Reminders of His Providence

Today was a dreaded appointment with one of my mother’s oncologists. Thankfully, no new cancer was found on this week’s scans. What she has is small but aggressive, and the numbers do not sound good. Mother’s faith remains strong, and she knows that God will be with her through this process.

My brother and sister and I take strength from each other; Mother takes strength from us; the Source of all our strength is our Heavenly Father.

I enjoyed giving Mother her gift for Mother’s Day—a journal, some bath/body products, and cards that I made (using Distress Inks and patterned card stock) with my favorite passages about God’s Providential Care.

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.”

-Psalm 34:15 (NIV)

Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge-#3

This week’s challenge over at Studio L3  is using the technique from page 46 of Tim’s latest book and is sponsored by www.eclecticpaperie.com.

I started with the marbled stain technique exactly as described by Tim. But the background of the tag somehow got “lost” (as far as what is visible) somewhere during the week as I couldn’t seem to stop adding “stuff,” once I decided I wanted to use my brand new Vintage Camera die. The sentiment is computer-generated.

For the photo, I stood the tag at an angle, and it appears that the vintage camera is level and straight on the tag—it is actually cocked a bit.

Art Journal Page-TRUST

This week I came across an art journal tutorial from Andrea from Paper Crafter’s Library, with a tutorial she did for Simon Says Stamp. It was interesting, because she did her page around a Scripture verse that I have been carrying around with me the last few days. It works great in the moleskine large sketch journal, using Tim Holtz tissue paper, Wild Honey and Fired Brick distress stains (with a little bit of Aged Mahogany stain), and Perfect Pearls Sunflower Sparkle and Mandarin. I used a Hero Arts stamp for the flowers and a couple of  Tim Holtz background stamps.

This is one of my favorite verses:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

Cheerful Flowers-Encouraging Thought-Art Journal

I have some plans for Art Journaling—still “hatching” in my mind. For now, I’m still experimenting with just being brave enough to put some things down on a page. We were given this beautiful card by some friends at church, and I decided to “build” a page around it. I used Pitt Brush Markers to color my stamp. I had some pages from the DCWV Citrus stack that coordinated with the type of flower, so I adhered some of those pieces with gel medium.

Spring Brings New Life

God has a way of reminding me, on a daily basis, of the miracles of His creation. This evening my hubby discovered another reminder, hidden among our thickly blooming clematis.

Lifting My Spirits

Today I saw a tag created by Tammy Tutterow that was simple and refreshing, and it lifted my spirits. Realizing that I had the same Hero Arts flower stamp, I decided to make my own bit of inspiration for today (I need it). The sentiment stamp is from Wendy Vecchi, and it is heat embossed.

The butterfly stamp is one of Tim’s, and I stamped it on watercolor paper and colored it with Distress Ink and a water brush. Though it doesn’t show in the photo, it has a foam adhesive to lift it from the surface. I stamped the large stamp with Archival Ink and then colored it with my Faber Castell brush markers (love them). I colored the lace trim with Forest Moss.

With this tag I am participating in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show. This week’s challenge is to Stamp and Show your favorite word. My word for today is MIRACLES.

PS—added later: Even though the dimensional tape behind the butterfly makes it look “dimensional” in real life, I wasn’t satisfied with the “flat” look, so I put a thick layer of Glossy Accents over each of the four sections of the butterly’s wings. It looks so much better. I’m just not motivated to take a new picture!

Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge #2-Faux Patina

This week’s challenge over at Studio L3 is to use the Faux Patina technique from Tim’s book, p 58.

I’m not so much into crafting with metal, and when I use it, I actually prefer the original metal (bronze, copper, or whatever). But since I’m participating in these challenges, I decided to give it the old college try. I’m still not thrilled with it (I used a lock and key from Tim’s stuff, already in my stash; other trinkets may have been more impressive with the technique).

I made the background (glossy card stock) using the technique with alcohol ink that is described on the same page as the Faux Patina. I just randomly chose some colors, and then I was “stuck” with those colors for the rest of the tag, so I made it work.

The heart was cut from Tim’s Movers and Shapers die. The journaling is computer-generated. I used one of Tim’s journaling tickets, stamped with one of his stamps. I also used one of the little tickets I created using Tim’s ticket strip die (see earlier blog post), and the back of the ticket is also inked and stamped with the tiny keys. I colored the heart with one of the two Distress Ink markers I own (Broken China). I coated the heart with Glossy Accents and attached it with a tiny clothespin from Hobby Lobby.

The larger flower was white. I colored it with Wild Honey Distress Ink and then inked it with Distress Ink.

I am going to give this tag to my hubby for permanent display on his desk! He really does have the key to my heart (since I was 12—I know, but it’s true)!

Creating Tickets for Projects

  Inspired by a video that was shared on one of my craft groups (follow this link for video), I used some of my new Graphic 45 abc Primer stamps (love them) and played around with the technique. I cut the tickets on the Vagabond with Tim’s ticket strip die. I used Tim Holtz Distress Reinkers and Distress Inks, along with a water brush, to watercolor the images. I then “painted” the images with Studio Medium (gloss) and then inked over the tickets with Distress Inks (used a baby wipe to remove the DI from the coated images). The backs are also stamped (no watercolor) and inked. It will be fun to find ways to use these in projects.

Note: if using something like Glossy Accents (used on the doves) or Studio Medium (on everything else), be sure to “paint” the medium within the lines of the watercolored images, because the medium will act as a resist when you ink over with DI! (You can see an example of this on the B block, second from the left…live and learn from mistakes!) The last two doves are Peeled Paint, but because they are coated heavy with Glossy Accents, they took on a glare from the light and do not show up as that color.

Since I mainly scrapbook, even if I use these tickets on tags (a likely scenario), they will probably end up on a scrapbook page. But for cardmakers, this technique is “just the ticket!”

My Sweet Mother and My Sweet Children

In the last few days we have received some disconcerting news about my 84-year-old mother, always the picture of health (except for nagging arthritis pain and some vision problems). We will get the official diagnosis tomorrow, but we already know the worst: she has a dangerous form of cancer. Mother is hanging in there, leaning on God for strength, and reminding all of us that God has a plan.

On the evening of her hospital stay following the diagnostic procedure, my son visited her. This morning, he wrote a short blog piece (click here to read) about her that is a source of inspiration. My daughter has also been a constant source of strength to me during this time. She always knows just what to say to reassure me! What a blessing to me are my children. 

Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge: He Watches Over Me

I am playing along with the Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge on the Studio L3 blog.

Each week there is a challenge to make a project using a specific technique from Tim Holtz’s book, A Compendium of Curiosities Vol II. One of the sponsors of the challenge is Simon Says Stamp. I followed the instructions for the technique found on page 66 of Tim’s book, as the Challenge instructions specified.

I inked my stamp with archival ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. I cut a small flourish from a TH die and inked it with Dusty Concord, embossed with clear. I also used a stamp from TH Floral Tattoo and the cross stitch stamp from TH Spring Sprung.

The die that I chose to use for the project is the bird from the “Caged Bird.” It reminds me of a promise from Scripture that I am especially needing to remember today:

Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.^{[a] 30} And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Art Journal – His Workmanship

Taking my inspiration from one of my favorite coffee mugs by Dayspring, I wanted to make a page to focus on this verse. Sometimes I need to be reminded that God considers me one of HIS masterpieces. Wow! Me! …further, He created me for a purpose—to do good works!

Family Easter Traditions

I take a lot of pictures. In case that seems like a statement of the obvious, be it known that I do not post NEARLY all the pictures I take. Still, a day like today, Easter Sunday, is difficult to capture in a posting of any sort. The MAIN THING about today was the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. That happened in a very, very special worship service at our church, with our very, very special church family and with our son as pastor and worship leader. No pictures of that, of course.

But after church on Easter Sunday, we have some traditions that we usually get to experience with all our children and grandchildren. This year, however, our daughter’s family was not able to join us. The rest of us enjoyed an Easter dinner that seemed to be just the comfort food we all “needed”—Baked Ham (pineapple/brown sugar glaze), Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Overnight Lettuce Salad, and Homemade Dinner Rolls. Kristy provided a delicious Fruit Pizza for dessert.

After brief naps for some, we colored the eggs.

   

This was our first year in many years not to have an Egg Hunt. We did fill the Easter baskets, though!

 

Celebrating Easter

Matthew 28: 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Thanking God this morning for the Resurrection!

Conner is a Winner!

Always proud of my grandchildren! Conner (sophomore in a 5A high school) competed in a talent show at his school. Out of 80 auditions, he made the cut for the top 20 to perform two evenings this week. The second evening (last night) was for judges. Out of the 20 finalists, HE WON 3RD PLACE!!    

He performed “Blackbird” (singing, and finger-picking on guitar). We are SO proud of him! Following the event, the most-often heard description of his performance: “amazing.”

National Park VBS Bulletin Board

This is our third year for VBS at our 10-year old church, RiverOaks Church. As director of our VBS, each year I create a promotional bulletin board, using almost all Cricut die cuts. This year’s theme is SonRise National Park VBS. It takes me 2-3 days to make it, but it does get attention, and that’s the idea!

Art Journal-April Showers

Here in Missouri, we are way ahead of schedule, climate-wise. This year it has been more “March showers” bringing “April flowers”…everything is totally leaved out, and my tulips are FINISHED blooming. Still, each April, I do think of this old rhyme, and it came to mind as I opened up a blank art journal page.

One thing I have learned about art journaling—you are never finished. I ALWAYS end up adding more to a page when I go back and look at it, after THINKING I was finished. So this one may or not be the finished product. I think the whole art journal thing is good for me, because it allows me to just put something down without that nagging feeling of the need for perfection. It’s okay that it’s a mess!

12 Tags of 2012-April

Having just completed the 25 tags for Creative Chemistry 101, I thought maybe I would want to wait a bit before completing Tim’s April tag, introduced today. But when I saw the tag, I was inspired to create something right away.

Every time I see this Bird in a Cage die, I think of Maya Angelou’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. So I incorporated the die into a tag with music and spring-y ribbons and trimmings (as opposed to the customary metal embellishments). Distress Inks used: Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky, Broken China, Iced Spruce, Wild Honey, Brushed Corduroy, and Walnut Stain. After inking the cage with Walnut Stain, I embossed it with clear embossing powder. The music stamp is from Hero Arts, stamped with Archival Ink.

I rarely say that I really like something I create. I will say it this time. I do.

Scrapbook Layout Using Mosaic Tag

As I’ve mentioned, most of my tags make their way onto a scrapbook layout. Here’s an example—using the tag with the mosaic-tile technique, as an embellishment on a double-page layout.

Art Journal Pages This Week

 

In the midst of doing the projects class for Tim Holtz’s Creative Chemistry 101 (finished yesterday), I made a couple of Art Journal pages, just for fun.

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 10 Tag

I didn’t really have an appropriate stamp to showcase this technique, but, as has been true for all ten days, I learned a new technique that I can use in “real life.” Two things that made today’s tag really fun: using two colors of Distress Ink on the stamp (new for me), and finger-painting over the entire tag with Distress Rock Candy Stickles. I also did not know the difference in the types of Stickles, and since I have several on hand, it is nice to understand what I have!

Sad that the class is over. Now I need to re-introduce myself to my kitchen!!

Break from Class to Appreciate the Season

It is just so beautiful here in Missouri today! People say we are about a month ahead of schedule this year, and I agree. Our tulips are just about finished with their time of glory this spring—and it’s not even April yet! Just have to take a minute to appreciate God’s creation today!

Creative Chemistry 101-Day 9 Tags

  

Isn’t that just the way it goes—I finally have great success with all three techniques, and I can’t get a good picture of the evidence! Because each tag has the Perfect Pearl thing going on, I could not get the light to reveal the true pearlized effect on the cards! I took about 20 pictures. So, you’ll just have to take my word for it—the techniques worked wonderfully!

Once again, I learned a lot, and it’s always great when the things I learn help me to better use products I ALREADY have on hand, as was the case today!

Creative Chemistry 101-Day 8 Tags

Well, I’m plugging along, but I certainly do not feel like a star pupil. I am learning the techniques, and that, after all, is the point. But my tags are not show-worthy so much, because I don’t have all the suggested products. On the first tag on the left, the only distress crackle paint I have (other than Rock Candy, which is used in the third tag) is Vintage Photo. So, I knew it wouldn’t make a stunning example of that technique. Still, paired with the stamps from Graphic 45’s abc Primer, it does rather give the feel of an “old” (as in when I was in first grade) elementary classroom. The paint did crackle as desired, even if the camera didn’t pick it up dramatically.

On the middle tag, I loved this technique. I love working with the sticky back canvas, and Tim’s tips were outstanding. The combination of Faded Jeans, Broken China, and Forest Moss distress stains gave the effect of old blue jeans, I thought.

For the third tag, I used Tim’s tips for the Rock Candy Distress Paint, and it was interesting. I used the very same technique on both hearts, but the distress crackled differently on each. The smaller heart would NOT absorb the color. I don’t know how many times I applied the stain, and it remained rather pastel. The larger heart crackled completely differently and was more eager to accept the stain.

Another fun day of learning!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 7 Tags

Ugh! I didn’t do well today. I’m glad this is not for a grade. For the first tag, I realized after my first attempt, it needs a stamp with a lot of solid fill. The only one I have that has very much solid is the steampunk guys. Then I realized their faces would be whatever color I used for the background. Not thrilled with that one.

The second tag is definitely a technique I will use again. First, I love the Evergreen Bough color (from the Winter seasonal line). Aside from my heat tool having problems (and taking about 10 minutes to emboss), it was fun and trouble-free. Love it!

For the last tag, I have about 15 jars of embossing powder, but no distress powder. So I just chose a pastel color of opaque powder and used light colors for the background. I’m ready for a break from so much dark ink—it’s spring already!!!

Obviously, these tags are only for purposes of practicing techniques, and none of them is ready to be “displayed” on a project.

But, I am learning stuff every day, and it’s fun!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 6 Tags

I’m not pleased with today’s project output, but at least I know the reason: Tim used various Distress Markers for water color techniques with stamps. I own only two of the 37 markers (Peeled Paint and Broken China), so I opted to practice the technique, even though the colors are not very interesting—at least I got “the idea” of how to use the markers. I was particularly unhappy with the third tag, using the Distress Markers directly on a stamp. But I understand the technique, and I did give it a try! And, as a student, I ALWAYS turn in my homework, so here it is!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 4 Tags

Today I received my stamps from Graphic 45 (abc primer) and so was able to complete the techniques from Tim Holtz’s Day 4 class of Creative Chemistry 101. I used distress reinkers and distress stains, along with water brushes, to complete the first tag, pretty much as Tim taught the technique. I LOVE “coloring” with the waterbrush!

The second tag uses a technique that I am struggling with—using spray inks. I mixed distress reinkers with water and followed the procedure Tim suggested, but I do NOT have great success with spraying over a stencil. Ugh!

The third tag I couldn’t even come close to Tim’s suggestions (do not own the supplies)—so I just made a colorful butterfly tag with stamps and Faber Castell markers.

Fuzzy Bunny Easter Tag

Today Tim posted an Easter tag project that took my fancy. My version was created with quite a few differences.

The only thing from Tim’s list that I actually had on hand was the Seasonal Stash card stack (the little vintage bunny is from that group). After cutting out that little vintage bunny, I distressed and inked the edges.

I used a #8 kraft tag, embossed with a Cuttlebug folder and inked with Gathered Twigs. I cut a 2.5” bunny and some grass from my Cricut Easter cartridge. I cut the bunny three times on grunge paper and glued them all together with Glue ‘n’ Seal.

I think more about white bunnies than brown, for Easter, so I painted the grunge paper bunny white and then covered with Glue ‘n’ Seal and put down some pink flock that I have had on hand for years. I used a real white ribbon for the bunny. For the grass, I used cardstock from Tim’s new Nostalgic Kraft-Core Cut & Emboss Series. I typed the sentiment on the computer (Typewriter font), cut and inked it.

For me, Easter is not so much about the bunnies as about the reason for the celebration (the resurrection of Jesus), so I added a “Believe” token to the tag. The ribbon for the tag is winter white seam binding inked with Wild Honey Distress Stain.

Fun break from the class homework (okay, that’s also fun!).

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 5 Tags

I had some challenges today. The stamping with white picket fence stain did not work well for me (the music tag), and I wasn’t thrilled with the marbling (the bird tag). I LOVED the Kraft Resist technique (the old car) and am glad to know some neat ways to use that paper stack!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 3 Tags

Today I needed to improvise, and I think that made it even more fun! This is a great class, and I am learning a lot. I love to learn.

Doo Dah Day with GranTeens

We have a fun tradition with our grandchildren who live close to us—we call it a “Doo Dah Day.” It means we have a day of just fun stuff, just for us. This week is their spring break, so Grandad took a day off, and we enjoyed another fun time today.

We started the day with breakfast out. Then we came to our house, and the guys gathered their gear and headed for the golf course for the first 18-holes of the season (they reported a good outing). Tory and I combined two of our favorite things—cooking/baking and crafting. We baked Grams’ Pound Cake (for strawberry shortcake) and “mashed” our strawberries (as I learned to do from my Mamo). With the 6# pork shoulder in the roaster oven for the day, we were off to play.

Tory and I “worked” very hard in the hobby room. She created a “layout” in her Smash Journal.

Then I “initiated” her in the Art Journal world. She is amazing. Her Art Journal page is not finished, so I will photograph it later.

For supper we had Southern Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Paula Deen), Slaw, Chips/Dip, and Sweet Tea. The Strawberry Shortcake with Grams’ Pound Cake did not disappoint.

We finished up and delivered them home (along with leftovers for their folks), in time for their youth gathering at church.

What a blessing, our GranTeens!!

Today’s Project from Tim Holtz’s Creative Chemistry 101 Online Card Class

More learning today, in Tim’s online class. In the past, I had used some of these techniques, but I was “flying by the seat of my pants” on my own. With Tim’s instruction, I now understand these techniques and will use them for “real” projects when the class is finished.

My favorite today was the watercolor stamp.

“HE Fills My Life with Good Things”

This scripture passage from Psalm 103:5 was the inspiration for today’s art journal pages.

Learning, learning….I used a gel medium to adhere the pieces of patterned paper and then ended up using it all over the pages. Note to self: it does not work well to stamp on top of the gel medium.

My Vagabond

Posting a photo of myself with my Vagabond, as part of a promotion on the Sizzix blog, "Where in the World is Your Vagabond?" My Vagabond, along with the rest of my treasure house of supplies and equipment, is in my hobby room, in my home. I really enjoy using this die cutter.

Art Journal--Expression of My Thoughts Today

Just wanted to play around with some paints and stamps and markers today. I love the Sunsnine Yellow paint dabber. Sometimes I will want to use my Art Journal as a testing ground for techniques. On these pages, I incorporated a “trial” of the Tim technique of creating plaid with alcohol inks on glossy cardstock. My first trial was not terribly successful, over the entire tag, so I cut pieces of the rejected tag to use on the journal pages. I guess I just tend to pick colors that are in the same palette, as I decided to use the tag-piece AFTER I had painted the background on the pages.

I’m finding I really like the white Painters Pen for adding final touches. I’m still not great with India ink but do like the boldness of the black.

On my journal pages, I will likely often incorporate a Scripture verse that fits with my thoughts for the day. Need to find or create more digi stamp Scripture verses.