LOC Faith Art Friday

It is an exciting day over at Layers of Color - Faith Art Friday starts today, I love being part of this faith based company where the heart of the company is to glorify God and to see us express this through our gifts and our art!  You can click here to see that beautiful art Laura has shared and how she uses her amazing gift for God.  I am blessed that Laura is also featuring my card  and I loved making it for this purpose and also for the His Holy Name Challenge where we are studying the attributes of God, I am a few challenges behind and catching up - this attribute is 'Bread of Life'

! 

The word clearly tells us that 'man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' I instantly thought about the birds, they are one of my favourite animals, and how they never worry for anything, God takes care of their needs and how much more valuable are we to Him than they!!  I love that thought, especially is this disposible age, when nothing id made to last and human life does not hold much value to some.  Thank God that we are precious to Him!

Straight away I reached for the 'Backyard Birds' set, stamping the images in Distressing Ink and coloured them with chalks, adding brown Distressed Stickles.  I love the texture and slight bling they add without adding too much shimmer.

Instead of cutting around the birds I chose to tear the CS and sponge the edges for a more rustic/distressed feel. 

I stamped one of the crosses from the fabulous Gothic Crosses lightly onto the scripture that has been computer generated.  I love to mix the fonts as this gives a better look.  The cross has been lightly highlighted with chalks and a strip of lace added to each side of the card..

The flowers have been either sponged or stamped with a music stamp - I have seen this on a number of cards lately and realised I could do it myself, rather than pay a fortune for them.  The brads and buttons come from my 'stash' I deliberately used different ones to keep with the ecletcic theme!

Thank you for stopping by and for your lovely comments....you are always so lovely and have encouraged me immensely.  When I began blogging I didn't realise that it would open the door to so many friendships with amazing people like yourself!! I am very grateful for you!!  God bless you!

LOC Just Hanging Out

This Layout is of my DS and I just love these photos of him - they show him perfectly, he often sits 'pondering' quietly 'mulling' over life and there is the other side of him that just loves to laugh, when he find something funny he has us all laughing.  Time goes by so fast and he is quickly becoming a young man...he melts my heart!

These photos were taken by my DH at a lovely historic Homestead just near us, I love the rustic look of them and used this fabulous SU DP which goes so well with it.  I also used my Layers of Color images -  I am loving how versitile they are, there are four sets used on this Layout, the first is Architectual Blocks which I made those glossy tiles from, I cut them out, chalked them and then used Dimensional Magic to give them that gloss.

The next set is  Regal Wings, which I have cut out and popped the ends up with dimensionals, chalking and lightly adding Kindy Glitz - I love the effect this has.  The heart is from Fleur Hearts, it has also been chalked and popped up with dimensionals...instead of Kindy Glitz I used a Gold Glitter Pen to add highlights.  The medallion is from the Flower Child set, this has been sponged around the edges and popped up on dimensions chalked with blue chalks, then a brad added.

I have also paper peireced around the circle on the lower left corner, I love the effect paper piercing can have, it can add so much without cluttering!  The hinges are Tim Holtz Grungeboard which has been sponged with Distressing Ink - Walnut Stain - and has tarnished gold brads added.  The sentiments are Rub Ons from Kaiser.

Thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging comments - you know I love seeing that you have called in - it makes my day!!  God bless you!

I have had the loveliest day today - my DH and I headed off to the otherside of Canberra to a fabulous placed called Gold Creek Village, I love going there as they have the best Craft Store, but what is even better is that my SCS friend Michelle (aka Happylittlestamper) works there!  How often do you walk into a shop and get greeted with the biggest smile and the warmest hug -it is always so nice to see Michelle - look at her beautiful smile!!

Of course we had to talk 'shop' and catch up in about 10 minutes what we have been doing since we saw each other at the Craft Show and had a good laugh - Michelle I just love this photo...it says it all - who said stamping is boring!!!!  Has it got you wondering what we were laughing at....

 - while we were doing that my DH was quietly browsing around the shop and brought one of my Christmas presents.....a fabulous Stamp set from Darkroom Door - but shhh....don't tell me - it is a surprise! LOL!  I am wrapping it tomorrow so I don't sneak a few stamps off with it - last year in amongst my 'loot' was a fabuous DCWV pad of DP and I quickly pulled one out before it was wrapped and made a card with it - shocking I know....but I bet you have done something similar! LOL!

To finish off my day, my DH took the kids to the movies straight from school and I had 4 hours of stamping - I did not sneak any images from my Christmas present but finished off some projects I am working on..you will get to see them soon!

It is late here and I am heading off to bed - I try to get to bed before midnight BUT you know how it goes - one blog leads to another....and another...!!! LOL!  Thank you for stopping by and for your comments, you are always so kind and make my day! I will see you tomorrow!  God bless you!

LOC Butterflies

This card is made from the Layers of Color new release set of stanos called Butterfly Collector - how beautiful are they and so easy to work with - they make this card minimum effort with meximum result - and don't we all love that from time to time!!!  They have been coloured with chalks and attached only on their bodies to the embossed DP.  Their wings stand up on their own which adds a lot to the card!

I wanted to use different colours to showcase these images and chose the turquoise DP sponging the distressed edges with orange, which highlights the colours in the wings and flowers.  I have also added nail bling to the wings - they are the perfect size.

The flowers are layered and attached with buttons and brads.

Those wings sit so prettily above the DP

This card qualifies for the Die Cuts R Us Challenge - Create a Girly Project

Thank you for looking and for your encouragement, I love knowing that you have been!  Before you go click here and have a look at the other cards made by the Layers of Color DT with this set and the Backyard Birds - we will be featuring cards from the different sets over the next few weeks, you will be inspired I am sure!  Have a great day - God bless you!

MMSC28 White Christmas

Is it me or is time flying by so fast this year - it is Tuesday already and time for the next Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge, I look forward to them each week and am never disappointed - often greatly challenged BUT ever disappointed! Here is is this weeks sketch:



And now for the BIG NEWS. From this week's sketch challenge, each of the Design Team members will be choosing a card from this week's entries to be featured on their blog during the Blog Hop. So along with doing the regular sketch challenge, we are asking you to make a "CHRISTMAS CARD" this week. One of our lovely Design Team members will be contacting you after the close of the challenge to let you know that your card has been chosen to be features on their blog for our Christmas Blog Hop. You will need to participate in the Blog Hop to have your name put in a drawing for a special prize at the end of the Hop. Please let your Design Team Hostess know that you will be able to attend the Blog Hop to be eligible to win the prize.

Our Gold Star Award this week goes to -

Sassy

Our Remarkable Awards this week go to -

 

#19 Carolyn,   #26 Terri Sherman,   #37 Craftypagan

Thank you for playing this week everyone and we would be honored if our award winners would pick up their badges on the side bar and please display them proudly.

Our monthly sponsor for November is

Michelle's Scrapbooking

and the weekly sponsor is:

Frantic Stamper Inc.

For my card this week I decided it was time I inked up two of my favourite SU sets of stamps to create this scene.  I started by embossing the top background DP , tearing it sponging the edges.  I used some fabulous DP from my dear friend and Twisted Sister Pat Smethers for the lower half,  it doesn't show it too well in the photo but it has the most fabulous texture and fibres on it - great for snow!!

I stamped lovely as a Tree as the background for my scene and coloured it with chalks in warm tones.  I then used the fence punch by Martha Stewart and attached this across the chalked background image.  The skaters were next and I have to say they were fiddly little things, easy enough to colour with chalks but then....cutting them out - oh my giddy aunt - what a nightmare for me....but here they are...all limbs accounted for - no skaters were hurt in the making of this card!! LOL!

I loved the embellishing part and naturally went for snowflakes, what winter scene would be complete without them, funny really as we are experienceing a bit of a HEAT WAVE over here at the moment.  I sponged and layered 2 sizes, attached them with dimensionsl and added this adorable snowflake charm that I won in Pauline C's Blog Candy (who doesn't love candy!!)  I also attacched narrow double stitched ribbon along the righthand side and the lower edge!

and finished off with a photo corner that has been punched from embossed scraps, inked and attached to a larger black corner.  A sponged snowflake has been popped up on a foam dot and half gems added to that simmer and bling we all love at Christmas!

There you have it - one finished card...personally I love the contrast of the warmth of the trees with the cooler colours of the DP and the skaters - it appeals to the eclectic side of me, it is very rare that I make anything formal - I love the formal look but always tend towards the fuller warmer look!!  My Mum always said I marched to the beat of a different drummer, but as long as I kept on marching it was fine - phew!!  It would be boring if we all did everything the same - wouldn't it!!

This card fits the following challenges

Die Cuts R Us - Emboss something

Cute Card Thursday - Glitter me Silly

The Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Four Seasons (I chose winter)

Thank you for looking and for your lovely comments - you always bring a smile to my face and warm my heart.  Don't forget to go over to the MMSC and find out about the Blog Hop and play along - I will be watching for you!!!  Have a great week and link your sketchs over at MMSC - we love to see them!  God bless you!

Here's Looking at YOU!!!

Hopefully this is a case of 'Better Late than Never' for my Twisted Sister Challenge - I am sorry girls - if it makes it any better, I am organised for this week - haven't done it yet but am organised in my head - and we all know that is where the whole process begins!!

I used this adorable image of Hollis that was sent to me by Karen Lynn - after commenting on her card and falling in love with this 'darlin' Karen Lynn generously sent me some images of him!  This challenge is to case one of our very own Sistah's Sue (aka coffeestamper aka Perk) whose work is amazing - I chose this card, keeping the layout but changing the image and DP's, I left off the sentiment,which is now on the inside "Here's looking at YOU!' and added a brad that was sent to me in a RAK from another of my Twisted Sistah's Pat Smethers.

I am sending this card to my brother who has just had surgery and I thought this would cheer him up....thank you to those of you who have been praying for him, I spoke with him this morning and he is doing okay!!  There is something about this card that reminds me of my Dad - he would have loved Hollis - especially if he was off fishing! LOL!  You can find the recipe for this card on my SCS gallery.

It is short and sweet today from me - thank you for stopping by and for those emcouraging comments you all leave - you have encouraged me immensely!  God bless you!!

Today's Creation

Today I have something different to share wth you, yesterday I took time out with my family, after a busy few weeks preparing for Blog Hops and New Release Parties - we created something together as a family - and  wanted to share our finished project with you!!!

Yes, we have put up our Christmas Tree - the countdown has offically begun!  We have a tradition of putting up the tree  in the second half of November and we have a family 'Tree Trimming Party'....the Christmas music is on,  EggNog flowing, Christmas munchies....a YUMBLY display!  We start the tree trimming with a special ornament that we have both had since we were married and have added to with each child's arrival....then everything goes on with lots of excited chatter and 'do you remember when....' resounding through the room....here is my special ornament, this cute angel in a glass bauble!

Lights, baubles, angels, reindeer, a great display of beauty and then we add another special ornament, we each have one with our names engraved on it and after these are placed the tree is finished but for one thing - the star on the top of the tree.  Our tree goes up to the ceiling so our youngest DD climbed onto the arm of the lounge and on tip toes and with arms stretched placed the star on top - it touches the ceiling!!  Finished!

This is my most beautiful creation today, I have worked on some projects but none compare with this special family project, bringing with it years of tradtion and each year creating it's own memories, building our story and celebrating His-story!!

In our house we wish Jesus' happy Birthday' on Christmas morning and celebrate the day that 'love' came down, we also enjoy the giving and sharing with friends....loving one another - what greater gift can we give God...our hearts sharing His Love with one another!  I look forward to sharing in your Christmas preparations, cards and projects - as we come and put Christ back  into Christmas!  God bless you!

A Faith Perspective Blog Hop

****This post will remain at the top until

16 November

please scroll down for new posts!  Thanks!****

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's

 A Faith Perspective

 Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop.

 Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. " Ecc4:9-10a

If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train here,

There are THREE GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS for this event!

Prizes are donated by the following sponsors Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs Stamps and Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today’s blog hop.

To enter the drawings:

*  Hop to the blogs of all of the participating staff members of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, (they will be clearly labeled within the blogs).
*  Make a list of each participating Scrapbook News and Review Magazine staff member’s name, and leave a comment on their posts.
* Then send your list in an email to SNR.

In addition, every participating staff member of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will offer one of their lucky visitors who leaves a comment on their blog...

• a FREE 1 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO THE MAGAZINE

All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon, EST. 

AND, Layers of Color Art Stamps loves to glorify God in all we say and do and are thankful to God for this time of celebration! You are invited to join us for our Autumn Stamp Release Party this weekend Nov 14 - 15 where you can:

• receive 8 FREE ORIGINAL LAYERS OF COLOR DIGIS as party favors just for stopping by

• enter 2 DRAWINGS TOTALING $250 in PRIZES

• be the first see and buy Layers of Color Art Stamps 9 new stamp sets!

 That's a lot of chances to win, so let’s get to the Hop!  If you came from Cassie's you are in the right place.

With the Blog Hop theme being Friends, the scripture that came to mind for me this one - what better friend can we have than Jesus!!! 

I am excited to be using one of the Layers of Color New Release sets Butterfly Collector and Flutterescent along with the Gothic Crosses set, which is a favourite of mine!!   The scripture is computer generated .

The butterfly is symbolic of New Life and we find that at the cross...and the heart added to the centre of the cross represents God's heart of love for us all!  I love symbolism and this one is particularly meaningful for me - without it we would be lost - literally!!

The next stop on this blog hop is the lovely Sue McMahon. 

I would like to take this opportinity to thank Anne House for organising this amazing event, I am so proud and honoured to be a part of this occassion!  I am looking forward to meeting everyone as I make my way around the Blog Hop!! 

Thank you for stopping by today and for your encouraging comments - I love seeing that you have visited.  Be prepared to be totally blessed by the gorgeous creations that are yet to come....get a hot cup of coffee and put your feet up....and then continue on, I may bang into you as I make my way along the Blog Hop as well!  God bless you and all the best for the prizes!! Wahoo!

SSCC Face to Face

It is the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge today and I love being able to participate  in it....this week is very special to me as it is sponsored by Layers of Color....and you know how I love being part of that Faith Based Company.  Laura, the Owner and Designer, is such an amazing lady and lives to glorify God - she is a constant inspiration to me, as well as those beautiful images she creates.  Our inspiration this week is to be from this scripture:

 1 Corinthians 13:12 (King James Version): "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

We have been challenged to create a shadowbox card. (No more shadows, no more dim reflections when we get to heaven!)   I have used the Layers of Color New Release set 'Touch of Elegance' which is just fabulous to use and I didn't realise how versitile it was until I inked it up!!  The new releases are available over at Layers of Color now, you might want to check them out here.

I have combined it with a couple of other Layers of Color sets, the cross is from the Gothic Crosses set and the Birds from the Royal Birds - both fitted so well with the theme of this week...I love using the bird as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and the cross - well, without the cross we would be lost!

As I was working on this card I was reminded of a beautiful song by Sandi Patti called 'We shall Behold Him' I saw her live in concert when I first became a Christian, it was so powerful and moving, especially as she did it in sign language as well - I found it online and have linked it here if you would like to hear it!!  It captures the words of the scripture shown below, so beautifully, it still moves me to tears today.

I have used the Touch of Elegance on the side panels and then attached chiffon ribbon to the front and back, threading it through the middle section to bring it in tighter.  A lock and key were added to the side - this is symbolic of being a prisioner of Christ (as Paul speak of in Ephesians 4:1) - being 'locked into' rather than 'locked up.'

and finally, a look from above!

This Challenge this week has been quite a journey for me - the card was the easiest part - but the scripture - it stirred me so much and challenged me deeply.  The concept of seeing Him Face to Face is one that fills  the heart of every Christian with joy and hope - this week I have been challenged with the reality of it and whether my heart is prepared - this is a daily challenge and I am grateful that as Christian we are not perfect, but are committed to the process - which won't be complete until that great day!!

Thank you for looking and for your encouraging comments, you do my heart good!  I love seeing that you have been, and I would encourage you to play along this week at the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge - it is food for thought - and then some!!  God bless you!

LOC It's Party Time!!

Wahoo - it is finally time for the Layers of Color New Release Party - today you get to see all of the New Stamp sets and check out the cards that the Design Team have been working so hard on!  We have already started showing you some of them on our Blogs and today you get to see all of the sets - so pop over to Party Central at Layers of Color and be prepared to be delighted. 

The card I have featured in the A Faith Perspective Blog Hop is made this some of the new sets, you can just scroll back up there to see...I have many more to show you...over the next week - don't want to BOMBARD you all at once...LOL!

Ther are also BIG prizes to be won and YOU can  win them - find out how by clicking here.

It is a big day for me too and I am sneaking in a 'Sneak Peek' to show you why...it is with great excitement that I get to show you my card called 'Birds of a Feather'

I was so honoured when Laura asked me if Layers of Color could feature it on the back of the stamp set 'Backyard Birds' My set arrived in the mail yesterday and I am so thrilled .  I took this photo quickly inside and the lighting was hard to get right - but you get the idea!

Here are a few close ups of the images I used from the set.  How adorable is that bird! I am looking forward to making more cards with this gorgeous set! 

and

These new stamps are so divine - I will be showing you more of the cards I have made over the next few weeks - I have just fallen in love with every stamp set at Layers of Color, it as if they were made just for me cards just seem to create themselves - what a great feeling!!

  I am so grateful to Laura for this opportunity and taking a risk with me - it is a amazing story how it all came to be, maybe you will hear it one day!!

Thanks for sharing in this fabulous day with us - be sure to pop over to the party and check out the new stamp sets and the prizes to be won - wouldn't it be cool if YOU won!!  God bless you!!

Layers of Color Release Party

* * *This post will remain at the top until 15 November

Please scroll down for newer posts - thanks!* * *

**WOO HOO!!**

We’re throwing a huge party and you’re invited!

November 14th - 15th, 2009

Layers of Color

IS CELEBRATING THEIR

*AUTUMN 2009 STAMP RELEASE*

AND REVEALING  9 NEW FABULOUS CLEAR STAMP SETS

TOTALLING OVER 70 ORIGINAL ART STAMPS!

Everyone who joins us will get FREE DIGIS party favors!

With a drawing and contest offering $250 in PRIZES,

blog hopping with Faith Perspective,

a unique challenge from Stamping Sisters in Christ,

mingling with over

one dozen talented stamp artists,

including Layers of Color Design Team

you won’t want to miss this fun event!

The more the merrier! So invite all your stamping friends to join in the festivities! Please grab this beautiful party badge (featuring a sneak peak of some of our gorgeous new art stamps!) and post it all over blogland, give it to your friends, and come back soon for FREE DIGIS and details about this exciting party!

I’m so excited and am looking forward to meeting you and many more creative people at the party!!

See you there!

Find out more about party prizes & drawings here...

LOC Freebie - Herald Angel

I have used another one of the Layers of Color FREEBIES that are available for a limited time in conjunction with their New Release Party that is on 14-15 November - it is getting really close now and I am really looking forward to it, especially if I see YOU there! You can join in the fun and while doing so you might be the winner of a number of BIG prizes - click here to see how you enter.

I have used the Herald Angel image and copied it onto creme CS. I used this card with the window already in to and sponged around the edges of the outside of the card and the inside of the frame.  I attached the image on the inside.  I added a strip that had been punch with the SU Eyelet Border Punch and sponged, I attached this to the inside of the red CS and attached Kaiser Half Gems.

 I sponged around the image on the inside of the frame and used the Old World Flourishes from Layers of Color in distressing Ink to add that extra touch.

I had this sentiment from a RAK that I was sent from one of my Twisted Sisters Lesley (aka Marleygo) I am pretty sure it is Our Daily Bread Designs but will come back and confirm that as soon as I pop over there and check (Don't hold your breath I always get caught up when I go there...so much to see! LOL!!) I used a Nestibilities Ribbon Tag to cut out the sentiment and then sponged around the edges and threaded through some ribbon attaching this below the window on the card.

A flower that I picked up in a After Christmas Sale last year for 10 cents a packet of 10, was added to the top corner of the image.  I had to trim it, cutting the flower down by half, but it worked well on this card, I attached the flower with a brad and added gems either side - you have to have bling at Christmas!! The final touch was th layered photo corners.

It sounds like a lot of work, but was so quick....this image and three others are available for you over at the Layers of Color so pop over there and get them - I would love to see what you do. There are more being given away at the New Release Party this coming weekend, 14-15 November and great prizes to be won - it could be you who wins...remember - you have to be 'in it to win it!!'

Thank you for coming by today - I love to see you have been, your comments are always so encouraging!  If this post is a bit disjointed today - it is because I am tried - my day started at 4:50 as my DD2 was heading off to Sydney on a School Excursion, it is about 3 hours away and they needed an early start for their excursion out on Sydney Harbour - what a way to spend a day!!  So I can feel myself winding down and y concentration going....ZZZZZzzz.......LOL!  God bless you!! 

LOC New Release SNEAK PEEK! Number 3!!

It is not long now until the Layers of Colour New Release Party - I am excited and would love to see you there!!  If you haven't been across already make sure you stop by and pick up your free digi's  - there will be four more this weekend and they are definitely worth having!

Are you ready for you next SNEAK PEEK - just because it is you, I have chosen a card that is using more than one of the new sets, infact if you look carefully you will see three different sets - very sneaky don't you think, but I want you to see what is coming your way - I know you are going to LOVE them!!

This is one of my favourite cards that I have made with the new releases, I am not sure why but I love the feel of it, maybe the eclectic feel is what does it for me.  I used SU DP amd inked it with distressing ink, I stamped the flourish from one of the preexisting  Layers of Color sets Nature Walk, I love it how the sets all work so well together.  I then stamped  the Urn from the New Release set Her Majesty's Urns and coloured it with chalks. The butterflies are from the New Release Set Butterfly Collector and have been coloured with chalks as well, than Nail Bling has been added to the wings. 

The final image is from the New Release set Merci Bouquet and has been stamped onto white CS, coloured with chalks a, with a light touch of Kindy Glitz on the flowers.  The top edge of the CS has been torn and sponged with a thin strip of lace added behind!  The finishing touch is the corners and the little punched  butterfly with the nail bling!!

So there you have it - another Sneak Peek - there is still so much more to see and not too much longer until you do!  In the meantime click here and pop on over to Layers of Color and see how you can win of $150 and $100 worth of prizes...and don't forget about the free digi's  being given away at the New Release Party this coming weekend, 14-15 November and great prizes to be won - it could be you who wins...remember - you have to be 'in it to win it!!'

Thank you for looking, I love knowing you have been, your comments mean so much to me!  I hope you are having a great day!  God bless you!!

LOC Freebie - Flight Path

I could not resist using the Groovy Bird Freebie again to show you how versitile it is.  Layers of Color  has 4 FREEBIES that are available for a limited time in conjunction with their New Release Party that is on 14-15 November - I am counting down now until the Party - how about you.!? You can join in the fun and while doing so you might be the winner of a number of BIG prizes - click here to see how you enter.

I have used the Mojo Monday Sketch for inspiration .  The Groovy Bird image is coloured it with chalks, and popped it up on dimensionals on a layered circle.

This was attached to DP that has been embossed with the Stylised Flowers Embossing Folder and sponged around the edges.  Two embossed  panels also been sponged, layer on black CS and mounted onto the DP.  On the top panel  I made a black half circle added a large eyelet and threaded a scrap of ribbon through it - you see, I made this card under the guise of cleaning my desk, so everything I used was lying on it - is the desk clean - NO!!  But the mess is only 15 feet deep now!  LOL!

I will have another Sneak Peek for you this tomorrow - make sure you come back and check it out - is one another of my favourite on the new sets...one of my nine favourites! LOL!  Thank you for coming by today - I love to see you have been, your comments are always so encouraging.  It is only early here but I wanted to makse sure this was posted today...you never know how long I will be tidying that desk - if you don't hear from me for a while, please ring my DH - I might be trapped under the mess! LOL!  God bless you!

MMSC27 Summer Beauty

I can't believe it is Tuesday again so quickly, but am so glad it is because that means it is time for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!!  Wahoo!!  I love a good Sketch Challenge and you can be sure to find it there each week! 

MIDNIGHT MADNESS MASTERPIECE AWARD

Each week we are awarding a special Badge Award to one person for their outstanding sketch submission. If you would like to be considered for this award, please make sure your card link is posted to Mr. Linky by Sunday of each week. This is our way of let you know how wonderfully talented you are and how much we appreciate you sharing your craft with us. With so many amazing entries for last week, it was a hard decision, it is always so close - this weeks “MIDNIGHT MADNESS MASTERPIECE” Gold Star Award goes to.....

#1 Grace MMM

The MM REMARKABLES AWARD

The Midnight Madness Team has created a very special award called The “Midnight Madness Remarkables” Award !! We would like to acknowledge those entries that are just exceptionally Remarkable!! During our voting each week, due to the caliber of the cards entered in our challenges, we end up with so many ties and close votes, so this Fairy logo is for those recipients to display proudly. If you would each like to take our fairy logo for your side bar, she would love to come stay with you.  

#9 SuperNan MMR

#16 Connie MMR

Thanks again to Michelle's Scrapbooking & More for being our Monthly sponsor..check out what they are giving away this month HERE

NOW FOR OUR WEEKLY BONUS PRIZES

We have a very special treat for the Bonus Winner of MMSC27. Our weekly sponsor is once again, the very talented Michelle Perkett. Michelle Perkett is an artist who believes that the world can always use more happiness, innocence, color and inspiration. You can see her amazing work here.

I  used  Michelle's fabulous Summer image on my card, and you know I an going to say that I coloured her with chalks - my favourite technique!!  The edges of the image have been distressed and sponged with distressing ink, infact all layers are distressed.  This was layered onto cream CS which has been embossed with the Victoria Folder, distressed and then layered onto black CS.
 
The DP has also been embossed with the Victoria Embossing Folder - I love the depth that embossing gives DP and love to use it that way.  The DP has been layered onto black CS, along with every layer to make it more defined.  The corners are cut from plain DP and sponged, then attached to the DP.

Chiffon ribbon has been added and run through a pearl buckle, or 'slider' as some of you call it!  The layered image is then popped up on dimensionals.

Embossed corners are added onto the layers, these are made from left overs, I ran the Distressing Ink pad over them to give them an aged look! This finished the card off nicely!

It is a busy time of year for us all and we at the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge are no exception, Priscilla will be out of town for a couple of weeks and the Design Team are going to take over and of course as always do a fantastic job - I hope it is not a matter of 'while the cats away the mice will play - Oops don't look Priscilla!! LOL!!!  Priscilla has prepared as much as she possibly can and if you are new to this blog, boy you in for a treat.

 In addition to all the normal monthly and weekly giveaways, we have our blog hop to look forward to, so don’t forget to put the “Holiday Blog Hop” logo on your side bar for a chance to win a weekly gift till our hop launches. We will let you know if you are one of the winners!

On a personal note I just have to say congratulations to my Mum,  Lesley (aka SuperNan) This was her first time playing the MMSC and she has only been stamping for 2 months - can you believe she was worried if her card was good enough!!  Way to go Mum - you rocked it - and that is the opinion of the WHOLE TEAM!!

Thank you for stopping by and for your wonderful comments, you bless me, I love seeing that you have been!!  Now make your way over to the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and find out what else is going on.  I am looking forward to seeing your cards!  I hope your day is going well - it is a beautiful day here!  God bless you!

LOC Sneak Peek Bodacious Blue

It is time for another Sneak Peek at one of the nine Layers of Color New Release sets that are going to be here on 14-15 November at the New Release Party  - you are all invited andcan pick up your invitation here.!

I have used two different sets for this card, Flowering Gems and Her majesty's Urns.  I love the way that all of the sets are able to be used together, perfect for an eclectic stamper like me!  The flowers were coloured with chalks and the smaller one popped up on dimensions.

 The urn has been coloured with SU Chalks as well and attached to the sponged white CS, the flower is popped up again on dimensionals, this brings it to life so much more.  This has been layered onto brown CS which has been distressed, leaving only a very thin border of brown,

The DP has been embossed with the Stylised Flowers embossing folder and sponged around the edges.  As it is double sided I have used a strip of the reverse side of the DP as the torn and sponged panel along the lower part of the card.  Corners are made from oddments of embossed CS, these too have been sponged.

The sentiment has been cut out and the edges sponged, this has been placed on the side of the card and Nail Bling added as a final touch!

Make sure you check out the New Release Party there are prizes of $150 and $100 plus more to be won - I would love it to be you - and also there are FREE DIGI's available here - pop across and get them now - we would love to see what you create - make sure you come back and show us! I am going to be using one today and will be back later to show you....

Thank you for stopping in - you know I love to see that you have been! Your comments are so encouraging and always make my day - Thank you! God bless you and  have a great day - come back and let me know what you think of the free digi's and let me know when you create something with them - I would love to come and have a look - don't miss out!

Guest Designer for Digi Kitty Stamps

I am honoured to have been invited by Kristal of Digi Kitty Stamps to be their first Guest Designer.  They are only a new company but already have a great selection of images....and run a weekly challenge which you can check out here.

This weeks challenge is to use punches, or Die Cuts on your card!  I love using punches and am slowly trying to add to my collection - I sold some of my older stamps that I no longer use and used the money to invest in some Nestibilities...although this one is not one of them, it is part of a RAK from the lovely Sabrina (aka okimom2girlz)  - thank you Sabrina - it worked perfectly here!

I have only recently started using digi's and am amazed at how versitile they are - Digi Kitty Stamps has some helpful tips on their site - so many of us are unsure, I was pleasantly surprised to find out you can emboss digi's - if that is news to you, click here and find out how, along with other useful hints!

I coloured this cute giraffe with chalks and then cut him out and popped him upon dimensionals, onto the Nestie that already been stamped and lightly coloured.

A square of CS with the edges sponged has been added to the centre of the card,  I then added the ribbon, which I attached to some CS that had been sponged and run through a chipboard buckle that was sponged with distressing ink and attached with double sided tape and a brad.  The Nestibilitie was also popped up on dimensionals and centered onto this square!  You can get an idea of the dimension here!

The sentiment has been computer generated and has been sponged and backed with black CS.  I finished off with black gems attached to the corners of the square panel!

So there you have it - why don't you pop across to Digi Kitty Stamps check out their images and the challenge!!  I would love to see you over there this week - you know I will be watching!!

I would like to thank Kristal for the invitation to be a Guest Designer, I am so honoured and have thoroughly loved the opportunity to join in this week!  Thank you Kristal and the Design Team for having me - I can't wait to see what you all do!!

Thank you too, for coming by and for the lovely comments you leave me - I love it when you visit - it always brings a smile to my face!!  I hope you are all having a good day and get the opportunity to INDULGE yourself in this fabulous passion of ours!  God bless you!

LOC Freebie - On my Heart

I have used one of the Layers of Color FREEBIES that are available for a limited time in conjunction with their New Release Party that is on 14-15 November - I am so-o-o ready to Party - how about you.!?  You can join in the fun and while doing so you might be the winner of a number of BIG prizes - click here to see how you enter.

I have used the Groovy Bird image and coloured it with chalks, and popped it up on dimensionals on a layered circle and scalloped circle. This was attached to DP that has a strip of white CS that I have used the Fiskar Sunburst Border Punch on, then sponged it and added a bow (oh yes, I am loving the Bow-Easy, it is that easy! LOL)  and some nail bling along the length of it.

The sentiment is from Our Daily Bread Designs...I won this set in the 'Three for Thee' challenge and this is the first time I have used it!  I love the scriptures and sentiment on this set, I know I will use it a lot!  I love to send cards with encouraging scripture and sentiments that come from the heart - this  ODBD 'Thinking of you' set certainly makes it easy!

I have finished off with the torn inked corners that I love to use and the nail bling, just to bring that pink in a bit more and a light touch of Kindy Glitz (which for someone that wasn't a  'blingy' person, I seem to use a lot! LOL) and there you have it!  It was a lot of fun colouring in this bird, it just seemed to take on a life of it's own - I didn't have any DP picked and just thought I would see what happened - just as well I found this DCWV DP or I would have been in trouble!!

This image and three others are available for you over at the Layers of Color so pop over there and get them - I would love to see what you do.  There are more being given away at the New Release Party this coming weekend, 14-15 November and great prizes to be won - it could be you who wins...remember - you have to be 'in it to win it!!'

This card qualifies for the Allsorts Challenge where we to bring out our 'bling' as you can see this Groovy Bird has been blinged  and shimmered, but the camera bever does it justice!
I will have another Sneak Peek for you this tomorrow - make sure you come back and check it out - is one of my favourite on the new sets...one of my nine favourites! LOL!  Thank you for coming by today - I love to see you have been, your comments are always so encouraging - thank you!

One last thing - if you are brave,  click here and see what we found in our garden this morning!!!

Spreading the Love for Jamie Blog Hop

What a privilege it is to be asked to be a part of the  Spreading the Love for Jaimie Blog Hop, my heart was deeply touched at the story of little Jamie Cates.  If you have arrived here from Katharina's Blog, which is the first Blog on the Hop, you are in the right place, if not you might want to go back to the beginning,  and make sure you don't miss any of the amazing cards on each Blog.

So many hearts have been touched by this little girls tragedy, which moved the hearts of friends, Erin, Denise and Ann hwo came up with this amazing Blog Hop to help make a difference in this little girl's  life.  They started “Spread the Love” campaign, and the blog, “Stamp Something for Jaimie”, created with the dream that hundreds of people would extend love and hope by making and sending cards to Jaimie.

"On October 4th, 4 teenagers armed with knives broke into a home in a small town in New Hampshire. Alone and sleeping inside were a mother and her 11 year old daughter. These 4 boys broke into this home with the intent to rob and kill anyone inside. They stabbed the mom, Kimberly Cates, to death and left her daughter, Jaimie, for dead in their driveway. It was a completely random act, their home was chosen only due to its secluded surroundings."

Our hope is that everyone hopping around today will stop for a moment and think about Jaimie and her father and what life must be like for them now. One moment in time has changed their lives forever. We are asking that everyone reading this message please take a moment to make a card and send it off to Jaimie. You can make something very simple or much more involved, but please share some words of hope and love and let her know that people do care and want the best for her. Please send your card to the address below:

Jaimie Cates

c/o Mont Vernon Fire Station

Main Street

Mont Vernon, NH 03057

For my card I used this image that was sent to me in a RAK , we have been told that Jaimie is not really a girlie girl, but she does like hot pink and black. She likes outdoor activities such as biking, skateboarding, razor rip stick, snowboarding, and karate. infact, she is a black belt in karate...so no princesses and fairies on this card, I went for blues and browns on this card.

and pinks and blacks on this.

I also asked my Mum, Lesley (aka SuperNan) if she would like to make Jamie a card, as she has caught the cardmaking bug since coming to visit my family here in Australia a  little while ago, it is such a pleasure for me to share this with Mum, who now has her own SplitCoast gallery which you can find here.  While you are spreading the love feel free to pop over and give Mum some 'luv!'

The next card is from one of my dearest SCS friends, as well as a Twisted Sister, Peggy(aka Marilyn Prestonn).  Peggy was so touched by Jaimie's story when she read it on a card I posted on SCS a few days ago, that she has made one too and I am honoured to be able to share it with you here.  You can see Peggy's amazing gallery here

Thank you for stopping by today, your next blog is True's Blog, enjoy all of the creations along the way, you will find over 60 talented stampers, donations from fabulous stamp companies and lots of love. We are being asked to make and send a card to Jaimie as quickly as possible. If you are unable to make a card or wish to do more, please visit our sidebar at the Stamp Something for Jaimie Blog and click on the donations link.  You can also read about the fabulous prizes that have been donated for those who want to Spread the Love....be sure to check it out!

Thank you for taking part in our Spread the Love blog hop and card drive for Jaimie Cates!  I am looking forward to working my way around the Blogs as well and seeing all of the 'LUV' that is so freely flowing - does our hearts good!  God bless you!!

LOC New Release SNEAK PEEK!!!

I am so excited to be abe to share my first Sneak Peek at the Layers of Color New Releases - this is one of 9 new sets that are being released at the Release Party that is happening on 14-15 November and you are invited - gets the details here.  In anitcipation of this great event we are giving you a 'taste' of what is to come...

I have used the Layers of Color set Merci Bouquet to create this card.  It is stamped off onto this fabulous scripture from Our Daily Bread Designs (which is part if a RAK from Kathy aka Wattle).  I love this technique as it adds such a pretty touch.  I used distressing ink and then added some light color with chalks.  It created the soft feel I wanted for this card.

This was then layered onto scalloped square and then CS embossed with the Stylised Flowers embossing folder, which has been sponged around with distressing ink - we all know how I LOVE to sponge - can't resist it and LOVE the look it gives!!  I have also added some lace and ribbon behind the image and added a silver heart embellishment.  It is fitting that it has the word 'LOVE' on it as that captures the heart of God in all of His Word!

I am delighted that this card fits with the Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge this week where the inspiration is: Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

We are to create something about when God is "unseen"; i.e., a scrapbook layout that reminds you that God is always with you; a card to encourage a friend and remind them that God is with them; or perhaps something to hang on your wall as a reminder.  How perfect is this scripture!!

Make sure you check out the New Release Party  there are prizes of $150 and $100 plus more to be won - I would love it to be you - and also there are FREE DIGI's available here - pop across and get them now - we would love to see what you create - make sure you come back and show us! I am going to be using one today and will be back later to show you....

Thank you for stopping in - I love your visits and love to see that you have been!  Your comments are so encouraging and always make my day - it is like getting a visit from a close friend - thank you!  God bless you and  have a great day - come back and let me know what you think of the free digi's and let me know when you create something with them - I would love to come and have a look - you know I love to see you!!!