Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Trying Something New!

I was inspired by Jacqueline's lovely card HERE to join in the challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. Not only is it the first challenge I've done at this site, but this is also a first because the embellishing on this card is way out of my comfort zone. I've had the Zva rhinestone embellishment in my stash for a couple years but it always intimidated me. I decided to give it a try by pairing it with some wonderful Webster's Pages papers and my favorite Fabulous Flourish stamp by Hero Arts.
I computer-generated a favorite verse on prayer and printed it on white cardstock that I had pre-stamped with the Fabulous Flourish using Scattered Straw Distress ink. The flourish was also stamped on the yellow paper using Black Soot Distress ink. I know this is not really all that "flou-flou" as I didn't use any ribbon, but it took me hours to get the flowers and gems just right and to design the card specifically to use them.

Just for comparison, the following card is one that is pretty fancy by my usual standards.....

...I made this for my Mom and Dad in-law. They are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary today!
There is not one bit of bling but I love the rustic charm. I achieved the look of toile by stamping the HA Hydrangea with Tuxedo Black Memento ink. Then I used watercolor paint to fill in the background. When it dried I over-stamped HA La Letter. The patterned paper is from K and Company.

As I was doing a little study on prayer I found the verse I used for the card. I think it is excellent, practical advice for purposeful prayer. Remembering how God has answered prayer in the past leads to a thankful heart and increased faith to believe He will continue to hear and respond. Praying with an alert mind allows the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your prayers. Another verse that always fills me with peace when I begin to pray is Psalm 46:10 ~ "Be still, and know that I am God."
Blessings,
nancy

19 comments:

  1. Amazing cards Nancy...I am ispired...Can I CASE your second card?? cos...its very pretty. Love the colors and details of the first one.

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  2. Oh, Nancy that first card is dreamy! I think you should do more of these - it is SO lovely! The Webster's papers were the perfect choice and I love the colors you chose!

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  3. Lovely cards, Nancy!! You really did those crystals justice! I love the unusual color combo for the second one - so classy! Rustic charm is the right description!

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  4. Both cards are beautiful, but I am in love with your first card! Love how you used the flowers and gems - perfectly!!

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  5. Both of these are stunning, gorgeous details on that first one. Thank you for joining us at Stamping Sisters in Christ.

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  6. Both of these cards are stunning Nancy! :)

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  7. What a beautiful post today! Stunning cards and inspirational words - an alert mind and a thankful heart... whether we 'feel' like it or not... :))
    Thanks for sharing - your cards are just gorgeous too!!

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  8. Wow... love these cards Nancy, Your gems look stunning and the colour scheme on the first card is perfect. You chose a beautiful passage for the focal point. Totally stunning. And your card for your parents in law's anniversary is very elegant. Thanks also for the wonderful comment on my blog too... I am blessed to count you as a friend. Blessings to you my friend.

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  9. Nancy, both are so stunning. Adore them. So elegant... just beautiful.

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  10. What a stunning, beautiful card!

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  11. Both cards are super stunning, Nancy!! Love them!

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  12. Both of your cards are gorgeous Nancy! Wow, just beautiful! I love your thought of the day too. Thanks!

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  13. Very pretty cards thanks for sharing!!!

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  14. Both cards are beautiful! Love the colors on the first and the bling is wonderful. The second card is gorgeous too and love the design!

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  15. gorgeous cards, Nancy. beautiful colors and stamping. love them both!

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  16. I love both of these cards, Nancy! That first one is so gorgeous! I can see all the love and care that went into making it! Beautiful colors, flowers, papers and bling! The second one is the perfect combination of rustic and beauty! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me. . .in more ways than one! Hugs!

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  17. both cards are stunning.. so elegant as usual. :)

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  18. you used the ZVA bling perfectly! the yellow & black is so refreshing!
    lots of work went into your 2nd card!! lovely in red!

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Thanks for your comments, I love hearing from you!