Faith on Friday

Good morning friends and welcome to a new feature day here on my blog called "Faith on Friday"...it's a pretty good description of what I'll be sharing with you.  Mostly I'll share with you the Bible jounaling I've done that week, which will most likely just consist of the memory verse of whichever study I'm doing at the time.  Let's jump right in shall we?

 This week the study that I'm doing actually took the week off due to a lot of people having spring break this week (mine was last week) and, I guess, a lot of people were behind so they wanted to allow time to catch up.  Anyway, I'm doing the study of the book I Know His Name by Wendy Blight.  It is an online lead study and through Proverbs 31 Ministries.  This book studies five of the names of God and two weeks ago we studied about El Roi, the God who sees me as Hagar pronounces him in Genesis 17:13. 

 This Bible journaling is a new process for me and, if you look at the photo above you can see I have been making mistakes...from highlighting the wrong verse (palm face plant!) to not being patient enough for the ink to dry. I'm still very much in the learning process but that is okay, right?  We all are constantly learning about our Lord and this is just another way to work on my personal relationship with him!

I also wanted to share with you some fun things I got from the Illustrated Faith section of the Dayspring Store.  In the box is the Beautiful devotional kit.  I tried to resist the kit but the colors and roses just did me in!  I also wanted to get some paint and paint 'cards' so they have a kit in the store that I thought would be a good place to start.  Finally some black pens 'cuz really...who has enough of those?  ;)

So...do you guys just want to see the pages I've completed or would you like to know where I got my creative tools from as well?  Do you want links?  Let me know and I'll do what you would like!  The stamps I've used here are from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, SU! and Jaded Blossom (the glasses). 

Well, that is it for this week!  I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Creative Bible Journaling

I've started a new creative process called Creative Bible Journaling.  I purchased a Bible that is specifically for journaling and will be creating in the margins (though some create on the entire page).  I've just finished my first, very simple, page and I really like it.  I've made some rookie mistakes that I'm really okay with making simple because I'm full of flaws and this process will be full of flaws too so I'm just going with it!  I thought the beginning would be a great place to start so presenting my first creative page on the first page of scripture in my journaling Bible!

 First thing I did was purchase a journaling Bible.  You can see that they pages are only one column and leave much room on the side to journal.  After a little research I decided to go with Prismacolor Premier colored pencils for my coloring as I didn't want it to bleed though.  Well, the no bleed through went right on out the window when I stamped the globe in back and it bled though...flaw #1 (and that is the last one I numbered...lol).  I didn't want to have to use a prep material of any sort as i don't really create with a ton of forethought and most preparation materials require time to dry (or a dryer of some sort) but I guess I'll have to change that plan.  I ordered clear gesso for the meantime and will see how that works on the next try.

 The stamps I used for this page are from Jaded Blossom (the world) and from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (they have a whole new line just for Creative Bible Journaling!).  I've used Dew Drop inks and colored with the Prismacolor pencils and then blended the colors with their blender pencil.  I'm pretty unfamiliar with the pencils so they will take a bit to get used to but hey...we all learn new stuff everyday, right?

And here it is 'finished' (not really because I didn't like how the green flowered looked so I just took an eraser that I got with a prismacolor kit and erased it a bit and it doesn't look so out of place now).  I'm actually super pleased at my first try and it has really encouraged me to continue on. 

I think I'll be doing a page a week based on the Bible Study memory verse that I'm learning for the week.  I'm also going to be dating all the creative journaling that I'll be doing so that I can see how my art changes over time. 

I would love to hear your constructive feedback if you'd like to leave a comment!

It's graduation season...

Do you know anyone who is graduating this year?  I know a couple and one of them has a graduation party today so I got busy yesterday making her card and putting her gift together.  Her gift is, of course, an Origami Owl locket.  Origami Owl makes it so easy to make a special gift for anyone!  Of course you can't just present that gift in any 'ole way so I made a box with my Stampin' Up! Box Board and found a WSU cut file to put on it too...

So, the paper used for this box is Cherry Crisp (which is one of my favorite colors!).  I used a Sweet 'n Sassy stamp set called Congrats Grad for the grad cap here (using it as a tag in case the card and gift get separated) and the stamping inside the card.  I just Googled WSU cut file and found this file so I cut it on my Cricut, added the tag and ribbon on top and . I think it looks great!

Next is the card I made for the grad who is our pastor's daughter.  She graduated with her BSN in nursing from the WSU nursing school so, of course, I had to work that in there!  The nurse is made from the SVG Cutting Files shape named Nurse Olivia - Thermometer.  I then just used a card sketch and some paper to make the card.  This particular grad had a hard go of her education due to some health issues of her own so to say her family (and the congregation) is proud of her is an understatement!

Above is the inside with the SNSS image and congrats grad stamping. Below is a side view so you can see the layers.

So now for the honesty side...this box and card set took me most of Saturday morning...not because it was necessarily difficult (though the nurse cut file was difficult to figure out with the layers of hair not clearly defined...I persevered though!) but because I wanted it to be perfect and something she will not soon forget!  Thinking about it now it might have been nice to put a little bling or pearl in a couple of spots (random but not...you know what I mean) on the card...that would have kicked it up a notch or two BUT it is wonderful the way it is too so I'm going to just leave it be!



Now, have a wonderful Sunday and I'll see you soon! 

Trio Of Cards

Good morning friends! It was Kyler's birthday yesterday and I completely forgot to post so here I am today!  My PEO group is doing a little trivia question each month and I volunteered to make some trios of cards for the winner.  Tomorrow night will be the first trivia question so I made up these cards the other day. 

I gotta tell ya I really like these cards. The colors all go together nicely and the simplicity of the cups made making the cards pretty simple and quick. 

Well, that is it for today.  I hope you have a lovely day!

Owl be here

Hello! Is anyone still out there? I know it is hard to want to keep up with me when I don't blog very often so if you are still there...thank you!

I needed another owl card so I used this cutie Owl image by Sweet n' Sassy stamps.  I love the sentiment although it is a little stalker-ish...lol!  The papers are from the now over SAB catalog but I still love them so I will continue to use them.  Fun button and ribbon, too huh?

Life is just busy with work, PT for Kyler, PEO for me and when I'm not doing those things I'm exercising or sleeping.

I hope you are all doing well!  I will tell you I do have a week's worth of posts for you guys so I hope you'll stop back everyday this week!

You & Me

Good morning friends! I hope you had a wonderful Sunday! Was it a relaxing one or did you get lots done outside/inside? It was pretty relaxing for me which was super nice. I took they day off of all exercising which was probably a mistake and I'll feel it today but...oh, well!

When our was out in blogland I saw Patti's really pretty card HERE.  The sketch intrigued me so I decided to play with it too.  I don't have any Repeat Impressions stamps but the post said that I can play along without so I used some new to me stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called You & Me.  I'm a sucker for a stamp set that I can use to make a card for Todd with!  Anyway, didn't it turn out cute?

Here is a side view...I wanted you to be able to see the inside and that I popped up the two image panels.  I just think this is so fun and can't wait to give it to him at some point!

I'm hoping to find the time to make a fun teacher gift this afternoon but we shall see.  First, I must get on my bike and ride for awhile. 

Make today a fantastic day!

Sketches by Carly

While you won't see this on the Sketches by Carly blog ('cuz I just finished the card this morning) this is my card for the sketch this week.  This week's sponsor is Sweet n Sassy Stamps and the winner will win 3 digi images of their choice so I know you'll want to play along!

And below is the sketch. You can put the flowers on your card or not...it is up to you.  Obviously flowers wouldn't go very well with my mouse and pumpkin image so I left the flowers off of mine.

I hope you'll come on over to Sketches by Carly and join this great sketch challenge!

Gift Girl

Good morning friends!  I  hope you've had a wonderful week.  I know I'm glad to be to Friday!  Today I get to share with you the card I made with Carly's current sketch at Sketches by Carly.  It is a fun sketch with lots of potential...as usual!

We are sponsored this week by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps so I used their super cute Ava's Gift digital Stamp.  I know her colors don't necessarily match but I do know that some little girls don't have to match perfectly when they get dressed either so I went with it!  I just pulled some paper out of my huge stash and went to work with the sketch.  This card feels very home-y to me.

Above is a shot of the inside and the sentiment that I decided to use with this card.  It is from PaperTrey Ink.  An oldie but goodie for sure!

Today is the beginning of a weekend that starts in what look like tragedy, Good Friday, and ends in the most glorious way!  I felt God leading me to fast today (sun up to sun down) so if you think of it say a little prayer for me. 

I hope you have a wonderful Friday!  Kyler's birthday is on Monday so we'll be having his party tomorrow.  It is just a big gathering of his friends to play some football and eat some bacon cheeseburger pizza, as well as celebrating with some yummy Snicker's cupcakes.  It should be lots of fun for him!

Christmas Puppy

Good morning! For those of you who went out shopping on the crazy day they call black Friday...did you get everything you wanted?  Was it anything crafty?  If so...be sure to scroll up to my Black Friday/Cyber Monday Challenge!

Today is a new Sketches by Carly sketch release day.  This sketch is another super fun sketch that can go so many different ways.  We are sponsored by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps this week, though, and by playing along you have the chance to win 3 free digis.  Yay!

So, my card features the super cute image called Christmas Puppy.  I always thought getting a puppy for Christmas would be fun but now that I have a puppy...whew, they are a lot of work!  Anyway, my patterned papers are from MME's Lost & Found Christmas paper pack.  I thought the image looked a bit vintage so I tried to have the rest of my card look that way too.  The photo corners are from Doodle Pantry and are SVG files so you can cut them with your Cricut and a version of either SCAL or MTC. 

Alright...here are the links to my design team sisters.  Make sure you go check out what they have done this week!

Jerusha

Julie 

Danni

Ceal

Margreet

Genevieve

Sarah

Shakira

Kathy

Kris

Carly

Thought of the day:  Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something. 

The Sweet Stop

Happy Saturday friends!  Whew I have been so tired recently so I'm so glad it is Saturday! 

It is another Sweet Stop Saturday.  I really love creating for this sketch challenge blog.  I get to use images that I like with some of the best sketches out there and the other DT girls are so sweet and encouraging!  Onto the card:

You can see the sketch to the left and that I took a little creative liberty with it but I'm super happy with how this came out.

For this card I used the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps image called Rhubarb's Punkins.  As always Rhubarb is just the cutest!  I used retired SU! paper (again), a fence border punch with some A Muse wood grained paper (my A Muse website is HERE) and the sentiment is from the Fall Time Cocoa clear stamp set.  The image was colored with Copic Markers.

Okay, well...you enjoy your weekend...make sure you hug your family and tell them you love them!

Thought of the day:  You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.  Dr. Seuss

Life is grand...

Good morning friends! It's I'm sure most of you are thrilled as I am. I'm not sure why I like Friday's so much but I do!



For today's card I used a super sweet SNSS image called Rhubarb's Cup o' Joe. Don't you just love it? The paper I used is from MME and is Stella and Rose's Gertie Papers. I adore this paper pad! I added some ribbon from my stash of ribbon, added some flower bling (can you see it on the coffee cup as well as under the sentiment?) and wahlah Rhubarb's lookin' pretty! I love that this particular image can be male or female...it is all in the coloring.



I also used the Deconstructed Sketch for this week which, I think, is a super fun one. I was in the SNSS store last night and spied some Bo Bunny papers that I think I might have to have!



Tomorrow morning we are going to the pancake breakfast/kids rodeo that starts the fair/rodeo season here where I live. I love seeing all the little kids in the parade! Have a wonderful Friday!



*Thought of the day: Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school,

but they can in prison?* Don't get me wrong, I appreciate prison ministries but maybe some of those people wouldn't be in prison if they had read the Bible in school. Just sayin' and since it is my blog...I can!

Big News at Sweet n' Sassy!

Not only does Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps have a wonderful new release this month but it also has some wonderful, BIG news!



First off, SNSS is now offering dies for their stamps. The very first set of dies is made to go with the gorgeous fall set called Season of Change. Hmmm...did you notice who illustrated the Season of Change set? No, well that is excitement number two! The lovely and talented Dina Kowel is now illustrating sets for SNSS! I know...so exciting huh? As if those two things weren't exciting enough SNSS announced last Saturday that they are now a member company on Splitcoast Stampers! That is right...now you will get all your SNSS fix at SCS! How exciting huh?



I'm sure you are wondering what the image is to the right...right? Well, this cutie stamp set is the stamp set you will receive for FREE with a $50 purchase from now until Aug 31st How fun, huh?



Alright, I know you want to go check out all the fun stuff so...away you go...enjoy!

Sweet Peek Day Three

Good morning again all! This week is going by fast...it is already Wednesday.



I have another Sweet Peek from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps for ya today. This time it is the super cute Cocoa all ready for fall! Hence the name Fall time Cocoa. This image in the set lends itself particularly well to piecing with it's big ole pumpkin so that is what I did. I chose some retired SU! patterned papers and got to work. The Happy Fall Y'all is one of the cute fall sentiments in this set and is one of my personal favorite fall sentiments. Make sure you head on over to the SNSS blog today so you can head on over to the other sneak peeks today!



Have a wonderful everyone!

Sweet Peek Day Two

Good morning friends! Welcome to day #2 of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps August Sweet Peeks! This is such an exciting month that I know you'll want to stay tuned for all of it!



Today we are giving a peek of the new stamp set called Many Thanks. I was thrilled when Korin sent me this set to preview with y'all as I just love sentiment stamps (it is almost embarrassing how many of them I have) and when I received them I was not disappointed. I recently got a new Nestibilities tag set so I decided to use that along with some gorgeous paper and ribbon to make my card.



I hope you will hop on over to the SNSS blog to check out the rest of today's sweet peeks as well as to join us all week long. I promise...by week's end you will not be disappointed! (Yes, there is something big coming!)



I leave you with..."Praise be to the Lord my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. Psalm 144:1. Now lets go a little further than that in Psalms...2. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Can you see how this scripture would be a comfort to those in battle? Try looking up Psalm 91 sometime. You will find that God does protect His followers in battle. Very comforting to a mom whose son is in battle (both spiritual and physical) everyday!



Have a lovely day all!

Rhubarb's Good Book

Morning friends! Was your Monday all you hoped it would be? Did ya get everything done? Mine sure was busy but I'm happy with what I got done!

I have another cute Rhubarb the Teddy Bear card for ya today. Can you tell I really like Rhubarb? Anyway, this is the newly released (today!) Rhubarb from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called Rhubarb's Good Book. I used this image and sentiment thinking this would be a great card to use for a birthday for which you are giving the recipient a gift card to their favorite book store (mine is either Amazon or Barnes & Noble just in case you wanted to know!). Wouldn't that just be adorable? The layout for this card is this week's sketch over at Card Patterns. It is very clean and simple (again) but with lots of potential.

Alright, we are off to Olallie Park today. I'm just SO excited about the rest of this week! Tomorrow it will be 10 years since I married the man that I truly believe God had waiting for me! Yes, I mean Todd! LOL! Stop back tomorrow to see the card I chose to give him for this big (to us) accomplishment!

Have a wonderful day!