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!!!

Like a tree...

“… and they lived happily ever after!” Too bad that isn’t how real life works. A lost job, a bank foreclosure, a broken marriage, illnesses, death… any number of trials and sorrows could happen to any of us, at any time. No one is exempt from the troubles of this world.

 There are questions from the song called “HELD” that Natalie Grant sings that we, as Christians, often ask. The lines say.
 “Who told us we’d be rescued?
 What has changed and 
Why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens to us, 
who have died to live, it’s unfair.”

I have friends at church, who lost their baby granddaughter in a fire in January, and another family from my church had their house burn down this week and they escaped with their lives but lost everything as they didn’t have renters insurance. Another man from my church just last weekend was in a terrible accident that left him hospitalized with a broken back. All of these people love God, yet bad things have happened in their lives.

 It really shouldn’t shock us or surprise us because Jesus told his followers. “…In this world YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John16:33)

 The comfort that we have is: “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.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Several weeks ago, the Holy Spirit laid the following scripture on my heart. “[Those who trust in the Lord] shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay GREEN; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”(Jeremiah 17:8)

 Having lived in Phoenix, AZ, I know what happens to trees when heat and drought hit them. Often the heat and drought are too much and they die. Phoenix summers can be brutal. But the trees that do, have a water source survive and are fruitful. The heat and drought are the TROUBLES in life. To those without a relationship with God, the troubles are too hard to bear, but to those who have that relationship with God, they will be sustained. He will care for them and nourish them, and He will help them through those troubles.

My challenge for everyone is to use our green thumbs... either use green on a card/project or use an image of something planted.

 Our sponsor for this week's challenge is DRS Designs . Make sure you check out their website. Amazing stamps. I used this flower and fence stamp for my projects. I made a card and a matching bookmark for a friend in my small group at church. She is a full time mom, and a full time nurse at a nursing home. This last week she was really sad because she had just lost a patient. For my bookmark. I just cut the center birdhouse out. I struggled with how to color the sky. It was really a challenge for me to leave the sky white, but I think it really makes the house and sunflowers stand out. Sunflowers are some of my favorite flowers. I love how the follow the sun. A great reminder for me to follow the SON.

Make sure you check out what my Stampin' Sisters in Christ have created for your inspiration:

Kristine
Linda
Miesje
Peggysue
Traci

I love this song sung by Natalie Grant. I am so thankful to be HELD.

 When God put this week's scripture on my heart, I saw it everywhere I looked. It was in several different devotionals, as well as my daily bible study. That same week I was listening to songs by Audrey Assad. (One of my favorite singers- and I got to hear her live in concert last week. Such a blessing!!!) The first line of the song had me in tears, because it just was confirmation to me that God was speaking to my heart about trusting in Him no matter what. I hope this song blesses you as much as it did me.

Your Word is a lamp

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 This is the scripture that the Holy Spirit encouraged my sister in Christ Linda to share. Last week my small group was studying about hearing and seeing God in our daily lives. I shared with them that it when God speaks to me through his word, I will see that scripture again and again until I finally get it. I will see it when I open my bible and when I read devotions. I will hear it when the pastor at my church preaches and even in the songs I listen to on the radio. That happened to me with the very scripture that Linda choose. After seeing and hearing several times it started sinking in. There were two major thoughts that God was speaking to me through this scripture. The first was the value of His Word. I was reminded this week how important it is to read, study, memorize and know His word. I don't do this as much as I would like to. I started thinking about places where people risk their lives to have a bible. It is probably the most valuable thing they own. And I am sure that they read it and memorize it because they are worried that it will be taken away from them. For me and my society having a bible is too easy and we take it for granted. I know in my house alone we have probably 20 hard copies of the bible and my kids and my husband have the bible on their phones and we have such easy access on computers. It made me wonder if that is part of Satan's strategy to make us not read God's word, that word that lights our path. The second thought was about it being "a lamp" not a flood light. I find myself wanting to see all the way down the path, but God gives me a lamp. Just enough light to see the path and where to take the next step. It comes down to an issue of faith. Do I trust God? Where is that path leading? Does He know best? I am learning each day to focus on just that next step. Not trying to look down the path behind me seeing where I have been, and not straining and worrying about the path ahead. Here is Linda's challenge: create a card/project in soft pastel palette - black or white can be used as a neutral.Inspired Stamps is this week's sponsor. They were so nice to give me the stamps so that I could make this card. I had to smile when I opened that package and saw this week's scripture looking up at me... AGAIN.

 

 

Last day of MFP April Blog Hop

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Fabulous Dogs Featured April 17
 Daffodil Greetings Featured April 18
 Hey, Cowboy! Featured April 19 
Train Talk Featured April 20

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 April 21, 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 April 20, 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 am the first to admit that I am a layer junkie, and I love to color, so CAS cards are very hard for me, but sometime you just need a quick card. This set is perfect. I just stamped the train in black and using a ruler drew four lines and stamped the birthday sentiment from the FABULOUS DOGS set. 5 mins tops. I love how this turned out.  

April MFP Blog Hop day 3

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Fabulous Dogs Featured April 17
 Daffodil Greetings Featured April 18
 Hey, Cowboy! Featured April 19 
Train Talk Featured April 20

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 April 21, 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 April 20, 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

MFP April Blog Hop day 2

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Fabulous Dogs Featured April 17
 Daffodil Greetings Featured April 18
 Hey, Cowboy! Featured April 19 
Train Talk Featured April 20

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 April 21, 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 April 20, 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


Daffodil Greetings is my favorite of this month's released sets. Everyone knows that I love butterflies. This butterfly I think is going to be my favorite go to butterfly.

This first card was a sneak peak card that I made last week using the SCS sketch.

This card was another sneak peek card that I made for last week's SCS color combo challenge.

This next card was the last of the sneak peek cards. This was for the SCS F4A challenge to use twinches.

Now on to the new projects. Here is a close up of the butterfly

I wanted to make a tall long card so that I could showcase the butterfly trail which is bling from want 2 scrap. I think it works so well for butterfly trails. I colored the butterfly with yellow orange, green, turquoise and blue.

I used the porcelain paper technique to make this butterfly cluster pin. It is very hard and shiny.

The pin turned out so well I decided to try a pair of earrings. No one will guess that these are just glue and paper..

I know a lot of people, especially my kids make fun of Miley Cyrus songs, but this one is especially pretty and I like it. Hope you like it. If today you are still a caterpillar hang on your time is coming. If you are a butterfly, be thankful for your blessings and fly, fly away.

April MFP hop day 1

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Fabulous Dogs Featured April 17 Daffodil Greetings Featured April 18 Hey, Cowboy! Featured April 19 Train Talk Featured April 20

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 April 21, 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 April 20, 2012.

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



This song was the inspiration for my card.

 

Serendipity Stamps

I am having. computer problems. I'm trying to do this weeks post from my phone. I'm not really proficient in posting from my phone. I hope that I can get to a computer that works after church service. The challenge this week is to use something clear or transparent on our cards. I made mine an acetate card. I sewed the two different dp to the acetate. The beautiful flowers and butterfly are from Serendipity Stamps, our sponsor this week. When I get to a computer I will link to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge as well as my sister's cards and our sponsor. Thanks for being patient with me. I hope that this works.

Update on computer... It looks like I have a video card that is going bad. It is working for now, but with an old computer I don't know how long it will last. My computer isn't so old to have used punch cards, cassette tapes or floppy disks, but almost that old. LOL! I pray that everyone has a blessed week. My goal this week is to try and see all the little blessings that God has given to me no matter how small.
Here is the link to Serendipity Stamps, our sponsor this week. 
Make sure you check out what my Stampin' Sisters in Christ have created for your inspiration:

Kristine
Linda
Miesje
Peggysue
Traci