Love Is In the Details...

A second post today...that doesn't happen often anymore here does it?  LOL

If you are looking for my Crafter's Cafe card, please scroll down.  

Love is in the details...there's so much truth in that saying isn't there!  As crafters we go the extra mile putting lots of love and energy into every creation we make.  You will always find love in all those details.
 If you will recall, this is also the name of the local craft store I teach with. Today I'd like to share with you a few creations I have come up with for them to show case a new product line! 

I was so excited to try out this new product line.  It is made and sold exclusively at Love is in the Details....it's the Lasered Edge Chipboard line.  It includes words, snowflakes, hearts, stars and the line is ever expanding!
Here's a few pics of the hearts and the words I had the pleasure of working with...

And now let's take a look at how I was able to use these awesome chipboard pieces...
In these first two cards, I've used some hearts.  They have been cut so that you are able to layer them as I have done in the second card.  In both of these creations, the hearts have been colored with Inka Gold.  I've created a pinkish hue on the first card by using a reddish ink along with the Inka Gold. 

  

For my next examples, I used several of the chipboard words.  On the first card I've inked the chipboard with a touch of brown.  The "love" in the second card has been inked with the reddish ink and Inka Gold as well. 

I'm so glad these chipboard pieces were released when they were, because I've had a great time creating some Valentine's cards with them.  But, never fear...these words and shapes can be used any time of the year!  If you're interested in any of the chipboard items you see, remember that they are also available for online ordering here as well.
Images have been purchased from TLC Creations.

Until next time...

This card collection has been shared in the following challenges...
Handmade Harbour..."Smile" (sentiments on cherub cards)
Crafting with Dragonflies..."Card Anything Goes"
Divas By Design..."Anything Goes"
Fab'n'Funky Challenges..."Words"
Inklings & Yarn..."Anything Goes"
Paper Pretties..."Anything Goes"
The Paper Shelter Challenge Blog..."Digi and Sentiment"
Ruby's Rainbow..."Use a Doily"
Cuttin and Stampin Challenges..."Anything Goes with Arrow"
Created with Love..."Winged Things"
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges..."A is for..."  (Amour)
Victorine Originals..."Valentines/Love"
My Time to Craft..."All About the Love"
Creative Fingers..."Anything Goes"
Jo's Scrap Shack..."It's a Love Thing"
Polkadoodles..."Anything Goes/Girl Talk"
Simply Create Too..."Valentines Day/Use Hearts"

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

 

"Workin' 9 to 5...."

...What a way to make a livin'"

Welcome!  

Remember that song?  If you do, I'm pretty sure you're singing it in your head now!  LOL
I'm so happy that I no longer work out of the house 9-5!  I have really been enjoying my time at home, and being at home has allowed me to visit and create with you!

I have one more exciting announcement that I want to share with you.  Today is my first DT post with The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog!  I am so excited to be joining up with this crafty team and adding them to my current DT positions!

Our challenge for this week is..."Ha, ha, ha...Very Funny".
 We wanna see your sense of humor shine this week!

And, we have some sponsors with a great sense of humor for this challenge...




as well as ...




I had so much fun working with the Bugaboo image "Escape Key".  

Here's the card I created...

I colored up the image with my Spectrum Noir markers and mounted it on a dark beige colored mat.  I was rummaging through my stash of papers and found some with numbers, addition and subtraction equations and thought this was perfect to represent an office worker.  I rummaged a little further in my stash and found some sticker fonts that I have owned for a really long time.  Now, sticker fonts are not usually something I use on my creations.  However, I had the 9-5 song running through my head as I was creating so I decided to do a little spoof of it on the card, as the lettering sorta looked like type setting/inputting style to me.  My kids think the joke on the digi is just too funny!

So, rummage through your stamps, and find a little "funny" you could share with us this week.  Remember...laughter is the best medicine.  To get you started, make sure you check out the other DT creations over at The Crafter's Cafe...they'll have you in stitches as well!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
LEJ Designs..."Anything Goes"
Craft Your Passion..."Music Inspired Card"...(song Workin' Nine to Five)
Order of the Opus Gluei..."Need a Lift" (a dose of humor)
The Corrosive Challenge Blog..."All Work and No Play"
The Craft Place Challenge Blog..."Color Challenge"

How's The Weather?

How's the weather out in your neck of the neighbourhood today?
Here in Manitoba, Canada we have been having a mixed bag of strange weather.  The other day we had a storm watch, a thunderstorm warning, a blowing snow warning and a wind warning all in effect at once....and it really did do all of the above.  A friend in the neighbouring town did say she actually heard thunder.  I know it rained quite hard for a period of time during the night and we had some nasty winds and snowfall as well.  I've never seen or experienced weather like this.  And for the last few days, we have been having unseasonably warm weather.  We bounce from +3 degrees  Celsius and thawing ice and snow to the next day being -25 degrees Celsius with a windchill of -42.  It's just crazy!

Well, enough chit chat about the weather...and on with our new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges.  Wait until you see the cute pic we have for your {pin}spiration this week...



Aren't they adorable!
I loved their decor...and I have used their picture on the wall and their couch for my inspiration.  I knew I would have paper to match the sofa, and I just loved the snowy scene in the framed picture on their wall.  I found a cute design over at TLC Creations and decided to turn this into a card.  The penguin was in a frame which was perfect to mimic the portrait on the wall.  I colored up the image with my Spectrum Noir markers (still practicing!), and then decided to add some sequins for some sparkle.  I thought it turned out pretty cute!
Take a look see...

Now, take another look at that cute little picture again and create a card with what elements pop into your sight first. It's such fun...and I so enjoy visiting your entries to see what has inspired you!
And don't forget, we have some awesome prizes from some awesome sponsors this week...

 Scribbles

offering 3 digis to one lucky winner...

...and

Aurora Wings

offering one lucky winner $10 worth of digis!
 
Lastly, be sure to check out the other fantastic creations the {Pin}spirational DT has created to jump start your creative juices!  Enjoy creating!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Lia Stampz..."Color Scheme/Picture Challenge"
613 Avenue Create..."Anything Goes/Winter Blues"
One Stitch at a Time..."Use a Digi"
Robyn's Fetish..."Winter Card"
Created with Love..."Winged Things"
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge Blog..."Use Blue"
Paper Makeup Stamps Digi Challenges..."Snowflakes"
MilkCoffee Challenges..."Monochromatic"
The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog..."January Blues"
Melonheadz Friends..."Winter Fun"
Stamp and Create..."Winter Wonderland"

"New Beginnings"...

So glad you could stop by today!

I want to share some exciting news with you...and it fits into the theme of this post perfectly which is "New Beginnings"...

I have a new beginning with a new design team...are you ready?  I'm one of the newest Belles at the UnstampaBelles!  This challenge blog is so unique...the twist is that you cannot stamp on your card in any form...a stretch for sure.  (A small, computer generated sentiment is allowed).  I'm sure I will be challenged and have to think outside the box as these challenges are really designed to get you to use your imagination in a new way and to encourage you to stretch and grow in your crafting talents!

So, our current challenge at The Unstampabelles is "New Beginnings".  We are offering a wonderful prize package to one lucky winner!   Our sponsor this week is Craft Mad!

The prize includes paper tole sheets, foam pads, paper twist, feathers, 2 x packs of stitching card fronts and envelopes, 3d Sticker sets - weddings and babies.  Many of these things are new items to use i.e feather are very trendy at the moment!

Many thanks to Mandy!

Here's a peek...

  I must admit that I've had Valentine's Day on the brain lately, and got to thinking about "new love".  Remember that first Valentine's Day you spent with your "new love"?  You wanted everything to be perfect!  I knew that I had several new toys in my stash that I wanted to play with and they would fit the Valentine theme perfectly.  I was able to use a new print and cut file (the teddy cupid) for my Silhouette Cameo, as well as two new Memory Box dies...the hanging hearts as well as the "love" script.

I've kept the card quite simple...hopefully you'll like it!

Here it is...

I just love that cute little teddy cupid...and I'm sure he will be delivered to someone special.  That envelope looks like it's just packed full of love.

I hope I've encouraged you to play along with our current challenge at The UnstampaBelles.  Challenge yourself to not use any stamps on your creation this time.   I promise...it's not so bad!  LOL

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Great Impressions..."Something New"
My Time to Craft..."All About the Love"
Jo's Scrap Shack..."It's a Love Thing"
Simply Create Too..."Valentine's Day"
D.L. Art..."Hearts/Valentines"
Card a Day Blog..."Love is in the Air"
Heck of a Challenge..."New" (I used new cut files and new metal dies)
Oozak..."Love/Anything Goes"

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


 

I'm Bursting with Excitement....

Good Evening!  

I'm popping by tonight with a little post because I am bursting with excitement!
I am so excited to say that I have joined up with our local craft store  Love is in the Details and am their newest instructor!  I will be teaching card classes!
We have scheduled our first classes and I have completed the card designs, and wanted to give you a little sneak peek!

The most requested card class has been...are you ready...sympathy cards.  I always struggle with sympathy cards, so I was a little worried about this one.  I usually make a sympathy card when I'm in need of one, and the mood isn't always most creative at that time.  It was much easier to create with no funeral looming in the near future.

I made 3 different cards and want to share one of them with you tonight!

I think this design is simple and yet soothing.
I look forward to sharing the other two designs with you in the near future.
While you're here, remember to take a peek at the Love is in the Details blog...they have two amazing designers with fantastic projects.  And, don't forget you can also do a little shopping online at the store here!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
4 Crafty Girls..."Anything Goes"
Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog..."Any Sentiment"
Inklings & Yarns..."Anything Goes"
Word Art Wednesday..."Anything Goes"
Craft Dee Bowz..."Anything Goes with a handmade bow"

Update...this card was featured at

January 2014

Guest Designing with Crafting By Designs

Hello, and welcome back!  

I have such exciting news today once again...I've been asked to be a Guest Designer with Crafting by Designs for this week!

The twist on this challenge was to create a 3D flower.  The wonderful sponsor is Fred She Said...check out the Crafting by Designs blog for the prize being offered!

I found a fantastic digi at TLC Creations that I thought would work perfectly for what I had in mind.  I fell in love with the sentiment on this image!
I sized and printed out the image with my Silhouette Cameo.  I chalked a few of the flowers and greenery, and then set out to find the 3D flower set I knew I'd had in my stash for the last year or so.  I used a few of the flat flower die cuts, added some of the 3D flowers and then proceeded to make a few rolled flowers with a new die I hadn't used yet.  I can tell that practice will make perfect on those rolled flowers eventually!  LOL

I inked up the card with some brown ink and also used a stencil to add some faint dots on the paper to give it an aged look.  The beautiful bird charm is from a set I found at my local Walmart.  It just completed the card!  I tied a thin gold twine through it, and secured the bow.

Let's take a look...

Here's a close up of that wonderful sentiment...

  

And a closer look at the 3D flowers...

I was very pleased with how this turned out!

I would like to thank Crafting by Designs once again for the chance to play along as a guest designer.  I had so much fun creating this with your 3D flower challenge in mind.

And, I hope I have been able to inspire my blog readers to play along with this challenge.  There are so many different types of 3D flowers to create...you can use metal dies, your cutting machine, etc. Before you know it, those flowers will have you thinking of spring!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
 Crafting for All Seasons..."All Things Bright and Beautiful" 
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog..."Embellishments"
Rhedd and Rosie's Challenge Blog..."No White"
Word Art Wednesday..."Anything Goes"
Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Anything Goes"
Inky Chicks..."Anything Goes"
LEJ Designs..."Anything Goes"
Make My Monday..."Birds"
Paper Nest Dolls..."Anything Goes"
Perfectly Rustics Challenge Blog..."Color Challenge"
Dragonfly Dreams..."Thoughts of Summer"
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog..."Use chalk"
Delicious Doodles..."Flowers"
Create with TLC..."Show it Off Linky Sunday" 
Crafty Boots..."Anything Goes"
Digi Sketch Challenge..."Say it with Flowers"
Love to Scrap..."Anything Goes"
Challenges and Candies..."Favorite Season"  (spring)
Digitally Sweet..."Anything Goes"
DL Art Linky Party..."Anything Goes"

Twist of Faith Announcement

Hello Again!

Should you be looking for my {Pin}spirational Challenges post, please scroll down.

Today I am writing this post with a touch of sadness...but with hope in my heart.  I'm here to let you know that Twist of Faith Card Challenges will be going on on indefinite break for now.  Today will be our last post...to say "good bye for now and hope to see you again shortly".  We are unsure as to how long the blog will be on break, but would like to thank you for playing along with us and supporting us in the time we have been here.  We have loved your comments, your sharing and are looking forward to seeing you around Blogland!

And with that, here is one last parting card I've created for all you Twist of Faith Card Challenges followers...

I found this awesome digital print out at the TLC Creations store at Artfire. I printed it out onto some patterned paper through my Silhouette Cameo and used a Walmart pad of paper as background layering.  I did chalk a tiny bit of color to the digi just to give it a little pop and also popped up the oval cut out with 3D dots. A knotted ribbon was the final touch to the project.

Quick and simple...but I love how it turned out!

And isn't that sentiment so true!  Under His wings we will find refuge...whatever you are facing in this life, please know that God's got it.  He doesn't want you struggling in your own strength, but rather coming to Him to find that quiet place and rest. 

I have enjoyed getting to know many of you followers and visiting your blogs to see your stunning creations!  I have also been blessed to work with the wonderful women of this design team...they are Godly women who encourage, pray for one another and are filled with an abundance of talent and creativity!  I will continue to design with some of these talented ladies on some of my other design teams...and to the others I say that I hope we will be back here shortly together again!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Bunny Zoe's Crafts..."Wings"
Crafty Boots Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Creative Creations Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Lexi's Creations..."Anything Goes"
Make it Monday..."Anything Goes"
Chalk Ah Lot Cafe..."Anything Goes with Chalk"
Challenges 4 Everybody..."Anything Goes"
Dragonfly Dreams Challenge..."Thoughts of Summer"
Hobbycutz Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Pile It On..."Just Because"
Crafts 4 Eternity..."Very Vintage"
Word Art Wednesday..."Anything Goes"
Papertake Weekly..."Anything Goes" 
Create with TLC..."Show it off Sunday"

A Cup of Cocoa

Brrr...it's cold outside today!

As I sit here scheduling  this post to go live for Tuesday,  it is -47 degrees Celsius with the wind chill factor...school has been cancelled and the kids are happy for the extra day of holiday time.  We've been having such a trend of extreme cold weather lately, I'm looking forward to later in the week when they say this will let up and become warmer.

Today I'm back with our current {Pin}spirational Challenge...and wait until you see this beautiful photo we have for your inspiration...it fits in with the weather we've been having!  LOL

Here it is...

 

Isn't it stunning?  There's texture to play with, different color schemes, different themes such as cocoa or mittens!  The possibilities are endless!

Our sponsors for this challenge are as follows...


...offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice!


...offering another lucky winner 4 digis of their choice!


...offering yet another lucky winner a $12 Gift Certificate

Wow! We're offering 3 prizes this week...so you have a great chance of being a prize winner!
 Fantastic!

Now...onto some crafty {pin}spiration!
I had so much fun working with an awesome digi and sentiments from Sami Stamps!

Here's a look at where my imagination took me...

I decided to go with the various colors that stood out to me...the brown of the hot chocolate, the gorgeous teal color and of course the white.  I colored up the picture with my Spectrum Noir markers which I had previously printed out along with with the sentiment thru my Silhouette Cameo.  I began layering my card with brown card stock, some teal card stock which I embossed with a snowflake embossing folder using my Bigshot, as well as a patterned paper from a Vintage Recollections collection.  I also matted the image onto a piece of brown card stock so it would pop off the page.  I cut the heart and cup of cocoa with my Cameo from some Silhouette cutting files I had in my library.  I used my Martha Stewart punch to create the snowflakes on the bottom...which I covered with Patina Stickles and added a rhinestone to the centre.  I thought the card came out looking quite cozy...and I just loved the sentiment.  I think it would be a great card to add a coffee shop gift card to and pass along to a friend!

I hope I've given you some ideas and gotten your creativity swirling!  I encourage you to link up with us at {Pin}spirational Challenges this week!  Also, check out the great projects the other DT members have created!  It's amazing what we can all come up with using the same photo for inspiration...and we'd sure like to see your take on the photo as well!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Sami Stamps..."Anything Goes" 
Craftin Desert Diva's..."Winter"
Craft Boots..."Anything Goes"
Creative Creations..."Anything Goes"
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge Blog..."Let it Snow"
Lexi's Creations..."Anything Goes"
Love to Create..."Blue with Bling/Winter"
Love to Scrap..."Anything Goes"
Make it Monday..."Anything Goes"
Make My Monday..."Embossing"
FanTastic Tuesday..."Anything Goes"
LEJ Designs..."Anything Goes"

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...