MFP JUNE BLOG HOP DAY 3

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        June Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Welcome Poppies Featured June 19
I'm In Stitches Featured June 20
Island Life Featured June 21
Silly Shells Featured June 22
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on June 23, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday June 22, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn  THIS IS ME
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Thrifty Stamper
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Tammylee
Janis L.
Mark's Finest

This last week I saw a card that had a pretzel knot on it. I went to youtube and learned how to tie a pretzel knot. It took me several hours and lots of attempts to get it down, but I think it was worth it when I put it on my card for today. I have several extra knots that I would like to share. I am going to randomly pick 4 of the comments that I receive on today's post to win those extra knots. I will post the winners on my post for day 4 of the MFP blog hop.

 Close up view of the pretzel knot

 Another card that I made as a sneak peek. I just tied regular knots on the twine on this card.

This song just seems to go with this card. Such a happy feeling to it.

I am going to enter this card in the Word Art Wednesday challenge.

MFP June Blog Hop Day 2

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        June Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Welcome Poppies Featured June 19
I'm In Stitches Featured June 20
Island Life Featured June 21
Silly Shells Featured June 22
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on June 23, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday June 22, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Thrifty Stamper
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Tammylee
Janis L.
Mark's Finest

I love this set. The sewing machine looks a lot like the one my grandma had and my mom now has.My mom taught me to sew when I was really little. When my girls were little I sewed them matching dresses. Now that they are a little bigger and a home SEWN outfit is uncool, I haven't done a lot of sewing on material, but I sew ALL the time on my cards.  For my card today I used vintage looking dp scraps to make a quilt. I embossed the quilt then I sewed the pieces down.

 

A close up view of the sewing.

I made this card with my amazing mother in law in my mind. She along with a group of ladies from her church make up a group called Comfort Quilters.  They make quilts that they give away to those needing comfort. They gave some to the police to give to children. They also made quilts to give to a homeless shelter.

This is my mother in law in the tan sweater giving the police officer one of the quilts.












 

You  can read more about their group in this newsletter.

Comfort Quilters

This song is such a pretty song about sharing, loving and giving the comfort of Christ to the world around us. I hope that you like this song.

June MFP Blog Hop Day 1

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        June Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Welcome Poppies Featured June 19
I'm In Stitches Featured June 20
Island Life Featured June 21
Silly Shells Featured June 22
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on June 23, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday June 22, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Thrifty Stamper
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Tammylee
Janis L.
Mark's Finest 

Here is my card using this set. I made a telescoping card. I added stitching to add interest. The butterfly was done using the set called DAFFODIL GREETINGS. I used Burned Aleene's Tacky Glue technique to make center of flowers. The centers kinda look like raisins to me.

Telescoping view

Close up view of flowers and butterflies.

Close up view of stitching.

 Another card I made using same butterfly and poppies. A RED WHITE AND BLUE card.

 Another card using same butterfly and poppies.

We learned  this worship song in church this week, and I have enjoyed listening to it all day as I got this post ready. I thought I would share it with you.

 I am entering the telescoping card into The Sisterhood of Crafters for their going in circles challenge.
I am also entering these poppy cards in the Lollipop Crafts Challenge #83 flowers in bloom.
I am also entering the RED WHITE and BLUE poppy card in the Paper Pretties Red, white and blue challenge PPMC44 
 All three of my cards have stitching and I'm entering them in The Cutie Pie Challenge to use real or faux stitching on a card.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

 That was the scripture that my Stampin' Sister in Christ, Jerusha, choose for this week's challenge. I was going to write a devotion about this scripture, but my kids were in an accident today that totaled the vehicle, I am thankful that I still have his masterpieces in my life. I just want to challenge everyone to tell those that you love, that you love them, because this life is so uncertain.

 Jerusha's challenge is to: Create something that reflects you - you are God's masterpiece!



How does this card reflect me? I embossed the background with a music embossing folder to reflect my love and passion for music. I play guitar and piano and sing. The butterfly is on the card because I love butterflies. My kids have laughed because I have stopped and picked up dead butterflies before because they are so pretty. The white paper lace, ribbon and rhinestones is because my style is a romantic style. I used 3 of my favorite techniques making this card. I ink spray smashed the background, I use paper tole on one of the poppies, and  I used Aleene's burned tacky glue technique on the centers of the poppies.I used the poppies from a set that will be released by MFP this week. Lastly and perhaps the most important, is the color purple and the scripture. The scripture is a reminder that I belong to God, and the purple color, for royalty, reminds me that I am a daughter of the King. The sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps

Check out what my Stampin’ Sisters in Christ have created to share with you.
Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie
Traci


 

True love

The hostess this week for Stampin' Sisters in Christ is my Stampin' sister Helen. She chose this verse to think about this week: 1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other, let us show the truth by our actions" NLT This last week my daughters and I watched a "Chick-Flick". We laughed at the predictability of the two main characters "falling" in love. I remember that "falling in love" feeling. It was nice while it lasted, but the problem with feelings is that they come and they go. The year my husband and I got married, my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary, my in-laws celebrated their 35th anniversary and my grandparents celebrated their 50th. We included in our reception a celebration of their examples of love. My husband got up and thanked them all for their examples of what love looks like. His parents had to deal with his mother being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis(MS). So many couples split up when there is a diagnosis of a serious disease, but his parents showed true love by working through the health issues. There was a time when my mother in law was completely bed ridden and my Father in law had to do more than his share of the work. For my in-laws love wasn't a feeling, it was a decision and their actions showed in how my Father in law took care of my mother in law. This year my in-laws celebrated their 56th anniversary. Last week my daughter was a bridesmaid in a wedding. I wish I could share with her friends the secret of a long marriage. This scripture sums up that secret. The need to "Not merely say that (they) love each other..." but let their actions speak for themselves.

 This is Helen's Challenge : 1) image showing action OR 2) an image only on the front of your card (no sentiment on the front) OR 3) action card (make it move)

I went with the second part of her challenge to make a card with no sentiment on the front.

This week's sponsor is The Paper Shelter. I used one of their images in my card. This little wedding couple is so cute. I added extra dimension by layering the groom's head and adding dimension on the bride. The back part of her veil is the bottom layer. I made a joy fold card with white on white embossing. I added want2scrap bling on the corners and added pearls to the little bride's neck.

Check out what my Stampin’ Sisters in Christ have created to share with you.
Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie

That a starry sky offers a better view....

My wonderful stampin' Sister Diane, picked a fabulous verse for our contemplation this week.  I

Isaiah 40:26— “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

This last fall, on Wednesday nights, we did a series on creation at church. We watched a video series and the pastor on the series talked about how big our galaxy really is and the universe contains uncountable galaxies. The scripture that jumped out at me during that study was that no matter how big the universe is, God held up his hand to measure it. Those are pretty big hands. Big enough to place, my family, my troubles, my hopes, my desires... my life into!!

Isaiah 40:12 "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
    or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? ..."

Diane's challenge was: Create a card that depicts any element of heaven—angels, music, clouds, sun, stars, blue, glitter, bling, etc.

Our wonderful sponsor this week  Market Street  has such wonderful stamps. I just fell in love with this camping set. I made the stars on my card using the little hearts and circles that are in the set.

 The inspiration for my card was the song "Gratitude" by Nicole Nordeman. The song basically asks God for his provision and like how I often do starts by telling God how we want him to do it, but then it switches to saying "Or maybe not, not today, Maybe you'll provide in other ways. And if that's the case. I'll give thanks to you with Gratitude."

The part that has always hit me in this song is where she sings about asking God to "keep us safe beneath our sturdy roofs this time." Then she goes on to say  what is on my card.

 Usually when I want to add sentiments to my cards that are not stamps, I use my printer, but because I wanted it to look like night, I decided to hand-write the sentiment.  . 

Check out what my Stampin’ Sisters in Christ have created to share with you.
Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie
Traci

This is the song "Gratitude" by Nicole Nordeman. I hope it touches your heart like it does mine.

Designerpaperphobia - Do not fear

This week, my stampin' sister in Christ, Candace chose this scripture for our contemplation.

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" Psalm 118:6 

This scripture made me think of the sermons my pastor has preached the last two Sundays. Two Sundays ago Pastor Kevin was preaching about Peter when he got out of the boat and started to walk to Jesus on the water, but started to sink because he lost his focus on Christ, and started to look at the waves around him. Even as he was sinking Jesus reached out his hand and saved Peter. But how cool was it that Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus in the first place. I think by nature, I tend to stay in the "boat" because I think it will be safer there. That brings me to what Pastor Kevin preached about last week. He preached about when the disciples were with Jesus in the boat when a storm came up. They feared for their lives. These were for the most part experienced fishermen. If they were fearful of drowning, what a storm that must have been. I've not been out on a boat in a storm, but I have experienced some pretty strong storms living in the midwest.  

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24

They were safe because they had Jesus with them.

The verse Candace choose is such a great verse to personalize when we start to be fearful...

"The Lord is on MariLynn's side. She will not fear. What can man do to her? "

The really great news is that He can be on your side too!!

Candace's challenge is to: Do something on your card that you're "afraid" of! For example, CAS style, stitching, a vintage look, etc. Just do something you wouldn't normally do!

I had to really think on this challenge. I really am not afraid to try anything on my cards. I'm always up to trying new things, as long as I have the supplies available. So I went with something I wouldn't normally do. I don't normally use designer paper and if I do I only use one pattern at  a time. I was inspired last week looking at several of my Stampin' Sisters' cards.

So for my projects I used dp from DCWV "Fun in the sun - summer stack" that was given to me a couple of years ago by my secret sister at church. I made a CAS card, also something I don't normally do. (I like all the layers, because if you make a mistake it is easier to hide) I also made a fantasy box. I used a flower on the lid that came from the store.(something I don't normally do because I usually make my own flowers. But this flower really matched with the dp.)

 

If you would like the directions on how to make a fantasy box check it out here at Stubby Stampers.

Our gracious sponsor this week is: Sweet and Sassy Stamps.

Check out what my Stampin’ Sisters in Christ have created to share with you.
Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie
Traci


I know I shared the Chris Tomlin version of this song just a couple of weeks ago, but this is such a powerful song to remind us that
"if our God is with us then who could ever stop us and if our God is with us then what can stand against..."

I hope you like this version by Shane and Shane.

Oh be careful little mouth what you say...

This is the scripture that my Sister in Christ, Traci choose for our contemplation this week: Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

 Last Sunday, my pastor's mother got up and spoke. She was telling stories about being a mom. What made me laugh was when she said that her daughter, JUST LOVED TO TALK and still does. I don't know a lot of people that would describe me as a talker. I am a little on the shy side. So when I am in a big group, I am quiet and I don't say much. But if I am in a familiar  and small enough group I have a lot to say. One of the things that I liked right away when I joined Splitcoast Stampers was the commenting, and now I get to comment on blogs. An encouraging, uplifting comment can mean so much. The saying that my mom always said when I was growing up was "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." I wish more mothers would say that to their kids. I hear such mean things said at the middle school and high school. Sometimes these things are "SAID" on facebook. What a much nicer world it would be if we made the effort to use our words to encourage and help others rather than tear them down. Thanks Traci for that wonderful reminder.

Traci's challenge this week is: Build up your card: by adding layers, paper tole, paper piecing, stacking flowers...you name it!!


 Tami Mayberry is our sponsor this week.

For my layered card, I had six layers before I started adding my layered coffee filter flowers. I made the little yellow flowers out of coffee filters too. I wrapped wire with floral tape and glued the flowers to the tape and added a bead for the centers. This card was one that took me a long time to make. I am giving it to a friend who lost her husband to cancer yesterday. His visitation and funeral are this week. I never know what to SAY at funerals. Maybe this card can speak for me.

 

I got to hear this song live when I went to hear JJ Heller in concert in April. 

The thought that all things well be made new in heaven is such a comforting thought.

My friend's husband who fought cancer for so long that his body gave out, will

have that new body that will not ever feel pain again. "Hallelujah, alll will be made new!" 

I just love to listen to this song over and over. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me.

Check out what my Stampin' Sisters have created for your inspiration:
Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie
Traci

MFP Blog Hop Day 4 - Flamingos on Vacation

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        May Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Oopsy Daisy Featured May 15
Get Reel Featured May 16
Scenic Selections Featured May 17
Flamingos on Vacation Featured May 18
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on May 19, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday May 18, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn ( This is ME!!!)
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Anna S
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Mark's Finest Papers

Last night was the music booster

awards dinner banquet. My son and daughter 

both got several awards. This is the card that

I made for their choir teacher. He is

retiring after teaching choir at their school for 32 years.

I was thinking of all the show choirs he

has directed with all their glamor and sparkling

costumes. I was thinking, now that he has

retired, he can do what he wants. Even put pink flamingos in his

yard if he wants.This card was a fun one to make. 

I made a graduation card for my daughter

a week ago using this set. She said that

staples and rhinestones with pink flamingos gives just

the right amount of tackiness, to still work. So I added 

rhinestones and staples to this card too. I used the

ric-rack stamp and cut out along the one side. 

I felt challenged to make a card  with

this set that would not be even

close to being called "Tacky".  I used

the ric-rack  stamp to make a frame for

this scripture. I added the butterflies from Scenic Selections.

I also made coffee filter flowers using the same colored ink as

the frame. The lace doily and the sewing really finished it off. 

 

This is the card that I made for my daughter's graduation

last week. This is such a whimsical set.

 

I think the flamingos on my cards would have been good friends with this yo- yo carrying flamingo!!

MFP BLOG HOP DAY 3

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        May Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Oopsy Daisy Featured May 15
Get Reel Featured May 16
Scenic Selections Featured May 17
Flamingos on Vacation Featured May 18
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on May 19, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday May 18, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn (This is me)
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Anna S
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Mark's Finest Papers

This set has so many possibilities. I had fun yesterday making the scene for my fisherman and his dog. But I have to admit when I first saw it, I went "OOOH a little butterfly that matches the big butterfly." The little butterfly is just a smaller version of the butterfly from DAFFODIL GREETINGS. Here is my card for today as well as several other cards that I made this last week or so using these 2 butterflies.

TODAY'S CARD

Other Cards

These butterflies were made using the other butterfly in the SCENIC SELECTIONS set. 

This is the song that I was listening to when I made the card for today. It was a blessing to me and I know it will be to you too.

MFP day 2

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        May Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Oopsy Daisy Featured May 15
Get Reel Featured May 16
Scenic Selections Featured May 17
Flamingos on Vacation Featured May 18
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on May 19, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday May 18, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn (This is me)
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Anna S
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Mark's Finest Papers


 I went for a fairly CAS card for me. I stamped the little boy and his dog on blue dp and matted it with black cardstock. I used my black marker to draw lines on the little boy panel as well as around the sides, then using my sewing machine without thread I paper pierced around the edges of the big panel and the little panel.

My second card uses elements from the new set SCENIC SELECTIONS. Make sure you come back tomorrow to see more of this amazing set. I masked and chalked the sky.

 

Both of the sentiments on the cards are from the OOPSY DAISY set that was featured yesterday.

This song is a fun one that my boys and I like to sing at the top of our lungs.

Mark's Finest Papers May Blog Hop day 1

Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's 
                        May Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Oopsy Daisy Featured May 15
Get Reel Featured May 16
Scenic Selections Featured May 17
Flamingos on Vacation Featured May 18
Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) All four winners will be announced on May 19, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday May 18, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Marilynn (THIS IS ME)
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Kathy
Brenda
Toni
Tangii
Anna S
Sue
Kelli
Janine
Mark's Finest Papers


For my card I used another embosssed-pounded flowers paper. I cut the daisies out and about every 3 petals I cut all the way to the center so that I could shape the petals. I then added a drop of hot glue to the centers and colored the glue with a brown marker. The big butterfly is from a Mark's Finest Paper set called Daffodil Greetings and the little one is from this months set called Scenic Selections.

 

When I was thinking of songs to share with this card, this is what came to my mind. It made me think of my grandma, who used to sing it to me.

I want to give a shout out to my wonderful mother! Happy Mother's Day Mom!! She is one of my biggest supporters, and my best friend!! I also want to recognize my mother in law. I hope someday that my son's wives and I will have as wonderful a relationship as I do with my husband's mom. Happy Mother's Day Clarissa. Lastly I want to recognize my amazing children, Johanna, Kristina, Joshua and Kaleb. Being your mom is one of God's biggest blessings in my life.  Happy Mother's Day as well to all the moms out there!!!

This is the verse that my Stampin' Sister, Peggysue, has chosen for this week's contemplation.

Genesis 6:20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive.

This scripture made me think of my own two dogs, Bear and Hershey, They both absolutely hate storms. I have observed that they seem to know when a storm is coming even before I can see the clouds. They start getting agitated,and will start whining. It makes me wonder how they know that the storm is coming. I have also noticed a change in the behavior in the birds outside my window. They seem to be more restless before the storm, even before I can see the signs of a storm.

 I think it is amazing, in this scripture that God placed a knowledge in all the animals that they had to go to Noah. Noah didn't have to search for them, and go out on an animal finding expedition. The animals just knew to go to him. It made me wonder if they heard God's voice and were listening to His directions. It also made me wonder what is God telling me this week. Am I listening for His voice, or am I too caught up in my own little world to listen?

Our sponsor this week is Doodle Pantry.

Peggysue's challenge is:  Use any type of animal, bird or bug in your creation.


 My little critters are two little butterflies. The big one is from a Mark's Finest Papers set that was released last month called DAFFODIL GREETINGS, and the little butterfly that matches the big one is going to be released this week in a Mark's Finest Papers set called SCENIC SELECTIONS. 

I shared last week about how to do embossed pounded flowers technique. Yesterday I was playing around with this technique using leaves. After I smooshed the leaves, I used the ink spray smashed technique. Then I embossed it. It made a very interesting design. That is why I went with little critters so you could see the background too.

For my card I used one of the sentiments from Doodle Pantry's set called Noah's Ark.
I love this sentiment. The promise of God that I have been holding onto this week is that He will never leave us or forsake us. 

Check out what my Stampin' Sisters In Christ  have created for your inspiration:
Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie
Traci

I love this song by Chris Tomlin called OUR GOD. It has such a POWERFUL
message. I know you will be encouraged when you think about OUR GOD!!

Thinking of you with big and little butterfly

Today's Splitcoast Stamper's color combo challenge was a blue, green and brown combo. I just happened to have these colors out on my desk. The main panel is another of my embossed-pounded flowers experiments. I pounded the flowers (weeds) and then I sprayed the paper with gold paint. I then ink spray smashed it with blue colored inks. It is hard to see the sparkle of the gold paint. I tried to get two close up photos so you could see it. It is really pretty in real life. I also knew I wanted to use these little butterflies. The big one is a from a Mark's Finest Papers set called DAFFODIL GREETINGS. The little one is a sneak peek at a Mark's Finest Papers set that will be released this month called SCENIC SELECTIONS. I just had to use some more of my want2scrap bling. I know I am going to be so sad when I use them up. I don't want to be a hoarder about them though, so I am using them on my cards.

 

 

paper pieced magnolias

Here is another card using the embossed-pounded flowers technique. I also used the paper piecing technique on the magnolias, for a rerun of Technique Lover's Challenge given by Joan today.. When getting the elements ready for this card, I stamped the sentiment from inspired stamps on a triangle shaped scrap of cardstock. I had intended to cut it and make it rectangle. As I placed it down on the base to reach for my scissors, I thought it looked really neat on the triangle. So I left it like it wanted to be. I am not one to argue with my cardstock when it wants to be a certain way. I added want2scrap bling to finish the card off. I really like how this card turned out. I am hoping to go outside later today to go find some more weeds.I am having fun with this technique, because, like ink spray smash, my favorite technique, you get a unique look every time you do it. No two can look exactly alike even if you tried

don't lie to yourself. oh my soul... LOVE YOUR GOD!

This is the scripture that my Stampin' Sister in Christ, Miesje, choose for our contemplation this week.

 1 John 2:4-6 - Whoever says, “I know him”, but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him..

It made me think of Jesus's response to a question asked him by one of the teachers of the law, asking him, "What is the most important commandment?"

Mark 12:29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

My first question was, when was the last time I told God I loved Him? When did I raise my hands and voice in worship of Him? The answer should be every day, not just on Sundays. Thank you God for the reminder. Help me to show my love to you more and more each day.

The second question is how am doing I at loving my neighbors? I'll have to admit that I struggle more with this commandment. 1 John 4:20 says "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

I want to think that I always love my neighbors, but sometimes that isn't the case and to say otherwise would be lying. For example, this morning I went to an auction and found myself getting irritated with those around me. I am extremely allergic to tobacco smoke. I get nauseous and get horrible migraines because of the smoke. Within about 5 mins. of arriving at the auction, I could feel the migrane coming. I kept moving to get away from the smoke but, my smoking neighbors all seemed to want to stand right next to me. When the pain got too bad, my son had to drive me home where I spent the rest of the day laying down with throbbing pain. I'll admit I wasn't feeling very loving towards these neighbors.I was definitely thinking unkind thoughts. Finally, I asked God to forgive me for my bad attitude, and to fill me with love for these neighbors. It was then that the headache started to ease.

All I have to say is I hope there is no smoking section in Heaven or if there is, God takes away my allergy to it!!

Miesje's challenge is: create a card or project that uses something real or natural on it - twine - burlap - shell - sand - etc.


My card was made with REAL flowers. Really they were weeds, that were smashed and embossed. I also made a bookmark.

I posted this tutorial yesterday on how to do embossed-pounded flowers.

Thanks Miesje for the the challenge to use something REAL.

Our sponsor this week is Our Daily Bread Designs

 I am so excited that there are more sisters joining the design team at Stampin' Sisters in Christ
Check out their blogs to see what wonderful creations they have for you to see.

Candace
Diane
Helen
Jerusha
Kris
Linda
Michelle
Miesje
Peggysue
Sandie
Traci

This song by Audrey Assad spoke to me this week. I loved the chorus before I even thought about this week's devotion... don't lie to yourself. oh my soul... LOVE YOUR GOD!
I know you will be blessed by it.

Embossed Pounded Flowers Tutorial

Two years ago I learned a
technique at Splitcoast Stampers
 called pounded flowers
I want to share it with you, with
a new twist, that I think, creates
a unique, elegant looking background.


I gathered weeds and leaves
from outside my house.

 

I placed the weeds between two pieces of
white cardstock. I ran it through my
cuttlebug using the following sandwich...


"A" Plate
"C" Plate
the two pieces of cardstock
with the weeds in between
and I finished it off with my
"B" Plate.


After I ran it through my cuttlebug
I let it sit for a minute for the
"juices" to soak in.

Here is how the weeds look
after being smashed.

Carefully, I lifted the weeds off of the paper.
I took a piece of scrunched up
paper towel to wipe the
rest of the weeds off of
the cardstock. You could use
a small brush.

Here is what is left on the cardstock

What I like about this technique is
you get "Two for the price of one"
You get mirrored images.

This is where the original technique ended.

This week I wondered what would happen
if I used my script embossing folder to
emboss the finished pounded flowers
paper. I think the result was stunning.

 Here is the card I made using this technique.

Not bad for weeds!!!