You Are FEARLESS

When I saw the challenge at www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com asking us to make a creation using our favourite "word", I thought about my sweet niece, Brittany.  She is about to set off on a missions trip to Nicaragua to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She doesn't know exactly what lies ahead for her, but she is facing it with a "FEARLESS" attitude - completely trusting God.  So, this card is for her with my "favourite word".  We have nothing to fear when God is on our side.

I made the card based on a wonderful sketch provided by http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com which looks like this, and I knew I could work with it.

So, here is the list of challenges I am linking this card to:

http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/ - Sweet Sketch #151 - They have the sweetest Design Team who actually stop  by your blog and comment on your entry.  They are involved and encouraging, and I appreciate this SO much.

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-stamp-and-show-your.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show - Make a Project Using Your Favorite Word, which right now is "Fearless" in honor of my brave niece, Brittany, who is ready to go to Nicaragua and spread the Gospel.

http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/2012/04/city-crafter-challenge-blog-week-106.html - City Crafter Challenge Blog who is asking us to get "A Little Rough Around the Edges", so I added some distress ink, jute and burlap.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes.  I just LOVE entering their awesome challenges every week.  Since I'm recovering from foot surgery, I'm thinking, "I could win. . . .who knows?  Anything Goes, right?

http://joannasheenchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/flower-power.html - Flower Power at Joanna Sheen - Their store is AMAZING

Those are the amazing challenges I've chosen to enter, and I'm just trusting God to help me make my way to a win this week.  It could happen.  Have faith.

I appreciate each of you for stopping by and leaving a comment.  I always do my best to also visit your blogs.  Since I'm stuck on the couch, your visits mean more than ever.  I do hope you have a blessed day, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this card.

Praising God,
Karen

Rain, Rain - Go Away

It's a beautiful time of year when the weather is warm, but those April showers sometimes dampen our spirits a bit.  We know that the rain is necessary to bring forth the flowers in May.  But today, I'm asking the rain to "go away".  I made this card using Melissa Frances and Simple Stories patterned papers, a Melissa Frances die-cut sticker image on a doily, a Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment saying, "Rain Rain Go Away", some hand-made scrunched seam binding, machine stitching, a metal heart, and a beautiful stick pin made by the talented Viola Mahr in the hopes that the rain will go away soon.

I am entering this little "Rain Themed Card" in the following challenges:

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/04/27/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-rainy-day-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Rainy Day Challenge - I thought this sentiment said it all, and I can't wait to see the birds making their annual nests during May.    The warm sunny days will soon be here.

I'm also entering this wonderful challenge:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes Challenge

http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/ - Sweet Sketch Wednesdays - I really liked this simple sketch, and thought I'd give it a try.

http://scrapbooksisters.blogspot.com/2012/04/card-challenge-no-81.html - One Circle/Two Buttons

I hope that all of you are dodging the raindrops wherever you are, and hoping for brighter days.  May God make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you - as He is to me.  And remember, "Rain Rain - Go Away, and COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS every day". 

Have a blessed day.

Karen

The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

As some of you already know, I had surgery on my foot Friday to repair a torn tendon.  It has been painful and difficult; I will admit that.  But it's also been a tremendous blessing to see God working in my life through this trial.  I really wanted to recover from this surgery without the use of narcotic pain medication.  I knew I needed to look to the Lord for strength.  It was unreal to me how many helpful, encouraging verses I found in His Word regarding strength.  I've clung to, "The Joy of the Lord is My Strength", and also Jeremiah 17:14, "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed.  Save me, and I shall be saved, for Thou art my praise."  And let's not forget Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

I had to make my art for this week's Word Art Wednesday Challenge before my surgery because I knew I wouldn't feel up to it this week.  I made this card using MME Blush line papers, a Hero Arts background stamp, some Prima flowers and leaves, vintage lace and MM trim, and a few other goodies.  I actually gave this card to a friend at church.

What could cheer me up this week?  Finally winning at Simon Says Stamp Blog would be a dream come true.  Here is a link to their challenge:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Anything Goes


Abby's Scripture Thursday is the perfect place to link up your projects that contain Biblical scripture.

I hope you will all stop by Word Art Wednesday and play along in this week's challenge.  I also want to say thanks for your prayers and encouraging words, and to let you know that I am happy to pray for you if you need it (just let me know).  Have a great week, and be strong in the Lord.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Mother's Day is Coming

I'm trying to get a jump start on Mother's Day cards.   I need a few for my own gift-giving, and a few more for orders I've received.  So, I got started today.  Like all holidays, they sneak up on us before we know it, so I figured it's best to get busy now.  Once Friday comes, and I have my surgery, I don't know how I'll be feeling.  Planning ahead is always best.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

This card is based on a sketch from a darling little Russian Challenge Blog:
http://blog.artugolok.ru/2012/04/07.html - Card #7 "From Simple to Complex"
Here is the sketch.

Simon Says Stamp Blog Simon Says Stamp and Show:
http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-stamp-and-show-anything-goes.html - Anything Goes

http://joannasheenchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/someone-special.html - Someone Special - And that "Someone Special" would be my dear Mom

Have you gotten any of your Mother's Day cards finished yet?  Leave me a message.  I would love to visit your blog and see what you've created.

Hugs,
Karen

Fresh From God - Simon Says Stamp, Sketch Saturday & Clear It Out Challenge

There's nothing on earth quite as sweet and lovely as a newborn baby.   With that said, I'd like to introduce you to Lily.  Not my Lily, but another precious little Lily.  She was born April 5, weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz.  Her sweet Mama is the daughter of a friend of mine, and she actually used to babysit my kids.  Boy, does that ever make me feel old.

I made a little card for her that I made into a photo holder so that her Mama can save it with a photo of this little sweetie.  Lily is precious - fresh from God.  Psalm 127:3

My card is based on Dawny's sketch at Simon Says Stamp Blog and I used My Mind's Eye Blush line.  The tiny little tag says Lily, but it's difficult to see.  Here is the card:

Here is the link to the Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the sketch I used:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-follow-dawnys-sketch.html - Dawny's Sketch

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-stamp-and-show-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show/Anything Goes

http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-203-14th-april-sponsored-by-simon.html - Sketch Saturday Sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.  I almost forgot to link this one.  They have the most amazing challenges.  Check it out.

The second project I made is for Clear It Out Challenge Blog where they are having a REALLY cool and fun challenge.  It's a Karaoke Challenge, and you need to base your project on a song.  Since my project is a little treat bag, I used the song, "SWEET GIRL" by Fleetwood Mac.  This little paper bag project is perfect for tucking treats inside.  I used a Bugaboo Digital Stamp on my project because the sponsor for this challenge is the wonderful Bugaboo Stamps.  They have the cutest images, and I would LOVE to win.  You can check out this awesome challenge here:
http://www.clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-challenge-time.html - Karaoke Challenge

My song - "Sweet Girl" by Fleetwood Mac.

I'm also entering this project here because I used a Bagaboo image:

http://digidarlas.blogspot.com/2012/04/ddc-8-anything-goes-sponsored-by.html - Anything Goes



I don't often win, but I still love to play and be inspired by the challenges out there.  I hope you will join in the fun on some of these challenges as well; including our weekly challenge at Word Art Wednesday where we would LOVE to see you.  Have a wonderful day.

God's blessings to you,

Karen

Another Wonderful Word Art Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and time for another fun challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  This week, I decided to make a couple of little tags and a paper bag pocket card to hold them.  These little paper bag pocket cards work nicely for gift giving, and you can tuck the tag and maybe a little surprise inside as well.  It's a nice idea for those times when you want to give someone special more than just a card.  The pocket can hold whatever you like - a gift card, a note, photos, etc.  They're inexpensive and easy to make as well.

This week's sponsor at Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog is Whimsy Stamps and you could win a lovely prize from their store.  I really hope you will stop by and link up a project with us this week.  You can use the free scripture/word art provided on the blog, or just link up any project with scripture or an uplifting/encouraging quote.

I'm going to link up this project in the challenge at Little Red Wagon since it has a pocket.
http://lilredwagon.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-129-pockets.html - Challenge #129 - Pockets

I have a couple more projects I've been working on this week, so I will be back later with another post later today.  I hope you're having a great day, and PLEASE DO come by Word Art Wednesday and play along.

Blessings to you,
Karen

Think Spring

When I saw the theme of the challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp Blog it reminded me of growing up in Minnesota.  April was always rainy, which brought the flowers in May.  But now that we live in the middle of the desert, things are quite different.  We've had only one day of rain here.  But, nonetheless, my roses are already blooming beautifully.

I do love this time of year.  It's not too warm, and not too cold - just right.  So, as I entered this challenge (several times, I might add), it made me think of Spring.  It's just a beautiful season.  And I hope that after my surgery, I will be able to go for long walks again and enjoy this weather before it does get too hot to be outside.

Here are the links to the different challenges I'm entering with this Spring card.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - Simon Says Stamp/April Showers Bring Spring Flowers (and butterflies)

http://www.sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/2012/04/sss154-april-14.html - Sweet Stop Sketches Challenge Blog/Challenge #154 - I chose to use Sketch #SSS-57

http://www.toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-74-spotty-dotty.html - Top Tip Tuesday Blog - Challenge #74 - Spotty Dotty.  I just LOVE this spotted paper from October Afternoon.  I used used little "spots" (mini pearls) on my butterflies.

Here is my TOP TIP:  I make all my own scrunched seam binding.  You will see it on most of my projects.  I know how expensive the glimmer mists can get sometimes, so here is a great idea for making your own.  Purchase some little spray bottles (I get mine at the Dollar Tree 2/$1) and fill the bottle just less than half way with warm water.  Next, you add about 2-3 T. of your choice of color Acrylic Paint (YES, the cheap stuff from the craft store).  Next, you add either Perfect Pearls, a few drops of white metalic paint or some ultra fine glitter, 1-2 T. of clear craft glue, and shake it up.  Moisten your white seam binding and scrunch it in your hand.  Then, lay it on a plastic mat and spray it thoroughly with this mixture you've made.  Then, scrunch it in a tight ball and wad it into the corner of a snack baggie.  Let it sit an hour or so, and then hang it out to dry.  POOF - you have scrunched seam binding of ANY COLOR you choose.  It not only saves you money, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment.  Not to mention, I think it looks pretty fabulous.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today.  If you have tips you'd like to share, I would sure like to hear them.  You may even want to share them at Top Tip Tuesday Challenge Blog for a chance to win great prizes.  And if you click on the other entrants' links, you can get their awesome tips as well.  Thanks again for stopp by.

Have a blessed day,
Karen

Stitching/Sewing Layouts

I think I was born scrapbooking.  I've had a scrapbook of sorts for as long as I can remember.  When I was very little, "scrapbooking" meant saving special little clipping and trinkets in a scrapbook album.  I still have all of them in my bedroom closet at my parents' house.  When I visit my parents, I often thumb through those early scrapbooks.  I love taking walks down memory lane.  When I really started to scrapbook, I immediately loved both hand stitching and machine sewing on my layouts.  These are two of my layouts that show my mad skills.  LOL

These are my two daughters when they were 10 & 16, which is about 9 years ago.  The inspiration for this layout came from the talented Patti Milazzo.  The stems of the flowers are machine stitched.

This second layout was hand stitched with DMC floss on Aida cloth.  The photo is my Andrea on her Sweet 16, which is also 9 years ago.

The reason I posted these was to share my long-time love affair with stitching and sewing.  I'm entering these in the following challenges.

Young Crafters Unite has a fun challenge asking you to show your stitching/sewing skills.

http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Challenge #8 A Stitching/Sewing Challenge.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - April Showers Bring Spring Flowers

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards Challenge:  Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge.

Thanks for visiting me today.  I appreciate your comments, and I'd love to hear what techniques most excite and inspire your crafting.

Hugs,
Karen

Pizza & Game Night

I'm excited for tonight.  We're going to some friends' house for pizza, fun and fellowship.  We always enjoy our time together.  My girls enjoy their daughter, my son is best friends with their son, and my husband and I get along very well with this wonderful couple.  We met through our son's soccer team, and we invited them to attend our church.  The next thing you know, they not only became members of our church, but close friends.  God is SO GOOD to give us good friends who share our beliefs and family morals, the same activities, AND. . . .are SO much fun to be around.  That's what I call just plain wonderful.  And tonight is pizza and game night with them.  I can't wait.

I made this little thank you card this morning following the color scheme at The Play Date Cafe and I figured I would add it to a few relevant (and super fun) challenges.

Here are the challenges I'm entering:

http://www.theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/2012/04/play-date-cafe-pdcc127.html - Challenge #127
Here is the inspiration photo showing the color scheme:

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - Simons Says Stamp Challenge/April Showers Bring Spring Flowers

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards/Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pile-it-on-15-all-about-s.html - Pile It On Challenge #15 - It's All About "S" - My "S" items on this card include:  Stickers, Stick Pins, and Stripes.

Thanks for stopping by to say hello.  I'd love to hear your plans for the weekend.  If they don't include pizza, I hope they include something else that's yummy and fun.

God bless you,
Karen

Be Thankful Unto Him

Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving; and into His courts with praise:  be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."

Each and every time I make a thank you card, I can't help but think of all the Bible verses that speak of thankfulness, and how we are to give Him thanks.  I just wanted to share with you how very thankful I am to God for the many blessings in my life.  I'd love to hear about the things that make you feel thankful to God.

Again, my colors choices were inspired by the challenge at Play Date Cafe.  Here is their link and inspiration photo.  You will want to check out this wonderfully fun challenge, and play along.
http://www.theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/2012/04/play-date-cafe-pdcc127.html - Challenge #127

Next, is the weekly challenge at Simon Says Stamp Blog where the challenge is called "April Showers Bring Spring Flowers".  I love using flowers on my projects.  Here is their link:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html

Another favorite of mine is Lily Pad Cards.  I've entered this one several times as well.  They always have something fun happening on their blog.  Here is the link to this particular challenge:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards/Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

Whenever I am able, and I'm not being restricted as to the number of challenges I'm allowed to combine/enter, I like to play along at Pile it On.  I'm sure I've broken someone's rule somewhere, but at least I know at Pile It On Challenges, they don't mind how many challenges you enter.  That's their whole point, and I LOVE IT.  Here is the link for those of you who want to PILE IT ON to other challengs - like I have done here:

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pile-it-on-15-all-about-s.html - Challenge #15/It's All About "S" - My "S" items for this project include:  Sentiments, Strips of Paper, Stickers, and Sewing/Stitching.

I would also like to remind you all about the challenges at Word Art Wednesdsay.  We would really love to have you play along with us.  I hope you will check it out.

Have a blessed day,
Karen

Let's Get Crafting

Some weeks are simply more productive than others when it comes to crafting.  This week, for me, has been productive in several areas.  I've made several cards and mini albums; allowing me to enter several of my favorite fun challenges, I've been taking care of several household projects, and today I will finish up this grading period of home-schooling with my son.  So, it's been a productive week.  And that means I can get busy crafting all weekend.  That's always exciting news for me.

This little card is for no specific person or reason.  It will most likely go into my card collection for the next boutique in which I participate.  I machine stitched the edges, used a PTI doily die, Girls' Paperie tags,  Pink Paislee tickets, Recollections flowers, October Afternoon stickers, Pebbles rub-on, K&Co. washi tape, and a few other embellies.

I'm entering it in the following challenges:

The Play Date Cafe inspired my color choices.  Here is the link to their color challenge:
http://www.theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/2012/04/play-date-cafe-pdcc127.html - Challenge #127
Here is there challenge inspiration photo:

Next is the challenge at Young Crafters Unite.  Here is their link:
http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Challenge #8 Stitching/Sewing.  And here is their challenge inspiration photo:

I'm also entering this card in a challenge at Lily Pad Cards.  Here is the link:

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards/Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge.  Flowers make everything prettier.  Right?

Thanks for stopping by today.  I appreciate your comments.

Blessings to you,

Karen



So Blessed to Know

So, we attended Tami's funeral/celebration of life this evening.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to KNOW that I'm going to Heaven when I die.  I don't have to wonder, or think I'm going.  I'm just SO BLESSED TO KNOW.  I don't know how many of you have ever read the parable Jesus shared in Luke 16, but if you have not read it, or have not heard it in a while, take time to read through it.  It speaks of a rich man who died and went to Hell, and a poor man who died and went to Heaven.  The rich man said he was in torment and wanted the poor man to put even a drop of water on his tongue, which could not happen because nobody can cross over between Heaven and Hell.  (And YES, by the way, HELL IS a VERY REAL PLACE).  Then the rich man wanted someone to go to his brothers' house and tell them to be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ so that they would never suffer this awful torment when they died.

WOW.  So, if the dead could speak to us, THIS is the message they would give us.  Nothing else.  They would simply tell us that we so desperately need to trust in God, Jesus Christ, and in what He did on the cross so that we can spend eternity in Heaven, and not one second (let alone an eternity) in the dark pit of fire and torture we call Hell.   We all have a choice; just like the rich man and the poor man in Luke 16.  I am just so blessed to know that I made the right choice.

This card was made using the colors Daffodil, Hydrangea, Kiwi and Cherry specifically for the challenge at The Play Date Cafe.  Here is the link to their current challenge:
http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/2012/04/play-date-cafe-pdcc127.html - Challenge #127
And here is their inspiration photo:

I'm also entering it in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp.  Here is their challenge link:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - April Showers Bring Spring Flowers

Pile it On Challenge Blog has a fun challenge also.  Here is their link:
http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pile-it-on-15-all-about-s.html - All About "S" Challenge - My "S" Things were:  Spring, Stitching, String, Sticker, and Swimsuits

And another great one - Lily Pad Cards Challenge Blog.  Here's the link:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards/Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge.  I LOVE flowers.

Young Crafters Unite - A Stitching/Sewing Challenge.  Here is their link:
http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Challenge #8
Here is their challenge inspiration photo:

Thanks for stopping by again.   I really do appreciate all the kind and uplifting words that were left on my last post.  I read them all when I returned home from the funeral, and they were such a big blessing to me.  It's a special treat to know that so many people care.  You are all such an encouragement, and I thank you.  I tried to stop by each of your blogs last night to say hello.

Hope you're having a blessed week.
Hugs,
Karen

A Time to Say Good-Bye

Today is bitter-sweet.  Although I know my friend, Tami, is in Heaven because she placed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, it's still the day we say good-bye.  I'm attending Tami's funeral this afternoon. She lost her battle with liver cancer, which took her at the age of 50.  She leaves behind so many people who loved her including her husband, Todd, her beautiful 12-year-old daughter, Desiree, and her autistic son, the handsome John, who is 9.  She will be sadly missed.

I made this book for her sweet Mom, Kay.  I thought that Kay could fill it with precious childhood memories of Tami, and tuck some special things inside the pockets of the glassine bags I used.  I wish I could comfort her more.  How do you say good-bye to your own daughter?  I cannot imagine.  I can only thank God every day for my health, and the health of my children.

Here is the mini album:

Here is the cover - a little bit closer and straighter:

Here are some of the other pages.  Each one has a pocket and tag:

I'm entering this project in the following challenges:

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - Simon Says Stamp - April Showers Bring Spring Flowers Challenge

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pile-it-on-15-all-about-s.html - Pile it On Challenge Blog - All About S Challenge - My "S" things include Stamping, Stitching/Sewing, Silhouette Stamps, Stickers, Scripture, and Sympathy (because of who it is for).

http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Young Crafters Unite - A Sewing/Stitching Challenge.  There is LOTS of sewing/stitching on this project.  Here is the challenge photo:

www.littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com - Abby's Scripture Thursday Linky Party

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  I must get a shower now and get ready to go.

Have a blessed day, and don't forget to thank God today for your health and blessings.
Karen

Wonderful Wednesday

Hello everyone, and thanks for stopping by.  I'm excited that today starts another new challenge at Word Art Wednesday and you have the chance to win a great prize from Roben Marie Workshops.  I hope that you will stop by, grab this week's free scripture/Word Art, and enter a card or project in this week's challenge.

For this week's project, I made a little wall hanging.  I took chipboard, painted and distressed it, stamped and inked it, and then decorated it with scripture,  a flower cut from an old dress pattern using a Tim Holtz floral die, a crocheted flower, a Recollections brad and flowers, a Maya Road stick pin, some jute and baker's twine, and. . . oh my, too much going on here to mention it all.  This photo doesn't really even show it all up close and in detail.

I'm entering this little project in the following challenges:

Lily Pad Cards Challenge.  Click on this link to enter:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - On the Lily Pad Card Blog - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge.  I used several flowers.

Simon Says Stamp Challenge.  Click this link to enter:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - Simon Says. . . .April Showers Bring Spring Flowers.  Again, I used several flowers.

Pile it On Challenge Blog.  Click this link to enter:
http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pile-it-on-15-all-about-s.html - All About "S" - My project includes Scripture, Stamping, Sanding, Spots, Sparkle, Sewing, and Spring Sweetness.

Abby's Thursday Linky Party.  Click this link to enter:
http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/2012/04/scripture-thursday-linky-party-24-cast.html - Scripture Thursday

Thanks again for stopping by to take a peek and say hello.  I really do hope you will choose to play along with us this week at Word Art Wednesday because "The More, The Merrier".  See you there.

God bless you all,
Karen

Make it Monday

I always like to "give it the old college try" as they say.  I followed the tutorial once again at Make it Monday - The Paper Try Ink Inspired Blog.  They had a tutorial on making flowers out of leave die cuts.  I made my flowers using a PTI leave die cut and used some vintage wool felt I got from a sweet, elderly, crafty woman at a quaint boutique in Northern Minnesota.  I put a Recollections brad in the center, and stamped a little PTI sentiment stamp.  It is one of the simplest cards I've made in a long time.  But like I said, I always like to give it an effort so that I can enter their awesome giveaway of a $25 PTI gift certificate.  Cross my fingers AND my toes, right?

Here is a link to their Make it Monday Challenge:
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/04/make-it-monday-61.html - Capture the Moment/Creating Flowers with Leaf Dies

And here is my simple card:

I kept thinking, "INK it, GLITTER it, Sew on it, do SOMETHING to it."  But, I didn't.  It's just that simple.  OK, I think I'm still gonna ink the cream cardstock around the edges.  That's just how I am.  I can never quite leave it alone.

I'm also entering it in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp since I used my favorite tool, my Cuttlebug and die cuts, to make it:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-use-your-favourite-tool.html - Use Your Favourite Tool - Mine is the Cuttlebug

Thanks for stopping by.  I'm off to get a fill at my favorite Nail Salon.  Hope you all have a great day!

Hugs,
Karen

Sunny Saturday

I got up (what I thought was) early this Sunny Saturday only to learn that all three of my children were out doing God's Work while I slept in.  All three of my kids (one at college and two here in town) went out door-knocking to hand out Easter tracts, share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and invite people to church for Easter.  Shame on me.  Not that I could have gone anyway with this gimpy foot, but it's good to know that my children have such a heart for the Lord.

This card is based on a sketch over at The Create/Northridge Publishing Blog.  I'm sending it to them for their Easter challenge, and also entering it in the following challenges:


http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards/Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Young Crafters Unite - Sewing/Stitching Challenge #8.  Here is their inspiration photo:

I'm going to give this "Easter Memories" card to my Mom and Dad.  I want them to know that even though I'm grown, I appreciate and miss all those precious childhood memories of Easter.  I will always crave a Fanny Farmer Buttercream Egg.  MMmmmmmm.

Have a blessed Sunny Saturday,
Karen

Good Friday

In consideration of how God in human flesh, Jesus Christ, suffered so terribly on this day - one might ask why it is called "Good Friday".  The reason it is "good" is because He, Who was without sin, suffered the cruelty of the cross on "Good Friday" so that He could prove He is God by rising again from the dead three days later on what we now call Easter Sunday.  So, despite the fact that it was a terrible day for Him, He was willing to suffer, and offer the perfect sacrifice prophesied in the Old Testament, so that you and I could experience His GOODNESS in that, we can spend eternity in Heaven with Him simply by grace through faith.  By accepting the fact that we are all sinful, and that He Who died was God in human flesh paying the penalty for our sins, we can have a way to Heaven.  Now, that's GOOD NEWS.  I hope you take time this "Good Friday" and Easter to thank Him for dying for you.  It's the ONLY way you can receive eternal life.  John 3:3

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards/Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-–-clear-cards/ - Young Crafters Unite - A Sewing/Stitching Challenge #8.  Here is their inspiration photo:

Thanks for stopping by today.  I wish you all a very Happy Easter.

Karen

Out of the Box

Sometimes, as crafters, we have to create somewhat "out of the box", or at least, out of our own comfort zone.  I will admit it, my friends, I'm NOT a cat lover.  I'm a dog person.  However, my dear friend, Sue, is a cat lover.  So, when it came time to make her Birthday card, I had to think "Outside the Box".  I used a vintage cat image to make this little card for her.  She just loves all things cats.  I hope she loves this card.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Lily Pad Cards is celebrating their blog's 1st Birthday.  They have a fun blog hop taking place.  I hopped through it today and had a lot of fun.  You might want to check it out as well.  There are lots of great prizes.  I'm entering this card in one of the challenges on their blog:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

Simon Says Stamp is another great challenge blog.  I am entering this card in this week's challenge at their lovely blog as well:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Anything Goes

I'd also like to invite everyone to stop by Word Art Wednesday and link up a creation.  We're trying to building up this challenge blog, and we would greatly appreciate YOUR participation.  Please take a moment to check it out and link up your creations this week.  We're blessed when YOU join us.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed week.

My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen