The Nickel Nook

Be Still and Know...

2012-02-27T20:13:00.000-06:00

Yay...I've got an earlier start this week! This is my card for the Challenge #16 over at Word Art Wednesday HERE. Cassandra made another beautiful Word Art. It's one of my favorite Scripture verses and I know some of you will have seen me use it on projects before.
This photo holds special memories for me. It was taken very early one quiet morning. Is there anything like the quiet stillness of an empty forest? Of course, a forest is never really empty, is it? There's a wonderful peace and stillness even with all the forest inhabitants. It's a wonderful time and place to "be still" and listen to the Lord! I hope you all a week of happy days! :o)

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #4 - Standing On the Promises

2012-02-24T20:24:00.004-06:00

Hello, my friends! Our world is filled with broken promises!
Promises freely given, and then just as easily,
promises broken or taken away as meaningless.
God's promises are TRUE!
They are a firm foundation to stand on!
When God gives us a promise He will never break it!
His Word - the Bible - is full of His promises.
I have just a couple to share with you. In Hebrews 13:5 it says:

...because God has said, "never will I leave you,

never will I forsake you."

Isn't that a wonderful promise? That's one we can always count on, no matter what life situation we are facing! What a comforting thought!

For my page, I was inspired by another one of God's wonderful promises. God sent the rainbow as a sign of the promise He made to Noah that He would never again destroy the entire world with floods. So I used rainbow striped paper. Then I embossed the sun rays, and added the bird and flowers to make it a happy and fun page.

After using the Rays Texture Fade, I inked it and then sprayed it with Perfect Pearls. Here's a picture that shows the glimmer,

and the Scripture verse:

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises

and loving toward all He has made."

Now there's a promise that should fill us with JOY! :o)

Papers: Recollections Cardstock, Unknown;

Dies: Spellbinders - Large Scalloped Octagon,

Stampin' Up Sizzlits - Birds & Blooms;

Embossing Folder: Tim Holtz Texture Fade - Rays;

Inks: CTMH - Ponderosa Pine,

Martha Stewart - Copper, Stem Green;

Stamp: Jazz It Up Alphabet Set;

Mist: Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist - Perfect Pearl.

I printed the music sheet very small, so here are the words for you to read:

Standing On the Promises

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

Through eternal ages let His praises ring,

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,

Standing on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing,

I'm standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

By the living Word of God I shall prevail,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see

Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;

Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,

Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

Listening every moment to the Spirit's call

Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God.

A New Tag!

2012-02-22T07:56:00.005-06:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's been a while since I've made a tag. I was inspired to do so by a GORGEOUS one I received in my mailbox this week! I linked this one up earlier this morning at Word Art Wednesday when there were only 9 minutes left to do so! lol Now I've come back to finish up my post. Life has been keeping me from my play time this week. I haven't done my blog rounds either but I hope to take care of some of that soon, and don't even get me started on my email situation! lol
Okay, so on to my tag! The picture didn't turn out too bad considering how dark it was when I took it this morning. Some of the "lightness" of it actually shows. The orange ribbon came with a recent order that I made from Layers of Color. My stamps were wrapped in lovely tissue with this ribbon around them. It has a beautiful shimmery iridescence to it that worked well with my light theme. I just had to make my yoyo flower from the leftover piece. Anyways, seen in person, the whole tag looks like a light is shining from it. I'm not quite sure how it happened but I like it! :o)

Papers: MM Vintage Findings, Recollections Kraft;

Ribbon: Layers Of Color;

Border Punch: Martha Stewart;

Ink: Stampin' Up Basic Brown,

Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink - From Marsha;

Baker's Twine: The Twinery;

Charm: The Nickel Nook;

Stamp: Inkadinkadoo;

Stash: Ribbon, Lace, Bling, Leaves.

Linking up to:

Word Art Wednesday HERE.
Little Birdie Blessings - Scripture Thursday HERE

Stampin' sisters in Christ - Challenge #127: HERE

* I really liked what Peggysue said...
"Carry your fragrance, carry your light,

into the world and share it with others."

Just a Happy Card!

2012-02-16T17:03:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday, my friends! I just had to put aside all my other projects and make this card this afternoon! A very sweet friend sent me a very special package and it arrived today! Guess what was in the package? It contained SEVEN Slice Design cards!! Can you believe it? Not only that but there were even some additional goodies! I just had to make something right away! If you've been coming to my blog for any length of time, you may have guessed that I really enjoy using my Slice Machine on my projects! I used FOUR of my new design cards to create this card! I think it really gets my message across! :o)

Here's the inside of the card:

Yes, that's me doing my "happy dance"! Aren't I the graceful one? lol

Papers: K & Company - Sweet Nectar;

Punches: EK Success;

Inks: Martha Stewart;

Slice Design Cards: Words and Expressions - Family,

Words and Expressions - Holiday,

Wedding, Music & Dance.

Thank you very much, Friday!

Second Post Today? I'm Shocked Too!!

2012-02-14T19:38:00.000-06:00

I'm happy to be entering this card in Word Art Wednesday Challenge #14. The wonderful Word Art was created by Cassandra from Word Art Wednesday. I'm also entering this at Little Birdie Blessings Scripture Thursday. Both links will be below. The first picture had to be redone because all of the rhinestones showed up red. The red top I was wearing was reflecting in them...so funny! So I changed out of my red Valentine top to take this photo! If you missed my first post of the day, please scroll down and take a look. I hope you've all enjoyed a lovely Valentine's Day! :o)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #14 - HERE

Little Birdie Blessings: Scripture Thursday Linky Party #15 - HERE

Papers: K & Company, Recollections;

Punches: Martha Stewart, Stampin' Up,

Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities,

Tim Holtz Alterations;

Charm: Mine and Gift from Lynn;

Bling and Ribbon: From My Stash.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T08:00:00.003-06:00

Yes...I finally have a Valentine project to share with you! It's the only one I made this year...and it's for my sweet husband...it wasn't even late! I had lots of fun with this one!

Here's a photo of the inside of the card, as well. I bet you can guess what my husband is getting for a gift...

Yes, you're right! A big bag of Hershey chocolate Kisses...he loves them! ;o)

Linking up to:

Card Crafter's Circle Challenge #9 - Valentine
One Crazy Stamper - February Love Challenge

Papers: Recollections - Cardstock, Unknown decorative paper;

MM Slice Design Card: Je t'Adore;

Stamp: Unknown;

Ink: My Stash;

Punch: Martha Stewart - Cherish;

Bling and Ribbon: My Stash.

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #3 - How Great Thou Art

2012-02-11T19:57:00.001-06:00

Hello, my friends! I'm just squeaking in with my page before the new Challenge is posted tomorrow! I seem to be having a bit of trouble catching up on things these days!
There are two locations where I am always totally OVERWHELMED by the majesty of God! Many occasions and events, of course, but two locations! ;o) One is when looking over the ocean, and the other is in the grandeur of the mountains! This is the song that always comes to mind..."How Great Thou Art!" There have been times when I've looked at the sky over the mountain tops and just imagined the clouds parting and Jesus appearing right then and there with that "shout of acclamation!" Woohoo!! Can you imagine that? I sure can! Oh, what a glorious sight that will be! I may be at home on the prairies when it happens...which will be just fine! Joy will still flood my soul! lol
This photo was taken at Elbow Falls, Alberta. It's a little spot we like to visit whenever we can. I'm hoping you can read the words to the song if you click on the picture. It's another one of my VERY favorites! :o)

Papers: Cardstock - Recollections, Basic Grey - Oxford;

MM Slice Design Card: Home Sweet Home;

Spellbinder Nestabilities: Curved Rectangles;Inks: Stampin' Up - Basic Brown,

Ranger Distress Ink - Faded Jeans;

Pearls: Basic Grey - Opaline;

Embellishment - My Stash.

Patter had posted this lovely video, and I just had to share it as well! I think I said that I wasn't a country music fan but these two happen to be a couple of my favorites! Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill; it's a bit long but the ending is well worth it! (yes, more kleenex) :o)

52 Week Scrapbook Challenge - Use Charms and Decorative Pins On a Page

2012-02-02T19:57:00.002-06:00

Surprise, my friends! It's a layout...and it even has photos on it! lol My girls have both pointed out to me that it's been quite some time since I posted a layout using their "younger years" photos...so I got busy! I had lots of fun with this page. Aren't my little blondies cute? In this photo Liane is 4 and Andrea is 3. I have one pin on the big butterfly, and four charms hanging on the banner. The charms are hung on the Tim Holtz On the Edge Pennant Die. First I inserted small white eyelets, and then I attached the charms with my Paper Tagger! I really like my Paper Tagger! I have to confess to shooting a few random tags across the room...along with the required sound affects...just for fun! lol I do enjoy playing with my tools! :o) The flowers on this page were made with my new Cuttlebug Quilled Daisy Kit. Aren't they lovely? I'm going to be having lots more fun with that!
I can't believe it's Thursday evening already! I hope to be back very soon with another post! If you haven't voted regarding my mini album yet, there's one day left. If you don't know what I"m talking about just take a peek at my sidebar! Enjoy your evening and see you again soon! :o)

Papers: Recollections Cardstock,

Making Memories - English Garden;

Die: Tim Holtz On the Edge - Pennant,

Cuttlebug Quilled Daisy Kit,

Stampin' Up - Embosslits Beautiful Wings;

Punches: Fiskars - Circle Doily Punch,

Martha Stewart Corner Punch - Loops;

Stamp: Unity - Best Day Ever;

(Prize from Cindy)

Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Brown;

Charms: gift from Lynn and my stash;

Decorative Pin and Paper Doily: from my stash.

I Need A Little Help, Please...Oh, and a Card to Show You Too!

2012-01-30T20:08:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, my Friends! I have a masculine card to show you today. I'm debating whether or not to link this up to the Card Crafter's Circle Challenge. I would actually be ON TIME!! lol The challenge is "Feel Good With a Friend", and the cards that are on their right now are really girly for the most part. Sometimes we do have friends and relatives of the male variety that need a card "just because", right? :o)
Now, you may be wondering what kind of help I'm requiring from you today. I'm really excited about the next mini album I have decided to make! The only problem is...I just can't decide what to make it out of! Obviously I won't get a thing done until that decision is made! lol I don't know if you have noticed but I set up a little "Vote" in my sidebar. If you could please vote on your choice of what you'd like to see my next mini album made out of, I would really appreciate it! I thought it would be a fun way for you all to be involved...and for me not to have to decide! haha I do have the theme and colors picked out already, so I have done some of the work! Thanks so much for your assistance. I'll leave the vote open until Saturday because after that I have to get to work on it! Hope you all have a wonderful week! :o)

Papers: K & Company - Eco Modern,

Unknown Cardstock;

Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Black;

Punches: Stampin' Up - Modern Label,

Double Cog Punch;

Stamp: Hero Arts.

Linking Up To:

Card Crafter's Circle Challenge #7 - Feel Good With a Friend!

Oops...I did it again!! LOL

2012-01-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

Isn't that a song? "Oops..I did it again!" lol Well, I did it again with the Card Crafter's Circle Bears Challenge. I was sure I had just enough time to post this card...but I was too late...again! haha One day I will be on time again! I am entering it in two other challenges that are listed below the photo.
I was sneezing and sniffling too much to do any detail colouring (the cold part of my flu is making a return appearance), so I used the Chalkboard Technique instead. You can see my post explaining the technique HERE.
I hope you're all having happy days! :o)

Papers: Unknown Cardstock;

Stamp: Penny Black - Good Catch

Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Brown;

Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Lacey Ovals;

Punches: Stampin' Up - Modern Label,

Martha Stewart Corner Punch - Modern Garland;

Unknown: Ribbon, Chalk and Bling

Linking Up to:

Scripture Thursday Linky Party #13 - Love

Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #12

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #2 - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

2012-01-22T09:17:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday, my friends! Welcome to the second Hymn and Scripture Challenge! This is another favorite hymn of mine! I should warn you that you'll probably be hearing that for EVERY hymn that gets posted! lol Just like you've always heard it for EVERY Scripture verse I post...they're all my favorites too! :o)
Please remember to click on the button in the sidebar and follow the links to go see Patter's page and read her devotional. Also, all the other beautiful pages are linked up there!
This hymn is so full of wonderful encouragement! There are so many of us that feel "weary and tired" on a regular basis, right? Let's face it...life here on earth can be really dark and difficult sometimes. However, if we "fix our eyes on Jesus" like the Scripture says, suddenly the trials of this life just don't have the same power they once did to bog us down. There's a freedom that comes with the realization that the things of this earth just don't matter. Ever since Jesus endured the cross for us...with joy?!!...He has been sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. That's where we'll meet Him one day...and what a day that will be, my friends! So let's focus on Jesus, put our problems in their place, and face our days with JOYFUL ZEAL!! :o)

Papers: Unknown Cardstock;

Punch: Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page;

Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities - Curved Rectangles;

Brads: Recollections Metallic Brads;

Flowers: Unknown Mulberry Paper Flowers,

Recollections Mulberry Paper Mini Roses;

Bead Sprays: Art Angels Designs HERE

Music Note Paper: Free Vintage Digital Stamps HERE

Butterflies: K & Co Abrianna Grand Adhesions - from Marsha

I'm not really what you'd call a country music "fan" but I do like the way Alan Jackson sings the old hymns. This is a lovely video...I hope you enjoy it! :o)

Just A Little Birthday Card!

2012-01-18T19:55:00.000-06:00

Hello, again! My second post in two days! Can you tell I'm trying to make up for lost time? This is my entry for the Card Crafter's Circle Challenge #5 - Happy Birthday. You can find all the details HERE. I'm making it just under the wire for this one...but at least it's not too late this time! lol I made a simple gate-fold card. I did it rather quickly so I could pop it in the mail. The card will definitely be late! The recipients birthday is tomorrow and it will take almost a week to arrive! If you missed yesterdays post, please scroll down and take a peek. Maybe I can keep this going and be back tomorrow with another project! :o)

52 Week Scrapbook Challenge - Go Mega!

2012-01-17T16:38:00.001-06:00

Hello, my friends! Did you miss me? I've sure missed all of you! What a week it has been! I've been very sick...so sick that I wasn't able to be on the computer AT ALL for DAYS!! YIKES!! Today is the first day that I've felt up to starting some blog rounds, and popping in for visits. There's still many of you I need to come see, although I know now that I will never catch up on all that I missed! I also missed out on some fun challenges...but I'll just try to catch the next ones!
Speaking of challenges, Mary and I are still determined to finish up the 52 Week Challenge from last year! :o) The only description I was given for the "Go mega" page, was to "think really big for everything". Now remember my page is only 8 inches. I could have pulled out a 5 X 7 "mega" photo but that would have filled up the whole page! Since I finally felt up to doing something I really wanted to play a bit. I found my biggest stamp, which measures almost 7", and had lots of fun paper piecing it. I found my biggest flower at 5" and layered it up. Then I added my biggest buttons and staples. Finally I included the biggest letter sticker for the start of the sentiment of how I was feeling about today!
I hope you're all having a happy, happy day! I also hope you're keeping warm wherever you are! When we got up this morning it was to windchills of -48 degrees Celcius (-54 F)...and they say it's supposed to get colder tonight! Yay for winter weather finally arriving! :o)

Papers: K & Company - Watercolor Bouquet;

Stamp: Spring Flower Chic - unity stamp company;

Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Black;

Buttons: Stampin' Up;

Staples: Fastenator and Beach Staples;

Sticker: the girls' paperie - kitch;

Unknown: flowers, brad, kraft, sentiment,

markers, dimensional paint, twine.

Hymn and Scripture Challenge #1 - Amazing Grace

2012-01-07T17:22:00.003-06:00

Hello, my dear friends! Welcome to my very first post of 2012, and my very first post of the new Hymn and Scripture Challenge! I'm very excited about the new twist added to the Scripture Challenge this year. Patter has decided to include the study of old hymns in her lessons. Those of you who have been visiting me for a while know that I LOVE the old hymns, and I have occasionally used them along with my Scripture Challenge pages.

All of the information about the new challenge can be found by clicking on the button in my sidebar and following all the links. There's still lots of time to follow along and join right in for the fun! For the past two years I have used a 6 X 6 inch format and it's worked really well. However, if I'm going to be working with a hymn and Scripture verse, I don't think 6 inches will give me enough space. So this year I've decided to work on an 81/2 x 11 base. I think that will give me more options for design. I don't really know how this will all transpire just yet. I guess we'll just see where the Lord leads me with this one...in other words...the usual! lol I do know that I really enjoyed putting this page together, and playing with some new toys.

As for the song...oh my! This one has always made me cry! Hymns tend to do that to me for a couple of reasons. One...because I still hear my Dad singing them right into my ear! Secondly...because of the words and the meaning behind them! Please click on the picture and take the time to read the words of the song and the Bible verse. This is going to be a really wonderful series and I hope you'll all join me for it! I'm excited to share it with you...with ZEAL!! :o)

Papers: K & Co - Ancestry, Recollections - Cardstock;

MM Slice Design Card: Think Pink, Je t'adore;

Die: Tim Holtz Ornamental

Sizzlits Decorative Strip: Circles & Triangles;

Punches: EK Success Border Punch - Scalloped Scallops;

Inks: Stampin' Up - Basic Brown, Baja Breeze;

Stamps: Nostalgiques Typewriter ABC Set;

Flowers: Prima ;

Brads: Recollections;

Bling: Imaginisce Hot Rocks Metal Accents;

Unknown bakers twine.

* Please take the time to watch this video of Wintley Phipps singing Amazing Grace!
Patter warned that we would need tissue. I certainly did! It's beautiful! *

I'm Not Saying What It Is Or You Won't Come Look! :o)

2011-12-29T17:07:00.002-06:00

Surprise!! It's a Christmas card! lol I have been seeing everybody post about how tired they are of seeing Christmas cards. Well, as this is only the third Christmas card I've made, it certainly isn't HERE that you've been seeing them all! I really wanted to participate in the Card Crafter's Circle second Challenge and that is to make a Christmas card. The funniest thing happened though. As I was posting this, their second challenge actually ended, and they started their third challenge. So after I got over my giggles...I think I lost a few hours, or was it perhaps a day! lol You can see their new challenge HERE. Fortunately the new challenge is "Anything Goes", so I'm just going to post my Christmas card! Too funny, right?!
Guess what? I won the Card Crafter's Circle very first challenge with my Birthday Christmas card. Isn't that fun? I won some great digital stamps that you'll be hearing about soon. So considering the feelings of all of you, I made a card that didn't look very seasonal. I used a wonderful digital image from my friend Pamela over at Free Vintage Digi Stamps , and a colour combination that I always love! You'll notice that the sentiment does include New Year's greetings as well, so there you go! A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to each one of you dear people! Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? :o)

Papers: Recollections Cardstock;

MM Slice Design Card: Noel;

Sizzlits Decorative Strip: Circles & Triangles;

Distress Stickles: Antique Linen

Ink: Stampin' Up - Cherry Cobbler;

Unknown Gold Ink;

Zig Water Brush.

Also entering this card at:

One Crazy Stamper: December Challenge - Christmas/Holiday Theme

ABC Scripture Challenge - Zeal

2011-12-28T19:27:00.000-06:00

Hello, my dear friends! I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas! It came so fast that I didn't even get a chance to post any special greetings to you! I want you to know I prayed that each one of would have a special day of BLESSINGS! Our girls were both home and we had a fabulous time of JOY and laughter...and scrumptious turkey! I really enjoy a good turkey! :o)
So, here it is...the final Scripture Challenge page of 2011! Patter gave us such a fantastic word and the Scripture the Lord gave me for this word is actually going to be my verse for 2012! Isn't that FUN? I'm even going to find a way to post it on the top of my blog! The dictionary defines "zeal" as: "eager desire; enthusiastic diligence." I have always loved Romans chapter 12...the whole chapter...but these two verses (11 & 12) are perfect as we end one year and begin another...

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

These verses are mine today and in the days to come, and perhaps you'd like to claim them along with me! Let us be enthusiastic and diligent in living a life that honors and serves the Lord. Now verse 12 has three parts, and these three parts are definitely connected. I know from experience that when we are JOYFUL in hope and FAITHFUL in prayer, it is much easier to be PATIENT in affliction. God is so GOOD and I can't wait to see what He has planned for 2012. Let's all face it together with ZEAL!! :o)

Papers: K & Co - Ancestry, Recollections Cardstock;

MM Slice Design Card: Vintage Findings;

Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Die: Baroque, Baroque Mini;

Sizzlits Decorative Strip: Circles & Triangles;

Pearls: Gift From Tracy;

Flower: Recollections;

Trim & Pin: From My Stash..

ABC Scripture Challenge - Yield

2011-12-17T19:53:00.000-06:00

WHEW!! I'm getting this page posted just under the wire! I haven't been late with a Scripture Challenge page yet and I'd hate to start with the second to last page of this year! lol It's hard to believe that the final word for the ABC Scripture Challenge will be posted tomorrow. Patter has some very exciting plans for the 2012 Scripture Challenge and I sure plan to participate again. It has been such a blessing to me, and I hope to continue to encourage you throughout the coming year. Please consider participating yourself...you won't be sorry!
So, on to today's word which is "yield". The Scripture verse I chose is found in 2 Chronicles 30:8, and I used the King James version. It says: Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified forever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

My page is very simple. It's a road sign that simply reminds us to submit to God and follow His path for our lives. No more stiff necks for us, my friends! :o)

Papers: MM Vintage Findings,

Recollections Cardstock;

Alpha: MM Creative Letters - Chunky;

MM Slice Design Card - Basics 1.

A Christmas Birthday Card! :o)

2011-12-15T17:19:00.007-06:00

Happy Thursday, my friends! Well, guess what I discovered? I can actually color WHILE I listen to my music! Who knew I could do two things at once! :o) Originally I was going to paper piece it but that doesn't work with my music. If I bop instead of sway an extremity disappears, and that's just not good! lol I've had lots of fun working on this card. A nativity scene depicts what Christmas is all about for me...it is the birthday of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 10-11

Papers and Stamps: Recollections;

Prismacolor Pencils; Gold Stickles;

MM Slice Design Card: Summer

I'm entering this in:
Stampin' Sisters in Christ: Make a Birthday Card
One Crazy Stamper: Christmas/Holiday Theme
Card Crafter's Circle: Celebration

Could it be a Christmas Card?

2011-12-13T16:19:00.000-06:00

Hello, my friends! I would like to show you the one and only Christmas card I have made...so far! Well, there are still 12 days to go until Christmas, right? My list keeps getting longer each day without one thing getting crossed off. I'm really not sure how that's happening but I'm not even worried about it. I'm just enjoying my music, and what gets done...gets done! I'm a happy girl in my own little JOY OF CHRISTMAS bubble! :o)

I actually made this card several weeks ago but I forgot to post it. My friend Alexandra from Art Scrap & More made a sketch that I thought was super cute! You can see her post about it right HERE. Speaking of Alexandra...she also had a giveaway a little while ago. I was the fortunate winner of her mini album prize; a Little Yellow Bicycle decorative edge Christmas mini album and paperpad! Thanks again Alexandra! I'm going to have lots of fun with that! Probably not until after Christmas though, when I'm not so busy listening to all this music! lol

Here's Alexandra's sketch:

Here's my card:

All Items from my stash.

*Use of tag was inspired by Alexandra :o)

52 Week Scrapbook Challenge - Use a Transparency on a Page

2011-12-09T17:07:00.000-06:00

Hello, my friends! I have another Challenge page for you today, and it contains a couple of really fun firsts for me! The challenge was to use a transparency on a page. So guess what I did? I made my own transparency! Does that work? I actually didn't look into it before I tried it! lol Guess what else I did? I used digital images for the very first time! Yay! All the images on this page are digitals from a wonderful site I just discovered called Free Vintage Digi Stamps. You can find them right HERE. I know you want to, but please don't go there until you've finished here! :o)
It's so nice to be back on track with this Challenge. There are only eight more to go. Remember I'm doing 8 X 8 pages, so that gives you some perspective on this page. Here the background is the transparency. You know that I just have to do a cream and black page every once in a while...and it was high time. I had plans to make a really fancy "couture" flower for the pop of red. However, the light was fast fading here and I really wanted to get this page posted today. So I decided this pretty Prima would just have to do! I hope you all have a weekend full of JOY!! :o)

Papers: Recollections Cardstock;

Border Punches: EK Success, Martha Stewart;

Digital Stamps: Free Vintage Digi Stamps;

Transparency Sheets: from stash;

Flower: Prima.

ABC Scripture Challenge - Exercise

2011-12-03T17:03:00.001-06:00

Well, when I saw the Scripture word was "Exercise" I immediately thought of my treadmill again! Oh, no! lol I posted about the value of exercise recently. (ABC Scripture Challenge Value Page HERE) What I neglected to mention is that we actually purchased a new treadmill; a very nice, new and improved treadmill, because the old one was worn out. However, what I also neglected to mention is that I have not yet "bonded" with this fabulous new treadmill. I'm taking my time getting to know it and easing into a relationship. That being said, my Scripture page goes in a different direction. There are other meanings of the word exercise, you know! lol
Patter has a fabulous devotional about how important it is to EXERCISE our spiritual muscles daily. Please take a peek at my page and then go read her devotional HERE.

Jeremiah 9: 24 says:

"...but let the one who boasts boast about this:

that they have the understanding to know me,

that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,

justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight,”

declares the LORD.

Isn't that lovely? So if kindness, justice and righteousness are things that delight the Lord, I think those are some EXERCISES we should be practicing daily as well, don't you? I would love to delight my Lord! :o)

Papers: K & Company - Sweet Nectar, Recollections;

MM Slice Design Cards: Grandma's Attic, Bon Appetit;

Flowers: Red - Gift from Joy,

Yellow - Flora Doodles - Gift from Debbie;

Lace: Gift from Dunja;

Pearls & Bling from Stash.

52 Week Scrapbook Challenge - Potpourri Page

2011-12-01T16:35:00.000-06:00

Yes, my friends, I am finally posting another 52 Week Challenge page! It's been a LONG time!
This was a fun one that involved a little bit of planning...and then some quick additions in the end! lol Remember I'm only working with an eight inch page! The challenge was to use at least one of each of the following:

letter stickers - the title;

rub-ons - the silver snowflakes;

punches - wave border punch, snowflake punch;

chipboard - the glittered flourishes;

stencils/masks - light bulb banners;

decorative scissors - pinking shears on ribbon;

ribbon - bow at top of page;

brads - gold one at top of tree;

stamps - snowman and tree.

I hope you like my little snowman scene! Big white flakes were falling outside as I was putting it together, so I didn't have to look very far for my inspiration! :o)

Papers: Recollections Cardstock;

Stickers: Making Memories Shimmer Alpha Stickers;

Chipboard: Making Memories Shimmer Flourish blue;

Stamps: Inkadinkado Pattern Play Holiday;

Ink: Stampin' Up - Basic Black, Color Box - Celadon;

Stencil: Provo Craft - Xmas Lights;

Transparencies: Deja Views Clearcut Shapes Winter;

Punches: Fiskars Boundary Waters Border Punch,

unknown snowflake punch;

Rub-ons: Cosmo Cricket Metallic Rub-Ons - Holiday Phrases;

Glitter glue, Marvvy Markers.

House Mini Album Tour Continues

2011-11-27T05:00:00.005-06:00

Hello my friends! I'm back today with another group of pages from my little House Mini Album. This is also my last post as Guest Design Team Diva for Creative Scrapbooking Divas. Since I took a break from posting last week, this isn't the last you'll see of this mini here on my blog; there are still a few pages left to go. So let's get to it...

Our Home Is Filled With Gratitude and Thanksgiving! This page was decorated with my favorite Martha Stewart punch, some stickers and a bit of bling. It's a fold-out and it's just held down in one corner with a photo turn.

The inside was actually kind of a mistake! lol I intended to stamp the center medallion and some of the other accent pieces, leaving the middle space empty to write my Scripture verses. As I was doing this I was listening to some great music and I totally zoned out and got carried away with my stamping. Rather than redoing it, I decided to cut out the leaf tags and use those for my verses instead! :o) The fold-out is one page from a Squash Book design. I didn't bother with a template for this one. If you'd like to know how to do this fold you can probably tell by looking, or just google Squash Book and you'll find LOTS of instructions!!

Our House Is Filled With Abundant Blessings! What could be better after a "Gratitude and Thanksgiving" page than a Blessings page! This is literally my overflowing bag of blessings! I used a small paper bag and folded up the bottom to form a tag pocket. I added a bead charm I made and a butterfly charm I received as a gift.

I wrote verses on strips of paper and stuffed them in my bag. God is so good! He gives us abundant blessings! Please take the time to click on the pictures and read the verses!

Our Home Is Filled With Love! I had just a regular fold-out planned for this page but then I saw a variation that Donna did in her video and it was just the twist I needed! Thank you Donna! I'll put a link in the supply list.

You can't really tell the difference in the photo when it's closed, but when you open it up you can see that the front is cut in a heart shape.

Our Home Is Filled With Comfort! When I think of "things" that provide us with comfort, one of the first that come to mind is a warm blanket, so I made one for my page pocket.

Then I filled it with tags that also bring comfort; a pot of soup, a pot of tea and a cup of tea, and a warm bubble bath.

On the back of the tags I added more Scripture verses. The Lord is the greatest comfort of all!

That's it for today! Thanks so much for your interest in my mini! Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you to the Creative Scrapbooking Divas for having me as their guest for this month! I wish you all a Very Happy Day! :o)

Materials Used That Haven't Already Been Listed:
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Punch: Martha Stewart - Wildflowers;
Stamp: Stampin' Up - Day of Gratitude;
Fiskars Leaves Template;
Alphabet: MM Shimmer Stickers.
Blessings
Paper Bag: Celebrate It:
Love
Flowers: Prima - Pastiche Small;
MM Slice Design Cards: Wedding, Basics 1;
Fold-out Design: Donna's Video - Click HERE
Stamp: Inkadinkado - Scrapbook Sentiments,
and Friendship;
Ink: CTMH Garnet
Comfort
MM Slice Design Card: Bon Appetit

ABC Scripture Challenge - Weary

2011-11-17T21:15:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends! Do you notice anything missing from my Challenge page this week...like perhaps my Scripture Challenge Word? lol Can you believe it? I didn't even notice until my husband came home and saw my page, and then he asked me what the word was. I just stood there with my mouth open in shock! haha I also forgot to add my little "w" in the top right hand corner. I had my photo ready to post...it never occurred to me I had missed putting something on my page that I have added for the last 22 pages; as well as all of 2010! "Well, okay...it will just have to wait until I can fix it because I am just far too WEARY..." and then I laughed! :o)

I do a lot of praying before I post these Scripture Challenge pages so that I share with you what the Lord wants me to share. I want to share my Lord with you! If I can do that by giving you just a little bit of encouragement to help you with your daily struggles...well, that's all I want to do! One thing I've learned is that living with pain makes one weary! We all have our pains and burdens, don't we? They can wear us down and tire us out! What a comfort it is to read the words of Jesus himself say, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He knows just how we feel and understands our weariness. When we go to Jesus we can receive the rest we need. He alone can give us the strength and energy to face all the pain and burdens of tomorrow...and we can do it with great JOY! :o)

So tomorrow, after I'm rested, I'll find some way to fit WEARY on my page. It may be wonky and odd but I'll always remember this one! lol

Papers: Basic Grey - Indian Summer, Recollections;

Border Punch: Fiskars; Flowers: Prima.

*Note: I wanted my page to look "weary" so I used

these flowers that I received free with a store purchase.

They were rather worn and broken and weary looking.

House Tour Begins! :o)

2011-11-13T05:00:00.008-06:00

Hello and Happy Sunday to you all! Thank you SO MUCH for your sweet comments on my mini album! I'm overwhelmed by your generous response to what you've seen so far! I sure hope I don't disappoint you with what I've done to the inside and I certainly appreciate you coming back to take a look! This is my second week posting as November Guest DT Diva for Creative Scrapbooking Divas. You can find their blog by clicking on the bright pink button in my sidebar.
I hope I didn't throw you off with my title because you won't be seeing any photos of my house in this album! Actually, you won't be seeing any photos at all! lol This album is a Faithbooking project. I didn't actually know there was such a term as "Faithbooking" until I found the CSD blog. You know how much I enjoy using Scripture verses on my projects and pages...well, enough rambling, right...let me show you what I did!
This is what the first page looks like when you take off the cloud-like closure:

Isn't that sun cute shining over the house? Can you guess what my house is filled with? The first page is:

Our Home is Filled With Light. I had lots of fun with this page. I spread it over two pages because the first one is quite small. Here are a couple more pictures of it. I added Stickles to the sun, pleated vellum for the lamp shade, and a doily lace punch under the lamp.

On the tags I wrote some of my favorite Scripture verses about being a "light". The tags have a second generation stamping of a chandelier in the background. If you click on the picture you'll be able to read a couple of the verses I've chosen.

Our Home is Filled With Peace. Now this word has nothing to do with our nest being empty and our girls being gone! lol Thankfully our home has always been a place of peace. I heat embossed "Peace" on a tag pocket. There are four tags with lots of room for verses. Some fiber, ribbon, and buttons for embellishments.

Here is a look at the page with the tags pulled out. I used two different styles. Again, please read some of these tags...the verses are fantastic! The next page is made to follow this one.

Our Home is Filled With Quiet. Again, this has nothing to do with our girls being out of the house! Well, on second thought, it has become significantly quieter since then! ;o) This page also has a pocket on it. I decorated it with some dies that I cut with my Slice Machine, and a border punch.

Here's what this page looks like open. To me a cozy chair, a fireplace, and flowers are all "quiet" things.

Here's another photo that includes the tag from the front pocket as well. The pull-outs on this page actually open, so there's lots of room to write on them. The verse on the tag to the right about living a quiet life is very special to me. Years ago when I had my website it was front and center on my homepage. I guess you could even call it one of the "theme verses" for my life!

Here is a template for the pocket that I made for my Quiet page.

Instructions for pocket:

Score in half both ways along score lines - at 4 1/4".
Cut along diagonal cutting lines. *Note: if you want to use a border punch along angle cut it should be done now.
Apply glue along glue lines. *Note: I advise using a wet glue for this purpose. My favorite is Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive; it's easy to apply in a very thin line, it dries very quickly, and the tags won't get stuck in it.
As soon as you have applied the adhesive, fold along the horizontal score line and have A meet B. Hold for a moment until the glue is set.
When glue is all dry fold in half along vertical fold line.

I sure hope that makes sense. Let me know if you have any questions. This design can be adjusted for any size pocket you need. My tags are cut 7 1/4" X 4" and folded in half to measure 3 1/8" X 4". This size may need to be adjusted depending on how thick a line of adhesive you use.

One more little tip I'll share with you is how I made these little flower clips.

I layered two Prima flowers and attached them together with a brad. I punched out a 1/2" circle from blue cardstock. I laid a white paperclip on the circle and then sandwiched it together with the flower using a Zot adhesive dot. It works great! I put one on the corner of each of my folio tags. They serve as a little pull to take the tags out of the pocket.

Okay, friends...that's it for today! It was another super long post. Thanks so much for coming! I hope you'll come back again next week to see what else my little house holds! Have a very happy week! :o)

Materials Used That Haven't Already Been Listed:

Light:

Dies: Sizzix Scallop Tags;

MM Slice Design Card: Home Sweet Home, Summer;

Ranger Stickles - Gold;

Punch: Martha Stewart - Doily Lace;

Stamp: Inkadinkadoo - Chandeliers;

Ink: CTMH - Moonstruck;

Stash: Buttons, Vellum.

Peace:

Stamps: Recollections - Feelin' Groovy;

Bling: i-Rock Compact - Jewels;

Stash: Ribbon, Fiber.

Quiet:

MM Slice Design Cards - Home Sweet Home,

Vintage Findings;

Bling: i-Rock Compact - Crystals;

Flowers: Prima;

Martha Stewart Border Punch;

Brads: Recollections.