Amigos

October is Pastoral Appreciation month, so here is a note of encouragement I made for our Hispanic Pastor & his wife. The image is a freebie from A Day for Daisies. Love their stuff. The patterned paper I got off of Listia (free advertising: great place to get & get rid of stuff).

Challenges:
Whimsy Stamps Challenge
Suzy Bee's Blooming Challenge
CAS-ual Fridays

Ezekiel 12

Here's my most recent Bible journalling entry. Pastor David spoke from Ezekiel 12 today & the message I got was that radical obedience may seem insane, but we need to remember that people are watching our every move. Even when what we do doesn't make sense, our actions are a witness to those around us.

The picture is not the best. There are more roses in the upper right corner.

Shalom

As I spent time with the Lord the other day, I realized that my goal in life has really remained constant, even though I may not always have acknowledged it or let it guide all I do. My goal has been & remains that I should be an instrument of peace in a shattered world. The only way I can do that is to keep my eyes on Jesus, for He is my peace. I can only share what He has given me. So my prayer is Shalom. More than just peace, but true wholeness. That is what my savior offers. Shalom.

In this entry, I painted the background & the cross with tempera paints. I usually think of them as "kid's paints". I forgot how fun they were to play with & I was thrilled with the color & consistency of them even though they'd been on the shelf for years. The shalom comes from some die cut lettering I've had forever also. Easy. But very please with how it came out.

Challenges;
Paper Nest Dolls Challenge
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge
Craft Your Passion 
Scrapbook Blessings Club - Of late my favorite technique has been watercolor. This time I pulled out some tempera paints & really enjoyed the process.
That Craft Place

Return

Return to Jesus. No matter what goes on throughout your day, whenever you notice that your mind has wandered away from Him - return. Draw your mind back & think on the love & grace He gives you (me). Return & think on His majesty. Return & think on His sacrifice. Return & be amazed that He is your (my) salvation & life. Return & set your heart on the path He has given you. Return & walk side by side with the Creator of the Universe or better yet, return & let Him carry you. Just return.

I created this by starting with some old stickers I had. Then I added the arrows, which came from a prize for the first challenge I won. (They hold a special place in my heart. lol). Next I used a gel pen to write "return" on the arrows. Finally I dusted some chalk over it all.

Challenges:
Craft Your Passion
Crafting When We Can  - They are celebrating their 5th birthday with a blog hop & prizes. Check it out!

Start Here

Newest illustrated faith entry.

I get frustrated with myself when I don't live up to my expectations of myself. So in my time with God today, He reminded me that I need to start where I am. It's no use lamenting how I've fallen short, just confess & move on. Don't dwell in the woulda coulda shoulda's that plague my self image. Start here. Start where I am. I can't start where I think I ought to be. Start here. Trust God. Start with trust. Trust that God is who He says He is. Trust that God forgives & loves & has a plan for me. He has a path for me. Trust God. Start here.

So my image has an olive tree planted by the water (Psalm 52:8) & a person walking up the hill, leaning on a staff (olive branch) of trust. As I lean in to God, my trust in Him makes light work of the trip.

I used pearlescent paints for this. Pay no attention to the date on the page. I'm starting from the beginning & illustrating the pages that I missed the first time through. My favorite colors are earth-tones, so anything with greens, browns & blues makes me happy.

Challenges:
Scrappers Delight Blog Challenge
Hiding in My Craft Room
PDE Linky Party

Look to Him

Here's my most recent creative devotional response. I am illustrating my Jesus Calling devotional book. Many people get creative right in their Bibles, but I'm not confident in my artwork yet. And the devotional has some blank space built in, so I'm not covering up good stuff.

The picture doesn't show the thought as well as I had hoped. I'm waling on a rough ocean & feel like I'm sinking (heard that story before?). So I look to Christ for my peace in the tumultuous world. The long brown smudge is supposed to be the cross & Jesus is the white form on the cross. After I was done, I decided I should've left the brown cross off & brought Jesus down closer to the rest of the picture. What you can't see in the picture is that I used a glitter to indicate the peace that comes from Jesus when we look to Him. It pours out from Him as we seek Him in the midst of our chaotic lives.

There's some assorted background stuff (the yellow) which bled through from yesterday's entry.

This entry reflects the chaos I feel in my mind of late. I was not very pleased with the artwork, but it very accurately reflects my mind. So when I turned the page & saw how it had bled through, I almost skipped that page & went on to the next. I'm glad I didn't, because it only deepens the impact of what looking to Jesus can (and does) have on my life;.

So here's to God's peace. My it be shed abroad & may it come to rest on you.

Summer Fun

Another card. Just for summer fun. Although it lost a little of it's color in the picture taking (I'm not the best photographer), the background paper reminded me of bluejeans & was much more blue & the sand castle & light background paper were much more beige than peach.

Challenges:
The Paper Girls Challenge
The Shabby Tea Room
Crafting by Designs
sketch saturday
Craft your Passion
Through the Craft Room Door

Celebrate Today

Here's a general birthday card I made up today.

Challenges:

A Gem of a Challenge
Addicted to CAS
Mojo Monday

Remain in Me

Here's my second go at a creative devotion time. God reminded me that I need to remain in him & He will give me rest. I will grow only as I take root in Him.

I used chalk & pen along with a couple left over die cuts.

Challenges:
Crafty Girls Corner
Craft for the Craic
Little Miss Muffett
Through the Craft Room Door

Presence

Some friends & I recently came across a blog called Illustrated Faith. They make their Bibles works of art by creatively responding to God's word, right in the Bible. I have chosen to illustrate my devotional copy of Jesus Calling instead. Not because I don't think a Bible should be used creatively, but because I don't have a Bible with good margins, So, I'm taking what I have.

This is my first entry. I have tended to be frustrated & worried about things of the world. God reminds me that I can hope in Him & that His presence goes with me. And when I cling to him, he shows Himself faithful & gives me hope, calmness & peace. Thanks be to God.

Challenges:
Craft Your Passions
Amusing Challenges
Anything But a Card Challenge

In my thoughts & prayers

Here's a new card.....for a friend who was just diagnosed with breast cancer for the 2nd time. I wanted something cheery, but that didn't belie the seriousness of the situation. The sentiment was stamped & heat embossed & I used mostly scraps that I had. The lower design was an experiment with chalk inks & a stencil.

Challenges:
Viva la Verve Sketches
Love to Scrap Challenge
Scrappers Delight Challenge
WoW Embossing Powders Challenge
Paper Sweeties Challenge
PaperNestDolls Challenge

We are the Branches

Here's one for no reason whatsoever. Just felt like making something. Purples & greens are a new color combo for me....the picture shows the paper  band as blue, but in reality it was more lilac.

Challenges:
Digi Sketch Challenge
     Used a new color combo for me, but took my inspiration from the sketch
Scrapping Every Day Miracles
     Used the scripture reference as inspiration this time.
Simon says Stamp
     Challenge was anything goes.
The Paper Shelter
     Used a background paper with flowers
Simply Papercraft
     Challenge was anything goes.
Sister Act Card Challenge
     Challenge was anything goes.

Superhero

Chip & I have a new superhero. His name is Mister Kevin & he installed our wheelchair lift in our new van. His willingness to be God's hands saved us a total of about $600 dollars. It took him about 4 hours all told. So he's our new superhero. THANKS KEVIN! So I made him this card.

Challenges:
Scrapping Every Day Miracles
Through the Craftroom Door
Dream Valley Challenges
Party Time Tuesdays

Thanks Friend

Here's another card for a co-worker. I was experimenting with backgrounds.

Challenges:
Craft-Dee Bowz Challenge

Lighthouse

Here's a card for another co-worker. Got one done...now I'm on a roll.

Challenges:
CAS on Sunday
Crafting from the Heart
Craft Your Passion
Through the Craft Room Door

Friendship

Seems like it's been awhile since I posted. Life so often gets in the way of the creative. Here's a quick little card I made with Raisin Boat images. Love the idea of renting rubber stamps. I can borrow a stamp that I might need for something specific, but won't probably use more than once. Seems like a much better investment.

Anyway, this card is for my boss. He just went to bat for me for a raise & I really appreciate his leadership and support. Have I said I'm blessed to work at Shepherd Community? I am very blessed to work along side a group of people who share my passion & my love.

Challenges:
AAA Cards
613 Avenue Create
Papercrafters corner Magazine Mondays

Prayer

Here's a simple card to let someone know I've been praying for them. Took about 10 minutes, once I figured out what I wanted to do. That always seems to be the hardest part for me. Used scraps that I've had around forever.

Challenges:
Color Throwdown
Freshly Made Sketches
Inspiration Destination

Clock

Here's another card for a co-worker.

Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Whimsey Stamps Challenge
The Paper Shelter
Scrappers Delight Challenge Blog
inspiration Destination
Simon Says Stamp
Word Art Wednesday
Mojo Monday
Papertake Weekly

Spread Your Wings

This week we are doing prayer cards for the kids in the Academy who are taking the ISTEP tests. So here's my card. I used an old makeup brush to apply the background colors. This couldn't have been simpler. I included the scripture passage on the back. My prayer is that she would be filled with peace as she takes her tests & that God would grant her the knowledge & confidence she needs.

Challenges:
Bunny Zoe's Craft Challenge
Through the Craft Room Door
Paper Sweeties Blog

Doggy

Another card for a co-worker today....on a roll. LOL.

Challenges
Magazine Mondays
Color Throwdown
CAS(e) this Sketch
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Fan-tastic Tuesday

In my thoughts

Card for my pastor. Used pearlescent paints. Never used them before. Also the cattails are from Raisin boat. (Commercial: they offer a stamp rental option, where you pay, like netflix & can borrow a new set of stamps every month. You can keep them as long as you like. Pretty cool set up. You can buy the stamp if you decide you like it)

Challenges:
Stamping Sensations
Inspiration Destination
Paper Nest Dolls
Inspired by Stamping
http://themaleroomchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Love You

Here's my valentine for my love. Very simple, but I think he'll like it.

Challenges:
Sunday Stamps
613 Avenue Create
Magazine Monday
Die Cuttin Diva
AAA Card Challenge

Bike

Another new card for a coworker. Think it needs something. Any ideas?

Challenges:
Magazine Mondays
Crazy 4 Challenges
     The challenge was to identify what you'd put into an empty craft room. The first thing I thought of was a die cutting machine. Definitely not something on my list of things to purchase any time soon. But I sure would love to have one. lol.
Frosted Designs
Paper Nest Dolls Challenge
The Craft Place Challenge Blog
Party Time Tuesday
Crafty Calendar Challenge

Snow Gardener

Here's a card I made for a friend who loves to garden almost as much as she loves the snow. A perfect fit. I used my new Spectrum Noir pens to color the image & the patterned paper I got just the other day.

Challenges:

Kathy's Waffle Sketch
Crazy 4 Challenges
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Li'l Claires Designs
Sweet 7 Designs
Through the Craft Room Door
Top Tip Tuesday
Inspiration Destination
PolkaDoodles
4 Crafty Chicks

Old Phono

Another new card. I love this image. Although it's not new, it's the first time I've used it.

Magazine Monday Challenge
Techno Stamper
Lia Stampz
   Won their challenge. $10.00 in free product from their Etsy Store. How fun!
Jellypark Challenges
Crafty Calendar Challenge
Through the Craftroom Door
Top Tip Tuesday
Inspiration Destination

You are amazing

Got another co-worker card for you. Been on a kick...want my co-workers to know how much I appreciate them. I work with an awesome group of people. So this is my first try using a stencil for a background. Just got the stencil as a prize from another challenge. Used Color Box chalk inks for the background. Such fun.

One Stitch at a Time
Crafty Calendar Challenge
Aud Sentiment Challenge
Chalk N Stock
Craft Your Passion
Mema's Crafts
Natalie & Amy

Technique Tuesdys is Having a Giveaway!

To celebrate the new product release, Technique Tuesday is having a giveaway. They'll give away 3 $50 gift cards. How exciting is that! Here's the link:

Technique Tuesday Giveaway

Hello Friend

Here's another card for a male co-worker. I tried using watercolor for the background. Will definitely need to practice a little more. Been so many years since I played with watercolors as a kid. So long ago, that I would consider it a new technique. lol.

Inspired by Stamping
Magazine Mondays
Art Impressions Blogspot
Papertake Weekly
Party Time Tuesdays
Shopping Our Stash
Inspiration Destination

Thanks

Here's another thank you card for a friend.

Crafts 4 Eternity
Crafting for the Craic (Thanks is my favorite word)
Crafting for all Seasons
Glitter N Sparkle

Dancing Bears

Here's my newest card. Getting ready for the cold weather to come. lol. Been writing thank you cards to co-workers.

Seems a Little Sketchy
Alphabet Challenge
Seemacrafts
Sparkles Monthly Challenge
Cute Card Thursday
DL Art
Christmas at Sweet Stampin (I don't know if dancing around the campfire qualifies as a winter sport, but it should. LOL. I bet the bears think it is!)

Snowmen

Started my year off a little crafty. Came across a challenge from Viva la Verve that was a template for 4 cards. It was a whole bunch of fun. Gonna have to do more like that if I can find them.

Viva la Verve
Just us girls
A Creative Need Challenge
Sister Act Card Challenge
Dazzling Diva Challenge
Crafty Creations
Glitter N Sparkle

A New Word

Ok. Here's my first non-card post.

God put in my lap an opportunity to take a "One Little Word" workshop through Ali Edwards ( http://aliedwards.com/about ). I was looking for a way to focus on what God wants to teach me this year. I've always been kind of all over the place & lacking in focus. This may be just the thing to help me Hear God's word clearly & to actually make the changes in my life as He prompts me to do.

I thought about what word I should focus on. Organization came into my mind, but that word is so stark & barren (at least in my mind it is. lol). Granted, I feel the need to become more organized, but I thought God wants more than just an organized mind, He wants something that touches my heart.

So CREATE popped into my head. This word will allow me to focus on how God created me in His image. It will also allow me to create healthy patterns in my life. AND it will give me the opportunity to get messy & make things. (Much more exciting than organize. lol)

So I'm off to create.....or to be created. We'll see what happens!

Blessings to all & may you have a creative new year!