Steph's Scrap Happenings

I Thank God for You - SNSDC41

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

This week we have a photo inspiration challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blo g. Here's the inspiration photo:

Inspiration I used from the photo:
1. The brown and pink colors for my card
2. The swirls in the icing are represented by the background panel
3. The 3 cupcakes inspired my 3 layers on the sentiment panel and the three layers on the background panel.

I embossed the background panel and then accented the raised areas with a glitter pen. I threaded baker's twine thru the Lacey Eyelet Border Die and pulled the twine thru to tie a bow on top of my sentiment panel. I decided to stop there to keep this card flatter so that it would be easier to mail.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (A True Friend digital stamp set)
Embellishments/Tools: SNSS Lacey Eyelet Border Die, The Twinery baker's twine (cappuccino), Cuttlebug EF (D'vine Swirls), Spellbinders (Labels Four - Lg and small), Sakura Clear Star pen

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown #85 - Use Twine
Really Reasonable Ribbon #42 - Use Pink & Brown
Going Gray with Scrap-Creations - 3 Layers (I have 3 layers on the sentiment panel and 3 layers on the background panel)
Paper & Such - Show us the Love (love for a friend)
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you have time to play along with us this week.

SIWS35 - The God of All Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

I know I'm late again - I do apologize. I have still been sick (a case of getting worse before I got better) but am now gradually improving. I am thankful for the Lord's healing and for a very patient & supportive husband! I will do my best to get next week's card posted on time.

This week's focus verse in the Say it With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is 1 Peter 5:10, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

The two verses before our focus verse say (1 Peter 5:8-9), "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." Now let's read verse 10 again, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." This verse is a comfort because it tells us that while we will suffer {after all it is a battle} in resisting the Devil and remaining stedfast in the faith, the Lord will use this to strengthen us. Frequently in the Bible, the word perfect can be read as "mature." So we learn that by resisting the Devil and remaining stedfast, the Lord will use that to mature us. This will then help to stablish (establish), strengthen and settle us more firmly in our our faith. The Lord is not going to leave us out there on our own to fight these battles, but instead, He will use our struggles to help us "grow up" in Him.

While I've been sick, I've been re-watching videos from StampTV on my Kindle. I came across the Heat Embossed Background with the Cuttlebug technique and decided to give it a try.

I used the same embossing folder that Gina does in the video but used black cardstock underneath the embossing powder instead of slate. I also used her card as my sketch. It's so simple but I think gives such an elegant look. I will probably be using it again.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (black), Georgia Pacific (white)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (Amazing Grace)
Ink: VersaMark
Embellishments/Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Victoria), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals large & small), Gold Pen (Michael's), Pearls (Oriental Trading), Ribbon (Offray), sanding block (brand unknown)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Paper Sundaes #107 - Sundae Bar (use any two or more: cream, blue, distressing, pearls - I used distressing & pearls)
Word Art Wednesday #15 - Use Scripture
Scripture Thursday #16 - Use Scripture (this week's theme is Amazing Grace)

I hope you'll play along with us this week and don't forget to stop by The Connection for your free digi.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Clear Dollar Stamps February Digi Release

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

It's Time for another Digi Stamp release at Clear Dollar Stamps. As usual, there are so many fantastic sets this month that you'll have a hard time choosing which ones to purchase first. I was able to play with two of the new sets.

The first one is called, Pray Without Ceasing and was designed by Deedee Anderson.

Aren't these children adorable? There are so many great sentiments and a Scripture verse to let people know you're thinking of them and praying for them. This is a fantastic set that you will want to have to make encouragement cards of all types.

I chose to use the girl image and colored her hair and skin with copic markers. I paper pieced her dress and shoes. I used my paper piercer and a white pen to make my faux stitching. A stacked flower and white satin bow finished off the front of the card.

I like fancy-fold cards, so I chose to make a Double Z-fold Card this time. You can find a great tutorial for this type of card on SCS. Here's a view of the interior with the "Praying specifically for you today" sentiment.

Supplies:
Stamps: Pray Without Ceasing
Cardstock:Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (yellow, card base)
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Picadilly)
Copics: E00, E31, E33, E35, E37, R20
Accents/Tools: Uniball Signo White Pen, Tim Holtz Craft Pick, Brad (Making Memories), Ribbon (Wright's), Flowers (Prima), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals)
Technique: Double Z-fold card, paper piecing, paper piercing, faux stitching

I'm entering this card in the Paper Pretties Wed Challenge (PWC193) - Unique Folds.

The next set I was able to use was the Jesus Paid It All set designed by Laurie Wilson. As you can see, it has so many wonderful images and sentiments to use for the upcoming Resurrection Sunday/Easter season. I really like this set because the emphasis is placed on Christ's sacrifice for us when He died on Calvary. Truly He paid all our sin debt. We just need to accept His free gift of salvation.

I chose to keep the colors to a minimum to keep the focus on the cross image. I embossed the white layer and mounted it on a lavender panel. The image of the three crosses is mounted on a petite scalloped oval Nestabilities cut from dark purple. The same dark purple is behind the sentiment panel. I highlighted the center cross with black diamond stickles. Purple ribbon and pearls complete the front of the card.

Supplies:
Stamps: Jesus Paid It All
Cardstock:Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (black), DCWV (lavender, purple)
Accents/Tools: Cuttle Bug Embossing Folder (Victoria), Oriental Trading Pearls, Offray Ribbon, Bow Easy, SU Punch, Stickles (Black Diamond), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals)

I hope you'll stop by the Clearly iStamp blog to see the rest of the digi sets being released today and to see the beautiful projects made by my fellow design team members.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hats Off to You!! -- SNSDC41

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Today's challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog is to use any element or image that includes a hat. I chose this sweet Rhubarb's Birthday image. I thought this would be so appropriate for the CPS Birthday celebration. I used the CPS Birthday Celebration Day #1 sketch for this card.

I colored my pearls with my copics. Being able to color your own pearls makes matching so much easier. Rhubarb was colored with Copics. A birthday sentiment tied with 2 colors of twine completes the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (brown), DCWV (pink), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: BG (Blush)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (Rhubarb's Birthday, Feminine Birthday)
Embellishments/Tools: twine (The Twinery), eyelets (Oriental Trading), pearls (Queen & Co.), Spellbinders (petite ovals - small & large), Copics

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS Birthday Celebration Day #1 - sketch
Birthday Sundaes #42 - Birthday card with sentiment
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge (PWC192) - Texture
Paptertake Weekly - Anything goes

We hope you'll play along with us this week.

Thanks for stopping by today.

All Things Are Become New -- SIWS34

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:32:00 +0000

I'm sorry I'm late with this post today. I've been under the weather and am still not feeling very well. I'm starting a new antibiotic tomorrow so hopefully that will clear things up once & for all!

Our focus verse for the Say It With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new." Last week we talked about how our music should change once we've accepted Christ as Saviour. This verse tells us that the changes should not stop with just our music. Old things are to pass away and ALL things are become new. This means those old attitudes, actions, vocabulary and ways of thinking need to change. Depending on the person, it may require a change of wardrobe, viewing habits and how we interact with others. WHY do we need to change? Because we are a NEW creature in Christ. We are not the same as we used to be and we now wear the name of Christ. People should be able to see a difference in our lives; we should not look, act, sound or react like an unbeliever. This week, let's each take a look an inward look and ask the Lord to show us areas where we're allowing the world to creep back into our lives. Then, let's ask the Lord to help us make the changes necessary to make sure "old things are passed away."

I chose a card style that really stretches my comfort zone...CAS (clean and simple). I like the look when other people do it but I'm not so sure about mine. I used CPS Birthday Celebration Day #5 sketch for this card.

Supplies:
Cardstock - Recollections (cream), Bazzill (kraft)
Patterned Paper - BG (Oxford)
Stamps - Sweet 'n Sassy (New Creature)
Embellishments/Tools - Jute (Joann's), Scor-Buddy for scoring lines, Spellbinders (Label One)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS Birthday Celebration Day #5 - sketch
Stamp TV Mix It Up Monday (STV12MON3) - Adding Texture (add at least 2 - mine are jute & dry embossing)
Word Art Wednesday #14 - Use Scripture
Paper Sundae's #106 - Clean and Simple
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Scripture Thursday #15 - Use Scripture
Paper Pretties (PWC192) - Use Texture

I hope you'll play along with us this week. Don't forget to stop by and get your free digi.

Thanks for visiting today.

My Love for You - SNSDC39

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:34:00 +0000

This week's challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog is to make a Valentine's Day card. I started out intending to go with a fairly traditional color scheme but...I ended up with very non-traditional Valentine's Day colors. Since this will end up going to my hubby, the more masculine colors are certainly appropriate.

I colored Rhubarb and his heart with copics. I fussy cut him out and popped him up on the blue dotted panel with pop dots. I just love this sentiment and it's perfect for how I feel about my wonderful husband.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections, Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Snowfall)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Rhubarb's Heart, Valentine's Day Greetings)
Embellishments/Tools: Spellbinders (Circles, Lacey Circles), Copic Markers, Brads (JoAnn's) Ribbon from Stash

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS Birthday Day #2 - sketch
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C121) - Layers
Craft Your Passion #95 - Beary Sweet (use at least one bear)
Paper Sunday #105 - Valentines
Tuesday Throwdown #83 - Use Hearts
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge (PPM24) - Love
Simon Says Stamp - Animal Antics

I hope you'll play along with us this week at the SNS Digi Challenge blog. Show us your Valentine for someone you love.

Thanks for stopping by today. Please come back soon.

Be of Good Courage

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

I have a card using one of the Clear Dollar Stamps Scripture sets to show you today. Scriptures of Hope has six Scripture verses in this beautiful set.

I used my petite oval spellbinders to make a shadowbox type effect. To give it some additional depth all the layers above the sentiment panel are popped up above the sentiment on pop-dots. You may be able to see it a little better in the photo below.

I used pearls on every other scallop, a pearl flourish, some green bling (in the pics they almost look clear but they are a deep green) and a green bow to finish off the front of the card. I really like this patterned paper and didn't want to cover it up too much.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections
Patterned Paper: SU
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Scriptures of Hope)
Embellishments/Tools: Ribbon (KaiserCraft), Pearls and Pearl Flourish (Recollections), Bling (Studio 18), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals small & large, Petite Scalloped Ovals)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Stamptacular Sunday #149 - Diamond or Pearls (I most definitely prefer pearls on my cards)
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #124 - a project true to my style (I like these colors and tend to use pearls, ribbon, & lots of layers)
Stamp TV Mix-It-Up Monday (STV12mon2) - Pins or Pearls (Pearls for me!)
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C121) - Lots of Layers
Word Art Wednesday #13 - Use Scripture
Scripture Thursday #14 - Use Scripture on your project
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - All Tied Up (use ribbon, twine or something that can be tied)
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge (PWC191) - Use ribbon or twine

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a great day.

Do you have a Song? - SIWS33

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +0000

This week's focus verse for the Say It With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is about music. 1 Chronicles 16:23, "Sing unto the Lord all the earth;" My husband and I love music. He's an accomplished pianist, he directed choirs for over 24 years, and we sing together. We also both work for a small Christian music publishing company. Because of our love for music, we especially enjoy the verses in the Bible that talk about it.

The purpose of music is to bring praise and honor to the Lord. When the Lord saved us, our lives changed completely. Psalm 40:3 says, "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God..." This tells us that even our music {song} should be different. The music of a Christian should sound different than the music of an unbeliever. We should use our music to praise the Lord.

You might say, "But, I know nothing about music and I can't carry a tune in a bucket." The Bible tells us in over half a dozen places that we're to make a "joyful noise" in praise to the Lord. You can sing in the shower, when you're alone in the car, and certainly should take part in congregational singing at church. A preacher from the past used to say, "I care not if you can sing, but do you have a song?" As we consider all the wonderful things the Lord has done for us, we should each have a song. So, "Sing unto the Lord all the earth;"

I used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch #143 for my card design. After I dry embossed a piece of cardstock, I inked it to bring out the music notes & symbols in the embossing. A few layers of cardstock and patterned paper, a bow, a diecut edge finished off this monochromatic card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections
Patterned Paper: SandyLion
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (Sing Unto the Lord digi set)
Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Embellishments/Tools: Spellbinders (Fair Isle Border Petites), Ribbon (Michael's), Paper Studio Embossing Folder (Music Notes)

Challenges:

Sentimental Sunday's #87 - Dry Embossing
Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C121) - Layers
Word Art Wednesdays #13 - Use Scripture on your project (either the one they provide or one of your choosing)
Scripture Thursday #14 - Use Scripture on your project

I hope you'll come play along with us this week over at the SNS Connection. Don't forget to stop by and pick up your free digi.

Have a nice day and thanks for stopping by.

O Taste and See -- SNSDC38

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

It's Friday, so that means it's time for another Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Digi challenge. This week's challenge is a sweet one. :) Your card or project is to have a dessert on it. I chose to use Rhubarb's Pie and a verse from the Baked with Love set.

I used a sketch from SCS (SC366) for my card design. I substituted the ribbon & bow for the row of circles. I used PSE to alter the verse so that it would be all in one line. Can you believe I didn't use any Nesties on this card?? A rare occurrence! After coloring Rhubarb & his pie with Copics (in real life his apron goes much better with the papers), I sponged some ink on the panel. I also inked the edges of all my patterned papers and sentiment panel.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (mint)
Patterned Paper: SU
Stamps: SNSS (Baked with Love, Rhubarb's Pie)
Ink: Studio G
Embellishments/Tools: Brads (OT), Ribbon (I wish I knew...it's from my stash & I wish I had more), Copic markers, PSE

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Word Art Wednesday #12 - Use Scripture
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion - Color Bingo (I chose the far right column - Teal, blue & brown)
Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Text Me

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll play along with us this week with our *sweet* challenge.

Happy Birthday to You

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

I used two different digi sets from Clear Dollar Stamps to make this birthday card. The week's CPS sketch (CPS252) was the inspiration for the design.

I used the birthday sentiment from the Totally Tags set and popped up the present from the Birthday Fall Critters set. I colored the present with Copics and accented the bow and polka dots with a glitter pen.

The colors are definitely stretching my comfort zone because brights are not the colors that usually "call my name." But, in the interest of challenging myself, I reached for this colorful Colorbok paper pack.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Colorbok
Patterned Paper: Colorbok
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Totally Tags, Birthday Fall Critters)
Embellishments/Tools: Cuttlebug embossing folder (Spots and Dots), Sakura Clear Star pen, Copic markers, Zutter Round-it-All (1/2"), Spellbinders (Circles - Large & Small)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS #252 - sketch
Sentimental Sundays #86 - Die Cuts (spellbinders circles)
Birthday Sundaes #40 - Birthday sentiment on the front of the card
Stamptacular Sunday #148 - Seeing spots - use polka dots somewhere on your card
Papertake Weekly - Happy Highlights (highlight something on the card with something glittery or glossy - I highlighted the bow & polka dots with a glitter pen)

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll come back soon.

SIWS32 - Nehemiah 8:10

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

This week's focus verse for the Say It With Scripture Challenge at The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is one of those verses that is easy to memorize but harder to put into practice. Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Have you ever been around someone who is going thru a difficult time and yet they still have a joyful attitude? They are practicing this week's verse. However, more often, we allow our circumstances to get us down and we forget that our joy come from the Lord. I'm as guilty of this as the next person. It's a struggle to "live above our circumstances" as my husband calls it. Our joy doesn't come from things or circumstances or good health...it comes from the Lord and His goodness. Instead of meditating on this, we keep looking at the negative things in our lives and don't look at all that the Lord is doing and has done for us. I want to work this week on changing my focus and allowing the joy of the Lord to shape my attitude. Care to join me?

I made a new type of pocket card for me this week. It's an easy design and I found the tutorial for it at StampTV's Mix-it-Up Monday Challenge for this week. I did alter their sketch to make my finished card 5" wide by 5.5" high.

I colored the hummingbird and flower with copics and then inked the background of my diecut. A lacey circle mat, some pearls and a bow finished off the image panel.

I put the Scripture verse on the top of the pull-out panel and anchored each end with a brad.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (red)
Pattered Paper: BG Picadilly
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (Hummingbird digi set)
Ink: SU (Bliss Blue)
Embellishments/Tools: Copics, Ribbon (Wright's), Pearls (Recollections), Brads (MM), Spellbinders (Circles large, Lacey Circles), Cuttlebug EF (Swiss Dots), SU Stampin' Writer

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Sentimental Sundays #86 - Die Cuts (Spellbinders Circle and Lacey Circle)
Stamp TV's Mix-It-Up Monday - Pocket/Envelope Card
Word Art Wednesday #12 - Use Scripture
BasicGrey Challenge #61 - Favorite Things + BasicGrey product (my favorites on this card are my spellbinders, pearls, and the fancy fold + I used Picadilly papers)

I hope you'll join us this week on our Say it With Scripture Challenge. Don't forget to stop by and get your free digi.

Thanks for stopping by today. Please come back soon.

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps January Digi Release Blog Hop & Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Today it's time for another Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge but this week we are adding a little more fun to the regular challenge! The Sweet `N Sassy Digi Challenge ladies are bringing you a FUN Blog Hop for the January Digi Release!!

Get a cup of your favorite drink (I'll take a white chocolate mocha) and start hopping to the blogs of Digi Challenge ladies. While you're hopping, be sure to leave a comment on each blog. One of the ladies below is a mystery blogger and she will be picking one name from the comments on her blog post to win a wonderful prize! What is the prize you ask?? The winning prize will be the whole January Digi Release!! How cool!! The winner will be announced on the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge blog on Friday, January 27th.

Our challenge this week is to make an easel card. I love making easel cards so I was pretty excited about this week's challenge. If you have never made one before, here's a great easel card tutorial from SCS.

We are owned by 3 cats so I'm really enjoying all the new cat digis Korin has now. I got to work with the Cheer Up digi set this week. The fluffy kitty behind the empty bowl reminds me of our Maine Coon, Sam. He LOVES the food bowl. The other kitty reminded me of my Russian Blue kitty, Sasha. Our Persian, Darius, got left out this time. Maybe he'll make an appearance another day. :)

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), SU (teal)
Patterned Paper: SU
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Cheer Up digital stamps)
Tools/Embellishments: Copic markers, Pearls (OT), Cuttle Bug EF (Swiss Dots), Fiskars border punch (Apron Lace), Brads (MM), Spellbinders (Circles large & small, Lacey Circles)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #122 - Something New (the stamp set & the paper)
Shelly's Images - Anything Goes
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Use die cuts (Circles large & small and Lacey Circles)
Stamptacular Sunday #147 - Texture (embossed strip, border punched edges, lots of layers)

Be sure to stop by the blogs of the rest of the Digi Challenge Ladies for more details on their fabulous creations. You don't have to hop in an particular order...you'll just want to make sure you stop by each blog and leave a comment so that you have the best chance for winning the prize.

Carol Longacre

Ceal Pritchett

Harriet Skelly

Jerusha Borden

Jessica Stockmeyer

Kim O'Connell

Makiko Jones

Margo Smith

Stephanie Serrano

Stephanie Wright - That's Me!!

Korin Sutherland

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you'll come back soon!!

Snowy Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:16:00 +0000

I have a winter birthday card to share with you today. I used one of the new pre-colored releases from Clear Dollar Stamps (CDS) and paired it with the sentiment from an older CDS digi stamp set.

I am really enjoying using my new Grand Spellbinders dies. Making shaped cards is a breeze now! The recipient of this card really likes cardinals and the color green so I thought this particular snowman was perfect. I also chose to pick up the green from the inspiration photo in the Birthday Sundae's #39 challenge. I used some bling on the snowflake and stickles on the snow and pompoms on the snowman's hat & scarf for sparkle.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill (kraft), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Times and Seasons)
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Turtle Greetings and Snow Tweet Colored Green Digital Stamps)
Embellishments/Tools: Brads (Paper Studio), Zig Millennium pen, pearl flourish & rhinestones (Recollections), Spellbinders (Grand Label One, Petite Oval Small & Large), Snowflake - Misc from stash, Stickles glitter glue (diamond)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Birthday Sundae's #39 - Photo Inspiration + must use snowman
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #122 - Something New (both stamp sets)
Paper Pretties Challenge #189 - Use glitter (on pompoms and snow)
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Use die cuts (Labels One for card base, Petite Ovals large & small for image & sentiment panels)
Shelly's Images - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a great day!!

SIWS31 - Psalm 122:1

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:05:00 +0000

We're focusing on a verse from Psalms this week in the Say It With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection. Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

My husband pastors our church. I truly look forward to going each Sunday & Wednesday to hear him teach and preach. I also look forward to the fellowship of our church family. I've been sick recently and was unable to attend church for 2 weeks. I felt like I'd been gone forever and was so happy to be able to go to church with my husband this past Sunday. I thought of this verse as we were driving to church and thought how appropriate it would be to use this week. We should look forward to attending church for worship, fellowship and the encouragement we receive by being with other believers.

The design of my card was inspired by Gina K's Daily Inspiration Journal. This is a new stamp set for me -- I usually avoid stamps with this much coloring but decided to stretch my comfort zone this week. My conclusion is that my coloring still needs lots of work.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), scrap from stash (green)
Patterned Paper: SU
Stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Country Church Digital Stamp set)
Copics: G7, G14, G17, C1, N5, N7, YG03, RV66, Y13, E7, E9, E33, E35, colorless blender
Embellishments/Tools: Sakura Glaze Pen, Offray ribbon, Oriental Trading Pearls, Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangle LG & SM, Petite ovals and Petite Scalloped Ovals)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Stampin Sisters in Christ #122 - Use something new (stamp set, coloring a scene)
Sentimental Sunday #85 - Ribbon
Papertake Weekly - Buttons, Bows, Bling, Blooms {use any or all - I have bows & bling (pearls)}
Word Art Wednesday #11 - Use Scripture or an inspirational quote

January Digi Release at Clear Dollar Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

There is such a great variety of stamps being released today in the Clear Dollar Stamps January Digi Release. Everything from Noah's Ark, to Snowmen, to flowers, to a Bible and Scripture verses. You're sure to find lots of stamps you just can't live without. :)

One of the sets I got to play with is called Morning Devotions. I though this sentiment was perfect for a prayer journal so I decided to use it on an altered notebook.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Picadilly)
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Morning Devotions Digital Stamps)
Embellishments/Tools: Zva Creative pearl flourish, Ribbon (Wright's), Spellbinders (Lacey Squares), SU Crystal Effects, Zutter 1/2" Round-it-All

I'm entering this journal in the following challenge:
Stampin' Sisters in Christ #122 - Something New (the stamp set)

This adorable set is called Snow Tweet Colored Blue. This set is also available in a line art set or a green colored set. Come back later this week and I'll have something in the green version to show you.

I sponged the edges of my snowman & the sentiment panel to add to the snowy look. I used some stickles on the white parts of the snowman's hat & scarf and on the snow. Some Crystal Effects on the snowman's buttons added some extra dimension..

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (red)
Patterned Paper: SU
Stamps: Snow Tweet Colored Blue
Ink: SU (Bliss Blue)
Tools/Embellishments: SU Crystal Effects, Stickles (diamond), Spellbinders (Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals), Zutter Round-it-All 1/2"

I hope you'll stop by the Clearly iStamp blog to see the rest of the digi sets being released today and to see the beautiful projects made by my fellow design team members.

Thanks for visiting today.

SNSDC36 - Butterflies

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

This week we have a fun challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog. We're challenging you to make a monochromatic card. Here's your chance to really showcase your favorite color.

I chose to use brown for my card -- no, it's not my favorite color but an easy one to work with for this type of card. My shades range from cream to chocolate. Thanks to PSE I was able to not only layer my images but even color them brown. I used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch (SSS140) for my layout. I inked the embossed panels to help the embossed areas pop.

Supplies:
Cardstock: SU (dark brown), Bazzill (medium brown), Recollections (light brown)
Patterned Paper: Adorn-It (Fern Collection)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (Everyday Miracles)
Inks: SU (Creamy Caramel)
Embellishments/Tools: Ribbon (Michael's), Flowers (Prima), Pearls (Recollections), Cuttlebug EF (Victoria)

Come play along with us this week. We'd love to see what you come up with for our monochromatic challenge!

Thanks for stopping by today.

SIWS30 - Hebrews 13:1

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:24:00 +0000

Our challenge verse this week for the Say it With Scripture Challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Connection is Hebrews 13:1, "Let brotherly love continue."

I recently read a friend's status on Facebook and it truly made my heart sad. I don't know all the details but apparently something happened with one of her children. Other folks heard part of the story, started talking about it without having the complete details, and since they had the story wrong, her child was really hurt. The sad part? All the folks involved were Christians. It's been said that Christians are the only ones that shoot their own wounded. This should not be. We should support and encourage each other...even when things go wrong. No we can't condone wrong-doing, but if we remember "there but for the grace of God go I" we'll treat each other with more gentleness. So this week, let's focus on loving our brothers (and sisters) in Christ and treat each other a bit more kindly.

I thought this image was perfect for this verse because one of the birds is different from the others. How often are we critical of things that are different? I've been under the weather this week so I took a little help by using one of the SNSS pre-colored images. I used the SNSS Lacey Eyelet Border Die for a little interest along the bottom of the card. Some pearls and faux stitches added the finishing touches.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific, SU
Patterned Paper: BG (Picadilly)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (God is Love, One of a Kind Colored Digi)
Embellishments/Tools: Offray Ribbon, Queen & Co Pearls, Zig Millennium Pure Black Pen, Spellbinders Petite Ovals, SNSS Lacey Eyelet Border Dies

I'm entering this card in this week's Word Art Wednesday #10 challenge.

I hope you'll play along this week. Don't forget to stop by for your free digi.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll be back soon.

U R 2 Cute!! - SNSDC35

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

We have a recipe challenge this week to start off this year's digi challenges on the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog. Our challenge is to use one number element, two embossings and three colors of your choice.

I chose to use this adorable pre-colored digi and made a computer generated sentiment to go with him. I wanted the sentiment panel to mimic a dog collar. I'm not sure how successful I was but that was the intent. :)

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (red), Misc (blue)
Patterned Paper: Creative Imaginations (Samanatha Walker)
Stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy (Spot Colored Digital Image)
Embellishments/Tools: MM metallic mini circle brads, Cuttlebug EF (Swiss Dots, Just My Type), Spellbinders (Circles large and small)

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll play along with us. It's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.

You're Tea-rrific

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm always on the look-out for cards that have unusual folds. Last Wed., there was a tutorial for a Double Dutch Fold Card on SCS. I thought it looked fun and decided to give it a try with some pre-colored digi stamps from the Tea-rrific Colored Digital Images set from Clear Dollar Stamps.

I accented the scallops on the petite scalloped oval with some bling and a small white bow (not gray like the picture would have you believe).

I also did a little interior decorating. The picture below also shows how the sentiment on the right "door" is popped up on some foam tape.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (kraft), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper (Random)
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Tea-rrific Colored Digital Image)
Embellishments/Tools: Rhinestones and pearl flourish (Recollections), Ribbon from stash, Fiskars border punch (Threading Water), Spellbinders (petite Ovals, petite scalloped ovals), Bow Easy

I'm entering this card in the Stampendous "Bling It On" challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you'll come back soon.

Ephesians 3:20 - SIWS 29

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:24:00 +0000

Happy New Year!! Have you adjusted to writing 2012 yet? I still have to think about it and double-check myself. :)

For our first Say It With Scripture challenge at The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection, we're focusing on a verse that talks about how wonderful the Lord is. What better way to start off a new year than to remind ourselves of how much the Lord has done for us? He does so much more than we could ask or think. There have been so many times when I've seen the Lord work out situations that (humanly speaking) were pretty tough in a way that was much better than anything I could have thought of myself. That alone should remind me that the Lord does NOT need my help in arranging the events of my life. If only I would learn!!

Our Challenge Verse

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20

As we start this new year, let's meditate on this verse and remind ourselves to remember all the ways the Lord has worked in our life in the past and that He does not need our help in working things out for us.

For my card, I chose to keep it simple and used this weeks sketch from CPS (CPS249). I love the elegance of black and white. This design helps keep the focus where it needs to be...on the Scripture

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Recollections (black)
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Enchanted)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy (Encouragement Scripture Digis)
Embellishments/Tools: Ribbon (JoAnn), Pearls (BG), Spellbinders (petite ovals large and small)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
CPS 249 - sketch
Sentimental Sundays #83 - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes #101 -Something old (the pearls on my card), Something new (the Bo Bunny paper)
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Going Gray with Scrap-Creations - Something old (the pearls on my card), Something new (the Bo Bunny paper)

SNSDC34 - Case the Digi DT

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:01:00 +0000

I hope each of you enjoyed your Christmas with family and friends. We were able to spend time with both of our children, our daughter-in-law and grandson. There's nothing like a small child to add excitement to Christmas day. Jack is now 2 and loves pulling the paper off the presents. In the words of my brother, "Good times."

After a week off, we're back with another challenge for you at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge Blog. This week, our challenge is to case one of the digi DT. The card you choose to use for your inspiration doesn't have to have a SNS digi. Just visit our blogs, choose a card for inspiration and make a card of your own. Remember, digital images only for this challenge. As always, you don't have to use a SNS digi but we sure love it when you do. Each card you make this month will get you one entry to win a free digi. If you use a SNS digi, you will get two entries.

This is my inspiration card from DT member Carol Longacre:

I love the herringbone background and that she used a different shape to showcase her focal image.

My husband and I celebrated our 27th anniversary this week and I needed to make him a card. Since he gave me a Grand Calibur for Christmas, I wanted to make sure I used it on his card. I made a shaped card with the Grand Labels 1 that came with it. I try to do something special on his cards because he appreciates the work that goes into them and is my biggest encourager.

I used this excellent Herringbone tutorial on SCS to make my card background. I paper pieced Rhubarb's heart and put distress stickles on it. It didn't photograph well. :(

Because he really likes interior decorating on cards, I did a little on this one.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Times & Seasons)
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps (Love Sentiments, Sentiments for Him, Rhubarb's Heart)
Embellishments/Tools: Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Distress Stickles (Rock Candy), Copics, Sakura Glaze Pen (used on eyes & nose), Spellbinders (Labels 1, Grand Labels 1)

I'm entering this card in the following challenge: Paper Sundaes #100 - Celebrate.

I hope you'll play along with us this week and case one of the Digi DT.

Thanks for stopping by!

One Last Christmas Card

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:13:00 +0000

I have one last Christmas card to show you for this year. I think this pre-colored mistletoe image from Clear Dollar Stamps is beautiful. The set also comes with an image with a gold bow.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections
Patterned paper: Bo Bunny (Noel)
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Mistletoe Digital Image)
Embellishments/Tools: Jute (Joann's), Fiskars border punch (Threading Water), Spellbinders (Circles large & small), MM Mini Metallic Brads

I'm keeping this short today as I'm dealing with a cold that's had me on resting all day. Thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas!!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:26:00 +0000

I hope each of you are enjoying spending Christmas with those you love. Let's not forget Who this day is for, after all to Christmas, Christ is everything. If you have not yet accepted God's free gift of salvation, I can think of no better day than Christmas to accept the greatest of gifts.

I really like the wow-factor of a tri-shutter card. These papers from Echo Park really help it to pop. Splitcoast Stampers has a great Tri-Shutter tutorial,

Supplies:
Cardstock: Recollections (kraft), DCWV (green)
Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Season's greetings)
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Candy Cane Poem Colored Digital Image, Candy Cane Poem Digital Image)
Embellishments/Tools: Kaiser Craft Ribbon, Spellbinders (Circle, Lacey Circle), Sakura green star pen, Fiskars Threading Water border punch

Another wow factor card is the star-fold card. Bo Bunny papers do the trick this time. Here's a tutorial for the Star Card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: SU
Patterned Papers: Bo Bunny (Noel)
Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps (Candy Cane Poem Digital Image)
Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Embellishments/Tools: Chipboard elements (Bo Bunny Noel), Pearl Flourish (Recollections), Spellbinders Label 4 (regular and small)

Merry Christmas!!

SIWS 28 - Ecclesiastes 3:1

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:35:00 +0000

This week we are focusing on Ecclesiastes 3:1 in the Say It With Scripture Challenge at The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Eccl. 3:1).

As we approach the end of the year, it's a good time to take stock of how the year has gone and what we have accomplished for the Lord. Just as the year has different seasons, so too there are seasons in our lives. When we are young, our opportunities for service for the Lord will differ from the ones we will have when we are older. It's important for us to realize that these different types of opportunities are given to us by the Lord for a purpose. Instead of chafing because someone in a different season of life has opportunities we do not, we should instead be focusing on making the most of the opportunities we do have. Next year, let's all try to focus on doing all we can with what the Lord gives us.

For my card this week, I used the Mojo Monday sketch 220. I chose some of the beautiful papers in the Bo Bunny Snowfall 6 x 6 pad that is now available in the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps store. These papers are beautiful and wintery. I used some bling on some of the snowflakes and a rhinestone ring around the sentiment panel for some sparkle. Two different embossing folders added extra texture.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (white), Misc from stash (blue)
Patterned paper: Bo Bunny (Snowfall)
Stamp - Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Encouragement Scripture)
Embellishments/Tools - Cuttlebug EF (Snowflakes, Just My Type), Spellbinders (Circle small, Lacey Circle), rhinestone circle (Recollections), individual rhinestones (BG and Recollections)

This will be the last Say It With Scripture Challenge for the year. We are taking next week off so that we can spend time with our families. We'll be back January 4th with a new challenge.

Please join us this week and don't forget to stop by the Say It With Scripture Challenge at The Sweet 'n Sassy Connection and grab your free digi.

Thanks for stopping by today. Merry Christmas!!

SNSCD33 - Tag! You're It!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:01:00 +0000

This week's challenge at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Challenge blog is all about tags! We'd like to see you make a tag using a digi stamp. Not too hard, right? In all the busy-ness of the season, a tag can be just the small little crafty project that helps you keep your sanity AND helps you get some of those items crossed off your to-do list.

Since this month we're Crazy for Cocoa, I chose to use Cocoa's Ornament for my tag.

Cocoa is colored with copics and the ornament is colored with Prismacolor pencils (red and green) and a AC metallic marker (silver). I then gave the ornament some shimmer on the white and the bow with a Sakura clear star pen. Lately it seems like I use that pen on just about everything! I also dotted the middle and the points of each snowflake with the clear star pen. It gives the whole tag a bit of shimmer. Some baker's twine (also available from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps) finishes off my tag.

Supplies
Cardstock - Recollections, Georgia Pacific
Patterned Paper - Echo Park (Season's Greetings)
Stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy (Cocoa's Ornament)
Inks - SU Creamy Caramel, Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Embellishments/Tools - Sakura pens (clear star & silver star), Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Spellbinders (Deckled Rectangles large & small), The Twinery Baker's Twine (maraschino, honeydew)

I'm entering this tag in the following challenges:
Stamptacular Sunday #142 - Christmas Glitz
Paper Sundae's #99 - Anything Christmas
Craft Your Passion #88 - Tag You're It!
Papertake Weekly - I'm Dreaming of a {favorite color(s)} Christmas - red, green & cream

I hope you'll play along with us this week and don't forget that it is not too late to join the Crazy for Cocoa Blog Hop! There are prizes to be won!! You have until tomorrow (Dec. 17th) night to link up your card for a chance to win. You can find all the details on the Sweet 'n Sassy blog.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll come back soon.