Filigree Cross

It was 'Love at First Sight' for me when I saw the Spellbinders Crosses Two  Shapeabilities

so much detail and gorgeous filigree - it was definitely 'calling my name,' especially when I am creating Easter cards at the moment.

I have layered it onto the Spellbinders Floral Ovals Nestibilities - can you tell I am loving this new Die too - the paper piercing around the oval is such a gorgeous touch.

The sentiment is computer generated and has been cut using the Fancy Tags Shapeabilities.  All of my Dies have been cut using the Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Machine - it certainly makes it easier because you can cut so many Dies at once!  The patterned paper has been embossed using the 'B' sandwich from the Enchanted M-bossabilities Embossing Folder

One again another quick card, but not lacking any details, thanks to my lovely Spellbinders Die Templates - what did I ever do without them? LOL!

This card is for the following challenges:

Alphabet Challenge - D for Dry Embossing

Card Crafter's Circle - Easter

Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - 3 of a kind  (3 Dies used)

Inspire Me Fridays - Anything goes

Just Add Ink - Easter

Stampin' For The Weekend - Anything Goes

Totally Papercrafts - Easter

4 Crafty Chicks - Easter

Crafty Purple Frog - Anything goes

Paper Shelter Challenge - Easter

Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes

Sisterhood of Crafters - Easter

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

LOC Faith Art Friday - Matthew 27

As I created this card for Faith Art Friday at Layers of Color I was inspired by the Scripture in Matthew detailing the Crucifixion of Christ.  The Art Stamp that I have used reminded me of the Crown of Thorns that was placed on Jesus head - there is nothing I can add to the scripture in Matthew 27

And stripping Him, they put a scarlet cloak around Him.

And plaiting a crown of thorns, they placed it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked at Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews.

And spitting at Him, they took the reed and struck at His head.

And when they had mocked Him, they stripped off His cloak, and they put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify Him....(v28-31)

 And having crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting a lot, that might be fulfilled that spoken by the prophet, "They divided My garments to themselves,

 and they cast a lot over My clothing."
And sitting down, they guarded Him there.  And they put up over His head His charge,

it having been written:  THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (v35-37)

And from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani; that is, "My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?" Psa. 22:1

And hearing, some of those standing there said, This one calls Elijah.

 And at once, one of them running and taking a sponge,

and filling it with "vinegar," put it on a reed and "gave drink to Him." Psa. 69:21

But the rest said, Let be; let us see if Elijah is coming to save Him.

 And crying again with a loud voice, Jesus released His spirit. (v 45-50)

And, behold! The veil of the temple was torn into two from above as far as below.

 And the earth quaked, and the rocks were sheared!

 And the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.

 And coming forth out of the tombs after His resurrection,

they entered into the holy city and were revealed to many. (v 51-53)

But the centurion and those with him guarding Jesus,

 seeing the earthquake and the things taking place,

they feared exceedingly, saying,

 Truly this One was Son of God. (v 54) 

What a truth - what a cost - what a Saviour!!   This week I have had a number of opportunities to share with people whose situations are turbulent, they are searching for answers, finding no peace in the 'philosophy' that every religion is a candle on the road of life - to which I have to ask - why settle for a candle when you can have the Light of the World!  This is one of the things about our God - every religions is man's search for God, but we love a God who reached down to man!!  I am so grateful that God is about relationship not religion - what a freedom!

Layers of Color has a New Release Blog Hop on January 17 - we would love you to join us - there is an opportunity to win a New Release stamp/s from each Designer - you won't want to miss this!  Watch this space for some Sneak Peeks!!

You can see more of my projects in my Layers of Color Gallery, while you are there make sure you check out the other Design Team galleries there is so much inspiration waiting to be discovered, we are thrilled that Layers of Color is a Spellbinders Preferred Stamp Company. 

We would love you to join Layers of Color Art Stamps on our FACEBOOK GROUP where you can connect with many more LOC friends - You're invited to join the fun...and...Layers of Color Art Stamps FLICKR GROUP where you can upload your LOC artwork and be inspired by hundreds of fabulous LOC creations! You are going to LOVE it!!

Making your creative world more colorful with Layers of Color!

Thank you for your comments and all of the encouragement you leave me here, it is appreciated!!!  I love seeing that you have visited - it makes my day!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

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SSIC LOC Resting Place

It was wonderful to see so many players join in at Stampin' Sisters in Christ last week!  Your cards are amazing and give me no end of inspiration!!  This week our lovely Design Team Sister Miesje has given us the scripture:

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Miesje has challenged us to make a card that symbolizes what brings you rest or peace. It could be flowers, an ocean, music, mountains, sitting with a friend, or just reading a book....oh there are so many possibilities!!  For me, there is nothing more than the sound of birds outside the window to make me feel peaceful!  I have always been in a household that loved birds....as children we had an aviary filled with budgies and canaries - the air was always full of their beautiful songs and now my own family is surrounded by birds...whether it be budgies/parakeets, chickens, cockatiels and wild birds - I am so grateful that God made them for our pleasure - they sure make my day!!

It goes without saying that I would use the Layers of Color Backyard Birds Clear Art Stamps.  These imaged are a dream to work with and are so life like!  I love this little sparrow - he fitted so well with this verse

I nestled him in with this adorable flower that has been handmade by one of my dear friends and sistah's Sabrina (aka okimom2girlz).  I arrived home from being away at my DH;s Grandmother's funeral to find a surprise parcel waiting for me - from Sabrina.  It was like Christmas and everything in it is special, including some of these handmade flowers by Sabrina, including the Diecut Leaves and some scripture stamps.....and many more things you will see  here over the next weeks!  Thank you Sabrina - you are so very generous and know how to spoil someone!!  I {{{heart}}} you my friend!

I used the images from the Layers of Color Touch of Elegance Clear Stamp set for corner and added a small Kaiser pearl.  Paper piercing finished off my eclectic framing of this comforting scripture!!

I am linking this to the following challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers - Inky Fingers

One Stop Craft Challenge - Monochromatic

Sweet Stampin Challenge - Things with Wings

 Make sure you pop over and see the other DT's creations, you know there is plenty of inspiration from these talented girls

*Lisa *  Chris * Cindy * Grace * Peggysue * Randi * Miejse* Rebecca *

You can see more of my projects in my Layers of Color Gallery, while you are there make sure you check out the other Design Team galleries there is so much inspiration waiting to be discovered.  You are invited to join us on our SNR Group where there is lots of fun and chatter (No surprises there I know! LOL)  There are also discounts and previews that are exclusive for the Group Members - come and join us!!

Thank you for looking and for your lovely comments, you always make my day!  I hope you are having a blessed weekend with your family and friends and even get some time to play along with us at the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

LOC Blessed are the Children

Friday comes around so quickly, which is 'skeery' in one way, as time is flying - but it is also great, as it is one of my favourite days on Layers of Color - Faith Art Friday!!! I love it that we can combine our faith and our art !!

I have used the new Layers of Color Bella Brocade Art Stencils along with the Creative Flourishes and Flutterescent clear art stamps to create this layout! 

The past couple of weeks I have created layouts - they just seem to fit so well with scripture - this week I have been pondering on the scriptures about children....

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him.  But Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."  And He placed His hands on their heads and blessed them before He left.

Mat 19:13-15

These photos of my children when they were younger got me thinking about children and they are referred to in the Word.  What is it about children that we need to attain to - surely it is their trust and innocence, as adults we tend to complicate things and look for deeper meaning - anyone who has been around children at all would know that they see things as they are, call a 'spade' a 'spade!' 

There is a purity that we have as children that gets lost along the way.  As adults we tend to want to see our children grow up quickly, but sometimes in doing that they miss out of the innocence and carefree lives that children are entitled to....

Jesus clearly says that unless we return to the state of being like a child, NOT to be confused with being childish (and there is a difference) that we will never see the Kingdom of Heaven.  Does this mean there are no adults in Heaven - no! LOL!  He is talking about in our hearts and minds - to trust Him as a child trusts a parent, a 'no questions asked' kind of trust....as a parent I can clearly remember the feeling of having my child look at me and leap off the wall or piece of furniture without any doubt that we will catch them before they hit the ground!!

I was a Nanny before we had out own children and I used to say about some of the children I looked after, that I loved them like they were my own - at that time I had no understanding of the bond that is so amazingly there and  when you have your own child - it is so strong and defies any logic or reason....can you imagine the bond we have as Children of God....indescribable!!!

You can see more of my projects in my Layers of Color Gallery, while you are there make sure you check out the other Design Team galleries there is so much inspiration waiting to be discovered.  You are invited to join us on our SNR Group where there is lots of fun and chatter (No surprises there I know! LOL)  There are also discounts and previews that are exclusive for the Group Members - come and join us!!

 

I do want to say thank you to those of you who have sent email and being praying for us.  My DH lost his Grandmother yesterday and these times are never easy. Olwen lived a full life and would have turned  90 next month - she passed away in her sleep after having a stroke a week earlier, which is  a peaceful way to go, but it doesn't make the loss any the less - your kind words and prayers mean so much - thank you!

Thank you for visiting with me today, and for the lovely comments you leave me - I love knowing you have been - you make my day!  God bless you!

SSIC A Little Sentiment-al

It is the weekend and we all love that don' we!!?  It is Sunday here andI love Sunday - and Sunday means time for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge.  Faith Art cards are my favourite to make,  I love it that we can share our passion for paper with our passion for Him.

This week Candace has given us this scripture from Psalms:

'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.'

Psalm 119:105

The challenge is to use NO stamped images! Make a card with just words (a sentiment/verse).  I have needed a few 'Thinking of You' cards and am makiing the most of this weeks challenge.  I have used this sentiment sent to me in a RAK and layered it onto green cardstock, then mounted it with foam tape onto a Fluer de Lis Nestibilitie - thanks to my friend Bridget, who let me run some off!

I paper pierced the sentiment square, filling in the opposite corners,  I really like this effect!

I have also used the Layers of Color Art Stencil Elegant Touch, spraying it with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist directly onto patterned DP, I love the effect this has.  The corners are paper pierced and I have added white brads to the corners of the Fleur de Lis Nestibilitie.

The scripture Candace has given is favourite of mine.  It reminds me of how specific God is...so often we read this and think great, God's Word is a light for me - and that is so true, but think about what it is really telling us - His word is a lamp to my feet - this is so encouraging to me, it is a lamp to my feet to light up my next steps and a light to my path to light the entire way - He is involved on every level - what a comfort!!

We often set our eyes on what lies ahead and  focus on that, it is easy to get tripped up along the way by those things that are right in front of us but God assures us that His Word will light them up so we can see them and not stumble - how amazing is that!  This scripture is such an encouragement and so typical of our loving God!  I love it that we are not about religion but RELATIONSHIP with God!

We can't wait to see all of YOUR creations! You may enter as many times as you'd like!** Please link us to your actual card/project post(s), not just to your blog or gallery, by 11:59 pm PDT (GMT -8) on Saturday, June 19th.

Thank you to our sponsor this week

Paper Jewels

I am linking this to:
There She Goes #59 - Worn, Torn and Distressed
By the Cute and Girly - Something Old (DP) New (Art Stencil) Borrowed (Nestie) Blue (Card)
Challenge Up Your Life - Vintage
Lexi's Creations - Something Old
My Time to Craft - Xtra Special - for a friend who just lost her Father

Make sure you pop over and see the other DT's creations, you know there is plenty of inspiration from these talented girls:

*Lisa * Kathy * Chris * Candace * Grace * Peggysue * Randi * Miejse* Rebecca *

Thank you for looking and for your lovely comments, you always make my day!  I hope you are having a blessed weekend with your family and friends and even get some time to play along with us at the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!
{{{hugs}}}

LOC Faith Art Friday - Knit Together

It is one of my favourite days over at Layers of Color - it is Faith Art Friday - this week I have done a layout  I love this photo of my DS taken about 5 years ago and how perfect is it for the verse in Psalms 139 that says

'You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mother's womb.

Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex!

our workmanship is marvellous - how well I know'

I used the new Layers of Color Art Stencils, spraying them with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, I love using these Art Stencils for layouts, they are fabulous for other projects as well, but for me they take scrapbooking to a new place and that is great!

I stamped the matching image from the Touch of Elegance art stamp set in Distressing Ink and was excited to find that the SU Scalloped Square fits perfectly!

The scripture is computer generated using the 'Papyrus' font -it is one of my favourite fonts, especially for scripture.  I cut out each line and sponged the edges, distressing the end of each strip!

God tells us in His Word that 'we are fearfully and wonderfully made'  What a concept - our God, the God Most High made us, every fibre of our being is formed by Him - we weren''t an accident, just brought together through careless moments or earthly passions, but the God Most High, our God and Heavenly Father created us with intention and did it wonderfully!

The scripture also tells us He is a God of excellence - therefore I can know that I am complete in Him - He made me how I am meant to be, any imperfections we have are not due to any over site on His part, they may be because of mankind interfering, but we cannot blame God - He does all things well!  This also shows me, that God, who created me so 'fearfully' must therefore have a plan for my life - I am not here by chance, but for a purpose - my challenge is to fulfill that purpose to reach my destiny!!  We are a deliberate act of our Creator God.

We often hear the saying 'God Don't make NO JUNK!  This is a truth and I love that saying...sadly so many people have been told that they were an accident -never meant to be - but what liberty there is for us with the KNOWLEDGE that God, the Creator of all the Universe has already told us that this infact is not true - therefore it is a lie!  There are no accidents in Gods economy - He created us, each one, knit each fibre of our being together and remember - God don't make no JUNK!!  Look at you - you're gorgeous!!

It is easier to maintain the outer at times than what 'lies beneath' - the heart!  We can cover imperfections that happen to our bodies over time (with compliments of the odd donut or choc chip cookie - LOL) with cleverly designed clothes and cover blemishes with creams and makeup, but we cannot cover those things that we have allowed our hearts to become 'tainted by, the things we go through in life and have affected the well being of our hearts - this my friends is where we can often need the most work - thank God He is the greatest Heart Surgeon of all time, He can take our hearts, whatever state we have allowed them to be in and return them to their original state - 'fearfully and wonderfully' made - this is good enough for me!!  Thank God for God!!

You can see more of my Faith Art in my Layers of Color Gallery here.  While you are over there you can read Lauras EXCITING news!!

I am linking this to the foloowing:

Stampin Royalty - Masculine

Creative Inspirations - For the Boys

Paper Play - Something Old - the photo has been waiting 5 years! LOL!

Our Creative Corner - Gotcha Cornered

Lexi's Creations - Something Old

Raise the Bar - What a Special Guy

Cupcake Craft Challenge - One for the Boys

Creative Inspirations - One for the Boys

One Stop Craft Challenge - One for the Boys 

Crafts & Me Challenge - Friends and Family

Thank you for coming by today - I love to know that you have been, your comments always make my day and make me feel like we have had sometime together - if only we would in real life!!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

MMSC57 The Plans

I just love Tuesdays - it is Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge time - who can resist, I love these challenges and am always inspired by Priscilla's amazing sketches and everyone playing along makes it so much fun too!!  This weeks sketch is no exception, but first my card!

I have used the scripture from our Weekly Bonus Sponsor, McMahon Five Designs - this verse has always been a favourite with me.  I printed 2 copies and  cut out some of the more significant words on the top layer, inked around them and adhered them with foam tape.

The DP has been embossed with the Textiles Embossing Folder, I then added a strip of gold mesh ribbon down through the centre - it does not show up well in the photos - how typical is that!  You can see it more clearly in the photo below!!

The flourishes are Tim Holtz Grungeboard and have been sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Olive - bet you wouldn't have picked the colour, it is showing up as dark brown - so just picture Olive okay!!  I added some gorgeous crochet lace under the gold netted ribbon too - oops nearly forgot to mention that!!  The gold pearls from my friend and one of our MMSC GDT's pam (aka pam124) THANKS PAM - they are perfect - I am loving them!!

Now - here is what you are waiting for - this weeks sketch

You have the choice of this sketch or the CAS one, you can find it here.  It is as 'easy as 1-2-3'!

Congratulations to the MMSC56 Gold Star

#9 Beate

and the MM Remarkables - don't forget to grab your badge and pop it on your Blog!

#29 Guro

#36 Sue Drees

#65 Holly Miller

#67 Iris

Thank you to our monthly sponsor

Kat Stamps

and our Weekly Bonus Sponsor

McMahon Five Designs.com

Did you read the big news over at the MMSC56 last week - it is all about GIVEAWAYS and we all love those don't we!!  You have to see this NEW community made just for digital stampers and artists!  It is called Crafters Digital Art Center.   What fun there has been already since it opened - people are flocking there - have you been and checked it out - the chances are that you will see me there and many other faces you know - don't wait too long to check it out!!  There are free digi's and great prizes and so much  fun to be had with so many people!

I am linking this to:

Delightful Sketches - Texture

Daring Card makers - Pearls

Meljen's Designs - Dry Embossing

One Stop Craft Challenge - Pearls and Swirls

Stamp Something - Digi Day Something

The Crazy Challenge - Distress It

Oh Alice - Show us Your Muchness (Style)

Thank you for visiting and for the lovely comments you leave me, I love knowing you have been.  Be sure to check out the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - we would love to see YOU!  {{{hugs}}}

LOC SSIC Sing of His Love

I am excited to bring you my first card as an official member of the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Design Team. Thank you for your congratulations and lovely comments, you have made it even more special for me!

 This weeks challenge is brought to us by the lovely Kathy and she has chosen

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

What a perfect Scripture to be sharing on Easter Sunday, it really is the Easter Message.  Kathy has challenged us to  have the word LOVE, or something that symbolizes love to you, somewhere on your card/layout or project.

You just have to know I would use the Layers of Colour art stamp set Fleur Hearts and Royal Birds, these images have been cut out, coloured with chalks and popped up on foam dots!

  The recycled page from an old  Hymnal has been distressed and the edges inked.  

 The gorgeous ribbon is part of a very generous RAK from my dear friend Melinda (aka Melinda80) and that fabulous buckle is from Laura of Layers of Color

As we are celebrating  Easter and how these three days changed history and it became ‘His-story’ I am reminded of a song I heard when I was a new Christian and was privileged to see Sandy Patti in concert and was deeply moved by her song ‘In His Love’, it still speaks to me today and I am relieved to know I am safe in the ‘Love of God!’  I searched the internet to find this song, but found every other song she sings but this one - I did find the lyrics and would love to share them with you now!

In His Love

In His love, there’s a place where you can always hide away

In His love, there’s no need to run, no need to be afraid.

If the worlds a sea of trouble, you can always rise above

If you know that you are safely, In His love.

In His love, where all pain and sorrow quickly fade away

In His love, there’s a bright tomorrow just beyond today

If your heart is filled with sorrow, if it’s all you can think of

Still there’ll be a new tomorrow, In His love

Chorus

His love is never far away, yet sometimes hard to see

If we would take the time to pray

His love would flow through you and me

In His love, there’s a place where you can watch the world go by

In His love, there’s no need to hurry, everything’s on time

When the worlds a sea of trouble, you can always rise above

If you know that you are safely, In His love

In His love, there’s a place where you can always hide away

In His love, there’s no need to run, no need to be afraid.

If your heart is filled with sorrow, if it’s all you can think of

Still there’ll be a new tomorrow, In His love

Aren't they the most beautiful and touching words - to be safe in the love of God puts my heart at rest.  There is so much that can pull our hearts in every direction, that I need to know that there is a 'safe place' for me...and you!! 

A special thank you to our sponsor Joni the Owner of Inktegrity - Digital stamps by Joni who is blessing a Random player from this weeks draw with a $10 Gift Certificate from her store - thank Joni!

To be entered in the drawing, your card must be linked to Mr. Linky by 11:50PM PDT (GMT-8) Saturday April 10th. The winner will be chosen by random and will be announced on Tues. April 13th.  Please be sure to make the link direct to your project, not just your blog or gallery, and please place a link to Stampin Sisters in Christ in your post!

I am linking this to:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - It's So Distressing

Creative Card Crew - Vintage/Aged

Cute Card Thursday - Easter Theme/Egg

Crafty Creations - Anything Goes

Thank you for coming and for the lovely comments you have been leaving for me - I appreciate it that you take the time to leave a comment, it means so much.  I hope you get a moment to play along with this weeks Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge, there is so much inspiration to be had and I would love to come and visit you!  God bless you!  {{{hugs}}}