Avery Elle Dies

I saw this layout on Maureen Merritt's blog and pretty much "cased" it. I used my new Avery Elle Dies for the elements. I had to make my own size for the one with the sentiment because the other size dies were either too large for my card or too small for my sentiment. Loving how this turned out.

Avery Elle Elle-ments

Patterned Papers

Sentiment: Have no clue - think it came out of the $1 bin at Michael's a couple of years ago. White Embossed

Snowflake: Martha Stewart punch

Bling on Snowflake: Michael's $1 bin

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Colossians 4:2

Country Christmas

I know some of you are experiencing some dramatic drops in temperatures as I write this and I am praying you are in a safe and warm place. Here in Georgia we are having the exact opposite of you. Temps are in the low 70's! Doesn't feel like a typical Christmas here yet - but wait - we never know when we might be experiencing some much cooler weather - don't think we will get down to any negative numbers like some of my friends.

Now for some card talk :)

I have fallen in love with my new Penny Black stamp. It is a very large stamp but has been a lot of fun to work with. As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Stamp: Penny Black 4336L

Sentiment: Hero Arts CL238 (From a very old set)

I fussy cut around the edge and center. Stamped the sentiment on piece of white card stock and used pop dots for the wreath to give it some dimension. Used copics to color.

This is my favorite! Love the country feel to it with the background paper I used.

Stamp: Penny Black 4336L

Sentiment: Hero Arts C4858 (Another older stamp) - Stamped on kraft paper and then ran through an embossing folder.

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Psalm 16:11

Birthday Stamp

I had so much fun with this Tim Holtz Birthday stamp. Once I got started I couldn't stop. A great stamp to use for Christmas too!  I am on a roll :)

I used an assortment of papers rather than coloring. The cutting wasn't so bad either. Love the results.

Stamp: Tim Holtz Cling Rubber Stamps 2013 BIRTHDAY BLUEPRINT
Sentiment: Hero Arts CL576

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Colossians 4:2

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

I am finally starting my Christmas Cards. Got lots of them to make but here is one I have absolutely fallen in love with.
And remember in the hullabaloo of decorating and shopping it's not the gift but the love in our heart that brings the gift. I want to share the most precious devotion I read this morning that was the reminder of this.

So here is my cutie:

I LOVE owls and fell in love with him!

Background: Hero Arts S5531
Sentiment: Hero Arts C4858
Owl: Woodware Christmas Hoot
Snowflake: Martha Stewart punch
Eyes: Creatology Wiggle Eyes - I found these at Michael's and just love them
Stickles: Icicle

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways my ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

Oldie But Goldie

As I am catching up on my card making, I decided to look through some of my older stamps that have been tucked away for awhile. This fern was calling my name when I pulled the drawer open :)

Sentiment: Simons Says Card Kit of the Month - October 2013 "Seasons of Thanks"

Fern Stamp:  Hero Arts K5314 - Used combination of Distress Inks Crushed Olive, Rusty Hinge, and Scattered Straw

Butterfly: Prima Wood Embellishments - colored with copic

Background is Distress Inks: Peeled Paint and Hero Arts Shadow Ink Mid-Tone Cornflower

Think I may enter this in Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Keep It Clean.

Blessings to you and yours :)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Giving Thanks

I have really been concentrating on this statement "Giving Thanks" lately. There are a lot of pros and cons as to whether or not to be on Facebook but I use it as an opportunity to be a positive, encouraging "voice". Most of the time I share scripture or encouraging words I have had read from other sources. At the beginning of November, most people begin a daily "I am thankful for . . ." I am on Day 6 and when I get past the basics it makes me really stop and think about the things I am thankful for. I start looking at things that I often take for granted.

I am using the "Giving Thanks" stamp from the Simon Says Stamp October 2013 Seasons of Thanks Card Kit an awful lot on my cards because I am giving thanks for these individuals who have encouraged me and inspired me with their friendship.

Sentiment and Stamps: Simon Says Stamp October 2013 Seasons of Thanks Card Kit

Colors: Distress Inks - Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick, Wild Honey, Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint

Sentiment: Simon Says Stamp October 2013 Seasons of Thanks Card Kit

Stamps: Hero Arts Daisies K5586

Butterflies:  Studio Calico - colored with copics

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Genesis 28:15

Catching Up!

It has been a while since I have posted anything. We have been busy traveling which is a good thing :) In September we were gone for about 12 days to Alberta, British Columbia and Vancouver Island - WOW - I don't have to say anything more and then we were in the north Georgia mountains for this past week. We enjoy rambling and find the most unique treasures in the nooks and crannies of this world.

So - having said all that I have been away from my card making and it has taken some time to get my "mojo" going again.

I have had this darling little owl for a while and haven't inked him up too many times. I use to collect owls so it is fun for me to use them whenever I can on my cards. I have ordered his friend "Christmas Hoot" and can't wait for it to get here.

Sentiments: SSS October 2013 "Season of Thanks"; Woodware Clear Stamp - What a Hoot

Stamp: Woodware Clear Stamp - What  A Hoot

Enjoy your day and blessings to you!

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Philippians 4:12