My First Card Challenge!

I recently discovered Word Art Wednesday. They have a challenge each week using a Bible verse. You can also enter the challenge even if you happen to not use the Bible verse as long as you submit something with an uplifting/encouraging quote.

The Bible verse for this week's challenge is Deuteronomy 32:2 - "Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants."

These words were part of the 'Song of Moses' in which he proclaims the greatness of God and describes the attributes of God. I encourage you to read the entire chapter. Moses spoke these words to the children of Israel; however, these same words should be heeded today by all peoples....and I'm specifically thinking about the American people.  Man cannot turn his back on Almighty God without dire consequences.

Here is a photo of the card I'm entering in the challenge.

 

The Bible verse speaks of rain, dew, and showers upon the grass and herbs/plants. I decided to go with an image of a tree instead of grass, flowers or herbs. It is only by being "watered" by God (through reading His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians) that we can become rooted and grounded as the mighty tree.

The tree image is from the Stampin' Up 'Lovely as a Tree' set and the butterfly is also SU - from the retired Dreams du Jour set. I used foam adhesive to give dimension to the tree and Bible verse. I also dabbed some distressing ink around the tree and used a paper distresser for the Bible verse.

I'm looking forward to entering more of the Word Art challenges!

Starburst Card!!!

My card making friend, Marjorie, introduced me to the "starburst" card a few weeks ago.  I tried following a tutorial to assemble one shortly thereafter but things just didn't go right and I didn't spend a whole lot of time on it. 

Recently another card making friend, Cheryl, had success on her attempt at making the starburst card.  You *MUST* take a look at her cute cards! 

So this evening I finally decided to try once more.  Here is my starburst card:

The paper is from doodlebug design inc - snips & snails collection and the stamped sentiment "thinking of you" is from a Stampin' Up hostess set, Swirls & Curls Verses.  The other embellishments are from my "unidentified stash". 

I like the way the card turned out; however, it did take some time to get it assembled. 

Now it's *your* turn to make one of these!

Color Techniques (Watercolor)

Last week I attended a Color Techniques class at the Archiver's store in Franklin.  This class focused on watercolor techniques using Tombow dual brush pens, water and paintbrush.  I completed the coloring part during class time and added embellishment/assembled the cards last night at home.  The Archiver folks had already embossed the image on watercolor cardstock.....which was a good thing considering that the entire 2 1/2 hour class was spent on "coloring" the embossed image. 

I think the cards turned out cute; however, I have already decided that the watercolor technique is not for me.  The technique (especially for the embossed images below) is very time consuming.  I think I prefer making cards just by using my stamps, ink pads and embellishments. 

So without further ado................here are the finished cards!

Paper Pinwheels!

Thanks to my crafting buddy, Marjorie, for sharing this card pattern.  I think she found it on Pinterest.  It reminds me of a quilt block.  I have made several cards using this pattern....just switching out colors and/or embellishments.  Here are some photos...........

I Love Flowers

My Gardenia is blooming!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catching Up!

Spring chores have taken control of my schedule over the past few weeks and I have neglected my card crafting and needlework.  I have found time this week to work on a model cross-stitch project for Beth at Heartstring Samplery (the project is my little secret until it is completed and Beth releases the pattern).  I also met with three friends on Monday for some papercrafting fun!  I am currently working on a bridal shower card, two Mother's Day cards and some birthday cards.  May seems to be a busy month for birthdays! 

I thought I would post some pictures of a few cards that I made earlier this month......

Here's a cute card for a bridal shower - I got the inspiration for it on Pinterest:

Easter cards.............

And a baby card for a new great-nephew!

The stamps (buttons, frame and sentiment) on the baby card are from PaperTrey Inc. 

It's That Time of Year for..................

Bridal Showers! I'll be hosting a bridal shower brunch next week. I thought I would post a photo of the invitations I crafted for the brunch.





After much searching (online and in-store), I finally found an umbrella stamp that I was pleased with.  The stamp was actually of a girl holding an umbrella - I just inked the umbrella part of the stamp.  I found the stamp at an Archiver's store.  It is also available on the manufacturer's (Stamping Bella)website.  The "bridal shower" stamp  is by A Muse Artstamps.  This was another stamp that I had a hard time locating.  I wanted a simple font  for the stamp.  I ended up ordering from the website.

The hearts were embossed and die-cut using Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die that I got from Stampin' Up.  I used different colors of pink cardstock to make the hearts. 

I adhered the hearts with glue dots and rounded the corners of the white and pink cardstock. I used the computer to print (in pink ink, of course) the brunch "details" on white cardstock (rounded those corners too) and glued it to the back of the invite.  Pink ink was used to "distress" the edges of the white cardstock.