Our Refuge



          I love this sketch for Viva la Verve April 2014, week 2.  Add some fun designer paper and some color, and it’s perfect!  I needed a get well card for my church card ministry.  I liked the card so well, that I did two!  I am entering this card is 3 different challenges – Dynamic Duo #98, Chevron Chic April 2014 Inspiration Challenge & Viva la Verve April 2014 Sketch Challenge.  The colors were easy since I chose to do the Dynamic Duos color challenge for the week.  I quickly ran across the dsp in my Stampin’ Up! stash with these colors – So Saffron & Wisteria Wonder which are 2 of my favorite subtles.  I made these 2 colors the focal colors against the background patterned paper – in chevrons of course for the Chevron Chic Challenge.  I stamped an oval chevron background from the Oh, Hello stamp set and cut it out in a circle (just barely if you look closely it didn’t quite fit).  Instead of a star I choose the floral embellishments that I colored with a dauber and then sprayed with the Glimmer Mist.  The Glimmer Mist gave me both a nice sheen and spread the ink out on the flower.  You’ll see a peek of the So Saffron flower behind the daisy like blooms!  Finish off the flower with the Antique Brad and attaché it with a pop-up glue dot – perfect!  I used my newly acquired Verve Awards Banner Die to make the flags on the lower left of the sentiment circle.  I assembled the card according to the sketch and added a few sequins, and I was done!  Pretty, soft, subtle and perfect for all 3 challenges!

•    Stamps:  Verve Stamps - Scripture Medley 1 & 2; Stampin' Up! - Oh, Hello 

·          Ink(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Basic Gray, Wisteria Wonder, & So Saffron

·         Paper:  Stampin’ Up! – Afternoon Picnic DSP, So Saffron & Wisteria Wonder 

·         Dies & Embossing folders:  Verve Stamps – Award Banner Die; Spellbinders – Classic Circles Large & Classic Scalloped Circles Large; Cuttlebug – Kassie’s Brocade EF

·         Embellishments/Other things of note:  We R Memory Keepers – Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper; Recollections – Floral Embellishments; Stampin’ Up! – Antique Brads; Tattered Angels – Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist; Tree House Studio - Sequins

         Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.  I know that I haven’t been as active lately, but I’ve been dealing with some health issues that have sapped my strength.  We hope to get some answers soon so that I can get back up to speed!

 

Many Blessings,

Donna



 



 

 

 

Rejoicing

 

          This was not a card that came easily for me for some reason or another.  This is my second attempt – I threw the other one away as I felt like I was trying to force it!  Believe it or not, I actually recycled the patterned paper.  It was too old, and I was trying to force the colors from this week’s Color Challenge.  I did take a little liberty with the “green” from the color challenge and used this blue/green color, Bermuda Bay from Stampin' Up!  The patterned paper was from a prize package I won in a contest over at the Papercraft Magazine website.  What was funny about that prize package is that I’d already gotten the 6x6 pad from the same collection – must have been destiny that I won!  LOL

          I am working on a card for my card ministry for my church and needed a “get well” card.  This lovely lady has had both strains of the flu this year.  She deserved a special card!  I think that I succeeded with this one!

·       Stamp set(s):  Verve Stamps – Plain Jane Zephaniah 3:17 & Flourish (Thank you for Verve Purchase

·       Ink(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Bermuda Bay, Primrose Petals & Smoky Slate (edge of pattern paper); Memento – Rich Cocoa; Ranger – Antique Linen Distress Ink (doily)

·       Paper:  Stampin’ Up! – Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride, Smoky Slate & Bermuda Bay CS; Crate Paper – Elizabeth Kate

·       Dies & Embossing folders:  Spellbinders – Classic Scalloped Circles Large & Blossom 2 

·       Embellishments/Other things of note:  Tree House Studio – Sequins; American Craft – ribbons; Stampin’ Up! – White Tea Lace Paper Doilies & Antique Brads

I took the white paper doily and distressed it with the Antique Linen ink using a dauber to get the color mellowed.  One of the hardest things I did – and still isn’t where I’d like it to be was the stamping of the sentiment.  I experimented with several inks and inked up some pristine cardstock trying to get the sentiment stamped.  The combination of paper and juicy ink pads just wasn’t doing it for me.  The best images were achieved using the Memento Rich Cocoa so that is what you are seeing here.  I chose to use ribbon for a more feminine touch for the angled feature in the top 1/3 of the sketch and bottom feature.  After assembling the card, I randomly placed some silver and gold sequins around the card front to add some interest and sparkle!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.  Let me know what you think of this creation if you’d like.  I love hearing from you!  Your kind and generous comments are so encouraging and deeply appreciated.

Many Blessings,

Donna

Life Is Better Together

 

          I made this card with items my husband got me for our anniversary which is tomorrow, March 26^th.  I just had to figure out how to get my hands on them BEFORE our anniversary.  The opportunity arose when the book he was getting for our anniversary arrived.  I had a bargaining tool, and I took advantage of it.  Oh, what I won’t do to get my hands on new Verve!  LOL  I’ll confess to him tomorrow when he opens this card for our anniversary!  I loved putting this card together.  I found this perfect patterned paper by Authentique and knew that it would make the perfect background.  Don’t the colors make you think of a warm sunny day with a deep & bright blue sky?  I wanted bright and airy and not feminine.  There are No flowers on this card and the other one I’m posting today.  Will wonders never cease?  LOL  This is another entry for the Viva la Verve March 2014 Challenge!

·       Stamp set(s):  Verve – Better Together & More Than Love

·       Ink(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Bermuda Bay & Sahara Sand

·       Paper:  Authentique – Seasons “Summer One”; Stampin’ Up! – Sahara Sad, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight & Bermuda Bay

·       Dies & Embossing folders:  A Cut Above Dies by Verve – Wavy Hearts; Spellbinders – Classic Circles Large & Classic Scalloped Circles Large; Stampin’ Up! – Chalk Talk Framelits

I played around with the sentiment circle.  I tried stamping the arrow on the Very Vanilla CS but it never looked straight, and I must have straight!  So I stamped the arrows on Bermuda Bay CS with Bermuda Bay ink and cut them out by hand – are there dies out there that match  these arrows?  The heart shape from More Than Love SS was a perfect complement to the chevron paper.  I love the graphic feel to this very sunny feeling card.  My husband will be sure to see all the love I have for him in this card.  He is the love of my life!  Life is better together with you!  I love you, Thom!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and taking a look!  Let me know what you think if you are so inclined!

Many Blessings,
Donna

Doing the Polka Birthday Bash!

 

          We are having a busy week in our family this week.  Our son-in-law’s birthday is on March 26^th and our 9^th wedding anniversary is also on the 26^th.  We also have bought a new car to replace a relative new but unreliable 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee!  Left the Chrysler products and went for a RAV4!  I am using this card in 2 Verve Challenges for this month.  One is “Do the Polka Diva Dare” and I used the Viva la Verve March 2014 sketch for week 1.  This was a fun sketch and really enjoyed going a bit outside my box creating a card that isn’t feminine – well for me anyway!  LOL  But I did go “dottie” with the dots on the patterned paper and both embossing folders.

·       Stamp set(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Word Play, Oh, Hello, & From My Heart; Heartfelt Creations – Tattered Background

·       Ink(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Early Espresso & Coastal Cabana

·       Paper:  Stampin’ Up! – Coastal Cabana, Very Vanilla, DSP Pattern Stack 2012-2013(ret.); Basic Grey – Serenade Half Penny & 50 Pence; The Paper Studio – Solid Glitter Champagne

·       Dies & Embossing folders:  Stampin’ Up! – Oval Framelits; Marianne – Cupcake Creatables; My Favorite Things – Washi Tape Die-Namics; Provocraft – Cuttlebug Poka Dots & Swiss Dots Embossing Folder 

The card came together easily.  All the images were edged in Early Espresso to go with the shabby look I was going for to coordinate with the Basic Grey paper.  The oval was stamped with the oval shape from Oh, Hello, cut out with the Framelits and then run through the Swiss Dots EF.  The yellow dotted patterned paper was embossed with the Polka Dot EF.  I cut out the “Washi Tape” from one stamped image and 2 papers (see above).  I used the candle die from the Marianne die to add some bling to the card – after all, the candle does need to sparkle a bit!

Thanks for taking the time to drop by my part of the blogging world!  Please feel free to leave me a comment.  I love hearing what you think!

Many Blessings,

Donna

Sunny Grace For You

 

          Hello from the weather crazed North Carolina!  On Friday, we had a ½“of ice on top of sleet and snow, and since Friday, we’ve enjoyed temps in the 60s!  I’m thinking that the earth is in the birth pangs prior to the return of Jesus.  It certainly hasn’t been a normal NC winter, but signs of spring are everywhere!  When I saw the two March Diva Dare & Diva Inspirations Hop, I knew that I wanted to do a light, bright and cheery card with an uplifting scripture to inspire faith for all!

I will be using this card for entry into 3 challenges this month/week!  This is contest week over at MOJO Monday, so this is my submission for MOJO335 plus "Do The Polka", March Diva Dare and Spring Has Sprung Verve's March Diva Inspirations Hop.  One card = 3 entries!  Nice!

·       Stamp set(s):  Verve – Surely Goodness & Scripture Medley 2  

·       Ink(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Raspberry Ripple and Stampin’ Write Markers in Pear Pizazz, Pistachio Pudding, Primrose Petals, & Raspberry Ripple; Versamark – Watermark Stamp Pad

·       Paper:  Echo Park – Everyday Eclectic 6x6 pad; Stampin’ Up! – In Color 2012-2014 DSP (ret.) & Whisper White, Blushing Bride, & Pistachio Pudding CS & Vellum

·       Dies & Embossing folders:  Spellbinders – Classic Squared & Classic Scalloped Squares Large; A Cut Above Dies by Verve – Surely Goodness; Provocraft – Polka Dots EF

·       Embellishments/Other things of note:  Archiver’s – Shabby Pink EP; Stampin’ Up! – Jewels Basic Pearls Large   

My card is 4¼” by 5½” with a left side fold.  I embossed the flower and leaves with the Shabby Pink embossing powder (love the touches of gold) on vellum and colored in the flower with Stampin’ Write Markers – the flower in Primrose Petals and Raspberry Ripple and the leaves in the both greens.  The “For You” is a thank you single stamp that I got with my last order from Verve!  I took some liberties with the layout from MOJO335, but I think it works this way, too!  I did cut out a window in the large scalloped square and place the stamped sentiment behind it.  It is popped up off of the card base.

 Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ve enjoyed your visit.  Please feel free to leave me a comment!

Many Blessings,
Donna

Treasuring Moments

 

          While getting caught up on my e-mails today, I looked at PTI’s blog, Capture the Moment.  I ran across this month’s Color Play Combo and Signature Sketches – the 3^rd one featured.  I loved the simplicity and style of the sketch and the colors made me think of springtime.  I think the whole country has had enough winter and is longing for spring flowers, green trees and grass.  The sketch itself made me think of the PTI Summer Hills stamp set that was one of the first I bought!

·       Stamp set(s):  Papertrey Ink – Summer Hills

·       Ink(s):  Memento – Tuxedo Black;  Stampin’ Up! – Stampin’ Write Markers in Gumball Green, Pear Pizazz, Melon Mambo, Rose Red, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Soft Sky, Early Espresso Smoky Slate & Basic Gray

·       Paper:  Stampin’ Up! – Whisper White and Basic Black CS

·       Dies & Embossing folders:  Provocraft – Cuttlebug EF, Paper Lace II

·       Embellishments/Other things of note:  Verve – Seam Binding Ribbon from Truly Madly Deeply Ribbon Collection

I used a few more colors on my coloring than the Color Play Combo listed, but I did use them in very small doses to make the sketch work – like the Early Espresso on the tree trunks, the Daffodil Delight for the windows and Real Red on the barn door.  Of course, the trees are colored pink for the flowering trees I love seeing in the spring.  I also colored the sky with Soft Sky.  This whole stamp set and some of the other companion stamp sets with this release made me think of my mother and her quilts so the sentiment made sense as I treasure the memory of my mom and her quilts – like the tiny clothes line with quilts on it in this image!

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look and reading my inklings.  I appreciate your time!  The sketch from the blog is below!

Many Blessings,

Donna

PS:  Does anybody have some tips on taking pictures of your projects?  This one looked straight until I went to my laptop!  Frustrated with this aspect of my blogging!



Strength In The Garden

I was thinking about the writing for this blog post a few minutes ago and decided that this was the title I wanted to give it.  I then thought about my father’s favorite hymn, the Garden of Prayer.  I remember coming home from high school and playing the piano and singing for him during a long recuperation from a serious heart attack.  It’s been 35 years since he moved on to his heavenly home, but I think my dad would tell me that true strength comes from prayer.  I think that this one is for your, Dad!  I love you and miss you and Mom both so very much.

As you may know from some of my precious posts, I am doing the card ministry for my church.  I send out the cards from our church to members when there is sickness or death in their families.  Since I know the people, I find myself personalizing the cards and try to find a good scripture for each card.  We’ve had quite a few over the last several weeks, so I’ve been continuing to look for a quick and easy yet beautiful ways to get some cards done!  I think that I may have hit one it through Simply Simple Stamping and a friend’s idea for making my own patterned paper!

·       Stamp set(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Secret Garden and Thoughts & Prayers; Our Daily Bread Designs – Scripture Collection 1

·       Ink(s):  Stampin’ Up! – Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango, Pear Pizazz, So Saffron, and Coastal Cabana

·       Paper:  Stampin’ Up! – Very Vanilla, So Saffron & Pear Pizazz CS

·       Dies & Embossing folders:  Spellbinders – Classic Ovals Large & Classic Scalloped Ovals Large; Stampin’ Up! – Square Lattice & Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folders

·       Embellishments/Other things of note:  Stampin’ Up! – Brights collection buttons(ret.), Linen Thread and Antique Brads; Hobby Lobby – wired burlap ribbon; Petaloo – Mulberry Street Vintage Victorian Color Assortment

I started out by stamping my own patterned paper using all of the ink colors above and used all of the stamps in the Secret Garden stamp set.  I used ink pads because I think that I can tailor my card needs using these colors .  I may do something with purples for sympathy cards later, but for now, these will do.  I then cut up my “new” patterned paper using the “flashcards” that I’ve tried from Simply Simple Stamping in previous posts.  I need something that will come together quickly and easily and can also personalize.  I did add some wide wired burlap ribbon behind my floral paper some added texture and interest.  For the 3 cards I needed for illness in our church family, I personalized it by using the Pear Pizazz for the men and So Saffron for the lady.  I also added a different touch by the use of embossing folders.

I hope you like my ideas for quick and easy cards that still have style!  You can go to the website and get all the information about how to have an array for card ideas ready to go in a “flash”!  Until next time, be blessed in all that you do!

Many Blessings,

Donna

 

Secret Garden Patterned Paper