Sunday, January 3, 2010

Trying New Things

As I shared in a recent email, I can't seem to come up with an original thought lately, so I'm going to borrow some. One of my favorite blogs is Inspired by.. with the sweet Jill Foster. She highlights the work of another artist and then shares her creative take. It's a brilliant idea and so fun to see what she comes up with each day. Another brilliant idea comes from Lin, at Sending Hugs, she did a sort of Top Ten list of her favorites over the last year. So I thought I would combine the two ideas with my desire to branch out and try new things this year.  I have chosen from the cards that my wonderful blogging and Flickr friends have sent me this past  year and I will attempt the techniques and styles of each as an ongoing challenge for myself. Of course I will share my efforts right here.
( I'm also trying out new blog decor, what do you think of this one?)

First up is a beautiful and really fun acetate card I received for my birthday from the aforementioned Lin Brandyberry.  I really love the flowers that she colored and cut out with great detail. This card is truly a treasure.

I have never been successful with previous attempts with acetate so I kept mine very simple. There is definitely room for improvement but we all must start somewhere.


Here's a shot of Lin's lovely card with mine inspired by it.


My card will be on it's way to Lin in the morning to say thanks for the inspiration!

Thought for the Day: Joshua 1:9 has been a very important verse for me. I have prayed this prayer for my son Ben from the day he went to the Marine Corps boot camp, through all his training, his time in Okinawa, aboard ship in the Pacific to his deployment in Iraq. I always added it at the top of every piece of correspondence I sent him as a reminder for him. Joshua 1:9 was part of my reading today, so I thought I'd share it with you.
"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!"
Wherever you go, whatever you face, God is with you. That is the message of Christmas, the infant's name is Emmanuel, which means, God with us! We don't trust a being out there somewhere....God is here, with us. He is with us in our struggles, our failures, our fears, our disappointments. Give them all to Him, give Him your past and move forward without fear.
May God Bless You!
Nancy

15 comments:

  1. Nancy, I'm so honored! I love clear cards and can't wait to get yours! Thank you so much for highlighting mine here. And thanks for your thought of the day; it's something we need to keep with us every single day, not only in difficult times, but also when things are going well. AND love the new look of your blog - spring green, love that color! Many hugs!

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  2. Lovely card and love Lins card as well! Your new blog background and header is so very pretty. Prayers to your family for your son's safe tour.

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  3. Your card is just lovely. I can not get acetate cards to look any good.... so I was most impressed with yours and Lin's both.

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  4. Hi Nancy! I came across your blog through Virginia's. I was so happy to read about YOU and your love of God........Oh Nancy, what a BEAUTIFUL entry for today. Lin is SO SWEET and SO SINCERE and GENUWINE! I feel the same about you. No wonder you chose her card to highlight. God Bless You and your BEAUTIFUL family this year, Nancy.
    Love, Karen xo

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  5. I LOVE your acetate card! I can't wait to check out your blog for your next inspired creation; isn't it fun?? It has definitely helped me branch out and try lots of new styles and techniques. And YOUR BLOG=BEAUTIFUL!!!! Love this design- fun and classy, too! Your thought of the day is very touching. I got a little teary eyed as I read. So important to be able to put the past behind us and move forward couragously. All things are possible with God. I agree with Karen- you are so sincere and genuine. It is my honor to consider you a friend!

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  6. Oh, it's gorgeous Nancy, I love it!! You worked it so well on the acetate, I have yet to try acetate at all! Beautiful embossing on the background! Love the new background on your blog too, I love this color, it works well with many styles too!

    Have soooo enjoyed the weather we've been having, too bad it's only sticking around a few more days then it will be cold again...boo!! My cold is still going - can't seem to shake it, it's just one of those that linger but I'll be fine! Hugs and hope your week starts out great!

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  7. Lin card is stunning and I love how you gave acetate a shot and I hope you are proud of yourself it turned out elegant. Hope you are feeling better Nan! Big Hugs from me,kathy

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  8. I'm such a chicken when it comes to playing with acetate! Your card is simply elegant and I know Lin will love it! Take good care and sending you warm Hawaiian sunshine! Hugs, Donna

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  9. Great cards - both yours and Lin`s!!! I ordered acetate finally, but always hesitate to use it! Gorgeous what you did with it!

    Hugs,
    Vanessa

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  10. Wonderful Cards!!And thank you for sharing your thought for the day.Warmest Regards,Cat

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  11. Stunning clear card Nancy, I love it!

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  12. Beautiful card and beautiful "thought". Thanks!

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  13. I love your idea of trying techniques that are featured on cards you received. It's a great way to learn and have fun! Your take on Lin's acetate card is lovely Nancy, can't wait to see what else you come up with!

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  14. Aunt Nancy, I love your cards! You're going to have to show Cambi and I how to make some. I love you, and I hope you and Uncle Al are having a blessed day!

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  15. Hey Nancy - love your new blog design!
    Stunning projects here. Great to try new techniques!

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Thanks for your comments, I love hearing from you!