New Beginnings

Hi there!

I hope you had a very special and meaningful Christmas with family and friends!  It's hard to believe there is a new year upon us already again!

The theme for our current challenge at Twist of Faith is "New Beginnings".  A fitting theme for the start of a new year and for a time when people make resolutions.  This weeks challenge is a little bit different as we do not have a sponsor...(this gave the design team a little flexibility in the style and image direction they wanted to take.)  Our very own DT member Vickie ODell has graciously supplied our awesome prize this week...a Close to My Heart Stamp prize package.  Head on over to the Twist of Faith blog to take a peek!

As always, our only requirement is that your card include an uplifting, healing, encouraging scripture or sentiment...either on the front of the card or enclosed inside.  It's your choice.

Since I could play this week with anything I desired, I decided I wanted to try to create a card completely using my Silhouette Cameo...including designing it right on the computer with my designer software.  I watched a few YouTube videos and set off to start the task.  I measured, printed and cut and did a little editing from how I originally had planned the card.  I actually did land up cutting out the heart pieces with my BigShot and two of my Memory Box dies.  Also, I decided to fussy cut the wording which had been on a Project Life style journaling card.  But for the most part, I had fun doing it and will definitely try designing the whole thing on the computer again. 

Here's a look at how the card turned out... 

The sentiment I chose is something that I wanted to remind myself to apply to my life in the New Year.  With Christ in our lives, every day is a second chance.  Waking up in the morning is a gift...it's a chance to make a difference and to make that day better than the day before.  It's a day to let go of the past and mistakes made hours, days, years before and to start afresh.  With Christ at the centre of our hearts and lives we know we can do this...He promises us that He has cast our sins to the very bottom of the ocean.  If He is able to forgive us, why is it so difficult to forgive ourselves and to move forward?  Satan has us believing that we need to keep ourselves living in anger, regret, sadness, etc.  He has us believing that we need to be perfect as Christians and don't measure up and should therefore call it quits.  He is trying to trick us into believing that there are no second chances...that we only get one shot.  Each day is a chance to spend more time with God, to make a difference in someones life, to encourage someone who is down, to mend broken relationships, and to hold fast in our heart that God is not looking for perfection from us. We fall into that trap so easily don't we?  If we can't do it perfectly and as we think God wants it...why do it at all?   Is God  expecting us to try...to put forth our best effort...absolutely.  But He knows that we will fall short so many times.  What He really desires is a relationship with us where we commit to Him fully...and the rest will fall into place.  Has He promised us an easy life...by no means.  But, He has promised to be with us always.  Will we fail and flounder from time to time...for sure...and He knows we will.  Our perfect selves will only be revealed when we reach Heaven someday...then there will be no need for second chances! 

For my "New Beginnings" this year...my desire is to spend more time in the Word and to develop a deeper relationship with my Saviour.  In the hustle and bustle of life, this is one area where I often fall short.  This year I hope to remind myself that each day is a second chance...I may not have read my Bible for the last two days, but I have a chance to do it today.  I will try to remind myself that the negative thoughts when I fail are not from God.  Those voices that run through your head, beating your self worth and image down are Satan waging a war.  We know that we have the Victor on our side!  One of my favorite worship songs puts it so well...

"I know Who goes before me
I know Who stands behind,
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

The One Who reigns forever,
He is a Friend of mine,
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side"
                                        -sung by Chris Tomlin

Think about those words...the God who goes before me, stands behind me, and stands beside me...He encompasses me completely!  No one on earth can stand before, behind and beside us at the same time.  Only God...who has angel armies waiting to help us if we just ask.  Isn't that a beautiful picture?

My prayer for you this 2014 is that you will build your relationship with Jesus Christ.  That you will be able to silence those nagging voices that want to drag you down, and allow God to rather use you and mold you to be the best you ever!

Happy New Year...and a toast to "new beginnings and everyday being a second chance"!

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...
Twisted Tuesday..."New Beginnings"...each day is a new beginning 
Scrap Creations..."Something New"  (Heart Dies & Cutting Files used were new!)
Cuttin and Stampin..."Anything Goes/Something New" (Heart Dies & Cutting files used were new!)
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards..."New Beginnings"
Crafts 4 Eternity..."Something New"  (Heart Dies/Cutting Files used were new/theme each day new beginning)
Word Art Wednesday..."Anything Goes"

Here Are A Few of My Favorite Things...

Good Morning, Afternoon or Evening...depending on where you live!  

I'm so glad you were able to pop by for a visit today!

In our time zone today is Christmas Eve!  The kids are bouncing with energy, my husband is home from work and we are doing our last minute preps for Christmas.  Christmas Eve has to be my favorite night of the year...the excitement in the children's eyes, the anticipation of whats coming tomorrow, the last minute scurrying!  But, the part I wait most for is when we sit down to our own little family supper (each person has contributed to the menu),  we then head out to our church's Christmas Eve Service, and then heading home to the Christmas tree where the kids are allowed to open one special gift.  It's always a pair of new pyjamas to sleep in and a book that teaches about the real meaning of Christmas.  By the time they are grown, they will have quite the collection of books that explain Christ's birth, Christian symbols around Christmas and in general the true meaning of the season.  They always know what to expect...but they are still excited none the less!

I suppose we should move along to the business at hand...LOL.  This week at Twist of Faith we are challenging you to use your favorites....whether that be ribbon, card stock, stamps...the choice is up to you. (Just remember our "twist" is to include an encouraging, healing, uplifting sentiment or scripture!)
 Needless to say, I have so many favorites I had a hard time narrowing it down...and once you see my creation you will see what I mean!

We are excited to welcome back MilkCoffee as our sponsor this week.

 

  They have graciously agreed to award one lucky random winner 3 digis of their choice!  What a great last minute Christmas goodie you could receive!

Let's take a look at the card I created...

And here's a closer peek at the sweet little lady...

Now I have to admit...I got caught up with using many favorite things!  I love to color, and have been practicing with my new Spectrum Noir markers (shhh...I know I have a way to go yet...but practice will make perfect!  LOL)  I chose a collection of Christmas paper I had been waiting to use and the colors matched perfectly with the colors I had used on the digi.  This came from the same Christmas paper pack I've been trying to make a dent in this year because my kids gave it to me years ago!  And oh how I love using my BigShot...hence the snowflake die cuts everywhere!  And who can resist adding a little washi tape?  Well and I must confess that I absolutely love, love, love using doilies, buttons...and this ribbon I purchased a few months back and had been scared to cut it and use it!  I think it looks great on this card...hope you do too! And lastly, you just can't make a Christmas card without Stickles...can you?  Like lots, and lots of shiny, sparkly Stickles!  Diamond has to be one of my favorites!  Now isn't that just one overdressed last minute Christmas card!  Ha, ha, ha!  But it was so much fun to make because it is full of my favorite things!

I know this week will be a busy one, and I'm not too sure how many of you have the time to play along with us at Twist of Faith between Christmas gatherings, gift returns, etc.  However, I'm hoping that sharing some of my favorite things will inspire you to create with some of yours and then link up and tell us about them.  Hey, maybe after tomorrow you have a new crafty favorite thing to play with that someone special in your life has picked out and given you from your wish list!

I'd like to close today by wishing all of my blog followers a Merry Christmas!  I hope that among your favorite things this season you are counting your many friends, family, your health and all those blessings we take for granted.  May you experience the real meaning of Christmas as you attend church services, watch the excitement in the childrens eye as they perform their concerts and along the way I hope you can take some quiet time to reflect on that "Silent Night" so long ago...and thank God for that sacrificial gift you sent for you and me.

And will you allow me to share one last favorite...it's a song.  It's one of my favorite Christmas songs sung by one of my all time favorite Christian artists...Third Day.  Listen to the words carefully and let them sink into your heart...Jesus came as a baby...as a tiny being we could all relate too...but His purpose here on earth was not completed until His death!  That's a part we seldom think of at Christmas..that the gift began that day, but was not completed until that tiny baby grew up and was crucified on the cross to reconcile all mankind with God.  My prayer is that this song will touch you and help you focus on the gift that was given for you!

            

Until next time...

Some Christmas Fun & A New Tradition

Hi there!  

Are you ready to read about some fun?  I hope so...'cause we've been having tons of it here at our house while getting ready for Christmas.  

In my post today, I'd like to share with you some of the little traditions we have at our house...the first being our sparkle box!  Now this little tradition is based on the book "The Sparkle Box"...here is an excerpt from Amazon giving you a little info about the book, and if you click the above link it will take you to the official "The Sparkle Box" website.)

Written by Jill Hardie and brought to life by the rich illustrations of Christine Kornacki, The Sparkle Box is a heartfelt Christmas story that celebrates the beauty and excitement of the Christmas season, while gently bringing the true meaning of Christmas into focus through a story that features a powerful Christmas tradition. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by The Sparkle Box and forever changed when they discover the Sparkle Box is a gift that honors Jesus on his birthday. Readers moved to adopt this faith-centered Christmas tradition in their homes can put a Sparkle Box, included with the book, under their own Christmas tree. - See more at: http://www.thesparklebox.com/#sthash.OVCUvBNX.dpuf

Written by Jill Hardie and brought to life by the rich illustrations of Christine Kornacki, The Sparkle Box is a heartfelt Christmas story that celebrates the beauty and excitement of the Christmas season, while gently bringing the true meaning of Christmas into focus through a story that features a powerful Christmas tradition. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by The Sparkle Box and forever changed when they discover the Sparkle Box is a gift that honors Jesus on his birthday. Readers moved to adopt this faith-centered Christmas tradition in their homes can put a Sparkle Box, included with the book, under their own Christmas tree. - See more at: http://www.thesparklebox.com/#sthash.OVCUvBNX.dpuf

Written by Jill Hardie and brought to life by the rich illustrations of Christine Kornacki, The Sparkle Box is a heartfelt Christmas story that celebrates the beauty and excitement of the Christmas season, while gently bringing the true meaning of Christmas into focus through a story that features a powerful Christmas tradition. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by The Sparkle Box and forever changed when they discover the Sparkle Box is a gift that honors Jesus on his birthday. Readers moved to adopt this faith-centered Christmas tradition in their homes can put a Sparkle Box, included with the book, under their own Christmas tree. - See more at: http://www.thesparklebox.com/#sthash.OVCUvBNX.dpuf

 

Written by Jill Hardie and brought to life by the rich illustrations of Christine Kornacki, The Sparkle Box is a heartfelt Christmas story that celebrates the beauty and excitement of the Christmas season, while gently bringing the true meaning of Christmas into focus through a story that features a powerful Christmas tradition. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by The Sparkle Box and forever changed when they discover the Sparkle Box is a gift that honors Jesus on his birthday. Readers moved to adopt this faith-centered Christmas tradition in their homes can put a Sparkle Box, included with the book, under their own Christmas tree. - See more at: http://www.thesparklebox.com/#sthash.OVCUvBNX.dpuf

Written by Jill Hardie and brought to life by the rich illustrations of Christine Kornacki, The Sparkle Box is a heartfelt Christmas story that celebrates the beauty and excitement of the Christmas season, while gently bringing the true meaning of Christmas into focus through a story that features a powerful Christmas tradition. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by The Sparkle Box and forever changed when they discover the Sparkle Box is a gift that honors Jesus on his birthday. Readers moved to adopt this faith-centered Christmas tradition in their homes can put a Sparkle Box, included with the book, under their own Christmas tree. - See more at: http://www.thesparklebox.com/#sthash.OVCUvBNX.dpuf

"The moving story of an uncommon gift and how giving to others shows a little boy the true meaning of Christmas. Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift -- a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's parents explain that the things that they've been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus -- for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes."

Our kids love the idea of giving gifts of kindness to Jesus for his birthday.  We fill it with the acts of kindness we do during the holiday season such as boxes for Operation Christmas Child, baking cookies for the people packing the Christmas hampers in our area, donating to the Christmas cheer board, etc.  It becomes a game for them to try to think of different acts of kindness we can do for others.  Then Christmas morning, we open our sparkle box and read the acts out loud reminding ourselves that these are the gifts we gave Jesus for His birthday.  I would encourage you to pick up this book and start this tradition with your own family or grandchildren!

The second tradition I'd like to share with you today is one we've just started this year...and has been creating much excitement and laughter..."The Elf on the Shelf".  

Our elf came to live with us on December 01 of this year.  The first thing we were asked to do was give him a name.  Well, it was decided that he would be called Eli the Elf...and it was game on ever since.  Our son absolutely loves getting up in the morning and starting his day with a hunt for Eli.  Although he just turned 8, he has been blessed with a fantastic imagination...and loves playing along with Eli as though he's real.  Our daughter, who is 10, just laughs at the antics and says nothing to her brother about how he uses his imagination to play along...and I'm glad because imagination is outgrown far too early these days!  So, I thought I'd share a few of the Eli's antics with you today...

He showed up under the tree the morning of December 01/13.  I

It didn't take long before he was noticed!

One morning he was caught playing the game "Twister"!

And who can forget the morning we found him with munchies and the TV remote in hand!

Once in awhile Eli does try to do something helpful...

But, then he's right back to being a little mischievous...like stealing the kids Advent Calendars and helping himself to some chocolate...don't worry, he replaced what he ate!

Eli's also been spotted driving around our daughters pink Barbie convertible, playing on the computer, sleeping in the Barbie bed under the Christmas tree, playing with the Snowman family in our kitchen, etc. And we will always remember the morning we found Eli sitting under the tree with his Adoption Certificate with a letter from Santa explaining that Eli was our own very special elf! 

 Needless to say we've had lots of fun...which will soon end as Eli heads back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve!  

I hope you've enjoyed reading about a few of our family traditions.  Memories are so much fun to make.  Feel free to leave me a comment below about one of your favorite family traditions...I'd love to hear about them!

Until next time...

This post has been linked to the following fun challenge...

DL Art...Elf Antics Linky Party

A Nativity Card

Welcome Back!

I'm here today to share with you a card inspired by the real meaning of Christmas...the Nativity.  That is the current challenge beginning today at Twist of Faith.

We are sponsored this week by Melonheadz!

 

They will be awarding one lucky prize winner an image bundle of their choice!  Awesome!

For this challenge, the team was provided with pre colored digis of the nativity in a sweet bear theme.  I wanted to keep the card simple and fussy cut the digis and put them onto a religious background paper.  I popped up the baby bear in the manger with 3D pop up dots so it appears that he is in front of his parents. 
Here's a look at how the card turned out...

I finished off the inside with a sentiment from one of my Stamp 'n Up collections as well as some of the same background paper I used on the front of the card. 

Simple and sweet today.

So, haul out those nativity stamps, digis, papers, etc. and join in the fun with us this week.  There's still a few days left to complete that one last Christmas card.  Remember that our only twist is to include a positive, uplifting, healing or encouraging sentiment or scripture. 

Lastly, as you prepare for gatherings with friends and family, scurry around buying those last few gifts and stocking stuffers...make sure you take some time to reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  We were given the greatest gift that day so many thousands of years ago...Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Until next time...

Walkin' in a Christmas Candyland

Hello!

I'm so excited today!  Several months back I applied to be a DT member for the Pile It On Challenge Blog.  Unfortunately I did not make the cut...but was invited to play along as a Guest Designer during the month of December.  And guess what...today's the day!  The twist at Pile it On Challenge Blog is to enter as many challenges as you can with a given creation!  Easier said than done sometimes!

Now the challenge this week over at Pile it On is "P is for..."

And the fabulous sponsor is non other that Jellypark, who have graciously offered one prize winner 2 digis of their choice!

I had the pleasure of playing with their digi stamp entitled "Princess for a Day".  Awesome....that was one "P" for the challenge!  LOL

Let's take a peek at what I did with this cute little princess...

Now, let me run through all of the "P is for" elements in this creation...princess, pearls, patterned paper, palace, and pink!

I wanted to create a different kind of Christmas card with this cute little princess...and I hope you feel I've accomplished it!  I do believe this is one of the craziest cards I've ever created...so many different elements going on, glitter, bling, ribbon, washi tape, hand coloring...but my 10 year old daughter absolutely loved it...so I know I captured what I was going for!

Every princess needs a castle or palace...but on a Christmas card, that princess needs a candy/sweet treats winter wonderland kinda palace!  I found this cute little image at Digi Web Studios and decided it was perfect for my little royal lady!  I colored the images with my Spectrum Noir markers .  I started the card with a snowflake patterned paper background.  I added candy and candy cane washi tape on both the top and the bottom of the card base.  I popped up the candy palace with 3D pop up dots and did the same with the princess image.  I cut out some snowflake die cuts with my BigShot and added Glitter Ritz to them along with a sparkling gem to each centre.  I printed out the perfect sentiment which reads "Hoping Your holidays are the Sweetest Ever" which I had purchased from Whimsie Doodles.  Then I went to town on the rest of the card with various colors of Stickles, Glitter Ritz and some gems for the bows on the palace and some pearls for the little princess' dress.  Lastly came the finishing touch of the bow.  I think the card came out extremely busy...but in a "sweet" sorta way!  LOL

I hope I've been able to inspire you to create a project with the letter P in mind and to link up with Pile it On!  It's been a ton of fun trying to enter as many challenges as I could with one card...not something I usually take too much time to do!  

I would also like to take the time to thank the design team members of Pile it On for having me!  I have have so much fun creating for this challenge! 

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...

Jellypark Challenges..."Christmas"

Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Christmas"

Scrap Creations..."Holidays"

Just Inspirational Challenges..."Washi Tape"

LEJ Designs..."Festive Fun"

Loves Rubberstamps Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes Christmas"

Oldie But a Goodie..."Winter"  (ribbon, gems & pearls are from my stash and are years old)

Songbird Challenge Blog..."Merry Christmas Everybody"

Use it Tuesday..."Winter/Holidays" (ribbon, gems, pearls are from my stash)

Craftin Desert Diva's..."Christmas"

The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Girly"

Crafty Boots Challenges..."Christmas"

Get Inky..."Christmas"

Parade Your Crafts..."Christmas Projects"

Sparkle N Sprinkle..."Glitter, Embossing Powder or Flocking"

The Crazy Challenge..."Photo Inspiration"

2 Creative Chicks..."Christmas/Winter"

A Little Bit Crafty..."Christmas Cheer"

Connie Can Crop..."We Washi You a Merry Christmas"

Heck of a Challenge..."Colorful Christmas"

Ladybug Crafts..."Christmas/Winter"

Seemacrafts..."Christmas"

Sparkles Christmas Challenges..."Christmas Feasts and Treats"

The Lollipop Ladies..."Photo Inspiration" (used colors, pearls, cupcake/treat idea)

Fab 'n Funky Challenges..."Snowflakes"

All That Stickles..."Happy Holiday Linky Party" 
Creative Moments..."Anything Goes/Winter Wonderland"
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog..."Feminine with a Sentiment"
The Sisterhood of Crafters..."Christmas Sparkle"
Whimsy Stamps Challenge Blog..."Party Time"
Sentimental Sundays..."Non Traditional Christmas Colors"
Dream Valley Challenges..."Christmas"
Great Impressions..."Glitter"

Vintage Beauty

Glad you stopped by to take in Post #2 for the day!  Should you be looking for my Twist of Faith post, please scroll down!

Welcome back to another week of {Pin}spirational Challenges!  And guess what...no Christmas photo to {pin}spire you...LOL!  I must say it was a little tricky trying to get back into a card that wasn't Christmas themed!  LOL

Here is a peek at the {pin}spiring photo we have for you ...

Is that not totally awesome!
I was completely drawn to the different colors in this photo.  I do see the sewing and ribbon theme here, but I wanted to take it in a slightly different direction!

We have two wonderful sponsors this week...



I had the pleasure of working with an image from one of their Vintage photo sheets.
And of course our other sponsor...




You can find all the prize details over at {Pin}spirational Challenges blog!

Now back to the photo.  When I saw the group of children standing with their hula hoops dressed in their fine clothing, I knew I wanted to use this image.  I pulled several colors from the photo that stood out to me and then proceeded to color the kids clothing with my Stamp 'n Up chalks.  I knew I wanted to give the card a kind of "material or quilt" feel, so I cut some squares and applied them to the background.  I didn't have time to haul out the sewing machine, so I did some faux stitching with my fine line pen.  I added a flower cluster along with some vintage type buttons and lastly an embellishment with the message "Don't sweat the small stuff". 

Here's how it turned out...

I hope I've been able to inspire you to play along with us this week.  I'm always so intrigued by the different creations and the different things people pull from the photo to create their project.  Maybe you need a break from Christmas card making, or maybe you see something in the photo that reminds you of Christmas. Either way, be sure to link up with us...and if you're still needing more visual aids to get your creativity flowing, don't forget to check out my team members creations! 

Until next time...

Christmas Traditions

Seems like quite awhile since we've had time to visit together! 

 I'm glad you were able to pop by today. 

 We are definitely nearing Christmas...and you can sure tell by the busy schedule we all seem to be keeping.  There are Christmas concerts, Christmas dinners/parties with friends, and then there's the shopping, gift wrapping, Christmas baking...and of course some last minute card making!  LOL

This week over at Twist of Faith, we are thinking about Christmas Traditions.  I have to say that my favorite tradition that we have as a family is attending our church's Christmas Eve service.  For me...that is the most magical night of the year.  It sets the focus on the reason for the season as we put our attention on our Lord and Saviour!  There's something so special about that candlelight service and the songs, and sharing that takes place.  It reminds us all of the gift we are really celebrating!  

That being said, I did not choose to create a card around that tradition.  Instead, I chose to create a card around "going home" for Christmas.  I am lucky, my parents live in the same area we do.  I get to see them on a regular basis...but there's still something special about going home for Christmas.  Going home brings back memories of Christmas morning when I was a kid...my brother and I waking mom and dad up by reading the Christmas story to them at the door of their bedroom...but not before 7:00am!  LOL  Unwrapping the gifts under the tree, rummaging through the stockings, and then heading over to Grandma and Grandpas house where you were greeted by the smell of the most delicious meal.  It's funny how going home brings back all those memories.  Those memories bring back happy times, but are also a little bit melancholy as things are different...Grandmas and Grandpas have passed away, aunts and uncles as well...but I can't imagine what Christmas in Heaven must be like for them!

Well...when I spotted the image "Sarah's Christmas" in the Robyn's Fetish store, I knew that I wanted to create with it!  Robyn's Fetish is our sponsor for the week and they have graciously agreed to provide one lucky winner with 5 digital stamps of their choice!  Splendid!

Here's a look at my holiday card...

  This young girl just reminded me of someone on her way home to family and friends with her packages and wreath.  I've colored up the digi with my Stamp 'n Up chalks.  I wanted to give the card an aged and vintage feel, so I've again inked everything around the edges with a brown ink.  I've added some laser cut snowflakes which I've spread some Diamond Stickles on to give them some shimmer.  I've also used some Christmas die cuts that I purchased and was hoarding in my craft room!  The finishing touch was to add some Ric rack type ribbon and a bow with a button....I was hoping this would give the card that little bit of coziness that would make it feel like home.  I loved the die cut sentiment "At Christmas, all roads lead home"!  And isn't that so true in the spiritual realm as well...Christmas should get us thinking about our Heavenly Father...the sacrifice He chose to make for us...and even that Heavenly home that awaits for us when our time will come to leave this world.

And now, I can hardly wait to read about some of the Christmas traditions you have...and to see where your creativity with them will lead in your card making!  Be sure to link up with us at Twist of Faith this week...and don't forget to check out the other DT creations and their Christmas traditions. 

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...
Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Christmas" 
Scrap Creations..."Holidays"
LEJ Designs..."Festive Fun"
Loves Rubberstamps Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes Christmas"
Songbird Challenge Blog..."Merry Christmas Everybody"
Sweet Stamps..."Simple Christmas"
Tuesday Throwdown..."What Christmas Means to You"
Use it Tuesday..."Winter/Holidays" (used Christmas die cuts from my hoarding stash)
The Cheerful Stamp Pad..."Signs of Christmas"
C is for Challenge..."Traditional Christmas"
Craftin Desert Diva's..."Christmas"
Craft Your Passion..."Let it Snow"
Crafty Boots Challenges..."Christmas"
Get Inky..."Christmas"
My Craft Creations..."Anything Goes"
Parade Your Crafts..."Christmas Projects"
Scrapping Everyday Miracles..."Christmas"
Without Words..."Nearest and Dearest"
Chalk Ah Lot Cafe..."Chalk Christmas"
Robyn's Fetish..."Must have a Bow"
That Craft Place..."Christmas"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas..."For Someone Special"
Card Crafters Circle..."Celebrations"
Card Makin Mamas..."Merry Christmas"
Creative Corner Challenges..."Traditional Christmas"
Delicious Doodles..."Christmas/New Years"
Digi Haven..."Merry Christmas"
Digitally Sweet Challenges..."Vintage Christmas"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge Blog..."Christmas"


Update:  This card has placed in the following challenges...

Chalk Ah Lot Cafe

Baubles and Bells

Good Morning! 

 I'm back today...much later than usual.  It's just been that kind of week!  Life took over and card making was secondary.  I was quite happy to get down to my craft area this morning though as soon as everyone headed out the door!  LOL

My project this morning is for our current challenge over at Twist of Faith Card Challenges.  This week we decided to do a Christmas theme...and that is "Baubles and Bells"!  

Our sponsor this week is...

 

and they will be awarding one lucky random prize winner 5 digis of their choice.

I had the chance to work with the digi entitled "Christmas Bells and Garland".  I colored it with my Tim Holtz Distress Markers and that was as far as I got until this morning!  Last night as I was browsing in the Silhouette Online Store (they have an awesome sale going on right now), I found a gift card holder card in the shape of a Christmas ornament, and I knew exactly what I wanted to create.

Take a look...

It's a bauble gift card holder card with the digi image of bells as the ornament decoration.  I added some sparkles to the top of the ornament along with a bow.  I cut the sentiment with my Silhouette Cameo as well...layered it and added some Stickles.  Lastly I strung some gold ribbon through it and hung it on my tree to take the photo!  Just a quick and easy little card.

 Doesn't that just feel like Christmas is around the corner?  Makes me want to break out in song singing "C'mon Ring Those Bells...Light the Christmas Tree...Jesus is the King.. Born for You and Me".  After all, isn't that the real reason for the season?  The lights, the baubles, the bells are all beautiful...but don't let them take over your Christmas this year!  Remember to set aside time to focus on the real reason of this joyous time...a Savior came down to earth...He is a gift to all of us!  If you have not received this precious gift, and do not have the Lord in your life please know that this gift is available today!  He is waiting for you with open arms and wants to have a relationship with you!

Make sure you take the time to check out the other DT creations over at Twist of Faith!  Then create your own take on the challenge...just remember that the card must include a scripture, encouraging, healing, or positive sentiment either inside or out...your choice! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Until next time...