LOC Faith Art Friday - The Cost of Admission!

Did you miss me - I have had no phone or Internet access for over 48 hours and it was HORRID!  A storm damaged some phone lines and we were one of the many homes effected - painful!  I am happy to be back up and running and nearly caught up with emails!! 

It is amazing how much you can actually get done when you are not on the computer, but we won't go 'there' will we!?!? LOL!  I had fun with the creating side of things, and.....

...it is my pleasure to be hosting Faith Art Friday over at Layers of Color this week.  You will find different members of the Design Team will be sharing their art and their heart from time to time, I love the inspiration that comes from Faith Art Friday, on many levels!

The heart - it seems we cannot avoid the fact that it is at the very core of so many aspects of our faith.  The Cross - it is at the Cross that we find our salvation through the shedding of the blood of Jesus  We are all familiar with the scripture in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son....."

This leads to the question is it enough to know of God, to know all about Him, even be a theologian and know the Word of God from beginning to end...as much as it makes us feel good to think that knowing about Him gives us our ticket to Heaven.  What about attending Church - surely this is enough to 'get us in'?!  It no more secures our seat than sitting in a garage for 20years makes us a car.

Scripture clearly tells us that we need to believe on HIM to be saved, infact the second part of one of the most well known scriptures goes onto say "...that whosoever believes on Him shall be saved!'  Therefore we need to believe - it is not enough to be good, to go to Church each week and be seen doing the right thing - the first step is to believe - scripture clearly tells us

'If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.' Rom 10: 9 -10

this is when we have assurance of our salvation!

It has been said that it is arrogant for Christians for believe that Jesus is the only way - that every religion is a candle on the road of life - to this I would say

'why settle for a candle, when you can have the LIGHT OF THE WORLD!!"

It is always thought provoking for me when I create Faith Art - I love to include symbolism.  The thinking and creative process tend to blend and come one motivating and challenging process! 

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 visiting today and for your comments, you are always so encouraging and make my day!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

MMSC62 - Two for One!

It is a rough life when you just can't decide between two images for your card - this is what has been happening for me with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge these last couple of weeks - so I have not one BUT two cards again...I cannot help myself

The first one of from our monthly sponsor - Angela at Sew many Cards. 

  I have also used the CS from our weekly sponsor Patricia from the Paper Temptress, on both cards  and they are fabulous to use!   You will see from both cards the variety of colours and if you could feel the DP you would know just how DIVINE they are!  I am very tactile and LOVE them!!

Who can resist this darling penguin - the closest I will ever get to one is at the Zoo and we have spent hours watching them - they are so entertaining!  I am sure this ice skating one would draw a crowd!!  I have embossed the DP and it has embossed deeply, which I am happy with, it was a challenge for me to use mainly CS as I L-O-V-E my DP's, but am convinced that a great look can be achieved with CS as well!

I have popped the snow globe up on foam tape and also cut out the penguin and popped him up on foam tape as well - you can see the dimension above!  You know I just had to add some shimmer with Kindy Glitz and Bling!!

I could not resist making a second card with this fabulous Teapot from 'priscillastyles" stores.  Again  I have used the CS for the Paper Temptress as my base card then relied on this DIVINE DP from SU....which worked so well with the 'wedgewood' look I have tried to achieve!!

I printed this gorgeous China Teapot on the white CS, cut it out, coloured it with SU Chalks and popped it up on foam tape onto blue embossed CS.  I used the Forest Branches Embossing Folder that I was sent from Grace, one of my dear friend as well as Design Team and Twisted Sisters...Thank you Grace!!

The side swirls are from the Doodle Parts Nestibilitie - I love the way these interlock, some paper piercing was added, just for something different - what do you think!?!

Here is this week's sketch - I know you are 'busting' to get creating.....remember - it is YOUR CHOICE - it is as easy as 1-2-3...you can check both sketches here

I am linking these to:

The Shabby Tea Room - Christmas in July - card #1
Drunken Stamper - Water - Ice is made from Water - card #1
Pollycraft Monday - Bold and Bright - card #1
Paper Sundaes - Lots of Layers

Congratulations to the MMSC61 Gold Star Winner

#9 Lesley aka SuperNan

(Yay - congratulations MUM - you rocked this week girlie!!)

and the MM Remarkables

#2 Karen Wallace

#23 Sue Drees

#41 Sharon Basel

#50 Marsha Sanderlin

Thank you to our weekly sponsor

Paper Temptress

and our Monthy Sponsor

Sew many Cards

It is great to see some of you incorporating some of the CDAC challenges with your Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge cards. There is so many talented artists on that site it is just a joy to look through the gallery collection of over 7000 projects made with digital stamps. The CDAC is got so much to offer, so if you have not been over there yet, I encourage you to stop in for a peak, there are new challenges going up soon.

Thank you for looking and for your encouraging comments - you always make my day!  I look forward to coming to visit YOU as you play along with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  God bless you!

  {{{hugs}}}

CSSC Dude Ranch

Hello - this is my second post today and it is my second week as Guest Designer for Cowgirls Sunday Stampen' Challenge .  The theme this week is Sorbet/Ice Cream Flavours and I bet you can't pick what this flavour is....it is a YUMBLY one and I will tell you further down the post!!! LOL!

This is my second week as the Julky Guest Designer and I am lovong these images - how adorable are these two little 'dudes'.

Just quietly, over on SSC, some of the Twisted Sistahs go wild for cowboys - the WWW Man sends them crazy...many  a cowboy card has the sentiment 'Cowboy butts, drive me nuts!' as tempted as I was to use that sentiment, I could not bring myself to do it!  LOL!  These are just little boys and too adorable!

I have printed the image twice, coloured the boys on the top layer and cut them out, coloured them with SU Chalks and popped them up on foam dots, placing them onto the first layer.  The fence posts have been coloured with SU Chalks and sponged with Tim Holtz Distressing Ink in Walnut Stain.

The ticketed image is part of a RAK from my Twisted Sistah and dear friend, Pat Smethers.....she is smitten with the WWW man and I know she will love these darling boys!.  I have layered it onto blue CS and then attached it with one of the Star Brads, also from Pat, as is that gorgeous leather look DP.  All edges are sponged with Distressing Ink, apart from the torn edge....I left this unsponged due for variation!  Have you figured out my ice cream flavour yet - Blueberry Chocolate Swirl - so yumbly and all those antioxidants!  LOL!

I am linking this to:

Incy Wincy Designs - Use Punches

Creative Inspiration Challenge - Oldest Thing in Craft Stash - Chalks

Speedy the Cat's Friends - Punch It

You can see plenty of inspiration over the Cowgirls Sunday Stamp'en Challenge, the girls have got amazing creations to inspire you!  We would love you to join us this week.  Your card must be linked by 12:01 AM EST on Saturday, July 17th to qualify for this challenge! Please link to your post and not your actual blog. When uploading your card into SCS, PCP or other stamping community, please use the short name: CSSC.

Thank you for looking and for your lovely comments!!  You are always so encouraging - I appreciate you taking the time!  I hope your weekend is a great one.  It has been  very overcast here and our household has been in and out, leaving me with bits and pieces of time to get some crafting done in stages.....I hope you find the time for you' and your 'stash!'  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

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}}}

TSC0719 Prettily Pierced

Here is my card for this week's Twisted Sister Challenge, it has been a while since I played along and I HAVE MISSED IT!  This group of Sistah's are such fun, each week we take turns to set the challenge and this week, it is my turn.  I have chosen Paper Piercing - nice and easy!!

I have used the Layers of Color Art Stencil Delicious Dots as a paper piercing template - how cool is that!  I love the way it has turned bout - I was inspired by our dear Stampin' friend and Sistah NinaB, whose cards just amaze me!  I love the way it turned out. 

I then added some flowers from the Flowering Gems Art Stamp Set, these flowers are gorgeous and so easy to use.  they can be used as singles or layered, chalked, pencils, Copics, bling, shimmer - you name it, they make it look good!

To finish I added a row of lace and red Vintage Corners.  One easy card, just what we need at times!

I am linking this to the following Challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers - Inky Fingers

Polka Doodle - Summer Theme

Magical Carfts Fortnightly Challenge - Flower Power

Delightful Challenges - Summertime Challenges

My Sheri Crafts - Summer

Easy Craft Projects - Summer

My Partner in Crime - Summertime

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 those lovely comments you leave me - I appreciate you taking the time, especially when things are so busy - thank you!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

LOC Sunrise

I have been playing with the Layers of Color Art Stencils, just seeing what different looks I can get with them, I have to be honest and say I am not totally convinced about the finished card - I am interested to hear what you think!

  I sponged the Vintage Medallion Art Stencil  with Distressing Ink and used a circle cutter, sponging around the edges with Walnut Stain to give the impression of a border

The corners of the base card have been sponged with the Art Stencil.  I also paper pierced along the main arteries of the image, it almost gave it a pinwheel effect.

The flower was actually the starting point of this card - believe it or not.  I have seen so many gorgeous handmade flowers lately and thought I would have a try with the Scalloped Circle Punch - I am happy with the result but look forward to refining it and trying different effects with it - I am thinking maybe Art Stencils......hmmmmm!

The flower is held together by some double sided tale and also a large gold brad - with a gem attached of course!!  I added some more bling to the corners and you can also see the organza bow that is underneath the flower - something different!!

So there you have it - another example of how effective the Art Stencils are.  I have seen some gorgeous creations on some of your blogs and have been inspired by you.  I know once you try them you will become addicted and I will be an enabler! LOL!

I am linking this to:

By the Cute and Girly - Warm Summer Days

Crafty Cardmakers - Inky Fingers

Incy Wincy - Punches

Lexis Creations - 3D Decoupage

Drunken Stamper - Summer

Oh La La - Simply Summer

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 those lovely comments you leave me - I appreciate you taking the time, especially when things are so busy - thank you!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

MMSC61 Bedazzled

It is time for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and that makes today exciting!!  If you are anything like me, you 'hang' to see what everyone has created and for some inspiration - well, you are not going to be disappointed this week - it is all happening!!

This week I have made not one BUT two cards - this one is using one of "priscillastyles" images - isn't this butterfly gorgeous!  I have had it printed and sitting on my desk for sometime and decided it was time I did something with it.

I coloured the image with SU Chalks using a Blender Pen and  attached it to a framed oval I had created with my Nestibilities Oval - I cut one in white and the next size up - the largest one - in black, the smaller one was placed slightly to the side on the black oval, to fit in with Priscilla's sketch.  The side pieces probably took me as long as the rest of the card to do and get right! LOL!

The DP I used are textured and  I just tore and sponged to get this effect - you can see by the photo above that I popped up the wings on foam tape,  The pearls are actually white but have taken on a glow from the butterfly - so look like they match!

My second card is with an image form our monthly sponsor - Angela from Sew Many Cards.  I have found that although I usually do vintage, I love the whimsical images and have enjoyed this darling dinosaur!!  There is just something about the shape of Angela's images that I adore - so cuddly and round!!  Love it as I don't make many children's cards, so this was a great opportunity.

I kept pretty much to the sketch, adding torn corners with leftover DP and some pape piercing around the oval.

Now, here is what you have been waiting for - this weeks sketch!!

 

Once again, it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between!

  It's as easy as 1-2-3 Click here to see both sketches

Congratulations to our MMSC60 Gold Star winner

#11 Lorie S

and

MMSC60 Remarkables winners

#16 Linda W
#28 Jane Snyder

#38 Teri Sherman

Thank you to our Weekly Bonus Sponsor

Doodle Palace

and our Monthly sponsor

Sew Many Cards

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jessica for being such a fabulous guest diva . Jessica your talent  and CAS flair of card making really made for a nice variety to our samples over the last 3 months.  Thank you! 

We are very excited to have Holly joining in the fun, so please help me in welcoming our newest Guest Diva.

Holly Miller

Holly, I am looking forward to working with you and hope some of your inspiration and skill rubs off on me - you are amazing. 

I am linking this card to the following Challenges:

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Animal Crackers

Creative Card Crew - Die Cuts

By the Cute and Girly - Summer things - Butterflies

My Favourite Things - Butterflies, Chalks

Hand Full of Stamps - Lifes a Picinic - every picnic has to have butterflies!

Oh La La - Simply Summer - Butterflies

Drunken Stampers - Butterflies/Vacation

Lexi's Challenges - 3D Decoupage

Prarie Fairy - Anything Goes

Speedy's Friends Challenge - Die Cuts

Crafty Catz Weekly - Distressing

Nutty Nutshells - Summertime Fun

Crafty Cardmakers - Inky Fingers

It is great to see some of you incorporating some of the CDAC challenges with your Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge cards. There is so many talented artists on that site it is just a joy to look through the gallery collection of over 7000 projects made with digital stamps. The CDAC is got so much to offer, so if you have not been over there yet, I encourage you to stop in for a peak.

Thank you for looking and for your encouraging comments - you always make my day!  I look forward to coming to visit YOU as you play along with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  God bless you!

  {{{hugs}}}

CSSC Madam - and Guest Designer!!

I am excited to be doing this post today - you can imagine my surprise when I saw on the Cowgirls Sunday Stamp'en Challenge that I had won their challenge AND with that prize came the opportunity to be a Guest Designer - how could I say no with adorable images like this one!

I have used this cute image called 'Maddie' - as soon as I saw it I know I would have to have it - you see, my youngest daughter, also a Maddy, used to stand just like this - not with that 'sticking out belly' but with her arms folded and a HUGE frown on her face.   When people would look at her she would yell at them 'NO YOU LOOKIE AT ME!' and they wouldn't!  Our friends remember her doing this - and we are talking 10 years ago! LOL!

This weeks Challenge is to use Scallops and embellishments - easy!!!  I have coloured the image with my SU Chalks and Blender Pen, cut her out and popped her up onto an Oval Nestibilitie using foam tape.  The Oval Nestie is layered onto an embossed Scalloped Oval - I used the Perfect Paisley Embossing folder,   The corners are from the Cuttlebug Vintage Corners Die and the gorgeous lace is from my dear friend Maxine (aka Kiwime) in her generous RAK while I was in New Zealand.

The Oval has been paper pierced around the edges.  Awww, look at that face - it is so adorable - I just had to add a closer view so you could see the detail - isn't it fabulous!  You need to check out Cowgirl-Up- Stamps and see the HUGE range of images - be warned - you will LOVE them!!  But being digi's you can buy twice as many for half the price! LOL!  I am looking forward to using the ones I have - can't wait to show you!!

I am linking this card to the following challenges:

ISC on SCS - Oompa - Toys, Gear, Furniture - Inspired by Colours

Magical Crafts - Flower Power

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge - Use a Die Cut

Creative Craft Challenges - Stamp It up

StampinB - Summer Vacation - we took this 'attitude' on many summer vacations! LOL!

Oh-La-La Creations - Simply Summer

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Nice and Girly

Pollycraft Challenge - Pinkilicious

Creative Cottage Challenge - Summer Surprise

Craftilicious- Cute

By the Cute and Girly - Warm Summer Days - dressed ready!!

You can see plenty of inspiration over the Cowgirls Sunday Stamp'en Challenge, the girls have got amazing creations to inspire you!  We would love you to join us this week.  Your card must be linked by 12:01 AM EST on Saturday, July 10th to qualify for this challenge! Please link to your post and not your actual blog. When uploading your card into SCS, PCP or other stamping community, please use the short name: CSSC.

Thank you for visiting and for your lovely comments - you are always so encouraging - you know I LOVE to see that you have been!  It is Sunday night here and we are just chilling out after a very laid back weekend - it is COLD and I am happy that it is school holidays - no rushing to get ready for us in the morning - wahoo!!  I hope you are enjoying your weekend - Happy JULY 4th to my American friends!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

SSIC LOC A Touch of Red

This weeks challenge for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge is from every stampers friend, the lovely Chris aka Glowbug.

 Chris has chosen this scripture:

'Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.'  2 Chronicles 7:14

and challenged us to use red or blue on you creation. It need not be patriotic

I have used Layers of Color Art Stencils and Clear Art stamps with my cards today! I have not one but two cards to show you!  The first one is made using the Vintage Rose Clear Art Stamps and the Belle Brocade Art Stencil.  This was one very quick and easy card to create - the longest part was cutting out the roses, the rest happened so fast - I love that about the Art Stencils - they give maximum result with very little effort (great for me on those lazy days! LOL!)

My second card is made using the Botanical Swirls Art Stencil and the Royal Birds Art Stamp set, again very easy, but I just love the way they look!

My images have been coloured with SU Chalks using a Blender Pen on both cards.  recycled lace has been added to the lower half of the card and the coloured image attached - itsn't it amazing how different they look - what do you think!?!?

Praying - such a vital key as Christians and yet sometimes one of our last resources as a Christian.  Look at God;s promise - if we HUMBLE ourselves and pray He will heal our land.  We only have to eatch the news to see the mess our world is in - floods, famines, tsunami's, earthquakes, wars rumours of wars - sound familiar.  Every day people's lives are being devastated diue to the things that are happening at such a devastating rate.  You only need to look at the oil situation - everything possible is being done to try and fix that travesty - but I have to wonder of the answer is right here before us....

'Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.' 2 Chronicles 7:14

Thank you to our sponsor this week

 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 *

I am linking this to the following challenges:
Crafty Calendar Challenge - Flowers
Meljens Designs - Red, White and Blue
ABC Design Blog - Red, White and Blue

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!

{{{hugs}}}