2016 Scripture Calendar

I made this Scripture Calendar for my pastor.  I filled it with scriptures that I color printed onto vellum and then clear embossed.  I trimmed the vellum as needed.  I adhered the vellum on 2 corners then covered them with the pink punched photo corners. 

Mosaic Monday - Glass

Glass is one of my favorite materials.  Over the last week I have had the following pieces come across my path.  The left is stained glass windows at a church and the smaller one is the colors appearing on the wall inside.  I love my little blue stained glass nativity.  I received a glass Christmas tree onto which small ornaments are placed.  That is very cool.  During a Christmas Eve activity where items are wrapped in newspaper and those in attendance unwrap the treasures, stealing 3 times is allowed.  I stole this glass globe paper weight from my brother.  I managed to keep it till it was mine.  You can see the reflection of the light in Australia. Very happy with the new addition.

Submitting to Mosaic Monday hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage.  

Merry Christmas to You!

Merry Christmas to all!  

Wishing you all the joy, peace and hope of the season!

Mosaic Monday - Getting Ready

I bought my Christmas CD this week.  Mariah Carey singing "Baby Please Come Home" hooked me this year.  As per my tradition, I had supper with a friend this week, we had a chance to visit and catch up.  It was great. She gifted me some tea from Tea Desire.   I've been enjoying my bubbling night light.  We had these on our tree when I was a kid.  I found this one at a craft sale a few years ago so it comes out every year.  My nativity has been set up.  The snowman bag represents the many bags of caramel popcorn I make each year.  I have started but I am not finished.  This week will be a busy one.

Submitting to Mosaic Monday hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage.

Gold & Burgundy Nativity Panel Card

I mentioned the other two designs in this post and here's the selection the couple made. 

As mentioned earlier, this is a 5x7 panel card with a 4x6 photo adhered in the center of the frame printed on the front of the panel  The image is a nativity I photographed several years ago to which I applied a filter to soften the image a bit.  I also applied a photo edge in white which provided an uneven edge to the image which I think works well. It had lovely velvet curtains in the background so I chose to repeat that color for the frame on the front. 

The back of the panel was customized with a scripture verse, a sentiment and the name of the couple. 

Gift Card Holder - Smaller Pop Up

Another gift card holder. I tried making the pop up smaller 4" W x 4.75" T.  It helps because there is less to match up but I'm not sure if it's the final one.  I chose double sided paper from Creative Imaginations. Design by Helen Dardik. There are light blue stars on a dark blue background on one side and the other has white and red stripes with a 6x6 of white hearts on same dark blue.  I cut the base with the Card Base Pop 'n Cuts die from Stampin Up.  Then I placed the Sizzix Pop 'n Cuts Magnetic Insert Die - suitcase and placed my heart paper on it and ran it through the Big Shot.  I folded it in the right places then trimmed the handle off with scissors.  I adhered it onto the fold.  I wrapped a piece of red cotton ribbon onto the join and tied it in a knot on the front.  I took the scrap from the 12" length and trimmed and placed at the top of the card front.  I added a light blue greeting below the striped piece.  I had flagged the right hand end with the SU Banner Triple punch.  Again, I tucked the tabs into the slots to keep it closed. The gift card is held in place with a Zot.

Challenge Card - Paper Garden

I made this card for a challenge at Paper Garden. They are running a 2015 Holiday Card challenge.

For my card I started with an olive green card.  I chose the BoBunny Blitzen Sentiment paper which coordinated well with it's vintage feel.  I chose to repeat the word idea and decided to cut a word for the accent. I wanted to highlight the warm blue color in the DSP so I chose Stampin Up Blue Bayou card stock. I cut an oval with the SU Sizzix Ovals die (retired). I then aligned it with the Tim Holtz WISH Mover Shaper magentic die and cut the word from it.  I then cut an identical oval from ivory to back it.  I adhered these together with quick dry adhesive.  I then cut a scallop oval from warm red card stock with the Spellbinder Nestabilities - #4 from the small oval set.  The wish accent was glued to this layer.  I applied 3D foam tape to the back.  I cut a piece of the same card stock as the card to 4.25 x .75 inches.  I placed 3 lengths of ivory cotton thread across it and taped the ends to the back.  I then adhered it to the card front. I adhered my WISH accent over the strip aligned to the left.  I tied a trio of short lengths of ivory cotton in the space I had left next to the red scallop oval. I trimmed the thread ends even. 

Check out the cards submitted and vote for your favorite.

Gift Card Holder - Version 2

Another Gift Card Holder still using the Stampin Up Card Base Pop'nCuts die.  I cut this one from a Dill card stock. This time I used the Sizzix Pop 'n Cuts Magnetic Insert Die - Suitcase, 3-D (Pop-Up) for the inside.  I cut a piece of designer paper with triangle trees on it.  It was trimmed to 9 inches tall and 4 inches wide.  I trimmed the suitcase handle off with scissors. I chose this insert die because it was so close to the size of a gift card. The gift card is held in place with a Zot.I've added a sticky note for my sentiment which will allow it to be reused.
The front has a piece of ivory card stock embossed with the Stampin Up Vintage Wallpaper folder.  I adhered that to the card front then added a red cotton ribbon along the fold.  I cut a red scallop oval with Spellbinder Nestabilities then a smooth oval with the corresponding die.  I cut a triangle tree from the scrap of the designer paper.  Added a gold glitter star cut with the Sizzix Star die.   A SU Modern Label punchie with the Word Window greeting punchie. Not sure the straight edge of the embossed layer is the best but I will continue to tweek the design.
Again, the fact that the card keeps itself closed with the tab/slot is great.

Pop Up Gift Card Holder

I'm working on gift card holders for last minutes gifts.

For this one, I used the Stampin Up Card Base Pop'n Cuts Die.  The card stock is River Rock with Holiday Thyme designer paper cut with the Top Note die.  I added an Ornament punchie stamped with the Delightful Decorations ornament in Cherry Cobbler on Very Vanilla.  I added a bit of Cherry Cobbler twine.  I created the dip in the pop up with the Word Window punch.  I added a piece of DSP which matched the front then a sentiment from the Festival of Trees stamp set. I followed up with the rest of the sentiment on a piece of Very Vanilla which I cut again with the Top Note.

I love the way this card closes with the tabs in the slots. 

Community Christmas Concert

I attended the Community Christmas Concert last night.  The weather cooperated so driving was good.  I met my friend at the church early and we managed to find good seats. 

There were several songs from different cultures and in different languages.  Unity with diversity is what is all about. 

It was very good.  There was a drime which was young people doing a bit of drama to a song about Ebenezer Scrooge which I think was a great addition.

We were discouraged from taking pictures which is too bad because these a most school choirs and all the parents are really proud of their kids.

You Don't Have to Work for Christmas Freebie - Ann Voskamp

I taught an Advent Class - Be Present for Christmas this fall.  The lessons were based on the book by Canadian author Ann Voskamp - The Greatest Gift.  The message on the left is the most important message I got from the preparation and presentation of this class. I gave one to each of the participants in my class.  I included several more in my Christmas cards to people who I thought needed the message.  I printed it  3.5x5 inches so they would fit inside my card envelopes.

This is one of Ann's free resources available on her website.  A Holy Experience. She has several really good books. I have her on my blog roll so check out her website if you like.

Monday Mosaic - Busy Weekend

I had a very busy weekend so I have included a few photos from it's activities.  It snowed.  I have put up my Christmas decorations which includes my small ceramic tree which my aunt Irene made for me many years ago.  I choose to put only white lights. The telephone table was cleared to make room for the nativity.  I attended our Women's Ministries Christmas Brunch Saturday morning where the decor included turquoise ornaments.  I took an hour to take some pictures at the Conservatory.  I almost missed the nativity scene because it was so similar in color to it's surroundings.  I found a small blue bowl which matched my new dishes. It contains nuts, which points to my purchase of my supplies for caramel popcorn for the season.  I have many batches to make.  Also, it contains some Lindor Chocolates from lunch on Sunday where a friend and I had lunch for her birthday.  I managed to get back home in time to attend the 3rd Annual Community Carol Sing at the Lutheran church in the neighborhood.  I enjoyed it thoroughly!  We had good singing then hot cider and baking afterwards.  I met some new people from Brazil and Argentina.

Sharing at Mosaic Monday hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage.

Christmas Cards - 5x7 Panels

I received a last minute Christmas card order.  These are two of the three options I presented.  They are 5x7 panel cards with a 4x6 photo placed in the center of the frame. 

For the one on the left I used my Alphabet Photography with JOY to the World featuring burgundy accents in the frame around the letters, in the words of the greeting and the printed frame on the panel front. 

For the one on the right I designed a Christmas sentiment with a selection of words and graphic elements.  I added color with a yellow star, the burgundy JOY and the green in the Christmas.  It is very graphic and will not be everybody's cup of tea.

The back of the panels were customized with a scripture verse, an appropriate sentiment and the couple's name.

I will reveal the one they selected a little later.

Mosaic Monday - Recent Buys

I attended the large Christmas Craft Sale in our city in recent days.  I was doing some Christmas shopping to get a few items crossed off my list.  Unfortunately, I did not even photograph the gifts I bought as they were prepared for delivery to arrive before Christmas. I did buy myself a few things.  The shelf in the top picture will replace a coat rack I use in my bedroom.  It will free up floor space which is a good thing.  The silver spoon pendant is something I've been looking for for some time and it was there.  I will have to find a chain to go with it.  The turquoise leather pouch replaces the one I carry in my purse as an organizer.  The zipper was broken on the other one and I wanted to safe guard the contents so a new one was in order.  The turquoise color was a bonus.  The white china tea bag holder and the Crooners Christmas CD were thrift store finds. 

Submitting to Mosaic Monday hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage.

Winter Wishes

Getting caught up on posting cards made in the flurry of the last few weeks. 
This is my own decorative paper made with the Stampin Up! Harlequin Diamond background stamp. I dipped it in wet reinker in the green pink variations, then stamped it on white card stock.  I added a green grosgrain ribbon across the bottom third.  I created the greeting with a color printed sentiment punched with the large oval then layered onto the SU Decorative Label punch. This all adhered to the deep pink card.

R2G Card Kits - SU - Wonderful Wreath

Another Ready2Go Card Kit for a kid's Christmas Party!

This set has a Stampin Up True Thyme card base.  I used the Wonderful Wreath Stamp Set with the wreath in True Thyme.  The greeting in Riding Hood Red.  I added a RHRed Tafetta Ribbon bow held in place with a Zot.  This is such gorgeous ribbon, it ties beautifully and lies flat which makes a card which can easily be mailed.

R2G Card Kits - SU - Festival of Trees

Another Ready2Go Card kit for a kid's Christmas Party!

This kit has a Ruby Red card base.  I cut the greeting layer to 4.00W x 5.25T and created it with the Festival of Trees Stamp Set.  The tree outline is included on this layer.  I provided a white triangle tree cut to 2 7/8 W X 3 7/8 T onto which strips of Certainly Celery card stack was adhered.  Once I was happy with I just trimmed the green to the edge of the white triangle with scissors.  I adhered the strip tree onto the card front using the outline printed on it for alignment. The gold glitter stars were cut with the Sizzix Stars#2 die. I trimmed the pot with scissors leaving a small border all the way around. I adhered sequins on my tree then added the gold glitter star and the red pot with 3D foam tape.

I provided plenty of green strips and sequins to meet any kid's desire.

Card Kits - SU - Pink Owl

I'm working on card kits again. This time it's for a kid's Christmas party.

I started with the Stampin Up Owl Occasions stamp set and did him in Pretty in Pink.  The branch is done in black and the greeting from the same set in both colors.  I added a black triangle hat which was cut 1" W and 1.25" T then embossed with the Polka Dots folder.  I added a pink button at the top of the hat, held in place with a Zot.  The wiggly eyes make this card.  They are held in place with Bling Zots.







Submitted to Christmas Card Challenges - Anything Goes

Cards - Exchange Group - December

I made these cards for my exchange group.  

I chose a brown card to coordinate with the pine cones in the designer paper.  I cut the piece of paper to 4.00 x 5.25 inches then cut it again at 2.5" crosswise for this landscape (wide) card.  I put a red cotton ribbon across the fold and taped the ends to the back.  I adhered this layer to the card front. I stamped the greeting in Real Red with the Stampin Up Perfect Punches Stamp Set. It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

On this card I chose a warm blue card which matched the branches in the designer paper.  I used the same red cotton ribbon and the same Stampin Up stamp. 

Advent Begins - "Christ"mas is coming

I was not home on Sunday to hang my Advent Calendar so I dug it out today.  My sister made this for several years ago and every day I move a character or element into the scene until baby Jesus is placed in the centre.

I so enjoyed my Being Present for Christmas class this fall. I now have the book The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp to read every day.



I have Cinnamon Vanilla in my wax warmer which fills my place with a festive scent.

I also have several versions of other versions of advent calendars.

Mosaic Monday - Christmas Wreath

I've put up my Christmas Wreath on my door.  This is one I've arranged myself with supplies from the local craft store.  Silver and green is the theme with a green door hanger.

There is a bird, an apple, a pear, a poinsettia and pine cones.

And Christmas begins after celebrating the first Sunday of Advent.

Submitting to Mosaic Monday hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage.

Miniatures Show - Nov 28 to Dec 16 2015

The CAVA Gallery is holding a special event which is a 2 day kick off to the Miniatures Show.  There will be a fun atmosphere at the gallery on the weekend and with the snow's arrival it's hoped that people will be in a Christmas shopping mood.  This show was designed to provide supporters and the public access to art in a small format.  The pieces must be 10x10 inches or smaller which generally makes them more affordable. 
I have my 8x8" mixed media collages in this show.  Of course, my 2016 Photo Calendars are still for sale as well as my greeting cards.  Drop by during the next few weeks, browse the art and cross off a few names off your Christmas list. 

Turquoise Snowflake

This is a card made with my own decorative card stock.  In among the various shades of green it had some turquoise spots so I chose that color for the accents.   I cut the decorative layer with the Memory Box Snowflake Collage die.  I chose to place a piece of deep turquoise behind one of the snowflakes in the upper right hand corner. I mounted the die cut to the card front. I added 2 tiny white brads in the center of the large snowflakes.  I added a Stampin Up banner in turquoise cut with the Bitty Banner Framelits.  The greeting is color printed in a coordinating green and punched with the SU Word Window.  This greeting is adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

Christmas Letterheads 2015

I've designed 2 new letterheads for the upcoming Christmas letter writing season. Do you choose to do a letter instead of cards?  These are digital files which will be emailed to you as a 8.5x11 pdf.  You would print the letterhead onto the paper then print your letter onto the sheet.  You can see all the options available here.

I designed this with fonts and colors.

This one features a Madonna and Child from Pixabay

Card - Exchange Group

I made these cards for the ladies in my monthly exchange group.  I used this snowman sticker on this card. I started with a blue card onto which I added an embossed red layer to the card front.  It was embossed with the Sizzix Flowers folder.  I cut a white layer with the Spellbinders Label 22 die onto which I applied my snowman sticker.  I added a banner greeting which was color printed then I punched the ends with the Stampin Up Banner Triple Punch.  It was adhered with 3D foam tape.

SU Festival of Trees - Folds

This card was made with the same supplies as this card kit and the layout of this card.

The designer paper is Stampin Up Be of Good Cheer.  The card is Cherry Cobbler.  The card front is scored at the half way point and folded back to the left.  A piece of DSP is applied to the flap.  The square accent is done with the Festival of Trees stamp set with the polka dot tree and the first half of the greeting on the front and the rest on the inside.  The sentiments are done on layers are Very Vanilla. 

Christmas Snowflakes - Large Greeting

I've been wanting to make a Christmas version of my large greeting cards like this one and this one.   Here's what I came up with. 

The greeting is printed on the white layer which is adhered to the card front.  I then punched black snowflakes with a punch from Emagination Crafts Corp.  For the center one, I layered a medium white confetti snowflake and a small confetti one in an iridescent color onto the black all held in place with a tiny black brad.  This was repeated on each side above the greeting. 

Card Club - November - Watercolor Ornaments

I started with color printed cards with the watercolor ornaments on it.  I cut the card with the Tim Holtz Cameo Frame die.  I chose a purple card which coordinated well with the image.  I wrapped a length of purple thread on the left hand side of the die cut then adhered it to the card front. For the greeting, I punched a Stampin Up Modern Label punch in green then added a SU Word Window punch with the sentiment.  The greeting is adhered at the bottom of the ornament die cut with 3D foam tape. 

Winter arrived yesterday, so our numbers were smaller than usual but we spent time after card making having tea and cake.  It was great.  The drive home was not.

Card Club - November - Cute Snowman

I started with the felt snowman sticker.  I chose the royal blue card to match his scarf.  I cut a piece of white to 4.00 x 5.25 inches and embossed it with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder.  I created the greeting tag in the red and royal blue colors and colored printed it.  I trimmed it with scissors to the border and punched a hole at the top to hang it.  I wrapped a piece of red string around the embossed layer several times and knotted it.  I then added the tag and tied a bow.  I removed the release paper from the snowman sticker and adhered it to the card front in the bottom left hand corner.

He sure is cute!!

Card Club - November - Christmas Tree DSP Split

This is a designer paper split.  I cut the DSP at 4.00x 5.25 inches.  I printed the greeting on the back of the top half then cut the paper at 3.5 inches from the bottom.  When I turned the smaller piece over there was the greeting.  I added a metallic gold and kraft ribbon over the join and taped the ends to the back of the layer.  This was then adhered to the green card front.  I added a green Christmas tree brad on the right hand side which holds everything together. 







The DSP had two color variations some with green trees and the other with grey trees. I chose a grey card and I had to come up with a different accent for the grey paper so I chose a silver snowflake held in place with a tiny gold brad. 

Card Club - November - Joy Pennant

Today, is Card Club and we are making Christmas cards.  This is a double class which means 8 cards.
I started with the white felt pennant through which I strung the Christmas plaid ribbon in traditional red and green colors.  The ribbon is wrapped around the card front and tied at front in the middle.  I colored printed the greeting on vellum and clear embossed it.  I positioned it with the O of JOY in the center of the bottom half of the pennant.  I then, held the vellum in place with a gold glitter star in the center.  The ends are trimmed as desired. 

I chose red and green for card colors for these cards and the ribbon works well with both colors.  The color on the vellum was alternated as well based on the card color.

Christmas Card - Madonna

I created this Christmas card for the same friend who wanted a variety of cards.  I found this image on Pixabay which hosted royalty free images.

The image of Mary and baby Jesus was soft and lovely.  I printed it on the card front with a taupe border.  I added a Crumb Cake greeting from the Stampin Up Come to Bethlehem stamp set cut with the Bitty Banner Framelits.  It is adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

It's a lovely card.

Christmas Cards - Gentle Peace - Stained Glass

I created these cards for a friend who ordered some Christmas cards.  I printed the stained glass background which I created with my own photos and photo filters.  I printed the background onto the card front with a border and greeting in deep grey as black was too stark.  I then created my holy family layer with the Stampin Up Gentle Peace polymer stamp set.  I again, selected a grey color and clear embossed the image on vellum.  I cut them out and adhered them to the card front with a single gold glitter star brad.

Nativity - Aphothecary Framelit

I made a few Christmas cards this weekend.  I started with a photo of my office Nativity.  I cut it with a framelit from the Stampin Up Apothecary set.  I chose a deep mauve color for the card which matched well.  With the colors in the image I could have gone with green, navy or ivory as well. I then laid out my greeting to match the curve of the die cut and color printed it on the card stock.  Then adhered the nativity die cut and it was done!!

CAVA Photo Calendar Exhibition

This is the invitation I prepared for emailing out to friends and family for the exhibition which runs from November 20 to December 18th at the CAVA Gallery. 

The reception is tonight at 7:00 pm. I will be featured along with 3 artists, Ute Rieder, Sylvia Grist, and Laura Watmough.

It's very exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces and many new ones.  This is good exposure to new people. 

My calendars will be for sale.

Be Present for Christmas - Lesson 7 - God in the Manger

Today, we focus of the babe in the manger.  Jesus is born. 

The suggestion was made that we make thank you cards.  Some are still working on advent calendars so I changed my plans and made simple thank you cards.  I used the cards available at the local arts and crafts store.  I then selected some Christmas and non Christmas frame images to surround the greeting at the center of the card.  I made 2 of each design.  The images were selected from Clker and Graphics Fairy.  

We started with gratitude and we end with gratitude.  God comes quiet... The victory is won.  All of conquered heaven and grateful earth echo and throb tonight with the heart cry of the God-Child. I did it for love.

The greatest Gift laid into our empty hands...  Grace is weightless.

We have had a very good class.  I have learned a lot and I believe the ladies enjoyed it as well.

Have a stress free Christmas season.  Today was the first snow for us so it's starting to look a lot like Christmas.

I'm selecting my lessons from The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp.  The book provides 24 lessons for each day of Advent of which I have chosen 7 for this class.  We will have readings, questions, discussion, and an activity each week.  I handed out this freebie from Ann's website.  You don't have to work for Christmas.

Decorative Paper - Christmas Cards

I stamped the Stampin Up Gentle Peace stamp on vellum then clear embossed it.  I trimmed the vellum to 3.75x5.00 inches.  I backed it with a pieced of my own decorative paper then placed it on the front of the card. Then I added a star brad at the top of the arch and 2 round ones on each corner of the arch.

The blue one I stamped in Taken with Teal and mounted it on a teal card.  The other was stamped with Handsome Hunter and mounted on a dark green card.  I used Craft ink so that I could emboss it before it dried.

On this card I used some of my ink spot paper in traditional Christmas colors.  I printed the greeting in dark green on vellum and applied gold embossing powder to it.  You can see that some of the green shows through which is kind of cool.  The background ink spot layer was adhered to the card front then the vellum is held in place with glitter star brads.  Really happy with this one.

For this set of cards I used 3 inch watercolors I had designed for a card class a few years ago.  I chose the kelly green and the bright blue from the watercolor and used them in the card and the embossed layer.  The embossing folder I used was the Stampin Up Large Polka Dot.  I added a length of white seam binding across the card tied in a knot then the watercolor is mounted over it.  I added a small felt angel held in place with a tiny star brad.  I no longer have the label which identified the manufacturer but it may have been Hero Arts.

I chose a dark green card for this card with another of my small watercolor backgrounds.  I stamped the greeting in the bottom right hand corner and embossed it with gold powder.  I added a random layer of gold powder to the left of the greeting and embossed it as well.  The angel is held in place with a tiny white brad.










Another watercolor square with a gold glitter star cut with the Sizzix Stars die.  This element is placed over a blue layer which was embossed with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder.  Again, on a kelly green card. 

Decorative Paper - Christmas Cards

I used the Memory Box Snowflake Collage die for these cards.  I cut the snowflakes out of a piece of white card stock which was trimmed to 5.25 x 4.00 inches.  I then layered a piece of my own decorative paper between the white and the colored card.  This die is great because it can be used alone on the card front but there a couple of places where greetings can be added if you like.   The cards can be presented wide or tall which adds to the versatility of the die. I used it with blue, purple and blue green paper and coordinating cards. 

For this card I used decorative paper made with fabric paint.  I cut the blue green paper and corner rounded a couple of the corners.  I added a couple of Martha Stewart snowflake punches held in place with a gold star brad and a white round sequin.  I punched the paper with the Stampin Up Medium Snowflake punch which makes a hole instead of a shape.  I placed tiny gold brads in their centers.  I added several white sequins to the card front with Bling Zots. I added a greeting which was color printed then punched with the Artisan Label Punch.  I punched a blue one and cut it in half and offset it behind the white one.  I used that same technique in card above.

I bought this Memory Box die this summer knowing that I would be making Christmas cards for french speaking folks.  It has been patiently waiting to be used.

For the red green card I cut a piece of green paste paper.  Trimmed it to fit the bottom of the card and added a poinsettia designed with the Stampin Up Five Petal punch in red and gold.  The center is a flower sequin held in place with a tiny gold brad.  I added a green sequin to the dot on the J which is a gold brad.
For the card on the right I cut a piece of soft green bubble paper and adhered it to the bottom of the card.  I added a single gold brad for the dot on the J.  I punched the Stampin Up Medium Snowflake in the same paper then punched the Ornament punch around it.  I added some cream and gold ribbon to the hanger.