Friday, December 28, 2012

Last CCC Challenge of the Year

A new year is almost upon us. Yippy! I am always excited and interested in what a new year will bring. Perhaps there will be new beginnings, new opportunities, new friends or just renewed energy. It is, of course, up to us as to whether we embrace the new or stay stuck in the old. This is a time when we can let go of things in our heart, mind, life that may be holding us back and keeping us from fully living the life God intended for us to have.

This is the last challenge for the year at Card Crafter's Circle. Next year is lining up to be an equally fantastic one with great sponsors and fun challenges. However, before we can start those, we must "finish" the ones for 2012. This week our sponsor is KPM DOODLES! Our randomly drawn challenge winner will receive their choice of TWO SETS of images from the KPM DOODLES collection. KPM offers whimsical images in both color and black and white so you have the option of coloring them yourself or using a pre-colored one for your crafting.

I have used one of the pre-colored images from the Penguins on Ice set. (If you go to the CCC blog, you will also see one of the Penguins on Ice images hand colored by one of my team mates. This will give you an idea of the versatility of KPM's images.) I printed the image onto white card stock and cut it into a square shape. I then matted the image with blue card. My card base is white with a layer of blue. On top of the blue, I've used two pieces of DP from the cute 6x6" pade called Merry by MME. I cut the snowman piece slightly wider than the snowflake piece and placed them both on the blue card, leaving a small space between the two. After adhering the image square over the DP, I punched three snowflakes (Martha Stewart punch), adhered them and put a small rhinestone in the center of each. Lastly, I added my sentiment.

This card turned out quite cute and was fairly quick to make thanks to KPM's pre-colored image. The entire penguin set is adorable and makes for delightful winter cards that are not restricted to the Christmas theme.

Hope you will visit us at CCC and that you can carve out a little creating time for yourself. We would love for you to join our last challenge. Thank you for visiting me, and I wish all of you a very happy,  prosperous and super CREATIVE new year.

Challenges:
http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ - Anything with a Sentiment
http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/stamp-challenge.html - Anything Goes
http://craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/ - Winter Wonderland (thru 15 Jan)
http://elphinehouse.blogspot.com/ - Snowflakes and Swirls
http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/ - #93 Anything Goes (until 9 Jan)
http://digitaltuesdaychallenge.blogspot.ca/2012/12/191-layers.html - Layers

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Last 2012 Flutter By Challenge

 
Hello dear followers. Today I am presenting my DT card for Flutter By Wednesday. This is the last challenge for 2012, and as we've done all December, we are keeping it simple for you with an OPEN theme. Simply create a card of your choice with a butterfly or fairy somewhere on your card. How easy is that?

For my card, I've combined punches and stamps to create this lovely black and white card. My card base is white with a layer of black and then another layer of white. On top of the second layer of white, I have adhered another "short" piece of black which I first punched with a Fiskar's border punch. I added the checked ribbon and pretty bow across the black.

I then stamped three butterflies using black Momento ink and fussy cut each one of them. The butterfly stamp is an OLD one by Personal Stamp Exchange (PSX). I fussy cut the stamped images. I then used one of my butterfly dies (a Creatable die by Marianne) and cut three butterflies from black. I then adhered the stamped images on top of the die cut images.

I then used a scalloped square punch and a regular square punch to create the three blocks at the bottom of the card. After adhering the three layered squares to the card, I adhered the layered butterfly images to the squares. The overall effect is this lovely, elegant black and white creation that can be used for any occasion from birthday to sympathy.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Snowflakes are Kisses

Before I go into my card and the new challenge at Twist of Faith, I would like to wish each and every one of you a very merry and blessed Christmas. This is the date we Christians have chosen to represent the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fulfillment of all the promises that await us who believe and follow. His love is unending and so we take time today to celebrate. My wish for you is for love and peace, surrounded by family, friends and God's Grace.

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps! Our random prize winner will receive a $15 voucher for use at the Clear Dollar Stamps store! We're thrilled to have Clear Dollar Stamps as a sponsor because the images are wonderful, and the sentiments fit the heart of our challenges here so perfectly!
 
This week we have a colour challenge for you.... your creations can be along any theme, as long you use 
 
GOLD AND WHITE
 
I have kept my card clean and simple (especially for me). I started with a white card base. I topped that with a layer of gold glitter paper and then a layer of white again, embossed with the Provo snowflake embossing folder. On top of the embossed piece, I've added my adorable image which has been matted with the gold glitter paper. Lastly, I added a sentiment, "Snowflakes are kisses from heaven" which I matted on the gold and adhered at a tilt to the top right hand corner of the image.
 
I kept feeling as if I should have added a bow or some flowers or at the least punched snowflakes, because I kept feeling as if my card is "naked" (smile), but in the end, I decided the crisp, clean lines best let the adorable image stand out. Anything I tried to add was a distraction, so I decided to just keep the CAS design and not do anything more.
 
If you find you have a little "down" time after the "big" day, do hop over to Twist of Faith and see what my fellow teamies have created for your inspiration. We would enjoy your visit.
 
 
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 21, 2012

It's Christmas

It is getting very close to "the day" so don't know how many of you have a little extra time for crafting, but Card Crafter's Circle is continuing challenges just the same. We understand that participation may be a bit lower than norm, but we opted to just keep on keeping on. I have to be perfectly honest and tell you that if it wasn't for the fact that we DT members get our images a head of time, I might not make it this week (grin). I've gotten my shopping done, gifts wrapped and under the tree -- ready with those details for the day -- BUT, I'm now finishing up with the baking and house cleaning stuff, so not in my craft room very often.

We have kept things simple for you -- whether you are getting a head start for next year or finishing up for this year, our theme is simply

CHRISTMAS
 
Whatever you want to do is fine -- as long as it is for the Christmas holiday. We have two wonderful sponsors this week (double the chances of winning some really lovely images), so you may just want to carve out a little time and enter this week's challenge. We have our wonderful friend at Stamp Art Design by Kathryne, offering one prize winner their choice of 5 digital images from her collection. We also have the super cute Di's Digi Downloads, who offers one winner a $10 store credit (works out to be about 4 images, or you can use the credit off a larger purchase).  
 
Now, I'm going to quickly share my card with you so that you can get on into your craft room (or on with your Christmas prep). I have used one of Kathryne's beautiful images, Candle with Holly, for my card. I have colored the image with my trusty Copic markers on X-Press It brand card and cut the whole thing into a square shape. I've used Tim Holtz's honey colored distressing ink and inked around the edges of the square.
 
The rest of the card is made from things from my stash -- holiday paper, red and green card, some glittery leaves from a sprig I've had for a couple of years, a paper poinsettia from Wild Orchid Crafts, a pearl stick pin (gift from a friend), and my Christmas ribbon. Except for the stick pin and the image, all items have been in my "stash" for minimum over a year, so I'm unable to tell you brands that I've used.

The card actually went together rather quickly but is quite beautiful. For more inspiration (and more of Kathryne's images), hop on over to Card Crafter's Circle and have a look at the other DT cards for this week -- a definite eye-candy treat, for sure!

Have a great week, and a blessed holiday.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Fluttery By Wednesday #219

This is a busy week as everyone tries to tie up those last minute details to get ready for Christmas. Only five more days until Christmas Eve -- where has the time gone? Except for doing a little baking, I think I'm ready. How about you?

Because we know this is a busy time, we appreciate all of you who have been able to join our Flutter By Wednesday challenges. We've tried to keep them simple for you this month by having an "open" theme all month long. This means that you could/can do anything you want as long as you add a butterfly or fairy somewhere on your card, and that is the case again this week. No theme, no sketch, no color requirements -- just do your own thing and add a butterfly or fairy!

Despite being a wee bit tired of making Christmas cards and ready to "move on," my FBW card for this week is a darling little Christmas fairy image. I've colored her up using my Copic marker. I printed this image twice, coloring the fairy once and fussy cutting her out. I then colored the baubles on the second image (which I left intact and cut into a rectangle). I then glued my fairy to the flat panel, leaving one wing (the right one as you look at the card) dimensional by using a small foam dot under it.

My card base is red, but then I used non-traditional pastel colors for the rest of the card. My background and strip DP are from a small 6x6" pad by MME called Merry/Joyex/Alegre. My ribbon and bow is Ofray, and my pink beads are by Recollection. You can't tell, but I did use Stickles on her little wings.

I hope you will be able to carve out a little creative time for yourself during this busy, last minute count-down time and will join us in this week's challenge. If you visit the Flutter By Wednesday blog, you will notice that a number of our DT members have had to take this week off, but the ones who were able to participate have created some beautiful cards. Go take a look.

Challenges Entered:
http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/ - Christmas Spirit
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/ - Christmas Holiday
http://theprettylittleribbonshop.blogspot.com/ - It's Christmas
http://cutiepiechallenge.blogspot.com/ - Cute Christmas
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - Christmas Anything Goes
http://theresmagicintheair.blogspot.com/ - Snowman or Anything Christmas

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Angels Proclaimed His Birth

As we get closer to "the day," I know we have less time for our crafting pleasures. However, if you find yourself with a little extra time, we'd really enjoy having you join us this week with the Twist of Faith blog challenge. This week the theme is simply

CHRISTMAS!

 
Your card creation should reflect Christmas in some way.  Remember our 'twist of faith' with your creation using a scripture, or quote or an uplifiting sentiment that suits this week's theme.

This week, our sponsor is MICHELLE PERKETT STUDIOS!

Our random prize winner will receive their choice of one of the gorgeous images showcased by our design team in this challenge post! We are thrilled to have MPS sponsoring our challenges because the images are so beautiful, and not just because Michelle is one of my favourite artists!


Do stop by Twist of Faith and have a look at the BEAUTIFUL cards the DT members have created this week for your inspiration.

Challenges Entered:

http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/ - go digital
http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ - Christmas
http://digihaven.blogspot.ca/ - Anything goes
http://ladybugcrafts.blogspot.com/ - Christmas
http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ - Merry Christmas
http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-59-glory-to-god.html - Glory to God
http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - Anything Goes

 



Friday, December 14, 2012

Red, White and Green

I am still running behind. As much as I love the Christmas season, this one has been a bit more hectic than usual. Anyhoo, this is not the time nor place for a sob story (grin). It is time for another challenge at Card Crafter's Circle, so here is my DT card. This week our theme is traditional Christmas colors -- red, white and green. Just a note that this is a color theme, so your card doesn't necessarily have to be for Christmas. If you are like many of us (myself included), you've pretty much finished up your Christmas cards for the year (and hopefully, unlike me, you've already gotten them posted).

Our wonderful sponsor for this week is Robyn's Fetish, and one randomly drawn winner will receive their choice of five (5) digital images from Robyn's Fetish ... thank you for such a generous prize!






Despite the challenge NOT necessarily having to be Christmas, Robyn provided the DT with lovely Christmas/winter images (you MUST take the time to go over to Card Crafter's Circle and see the lovely cards the DT members have made). I received this BEAUTIFUL holly and bow image with which to work (isn't it gorgeous??). I colored it with Copic markers and cut the image with a circle Spellbinder die. I then used the scalloped circle die to mat the image.

I used an embossing folder by The Paper Studio called Intricate Swirl, DP from Echo Park's Very Merry Christmas 6x6" pad, pearls from Recollections and poinsettia flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts to round out my red, white and green card.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Do You See What I See?

It is time, once again, for the weekly challenge at Twist of Faith. Our theme for you this week is

Inspired by Carols

Your card creation should be inspired by a Christmas Carol. Remember our 'twist of faith' your creation should also include a scripture, or quote or an uplifiting sentiment that suits this week's theme... perhaps even a line or two from your favourite Christmas Carol!

Our challenge this week is sponsored by MelJen's Designs, who continues to delight us with magical images! Our MelJens prize is 4 uncoloured images. 

I know many of us are busy, busy, busy right now. I, myself, seem to be further behind this year than I've been in quite a while. However, in the hustle and bustle, whether shopping, wrapping, cooking or even cleaning (yikes, really???), I do enjoy having my cd player going and listening to the lovely Christmas music that makes this season even more beautiful. I am always hard-pressed to answer if someone asks me what my favorite Christmas song is. I end up naming off a dozen or so songs, "Oh Holy Night," "Silent Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful," are just a few of the "old" favorites, with "Mary Did You Know," "Little Drummer Boy," and "Do You See What I See" as "newer" ones on my list. We were only allowed a few MelJen images with which to work our DT magic, but when I saw this image on the list, I knew I wanted to use it!

I colored my image with Copic markers, but added a lot of "extra" (which don't show up well in the photo -- always a disappointment, and I'm going to work on getting better pictures in the new year). After coloring the star (upper right), I went over it with a Sakura glitter pen. The snow (on ground) was painted in with Liquid Pearl (using a brush), and then I went back and added raised sections of the Liquid Pearl by squeezing straight from the bottle. The "fur" on the snowman's hat is Stickles Star Dust. Lots of shine and sparkle to this little card. The card base is white with a dark blue layer and then the DP. The only other embellishments used were the ribbon/bow and  punched snowflake under the round sentiment (which I typed on my computer and then punched with a circle punch).

Please take the time to go over to Twist of Faith to see what my fellow DT members have created for your inspiration. I leave you with the words to my inspiration song (which I could actually do an auditory link, but feel free to hum along as you read the words - smile)!
 
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
"Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite,
With a tail as big as a kite."

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
"Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea,
With a voice as big as the sea."

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
"Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold--
Let us bring him silver and gold,
Let us bring him silver and gold."

Said the king to the people everywhere,
"Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people, everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light."


Friday, December 7, 2012

Celebrate December

It is time for another Card Crafter's Circle challenge, and this week we want you to concentrate on December celebrations. Think of all the things we might celebrate this month... Advent, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Birthdays... you name it.. if you celebrate it in December it will fit this weeks' challenge theme,

We also welcome back as our sponsor Whoopsie Daisy... Linnie creates delightful sheets of hand-drawn images, with each sheet containing 4 images! There are so many to choose from that you will definitely be able to find an image to fit whatever you need.  Do visit her blog to see all her fabulous designs. Our randomly drawn challenge winner will receive their choice of two sheets of digital images (that's a total of 8 new images).
 
Linnie provided one sheet of images for the DT to use. My image is this cute little tyke all dressed in his/her reindeer jammies waiting for a Christmas story, the presents to be passed around, or the jolly man in the red suit? Who knows for sure, but isn't he/she darling? I've colored everything up using Copic markers on X-Press It brand card. My white card base is layered with red card and then a DP. I placed a ribbon over this combination. I matted my image with both red and green card and placed that over the ribbon. I matted the sentiment onto a red scalloped circle, added my bow, a tiny white pom-pom to the hat and some red gems in the corners and on the sentiment and voila, a charming little Christmas card.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Christmas Flutters

It is time to flutter again. We realize this is a busy time for everyone, so through the month of December, we are keeping our challenge simple -- open theme with the only requirement being the usual butterfly or fairy. This means you can create whatever you like as long as you add a butterfly or fairy to your creation.

This week we are fortunate to have a wonderful sponsor -- Di's Digi Downloads!
Di's Digi Downloads has offered a prize this week of a $10 voucher good at her store!!
 
I am like many of you in that this time of year is a busy one. I've spent the past week wrapping packages and making a list of gifts I'm still missing. Hoping one more shopping trip will finish up the buying part for us (we also have two grandchildren who have birthdays this month). Anyway, my lovely card today is a prime example of how we can make lovely items despite lack of time! Can you believe I spent less than 30 minutes making that beauty?
 
The front of my card is a decoupage project from a British cd. The page contains the main image and various elements that can be cut out and layered for a 3-D effect. After I printed off my sheet, I decided the image was lovely "as is" so decided I would only layer the two butterflies. I cut out the second image and using a dimensional foam dot, I adhered the duplicate butterfly to the page. I also took a small dot of regular glue and "flat glued" the bottom edge of the butterflies. This is a technique that I learned from a British crafter who goes by Debbie4000 on the web (http://debby4000.blogspot.com/). She is a fantastic decoupager who colors her own digital images and creates her decoupage elements from them for her cards.
 
I cut a piece of deep plum card as my card base and adhered the main image to the card. In addition to the raised butterflies, I added rhinestone gems to the centers of my flowers (round and teardrop shaped in various sizes depending on the size of the center). The sheet for this project included second images for some of the flowers, but I decided not to use them. The original image has such rich shadowing that the picture doesn't look "flat" and already has a depth to it. The addition of the gems, along with the two raised butterflies was all that was needed to make a beautiful, elegant looking card. My Hubs could not believe it when I walked out of my craft room less than 30 minutes after entering and announced that my card was made! He approved of the results -- and he would not have hesitated to tell me if he felt it needed tweeking, redoing or just plain pitching (grin)!
 
So there you have it. Now we'd love to see what you will share with us this week.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

I Am the Light and the Way

I can't believe that December is here. It seems as if it were just a week or so ago that I was taking down Christmas decorations and putting them away. Not only that, but yesterday (Dec. 3rd) was my 47th wedding anniversary. Now I know that many years have not passed since I walked down the aisle on the arm of my wonderfully Daddy to where my husband-to-be waited for me. It has been quite an adventure and continues to be -- wow! Hum, OK, where was I? Oh yes, this week's challenge for Twist of Faith. Our theme for you this week is

LIGHT

Your card creation should depict LIGHT.  You may use a source of light. (the sun, the moon, a lamp, a candle) some where on your card OR you may use light as your scripture. Just remember to add our 'twist of faith' to your creation (a scripture, quote or an uplifiting sentiment that suits this week's theme).
"Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a lamp for my path."
Psalm 119:105 NLT
 
Our sponsor this week is Pholkart Blessings! But sadly, the digi images from Pholkart Blessings are no more. The designer, has decided to stop creating digital images, and return to other art mediums.... this is an exciting step for Patti, but we will miss your wonderful images! With a generous soul, Patti is still meeting her sponsorship with us, for which we are very grateful, and our challenge winner will receive two images from Patti's Pholkart Blessings!

My little card is a quick one. Again, I have to apologize for my lack of time. It isn't that I'm all that busy; it is that I'm all that unorganized! I really feel bad as the Lord gives me a new day each morning, and I feel I'm squandering the opportunities He is providing me. OK, I'll quit snivaling now and get on with the task at hand.

Using my little image, "Away in the Manger," I've colored it up using Copic markers. I cut the image into a triangle shape using one of my Spellbinder dies. I then matted it with a thin border of green and a wider border of burgundy DP. My base card is kraft with a layer of burgundy DP. I created a strip of green dotty DP matted on kraft and a die doily using a Spellbinder die. My bow is made from jute string, and I added green and red buttons (which I "stood up" against the bow by using hot glue to secure them). Below is a close up picture of the buttons and bow.

That's my little card for today. Please take a minute or two to hop over to our Twist of Faith blog and see the wonderful cards the DT members have created. As for me, well "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be happy" OR in my case, let me rejoice and be productive (grin)! Blessings, everyone.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Bearing Gifts

This week our challenge at Card Crafter's Circle is called  ...

BEARING GIFTS

 
As we approach the big gift-giving season, we want your creations this week to show gift-giving.. so the gift must be 'present' in the creation!. I know easy, huh?

Our challenge this week is sponsored by MelJen's Designs. The delightful images found at MelJen Designs are created and hand drawn by the talented Melissa Jenkins! Her images are full of whimsey and are a delight to use for card crafting, scrapbooking or any crafting in general.

One randomly drawn winner will receive their choice of four (4) uncoloured digital images from MelJen's Designs ...

The image that I used for my bearing gifts card is the darling Nativity Three Kitty Kings. Aren't they just the cutest? Being a kitty-mommy of long standing, anything featuring a kitty (or kitties) warms my heart, and what better representation of bearing gifts than those original gift givers, the Magi? This was definitely a win-win image in my book (smile)!

I printed the image onto X-Press brand card and colored the little furry kings using Copic markers.Then, using this week's sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches, I created my card. I layered green DP (very old from my stash -- and I do mean VERY old) onto green card which I adhered to a white card base. I layered the red ribbon over the DP.  I adhered the bow, leaving my "tails" long enough to create "waves" using glue dots.  I cut my image using a Spellbinder nestability shape die and matted it with the green. My circle sentiment** is by Annette (http://nettyscards.blogspot.com/), which I cut out (yes, by hand) and adhered to a scalloped green circle which I cut using the Spellbinder scalloped circle nestability die.

**Annette (Netty) actually stopped by and identified the sentiment as one of her's. I was thrilled to give credit to the proper designer and also want to let you know that Netty's blog has a "freebies" tab with tons of wonderful circle sentiments for various occasions. I hope you will take a minute and hop over there to have a look.

I know the holiday season is upon us and our crafting time is getting more and more limited as we try to get our homes decorated, our shopping finished up and wrapped and our holiday baking started -- did I mention that each of you is required to send me a sampling of whatever you make this season? Oh, OK, I'm just kidding -- however, if you should be so inclined, I can send you my address in private -- what's that? Alright - HUMPH! The Shelf Elf just told me to behave myself; such a kiljoy! Anyway, back to what I was saying. If you do have a wee bit of extra time, we'd really like you to join us this week in our challenge at Card Crafter's Circle. If you can't join us, at least take a minute or two and go see the wonderful cards the DT members have made -- well worth the visit.

Challenges:
http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/ - Sketch 174
http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/ - Anything Goes 46
http://craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/ - Ribbon or Trim
http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/2012/11/challenge-27-cas.html - CAS
http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/stamp-challenge.html - Anything Goes
http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com.au/ - Christmas is Coming
http://pixieduststudiopixiechallenge.blogspot.com.au/ - Winter Holiday Season
http://pausedreamenjoychallenges.blogspot.com/ - Forgotten Stash
http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/11/challenge-167-last-challenge.html - Christmas


 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Just Punch It

Many of us have been busy with the recent Thanksgiving holiday, and I'm no exception. I was thrilled to have my son come down from North Carolina and spend the past week with me. He left this morning to head back. My younger daughter and her three children shared Thanksgiving with us also. Sadly, it was not my entire family as my older daughter, her husband and her son, my oldest grandchild, were missing.

This week, at Flutter By Wednesday, we decided to make it easy for everyone. We would like you to made the usual butterfly or fairy card but add some punch to it. You may use a punched border, punched pieces (such as I have used) or a punch to create slowers or other embellishments. Now I know we all have some of those lovely border punches -- or a snowflake, flower or butterfly punch -- those are essential tools, right?

I do apologize that due to my company, my crafting time was limited, so I've kept this card pretty simple. I started with a white base, then a layer of blue topped with a dry embossed layer of white again. I quite like this embossing folder and find myself reaching for it quite often. It is from the Art Nouveau Collection by Courture Creations called Fireflies. I really wish I could remember where I got it beause there are several others in the collection that I would like to add to my collection -- just saying, you know.

Anyway, I matted a piece of DP from the Prairie Farmer's Mark pad by Crate Paper with the blue card. I punched three butterflies (Martha Stewart) from the blue and place them onto the DP. I then added rhinestone swirls behind each buterfly and a blue gem for the "head" of each butterfly. I added a larger, single rhonestone in each of the corners of the DP. Lastly, I found a clear sticker that reads "Life is Wonderful" which I placed on a piece of white card and matted with the blue. Thought this would make a nice birthday card or thinking of you card, with an appropriate verse inside, for use at a later time. This was an easy-peasy fairly quick card, not my usual, but none-the-less, I think it turned out rather pretty.

I do hope you will have a chance to join us this week in our challenge at Flutter By Wednesday. Remember, your card MUST have a butterfly or fairy on it AND this week you must use a punch. Thanks for stopping by.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Use Blue

Our theme for you this week at Twist of Faith is

BLUE ... USE BLUE!

This is a colour challenge, so we want to see lots of blue ... maybe you'll create a monochromatic card or perhaps you'll use blue along with others... whichever you pick, make BLUE  your main colour! Remember our 'twist of faith.' Your creation must also include a scripture, or quote or an uplifiting sentiment that suits this week's theme.

Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Oh the joys of those who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8 NLT


Even though we just had, as our theme last week, "children," I went with that theme again this week. Our sponsor is Stamp Art by Kathryne, and this beautiful guardian angel was one of the two images Kathryne provided the design team. Is the image just BEAUTIFUL? The image is perfect for a new baby card, a christening or a baptism, and keeping with that idea, I used part of a verse from Psalm 127 as my sentiment.
 
The card is rather self explanatory. I used a white card base, layered blue card and then a blue patterned DP (from a Recollections pad). I punched a white lacy border using a Martha Stewart border punch, cut my image using a Spellbinder classic circle and then scalloped circle dies. I added a white double bow, white flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and some blue gems. The card, to me, has a simple elegance -- not too fussy, but not plain either -- more in keeping with a sweet baby.
 
Challenges:
http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ - Anything EXCEPT Christmas Card

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanks

Many of us just celebrated Thanksgiving Day; however, being thankful should not happen just once a year. The practice of saying thank you or sending thank you notes seems to be dwindling, so we, at Card Crafter's Circle, would like you to create a thank you card for this week's challenge.

We are happy to have Milk Coffee Stamps joining us again with sponsorship for you! The winner's prize purse is 3 Milk Coffee images of their choice, and our super sponsor also provides each of our Top 3 with an image of their choice too! How nice is that?

My little card is Thanksgiving oriented, but your entry does not have to be for the Thanksgiving holiday/season. It just has to be a thank-you card.

I've colored my digital image using copic markers and cut it into a rectangle shape which I then matted on orange card. My card base is tan matted with brown and then my DP which is from a Recollections pad. I also took a companion DP (same pad) and matted it on orange then added a gold ribbon with double bow. The flowers at the bottom are from Prima and the yellow brads in the center are from Basic Gray. The leaves are punched from scrap card and then "shaped" using a stylis from my flower making tools kit. I did not add a sentiment because the background DP is made up of words, and "thanks" shows up just above my image.

Challenges:
http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/ - Thank You Cards
http://www.bellichallenge.blogspot.com/ - Greatful
http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/ - 2 or More Patterned Paper
http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.co.uk/ - Thankful
http://thesisterhoodofcrafters.blogspot.com/ - Thanksful
http://digidarlas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/ddc-38-thanksgiving.html  - Thanksgiving
http://www.lollipopcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/11/challenge-94-we-are-thankful.html - Thankful


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Marci Angel Ornament


Three pies are baked and ready for tomorrow. The turkey will go in along with the casseroles tomorrow morning, so I had a little time today to play around in the craft room. I've made this little Marci Angel (by La La Land stamps) up as a little ornament. I saw the idea online (Kim Bell design -http://scrapsoffaith.blogspot.com/). I've actually colored up two images, and I like the other better (I think the pleats look better on the second one), but the Hubster liked this image best (it has more glitter on it - HA! - all these years and I didn't realize my Hubby was a bling type guy). The other will eventually be used, too, just not this evening.

I colored Marci using Copic markers on Cryogen card. Her halo, collar, sleeves trim and bottom of her dress are covered with Stickles Diamond, and her wings are covered with Stickles Star Dust. The diamond color has more gold in it than the star dust (don't think you can tell from the photo); thus the reason for using the two.

I cut the snowflake background out using my Cricut Expression and the cartridge "Noel." The 6" snowflake is cut three times -- once from cardboard (a frozen pizza box, to be exact - you know what we had for supper tonight, right?), and then twice from a glittery paper from a Recollections pack. I glued the glittery paper to the front and back of the cardboard snowflake to give it more thickness and stability (and to cover the images on the cardboard).

After fussy cutting Marci, I adhered her to the snowflake using glue dots. Because the background is glittery, the glue dots adhered better than any other adhesive. I will punch a hole in the top of the ornament and string ribbon through for hanging, but I needed to make sure the glue was completely dry before doing that and also, it is more difficult to photograph with the ribbon strands.

This was a fun little project that I did simply for no reason except to relax and enjoy -- no DT assignment, no deadlines to meet. I am still practicing making pleats (going to get the hang of those things if it "kills" me - HA!), and as I said, I actually think I did better with the second set -- but I'm determined not to give up! Here is a picture of my two colored images side by side -- what do you think? The one on the left is actually my second one. The one on the right is the one I used on my project.

For those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you a wonderful one. Enjoy friends and families and may you have many blessing for which to be thankful.

Challenges:
http://toddhouse.blogspot.com/2012/11/marci-angel-ornament.html - Christmas is Coming
http://hookedoncraftchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Christmas/No Red or Green
http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/ - Anything But a Card
http://totallystampalicious.blogspot.com/ - Christmas Using Non-traditional Colors



Christmas Fairy

 


FBW215 - Sketch


We have another beautiful sketch by Kathy for this week's Flutter By Wednesday challenge. Just make sure you have your butterfly or fairy on your creation when you play along!
 
I decided to use another A Day for Daisies fairy this week. Isn't this one a beauty -- um, well they all are which is why I've been using a lot of them of late. I colored her up using red and green so that I could make another Christmas card. Yes, she isn't a traditional Christmas image, and her little flower dress isn't even a poinsettia, but I think she worked rather well anyway. Just my opinion, though (smile).
 
This was a rather simple card and fairly quick to put together. I started with a white card base, layered it with a nice Christmasy red and then cut my panels from a green and white DP. I matted the green layers with white -- are you seeing a theme here (HaHa). I actually fussy cut my little fairy image this time and then cut a square of white which I embossed using a Provo embossing folder. I matted that with the green and adhered my fairy atop of the square.
 
The three rhinestone colored gems and the chipboard sentiment at the bottom rounded out my card for this week. Easy-peasy, but actually quite stunning.
 
Thanks for stopping by. Now run on over to Flutter By Wednesday and have a look at what my team mates have created then use Kathy's lovely sketch and create your own lovely -- oh yes, lastly, share what you make with us!

Challenges:
http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/ - Anything Goes
http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/ - Hip to be Square
http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://thepapergirlschallenge.blogspot.com/ - Christmas
http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.co.uk/ - Anything Goes
http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/ - Anything with Wings

 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bless the Little Children

Our theme for you this week at Twist of Faith  is

CHILDREN!

Your card creation should show CHILDREN... and perhaps it will even be for a child! Remember our 'twist of faith' your creation should also include a scripture, or quote or an uplifiting sentiment that suits this week's theme.
"And He took the children in his arms,
placed his hands on them and blessed them."
Mark 10:16 NIV
Our challenge prize for the  random winner is provided by the fabulous Bugaboo Stamps, and it is a wonderful prize of SEVEN DIGITAL IMAGES -- winner's choice!
 
We love Bugaboo Stamps, and we know so many crafters do too! We appreciate their awesome sponsorship... the images are so much fun! Also, there is a 50% off sale going on at Bugaboo until December 26th. (Do note that the sales does NOT  include the Daily Deal (which is already an awesome price!) or the Gift Certificates.) What a time to stock up on your favourite images!!!
 
For my card, I combined two images (Best Buds and Best Friends). Bugaboo stamps come in both .jpeg format and ,png format which allowed me the flexibility of combining the two images into one which I then printed onto Cryogen card and colored with Copic markers.
 
My white card base was layered with a soft orange color card and then the striped DP. The DP came from a Recollections pad that I got on sale from Michael's Crafts. I took another coordinating sheet from the same pad and matted it with the orange. My image and my sentiment are both matted, so it was just a matter of layering all the pieces. I added small yellow buttons to the corners, two Prima paper flowers (layered together) and hand punched green leaves to finish off the simple little card.
 
My sentiment is Mark 10:14, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." Jesus tells us we should all be child like in our faith -- notice the term is child like, not childish. There is a difference. One denotes an innocent trust and pure faith. The other denotes an immaturity, often a bit of rebellion as children learn and test their capabilities and boundaries. Babies and little children must depend on their parents and trust that their needs will be met; this is what our Heavenly Father wants from all of us. The next verse to the one I used on my card tells us that Jesus took the children into His arms and blessed them.  He wants us to be child like and trust Him for our needs. Come unto Jesus as a little child. He is the great comforter and provider.

Challenges:
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/ - Anything Goes
http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com.au/ - Children
http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/ - For the Kids
http://sendasmile4kidschallenge.blogspot.com/ - Anything for Kids
http://ladyanneschallenges.weebly.com/sentimental-friday-anything-goes.html - Sentiment
http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.com/ - Anything Cute



 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Touchy - Feely Christmas

It's time to get all touchy feely because this week our theme at Card Crafter's Circle is:

TEXTURES


Show us textures in your creation... what can you use? Embossing, fabric, 3D, beads and buttons, even burlap! Make your creations something that we want to run our fingers over!
 
Returning to sponsor us this week is LIMITED RUNS! There is such a variety of images at Limited Runs.... something for everyone. While you're there, check out the freebie offer, and the many many, CUPCAKE images! There are cupcake images for every occasion, and I promise they are calorie free!

Our randomly drawn challenge winner will receive their choice of 3 (three) images from the Limited Runs shop...
For my card, I've used "Little Santa." I have colored him up using Copic markers, I've kept my card fairly simple (truth be known, the closer it gets to the holidays, the less crafting time I have - grin - so my cards get simplier - LOL). I have used a white card base which I layered with red and green card. I then dry embossed a white panel (lots of lovely texture there).
 
I cut my little Santa using an oval Spellbinder die and layered him onto a green scalloped oval (again Spellbinder die). I then used Stickles on the "fur" on his hat band and jacket (sparkle and more texture). I then added a white pom-pom to the tip of his little hat. After layering all the pieces, I added a multi-colored bow to the top of the oval and the sentiment (layered in red and green).
 
There is a lot of texture going on with this little card -- the multi layering, the dry embossing, the fuzzy pom-pom, the ribbon -- and now I'd like to see what you come up with. Join us this week at Card Crafter's Circle.

Challenges:
 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Fluttery By with Thanks

This week at Flutter By Wednesday, we have a twist to our weekly challenge. We would like you to use a fairy or a butterfly (as usual), but we'd also like you to use the theme GIVE THANKS in honor of the upcoming US Thanksgiving which will be celebrated in just another week. Your card does not have to be Thanksgiving oriented, but it should express thanks in some way.

I have, once again, used an image from A Day for Daisies. I have colored her with my Copic markers in lovely, rich fall colors. Starting with a kraft colored card base, I've layered a darker brown and then a dry embossed rush to form the base for my lovely image. The embossing folder I used is called "Wicker Weave" by Cuttlebug. On top of the embossed panel, I've put a bit of magic mesh and a very thin strip of orange ribbon (you can see it just peeking out behind the image). I layered the image with the same colors I used for the card base.

I cut a brown flourish using a Doohickey flourish die and attached it beside the image, over the magic mesh and ribbon. At the base of the flourish, I attached two silk leaves and a bronze colored rose. The rose is actually a pretty bronze color and has a bit of a metal sheen to it -- very frustrating that I could not get the true color to show in a photo. The jewels are amber colored and are from a package containing four different colors (Michael's Crafts Recollection).

I printed "Thank you" from my computer using a caligraphy style font. I then matted the sentiment on the kraft colored paper, leaving enough on the right side to cut a triangle shape for a "banner" style appearance.

I hope you will have time this week to visit the Flutter By Wednesday blog and see the lovely work of the other DT members as well as create your own little thank you card to share with us.

Challenges:
http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/ - Color Challenge (brown, orange, yellow and 1 other color)
http://digitaltuesdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ - Thankfulness
http://scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/ - Give Thanks
http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/ - Fall Spirit
http://simplychallengedchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Fall Colors
http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/ - Almost Anything Goes
http://tuesdayalchemy.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://lollipopcrafts.blogspot.com/ - Thanks/Thankful

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Hosanna on High

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11 KJV
 
Our sponsor this week at Twist of Faith is Clear Dollar Stamps! Our random prize winner will receive a $15 voucher for use at the Clear Dollar Stamps store. Our theme for you this week is

RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS
 
We would like you to make a Christmas card using a religious image -- that means, NO Santas, NO snowmen, NO stockings or gifts -- and even though those are quite cute and festive and acceptable during this holiday time, we want you to concentrate on the images and symbols that depict that first Christmas and the religious aspect of this holiday.
 
For my card, I am using Clear Dollar Stamps angels set. This wonderful set provides you with several angel images and several sentiments to mix and match for a vast variety of cards. (You can see another image from the set if you visit the Twist of Faith blog as one of my team mates has used another image from this set.) I've colored it up with Copic markers and then I used light blue Pearl Ex powders to color around the image, giving the background a soft shimer (sadly that does not show up in the photo). I also used a Sakura sparkle jelly pen to color the "lace" on the dress and the halo (again, the sparkle doesn't show well in the photo). I then cut the image using a Spellbinder oval die.
 
The card base is white with a layer of  black. On top of the black, I've added a piece of DP from the Teresa Collins "Christmas Cottage" 6x6" pad. Under the oval image, I've placed a shape that I cut from the same pad using a Spellbinder Labels Fourteen die. The ribbon is burgundy velvet. The little pinecone and "berries" sprig is from Michael's Crafts. The sentiment is also matted with black card. Again, this is one of those cards that doesn't photograph to show off its fullest beauty. It is really quite stunning.
 
In just a little over a week, we American will be celebrating Thanksgiving by sharing meals with family and friends -- then literally over night we will be thrown into the Christmas season as stores open early to try to entice many of us to buy, buy, buy. It is, for me, one of the negative aspects of the season. I often feel like the Charlie Brown Christmas story (for those of you who have never seen this little movie, it is a classic example of the commercialism vs. religious -- sweetly done). For me, some of the most beautiful memories of Christmas are from Christmas Eve when we gathered as a family, singing, remembering, laughing and then trooping off to a crowded church for Midnight Mass. There was always something beautiful and magical about sharing the Christmas story with so many friends -- then hugging each other and wishing each other a "Merry Christmas" as we left.
 
There are an awful lot of Christmas presents that I cannot remember. However, I will never forget "for unto you a child is born . . .  a Saviour which is Christ the Lord."

Challenges:
http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.com.au/ - No red or green
http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com.au/ - Christmas
http://avadareschallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ - Christmas
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ - Things with Wings
http://robynsfetishchallengeblog.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://kraftyhandschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - Christmas

 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Challenge 48 - We Remember

Many of us observe Remembrance Day/Armistice Day/Veteran's Day on November 11, taking time to remember all our service men and women who, through too many wars, have given the ultimate sacrifice to their country and for our freedom.

This week our challenge theme is...

Remembrance / Poppies

Your creation should follow our theme, Remembrance, and can be military minded, or in remembrance of someone close to you. The red poppy is a world recognized symbol of remembrance, so you could also create a card using red poppy flowers.

We don't have a digi sponsor this week, but our wonderful "boss lady" is offering a prize for you. She will send, anywhere in the world, a lovely selection of ribbons, all 1 metre lengths (picture shown on Card Crafter's Circle blog). Now who doesn't like ribbon? I have to admit that I DO, and I never seem to have enough (smile).

I come from a military background. Both my father and my father-in-law fought in World War II and Korea. I grew up in a military town, and I cried at the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC as I found the names of classmates and friends who gave their lives during that conflict. It saddens me that different ideologies, faiths, economic greed, land disputes, and philosophies cause wars. Here in the US, many of us went to the polls on Tuesday to vote for men and women we wanted to fill government positions from the local level to the national level. I am reminded of how many people are not able to freely vote for people they want running their towns, cities, states or country. I am reminded of how our forefathers and our fathers fought to ensure we have that right, and while I grieve each and every life lost in war, I am thankful that there were brave men and women who were willing to make the sacrifice to give me that and other freedoms.

The verse on my card reads, "Remember, freedom is NOT free." Another sentiment which I really like and find very appropriate is, "All gave some; some gave all." Let us honor and remember our heroes, known and unknown, who keep us safe and who fight for the dignity of all people everywhere.

Challenges:
http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/ - Poppies
http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/ - Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day
http://daisydoodlescreativechallenges.blogspot.com/ - Veteran's Day/Remembrance
http://ladyanneschallenges.weebly.com/stamp-challenge.html - Anything Goes



 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Fluttering with a Day for Daisies

I'm running a little slow this morning. I worked at my local voting precinct yesterday from sun up to sun down, so it was a LONG day. By the time I got home, I was beat and couldn't stay awake. This week at Flutter By Wednesday, we are being sponsored by A Day for Daisies. If you aren't familiar with ADFD images, then you are in for a real treat. The images are all delightful and a treat to colour up. If you are a regular follower of my blog, you might notice that I use ADFD quite often (smile).

The challenge this week is OPEN. Listed below are the details (We don't have a lot of "rules," but we do ask that you follow the requirements - PLEASE). (**The "rules" are copied and pasted from the Flutter By Wednesday blog, so any references to "below" apply to the FBW blog and not mine.)

**The nitty gritty details~

  • Challenge this week is to Open-anything goes with a butterfly or fairy!

  • Only one entry per person please as we have a prize

  • Once you've created your NEW creation, please leave a direct link in the InLinkz below.

  • I reserve the right to remove any links not linked properly or that I deem inappropriate!

  • Enter your link before noon (PST) next Tuesday, November 13th, 2012.

  • A winner will be chosen via random.org and will be posted next Wednesday, November 14th, 2012!

  • Have fun
Now that I've taken up enough of your time with administrivia, on to my card. I've used Holly Berry Fairy for my image which I've colored with Copic markers. I paper pieced the ribbon/bow using gold paper, but everything else is colored. I layered red over the white card base and then on top of that, I added a dry embossed layer of white. The embossing folder I used is called Fireflies by Couture Creations (CO723067). My image, cut into a square shape is matted with green and then red. The white with gold trim ribbon is by Offray. The white poinsettia flower is from my stash. It has lovely "ice crystals" adhered to the petals. The gold glitter leaves are cut from a sprig that I bought last year at Michael's Crafts. The red gems are from my stash, and the sentiment is a chip board piece that I recently received as a free "gift" when I purchased a craft magazine.

We hope you will join in our challenge this week. We always enjoy seeing the wonderful talent of those who enter as well as visiting everyone's blog. There is so much imagination and creativity in this world, and I'm often awed as I "travel around" visiting the different blogs.

Have a blessed day. I think I'm going to go take a nap (grin)!

Challenges:
http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/ -  Use Stash/Red (almost everything on this card is from OLD stash)
http://digitaltuesdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ - Fantasy
http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/ - Anything Goes
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://squigglefly.blogspot.com/ - Ribbons and Bows
http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/ - Christmas
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Photo Inspiration (I used the holly leaves)
http://pinandtack.blogspot.com/2012/11/spark-your-creativity-now-challenge-3.html - Anything Goes



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Autumn Blessings

This week, we have a SKETCH CHALLENGE... please use this sketch as a map for your card creation. 


Feel free to stretch it or flip it as you see fit, as long as your end creation layout resembles this original sketch... (the colours used on the sketch are only for clarity, and the text used is only to identify the sketch!) Of course you're free to use any embellishments or images you wish. Have fun!



Our sponsor at Twist of Faith  is The Doodle Garden... Jennifer has a wonderful selection of whimsical hand-drawn images for all occasions in her Doodle Garden etsy shop. The prize offered to our randomly drawn prize winner, consists of two newly released images that our Twist of Faith Design Team has showcased for you.  The images are named Autumn Blessings, (the one I've used) and Winter Bird
 
 Last night I made an apple crisp for our desert. Apples grow in north Georgia and many little towns in the area celebrate apple festivals/craft fairs to promote the harvest. It is one of the delightful "bounties" we celebrate in the fall. As I sat in my warm home enjoying my dessert, I was thankful of a loving God who has blessed me with goodness. There is a roof over my head, warm clothing on my body and food for my stomach. It saddens me to watch on the news pictures of families whose homes were destroyed in the recent storm that hit the northeastern part of the United States. Even in the wake of such destruction, we know that God is good. Complete strangers have rallied to help those who have lost much. Goodness and love for fellow man is being demonstrated in various ways as people pass out food, free blankets, services and just simple comfort.

The suggested verse this week posted on tje Twist of Faith blog is:

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as as sweet as perfume and incense.
Proverbs 27:9
 
 It is a lovely verse, and I've had the blessings of having good friends who have been with me in times I've needed advice and comfort. But, as I watched scenes of complete strangers reaching out to help complete strangers simply because they are in need, I was struck by and touched by the  the good in people.