Saturday, May 30, 2015

ODBD May ~ Pray Without Ceasing ~



Good morning!  It's hard to believe the weekend is officially here!  I know this week was a short week for most of us.  For some reason, it seemed incredibly long!  I just couldn't wait to get back to my crafty space!  Today, I have one more project to share using some of the May release items from Our Daily Bread Design.

Here's a close up of this fun card featuring Belles Vignes,
Spread Your Wings, and the coordinating die, Birds and Nest


I started with a cool blue card stock base (5.5 x 4.25 inches) and added a Kraft mat.  I used a mat die from the Flourished Star Pattern set and layered on some DP from the Blooming Garden Paper Collection.

 

I used the Layered Lacey Squares Die set to create a fun rectangle.  I cut the die cut and layered one of the "wheels" on top of each other.  So instead of a square, I came up with a rectangle.  I then cut a slightly smaller blue panel and after putting those together added them to the card with dimensional foam.  I cut three layers from the Ornate Hearts set carefully layering each.  I cut my "tag" from ODBD's Vintage Flourish Pattern Die and stamped my sentiment using the new Belles Vignes set.  I took a share pair of scissors and cut the top to create an area to "slide" my bits of seam binding through.  I then took a bit of baker's twine and tied the white and pale blue seam binding together to create my flourish. 

The birds (Spread Your Wings) were stamped on Copic compatible paper with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copics.  I then used the coordinating Birds and Nest Die to cut each one out and placed them on their respective corners.  I decided to take one of the twine "tails" and add it to one little birdies beak...  How fun is that? 

So here are the new items you see today...




BIRDS & NEST DIES - CSBD100

and some old favorites...


BLOOMING GARDEN COLLECTION 6x6 PAPER PAD



FLOURISHED STAR PATTERN DIE - CSBD75


ORNATE HEARTS DIES - CSBD53


LAYERED LACEY SQUARE DIES - CSBD84

Thanks again for spending a portion of  your day with me!  I hope you found something to get your creative juices flowing!  Don't forget that Monday I will have some new designs featuring Our Daily Bread Designs' June release!  It promises to be a fun week!  Stay tuned! 

Friday, May 29, 2015

North Coast Creations' May Release

Good morning and welcome to the May release at North Coast Creations!  Summertime my thoughts turn to the outdoors.  Hiking, exploring, traveling to new places all top my list!  And I must confess I love visiting the ocean!  I have only been there a few times but it always leaves me breathless!  And this month's release captures all of those things you love to do during the summer.  It is a perfect celebration of the outdoors.  Plus, this release works perfectly for those creating masculine cards!  ***Don't tell my husband***  Those are the most difficult for me!  It is wonderful when the image does all of the work for you!  ;-)  The first of the month means you have a chance to hop along, comment and win!  So don't forget to check the end of today's post for all of the details!

This month there are two sets, Sail Away, (think nautical) and Deer Silhouette Greetings (perfect for those sportsmen in your life). 

 Here is the first project featuring Sail Away...


I started with a rich navy card stock base (5.5 x 4.25 inches) and added a dark red mat.  A layer of nautical DP from our sister company, Our Daily Bread Designs' Patriotic Paper Collection.  I stamped the sailboat image on Copic compatible paper and colored it with my Copics.  I added a bit of "seafoam" with a white gel marker.  I used my scalloped paper punch and Memento's Summer Sky ink to create my sky.  I matted the image with coordinating navy card stock and wrapped some faux netting behind the image.  A copper nautical charm rests above the sentiment panel.  I stamped the sentiment directly on a scrap from the Patriotic Paper Collection.  LOVE IT!!!

And here's a closer look....




and the stamp set...



So that brings us to contestant number two...  This time I pulled out some watercolor paper for my focal image...


I moistened the paper and swiped three shades of Memento markers on an acrylic block before misting the block (Grape Jelly, Lilac Posies, Danube Blue).  I then gently pressed the moistened block onto the damp paper.  After drying, I stamped my image (Deer Silhouette Greetings) with Memento's Tuxedo Black.  I trimmed it down to the desired size.  I did leave some areas that were not colored for added interest.  I created the base with black card stock (5.5 x 4.25 inches) and added gold matting.  The final layer is a burgundy card stock.  I finished the image with black and burgundy matting and 4 gold photo corners.  I embossed the sentiment on black card stock and used ODBD's Pennants Die to cut it out.

and the set I used...
 

Aren't they fun?  I can't wait to crank out more "manly" cards!  My hubby won't know what hit him!  ;-)

Don't forget that a new release means you have a chance to win a $10 NCC Gift Certificate, good towards the purchase of NCC Stamps. You have until May 31st, 2015 at 10:00 PM EDT to leave a comments on the participating designers blogs for a chance to win! Two random winners will be selected from the comments left on the designers blogs, the winners will be announced on the NCC Blog on June 1, 2015.  Be sure to check back there to see if you have won!

NCC Blog - If you get lost along the way!

**The Coasters**

Lori (ME) * Julie * Lisa * Sandee 
 Dawn * Patty * Robin * Angie * Paula





Wednesday, May 27, 2015

ODBD May ~ Let God Lift You Up ~





Happy Wednesday!  I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  I spent a few days blissfully isolated in my craft room!  Can you believe it?  I must praise God for giving me a few days of health and energy!  I was able to get a few things put together just in time to share with you.  And in a few days I have some new items from North Coast Creations to share.  PLUS, the first of June will be here soon which means ***squeal*** a new release from Our Daily Bread Designs!  Can you say, "color me excited?" 

Here is a fun project using a few items from the month of May, Spread Your Wings, Belles Vignes, Birds and Nest Dies and the fabulous Fancy Fritillary Die.



I started with a lime green card base (5.5 x 4.25 inches).  I added a rich green mat. The focal layer features the Belles Vignes stamp set inked with Memento's Pistachio, Bamboo Leaves, Olive Grove and Northern Pine for a fabulous ombre look!  I then inked the edges before distressing the sides and adding it to my forest green mat. 

Here's the Belles Vignes  set which has this fun vine image...


I found my sentiment in the new Spread Your Wings
set.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS - H608


The butterfly on top is a double decker creation.  I started with vellum for the bottom layer and cut a white card stock die for the top.  I inked the white card stock with glitter spritz (white and gold) before creating my "butterfly sandwich."




If you look closely at the blossoms, you might notice a couple that resemble carnations.  I must admit that was a bit of serendipity.  I cut out "oodles" of the flower blossoms from the new Birds and Nest Die with a bit of white card stock.  I spritzed all of my petals with a water mister, added both the white and gold glimmer mist and scrunched them all up.  I let them dry to the touch
***and yes, I left them scrunched up*** 
before spritzing them lightly with water again.  After drying completely, I carefully opened the blossoms and put layers together to create these fun new blossoms.  I just LOVE the shabby look!  So here is the fun die I used....


You know how much I love Our Daily Bread Designs' classic Fancy Foliage Die.  It's an oldie but a goodie!  Definitely a must have!  I used the same lime and forest green papers to create my foliage.  I added a bit of gold for added pizzazz! 


FANCY FOLIAGE DIES - CSBD33


I used the Pennants Die to frame my lovely sentiment
***stamped in a delightful shade of green!***
I think Kermit would LOVE this card!  I even tucked a bit of frayed white seam binding behind the spray!  


PENNANT DIES - CSBD60


Asters and Leaves Die helped me make the fun focal blossom in the middle.  A large adhesive backed pearl in the center adds a bit of punch.  I also used a pearl flourish (cut up) and tucked behind my vines. 


ASTER DIES - CSBD57


Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you found something that would inspire you to pull out your crafting supplies and go to work!  I found this project particularly liberating!  Admittedly, the colors are not ones I would normally work with.  It was fun to stretch my creative muscle!  Hope you have a wonderfully crafty day!


Blessings, Lori

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

WAW184 ~ Deuteronomy 30:14 ~

It's time for another fabulous, fun and inspirational challenge
  
Be sure to check out the Word Art Wednesday site for all of the details including this week's digital scripture, how to link your creation AND info on some fabulous prizes! 

We appreciate this week's sponsors so very much!  Please take a few moments to thank those who provided our prizes this week!  

This week, I decided to go with a gold and white color scheme...


I started with a white card stock base (5.5 x 4.25 inches).  I placed a gold poster board layer on top (5.5 x 4.25 inches) and added a slightly smaller white card stock mat.  I used a scrap of the poster board (it holds embossing so well and is SO MUCH cheaper than 12 x 12 pieces of gold card stock) to create my lattice layer.  I started to print the scripture on vellum but had a slight boo boo.  I added adhesive to the back when placing it on card stock and running it through the printer...  well guess what?  I put the adhesive exactly where the scripture printed!  When I removed the vellum, it left a nice layer of white card stock bits on the back...  I really liked the look and left it exactly the way I found it!  I thought the scraps actually made the print stand out!  Can you say, HAPPY ACCIDENT???  I added a cute ladybug stamp image (colored with Copics) and a gold and white floral spray in the corner.  The flower is actually Kraft...  but I thought it worked nicely!  

So here are the items you see...

Digital Stamps - Word Art Wednesday
Die - Our Daily Bread Designs - Quatrefoil Pattern Die
Other Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Butterfly and Bugs
Coordinating Die - Our Daily Bread Designs - Butterfly and Bugs Die
Paper - Vellum, White Card Stock - Georgia Pacific, Poster Board - Hobby Lobby
Flower - Recollections - Michaels
Punches - Martha Stewart Crafts

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings...

Friday, May 15, 2015

A Look Back at Our Daily Bread Designs' May Release

Today we are taking a look back at Our Daily Bread Designs' May Release.  Here is the card I created using Belles VignesTrois Jolis PapillonsButterfly and Bugs, and Fancy Fritillary Die.  For more inspiration using the May Release be sure to visit the ODBD Blog.
 

I started with a white card stock base measuring 5.5 x 4.25 inches.  I added a royal blue matting.  I created the focal panel with white card stock, stamping various butterfly images from the Trois Jolis Papillons and Butterfly and Bugs stamp sets with embossing ink and adding clear embossing powder.  After heating, I inked the panel with various blue distress dies and wiped the excess off of the embossed design.  I then used a variety of blue inks to stamp the same images randomly as desired.  (I wasn't sure if I should overlap but I decided to just go ahead...)  I stamped the sentiment (Belles Vignes) on white card stock and added blue matting before placing it near the bottom.  I finished the design with a butterfly die (Fancy Fritillary) and adhesive backed pearls.  

Here's the new items you see...





Thanks so much for stopping by!  Don't forget to visit my "Sister Sticks."  Have a wonderful day!
  
ODBD Blog (If  you get turned around...) 

 Lori (ME)* Julie * Sandee * Dawn * Cathy * Amy 
 America * Wanda 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

~ Your Song ~

Good afternoon!  I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Mother's Day!  My Mom and I spent some quality time together this weekend, visiting, shopping and dining out...  just the two of us.  I must admit, I do not spend nearly the time I should with my Mother.  And there are no excuses.  After all, my Mom never made excuses when it came to taking care of me.  She wasn't too busy to fix my meals, sew my doll dresses and patch up my boo boos.  To this day, when I get sick, I want my Mom.  And sadly, I know that one day I won't have her.  So that makes the time we have even more precious! 

Sometimes, we just have to make time for the people and things that really matter.  Today's project reflects that sentiment.  This new set from Our Daily Bread Designs' includes a wonderful Chinese Proverb that sums it up nicely!


Sometimes we are just simply to busy to really enjoy life!  We need to sing our song each and every day!  For me, that means spending more time with those that matter...  especially my precious Mother!  

So here's a close up of today's project...


I started with a white card stock base (5.5 x 4.25 inches) and added a salmon pink mat.  I made my base with white card stock and paper punched hexagons from Our Daily Bread Designs' Shabby Rose Paper Collection.  I the fit them all together leaving a bit of white card stock peeking out until I created a pattern I liked.  I then cut the panel down slightly smaller than my salmon CS layer and adhered it.  I used a couple of older dies to create my sentiment panel and base including Vintage Labels Die and Vintage Flourished Pattern Die.  I stamped my sentiment (Memento Toffee Crunch ink) on my main panel.  This darling stamp can be found in this month's Spread Your Wings set along with the dove image shown here.  I stamped my bee image (Butterfly and Bugs) on Copic paper and colored it.  I finished it up with the coordinating Butterfly and Bugs Die.  The dove (Spread Your Wings) also has a coordinating die set, Birds and Nests Die.  The white blossoms can also be found in the Birds and Nests Die set.  

So here are the new items you see today...





and some old favorites...

SHABBY ROSE COLLECTION 6x6 PAPER PAD

FANCY FOLIAGE DIES - CSBD33

VINTAGE LABEL DIES - CSBD55

VINTAGE FLOURISH PATTERN DIES - CSBD56

Thanks for stopping in today!  Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

WAW181 ~ Rejoice ~

Good morning and welcome back to another fun challenge at
Word Art Wednesday.

Things have been a bit crazy for me as of late and Karen at Word Art Wednesday has been gracious enough to let me remain with WAW on a bi-weekly basis.  I am working through some medical challenges at the moment and would appreciate any prayers you could send up for me.  I firmly believe that every challenge in life is an opportunity for spiritual growth and learning.  I know God has some big plans in this process for me! 

Now on to the fun stuff!  ;-)
Be sure to check out the Word Art Wednesday site for all of this week's challenge details including WAW's digital scripture, how to link your creation AND info on some fabulous prizes! 

Thank you, thank you and thank you to this week's sponsors so very much!  Please take a few moments to thank those who provided prizes this week!  

I have been spending way too much time on Pinterest lately!  (Does anyone else feel my pain???)  And I have become quite enamored of cards resembling quilts and/or quilt blocks.  So here is my attempt at a fun pinwheel using papers from Hobby Lobby (The Paper Studio.)


I started out with an ecru card stock base (5.5 x 4.25 inches).  I added a deep teal mat and printed today's sentiment on another ecru CS scrap and cut it slightly smaller.  After adding it, I paper punched 6 pieces of coordinating DP (4 of each design) and added then carefully overlapping each one.  I found it was easier to start with my floral pattern and lay down all in a square on the ecru base before adding the other alternate design.  I placed each with dimensional foam that could be repositioned just in case a block needed to be "moved."  And for the final touch?  I added a button with a bit of baker's twine looped through the middle?  So easy and I LOVE how it turned out.  

Back to Pinterest to see what other quilt designs I can copy!  lol...  So don't forget to stop back at WAW each week to see what the challenge will be.  I will be back in two weeks, May 20th to share my latest WAW creation...  Quilt like maybe...  hmmmm?????

{{blessings and hugs}}

Lori

Surprise!!! It's Best Bunny!

There is something about Granny Apple Green that just brings a smile to my face!  When the first signs of Spring appear you are sure to see...