TCR#6 LOC I Didn't Do It!

Some events are just meant to be put on paper - and for me, this is one of them!!  I am so glad my DH was quick and caught this moment on camera....it is one that has caused us a few laughs as I have worked on it!

I have made this for The Color Room using their Palette #6 - I missed last week's but plan on catching up - there are only so many hours in the day!  I am really loving this site - if you have not been there yet make sure you do - there is inspiration everywhere you look!

I have used the Layers of Color art stamp set Dotted Delights for the Swirls - aren't they great, I was thrilled when I discovered how great they look. 

  

The flowers are from the Polka Dot Love clear art set - how cute are they, I love layering them with Prima's and other brought flowers.  I have added  various buttons and brads to the centres.  The dragonfly is also from the Dotted Delights art stamp set. I think when images tend to be a bit smaller, we tend to pass them by, when for me, with scrapbooking, they are the very thing that brings a layout to life!

You can find my Page at The Color Room here and my Layers of Color Gallery here! 

I am linking this to:

Our Daily Bread Designs - Flowers

Die Cut Dreams - Lace

Creative Inspirations Challenge - Punches or Dies - Circles

Quixotic Challenge - Let Your Garden Grow 

Your Next Stamp - Cut it out and Pop It up

Stuck on U Sketches - Buttons

Meljen's Designs - Flowers & Blooms

Cupcake Craft Challenges - Buttons

Practical Scrappers - Punches - Circle

The Pixie Cottage Challenge - Vintage/Distressing

Pixie Dust Studio - Cut it Out

Character Cafe - Recycle and Reuse

Thank you for coming to visit and for your lovely comments, I appreciate each one of them!!  I hope you are having  a great day - mine is coming to an end!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

SSIC LOC Let Heaven & Nature Sing

Hello, it is great to see you!!  I love catching up with you an you know what time it is -  it is time for this week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge and this challenge is brought to us by my very dear friend and Design Team Sister - Grace Nywening.

Grace has chosen the scripture "O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation, Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God..."  Ps, 95:1-3a

Grace has challenged us to make a card or project that depicts music or joyful praise.  Well, you know that I had to reach for my Layers of Color Joyful Noise art stamp set....I love this set and so do many of you - it is one of the most popular Layers of Colour sets - and I am going to show you why!

I embossed the beautiful flourish onto an old hymnal sheet, using bronze embossing powder....stamping it in opposite corners, instantly becoming a frame.  to this I added flowers in different shapes and a gorgeous sparrow from the Layers of Color art stamp set Backyard Birds.  I also stamped a butterfly from the Butterfly Collector set and punched it out using an EK punch.

I love the scripture Grace has chosen - make a joyful noise - now, that can conjure up all sorts of images - not all of them pretty.  My beautiful Nana was convinced eveveryone could sing - and in one sense she is right - everyone can sing BUT what she didn't realise was that not everyone's voice had a smooth passage out! LOL!

Make a joyful noise - I am encouraged to read that God inhabits the praises of His people - what a concept is that, as we praise Him, He lives within/dwells in those praises - what more motivation do we need.  There are so many references to praise in the God's word, as soon as we hear the word, we would all think of different facets of Praise.  King David, the Chief Musician, encouraged us to sing a new song to the Lord, this tells me that I need to come with fresh praises each time I come, not just list off  repetitions that some from the head and not the heart, but my praise is to be heartfelt.  Being quite honest, there are times when it is hard to 'sing a new' song - well all know that we should be doing it, but our life circumstances at that moment can be weighing us down - but in actual fact nowhere does the Word of God tell us that we make a 'joyful noise; when we feel like it - infact the Word of God is very clear that we praise HIM 'in and out of season.'  Regardless of how we feel - God is worthy to be praised - and isn't that the truth!!

I have an exciting thought to leave you with - something that will just make your 'heart sing'  - God rejoices over us with singing:

 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zep 3:17

God sings - imagine hearing that - we will one day you know...I do wonder what my response will be when I hear his amazing song - will I be overwhelmed with awe and find myself 'on my face' at his feet or will my heart spontaneously join in His song - I guess I will have to wait to find out but in the meantime I do pray that the song in my heart will be  a 'sweet sound' in His ear!

Thank you to our sponsor for this week

Hambo Stamps

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

*Lisa * Kristine * Kathy * Chris * Candace * Grace * PeggySue * Randi * Miejse*

You can see more of my Faith Art Cards 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!

Thank you for stopping my today and for the lovely comments you leave for me, you are always so encouraging - you make my day!  God bless you!
{{{hugs}}}

LOC Sweet Wishes

Hello everyone - it is very exciting being in Australia today - our very own Jessica Watson is just sailing into Sydney Harbor after sailing around the world single handed in her yacht, the Pink Lady - she is only 16 years old and completed this amazing task in 210 days- what an amazing  girl!  The whole of Australia is standing and cheering her on as she sails the last distance in through the main part of Sydney Harbour.  I had another card to post but today decided to go 'pink' in honour of Jessica.

This is another card I made while clearing my desk with the aim of having it clean before I head off to New Zealand with my DD1 for a week with the family.  So rather than just put more things away I thought I would put together another CAS style card with the gorgeous layered flower from Layers of Color - again they are from the Flowering Gems art stamp set , this is a bigger flower than yesterday and just as delish!!  This is another example of  how easy it was to make a pretty card with just one layered flower!

I popped the second flower up on a dimensional, after colouring it with chalks and adding some Kindy Glitz for that little bit of shimmer. The DP is from a Blog Candy that I won months ago and although I have been cutting into bits and pieces of it, I decided I need to seriously 'attack' it, so this time I tore it and inked the edge of the pink side and layered it onto the reverse side of the DP - I just love this colour combo - it works so well with this image.  I also added some crotchet lace - I love lace on cards...don't you!

The sentiment is from a set of PTI stamps I won on a Blog Candy last year - they are the best little sentiments and come in so handy,  I have embossed with white SU Embossing Powder and rather than use Versamark I used white craft link....I love the slightly sharper look of it!

I know I mentioned yesterday, but thought it was worth saying again....I don't think I am letting out any 'national secrets' when I tell you that Layers of Color has some exciting New Releases coming up next month - you are NOT going to miss these....and....shhhh...just thought you might like to know...they are releasing something very new and EXCITING - keep watching this space for more into and check over at the Layers of Color Blog for the details as they become available.  have you joined the SNR Group - you have the opportunity for discounts and SNEAK PEEKS that are not available anywhere else - you can find it here - we would love to see you!
I am linking this it the following:

Crafty Cardmakers - Distressing

Crafty Angels - One for the Girls

Crafty Ann's - Anything Goes

The Crafty Calendar - The Great Outdoors - Flowers

La-la Land - Anything Goes

Polka Doodles - Dimension and Texture - Flower & torn DP

Tuesday Taggers - Let's Recycle - lace

Thank you for coming by and for your lovely comments - each one of them is special to me and makes me smile!  I hope you are having a great day and enjoying the 'moments!' I will be back tomorrow with my Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge card and would love to see you here!!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

LOC Cherished Gems

Hello - it is great to see you today!!  I realised that I have been busy with some projects but have not posted for a few days - so unlike me!  It is not that I have lost interest in you, things just got away with me....I am working ahead with some DT work to cover while I am away seeing my family in New Zealand with my DD2 - only 13 sleeps now - wahoo! 

I am slowly clearing my desk and rather than just put things away I decided to out together a CAS style card with the gorgeous layered flower from Layers of Color - they are from the Flowering Gems art stamp set - aren't they delish.  I was most impressed how easy it was to make a pretty card with just one layered flower!

I popped the second flower up on a dimensional, you can get a better idea of the dimension below.  The DP is from a Blog Candy that I won months ago and although I have been cutting into bits and pieces of it, I decided I need to seriously 'attack' it and get more of these cards made - I am enjoying the ease of creating this way, while I concentrate on the up and coming projects.

Speaking of which - I don't think I am letting out any 'national secrets' when I tell you that Layers of Color has some exciting New Releases coming up next month - you are NOT going to miss these....and....shhhh...just thought you might like to know...they are releasing something very new and EXCITING - keep watching this space for more into and check over at the Layers of Color Blog for the details as they become available.  have you joined the SNR Group - you have the opportunity for discounts and SNEAK PEEKS that are not available anywhere else - you can find it here - we would love to see you!

I am linking this it the following:

Crafty Cardmakers - Distressing

Crafty Angels - One for the Girls

Crafty Ann's - Anything Goes

The Crafty Calendar - The Great Outdoors - Flowers

La-la Land - Anything Goes

Polka Doodles - Summer blossoms

Tuesday Taggers - Let's Recycle - ribbon

Wednesday Stamper - Flowers & Rubber Stamps - flower is a stamp

Thank you for coming by and for your lovely comments - each one of then is valued and make my day!  I hope you are having a great day and enjoying the 'moments!' I will be back tomorrow with another post and would love to see you here!!  God bless you!

  {{{hugs}}}

MMSC53 This is no ordinary week at the Midnight Madness!!

It is great to see you all at the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge  Anniversary Celebrations - this week we have plenty more action for you..,yes we are having a Dance Party - have you got your party clothes ready...

There's a party goin' on right here

A celebration to last throughout the years

So bring your good times and your laughter too

We gonna celebrate your party with you!

(_|_)(_\_)(_|_)(_/_)(_|_)(_\_)(_|_)(_/_)

Do you want to see  what I am wearing...obviously I have had a little bit of 'work done!' LOL!  IF ONLY!!!  Let me dream people!!! LOL!

We sent out the invitations, we teased you with our comments, and now it is time to “Get Down and Party” with the Midnight Madness girls. All week long the party is going on so keep checking back at PARTY CENTRAL as we will be changing it up. We are going to be having so much fun and hope you will be joining us. So ladies, now is the time to put on those party dresses and dancing shoes!!! Now let’s get the party started.

 Turn up the volume when you get over there and journey back with us to the “Disco Era”. You know you can’t sit still listening to these great hits of the 70”s. Who can forget “Saturday Night Fever” and John Travolta thrilling us with his dance moves? Let’s see some of your dance moves….don’t be shy!!!

Check in over at the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge for today's comment challenge
Each day something different will be posted on the blog to keep the party going. To be eligible for the prizes, make sure you come back each day to see the new party theme and post another comment.

Before the party gets too 'WILD' I will show you my card for this weeks celebrations - I have used an image from this weeks Bonus sponsor The Stamping Boutique - this adorable image was a pleasure to use.

and fitted so perfectly with this week's sketch. I used large scallops down the right side to keep to the sketch, along with small rectangles of DP layered into black CS.  Although I have followed the fancy Sketch for this week, I have tried to keep it more CAS, as this image 'does it all ' really!

 I coloured her with SU Chalks (no prizes for guessing that one - LOL!)  My DH suggested I add the golden glow - and he was right...he has a great eye for detail - phew!  Sometimes the white background works for the image and other times it needs something a bit more...in my opinion!!

I did some 'fussing cutting' and popped up the image on foam dots

and added a bit of shimmer

and now...here, without any further interruptions is this week's sketch

Fancy something a little more CAS - just click here for this week's "YOUR CHOICE"  - it is as Easy as 1-2-3

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Our MMSC52 Gold Star Award goes to...

#31 Nancy Brown

Our Remarkables Awards this week go to...

#17 SuperNan

#35 Brenda

#52 Holly Miller

Please grab your award logos from the side bar and display them proudly :)

This Weeks Sneak Peeks for our Special Blogaversary Celebration!

A BIG thank you to our weekly BONUS Sponsor

The Stamping Boutique

and our monthly Sponsor

PB Stamps

Dick over at PB Stamps has very generously offered up a 15% life time discount to 5 of our players….YES, you heard right, 5 (five) winners will be randomly drawn at the end of the month!! WOW!.

I am linking this to:

Totally Gorjuss - Pink & Green

Crafty Cardmakers - Distressing

Whoospi Daisy - As You Like It
Flutterby Wednesday - Must have Fairy, Butterfly or Angel
Crafty Angels - One for the Girls

Creatalicious Challenge - Flowers & Wings
Little Red Wagon - Pink & Green
Crafty Creations - Magical

Wow - I am glad you made it through the post and down to the end - thanks for staying with me - I do love it when you come and visit and love reading your encouraging comments!  I would love to catch up with you at the Party this week - you know you want to be there....God bless you!!

{{{hugs}}}

Bella Baby & a Surprise RAK

I have a card to share with you today - it is one I made just for fun and also as I don't have many baby cards and figured as soon as I don't have one - someone is going to have a baby!! LOL!  You know how it goes!  This one is made with a RAK I received and have had aside to colour and just never seemed to get to it - so here it is!

I went with the pink and blue colour theme, although is does look more girly than for a boy.  The image is coloured with chalks.

The sentiment is stamped from my friend Melinda's (melinda80) SU Set.  The rest of the card is very straight forward - very simple but every now and then it is nice to make something that  you don't have to think much about - the colouring is like therapy - saves my DH big $$'s!!

I also wanted to share with you this beautiful surprise I got today in the post - it 'blew me away' - you see, I got a fabulous tin of Prismacolor Pencils - the things I only dream of!!  I am so touched by the generous gift, on many levels and say a HUGE and HEARTFELT THANK YOU to my very generous friend and sister!!  I am itching to use them but will be doing some research first - feel free to throw any advice my way - I will need it!!  I have read to use Gamsol - or is it Baby Oil - please help the newbie to this...LOL!

I am linking this to:

Oh Alice - Card for a child

SophistiCat Challenge - Card for a Child

One Stitch at a Time - Children's theme

I hope you are all having a great day - mine has just 'peaked!!' LOL! Thank you for visiting with me and those lovely comments you leave me - I love seeing you have been - it makes my day!  God bless you

{{{hugs}}}

SSIC LOC The Time is Come...

Hello everyone, it is time for this weeks Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge and I would like to start by wishing all of the Mum's happy Mother's Day!  I hope that you are feeling special!!

It is my pleasure to be hosting this weeks challenge and the scripture I am sharing is:

 'But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.' John 4:23

I love this scripture and it stirs me on the inside ...'to worship in spirit and in truth' isn't this the very thing we long for - my heart gets excited and longs for me to be one of those who the Father seeks.  I am sure we have all heard the term that 'worship is a lifestyle' and yes, I wholeheartedly agree with this, but for me personally I want to steer clear of it becoming 'Christian-ese' and just another statement we say as a standard answer.....it has to be more than that for me, to be the kind of worshipper the Father, our Heavenly Father seeks.....

How do we become those 'who the Father seeks,' in our everyday life - does it mean that everyday we have to have our hands raised and sing worship songs to the Lord, where ever we are - if this is the case, I have already failed - could it be that God wants us to have an attitude of worship, glorifying Him in all that we do, not just with our hands lifted to Him, but perhaps hands reaching OUT to those around us who are still finding their way....could He mean that when we get together in HIS name, rather than singing and lifting our hands in worship (for those that do) and get lost in the feeling that worship can create in us, we could be just that much more aware of our brother/sister sitting just down from us with their head hanging low and heart so heavy they can't bear it....would reaching out to them, putting a loving hand on their shoulder and helping them to 'lift up their heads', could this be my 'true act of worhsip' or perhaps ringing someone who has been on my mind just to encourage them, baking a meal for that family that is struggling .....and the list goes on...

God has always been interested in the heart - it is HIS territory, to me, it seems that this is where He would be looking for those who 'worship in spirit and in truth' more than through the actions we do.  I for one do not have all of the answers and know the day I do, I am in deep trouble....LOL!  But I do know that I my heart is to be one that He would be seeking after, and to bring along as many as I can on the way.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this.....

The challenge today, is to create something using any shades of brown, blue and white.  I look forward to seeing your creations and perhaps hearing your thoughts...God bless you!

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

*Lisa * Kristine * Kathy * Chris * Candace * Grace * PeggySue * Randi * Miejse*

A BIG thank you to this weeks sponsor:

Simon Says Stamp

one random winner will receive an fabulous set of stamps!  What a blessing!!!

We can't wait to see all of YOUR creations this week! 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, May 15th.

I am linking this card to:

Crafty Card Makers - Distressing

Please feel free to pop on over to Layers of Color and stroll through my gallery there and also visit the other Designers, there is so much inspiration waiting there for you!  Laura has created the most incredible post up at the moment and you are going to want to see it - just click here

Thank you  for visiting today and for your lovely comments - you have made blogging such a great experience for me.  I love knowing that you stop by and take the time to leave a comment - I read each one and they make me smile - thank you - you ROCK!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

Forever Friends

As you can see I have been on a scrapbooking 'roll' and am just loving getting some of my favourite photos onto layouts  I love these photos of my DS....he is so adorable and just loves his bear 'Kirby'  They have had many an adventure together and it is a pleasure to put this together for him to look back on!

I have taken an easier road with this layout and used DP for the bears rather than stamp them - but how could I resist - they are adorable and so perfect for the theme.

This sentiment was given to me from the back of a Kaiser Catalogue by my friend Chriss - thanks Chriss, these are great....I love the sentiment - it is so true!.. I attached it to white CS and distressed the edges adding some distressing ink as well.

The title is a SU Rubon from a RAK, how easy is that!!  The tape measure is from some DP (thanks Hannah aka bubblefrog) and just seemed perfect to symbolise growth and growing - there is so much of that going on at this age!

I loved this bear and only had half of him, so time for some creative thinking!! LOL!  I stamped the script and then cut the DP and sponged it, slipping the bear in there - how could I resist him!?

I have had this stamp for sometime and only inked it up for this layout - I even had to cut the rubber - I never thought I would have stamps and not use them, but....you know how it is!!  What a perfect sentiment!!

I love this SU tag - it symbolises the adventures this boy and his bear are on - they go everywhere together - there is a deep love here!!  It touches my heart, I know he will look at this layout one day and feel all of the emotion that he felt as a child, for his 'forever friend!'

I am linking this layout to the following challenges:

Crazy 4 Challenges - boys

Pile It On - Boyish Colours

Oh Alice - Card for a Child

SophisticCat - Card for a Child

Your Nest Stamp - Going Dotty - Sentiment Circle

Papertake Weekly - Something You Don't Usually Do - Use DP instead of images

Cute Card Thursday - Make Your Own Element - DP

Cards for Men - Monochromatic

One Stitch at a Time - Childrens Theme

Crafty Creations - Make Your Own DP

ScrapCard Challenges - Monochrome

Thank you for stopping by today - your visits mean so much to me, I love knowing that you have been!  I hope you are having a restful weekend and celebrate Mother's Day - even if you are not a Mum, you have or have had one - what a blessing Mum's are - no more important than Dad's just a different role!!! 

Happy Mother's Day

{{{hugs}}}

LOC Faith Art Friday

Each Friday Laura from Layers of Color posts Faith Art Friday - I love these posts, they are not aimed at promoting any product but are purely to share our faith, through our creativity - to encourage and share from the heart!

Faith Art cards are a passion of mine, I love to be able to combine my passion for paper with my passion for HIM!  I am very grateful to my friend Sabrina (okimom2girlz) who sent me so many stamped scriptures, I do type them on the computer but LOVE the fonts used - this one is a Plain Jane from Verve

This beautiful bird is from the Layers of Color  Backyard Birds art stamp set, I have stamped it twice and cut out the bird from the second one, coloured it lightly with chalks and popped in back on with foam dots - I love the dimension it has added.

As I was working on this card I started thinking about the scripture here and I realised I need to take it on board more.  Being weary it seems, is not the same as being tired - when you are tired a good nights sleep can be a huge help - but when you are weary, you are worn down...not just in the physical but more often than not - the heart!!  A weary heart happens to us all throughout life's experiences - I am sure there are none exempt - so when it does, let's remember this verse and apply it.

For me it is one thing to give things to God - but totally another to leave them with Him.  Why do feel I need to take these things that weigh me down back - I have no idea, but I am going to try harder to leave them in His capable hands - they certainly aren't doing me any good!  LOL!  I could learn a lot from the 'Birds of the Air!

This card ios also for the Twisted Sister Challenge this week - monochromatic and featuring a bird - gee, I guess who set that challenge! LOL!

I am linking this to:

Cute Daisy May - As You Like It

Allsorts Challenge - Animals

Incy Wincy Designs - Anything Goes

Lexi's Creations - Animals

Kaboodles - Celebrate Spring

Pile It On - Boyish Colours

Cards for Men - Monochrome

AiFactory - Buttons

Spoon Full of Sugar - 3D

Thank you for taking the time to visit today - I always love to see that you have been - even better today as I am not firing on all cylinders - I have bronchitis and love to see your smiling face!!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

SSIC It's Peggy Sue's Birthday!!

Today it is Peggysue's birthday, and we at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenges are throwing her a virtual birthday party, each of us is going to bring something special - some of Peggysue's favourite things infact!  You will see what I am bringing further down this post....but in the meantime.....

Often floral cards are inspired by my DH's photography - and as I am bringing something YUMBLY to the party I thought I would show you something with BOLD colours - using Layers of Color art stamp set Merci Bouquet.  I have used some gorgeous textured DP that Laura sent me in a RAK - it is a shame you cannot feel the texture here - I am very much a 'hands on and inky fingered' type person and this appeals to me greatly!

I am inspired by this lovely photo taken by my DH - he is a photographer and often his photos are of our flowers and backyard, or local scenes - you can see some of these here.

 So naturally, I am bringing CHOCOLATES and not just any chocolates - calorie fee chocolates!!  Is there such a thing - well yes, and here they are!!

They look yummy don't they, but don't be fooled, they are calories free because they are candles and can you believe that someone actually tried to bite them - arghhhh!  While I was taking the photo I asked my DD1 if she knew which one had the bite marks and before I knew it, she bit this one - what is with that!!?!?  She says she was helping me.....hell-o-o-o!!!

Now, I did offer to being drinks, but just as well Kathy had that covered - look what happens to them in our house...LOL!  Just as well really, as I believe Peggysue drinks Diet Pepsi!!

If you arrived here from Randi's Blog, then you're in the right place! If not, please start this short hop at SSCC blog.  If you happen to get lost along the way, the blog hop order is:

Candace
Kathy
Miesje
Lisa
Randi
Linda (that's me!)
Kristine

Grace

Chris

♫ Happy Birthday to you Peggysue - hope your day is 'SWEET' lovely! ♫  Corny I know - but I could not help myself!  LOL!  Don't forget to stop by and wish Peggysue a Happy Birthday!  The next stop on the Hop is the very lovely Kristine

Thanks for coming by today and for your fabulous comments, you are always so kind!!  God bless you!!

{{{hugs}}}