Oh So Cool!!

It has been a long time since I got to play on the Inspiration Challenge over on SCS...I loved this snowman scene. How cute is this SU image, I have been looking forward to inking it up and today is the day!!

I used Water Colour Pens along with a Blender Pen to get this look. I ran some ink from the pends onto a white plate and picked it up with the Blender Pen, I also used liquid pearls for the fur trim, I didn't have anything else that would 'puff up' although it looks good IRL, it has caught a bit of glare from the camera.

I also added gold highlights on the middle snowman's scarf and hat - you can see them if you look carefully! I used the MS Border Punch that I received in the mail on Friday from Pat Smethers (I am loving it Pat!) and lightly inked the edge in white craft ink and then added a slight touch of Kindy Glitz...trying to create the look of light snow - well - I did try!! LOL! I popped the fence up on dimensionals!

The Snowflake is from a RAK I received from Suleika (aka Roxystamper) months ago, I adhered this on a dimensional, added Kindy Glitz and a jewel for effect. The photo corners are also from Pat Smethers, in a previous RAK and the ribbon is from another Twisted Sister Helen (aka misshelenstamps)BUT the little black bling are mine!!!

Thank you for dropping in, I do appreciate the comments you leave - they make my day!! God bless you!

Just Clowning Around

This is my first card for the Friday Sketchers Challenge and I had fun with it. I had dug out this clown image that I had been given by a lady at the first Markets I sold my cards at...I wasn't sure about using it as Clowns aren't exactly in at the moment (well - not that I have seen) but decided to anyway...why be dictated to by trends! LOL! You can never have too many children's birthday cards, especially for littlies....and with this in mind I am linking it to the Stamping for the Weekend Challenge which is for anything BABY - babies/toddlers birthday card fits

I coloured the image with chalks and used a Water Colour Pen for the 'hard to get to' places...sponged the edges with distressing ink and paper pierced two opposite corners. This was mounted onto a navy scalloped rectangle (thanks Melinda aka Melinda80). Two sections were cut from Spot and Dots embossed CS and layered onto olive green CS, with a striped panel being added down the side. The main image was mounted on dimensionals to balance it, the the layers in the top corner of it are very thick. A circular sentiment was added and an old button was added to the centre of that! I cut thin strips of DP to thread through the holes in the buttons, so that the 'thread' matched perfectly...uses up scraps as well!

That fabulous DP was part of a Blog Candy from Tracey of Stamping for all Seasons - I have really enjoyed all of the DP's that were part of the Candy - so thank you Tracey!! You know what it is like...no matter how much SP you have yourself - someone elses is always more interesting! What's that all about!?!?

Thank you for coming and visiting me here, I love seeing you have been and reading your comments...you are so encouraging!! God bless you!

A Bit of Me

As I looked through my Layouts I realised that I have done pages for all of the family but there is not one of me, apart from the family ones...so I have put together this page with the help of my Layers of Color images. I love using stamping with my pages and the Layers of Colors stamps feel like they were made just for me - I love that!




I have also used the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge, which worked so well with the look I was wanting to achieve....this is the first Layout I have done for the MMSC, so am hoping that it is okay!!! It is also for the Ways to Use it Challenge on SCS which is 'Very Vintage' and I would say that this more than fits that challenge with all of the sponging and aging - AND I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT ME with the aging!! LOL!


I embossed a panel of creme CS with the Textiles Embossing Folder, tearing one edge and sponging it with distressing ink, then layered in onto black CS. The edges of the photo have been distressed and layered onto distressed black CS. A lace border has been added to the bottom edge of the photo. I have also sponged and added 2 lots of CS behind the photo, one bing flocked and the other embossed....I love the different textures.
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The flourish at the top of the photo is from the Layers of Color Nature Walk set, this has quickly become one of my favourite sets, it is so versitile, I love the way it looks with this gorgeous flower which is part of a RAK from the lovely Sabrina (aka ok1mom2girlz) along with the stunning pin - thank you Sabrina for your gorgeous gift...I am loving everything in it... The flowers have been sponged on the ends of the petals, the pearl button is part of a heap of buttons I was given - these are perfect for flower centres and these qualify me for the Pile it On Challenge where we are to use 3 of anything...buttons, layers and flowers - I am in with this one!!




The flourish on the bottom left is from the Layer of Color set Old World Flourishes. The flower centre and that gorgeous heart and both 'vintage' buttons that my friend (and SU Demo) Ann brought me back from the USA - they are perfect for this page - thanks Ann! The Fancy Corners are also from Ann, part of her SU purchases - yes she got a BIG SHOT and everything that could possibly go through it - we were able to play with it on Wednesday night at Scrapbooking!! The Squares on the top of the embossed panel are from the Layers of Colour set Gothic Crosses, I have added half pearls to these and to one of the flowers....so this would qualify this layout for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge!!





Oh and I must add that the sentiment is from ISC, I won 2 sheets of stamps on their Blog Hop a little while back - this one is from the 'All About Me' set and is fitting for this page, because it is - 'A Bit of Me!'


Thank you for looking and for your lovely comments - you are so encouraging and it makes my day seeing that you have stopped by! God bless you!!

Alleluia Angel

The Twisted Sister Challenge for this week was to make a religious Christmas Card...how do you define religious - in reality religious can just refer to something you do all of the time...we religiously clean our teeth - BUT I do know what it meant in this context...I was just being me!! LOL!

I have used an image I was sent by my SCS friend Kathy (aka Wattle) who went to the trouble of embossing it for me as well - thank you Kathy! I have coloured it with pearlised Chalks and this qualifies it for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge as well - using pearls! I have also used the silver half pearls that were sent to me in a RAK from another SCS friend, Pam (aka Pam124)

After colouring the image I attached it to a layer of shimmery blue CS and then to a darker navy blue CS, for added depth...this was paper pierced and attached to some embossed CS. Ribbon from my Twisted Sister Peggy (aka Marilyn Prestonn) and the sentiment mounted on the 2 layers of CS (the sentiment is from another Twisted Sister, Lesley - aka Marleygo) Where would I be without my friends - boring cards that is for real! LOL!!

I finished off by lightly chalking the wings and adding touches of Kindy Glitz and using a Gold Gel Pen and added highlight on the gown...these don't show up too well, as you would know from your own experience...

So that is it from me for now, I will be doing another post later tonight. It is Saturday here and wet - we are all enjoying chilling out - perfect for making cards and enjoying this wonderfully blessed life we have! Thank you for coming by, I love it when you visit and love reading your comments - you bless me!! I hope you are having a great day - if not, keep hanging on, persevere - a new one is coming in the morning!! God bless you!

On Angels Wings

Who doesn't love a baby...especially one as sweet as this one....and it is sleeping!!! I can't resist this gorgeous image from the Layers of Color set called Flower Child, here I have layered it onto one of the sets of wings from the Beloved Wings Set, which has in turn been layered into a Scalloped circle which has kindly been cut from a Nesitie for me, along with many others from the lovely Kathy (aka Wattle on SCS)

I don't normally gravitate towards yellow, so that was a challenge in itself but it all came together well and I am happy with the end result. I added crotchet lace across the centre yellow panel and added flowers and pearls instead of a sentiment. Below this I have added some yellow ribbon with a heart embellishment, which qualifies this for the Die Cuts Dreams Challenge, which is all about flowers and hearts!

It also qualifies for the ABC Challenge where circles are the order of the day! PLUS the Ways to Use it Challenge on SCS which is all about vintage - and you know how I love VINTAGE!!!

Paper piercing was added to the corners of the square DP panel! I think that paper piercing can often add such a lovely touch to a card, rather than adding bling it anything that would take away from the look of the card, paper piercing can often help 'draw the eye' to the images and special touches!

Well, that is it for me - thank you for stopping in and for all of your encouragement you make my day! You know I love knowing when you have been! God bless you!

EDIT: Where is my head, I forgot to mention that is is also for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge where pearls are the feature this week - who doesn't love pearls!!! Bye again!!

AND Stamping for the Weekend where anything BABY is the go!

Oh So Faithful

Faithful - don't you love the sound of that word. This week it is the Attribute of God that we are studying on the His Holy Name Challenge on SCS. I chose today to do my card as it is an important day for me - it is 34 years ago I gave my heart to the Lord - so it is my Spiritual Birthday....we celebrate BIG time in our house - this day has eternal value. My heart is overjoyed at the love I have received both from God and from friends who have become family to me...thank you to you all, you have done my heart good....I have had the most beautiful fellowship here and my heart, that at times grows weary, is refreshed and encouraged by each of you who have linked arms with me on this journey, held me up when I was sick and encouraged me when things seemed bleak, prayed for me and just loved me....thank God for each other...thank God for God who is our common ground, our Faithful One!

Faithful - I am so grateful that God is faithful and has been to be over the years, even in my unfaithfulness!! His love and mercy has always been there for me..and I am so grateful! Faithfulness is a quality that is rare these days whether it be in business, friendship or marriage...that is what makes this attribute even more valuable! I love this scripture and knew straight away that this DP would be perfect.....His faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. I have used the cross from Layers of Color set Gothic Crosses, as a focal point, as it is the work that was accomplished there that is the focal point of our faith....the wings are from the Beloved Wings set and the crown , from the Regal Wings set, represents our KING!!

I feel that it is best to keep this card simple, with the message speaking loud and clear. Although this is a simpler card, it is one of my favourites - due to the message that it shares! I cannot think about God's faithfulness without remembering the testimony of my son who is featured on my Scrapbook page here.....I am happy to share this story if you want to PM me!

Thank you for looking and for your encouraging comments, I love knowing your have stopped by. It has been a lovely day here, spring is in the air....this is one of my favourite times of the year. I hope things are good where you are and your day is a good one, we are 'chilling out' after dinner... God bless you!!

A Little Distracted!

Don't you just love this little girl - she is just adorable. I received her in a RAK from my dear Twisted Sister Peggy (aka Marilyn Prestonn). Peggy is hosting the Colour Challenge on SCS so it was fitting that I used this image.

This card is also for Mothermark's Tea Party Tuesday...I have combined last weeks and this weeks - ha! Cindy, dar-r-rling, I have to be honest and say I had every intention of playing last week - even 'had be a lighthouse' but somehow along the way I got distracted BUT...do not fear...along the way I am collecting clues for this weeks Murder Mystery....so am multi tasking Dar-r-r-ling and making this card for both weeks - and that is what I have to say about that!!

This is a very quick post from me (shock horror) as it is nearly time for school pick up - once the kids get home there will be no time for this...so here you have it....although I do have to say Cindy - I have found a 'bobby' in Craft Central, so hope to make another appearance this week - maybe with the guilty party (maybe not too!! LOL!!)

I am also slipping this into the Doubledog Dare Challenge which is honouring gals of all ages - you can find it here. It also qualifies for the Pile It On Challenge where it is all about threes - I have used three brads - so I am in!! YAY!

Thank you for visiting....and for your comments - I love it when I can see you have been - I am trying to get across to you as well - hope you have a great day! God bless you!

Polka Dot Delight

These Polka Dot Flowers are adorable and are part of the Layers of Colors set, Polka Dot Love...when I first started this card I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but just kept going and adjusting along the way - I am very happy with the end result. The flowers have been sprayed with Tattered Angels Shimmer Mist in Tattered Leather and Vintage Pink, I love the soft and subtle shimmer that it gives, rather than a glaring shine, especially for this look!

The window box is made with embossed card, using the Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder and inked with Tim Holtz Distressing ink - Tattered Leather! Crotchet lace has been added to the rim of the planter and a ladybug embellishment added, along with a little shovel in the window box. This was all then layered onto embossed CS which has also been inked, the Stylised Flowers Embossing Folder which I have distressed.

I wasn't too thrilled with the way it was looking until I added the distressed layer of pink behind the main layer - it just brought it all together (phew!) Isn't it amazing how that can happen!!

This card is for the following challenges:

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday where Liz Williams is the Guest Hostess and has chosen pearls....anything along the pearl theme - I think these adorable pearl buttons count me in there! Thanks Liz!

2RB which is an inspiration Sketch - I was inspired by the gorgeous colours - so thank you ladies!

Thank you so much for stopping by - I have a few cards I am finishing off today...so there may be more from me yet...I will see how the day progresses. I hope your day is FABULOUS! God bless you!

Hugs and Kisses

This is one late card for last weeks Featured Stamper - M (akaStamp Muse) or affectionately known to some of us as 'The Divine Miss M!'M and I started on SCS about the same time and I have loved seeing her along the way!! I would have been sad to have missed her special occasion - so M, I hope this is a case of 'better late than never!'

I was inspired by this card of M's and made it last night but have so much trouble trying to get a good photo...today has been very overcast and windy, so any photos outside were ghastly, so I had to resort to PLAN B.....one of the main problems with the photographing was the silver panel...now those of you who know me, know that this is recycled...now what could today's be from...Apple Pie...and yes, DH saw to it that I had a good supply of it! LOL!

The beautiful butterfly is from a set that Peggy (aka Marilyn Prestonn - Happy Birthday Peggy!) sent me in the most amazing RAK, the flowers are from the lovely Sabrina (aka okimom2girlz) in another gorgeous RAK, the rest is from my supplies and pretty self explanatory really!

Thank you for looking and all of those encouraging comments - it is always such a 'buzz' when I see that you have been - wouldn't it be great if we could visit in person!! I have set aside tomorrow to get caught up with a few cards and get organised with a Layout. I have Scrapbooking tomorrow night and my SU demo and friend, Ann has just arrived back from the USA today and informed me via email that she has made a dent in the Stampin' Up Industry...so I can't wait to see what she has brought back!! I hope you are having a great day!! God bless you!

Some Awards

This week I have received these two award. The first one is from one of my Twisted Sister and dear friend Grace, thank you so much Grace, I value you and your gorgeous work - you know I am always looking at your work for inspiration!! Thank you so much my friend for this award! The rules are...to link it back to the person who gave it to you, and

The rules for this award are that I must list 5 things I love to do, and then pass it along to five other people:

I love to:

1. Spend time with my family
2. Create with paper - it is a passion of mine
3. Spend time with friends, in person or online!
4. Drink Coffee
5. BLOG!

I am passing this onto some of the amazing people who follow my Blog:
Cheryl
ColdWaters2
Shirley
One4Joy
Bubblefrog

This award is from Queenie, whose Blog I have just discovered and LOVE! Thank you Queenie for this honour, I always love it when you come and visit and am thrilled that you would pass this award onto me.

The rules with this award are:Link it to the person who gave it to you in your post.Pass it on to seven other bloggers who inspire you....how hard is that - you all inspire me, but here are seven that I have chosen today:

Danielle
True
Laura
Pauline
Patter
Mercy
Tracey


Thank you so much to Grace and Queenie - you have blessed me!! I am going to link all of these blogs during the day - but I have had this post sitting in draft for a couple of days - if I don't post it now I am skeered that I will not get to it!! So if you check this morning and it is not linked, please pop back later and have another look!! Thanks!

Thank you to you too for visiting, you know I love to see you!! I hope your day is a good one! God bless you!

Midnight Madness Royal Loyal Award

What a thrill it was for me today to pop across and see what the new Midnight Madness Sketch was for this week, to find this award waiting for me...and four others. How exciting!!! I love the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenges and look forward to them each week and appreciate this award so much...here is what they said:

The Team would like to acknowledge five of our players for sticking with us since the beginning. The first 3 names have played with our sketches from the very first one we put out. The last two names only missed the very first sketch. I guess it took them a week to find us LOL . We would like to give these five ladies this “Royal Loyal Award” for being such troopers. We have enjoyed your work these last 15 weeks!! Thank you and thank you to all our players from the bottom of our hearts for making this journey such a fun one.

9. Liz Williams
18. Darlene (akronstamperdpk)
63. Lovely Linda
below have entered all but the very first one :)

1. Loz
19. Julia

Thank you so much ladies for hosting this challenge, you have made my card making journey that much more interesting - I would miss not playing. You have all been so encouraging with your comments, it is like having a visit from dear friends - you make my day each time you comment....thank you so much, you are all GORGEOUS!!!

I cannot finish without adding that I am thrilled to see Liz Williams there as well - Liz and I were both crowned as part of the Flourishes Royal Court on the same day too - how amazing!!! Congratulations to Liz and the other Royal Loyals...I will wear this badge with pride!!

If you haven't played along with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge, you can check it out here - you won't be sorry, the sketches are amazing and the prizes will 'blow your mind!' LOL! God bless you all!

My Happy Reason

I have really come to love scrapbooking and cannot believe that seven months ago I had not one page done - now I only have one page to do and I will have completed an album. It is a great feeling for me as part of the desire for scrapbooking is to leave a sense of 'belonging' for my children, I want them to be able to look at the pages and not only who they are, but what they mean to me. I have battled with the journaling, especially as I am posting the pages here and on my gallery on SCS...I don't mind some general journaling on the front but have decided to write the 'heart felt' emotions in the back of the page, that way it is still private, but written down!!

I have felt that since staring on the Design Team for Layers of Color my pages have taken on a new dimension....I have to say I just love using their stamps, it all just comes together - I don't know of you have ever had that feeling, but it is as if they were made just for me...and working with them is always such a pleasure! I had previously battled with this photo, I love it..that adorable face with that heart melting smile and of course the missing tooth, but I have found it hard to scrapbook school photos...once I started it all came together quickly!

I started with making my own DP, something I don't do that often, I am not sure why!! I have seen inspired by the other DT's over at Layers of Colorand decided to create my own. I used the Nature Walk set and Distressing ink and did the darker color first, then stamped off the blue, softening the look with SU Chalks/Pastels. I then chalked the thistle image from Garden Borders and layered it onto the coloured blocks from the Architectural Blocks set! This was all added to the photo which had been layered into DS, the first layered being torn and sponged. The three gold buttons were added at the bottom and this qualifies it for the Pile it On Challenge where we are required to do things in three - three buttons, three tags on the side, three layers of paper...this qualifies. It also has to qualify for at least one other challenge...and that one would be Bizzy Bec's Creatilicious Challenges where the theme is to make something for Dad - well, this page is masculine and is part of a gift I am making for DH....so technically it qualifies! Finally Stampin' is all about chalking - and I have done that on this page. B Challenge

The sentiment on the Nesties Label 1 is a Kaiser Rub On, which I had to cut into suitable lengths, the sentiments down the other side are from various sets and are perfect for this boy! All sentiments have been raised up on SU Dimensionals. To finish off I have added touches of Kindy Glitz and Tim Holtz Distressed Stickles.

Thank you for stopping by, please leave a comment if you can - I love to know that you have been!! God bless you!

Listen Honey....

I had time to do a quick MojoMonday card today before picking up our girls from their weekend away...this was after over 20 text messages and numerous phone calls...DD2 experienced extreme homesickness, it was only her second time being away from home...and I would say her last for a while. I was happy to hear that DD1 had taken good care of her and even tucked her up into bed as tiredness played a BIG part!! It was so lovely to see their happy faces today and to have them rushing up to us arms open wide for a cuddle - awww - these moments are special!!

This is MojoMondays celebration week - they have reached their 100th challenge and are celebrating this week with a new challenge every day. This one is MOJOJANETTE and made one quick card....which is great as I have to get some made for one of the boutiques for Tuesday...so I am hoping to get a few made tomorrow....I will definitely we using this one again!

I have chalked the image and coloured the coffee mug with red glitter pen and then added Dimensional magic, to give it a more realistic look! The image has been layered onto black CS and attached to the background DP which has had layered torn CS, DP and lace. A hydrangea flower was added, which I had added flower stamens to and I finished it all off with brads.

Thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging comments, you make my day...I love knowing you have been here!! Enjoy your day...chill out and maybe even get in come 'THERAPY!' LOL! God bless you!

MOJOFRIDAY

MojoMonday is celebrating its 100th challenge this week and have been giving a new challenge each day - this one is Fridays challenge....I have used an older stamp I was given along with many others from a lady at the markets I first went to (thank Kelly) One of the boutiques that sells my cards was wanting some engagement cards and I thought this image would be perfect!

The circles are embossed with the 'Textiles' Embossing Folder and distressed with Tim Holtz Distressing Ink - Walnut Stain. The flower is from a Blog Candy that I won from Abby (of Abby's Garden) and the middle strip has been punched with the Fiskar Border Punch - Sunburst...I love the vintage look this border punch can take on when it is sponged along the edge!! I have added the sentiment layered on black CS and finished with a String of Half Pearls along the top of each embossed circle - unfortunately the flash has shown up the tape that they are on...but at least this way you can see how they look!)

Don't you just love Saturdays - it has been very quiet in our house as our girls are down the South Coast until tomorrow, they have been having a great time....but DD2 is finding it hard being away...the nights are hard for her and tonight she sent us a message and said, 'I am missing you...please ring me!' Naturally we did and she was in tears....awww...it is so hard when they are away and crying....poor baby, but some loving words from Mum and Dad helped and then I threatened to send her a video clip of my 'cranky face'....we hung up with DD2 getting a cuddle from DD1 - then Mum felt sad - should I ring her!?!? Emotions - who needs them!!?

Thank you for visiting, I do appreciate your comments - I love knowing when you have been!! I hope your weekend is relaxed and filled with friends and family! God bless you!

You Gotta Love those Meeces!!

I am combining some of my favourite challenges this week - the Twisted Sister Challenge and the Midnight Madness sketch Challenge. This weeks TSC was to made a humorous Christmas Card....When I got this image from one of my Twisted Sisters Sue (aka Coffeestamper aka Perk) I loved it instantly...there is something about those adorable mittle mice pulling faces into that shiny ornament that rings true - how cute are they - they certainly made me smile!!

I have used the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and really enjoyed it - if you haven't been over and checked it out already - you are missing out!! you can find it here. I chalked the image, which qualifies this card for the Stampin' B. Challenge as well! Dimensional Magic was added to the ornament, giving it a realistic look IRL...I have added touched of gold through the pine needles and on the top of the ornament!

The image has the corners cut with a small circle punch and then is sponged around, layered on black CS and secured with gold brads. I have torn and sponged strips of DP to add to the end panels, then used eyelets and made holes and threaded gold cord through some lovely little jewellery clasps....the extra gold touches add so much life to this card!

So that is all there is to that - thank you for stopping to have a look - I appreciate each and every comment and hate to miss you! It is Friday Night here and we have taken our girls down the coast to stay with our friends for the weekend - on the way back it was so windy and cold - makes you appreciate the comforts of home!! With only my DS and DH at home - I am in for a quiet weekend....and we know what that means....LOL! God bless you!

Shabby Love

Phew - I am just scraping in with this deadline, which is midnight tonight Sydney time for the Let's Get Shabby Challenge - and it is 11:45pm!!! This week we are to use gingham and flowers - I think I am pretty safe with this one. It is also for the MOJOTERESA Challenge for today!

I have used chalks to colour the image, which I won in Blog Candy for Sharon and this is the first time I have inked it up, but won't be the last! I have used DP and embossed CS for the different panels and have sponged around all of them! Lace and ribbon have been added along with the gorgeous flowers that arrived in a RAK form the lovely Sabrina and added some silver embellies!!

I need to get some anniversary cards done for one of the Boutiques that sell my cards, so thought this might be a great image...I do try and keep the sentiments fairly 'generic' so they can be used for a number of occasions, I also try to make two cards at a time!

Well, time to kink this and get to bed - thanks for dropping in...and for your kind comments...you make my day!! God bless you!

Strawberry Fields Forever

I just love to combine challenges and this one is no exception. it is for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge, which is a colour challenge this week - we are to use olive, red, black and white - the other challenge is a new one - it is the first challenge for Stamping Sisters in Christ - and I am thrilled to be able to play! I love the faith based challenges and hope to play each week. It is such a thrill to be able to combine our love for paper and for God! This week was based on the scripture:

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 (NIV)

and the theme is food .....so.... that being said,

I reached for the Layers of Color sets Nature Walk and Garden Borders which both feature strawberries, which are YUMBLY at the best of times!! I close the scripture in Matthew to work with this theme as it speaks of seeing first the Kingdom Of God...then comes everything else....definitely ties in with man not living by bread alone!!

All images were coloured with Chalks and then had Kindy Glitz lightly added, it just seems to bring these images to life! I also added nail bling to the centre of the flower on Garden Borders...nail bling seems to be just the right mount of bling without screaming 'look at me, look at me!'. The scripture is layered onto a rectangular scalloped Nestie and then the images layered on dimensionals.

So there you have it...one finished card - I am loving the colours with these images, they were a pleasure to work with and made this card come together so easily!! If you get a moment hop over to check out Layers of Color, their stamps are gorgeous and I heard a whisper that there will be some new releases coming in the near future - my fingers are itching already - can't wait!! Also why not give the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge a go - Flourishes has so much happening at the moment - and then of course there is a the new Challenge Stamping Sisters in Christ to support - I would love to see you there!!

Thanks for stopping by and looking at my work...I love it that you come and your comments are always such a 'buzz' for me!! God bless you!!

Babies in the House

How exciting to hear that my DH's cousins had twin boys last week, these boys are special and so far away...so I just had to make a card for them....I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge, which I have been wanting to get to, so was happy for the opportunity!

I used this adorable bear image that I was given in a box of stamps when I first started selling my cards at the local Markets, I thought it would be perfect for twins. I chalked the bears and popped them up on dimensionals, onto embossed CS. I have also used DP and ran a length of narrow gingham ribbon between them.

The sentiment is from a set from ISC called 'All About Me' that I won on the ISC Blog Hop, along with another set....I am looking forward to inking them up...I have plans to do so in the next few weeks! The sentiment circle has been inked and aged with SU Chalks/Pastels and the scalloped border is Fiskars thanks to Melinda80...I borrowed her punch months ago and sat punching along edges of scraps so I had a nice little supply for times such as this!

This is a relatively simple card but I am happy with the overall look - you can't really go wrong with bears can you - adorable!

I thought you might like to see the adorable babies , DH's cousin Agostino and his wife Jennifer sent them to us, the photos that is NOT the babies. They live in California, so we will not seeing them in the near future (sigh) so we savour any photos of times like this! My DH has only found his family in the last 10 years, the majority of them are in Italy, but Agostino and Jennifer (a Californian girl) are settled in the USA and have been for some time. DH was brought up in children's homes and values his family deeply! These darling boys are named Alex and AJ....these boys will be so well loved by not only their parents but the whole family - and we are many - we are FAMILIO!!!

Thank you for looking and for your comments, which make my day - I love knowing that you have stopped by! I hope your week is going along smoothly - mine is going so quickly!!! God bless you!

God is no Mutant!

This card is for the His Holy name Challenge where we are studying the attributes of God, this one is from a few attributes ago and is....Immutable...this word caused great conversation in our house, being a household of Sci-fi fans - God is not a mutant - He does not change!! What a concept in this ever changing world we live in!!

I love this scripture, there is no variableness neither 'shadow of turning' with God. Well Praise the Lord for that!!! I for one, do not like too much change and this is such a comfort for me, to know that He whom I love is not about to change or change the 'rules' on me!! When we had first moved here from interstate my DH decided to surprise me by changing around the lounge room for a different look and to try and get the best look for the room - I was okay with that UNTIL I saw that he had moved my chair - I felt sick and was overwhelmed with emotion...I felt so unsettled as we had only moved here a month or two prior, with 2 little ones, infact I had just had DD1 by Cesarean Section 4 months prior and the thought of things being moved was too unsettling for me. I burst into tears and asked him if he could put my chair back and when I was ready to move it, I would!! I remember that feeling oh so well - I am sure that my DH does too! LOL.

I thought about how to illustrate this attribute and decided on flowers, His creation has always been beautiful and I thought it was a good way to use symbolism. I have embossed the 'Upsy daisy' image onto gold CS and then repeated it onto the background CS in black. These flowers are crisp and have no hint of a shadow...the message is pretty clear....you don't need to alter perfection, God doesn't need altering but we do! God is in the business of changing us to reach perfection, it is an ongoing process! In light there is no darkness, He is perfect light where no darkness dwells - therefore there is no shadow - he is indeed the Father of Lights!

To finish, I added a cross and also the black half pearls, I always like to have a grouping of three embellishments (ie. the pearls) as it is symbolic of the Trinity!

Thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging comments, I love knowing that you have been! Thank you also for your feedback and comments on my HHN09 cards, I would like to add that I do discuss these studies with my DH and a lot of what I share here are a result of these discussions - so it is a combined effort in that department! God bless you!

Christmas In August

I am so pleased to finally upload this card that I made at the Stamp Camp. This little Santa was fun to work with...we made the scalloped border with our...yes you guessed it...Scalloped Border Punch and also did sewing on the card, well our SU Demo Ann, did most of the sewing for everyone!! Santa's head is also popped up on dimensionals, along with one of the trees! This was popular among the ladies...all liking the 'cute' cards. I must say though, this wasn't a set I would have looked at twice but after working with it, I can definitely see that it has potential! I do like the overall look of the card!

I have taken a close up as it can be hard to capture dimension in a photo...I love the lift that it can give...you wouldn't think that it could make such a difference!! I love the concept of this card and can think of sets that I have that I could do this with....hmmmm....thinking...thinking!


This qualifies for the Our Creative Corner Challenge this week the theme is Christmas in August....I could handle Christmas every month - how about you! LOL! It is also for the Creative Card Crew Challenge, which is also Christmas in August - sounds like we are all going to be organised this year!! LOL!

Thank you for stopping by I love to see you have been and appreciate your encouraging comments - you know they make my day! God bless you!

Christmas Already

What fun I am having playing with the Layers of Colors stamp sets... this one is called Reindeer Waltz. The reindeer have a filigree look about them!

I love working with these gorgeous reindeer and have to be honest - they didn't need too much done with them, they are gorgeous in their own right.

I did make two, the first one being for Our Creative Corner Challenge. this week it is to make a Christmas card...the reindeer has been

embossed onto a circle, the edges sponged and layered on black CS, which I have just cut by hand - don't look too closely - then popped up on dimensionals. This was layered onto embossed silver foil, which is a recycled custard tart tray - kindly donated for my 'cause' by my DH - obviously I washed it first, although it really didn't need too much cleaning - the family saw that! LOL! Ribbon was added to the embossing. This was layered onto CS and attached to DP which has also been sponged around the edges. The snowflakes are from a RAK from Jocelyn (aka JoBear2 on SCS) and have been sponged and then had Distressed Stickles added and a silver pearl in the centre. Finishing off with a row of black pearls to two corners.

The second card is for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge which is about scoring, which you can see very clearly on this card - I don't have a ScorPal or anything like that but do have some garden wire which gives me this result - you have to be happy with that!!! I have added the snowflakes from Jocelyn (aka JoBear2) with the Distressed Stickles on them and the silver pearls which are from Pam (aka Pam 124) they are gorgeous and finish off the card nicely (in my opinion!)

So there you have them, 2 Christmas cards...both of the cards fit the Creative Card Crew Challenge which is also for Christmas in August...I have a lot more plans for these reindeer and you can be sure you will see them ALL here! There are plenty of ideas at Layers of Color so why not pop over there and check out their Design Team galleries.

Thank you for coming over and looking, you make my day - I love to read your comments, that way I know you have been - I would hate to miss you!!! It is Monday lunchtime here and cool, although not cold - which is unusual for here...but I am not complaining!! Hope you are having a great day! God bless you!

In the Jungle

How cute is this little giraffe from Layers of Color...no wonder I have had to make a card with him...too cute to leave alone! He is from the Polka Dot Parade Set along with some other really cute images!

I wanted to give this card a jungle/safari feel and used this fabulous DP from Tracey's Blog Candy. The giraffe has been chalked and the edges of the image inked with Tim Holtz Distressing Ink...I love this ink and got a few at the Craft Fair - this one is Walnut Ink. The leaves are part of a fabulous RAK from the lovely Sabrina (aka okimom2girlz on SCS) I used tattered Angels Shimmer Spray on them and am happy with the results IRL!! The buttons and beads are from my 'stash' - they have added a lovely feel to this card AND great dimension!!!

You know I love to look around for challenges and found Whimsey Challenges earlier this week - it is all about Animal Magic this week, so this card fits!!

Another Challenge I have found is the ABC Challenge which is A is for anything goes with the option of animals!

Thank you for stopping by , I love to know you have been...I do appreciate your comments and read each one - you make my day!! Saturday night is fast winding up here and it has been a relaxed day with the family - my kinda day!! God bless you!

Royal Moment

Flourishes are turning two and are celebrating BIG time, they have set up a Royal Court and you can imagine my surprise AND delight when I saw that I had been added to their Royal Court. This is what they said,

'Last Wednesday, they made Lois Bak the 'Queen' of our Royal Court! As we celebrate our second anniversary, we thought, why not honor this loyalty by making some of our best and brightest customers... royalty! We could literally "crown" them as one of our most precious gems in business.This week, we looked to the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge Players! Not one, but TWO ladies rose to the top! This week we hereby crown.....

In the 28 weeks that the Friends of Flourishes have ushered in their Timeless Tuesday challenges, Liz Williams has missed only two! And, there have been many weeks that she linked up not one, but two or three or even four cards! We love her commitment and style!

We also crown..... 'Lovely Linda' as many call her might have missed a few challenges but there is no doubt - she's got the Timeless Tuesday Fever! After we looked at all the challenges and her entries - she's submitted well over 50 cards for our FTTC challenges! You go girl!

Ladies, we love your vim and for it, you officially join Lois as members of our Royal Court! We'll be sending some goodies your way!'

What a thrill for me, I had no idea until Linda the Funky Junky said something in a comment - so thank you Linda....I do feel like Royalty now...look out family!!! Thank you Ladies at Flourishes...you are such beautiful bunch of ladies and I love being part of this fabulous Challenge....I can't stand missing a week here and there, but it does happen so I have to make up for it other weeks - some weeks I have made as many as 6 cards - bit with all of that inspiration...how could I not!!! I am both honoured and humbled to be chosen to be part of the Royal Court - cant wait to see what's next AND to see what's coming my way!!

Thanks you for sharing this moment with me - I slept in my crown last night and it sure does dress up my 'around the house clothes!' Do you think the neighbours will think I've lost my mind if I wear it as I garden out the front of the house - LOL!? Hope you are enjoying your weekend - it is Saturday and sunny here....gorgeous, a taste of Spring which is just around the corner!!! God bless you!!

Tender Moment

This weeks Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge is all about scoring and was chosen by Silke.....a challenge for me as I don't have a ScorPal BUT what I do have is some garden wire and a Cuttlebug!! If you look carefully you can see the scoring on the background CS!

I have coloured this adorable Sarah Kay image with chalks - it is the first time I have used a Sarah Kay image, this one was part of a Blog Candy that I won from Tracey over at Stamping All Seasons, I really loved colouring her in, it was easier than I imagined! So thank Tracey - I am loving all of the goodies you sent me...I am also enjoying your Blog!

Those fabulous flowers are also from A Blog Candy - I won them from Sharon's Blog. Aren't they stunning, I wasn't sure about them at first but am loving them, they add such a lot of dimension to a card, as well as looking divine!! I just had to show you a close up!

It is a big week for Flourishes this week - it is their second Birthday so make sure you go and check out what is happening....their Release Party will be happening in a few hours!! CHECK IT OUT!!!

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments - you make my day! It means so much to me to know that you have been here!! Have a great day and fabulous weekend - we are hoping to get into the garden for a little while tomorrow, it is only four weeks until my Mum and sister arrive from New Zealand for a two week holiday....I can't wait!! God bless you!

Edit: I have just seen that this card fits the One Stop Craft Challenge for this week, which is all about roses!!

AND for the Stampin' for the Weekend Challenge which calls for VINTAGE cards....I am thinking this is vintage!

AND Pile It On Challenge where are are to use no patterned paper - Yay - this one fits!

Rose Tinted Glasses

Today is Friday and that means it is the Twisted Sister Challenge...and I am on time with this one, I have yet to do last weeks due to working at the Craft Fair!! This week we were to make a Christmas Card with non traditional colours. Pink and brown are 'in' colours but not traditional for Christmas.

This card is my favourite one that we made at Stamp Camp with my SU Demo Ann...It is actually 3 layers, I have included a close up to try and give you an idea of the dimension. The windows layer is mounted on 3D Foam Tape and also has acetate behind it for the windows! The dove is also attached with 3D. Foam Tape. I love this set 'A Wish for Peace' which was part of the Workshop so am looking forward to inking it up!!

Some of you will be looking at this and wonder if it is crooked - yes it is and it is meant to be!!

Thanks for coming to visit, I love seeing your comments and knowing that you have been! It is Friday night here and going to be a cold one. I usually get a lot done Friday nights but this week we decided that while the kids were at Youth we would catch up with a friend...I don't think she would have appreciated me spreading out my craft stuff at her house! LOL! Seriously though, it was lovely to see her....I took my knitting instead - I find it so hard to sit and do nothing....is it just me who feels like that...it feels like such a waste of time to me, especially when I have so many goals I have set myself....but I guess a balance is required in these things - one step at a time!! I hope you are enjoying your day!! God bless you!

It's Tea Party Time!!

I am so happy to make it to Mothermark's Tea Party this week - I missed it last week due to having 'bitten off more than I could chew!' Unfortunately it was not cake either! LOL! If only!!!

It would appear that we are in the 'Bee' business this week as Cindy's Uncle Beeford's bees have gone missing! That is except for about 12 and those 12 he lovingly calls "The Boys". They have stuck around and have promised Beeford they will help him bring some bees back! So Beeford Bumble and The Boys are supplying the tea (with honey!) and treats and we are off to Booneville, Mississippi!

The Party is just 'buzzing' with news and scandal....my bee is 'bee-hiving' himself and sticking pretty close to home, but he is not alone and has brought some friends - I am not sure what kind of bee is on the honey pot, but I can tell you that the Honey Pot belonged to my Great Grandmother and is very special to me...it was given to me by my Grandmother as I left New Zealand to come to Australia for a 4 week holiday - LOL, I have been here 28 years now!

I am hoping that there is some tea still in the pot as I am parched...it has been a L-O-N-G time between parties for me and there is nowhere else that the tea flows so sweetly as Mothermark's Tea Party.....the tea is second only to the company dar-r-r-lings (awww - that was the right thing to say wasn't it! LOL!)

This card also qualifies for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge which is all about BUGS....

Thanks for having me and for stopping my to visit, I love knowing you have been so don't forget to leave a comment if you can!! It is getting late here and I am TRYING to get an early night, well earlier than midnight that is!! I hope you're having a great day! God bless you!