.5) Aren't these brads perfect for a carpenter ant? The sentiment is computer generated.
Stamps: High Hopes - DP: Cosmo Cricket - CS: Bazzill - Copics: Y35, B95, B97, W1, W3, W5, E55, E57, E59, E35, E37, E19, 0 colorless blender

My Mom's Idea

2009-09-10T09:31:00.003-04:00

Yahoo! Today Blogger is letting me upload my picture....finally! Thought I'd pass along an idea from my mom. She's been adding Prima flowers to her stash of accessories but didn't want to keep them in those cute bottles they come in. She cleverly came up with using those deli dishes. My hometown IGA store sells them for 10 cents each!! Clever & inexpensive...that's how I like it. These are the smallest containers used at the deli, but I'm sure they would sell the next size up if you wanted. I have those Elfa-type drawers in a cart where I store my wood-mounted stamps. I've cleaned out one drawer and can stack these little puppies two at a time. I've separated my flowers by color except for the teeny tiny ones. I think I'm going to like it. (BTW-I've kept those glass jars 'cuz I know I'll think of a great idea for them sometime in the future.)

Thanks, Mom, for the helpful tip! Love you. Hugs, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 24

2009-09-06T19:59:00.003-04:00

Hi, All. Sorry for being a day late in posting this but I was getting some much needed R&R in Indiana this past week, visiting my family there. One day this week I hope to share a great idea my mom gave me for storing stamping/scrapbooking accessories.

This week's challange colors are bright & beautiful! The boldness of the pink & orange is set-off wildly by the bright green Kimm chose. They are hot, hot, hot! :) Now for the details of my card: I colored a High Hopes image to highlight the ODBD Amazing Grace stamp which is stamped on BG dp. I layered the sentiment image with Shimmer paper cut with Nesties & SU! cs. The 5 1/2" square card was covered entirely with BG Lime Ricky dp and embellised with ribbon & buttons before I used pop dots to attach the rest of it.

There are two more wonderful examples over on Artful Sentiments...why don't you check them out & then make your own sample to share with us. Come on....join the fun! And have a wonderful Labor Day holiday......Hugs, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 23

2009-08-29T08:35:00.004-04:00

Good Saturday morning to you all. Thanks so much for stopping by to see what our challenge is this week. As pictured above, Kimm wants us to use complementary colors...V15, BV04, & Y21. Complementary colors are ones which are opposite on the color wheel.

For my card this week, I chose a Bunny stamp by High Hopes. Isn't he the sweetest? In addition to the challenge colors, I also used V12, BV02, Y32, R000, R00, G21, G24, W1, & W3. I layered him with some lavendar cs and attached him to my sage card which had been CB'ed (is that a word?). A MS edge punch made my lacy doodad, & purple Dew Drops at a little shine to the card. I think my favorite part of the card is the purple satin ribbon & bow.

I hope this card will inspire you to join our challenge at Artful Sentiments. I'll be looking for a link to your samples! Hugs, Laurie

Blog Award

2009-08-23T16:13:00.002-04:00

My dear friend, Crystal, passed this award on to me a few days ago. We were in the final week before our son's wedding, so I put it on the back burner for a while. Thank you, Crystal, for being such a good friend to me for these many years. Finding a kindred spirit is a blessing from the Lord!

To pick up the Circle of Friends blog award:

Cut and paste the award logo and cut & paste it on your own blog. Nominate at least five other bloggers that you feel have become part of your circle of friends. Link to your nominees within your blog post and include these instructions on how to pick up your award on your blog post. To show your appreciation to the person who gave you the award, link back to their blog. Finally, comment on the recipients' blogs to let them know they've received the award.

Here are my five nominees: Kelley, Shawne, Kimm, Shar, & Ann
It's completely my pleasure to count these ladies (& many others) to be my stamping buddies!

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 22

2009-08-22T06:30:00.005-04:00

Good Saturday morning, Friends. It's time for another great challenge from Artful Sentiments. This week it's all about green -- not for ecology, but for some terrific samples of Copic coloring!

This was one of the simplest cards to make. It's so much fun to have coordinating supplies: argyle patterned dp (Lemonade by BG), CB folder, & brads. I wrote my own little sentiment to complement the Inkadinkado sentiment. They seem perfect for this young-at-heart partier by Art Impressions who might be a little relucant to have a wild celebration. In addition to the challenge colors, I also used the following Copics: E55, E57, E11, E00, R20, R22, R24.
Kimm has a wonderful tutorial on blending at Artful Sentiments that you might want to check out before joining the challenge. I'd love to see what green things you might color!
Blessings, Laurie

God knows your name!

2009-08-18T21:59:00.002-04:00

Another quick post for you....I have a few minutes before I need to hit the sack & thought I would post this card I made for a friend. Here's a shocker - no Copics were used in the making of this one!

Yep. I used Prisma colored pencils and Gamsol. I really am not educated in how to use Gamsol, but decided to experiment. The lighter shades are pencil only. The darker shades are made by dipping my pencil directly into the Gamsol. I love the effect. The bottom layer of my card is old dp from SU! that completely covers my cardstock base. The heart layer was made with Cuttlebug's Fancy Corners. To do this, I positioned the folder in the middle of one side of the dp, ran it thru the CB, then repositioned it two more times on either side of the original impression. I then repeated those same steps on the other side of the dp. I applied ink to the impression directly from my SU! ink pad. A Nestie was used to cutout Inkadinkado's nest (Ha, that's funny to me after a long day & little sleep last night), & I added pink to the edge with a sponge. Lastly, I stamped this verse by Stampabilities to another piece of BG dp, punched slots with my SU! punch, and threaded ribbon through it. Oh, I also added color to the edges with a sponge.

This is probably rambling so I hope when I reread it in the morning it all makes sense! This verse is one of my favorites. How incredible to think the the God of the Universe knows my name as intimately as having it permanently there on the palm of His hand. Wow!!! Hugs, Laurie

Strength When You Need It

2009-08-17T14:49:00.004-04:00

A quick post today as we are up to our elbows in getting ready for the wedding! My dd has taken pity on her ol' mom & is baking the last few batches of cookies for me. Whew!

My card is made with a base of Banana from SU!. The dp is really from the cover of K&Co's "Wild Raspberry" 12x12 pad. I loved the cut-away shape & just had to recycle it on a project. The verse is by Our Daily Bread Designs & is stamped directly to the base card. The butterfly stamp is by Inkadinkado & attached with popdots. I added eyelets, twine, a sticky gem, & swirls from a Sizzlet to finish off.

Thanks so much for checking in on my blog. I appreciate your comments.....it's so much fun to share a love for stamping with others. Hugs, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Challenge 21

2009-08-15T06:50:00.004-04:00

It's Saturday, Friends, and that means another challenge from Artful Sentiments. This week's colors are bright & beautiful! Let's see what you can make with Y15, YR04, & YR09. Don't forget to leave a comment with a link to your creation here.

My card for you this week just adds one more Copic to the challenge colors: Y11. I used Nesties to cut out my image & also to make the second layer. After running that thru the CB, I used a sponge to add color. The wonderful sentiment image is by Verve...part of their Plain Jane collection. To finish off the card, I used a Copic to color a small Prima flower, giving it a brown center with a tiny brad. The dp in the background is by Basic Grey & MS punches were used for the leafy embellishments
Because I wanted to highlight the image & the sentiment, this card is not fussy at all. The clean lines of the ribbon point the viewers' eyes right to the most important part of the card - "Be still & know that I am God." (A good reminder for me as I just told my dh that I'm stressed...long story but will just mention ds's wedding 8/21 & dd's schooling up in the air but starts 8/26.)
Thanks so much for stopping by....Enjoy your weekend, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 20

2009-08-07T21:17:00.003-04:00

Hi, All. It's been a very busy week around here...only two to go before the wedding! Ahhhhh-I can't believe it. I'm posting this challenge just a bit early because I won't be on the computer at all tomorrow. Here are the details.....

I love the sleekness of this layout...it's all done with individual stamps. This is my first clear stamp set (It took me a while to come around to the idea of no wood!), & it's called Window Box by Stampendous. In addition to the challenge Copic colors, I also used YR61, B21, & YG45. After the layering, I added the ribbon & the tiniest sticky gems to the centers of the flowers. It was as simple as that!

We would love to have you join us in the challenge this week. Remember, if you don't have the exact colors, you can choose similar colors from what you do have. Simply leave a comment here with a link to your sample.

So Happy

2009-08-04T07:38:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Everyone. I trust you had a good Monday...spent mine making cut-out cookies & cards. The cookies are for my ds' wedding on 8/21 & the cards are for the Artful Sentiment challenges for the rest of the month. I wanted to get them completed & sent to Kimm so I will not have that on my plate in addition to wedding stuff. :)

I also whipped up this shimmery card while I was at it. It will be my soon-to-be-daughter-in-law's bridal shower card. She's not all that fond of sparkle, & she truly is not a fan of pink, but I think she'll like this one. I especially like the shimmery brad which I found at a local scrapbook store. Unfortunately, Crystal & I shared the package, so I don't know who makes it. It's one of those easy, but elegant cards....great to make if you don't have a lot of time. The final touch is to use a glue pen completely around the edge of the card & add glitter. The rest of the details are below...Hugs, Laurie

Stamps: Inkadinkado, SU!

CS: Bazzill, Clear Artistic Stamps-Shimmer Paper Style

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics R02, R22

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 19

2009-08-01T09:04:00.003-04:00

It's time for the Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge, Friends. I hope you will be able to play along with us this week. Now to my card.......I don't think outside the box much so when I saw these colors I immediately thought of horses. This is a longago purchase from Embossing Arts. I stamped my image in Tuxedo Black & then used a Labels 4 Nestie to frame it & cut it out. The cs is Bazzil, the dp is Basic Grey Boxer, the ribbon is May Arts. I think the brads are by BG, too. The sentiment is from Sweet N Sassy Stamps. In addition to the challenge colors, I also used E11, E47, E57, B000, G94, G40, YG17, & YG67.

I've been using my 0 Colorless Blender in different ways lately, just to see what can be done. In this sample, I used the lighter, E11, color to completely cover the colt. I then used the darker, E19, to completely cover it. I took the Blender & made little circles, working from the center of an area to the outside. I didn't go to the edge(or line) because that's where I wanted it to be dark. I used the same technique on the other horse, but didn't use one color on top of each other. I don't know how realistic this makes my image, but I like the effect!
As always, I wish you a wonderful day.....Hugs, Laurie

Birthday Swim

2009-07-31T09:30:00.004-04:00

It's Friday - Yipee! The Ohio State Fair is going on this week & next so we're hoping to take a relaxing day this weekend to do one of our favorite summer activities. Eat fair food....do you know what I'm talkin' about? :)

My card today is made in collaboration with my wonderful, craft-y daughter. She couldn't resist coloring (yes, she used Copics!!) this digi turtle from SNSS. I added the Stickles to its shell & put the card together....so easy. The dp is Cosmo Cricket Snorkel. My embellishments are shells we found on the beach during our Spring Break vacation. I used glue dots to attach them. Lastly, I added a little shimmer to the sentiment which has an unknown origin. Although it doesn't show up very well in the pic, my dd loves this guy's deep blue eye.
My friend who will be having surgery (breast cancer) on Monday is committing this verse to memory: The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
What a good reminder for all of us to put our trust in the Lord. Hugs, Laurie

Lilac for a Friend-FTTC26

2009-07-30T07:10:00.004-04:00

Morning! Back again with another challenge card....Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday challenges us to make a monochromatic card this week. We're to use one color or shades of the color, plus white or cream cardstock.

I chose this Almost Amethyst dp by SU! (I've had it a while, so I don't know if you can still purchase it.) & a BV04 Copic marker which is a perfect, darker shade. The lilac, by Flourishes, was stamped, colored, & cut-out. To get a little color on the leaves, I colored the back of the image which allows the saturation to peak through to the front. I tried to leave some white on each petal as I colored, but admit that I had to use my white Siglo pen to add highlights. After punching the lattice border (MS punch), I used a straight edge & the wide side of my Copic to create the dark purple line. I used the same technique to edge the sentiment panel. I didn't have any Amethyst accessories, so I colored tiny, white buttons with my Copic. As always, I've attached the image & sentiment with popdots.

That's it for this one, Friends. Thanks for stopping by -- Laurie

Rejoice!

2009-07-29T09:01:00.003-04:00

Good morning, All...It's gray & gloomy here today so I'm hoping this bright card will cheer me up! The Copic Creations challenge this week is botanicals. Couldn't think of a better stamp to get that point across. It's from a Hero Arts set called Peeking Posies. The dp is from DCWV's Nana's Kids, & the verse is by Verve. I used the following Copics: YG03, YG23, RV11, RV14, B000, & 0 Colorless blender. The image & verse are attached with popdots, the silver flowers are attached with glue dots. I added sticky gems to their centers, as well as to the verse.

I think I forgot an element for the Sketch challenge, but it's too late now! Check out the other samples here. To see the Copic Creations samples, go here.
May you rejoice in the Lord today, whatever the day may hold.......Laurie

Color Throwdown Challenge

2009-07-28T21:13:00.003-04:00

Are three posts in one day too much? I simply had to make a sample for the Throwdown Challenge this week once I found out the colors: Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery, & Chocolate Chip. This is one of my all time favorite color combos & the last day to play is today! Oops...I just double checked, & I think I'm too late to get in on the prize for this challenge but that's ok. Judy's post yesterday inspired me to use some stamps I haven't gotten out in a while. Check out her sample here. I used Endless Creations' flower image with my markers. I masked the middle flower & then used an Endless Creations frame with Choc Chip ink. The verse is by Rated-G stamps. Both white rectangles are edged with a sponge in Choc Chip ink. I also sponged the background of the verse rectangle in Celery. The dark brown dp & the ribbon are both Basic Grey Infuse, the dotted dp is by SU!, and the flowers are made with a MS punch & Inksentials white pen. That's all there is to this one, Friends. Goodnight, Laurie

2 Challenges - 1 Card

2009-07-28T16:17:00.006-04:00

Just couldn't help myself, Friends, when I saw these challenges today as I finally had a few minutes to blog hop. I had to stop what I was doing & participate.

As you can see, my mousey is having a lot of fun throwing the flower petals in a celebratory manner. I had a lot of fun coloring him. The House Mouse challenge is a sketch this week. You can see it here.The Copic Colour Challenge is R35, YR04, & YG63. You can see it here. I've used BG June Bug dp, SU! cardstock, unknown ribbon, & Stampendous stamps for the butterfly & sentiment. In addition to the challenge Copics, I've used E00, E5o, E55, E57, BG000, B000, & 0. I intentionally did not blend the lines for the sky...trying to make it look like the wind is whipping those petals like confetti.

I'm off to make another card or two. Thanks for looking in on my blog, Laurie

I can't upload my picture right now...Blogger keeps saying something about an error. I'll keep trying! In the meantime, you can check out the card in my Splitcoast Gallery here.
Edit #2: Hooray! Finally able to post the card at 7pm.

Tea of Thanks

2009-07-28T07:26:00.002-04:00

Good morning! I'm so happy to be able to post a sample in the middle of the week. It's been hectic around here for the past three weeks or so. With my ds's upcoming wedding this month, it will probably become worse before it gets better!

Now to the card....Do you recognize this image? If you've been around SU! for a while, you know that this was a hostess set way back in 1995ish. I was fortunate enough to choose it as one of my hostess benefits. Back then, most stamps were line-drawn images, perfect for coloring. By the time I became a demonstrator, though, the tide had turned to bold images. I dutifully sold or gave away my previous sets to make room for the new ones. BIG mistake! Sigh. Thankfully I held on to this one & have learned my lesson. I won't be cleaning out my stash any time soon.

Today's card is simple to put together. I chose the dp because the flowers in it are scalloped which matches the scalloped Nestie & the scallop doily under the tea pot/cup. The satin ribbon is tied in a knot. The rest of the details are below. Sure hope you have a terrific Tuesday. Hugs, Laurie

Stamps: SU!
Paper: SU!, Zinnia
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: corner rounder, sticky gems, Classic Scallop Oval Nestie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 18

2009-07-24T21:08:00.003-04:00

What fun I had coloring this Classy Lady and her Birdy friend by Pink Cat Studio. The Artful Sentiments challenge was to use V06, YG03, & RV25. They are such fun, bright colors that it was hard to decide what image to use this week! To join the fun click here where you can see the DT's samples. Leave a comment with a link to your sample, too!

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio

CS: SU!, K&Company

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, additional Copics: RV21, RV23, R29, B21, E00, E50, E55, E57, E59

Accessories: Nestabilities, Tags, Dew Drops, Cuttlebug, Stickles, ribbon
To add texture to the hat & dress, I used my Copic Colorless Blender 0. You might not see it in the picture, but I used Stickles Crystal to give Lady some sparkling jewelry. I used V06 to edge the oval cutout and the tag. My favorite detail is Lady's lips. They are sooo perfect! Wouldn't you like to just once wear a boa & bright red lipstick with a big, flowery hat? Thanks for checking in with me....Blessings, Laurie

Birdhouse Post

2009-07-20T21:55:00.003-04:00

Are you surprised to see a new post from me? I sure am! I thought I'd never be able to take a minute out of the week to stamp. Acutally, this sweet little image was stamped and colored several weeks ago, but since I stamped those flourishes on the base card, I think it counts. :)

It's a bit too busy for my usual style, but I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone. If I could do it over, though, I think I would use a Cuttlebug folder to give the texture & skip the Platinum flourishes. Don't you love the dp? It's from the recently released Junebug set from Basic Grey. The birdhouse is by Rubber Stampede & the flourish stamp by Hero Arts. I used various Copics to color the image but didn't keep track of which colors. I added the sticky gems to the ribbon corners & then decided Prima flowers would make a nice touch, too. Not sure what sentiment will go inside, but am thinking of something about dropping by to say hello since the robin looks like he's singing a greeting!
I'll be at swimming championships all day tomorrow, so maybe I'll see him flying around. Thanks for stopping by....Hugs, Laurie

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 17

2009-07-17T09:24:00.003-04:00

Wow! I bet you thought I wasn't going to stamp any more cards, didn't you? It has been a very busy two weeks, but as you can see I am not giving up. :) I have to post a day early because I am going out of town for a funeral this weekend. My folks should be here any moment, & we'll be off to Upstate New York. If you think about it, please pray for my second cousin who has just lost her husband.

On to the challenge.....The colors this week are so much fun. I would never have put them together, though, because they don't fit the "choose a color & then choose two friends" philosphy. The pink flowers were colored using the darkest color (R83)around the tips & down the centers. I then used my lightest pink (had to use RV000 because my RV00 is dried out!) to color each petal. I went back over the petals with R20, putting it down next to R83. I colored the whole thing again with RV000 & lastly highlighted the center lines with R83. Each image is attached with pop dots. Details below.

The Scripture for this card was chosen for a friend who recently found she has breast cancer. It is good to remember we can't do much on our own, but we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Have a blessed weekend, Friends -- Laurie

Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs, Gina K, Paper: SU!, Basic Grey Two Scoops, Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics: RV000, R20, R83, Y17, YR16, E55, E57, E59

Artful Sentiments Copic Challenge 16

2009-07-11T12:58:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon, Everyone. Am posting later than I normally do, but hope you'll catch my post just the same! This week's challenge are rich, bold colors that reminded me of the great outdoors. I made this birthday card for my uncle from an old SU! set & Basic Grey dp. The sentiment is hand written & the other Copic colors I used are E21, E33, E44, YG63. Have a blessed weekend --- Laurie

High Hopes Challenge #38

2009-07-09T21:14:00.003-04:00

I'm so happy to be able to post a card tonight! It's for a fun challenge at High Hopes......polka dots! This was quick and easy as the paper does all my work for me by providing great dots! The pink strip on the side is made with an EKSuccess edge punch & embellished with Stickles. I've used Copic markers to color my image: YG03, B24, R29, RV11, RV25, W1, W5, E00, E000, & B21. The background paper was a gift but I don't know who made it. Thanks for checking in with my blog....Hugs, Laurie

Blog Candy Alert

2009-07-09T16:33:00.002-04:00

Hi, All. I have not had a moment to stamp this week, & I'm ready to get back at it! But since I don't have a card to post, I thought I would pass along this Blog Candy Alert:

Crissy is offering an Extravaganza that includes stamps by High Hopes. You really don't want to miss the chance on this, Friends. Check it out here. Good luck!

Artful Sentiments Challenge 15

2009-07-04T12:24:00.006-04:00

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans & Happy Saturday to all who aren't. I trust your weekends are going well.

This weeks' challenge was so much fun for me because red and blue are my favorite colors! It's definitely a challenge, though, since B26 & R29 are such dark colors. I used the 0-colorless blender quite a bit. Actually, I had to use it on the bunny, too, because I used C1 since I don't have C0. I used a MS punch for the lattice border & Stickles on the bunny's tail & furry chest. High Hopes makes the bunny & the dp is some older paper from SU!. The sticky dots are from Joanns. I'm not sure where I got the ribbon. The sentiment stamp was purchased at a stamp convention a long time ago & is made by Imaginations.

We'd love to have you join us for our weekly challenge. Go here to see the terrific DT samples & add your link to the commments.

Thanks for stopping by......Hugs, Laurie