Brag Monday/Tag-Tuesday

I would like to thank you all who have been praying for my dear mom-in-law. She is doing much better after the stroke, gaining strength and mobility every day. Praise God! 
I thought I would play along with Tag-Tuesday, the theme being paper piecing. Nothing I love better than taking scraps of paper and making something pretty with them. Of course since I used the beautiful scraps that Jacqueline sent me, how could I go wrong?

 I used an image from The Graphics Fairy, so I will link this with Brag Monday also.
 


Thought for the Day: I have been thinking about my purpose lately...I'm looking for a job and reevaluating what is important to me. I found these quotes to be wonderfully insightful concerning the big picture.
"Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee." Augustine
"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
Ah, wonderful, clear perspective!

Blessings to You,
Nancy

New Craft Space Revealed

My sweet hubby, uh cabinet maker, installed my new craft work space last weekend. I've been happily working on projects in sweet crafting bliss. I finally have a place for everything and everything in it's place, as opposed to the former system where there was a place for nothing and everything was someplace.
The best part of the redo is that sweet hubby built everything from scraps he had on hand, the total cost for the new storage system was $18.00 for some guides for the pull out shelves and edge banding. That's why I keep him around, 'cause he's so thrifty!
I love that it is counter height so I can stand while I stamp and paint and assemble, etc; it's much easier on my back and neck which tend to be testy at times. To accommodate my furry crafting crew there is now room on the floor for baskets for each of my 2 little helpers and plenty of room for Digby to sprawl in the middle of the floor like a huge dog-skin rug.

 

The opening under the counter on the left is where my original cabinet will go once it gets a fresh coat of white semi-gloss. The thin stamp shelves on the right are made from the trimmed tops of cabinets built for a kitchen Al installed. They are the prettiest clear finished maple made to custom fit my favorite Hero Arts stamps!

Thought for the Day: Praise God for answered prayer. Mom came home from the hospital last night, it was such a joy to see her in her favorite chair with her sweet kitty "Snickers" on her lap. She is getting stronger every day as God continues to heal her. Thank you so much for your prayers. God is good!

Thanks for your visit! I love your comments so please let me know you were here.

Tag-Tuesday Shoe or Boot Shape

Being from Southern California and growing up in Huntington Beach; it was a no-brainer that I would make a flip flop as my shoe tag for the challenge this week. I found a picture of a flip flop in clip art and altered it to make a template. I computer generated the text and printed it on vellum. Then the fun began....I had a great time decorating the tag, adding flowers to the straps and putting an embossed "sole" on the bottom.

I added 2 stamped words from Hero Arts: enjoy (CL130) and smile (CL266).

I used paper by K&Company and Core'dinations.

Thought for the Day: I'd like to invite you to read Greg Laurie's devotion today. He talks about the roots of the Jesus Movement in Southern California and the dear pastor behind it. I was a part of this wonderful spiritual revival.  It sort of goes with my little flip flop as that was the shoe of choice in those days. Enjoy!

Hero Arts Challenge- Torn Paper

I'm loving the theme at the Hero Arts blog  this week. There is just something so fun and creative about tearing paper and the result is always so unique!
For this little deer (click on the photo to see the detail better) I started with brown cardstock and stamped Christmas Block by Memory Box in Black Soot Distress Ink. Then I just started tearing until something that resembled a deer emerged. I attached the deer in pieces to white cardstock stamped with Dots and Flowers by Hero Arts, then over-stamped in Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint Distress Ink, with the pine bough from the Hero Arts clear set Decorate your Own. I also used torn paper as a template to sponge on some Weathered Wood Distress Ink for the snow drifts. I added some more torn paper edges for good measure and a rustic jute bow. Oh, and glitter, lots and lots of glitter!! It's not usually my go-to embellishment, but "Dancing with the Stars" was on, what can I say?
Stamp Credits:
Hero Arts
S5213 Dots and Flowers Design Block
CL272 All Occasion Messages
CL 366 Decorate your Own -pine bough
Memory Box
E1117 Christmas Block

Thought for the Day: I know that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and maybe that is why I am working on a blog post right now instead of hiding under my bed until things get better. As they say when it rains, it pours and we are completely soaked right now. My sweet mother-in-law is in the hospital recovering from a stroke she suffered on Saturday, the same week my dear father-in-law had surgery for a blood clot. My own dear dad has been dealing with the effects of a mini stroke and as he lives alone is finding it harder and harder manage daily tasks like feeding himself. And as anyone who has read my previous posts knows, I just lost my job, so now I can spend time with my hubby who has been unemployed for over a year.
In all of this, I believe that GOD IS FAITHFUL! And my family and I are just where He wants us...Trusting in Him.

Blessings to you all,
Nancy

Victorian Winter Scene

When I think of winter I think of these Victorian winter scenes reminiscent of "A Christmas Carol". I love old Victorian cards with all the intricate details and formality. I did this for the Winter Challenge at Theme Thursday



Thought for the day: Following the example of Jesus in Mark 2:35, I like to get up early, before the sun rises, and go to a quiet place to pray and read. If it was something Jesus needed to do, then it's definitely something I need to do.

Hero Arts ATC Swap

I'm participating in Hero Arts first ATC Swap. I just love the concept of little pieces of art to share, so I'm pretty excited.


For some reason I agonized over these little ATCs for weeks, trying to come up with the perfect design. I'm finally happy with this...after at least 10 rejected designs. I did get to play a lot with Perfect Pearls so I'm getting better with this versatile product. I used a fun little text stamp about friends for the theme of Friendship.

Here are the nine ATCs, lined up and ready to be put into an envelope for mailing.


Supplies and tools-
140 lb watercolor paper (I made labels for the back with the pertinent info in Publisher and printed them out)
Black cs
Hero Arts Stamps: Old Letter Writing
Artistic Borders (flower)
Additional Stamp: Friend text Kelly Panacci clear set for Sandylion
Perfect Pearls by Ranger: Sunflower Sparkle, Forever Green, Perfect Pearl (white)
Ranger Perfect Medium
Ranger Distress Inks: Black Soot and Peeled Paint
Hero Arts Crystal Gemstones
Spellbinders Nestabilities Large Deckled Rectangles
Cuttlebug

Thought for the Day: I'm always so comforted in knowing that God knows exactly what I need and He reminds me when I need it most. For the last 10 years I have used a devotional called "Daily Light for Every Day". It's a little leather bound 4 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch book. It was first published in 1794 by Samuel Bagster as a daily devotional for his family. My version was edited by Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) and published in 1998 by J. Countryman.

There are readings for every day of the year, morning and evening, but unlike most devotionals, there is just scripture verses grouped by theme. No commentary, nothing but scripture. As I mentioned I've used this for 10 years so I've reread it many times and the wonder is that each time there is something new that I see, or there is some need that is met by each day's reading.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.

I made a tag...so it must be Tuesday!

Just a quick post for Tag Tuesday. This is my 4th week with this fun challenge, I think I'm already hooked on these little snippets of art.
Louise at Kard Krazy is on a cruise with Tim Holtz and some other multi-talented people so Nancy at Sugar Lump Studios is hosting the challenge this week. The theme is pink and brown, a favorite combo of mine.

I used the Hero Arts Antique Brocade cling stamp to stamp on tissue paper in Vintage Photo distress ink. I attached the tissue paper to the tag with gel medium and then used more Vintage Photo and Worn Lipstick to deepen the color and distress it some. I found the fun photo on The Graphics Fairy, a site with free clipart and added some Worn Lipstick to add some color. I stamped the text with Hero Arts Fanciful Swirl clear set alpha stamps.

Thought for the day: As I am starting my search for a new job I am reminded of the importance of prayer. The last time I looked for a job I sent out 1 resume, with a quick prayer for God's guidance and got the job after 1 day. I've already emailed 10 resumes this time around with no response. I have faith that God is still working, that prayer will make a difference and that God will guide me to the perfect job in His time.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Hero Arts Challenge-Paper piecing

I just love the creativity that abounds in the Hero Arts Flickr group. Every week when the Hero Arts blog artists post the new challenge, literally hundreds of paper crafters go into overdrive creating the most gorgeous, witty and whimsical cards and layouts you can imagine. It's such a pleasure to spend time in the "pool", commenting and generally being amazed at the extraordinary talent found there.

Having said that, I still post my humble creative output. I love that my own style has emerged and my work has improved since I joined the group almost a year ago. Of course I attribute that to the wonderful comments from my HA friends. Their encouragement has helped me to try new things. I have also found so much inspiration at the Hero Arts blog. Every week these talented artists post a new challenge designed to spark creativity.

This week we were challenged to use paper piecing in our cards, layouts and projects. I've had some jaw dropping moments looking at what has been posted this week. I really should stop being amazed, I should just expect an abundance of wonderfulness when I visit the pool.

I made 2 cards for this challenge. I really enjoy paper piecing and I love the results. It's been a favorite technique for the 20+ years I've been stamping.
The inspiration for the first card came to me in the middle of the night, just like that. The amazing thing is I remembered in the morning.



The second card is my thank you to Hero Arts for my Honorable Mention prize. They sent the "Write your own" cling stamp, Metallic Decor embellies and Felt Leaves embellies. I'm saving the leaves for Thanksgiving placecards.


Thank you to all my Hero Arts buddies, I truly appreciate you all!

Thought for the day: I have found it's a humbling experience to be laid off from a job. Even though I know it was necessary (the building industry in Southern California has been hurting for a while now), it's still hard to take. My comfort is in knowing that God is in control of the situation and He is the one I serve.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

My Craft Room is Getting an Update

This morning I drew up some plans for organizing my craft room. I handed them off to my cabinet maker, discussed how the workspace should function, materials to use and then he took some measurements. This has been my dream for a long time so what better way to "celebrate" my new unemployment than to update the space where I will be spending a considerable amount of time.

This is what I'm working with now....

Yes that is my dining room table I'm using as a work table. It moved into the craft room when we remodeled the kitchen and dining room, then we used my sister's table for a year so she wouldn't have to put it in storage. I have plans for my table too. It's getting a new cherry wood top and the white painted legs will get a coat of black paint.

And here's the new plan...


Luckily my cabinet maker is the very talented man I had the good sense to marry 31 years ago who has a garage full woodworking equipment, materials and supplies.
I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Thought for the day: Here's another verse that is a personal favorite. It reminds me that I don't need to complicate life; my priorities are pretty simple!
Micah 6:8 The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you; to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God!

Have a blessed day!

Tag Tuesday-Shabby Chic

When I think of Shabby Chic, I think of crackled paint and faded flowers and a feminine style. So for the Tag Tuesday challenge I painted a tag with cocoa colored paint, used a crackle product then painted on a creamy acrylic paint. I stamped the flowers stem from the Hero Arts Artistic Borders clear set and added a plethora of Hero Arts paper flowers with gem centers.

Thought for the day: The text on the tag is from a favorite Bible passage in Proverbs 31 which reads; "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
This seems to have more meaning for me the older I get...with each day I'm becoming more "shabby chic"!

Have a blessed day

DOG-toberfest!!

We have the sweetest, most gorgeous rescued Golden Retriever, named Digby. He came to us with that name and we just loved it. It suits him perfectly. We adopted him through the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue. Every October the rescue organization throws a Golden free for all they call Dogtoberfest as a reunion for all the rescued dogs. It is a day of golden fun at a park with 2 swimming pools, lots of grassy play area and the park is completely gated so the dogs can run amok. It is quite a sight to behold, a sea of every shade of golden dog playing in the water, chasing tennis balls, and just plain enjoying being a dog!
We could not get our silly boy out the pool once he got in. He swam for 3 1/2 hours with only small breaks. He had a great time as did all the wonderful golden adoptees and their families.


Digby swimming, we had no idea he loved to swim. Last year he just played in the wading pool.


Al forcing Digby to rest a bit before jumping back in the pool.


Lots of happy swimming goldens


More happy goldens


My sweet boy!

Thought for the day: The fruit of the Spirit is love! Love for God, love for my family and friends, love for my neighbor, love for my enemies. I identify with Jesus Christ by loving like He loves. Sacrificially, unconditionally.

Happy World Card Making Day

I've been having so much fun making card samples for my next class (to be shared here at a later date), making ATCs and blogging that I'm not thinking at all about losing my job. Next Wednesday is my last day and instead of being frantic or worried I'm just looking forward to some quality time in my craft room. It's all in God's hands.

The Hero Arts Blog challenge this week is ATCs so to commemorate World Card Making Day I made a Friend themed ATC. I am so happy to be part of the wonderful online community of card-makers and paper crafters...so many of whom have become wonderful friends.



I loved Jacqueline's idea of adding her ATC to a card so I thought I'd give it a try too!


Thought for the day: To continue the theme from yesterday and remind myself that even now, especially now I need to trust God.

Proverbs 3:5&6 ~ "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight."

Have a wonderful weekend and make a card in honor of World Card Making Day! Check out the Caardvarks blog today for more on WCMD.

Tag Tuesday~Birds

I find I'm looking forward to making these little pieces of art each week. Thank you Louise for the wonderful inspiration on your blog. And thanks also to Jacqueline for leading me to this fun weekly challenge.

Thought for the day: Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

New Beginnings, New Adventures

It's taken me a week to process the fact that I've joined the ranks of the unemployed. The architect I've worked for has been seeing fewer and fewer new jobs over the last year and has had to cut the staff back to nothing. Those who are left have had to take yet another pay cut. That's the bad news....the good news is that I'm off to new adventures, following the path that God will guide me on. I'm trusting Him so I have no fear.

On a happier note, one of my former co-workers just became a dad for the first time so I made a little card for everyone to sign for him.



Thought for the day: My favorite verse Psalm 16:11 has even more meaning to me when I am faced with uncertainty. I find a lot of comfort in knowing that the path is laid out before me and it leads to joy in His presence!

"You have made known to me the path of life:
You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."
Amen!