Stickers + Ink = Tag Tuesday #45 Collage

It's Tuesday and Louise put out the challenge to create a collage tag using stickers. Well that gave me the opportunity to sort through a stash I had no idea was so extensive (translated- I didn't realize I had so many stickers I wasn't using.) The idea came from the stickers- theme and color palette. This one comes with a disclaimer though- I'm not really sure I like how it turned out. The joyful theme I think needs a more colorful conveyance....and my tag is a bit too dark and masculine, but it is what it is. The message is a positive one so I'm just going to call it a modern-vintage fusion and be done with it.

I used white lace seam binding that I found in the bottom of my rarely used sewing box. The flower border is white paper ribbon with an adhesive backing. I added color to the lace and paper ribbon with Copic markers.  The little flower is made of three 3/4" punched circles that I misted with Perfect Pearls in water then heat set in cupped shape.

Here's a close up of the message sticker on the bottom...it's a truthful statement.

Stamps and Supplies: All stamps Hero Arts-LP128 Artistic Windows, A1873 Shadow Stamp I, S5101 Raindrop Background. 

Assorted Stickers- Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type; EK Success Scrabble Tiles;7Gypsies Gratitude; K&Company Marcella Alphabet, Handmade Collection Paper Ribbon.

Inks- Ranger Distress Inks Vintage Photo, Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire.

Copic Markers- YR31 on lace ribbon, B21 on paper ribbon.

Carl-3/4" circle punch

Tag-Eclectic Paperie

Thought for the Day: Continuing the theme of gratitude- I am most joyful when I'm thanking God for all He has done for me, but my attitude can go south pretty quick if I start to focus on what I don't have instead. This verse helps me keep things in perspective.....

Psalm 92:4 "You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done."

When I count my blessings today, I will make sure to count you all twice!

blessings to you,

nancy

Vintage Inspired Easter Card

The Webster's Pages papers I added to my stash recently have really inspired a romantic, vintage vibe to my card-making lately. And of course when I saw Suzanne's absolutely gorgeous egg cards the inspiration was complete. I am entering this Easter card in the current Cards Blog challenge.

(click on image for better view of glitter details)

I used the Shattered or Cracked Glass technique on the vintage image from The Graphics Fairy inside the egg and then added some gold Stickles.

I stamped Old Letter Writing in Bundled Sage Distress Ink on the Webster's Pages paper, then I tore it, distressed the edges with both a paper distress tool and Milled Lavender Distress ink before adhering it to the card base. The card base was inked with Milled Lavender Distress Ink then stamped with Hero Arts Dots and Flowers in Stormy Sky and Antique Linen Distress Inks.
For the egg I used Linda's template which I resized smaller before printing on white cs and cut a circle in the center. I stamped Floral Scallop with Versamark ink then embossed with Pearlustre Embossing Powder in Amethyst. Then I covered the whole egg with Versamark ink and clear embossed, then covered it again with Versamark and embossed with Kaleidoscope embossing powder to give it a glittery appearance. It was added to the card in pop-dotted layers with the vintage image in the center.
The card was finished with a purple crepe bow and glitter added to the flowers and bird on the pp.

Baby Update: My niece gave birth to baby Reece at 8:30 this morning and everyone is doing very well...especially my sister, the proud grandma!

Thought for the Day: Phil 1:6 "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
The same verse in a modern translation: "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Blessings to you,
nancy

Welcoming a New Baby to the Family

My nephew, Christopher and his sweet adorable wife, Lauren, are adding to their family this week. Lauren is due any minute and since her doctor is going on vacation soon her little girl is on her way in the next couple days. So that's grandchild #2 for my sister, a matched set with little Gavin (19 months) and new baby Reece. I must say it brings a lot of joy to the family as we deal with the loss of our dad/grandpa.
I taught a class yesterday and with my earnings acquired a new Hero Arts stamp, In the Garden. As I looked at it I envisioned Gavin and his little sister in a few years playing together. With that thought and the CardPatterns Sketch 57 in mind I had a bit of creative play.

I took some liberty with the sketch, turning it on it's end. Here's the Sketch #57:

This is a little bit out of my usual style but I really wanted a soft feminine look to welcome baby Reece.

Stamps and supplies: Hero Arts stamps-K5353 In the Garden, CG125 Friend Definition, K5358 Floral Scallop (on the peach paper). Patterned Paper- Webster's Pages "Life's Portrait". Hero Arts Layering Papers- Celadon, Daffodil. Distress Inks- wild honey, spun sugar, tumbled glass, bundled sage. Versamark ink. White Embossing Powder.  K&Company stickers.  PTI medium scallop die. EK Success-scallop punch. Cuddlebug and Swiss Dots embossing folder. Kaisercraft pearl gems. White crepe ribbon from Stamp Fever.
Thought for the Day: Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
blessings to you dear friends,
nancy

Custom Blog Banner ~ Easter Blessings

I had some fun this morning designing a new blog banner for Easter. I used elements from Hero Arts digi-kits: And Your Bird Can Sing, Botanical Tulips, Long Handwriting, and Skylands Birds. I added an Easter image from Antique Images. The bird inside the cage and the background paper are from Juno Misty Waters Digi-kit. The scrabble letter text is from scanning real Scrabble letters and saving them as clip art. I opened that file in Publisher, and copy-pasted each letter I needed, then arranged as Sing a New Song. I assembled it all in Microsoft Publisher, added some text in French Script font and saved it as a jpeg. Then I cropped it using the photo editing tool in Windows Photo Gallery. I think it coordinates with the new Spring Sunrise background from ShabbyBlogs.
Thought for the Day: When I sign off with "blessings to you" each day I am asking that God will bless each one of you according Numbers 6:24-26.
"The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you,
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."
These are the five areas of blessing:
1-bless and protect
2-smile on you (be pleased with you)
3-be gracious (merciful and compassionate)
4-show His favor toward you (give you His approval)
5-give you His peace
In offering a blessing to others, it demonstrates love for them, it encourages others and is a model of caring for others.
Please keep this in mind when you see me sign my name...
blessings to you,
nancy

Black and White Tag- Inspired by Jacqueline!

It's Tuesday and I made a tag for the Tag Tuesday challenge. The theme is Black and White, no other color allowed on this one. I had a bit of fun with this, making a grid design with 1 inch squares.

I discovered a tip for assembling these little pieces without going crazy. I used a bit of removable tape to hold the pieces as I was deciding where I wanted them. Then it was easy to lift each one to add permanent adhesive without disturbing the rest.
My tag design was inspired by two cards that I received from Jacqueline.  If you are not familiar with her work, I describe it as gorgeous feminine vintage style. Please take some time to visit her beautiful blog My Scrap Basket.

Jacqueline's grid cards are always so perfectly crafted with beautiful colors, patterns, vintage images and stamped elements. I feel very blessed to have these cards in my collection.

Tag ~ Stamps used: Hero Arts-CL387 Life is Not Perfect; LP128 Artistic Windows; K5185 Wallpaper Flowers; K2399 Paris Rose; H5011 Silhouette Corner; H2141 Manuscript Background; K5358 Floral Scallop; C2206 Luxe Liberty; LL676 International Postage-First Class.  Stampington and Company- K5501 Family Car. Unknown- the 2 bunny stamps.

Supplies and Tools: Marvy-1" punch; EK Success- Flower Punch; K& Company-Flowers; Ranger-Black Soot Distress Ink; Memento-Tuxedo Black ink. Hero Arts gems-crystal and black; Martha Stewart- oval pearl gems. Buttons from my stash and black crochet thread. Ribbon from Michael's.

Thought for the Day: Isaiah 32:17 "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever."
blessings,
nancy

March Card Chain Challenge

I am so grateful to Deborah Nolan for her marvelous Card Chain Challenge. I have been having so much fun sending cards all over the world and then receiving some of the most gorgeous creations in return. This month I sent my card to Cassi Tramm in Virginia. I followed the sketch and the color palette (somewhat) and was happy to send this to Cassi.

I used the In Bloom stamp set by Papertrey ink. Thanks again, Kathy! I also used a  product called Memories Mists in Bright Gold to add a bit of sparkle to the Copic colored flowers.

The patterned paper is Que Sera by K&Company. I die-cut the paper using the new medium scallop die from Papertrey Ink. The background design was achieved by stamping Hero Arts Dots and Flowers Design block in Antique Linen Distress ink on white cs. Then I blended Broken China and Faded Jeans Distress ink over the top. Next I stamped Old Letter Writing in Antique Linen and over stamped it in Vintage Photo to give a shadow effect. I finished the background using the Dot Pattern stamp in the Textures and Patterns Poetic Prints set by Hero Arts. This set is from 2001. I stamped the Dot Pattern with Cloud White VersaMagic chalk ink around the edges of the background panel. The photo below is the Memories Mists; I got this as free gift from Sally Traidman in the Hero Arts booth at CHA.

Then last week I received a package in the mail from Dawn Turley all the way from New Zealand. Dawn sent a most beautiful card, along with a bookmark, a cardstock panel pre-colored with alcohol ink and a fun little magnetic notepad. The notepad will remind me that I have a sweet friend in New Zealand.

Even the envelope was decorated beautifully!  Thank you, Dawn, I love the card and your sweet gifts.

Thought for the Day: And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.....indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:38; 39.
Blessings to you,
nancy

Spring!

After a seriously rough 2 weeks I needed a little creative R&R. Nothing helps me focus my thoughts and remember God's blessings like taking time to create something beautiful. I was so happy that the theme for Tag Tuesday this week was Spring. Spring means re-birth, resurrection, and renewal for me; these are ideas I am clinging to this week. I stamped this tag on one layer, (no cutting and gluing on this one) colored the images with Copics and then added the gold embossed leaf motifs. A few gems and ribbon finish it off.

Stamps and Supplies:  Stamps: Hero Arts- Antique Engravings;Stencil Art; Long Irises. Unknown-Small Flower stamps. Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Water color paper, BoBunny paper. Versamark watermark ink. Ranger Embossing Powder-Gold. Copic Markers. Gems-Hero Arts.

I finally got the Hero Arts clear set Antique Engravings; I had ordered it way back in December at the Catalog party, but it was on back-order with every new re-order. I was patient and it finally arrived. The images in this set were perfect for the idea I got from this inspiration photo:

I found this photo on Moxie Fab World blog and just knew I would do something with it. It was perfect inspiration for my tag.

I've been going through old family photos this week to put together a presentation for my dad's memorial service and I found a photo of my parents taken shortly after they were married in 1948.

Mom has been gone for almost 32 years and I like to think that my parents are having a beautiful reunion in heaven.

Thought for the Day: Psalm 5:11-12 ~ But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.
For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of Love!

Blessings to you all, your wonderful words of comfort have kept me going. I'm so grateful to be part of this loving community of creative women.
nancy

Goodbye Dad, I love you!

I wanted to express my thanks to all who have been praying for my dad, your thoughts and prayers have been so much appreciated. My dad passed away this morning; I'd like to celebrate his life today.

This is a favorite photo of my dad, taken on the day Ben graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Training in December of 2005. He was so proud that his grandson was following in his footsteps as a Marine.
That morning, when Al and I arrived at the base security checkpoint our car was thoroughly searched top to bottom, inside and out. My dad arrived with my sister a little later and when the young Marine saw my dad's hat he inquired if he had served in the Marine Corps 5th Division in World War II. When my dad responded that he had, the young man saluted and waved their car through.

This is a card I made about a year ago for dad. I used a photo of him and his brother from 1934. They were practicing the Boy Scout salute with some of their friends. Dad is the blond boy on the left.

 Dad, surrounded by family Christmas 2007

from left, my sister, Donna; my daughter in love Kellie; my son Andy; Dad; hubby Al; niece Ashley, niece Cambria; brother Jim and his wife Perri; nephew Chris and his wife Lauren. (I snapped the photo and Ben was deployed.)

Thought for the Day: John 3:16-17 ~ For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Blessings to you,
nancy

Tag Tuesday-Arch

I really wanted to do the Tag Tuesday theme justice this week and once I found the perfect arch on Graphics Fairy it all just came together.

 I re-sized the arch and removed the gate that was in the middle of the original image, then printed it on patterned paper, clear embossed, then trimmed.  The tag is sponged with Chipped Sapphire Distress ink then stamped with Chipped Sapphire. The arch is mounted with foam dimensional tape.
Supplies and tools: Distress Inks-Chipped Sapphire, Wild Honey; stamps: Tree- Snag 'em stamps by Imaginisce; Stencil Art clear set by Hero Arts; Golden Rod Stickles; Patterned Paper-The First Blush collection from Prima Marketing; Avery shipping tag from Office Depot.

It has special meaning this week as my dad is still hospitalized and not doing well. Making hope my theme just makes sense. Hope for today and hope for the future.
Thought for the Day: Psalm 147:11 ~ "the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love."
Blessings be yours today,
nancy

A Creative Respite

I had some time today to be creative so I focused on Anne's March Challenge: CASE Me. I was very much impressed with her watercolored Tree of Hope ATC, so that was my selection to "Copy and Selectively Edit".

I created this on Strathmore 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. I first stamped the Dots with VersaMark ink and white embossed. I water colored over that using Distress Ink in Tumbled Glass and Crushed Olive. Friendship Tree was stamped using Memories Dye ink in black. The tree was colored in using Copic markers.
Stamps: Friendship Tree-Stampington and Company; Cling Dots and Sentiment from Anytime Messages-Hero Arts.

Thought for the Day: Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I'm walking by faith, praying for wisdom and seeking God's blessings. How about you? Amen!
Blessings to you,
nancy

I Survived Hot Yoga.....

Hello everyone, I'm so sorry I haven't given you my review of Hot Yoga yet.. Please forgive me, life unfortunately, got a little difficult in the past few days.
I did survive my yoga experience, I stayed in the room for the whole 90 minute class. I attempted at least half of the exercises and the rest of the time I was literally concentrating on staying conscious. Standing to do a pose that resembled a pretzel I felt the creeping blackness taking over and I knew if I didn't sit down I would fall down. So, not wanting to call attention to myself any more than was necessary, I sat...quickly. The rest of the class went pretty much the same way....attempt to do something for a few minutes, then sit down. Oh, and did I mention the sweating?  Sweating is the main accomplishment of my day....110 degrees F is stinking hot. The only blessing is that I had no idea if I was having a hot flash or not...it was a 90 minute hot flash!
So I finally went with my crazy sister to Hot Yoga, I survived...barely....and I have NO desire to ever return. That's saying something since this studio allows you take your 2nd class free just to get you back. Thanks, but no thanks!

I had to postpone my next class at Stamp Fever to the 27th of March, but here are 2 of the card samples.

The first one actually has no stamping, it's made with a Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Elements page and paper from the mini deck. The second card uses Cosmo Cricket Material Girl paper and flowers I made using this tutorial.
Thought for the Day: Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Yesterday Al and I went to take my dad to the lab for a scheduled blood test. When we arrived he was in such bad shape that we had to call the paramedics to help us get him to the hospital. We had just seen him the day before and although he was weak he seemed to be doing better. Now we are faced with the prospect of him not being able to return his home and that he will need to go to an assisted living facility. At 85, he was doing well living on his own with family members checking in on him regularly. This will not be an easy transition for him as he likes his independence.
I would appreciate your prayers as my sister, brother and I have some difficult decisions to make in the days ahead.
Blessings,
nancy

Trying New Things

Hello, thanks for dropping by today as I attempt to prove that you are never too old to try new things. First off, I was so impressed with Jennifer McGuire's wonderful tutorial on Copics that I finally took the plunge, threw caution to the wind and followed her link to Ellen Hutson and ordered a fortune in Copic Sketch Markers. I ordered them on Sunday and they arrived on Thursday, how excellent is that turnaround?!  Here is my first attempt with the Copics...

 

I added B0000 Pale Celestine to the white background area of the stamped image for a really pretty effect.

Okay, so that's my first new thing this week. The second happens tomorrow when I will attempt Hot Yoga for the first time. My sister swears by the wonderful results from her years of attending Hot Yoga and has been trying to get me to go for about as many years. Well, tomorrow is her birthday and she finally wore me down. Now I usually can't function in 105 degrees, I have no idea how I'll try to perform the ridiculous poses while fainting from heat....and goodness what if I have a hot flash in the midst of the exertion?.....If I survive I will be back to regale you with stories about the class.

So anyway, in spite of the ominous specter of the yoga class, I went ahead and made a birthday card for my dear sister, Donna.

I am really in a purple and green mood lately...probably because those are the shades of Hero Hues Layering Papers I've added to my stash so far.

Supplies and Tools: Hero Arts Stamps-K5358 Floral Scallop, CL139 Birthday Messages, Cg119 Flourish Background; Hero Hues Layering Papers- Iris and Grass; Hero Hues Notecard- Iris; Memento Ink-Tuxedo Black; Copic Sketch Markers-B0000, Y19,YG05, YG07, YG09, V01,V15, V17, Colorless Blender; Ribbon-Michael's; We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper; Glossy Accents; Recollections- yellow gem.
Thought for the Day: Some thoughts about the Grace of God~
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
John 1:14, 16-17 And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth....for the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:2 Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.
Eph 2:8 By grace you have been saved through faith.
2Pet 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
nancy

Spring Flower

Happy Thursday everyone! I am loving the Spring weather today. It rained a bit last night but this morning dawned with a gorgeous blue sky! The theme this month at Hero Arts is Spring & Easter so I attempted something different with this Spring-y card.

 

It may be a birthday card but I'm not sure yet, so I left it without a sentiment. I was inspired by Agata's lovely Fab Five winning card to make the flower. I stamped the Friend Definition on notebook paper before punching it out.  The rest of my inspiration comes from the many Kristina Werner videos I've watched.

Stamps and Supplies: Hero Arts Stamps- Friend Definition CG125; Scallop Borders CL288; Artistic Borders CL322.  Ink- Hero Hues Chalk Ink Punch and Grass. Punches-Dovecraft Large Flower, Flower Border; EK Success Small Flower. Hero Arts Kraft Notecard. Hero Hues Layering Paper- Punch, Grass;  Cosmo Cricket paper- Garden Variety Mini-Deck; Signo Uni-ball White pigment pen. We R Memory Keepers-Corner Chomper.

Thought for the Day: Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him!

Tag Tuesday #42

It's Tuesday, and that means Louise's Tag Tuesday Challenge! The theme this week is to use Brown plus one other color. I had a difficult time coming up with an idea, but I finally looked at my new Hero Arts Dogwood stamp sitting on my worktable. I've been inspired by the beautiful effect Tiffany produced by simply stamping with it HERE and HERE.

I used a maple veneer tag base and painted it with a new acrylic paint by Ecogreen Crafts. I found their booth at CHA and was impressed with all of the eco-friendly craft products from paints to inks and stamps.  The rep gave me a sample of their paint in a color called Gourde.

It is an olive-y green color and it's wonderful, it brushes on really smoothly and covers well. It also accepted the Memories ArtPrint Brown dye ink I used to stamp the Dogwoods really well; it deserves a thumbs-up. Ecogreen Crafts, being a green company had a very unique catalog to hand out at CHA......

So anyway , back to the tag, I tried several different embellishments and finally settled on just adding some stamped text on either end and a simple brown ribbon. A bit of Vintage Photo Distress ink blended on the edges was the finishing touch. Very simple.

Thought for the Day: Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom."

Blessings to you,
nancy