~ A Few Roses and a Thank You ~

Last year my husband planted a beautiful pink rose in one of our back flower beds.  In my zeal to clean out noxious weeds, I accidentally loped off a pretty nice chunk earlier this spring...  rose buds and all...  ***Did I mention that I do not have a green thumb???***  In fact the running joke in our house is that I can create a paper rose easier than nurture a real one....  So in fear of repeating past mistakes and retribution from my husband, I swore off weeding after that fateful day.  And might I say, my flower beds were a WRECK!!!  So Friday night, I had reached my limit.  I saw the antique wagon wheel...  a few sunflower plants popping up...  a lovely pink rose AND the thickest patch of weeds I had ever seen!  I realized that my lovely sunflowers and roses were in perilous danger...  and not from me!  So I did what I had to do...  I dove in...  pulled weeds and thankfully my pink rose survived the encounter!

Today's cards features the kind of flower that is totally fail proof for me...  PAPER!!

  

I used a few items in my stash including a new paper pad I found recently at Jo Anns.  It is Anna Griffin's Juliet Paper Pad with some Real Red by Stampin' Up and a bit of green Bazzill card stock from my stash.  I started with an ecru paper base, a slightly smaller Real Red card stock mat, another mat of DP and a die cut border created with Stampin' Up's Botanical Builder Die.  I layered a bit of green card stock just under the negative to make it pop.  I stamped my leaf stamp (Botanical Blooms) with SU's Wild Wasabi on Pear Pizzaz CS.  I them used the coordinating Botanical Builders Framelits Die to cut it.  I used a bit of ecru CS and SU Blushing Bride along with the BB Framelits Die to create these lovely dimensional flowers.  I added a tiny pearl with adhesive to each center for interest.  I stamped the sentiment (SU's Rose Wonder) with Wild Wasabi ink on ecru CS and used the Rose Garden Thinlets Die to cut it out.  I added the final product with dimensional foam. 

I love flowers that are less complicated...  less demanding...  whew!!!!   

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings!

~ No Weapon Formed Against Me... ~

You may remember a song Frank Sinatra recorded called "My Way."  The lyrics were written by Paul Anka and were based on another song.  While on vacation in France, Mr. Anka heard a popular pop tune and negotiated to get the rights.  He then promptly went to work creating lyrics for his own version.  Mr. Sinatra recorded the song in 1968 and it went on to become his signature song.  It was so popular in fact that many other acts recorded their own version of it, including Elvis Presley.  I read in an interview given by Mr. Sinatra's daughter that as famous as the song was, Frank grew to dislike it.  

It is funny to think that a song with lyrics that famously say, "I''ll do it my way" was actually a copy of another song...  I know I am guilty of trying to do things my own way often.  And that is when I get into trouble.  It is when I count on my Savior, Jesus Christ that nothing can hurt me.  I may take a few darts, but I manage to get up.  Are you trying to do it your own way?  Are you trying to copy the pattern of the world, just like Paul Anka used a pre-existing melody?  Are you a Milli Vanilli (from my song era) just pretending, instead of being real?  Are you following the most important instruction book of all, the Bible?  When you have the Word of God as your Shield, what can possibly hurt you?

Blessings...

I started with a white card stock base using ODBD's Pierced Rectangles Die to create my plaid and yellow matting.  The plaid and coordinating solid can be found in ODBD's new Birthday Bash Paper Collection.  I stamped my image on Copic compatible paper (Neenah Solar Crest) and colored it with Copics.  I used the Pierced Rectangles Die to cut it as well.  I stamped my sentiment on vellum (also in the Armor of God set) and cut it with the pierced die.  I cut one end to create a pennant and adhered it with spray adhesive.  

So here are the items you see today...

and a few other details...

Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black (image)

Stazon - Jet Black (sentiment)

Copics - Y11, Y15, Y26, E25 (cross)

E35, E55 (belt)

Armor - C1, C3, C5

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Friends are Kind ~

For the most part friends are kind...  I have learned over the years that the ones who are not...  well it is best to part ways!  So in honor of all my friends who still manage to love me... here is a fun card featuring an unusual star...

I started with a white card stock base and added a mat using ODBD's Majestic Medallion Die and Smoky Slate card stock.  I used ODBD's Double Stitched Rectangles Die to create a mat and focal panel using Pool Party and Foxy Friends Paper Pad DP.  I stamped my sentiment with Versafine Black Onyx ink on white card stock and used ODBD's Double Stitched Circles Die to frame it.  A bit of black and white card stock plus a SU Punch helped me create my "little stinker."  

For my sentiment....  Stampin' Up - Garden In Bloom

Stampin' Up Punch - Fox Builder Punch

Stampin' Up - A Little Foxy 8 1/2 x 11 Card Stock

Stampin' Up - A Little Foxy Designer Series Paper Stack

Thanks for stopping by!  Until next time...

Blessings...

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #236 and #237

Good morning and welcome to a new bi-weekly challenge at Word Art Wednesday! 

 Today we have a beautiful scripture from the New Testament, specifically 2 Corinthians.  And this one is perfect for your patriotic cards!  I love this time of year.  Memorial Day, Flag Day and the Fourth of July are some of my favorites.  I love seeing the red, white and blue bunting and Old Glory waving in the breeze.  This scripture is just perfect for those sentiments...  I chose some lovely patriotic paper and went to work...

I used a white card stock base (4.25 x 5.5) for my foundation, cutting a red layer of 4.25 and 5.5 inches, a slightly smaller white matting and finally a top layer of blue CS.  I chose a couple of coordinating designer papers from the Americana collection by Pebbles and cut out a center piece using Our Daily Bread Designs' Double Stitched Rectangles Die.  I cut two in two separate patterns and then split the difference.  I printed my scripture panel on white card stock and used another die from Our Daily Bread Designs, (Double Stitched Circles) to cut it out.  I added a flag DP strip before adding the sentiment panel with dimensional foam.  For my floral spray, I chose a white mulberry rose, 2 red roses and a couple of pale blue blossoms.  I used a couple of Martha Stewart punches from my stash to create two colors of green leaves and kraft twigs.  I placed them all together in the corner to mimic a spray...

So fun, don't  you think?  

Thanks as always for stopping by and don't forget to visit Word Art Wednesday for your own copy of the digital scripture and the link to play along!

Blessings...

~ Lots of Love ~

Taking a few moments to work on an old Mojo Monday sketch...  Last week was spent traveling and I just didn't get around to as much crafting as I would like.  I hope to fix that this week...  lol...  

So here is my interpretation of last week's Mojo sketch using Our Daily Bread Designs' 

Sending My Love stamp/die duo...

I started with a black card stock base measuring 4.25 x 5.5 inches.  I added a slightly smaller white mat and a bit of floral DP.  I chose to used ODBD's Doily Die to create my sentiment panel.  I used the new stamp/die due Sending My Love.  A bit of white card stock and the die element create the word Sending for the top...

Here are the items you see today...

As I mentioned earlier, I hope to get back to crafting more this week.  Join me Wednesday for a new Word Art Wednesday Challenge along with a few other projects this week.  Have a wonderful Monday!

Blessings...

A Chance to Revisit Our Daily Bread Designs' June Release...

Today we are taking a look back at Our Daily Bread Designs' June Release.  Here is the surprise box I created using ODBD's Surprise Box Die, Balloons & Streamers Die, Bitty Butterflies Die, Cakes & Candle Die, Celebrate & Wish Die, Mini Bow Die, Mini Stitched Hearts Die, Alphabet Die, Numbers Die, Bitty Borders Die, Mini Tags & Labels Die, Birthday Bash Paper Collection AND Birthday Brights Paper Pad.  WHEW!!!!

For more inspiration using the June Release be sure to visit the ODBD Blog.
And be sure to visit our complete list of the designers participating today at the bottom of this post...

I started with a turquoise card stock and the Surprise Box Die.  Once it was cut, I scored the edges, adhered everything and cut out an additional three panels for the inside.  (The first cut took care of one.  I placed those inside the box where I thought I might need something to attach various elements to.  I used the die and papers from ODBD's Birthday Bash Paper Collection and Birthday Brights Paper Pad to create my outside panels and those lining the flaps of my "box."  I cut a yellow swag from the Bitty Borders Die set and adhered it to the front along with a tiny heart created with the Mini Stitched Hearts Die set.  I created a fun cake with the magic birthday number (don't tell but my Mom will be 80 in August...) with the new Cakes & Candle Die along with the new Numbers Die set.  I placed them on the top panel.  I cut out tons (it sure felt like it...) of streamers and balloons with the Balloons & Streamers Die and attached them to the three "panels" on the inside of the box.  I added other fun elements with the Mini Bow Die, Bitty Butterflies Die and Mini Tags and Labels Die.  Here is everything you see used on today's project....

Thanks for visiting.  Don't forget to check out the ODBD Blog for a complete list of all those participating in the hop!  I know the DT has some wonderful projects to share! 

Cathy * Dawn * Lori * Robin * Melissa * Julie * Sandee 

* Diana * Grace * Lisa * Sabrina * Jan 

 Blessings...

RS217 ~ Put on the Full Armor of God ~

Happy Friday!  Today I have a card to share using
Our Daily Bread Designs' Full Armor stamp set.

I started with a white card stock base and added a bit of tropical blue card stock cut and embossed with ODBD's Pierced Rectangles Die.  I created my custom DP using ODBD's Medallion Background stamp.  I stamped the image on white card stock with Versamark Embossing Ink and added white embossing powder.  After heating and cooling, I gently added a soft green ink, tropical blue ink and a rich blue ink gently wiping away the excess.  I love the ombre feel to this panel!  I cut and embossed it also with the Pierced Rectangles Die.  I stamped my sentiment (Full Armor) with a soft green ink on white CS and used ODBD's Circles Die to trim it our.  I added a bit of coordinating blue CS cut with the Pierced Circles Die for my mat.  I added a few custom flowers made from white card stock and ODBD's Pretty Posies Die.  I inked each with a rich blue ink, spritzed with a spray bottle, blotted up the excess and distressed away!  After shaping and drying, I added the layers to together and placed them on my card over soft green foliage (Fancy Foliage Die).  I finished up with a few gold micro beads glued in each center.  And I added a cut little blue die cut butterfly (Bitty Butterflies Die.  

Here is the new set and die I used today...

and some old favorites...

and the link to this week's Retro Sketch Challenge and

the sketch itself...  My card was based on this sketch...

Thanks for stopping by!

Word Art Wednesday Challenge 234 & 235 ~ Proverbs 16:9 ~

Good morning and welcome to a new bi-weekly challenge at Word Art Wednesday! 

 Today we have a beautiful scripture from the book of Proverbs.  This one is perfect for that man in your life!  I lost my own father 20 years ago this May.  There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about him.  And what I wouldn't give to hear his voice one more time!  Give Dad a big kiss and hug!  Call him up or better yet, go VISIT!   With Father's Day just around the bend it is so important to show our earthly Fathers just how much of a blessing they are!
  

I decided to work with some different mediums and products today.  I printed this week's digital scripture on white card stock before using Our Daily Bread Designs' Pierced Rectangles Die to frame it.  I cut a slightly larger mat from Stampin' Up's Always Artichoke Card Stock before adding to the Georgia Pacific Black Card Stock base (4.25 x 5.5 inches).  I used a couple of traditional stamp sets to complement this scripture panel.  As I reflected upon the passage, I couldn't help thing of how man is always dreaming of big things (ex. the Wright Brothers and flight) but yet it is God who is in control.  It is always in His time.  

I stamped the trees (SU Always Artichoke ink) on the corner.  (The image is from SU's Wonderland Set.)  I added a lovely vintage plane stamp from SU's Sale-A-Bration set, Sky is the Limit (SU Basic Black ink).  I colored the plane lightly with Prismacolor pencils adding a blender for depth and added a bit of clear Wink of Stella glitter ink to the propeller.  I used a scallop punch and Memento's Summer Sky ink to create my puffy sky.  

Thanks as always for joining me and don't forget to go to the Word Art Wednesday blog to pick up this beautiful scripture (for FREE) and play along with our challenge!

Taking a chance to play along with

 Paper Players PP298 - Father's Day Challenge

Blessings...

Lori 

Sketch Saturday #415 ~ You are Awesome ~

Welcome!  I find myself thinking more and more about a real vacation.  It has been a couple of years since hubs and I made a trek to the beach.  And I think this could be the year...  Not sure if it will be the Upper Peninsula, the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast just yet...  I definitely need the feel of sand between my toes.  Until then this card, inspired by the weekly Sketch Saturday Challenge will have to do!

I started with a white card stock base measuring 5.5 x 8.5 inches, scored and folded at 4.25 inches.  I added a layer of turquoise card stock (die cut with ODBD's Pierced Rectangles Die.  I die cut two more panels of sand colored card stock and tore them into three layers to overlap and create my sand.  I used ODBD's Fence Die cut from Kraft paper to create my fence.  I cut the individual planks and added a bit of hemp twine to create my beach fence.  ODBD's Grass Border Die cut into individual grass blades added a fun touch.  I used ODBD's Leafy Edged Borders Die and more turquoise card stock for my sea and a bit of leftover scraps for the shoes (ODBD's Flip Flops Die) and umbrella (Umbrellas Die.)  I used the new June release, You Bless Me So to die cut part of the sentiment and stamp the rest.  

Here are the items you see today.

and the sketch I used...  flipped sideways...


and the LINK if you too would like to play along...

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful Monday!

CTD395 ~ Sending My Prayers ~

I really do enjoy a good challenge.  Give me a color palette, sketch or idea and I am good to go!  This project is for the weekly Color Throwdown.  You can see the color palette a bit later in the post along with the other challenges I am playing along with today.  I had so much fun creating this card that I just have to jump right in!

I started with a 4.25 inch by 11 inch base (Stampin' Up Crumb Cake) scored and folded at 5.5 inches.  I trimmed up a bit of soft cream colored CS to make a slightly smaller mat.  I pulled out Our Daily Bread Designs' Majestic Medallion Die for the base and lattice layer (also created with SU Crumb Cake).  I die cut some foliage using ODBD's Fancy Foliage Die out of a soft sage card stock, cut and adhered to create my "spray."  I used ODBD's Pretty Posies Die, cream card stock, water mister and shaping tool to create my posies before adding a few pearls in each center and adding to my spray.  I stamped my sentiment on cream CS (Sending My Love Stamp/Die Duo) with coordinating Crumb Cake Ink.  I wrapped the sentiment panel lightly around a pencil until I got the desired shape and adhered it near the bottom of my flowers.  I added sentiment panel (also in soft cream card stock) to finish it off.  

So here is the color palette and LINK...

and some of the items you see today including this 

June release from ODBD...

Other Challenges-

Southern Girls Challenge - Layers
Crazy 4 Challenges - C4C333 - Make it Floral