SSIC91 Nothing More, Nothing Less

Today's card was created for a challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ. The ladies gave a very specific sketch this week to play along with. If you have some time this week be sure to check it out and play along!

I will be traveling for the next few days. Thankfully, hubby and I are taking a mini vacation. So stay turned for some fun photos when I return and in the meantime have a wonderful week!

Blessings~

Lori
aka Saintsrule!



Card Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - Doodlebug Design - Berry Pink; K & Company
Ink - Close to My Heart - Cotton Candy
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Porch; Scripture Collection 7
Die - Our Daily Bread Designs - Vintage Border
Fiber - unknown; Seam Binding - Stampin' Up
Paper Clip - from my stash
Pearls - Recollection; Prima - SIIP Swirls Cream
Flower - Prima
Dye - Smooch Spritz - Pink Sprikles & Silver Foil
Paper Punch - Martha Stewart for EK Success - Palm Frond

If it Weren't For the Brave...

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We have completed our trips to the local cemeteries. My Mother still refers to Memorial Day as Decoration Day. She talks fondly of the days when her parents would take her to the cemetery to clean and decorate loved ones graves. It was an all day event. They even packed their lunches! It seems like many view Memorial Day weekend as a chance to catch up on chores around the house and break out the newest rib recipe! Believe me, I love ribs....

But the truth is, many generations of Americans sacrificed years and some their lives in service to our country. And that is why I love Memorial Day. You will find me out at 7AM tomorrow morning lowering Old Glory to half mast. And I will return at noon to raise her back to full mast. It's more than hotdogs and hamburgers. It's about those who put their lives in harms way to preserve the American way of life. There is no doubt God has blessed our nation mightily. And with those blessings come HUGE responsibilities. I am so thankful to be an American. And in the spirit of this stamp...if it weren't for the brave, there'd be no land of the free! There isn't anywhere else I would want to be. God bless you and God bless America!

Today's image is one of my favorite images from Eat Cake Graphics. Enjoy!



Card Recipe

5 1/2 x 7 1/2

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - the classifieds from my local paper... (great way to be green)
Image - Eat Cake Graphics
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Summer Sky (sponged on sky); Copics
Uni-ball Signo White Gen Pen (stars on flags and accents on faces)
Stickles - Diamond (stars)
Jute

The Joys of Rolling Roses...

Have you noticed how paper flowers are popping up everywhere? I love the idea of being able to customize your embellishment to your card or layout. So I just had to try my hand at this new fad of rolling paper roses... Not sure how well I did but I am quit pleased with the card. I don't think I will give up my day job though... :-P

Today's finished product...



Recipe

Card Stock - Colorbok, Bazzill
Designer Paper - Simple Stories - 100 Days of Summer - Simple Pleasures (gingham rose)
Stamp - Our Daily Bread Designs - On Eagles' Wings
Scor-Pal - Scoring the white card stock on a diagonal every 1/2 inch
Dies - Spellbinders - Ovals Large; Beaded Ovals
Ink - Versamark
Embossing Powder - Ranger - Silver
Punches - Martha Stewart by EK Success - Frond, Snowflake
Pearls - Recollection

Rolled Rose Tip - I freehanded a spiral on the back of the gingham paper and cut. Once it is cut you roll it up paying particular care to line up the bottom. Once it is rolled you let it loosen and glue to the base (bottom of your spiral). Then fold your petals down if you like. Voila!

Challenges -

ODBD Shining the Light Challenge #61 - use gingham or plaid
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #90 - A card of encouragement with a touch of silver

God's Love

Yeah Friday! So glad the weekend is here! Just like an old friend Mr. Friday returns and I am so happy to see him! Hubby, Michael and grand kids will be tackling that "to do" list I mentioned earlier in the week! If the weather holds, they will be cleaning out the basement, refreshing river rock in our flower beds and getting ready to do some work in our bonus room downstairs. We planned on finishing the spare room 7 years ago when we built but never got around to it. John declared earlier this spring that this would be the year! No wonder it has rained so much! Wink, Wink... :-) This is my Friday to work, so I will be cheering them on from afar...

I created today's card for the Stamping in Time challenge over at Our Daily Bread Designs. I did not have the pleasure of playing along while guest designing. It seemed like stuff always got in the way! I am a BIG fan of Betty Wright. She creates BEAUTIFUL cards. If you have some time this week hop over and check it out. I promise you will get a serious dose of creative inspiration!

Happy Friday to you and we'll chat again soon!

Hugs~

Lori

Betty asked participants to frame their card with some sort of embossing. I embossed one layer of card stock and my designer paper with my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder. I just couldn't get by without that folder. It is a classic! Look closely and you will notice some unsteady stitching! I broke out my new sewing machine for it's first try at stitching cards. I'm definitely a work in progress! lol My complete card recipe follows the photo.



Card Recipe

4 1/4 x 6 inches

Card Stock - Bazzill
Designer Paper - K & Company - Watercolor Paper Pad
Stamp - Our Daily Bread Designs - Scripture Collection 5
Ink - Close to My Heart - Cotton Candy
Spellbinders - Floral Doily Motifs; Standard Circles Large; Petite Scalloped Circles Large
Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots
Fiber - Stampin' Up - Seam Binding
Rose & Leaves - Recollections
Pearls - Recollections
Butterfly - Creation Cafe
Hat Pin - Custom
Sewing Machine

Happy Thoughts

Thursday is upon us! Another week is almost finished and as usual I am WAY behind on my crafting! People in this part of the country have a saying for that... "so far behind you think you are ahead..." If that is the case I must be hanging out about July 4th of last year... Looking at it that way, I am ahead! :-)

We have had a wonderful few days catching up with family. It is really a shame that it takes the death of a loved one to bring all of your extended family together! The littles have grown so much and many aren't "little" anymore... Has a way of making me feel VERY old! lol

Speaking of old... (clever segue)

I created today's card for a recipe challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow. The recipe calls for 3 designer papers, 2 die cuts and 1 charm. I met this requirement with 3 papers from a recent Fancy Pants Designs purchase (It's the Little Things Paper Pad) and Spellbinders Floral Doily Motifs. The charm came from my stash. (Sorry, I can't tell you the brand...) A detailed product list follows the card.

Thanks as always for reading and have a great day!

Lori



Card Recipe

Card Stock - Colorbok, Bazzill
Designer Paper - Fancy Pants Designs - It's the Little Things
Stamp - Image & Sentiment - Close to My Heart - Baby Love
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Hole Punch - holes in notebook pattern paper
Paper Punch - Martha Stewart by EK Success - Cherish Around the Page Punch Set
Die Cuts - Spellbinders Floral Doily Motifs
Pearls & Flourish - Recollections
Fiber - Simplicity - 7/8" Flat Cluny Edge; Baker's Twine (woven through lace)
Charm

ODBDSLC60 A Recipe

Happy Tuesday to you! It seems like only yesterday, it was Monday! :-)

Before I get into today's card, I would like to mention a special prayer request. My sister-in-law passed away Sunday evening after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Thelma was a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed. She spent the last few years with her daughter. I know this will put a large hole in her heart. As many of you know, the caregiver for an Alzheimer patient has stresses we can only imagine. It is with His love and care that Thelma's family will heal. Thank you in advance for your prayers! With Him all things are possible!

This little blog has proved to be such a blessing to me. I have made so many friends and have enjoyed each and every moment. Thank you so much to everyone who stops by and takes a few moments out of your busy day to browse and comment. I appreciate your kind words.

Lori
Saintsrule!

Today's card was submitted for the Shining the Light challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs. This week the girls have challenged participants to use a recipe. Participants have to use two dies, dry embossing and one sentiment!



Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - Anna Griffin - Willow Collection
Embossing Folder (DP background) - Stampin' Up - Lattice
Dies - Spellbinders - Floral Doily Motifs; Standard Circles Large; Cricut Accent Essentials Cartridge - Flower 2"
Stamp - Our Daily Bread Designs - Porch
Ink - Versamark; Memento Danube Blue (sponged on flower)
Embossing Powder - Ranger Super Fine Detail - Black
Smooch Spritz - Vanilla Shimmer - misted over entire card
Fiber - Satin Black Ribbon - unknown
Embellies - Recollections - jewels and brad
Paper Punch - Martha Stewart for EK Success - Snowflake

I'm A Little Teapot

Do you remember that song from our childhood? I do. It brings back such happy memories like the tea parties I had with my stuffed animals and dolls. There is something so cheery about a beautiful tea set. Today's card was created for a challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. Please hop over and check it out. Chris Olsen shared a lovely devotion this week about a tea cup I think you will enjoy! Thanks as always for reading!



Recipe

Paper - Bazzill, My Little Shoe Box - Garden Party - Easy Breezy
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Porch; Fleur De Lis Borders
Ink - Close to My Heart - Hollyhock;
Embossing Pen - Zig Emboss Writer
Embossing Powder - Ranger Queen's Gold
Lace - Simplicity - 1 1/4 Venice
Embossing Folders - Provocraft
Die Cuts - ODBD Vintage Die; Provocraft Cricut - Heritage Cartridge
Embossing Pen -

God's Wonders

Happy Sunday to you! I hope you are having a wonderful day! Things are a little dreary here... more rain... but have had a wonderful day nonetheless. Our step-son is home from Liberty and we are looking forward to spending some quality time together this summer! My husband has put together a to-do list. Maybe I should tell Michael to run while he can... :-)

I have to share a quirky story. It seems like I look at things in such unusual ways... ***I can hear you laughing*** So here goes... (and I promise there is a card at the end of this tail...) Pun intended!

Yesterday, Mom and I ran into town to do some light shopping. After running here and yon, we stopped to get a bite to eat and then headed home. The exit from the shopping center intersects with a major highway. Mom and I were patiently waiting in line (maybe 3 cars back) to exit when the light turned green.

During the wait I found my eyes wandering around. I caught a faint movement in front of me near the pavement. When I looked at the source of the motion I found myself staring at the tiniest mouse... sitting four inches from the tire of the SUV in front of me. He wasn't hurt... just puzzled and wondering what to do and how in the world he got there...

Now this is where it gets crazy! Let me preface this by saying when the occasional mouse makes it into my house in the fall... it usually ends badly... I DO NOT LIKE MICE RUNNING LAPS IN MY CABINETS....

So here I am with this tiny mouse underneath a SUV in front of me... Well the light turns green and the SUV takes off. The little mouse ran frantically, realized he was running toward the wheel and then turned around and STOPS... right in front of me. OK... I drive a Toyota RAV4... so mouse against Toyota... the odds were in my favor...

So to the amusement of my Mother and the chagrin of the bewildered SUV driver in front of me, I stop! But that is not what annoyed the driver in front of me. It was the fact I proceeded to honk my horn. Keep in mind, I did this to make the mouse move. Needless to say the driver of said SUV was not amused. They probably talked the entire ride home about the crazy, rude lady driving the Toyota behind them...

By now the little beast was even more confused, stopped several times and then decided, "hey I better move!" And he scampered over to the grass. Thankfully there was no one behind me to witness this spectacle but my Mother chuckled all the way home. She also delighted in reminding me about the mouse traps I set last autumn to get rid of similar little vermin.

So why did I do such a crazy, impulsive thing? I really don't know for sure. I do know that I saw the panic in his actions and realized I have been that way a time or two in my own life. I have been so frightened by things happening to me that I have nearly been paralyzed by it. I didn't know what to do and ONLY with the Lord's intervention did I make it through. After taking some time to think about it, I believe I felt mercy on that little mouse because our Lord has shown mercy to me on more than one occasion. The next time I see someone in trouble I will think of that mouse and pray I respond as I did yesterday. Blessings to you!

Lori
Saintsrule!

Today's card...

I lightly distressed the embossed area. The cardstock I used has a white core. I also wove a thin strip of black satin ribbon in the lace I used. The lace was a $2 score in the bargain bin of my local discount store! Love that!



Card Recipe

Paper - Colorbok
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Porch
Ink - Versamark (sentiment), Memento Tuxedo Black (image)
Embossing Powder - Ranger Superfine Detail Black
Paper Punch - EK Success
Embossing Folder - Provocraft Plum Blossoms
Fiber - Satin Ribbon - unknown; Offray Labrynth Lace White
Pearl Brad - Recollections

All Things Beautiful

Many days I fail miserably. I suffer from that disease called not "seeing the forest for the trees." Have you ever found yourself not appreciating the beauty around you? Today was one of those days for me. We are having rain again and not just lovely showers but torrential, lightning zipping across the sky, hail the size of golf balls... rain! And as you can tell by the previous sentence... IT WAS DOING NOTHING FOR MY MOOD! lol... It has rained so much this spring, I swear I am in the state of Washington instead of Kentucky!

Dear hubby and I made a trip into town this afternoon after work to run a few errands. And it hit me like a golf ball or should I say hail... (yes, I am inserting some goofy humor...) The lawns, the fields, everything looks so LUSH. I don't remember the landscape here looking so well, beautiful! As I got out of the car, I realized how fresh the air felt after the most recent shower. And then I realized just how God provides. He sends showers to replenish, revitalize and cleanse the land. Wow! Isn't it awesome how the Creator reveals himself in the creation? Blessings to you and yours this day! I look forward to chatting with you again!

Lori

I am submitting today's card for a challenge over at Stampin Sisters in Christ

Card Recipe

Paper - Bazzill, K & Company Watercolor Bouquet
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs Porch, Scripture Collection 6
Die - Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles, Scalloped Circles Large, Our Daily Bread Designs Vintage Lace
Ink - Close to My Heart Indian Corn Blue
Punch - EK Success / Martha Stewart
Fiber - unknown

Another Favorite

Hard to believe another Monday has rolled around! I've been trying to get some things organized around the craft room! **Good luck, there...** Hopefully, I will have everything back to normal soon and will be able to create some new stuff. In the meantime, I have a lovely card I created a few weeks ago. I attempted to throw myself a curve ball... literally... You will see this one is a little different from the normal layouts I do. Here's hoping you have a wonderful week and look forward to chatting with you soon!

Lori

And here is the curvy rascal...



Card Recipe

Paper - Bazzill, K & Company Julianne Paper Pad
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 6
Ink - Memento - Summer Sky
Dies - Spellbinders Nestabilities - Lacey Circles, Standard Circles Large, Beaded Circles
Fiber - Satin White - unknown, Blue Seam Binding - Stampin' Up
Pearls - Unknown

Nothing Like a Front Porch

Happy Mother's Day! Moms are definitely one of the most under appreciated people I know. On the morning news they were discussing the value of a Mom. Someone came up with an annual salary for all the things Mom does... chauffeur, cook, etc... It was ONLY $64,000 per year! Yikes! How can you put a price tag on boo boo kisses, crying sessions and stern reprimands when we need them? My Mom is worth at least a million... especially to me! So Happy Mother's Day to all you wonder Moms out there!

Dear hubby told me all week my babies (my dogs and horse) were whispering about a present for Mommy! I had to share this photo of the tissue paper that wrapped up my prize. Dear hubby went to great pains to draw his artistic interpretation of all the critters! He said he kinda reminded him of cave art... The "kiddos" got me a sewing machine! I am "sew" excited! :-) I'm sure you will be seeing more stitching on my creations!



And here is today's card. I wanted to go with something a little softer than usual. I also tried to embed a die cut in my card. The ink is fairly faint on it so I will be trying this technique again before submitting for a challenge. As always I hope you have a blessed Sabbath and will talk with you soon!

Lori



Card Recipe

Paper - Colorbok, SEI Coutour Flirt
Stamps - Porch by Our Daily Bread Designs
Die Cut - Vintage Border Die by Our Daily Bread Designs
Ink - Memento - Grape Jelly, Lulu Lavender
Embossing Folder - Stampin' Up - Lattice (love this folder)
Fiber Simplicity 1" Venice
Pearls - Recollections
Copics - YG03, YG07, YG17, YG67, G82, E11, E33, E51, C1, C2, C3, C5, B0000,V000, V01, V04

Don't Worry!

Happy Tuesday! Today is my dear hubby's birthday! I plan on taking him out to his favorite Mexican restaurant. Hopefully we will have a peaceful evening. Thank you for your continued prayers. We have moved past some challenging hurdles. Thankfully he is having more good days versus bad! The medication he is taking for rheumatoid seems to finally be working. Praise God for his many blessings! I am so thankful to be able to spend another birthday with him and particularly one where he feels so much better! This quote by Corrie ten Boom sums it up nicely. Why worry? Worry just robs us of the joys of today! Here's to a joyful day!

Blessings

Lori



Paper - Bazzill, K & Company (Susan Wright) Spring Blossom
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Butterfly, Don't Worry, Fleur de Lis Borders
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (butterfly), Close to My Heart Hollyhock (scripture)
Die - ODBD - Butterfly
Fiber - Offray

Another Mother's Day Card

Hope you and yours are having a wonderful day! We started out with some showers but just as we left church this morning the sun broke through! Praise God! He gives us just what we need when we need it! I didn't realize just how badly I needed that warm sunshine until it peeked out! What a glorious day!

Today I want to share with you another Mother's Day Card. Today's card was inspired by one of my favorite crafters, Becca Fekken at Amazing Paper Grace. She recently featured a tutorial on her blog showing how to use paper punches to create beautiful dimensional flowers. I have been experimenting with folded paper flowers recently and when I spotted this could not wait to start. Thanks Becca for your inspiration! You lend encouragement in so many ways!

Thanks as always and have a wonderful day!

Lori



4 X 5 finished
Paper - Bazzill, Colorbok, American Crafts by Dear Lizzy - Spring Golden Gleam
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Mother's Day
Punch - Martha Stewart for EK Success
Embossing Folder - Stampin' Up - Woven Lattice (white background); Provocraft - D'Vine Swirls (leaves)
Punch - Stash (1" DP circle adhered to back with Judikins Diamond Glaze)
Pearl Brad - Recollections
Ink - Versamark
Embossing Powder - Stampendous - Opaque White
Die Cuts - Cricut - Stand & Salute (banner); Don Juan - Leaves