Halloween Wishes

October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween, everyone!!  Are you doing anything fun today?  My day is pretty much just a normal one.  We have our small group tonight (church thing), and we are going to be doing scary movies &/or games together.  So- that should be fun!  I won't be dressing up until a party on Saturday night...I will share photos of that next week!!

I have a pretty little Halloween card to share with you today, that is part of the Prima Halloween blog post today.  I decided to go soft and shabby on this one...and I love how it turned out!  Who knew that baby blue and soft orange could make a lovely Halloween card?!  Check it out!
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from oatmeal cardstock.
2. Cut blue paper slightly smaller, then adhere an orange strip to the top.
3. Wrap eyelet lace & orange ribbon around the seam, then adhere the entire block to the card front.
5. Add a fabric Halloween image to the front, then accent the corners with resin embellishments & jewels.
6. Tie a bow from the same ribbon, and adhere to the right side, along with two fabric flowers.
7. Tuck a piece of tulle into the flowers, then adhere a pearl flourish to the top of it.
8. Stamp the sentiment to a banner paper strip, then wrap around a pumpkin topped pin.
9. Stick the sentiment & a clear topped pin together into the flowers to finish.

Challenges:
-Deconstructed Sketch #75
-The Shabby Tea Room #138 - Photo Inspiration + Flowers
-Red Carpet Studios #9 - Pumpkins & Halloween
-Inky Impressions #83 - Lots of Layers
-The Pink Elephant #172 - Shabby Chic
-Clearly Inspired #62 - Ribbon
-Stamp with Fun #185 - Pins & Lace










I hope you liked my soft & sweet Halloween card today!!  I have some Bible study notes to share with you. So, let's get right to it.
James 5: 13-20
Faith
noun - {feyth}
1. confidence or trust in a person or thing
2. belief that is not based on proof
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standard of merit, etc.
5. a system of religious beliefs

With the abundance of topics that were covered in James....I am reminded at the end of the book that it all comes down to faith.  It is really as simple, and as complicated as that.  I found an excerpt from Martin Luther's definition of faith online that I really enjoyed reading.  Here is a small part of it:

"Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace...."  ~Online Resource Link

Well, for those of you going on this journey with me....we've made it through the book of James!!  I hope that my random thoughts and feelings as I've studied have brought a smile to your face, made you think, or just given you a little more insight to who I am as a person {flaws & all}.  Next up will be 1st & 2nd Peter.  I will talk to you soon!

Until later,
~L.

Toil & Trouble

October 30, 2012

Happy day before Halloween!!!!  I hope you are having a wonderful day so far!  I am sitting here, sipping some coffee and thinking about what all has to get done today.  Yesterday was a pretty quiet day...I got a few cards created for my manufacturers, worked out, watched The Walking Dead with Josh, and then we played Lego Harry Potter.  I love that game! (I know....I'm such a child.  I can deal! Tee hee!)

I have a witchy little card to share with you today!  It is a mix of old and new Glitz Design product, combined with a fabulous silhouetted witch cut from my Cricut Expression.  The polka dotted paper is from the past collection "Dance In Sunshine", and worked perfectly with this newer "Cashmere Dame" & "Yours Truly" product.  I love when you can breath new life into older products just by using some of the new!  Here is what I created:
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from white cardstock.
2. Cut yellow polka dot paper slightly smaller, and adhere a strip of washi tape to the left side.
3. Diecut a circle from a black hexagon paper strip, and adhere next to the washi tape.
4. Adhere the entire paper block to the card front.
5. Using a Cricut Expression & A Child's Year cartridge, press Icon + Shift.  Cut the witch at 3".
6. Cover the witch in black glitter, then adhere over top of the diecut circle using foam adhesive.
7. Cut banner ends to 2 paper strips, then add the sentiment to them using alpha stickers.
8. Adhere the strips to the right side, adding a foam dot underneath the right side of each banner.
9. Add three jewels to the upper left corner to finish.

Challenges:
-CAS(E) This Sketch! #3
-Ribbon Carousel #73 - Halloween Spirit
-Top Tip Tuesday #88 - Halloween
-The Friday Mashup! #82 - Witches










I hope that you enjoyed my cute little witchy card today!  I think it turned out really fun!  And can I just say...I kind-of wish we had a polka dot moon.  How cool would THAT be?!  Tee hee!  I also have some Bible study notes to share, so let's get right to it!
James 5: 7-12
My Bible titles this section "Patience in Suffering".  I read an article online by Michael Beates, and this part of it got me & stuck with me.
"But, remember, the important things in life are generally formed over time. The strongest tools are forged by the hottest fires. The most beautiful artistic expressions take the most energy and care to create. So it is with the beautiful thing called “holiness.” It is not achieved quickly, or without effort, or in the absence of pain. In our instant society, much to our disappointment, there is no such thing as “microwave holiness.” Metaphors abound.
God is described by Jeremiah as a potter, and we are described as clay (Jer. 18). The most pliable clay is that which has been most thoroughly mixed, beaten, rolled, and, finally, pushed and pulled on the wheel. Only then the potter, with care and patience, begins to pull and shape the clay into something beautiful. But it is painful to be pulled and drawn into a new shape...."  ~ARTICLE LINK
Have you ever looked at the backside of something cross stitched?  It's a mess.  It's pretty ugly.  It's a chaos of color & string with no rhyme or reason.  I think that is often what we see of our lives.  It's hard to understand what we go through in life.  I try not to live much with "what ifs" and "whys", but I don't fully understand the cards I've been dealt.  I don't understand the hurt I've endured & the emotions that come with it.  I know that my pain is not nearly as bad as others, but it is also important to never compare.  My pain is relevant to my life, and what God is doing in  me.
I think God sees the beautiful pattern on the correct side of the cross stitch.  He sees us in our most beautiful form.  He know the person we can be, and will be if we allow Him to do the stitching.  He knows that all good things take time, and typically have to be broken, stripped down and built back up before you start seeing that beautiful shape begin to take place....

Until later,
~L.

We Click

October 29, 2012

Well, happy Monday everyone!!  I hope that you had a wonderful weekend!  Ours was nice & relaxed, while still spending time with friends.  We had an amazing dinner on Friday night with our friends Grant & Meagan, plus Grant's dad.  We spent pretty much the entire day at their apartment on Saturday (minus the seven trips we made to the grocery store- no joke. Tee hee!) watching football, carving pumpkins and all that.  Yes- I carved another pumpkin!!  We accidentally left it at their apartment...so hopefully they have better luck with them not getting stolen from their front porch.  :)

I have a really simple but really fun card to share with you today!  It uses a small bit of paper from the Echo Park "Everyday Eclectic" collection, and stamps from the new company, Mama Elephant.  I am loving these fun new stamps from this cute little company...I am excited to see what they come out with next!  Here is what I created!
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from kraft cardstock, round the bottom corners & dry emboss the front.
2. Stamp the Polaroid frame to a patterned paper block, then cut out the window.
3. Adhere the frame to the front, then accent the right corner with a piece of washi tape.
4. Stamp the first part of the sentiment to the frame, then the people inside of the cut-out window.
5. Stamp the camera to white cardstock & matching patterned paper, cut out & layer together.
6. Add glitter glue to the flash & two jewels to the camera, then adhere to the card front with foam adhesive.
7. Stamp the rest of the sentiment to the bottom of the card, then accent with a rainbow of jewels.

Challenges:
-Sketchbook Saturday #82
-Do You Stack Up #95 - Embossing
-Crafty Friends #9 - Glitz & Glam
-Stampin' for the Weekend #20 - Anything Goes










I hope you enjoyed my cute little rainbow inspired friendship card today!  I know it is a lot more clean & simple than I normally create....but I actually really like both types of styles!  I love cards with lots of layers and products....and I love cards with clean lines & minimal embellishing.  It's the best of both worlds!! :)

I have some Bible study notes to share today...so let's just get right to it!
James 5: 1-6
As a society, especially in America, we put a lot of priority on wealth.  "He who dies with the most toys wins" comes to mind.  I pretty much despise that saying.  Mostly because it goes against everything I believe, and partly because it is just gross.  Blech.  Trust me...I like things.  Especially clothes.  And boots.  And coats.  And jewelry.  And cameras.  I think you get the picture. :)  I don't think there is anything wrong with having things and having money.  But it is definitely a fine line.  When money and selfish wants & desires come before God, then there is a big problem.  I wrote awhile back that the one thing I know about myself is I could live without everything I have it God asked it of me....or if I just had to due to life situations.  And I stand by that.  I don't store my treasure in things on Earth.  I store them in Heaven.

Until later,
~L.

Best Day Ever

October 26, 2012

Happy Friday, everyone!  Are you all excited for Halloween weekend?  I know that we are....even though it looks like we aren't going to be celebrating until next weekend at a murder mystery party.  Which is perfectly okay!  My friend Meagan and I have the BEST costumes ever....can't wait for everyone to see us all dressed up.  We are going as Capitol people from  the Hunger Games...and it is going to be awesome!! Tee hee!  Tonight our friends are coming over for dinner, and we are going to BBQ steaks, and have mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans as well.  I have some gluten-free pumpkin spice cake leftover that I made the other night....so dessert is all taken care of too.  It is going to be a wonderful night...can't wait!

I have a super special birthday card to share with you today.  It's already in the mail...being sent to one of my best friends in the whole world.  I figured it was time to share it on my blog!  I used the Glitz Design "Yours Truly" collection for this one, and some stamps from the new company Mama Elephant.  I love the new stamp sets that they released recently....so FUN to use.  I had to have this stamp set particularly...because it has so many things that I say all the time included on it....love it!!  Here is what I created.
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from kraft cardstock, then round the upper right corner.
2. Adhere two paper blocks to the front, then add a strip of ribbon over the seam.
3. Cut a chevron pattern from paper, then adhere to the right side of the card, overlapping the edge.
4. Punch an upper crest border from blue paper, adhere to the top of the patterned block and accent with black jewels.
5. Add two strips of washi tape to the top, then cover with a rhinestone.
6. Stamp the banner to white cardstock, cut out and adhere.  Accent with black jewels.
7. Stamp the balloon to white cardtock, cut out and adhere.  Stamp the bow directly below the balloon.
8. Diecut a tag, and add the other part of the sentiment to it.  Adhere to the top of the ribbon with a brad.
9. Add the remaining sentiment and a banner strip to the inside to finish.

Challenges:
-Sketchbook Saturday #81
-CAS-ual Fridays #76- Kraft
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #192 - Happy Birthday
-The Kraft Journal #93 - Inside & Out











Thanks for checking out my latest creation!  I kind-of love this card...the sentiment makes me smile! :)  Time to get on to my Bible study notes!
James 4: 13-17
These verses made me think of a silly quote that I have read on those random plaque things & such.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intentions of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body.  But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"".  Tee hee!
I actually posted another quote on my Facebook wall the other day that is also fitting.
"Live your life, take chances, be crazy.  Don't hesitate because right now is the oldest you've ever been & the youngest you'll ever be again."
Honestly- we don't know if we have a tomorrow.  So we need to seize the time that we do have.  Make sure the people in your life know that you love them.  Volunteer and do good for others that are less fortunate than you.  Pray.  For the people you love & cherish....and for those that make it harder to love.  Reach out...be a light where there is darkness.  But do it with sincere love....not with an agenda.  I know that for me, God's love does not feel suppressive.  It is invigorating....welcoming...it truly fuels me to love others.  And it makes me want to live my short life to the very fullest.

Until later,
~L. 

Prima Halloween Decor

October 24, 2012

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!  Sorry it has been almost a week....I have been a busy girl!  I spent the weekend with my mom in Butte while the guys were all of hunting...and we had a wonderful time!  Although...I think I ate & drank more calories in three days then I typically do in a week, so I am hitting the gym extra hard this week.  Tee hee!

I have Halloween decorations to share with you this week, and I just have to say....I LOVE THEM!  I stare at them every time I walk through the front room because I just adore how they turned out.  They were featured in the Prima newsletter this month, and went up in the Halloween blog post yesterday!  My projects feature lots of Prima goodies of course, and the little Witch printables are from the Rhonna Farrer "Spooky" digital line (which is also what my blog background & header were created from as well!).  Here are my little treasures!!
I am not going to add the instructions to this one, because there are so many items....and I think by looking at them it is pretty self explanatory.  Sharon made a comment on the Prima blog that the lace coming out from under the banner looks like a spiderweb...and I love that!  I didn't even think of that while I was creating these!!

Challenges:
-Dynamic Duos #25 - Orange & Black + neutrals
-The Creative Paper #3 - Festive Fall Inspiration Photos
-Ribbon Carousel #73 - Halloween Spirit
-Top Tip Tuesday #88 - Halloween
-Really Reasonable Ribbon #58 - Halloween
-The Pink Elephant #171 - Halloween
-Sweet Stampin' - Halloween
-Pile It On #42 - Any Holiday










I hope you liked my pretty little Halloween decor set!  So- I am going to try and catch up sharing my Bible study notes with you over the next week or so...  So, let's just get right to it!!
James 4: 7-10
My Bible has a little note mostly based on verse 8 that I thought was really great.  It says: "He is nearby.  Do you ever feel far from God? He hasn't moved.  In fact, He's exactly the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  If you feel far from God, then you are the one who's been wandering or hiding.  He's nearby, waiting for you."  The word nearby has many synonyms, including close at hand, immediate, proximate, ready....  God is always ready for us to draw near to Him, even if we've been running away or hiding.  He is so loyal to us, but never demanding of us.  He wants our love and loyalty to Him to be a free choice.  Verse 10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."  He wants us to do this willingly....freely...  **Sigh- God is seriously amazing.**

James 4: 11-12
I think every Christian should tattoo these verses on their forehead.  Backwards- so it can be read every time we look in the  mirror.  Is that a little extreme?  Maybe. :)
Being judgemental of others is one of my biggest peaves.  I am so uncomfortable when ever there is a conversation or anything going on around me that is passing judgement on others.  I know how imperfect I am.  How flawed I am.  I screw up all.  The.  Time.  We shouldn't be judging each other.  We should be loving each other. Building each other up, and being there to pick each other up when we fall.God has given us this beautiful life, to live it fully and completely.  That is what we should be focusing on, rather than judging what those around us are doing.  You know....glass walls and all.  

Until later,
~L.

Welcome Autumn

October 18, 2012

Happy Thursday, everyone!  I hope you have had a good week so far!  Sorry for my lack of posting this week...I've just had other things going on!!  Don't forget...I still have stamps available in the FOR SALE Tab.  Great discounts on perfect condition stamps!!  So, I started my journey into gluten-free baking yesterday....and successfully made good tasting, correct textured corn muffins!  It was chili night at community group last night (church small group) and it seems the corn muffins were a hit....so I am pretty excited about that!  We also carved pumpkins together, and had a blast!  I have a couple of fun pumpkin photos to share...they will be after my card post.   And it's a good thing that I took a photo of it....because someone stole the pumpkin off my front porch last night.  Grrrr....sometimes people seriously suck.  :(

I have a card to share with you today using an assortment of Prima goodies!  It was part of the Fall Feature on the blog yesterday, and there were lots of other great projects in the post- so be sure to check it out!!  I used lots of pretty fall colored flowers on my card, and created a sentiment from alphabet stickers.  The metal pins from the Rondelle collection also ended up working out perfectly for this card...here is what I created!
 Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from yellow cardstock.
2. Cut texted paper slightly smaller, sand the edges and adhere.
3. Cut a strip of floral paper, sand the edges and adhere.
4. Layer the 5 different flowers to the card front as shown.
5. Cut a banner from patterned paper and sand the edges.
6. Add the sentiment to it with stickers, stick the leaf pin through the left side and adhere to the top of the bottom flower.
7. Layer a jeweled circle, velvet charms & a metal charm to the left side of the sentiment banner.
8. Accent the large flower with a metal pin, then accent with jewels to finish.

Challenges:
-Viva la Verve! October Week 2 - Sketch
-Simon Says Stamp challenge - Photo Inspiration
-There She Goes #177 - Fall Fun
-The Creative Paper Trade #3 - Festive Fall
-Annabelle Say It In #89 - Colors (olive, mustard, peach)










And here are the photos of my cute little pumpkin....may he rest in peace.  :(

I have a little bit of catching up to do in terms of my Bible study notes, so let's get right to it.
James 4: 1-3
These verses have some pretty extreme visuals.  I kind-of wonder if "shock value" isn't a new thing to the human race.  You always hear people talk about how desensitized we are to things, and how everything has to shock us in order to reach us.  Well, I consider these three verses pretty shocking and they were written 2000 years ago.  So, maybe that is just a characterization of humans in general?  I don't know...just a thought.  These verses did make me think a lot, because I do struggle with selfishness.  I like things my way...I want nice things...and sometimes my selfish nature can really rear its ugly head.  I have to work hard to keep myself in check, which is exactly what I think James is trying to get across here.  It's not a bad thing to want or desire things....but we have to make sure our selfishness is never a reason to fight or argue with others and that it doesn't get in the way of our relationship with God...no matter how much we want things our way.
It also made me think about how selfish my prayers might be.  Am I praying to God with the correct intentions....with the right heart?  Am I praying to God for things that I want....even if I happen to be praying for people that I love?  Is it okay for prayer to be selfish at times?  These are questions that I don't fully know the answers to....but hope that as I continue on studying the Bible and learning that they might be answered for me.

James 4: 4-6
These verses make me really take a look at my loyalty to God.  I look around at everything I have... everything I am blessed with, and wonder if I would give it all up if God asked it of me.  Matthew 6:24 says you cannot serve two masters.  In fact...this is mentioned a lot in the Bible.  As I look back on decisions and possibilities that have been part of my life, I realize that I actually don't really fret over material things.  I love my home, all the things in it, my cameras, etc...but I know that I could also live without them if I had to, or if God asked me to.  I look at the material things I have as a blessing from God, and I try really hard to use them in ways that He would want me to.  I try to be hospitable with my home, and charitable with my cameras/talent....I try to treasure the people & relationships he has entrusted me with.  When I returned home from Kenya, I was even ready to move there if ever called.  And I stand by that- I would go where God calls me.  I want to be obedient while I live in this world....I want to be God's friend.

Until later,
~L.

For Sale Tab!

October 16, 2012

Hey everyone!  I just wanted to let you know that I have added a For Sale Tab to the top of my blog.  Lots of great priced stamps available...so please go check them out!


Have a great day!
Lea

Nina B Designs October Blog Hop

October 15, 2012

Welcome to the monthly NinaB Designs team blog hop. NinaB Designs is a product designer for a few paper crafting companies including Spellbinders, Want2Scrap and Penny Black, and The Craft's Meow. For this month's hop, Nina challenged the team to create an ornament or tags, which will come in handy in the upcoming holidays. Here is my postal themed tag!
Instructions:
1. Add the word "December" to a tag, then adhere to the right side of a postale paper strip. 
2. Adhere to the front of a manilla tag.
3. Adhere a ticket to the front, then stamp the sentiment & check mark to it.
4. Add a glitter ribbon & bow to the top of the tag.
5. Diecut the leaves, then adhere to the front with three red jewels.
6. Accent the tag with postale themed stickers to finish.

Challenges:
-4 Crafty Chicks #111 - Tag, You're It!
-Moving Along with the Times - Tag It
-Penny's Paper Crafty #97 - Anything but a Card
-Party Time Tuesday #87 - Anything but a Card









The NinaB Designs team is giving away these TWO PRIZE PACKAGES:
Prize Package #1 includes Spellbinders Ironworks Accents and Motifs:
Prize #2 includes 2 retired sets from Layers of Colors stamps:
 Christmas Verses
Beautiful Lace
Winners will be picked randomly from 2 of the designers' blogs:

Everybody is welcome to comment and be eligible to win. The winners will be announced on  October 22 on Nina's Blog, where you will also find all the relevant info regarding the giveaways.Finally, please consider liking the following Facebook pages that are represented on today's hop, so you don't miss the latest news and happenings:
Penny Black Inc.
Thank you for joining us today!

Until later,
~L.

Happy Halloween!

October 14, 2012

Happy Sunday, everyone!!  I hope the end of your weekend has been a restful one so far.  Today has been a pretty quiet day....I watched my latest recorded episodes of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Squad, and Cheer!.  I love those shows...I would consider them my guilty TV pleasures, but I don't have one ounce of guilt about watching them.  Tee hee!

Then I got this cute little Halloween card created, and decided to post it today!  I grabbed the My Mind's Eye "Mischievous" collection this time around, which was the Halloween collection they released last year.  I never did use the paper with the darling witch & pumpkins on it...and decided that I just had to!  They are just so darn cute, I couldn't resist! Here is what I created:
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from kraft cardstock.
2. Adhere a strip of black lace to the bottom of the card.
3. Cut a block from the witch paper and distress ink the edges.
4. Cut a block of polka dotted paper, layer to the left side of the witch paper and wrap seam binding around the middle. Adhere the entire block to the card front.
5. Tie a double bow from matching seam binding, stitch a button to the middle with twine, then adhere.
6. Cut the October paper strip, add a pinked edge to it and adhere to the bottom.
7. Add a strip of black rhinestones over the seam.
8. Stamp the sentiment to a diecut conversation bubble, then adhere to the front.
9. Accent the sentiment block with a spider, diecut arrow and jewels to finish.

Challenges:
-Sketch Saturday #229
-Dutch Dare #186 - Inspiration Photo
-Allsorts #176 - Cute Halloween
-Stampin' for the Weekend #19 - Halloween
-Ribbon Carousel #73 - Halloween Spirit










I hope that you enjoyed my cute little Halloween card today!  I will be back tomorrow with the Nina B Design's blog hop....so be sure to come on back!!  Until then, I hope that you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and that you get some awesome relaxing time in!

Until later,
~L.

Love Forever

October 13, 2012

Happy Saturday, everyone!!  Did you have a wonderful Friday and start to your weekend?  We went out to dinner with our friends Misty & Chris, and Misty's daughter, Sami.  Then they came over to our house and we played Clue & Life on the XBOX.  We got snacky as the night went on, and I made us some yummy peanut butter covered popcorn.  It was a wonderful evening with our friends!  Today has just been a lazy day of watching football so far.  Auburn lost again (bummer), and the Griz are playing right now.  Hopefully we win!!

I have a clean and simple card using the Prima Marketing "Zephyr" collection to share with you today.  Even with some layers of embellishments, it still has clean lines and a good amount of white space which is what I feel makes it CAS.  I like to show that you can still create a nice and simple card while using all your fun embellishments & goodies!!  Here is what I created:
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from orange cardstock.
2. Cut floral paper slightly smaller, then adhere.
3. Cut white cardstock slightly smaller, then diecut three circles from the bottom & adhere with foam adhesive.
4. Add a wooden clip & rhinestone to the upper left corner.
5. Layer the resin, wooden heart, twine bow & flowers to the top of the diecut circles.
6. Add the first part of the sentiment above the diecut middle circle with alpha stickers.
7. Stamp the banner, cut out and adhere below the twine bow to finish the sentiment.

Challenges:
-CAS(E) This Sketch #1
-CAS-ual Fridays #74 - Heart
-Simon Says Stamp challenge - Dies &/or Punches
-Just Add Ink #139 - Use Something New










I hope you enjoyed my clean & simple, yet embellished card this afternoon!!  I didn't have a post ready for yesterday, so I am going to add my Bible study notes to today's post. 
James 3:16-18
What a beautiful section of verses. I read them over & over again today. Verse 17 is the wisdom I long for....pray for...want so completely in my life. It says, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." All I can think about is how amazing our world could be if we all sought after this type of wisdom. So many wars and senseless acts have been done in God's name. I can only imagine the sorrow that God must feel when His name is misused and so completely misunderstood. I know it makes me feel sad.

Until later,
~L.

Creepy Crawly Wishes

October 10, 2012

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!  I hope that your week has been a good one so far, and are feeling good about it being half way to the weekend!  I have gluten-free crockpot lasagna cooking right now, and it just smells heavenly!  I hope it tastes as good as it smells!  Have I shared with you guys that I believe that I have at least a gluten intolerance, if not celiac disease?  It is self-diagnosed in the fact that I basically quit eating bread & tortillas and cut way down on pasta, and felt so much better! (We don't eat much in terms of processed food...so those things were my main sources of gluten.)  Not to mention, weight dropped off me like crazy.  Now on the occasions that I do ingest something with gluten, I can really tell the difference in how I feel.  I don't know if I want to get an actual diagnosis, because I would have to start eating gluten regularly again....and I would just rather not.  Because we are pretty "fresh" eaters, it hasn't been very hard to convert to a gluten-free diet...and it really does feel great.

I created a cute little Halloween card for my post today!!  It uses some of the goodies from the new My Mind's Eye "Lost & Found Halloween" collection, which I just adore!  The Lost & Found series has always been one of my VERY faves, and I was so excited when they did a Halloween collection from it.  Here is what I created!
Instructions:
1. Cut doily shaped card from vintage cream cardstock at 5 1/4" using the Cricut Expression & Wild Cards cartridge, then fold in half.
2. Cut 2 circles from patterned paper, and cut the striped one in half.  Distress ink the edges, the layer together.
3. Tie ribbon around the seam, then stitch a button to the bow center with twine.  Adhere the entire circle block to the card front.
4. Adhere the diecut border directly below the ribbon.
5. Distress ink & layer the remaining Halloween diecuts to the card front using foam adhesive.
6. Stamp the sentiment to a banner cut paper strip, distress ink the edges and wrap around a bat topped pin.
7. Adhere along with a pumpkin topped pin to the right side of the card.
8. Adhere three fabric bats to the front, then accent with black pearls to finish.

Challenges:
-Inspired By #44 - Halloween Inspiration Photo
-Creative Card Crew #21 - Birds
-Totally PaperCrafts #137 - Shaped Card
-Top Tip Tuesday #87 - Things with Wings
-Pile It On #41 - Vintage/Shabby Chic










Isn't that just the cutest little Halloween card?!  I think so, anyways.  Tee hee!  Time to move on to my Bible Study notes...because I didn't have a post yesterday, I am going to just combine the two days.
James 3: 6-12
Well....this is awesome.  Look at all the things we've been able to control as a human race.  We can harness power in all forms, including the atom.  We've basically connected the entire world via technology in communications.  All the creatures listed in verse 7 - man has been able to subdue &/or tame them.  The list could go on....but we are unable to control our tongue?  It seems so simple, but think about it.  Speaking is the main way we know how to communicate- whether it be in person, over the phone, email, via text, Facebook, Twitter, blogging.....I think you get what I am saying.  When someone says or does something we don't like, don't agree with our that hurts us....what is your gut reaction?  I know mine is to be defensive, and I don't know about you, but the words that come out of my mouth aren't always too pretty.  My Bible has a little note that says, "When you praise God with the same tongue that you curse the people He created, you've made the wrong choice.  Respect the power of words and learn to use them to encourage and strengthen others."  My prayer this week has been to wake up each morning as an encourager, and NOT as a dissenter.

Until later,
~L.

Never Ever Give Up Hope

October 8, 2012

Happy Monday, friends!!  I hope you had a super wonderful weekend, and that the start of your week has been a good one so far.  So, we had a bit of a crazy mishap in our house late last night.  We were watching a movie together, and all of a sudden it sounded like a bomb went off in the other room.  Two growlers full of home brewed beer that Josh made with a friend had completely exploded (something about too much sugar, yada yada....).  Folks- there was glass shrapnel embedded in our walls.  There still is one piece that Josh couldn't get out with his fingers...needless to say, the walls in the guest bedroom are going to need some patching and painting done.  We are still doing laundry from the aftermath, letting the room air out, and will be getting the carpet cleaners in this week. The very tops of some of my scrapbooks were affected.  :(  But, what can you do.  They weren't completely ruined, and mishaps happen in life...  Although...I am pretty sure I am over beer being brewed & stored at my house.  Tee hee!  :)

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Pink is everywhere right now, and now it is going to be on my blog too!  While I have never been personally affected by the disease so far in this life, I am not naive enough to think that I will never be affected by it.  So, I created a card of encouragement that could be given to any woman going through this disease, or any type of hardship.  I used the Glitz Design "Hello Friend" collection for my card, and let me just say....it couldn't have been more perfect.  This line is all about friendship & encouragement & love, and just full of pink.  Here is what I created!
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from oatmeal cardstock.
2. Adhere heart bokeh transparency to the front, then trim off the excess.
3. Layer two bits of washi tape underneath a chevron frame sticker to the front.
4. Adhere the banner & heart sticker across the bottom of the frame, then accent above it with another sentiment sticker & rhinestone.
5. Cut banner edges to the teeny alpha stickers, and adhere below the banner.
6. Add the "you & me" sticker over the other strip of washi tape, then adhere the women stickers to the middle of the frame using foam adhesive.
7. Accent with clear jewels to finish.

Challenges:
-Raise the Bar #114 - Sketch
-CAS-ual Fridays #73 - For The Girls
-Flourishes October challenge - Think Pink
-Charisma Cardz #39 - Bling










I have to share a super cute photo that I took on Instagram while I was getting this card created.  My little pup really wanted to be right in my lap, instead of laying next to me on the floor like he normally does.
Isn't he just darling?!!  He did finally get tired of my moving all around and squishing him when I would lean over...but he stayed there for quite awhile.

James 3: 1-5
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "You are what you eat."?  So, how do you feel about, "You are what you say."?  Matthew 12:34 says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."  James 3:5 says, "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts."  What we say can really, really affect others.  As kids we used to sing, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!!!"  That, my friends, is CRAP.  Words do hurt.  Words damage.  Words leave wounds.  I know I've hurt people with my words.  And people have hurt me with theirs.  I am making a much more conscious effort these days to really watch what comes out of my mouth.  To be more loving & encouraging, and to find healthier ways to voice my anger & frustrations.  It truthfully is a daily prayer for me, and something I have to be mindful of. 

Until later,
~L.

Thank You So Much

October 7, 2012

Happy Sunday, all!!  Did you have a wonderful Saturday celebrating WCMD and creating the day away?  Well...I actually only got a couple of cards done, one of which I am going to share with you today...but that was kind-of perfect for me.  Unless I am creating for CHA...I am not much of a "binge" card maker.  I prefer to make just a couple, and make sure that I add every detail that I want to it.  Plus- I was watching football.  The Griz finally won!!!  It was a good win, and we looked better....let's hope we keep improving from here on out....and win out the season!! :)

For my card today, I used all my fun papers & accessories from My Mind's Eye "The Sweetest Thing - Lavender" collection.  I just love the soft pink/aqua/cream color combo of this collection, and the feminine feel of it.  It is one of my latest favorites from MME!!  Here is what I created!
 Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from vintage cream cardstock.
2. Cover the front with a cream paper block.
3. Add crochet trim to the top of a pink chevron paper strip, and adhere to the bottom.
4. Cut a thin strip of grey striped paper, and adhere to the top.
5. Wrap light brown baker's twine around the top, then top the bow with a chipboard button.
6. Adhere an aqua label sticker & tiny word stickers to the upper right corner, then trim the excess.
7. Layer a strip of washi tape, a banner sticker, the aqua label excess and a heart circle sticker to the lower left.
8. Stamp the sentiment to the banner sticker, then accent the aqua label with enamel dots.
9. Change the brad in the doily diecuts, then adhere to the card front to finish.

Challenges:
-Two Peas Saturday Card Sketch
-Annabelle Stamps Say It With - Thank You
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #189 - Think Pink
-Really Reasonable Ribbon #57 - Pretty in Pink
-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday - Doilies










Thanks for taking the time to check out my cute little thank you card all full of pink today!!  I hope that you have a really wonderful & restful Sunday ahead of you.

Until later,
~L.

I've Been Missing You

October 6, 2012

Happy World Card Making Day, friends!!  What a fun day this is....a day for the craft loving community to create and share together.  It is truly inspiring!

I created a card for today, and will hopefully get quite a few more cards done as the day goes on.  I created this for one of the Pink Paislee World Card Making challenges that they have been sharing on their blog all week long.  Here is what I created!
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from vintage cream cardstock.
2. Cut blue damask paper slightly smaller.
3. Add a strip of pink lace to a floral paper block, then adhere the entire piece to the damask paper.
4. Tie seam binding around the middle, finishing with a double bow on the left side.
5. Adhere the entire paper block to the card front, then accent above the lace with a pearl strip.
6. Diecut a window from a cardstock block, then stamp the sentiment to it.
7. Adhere a pink paper block to the front, then adhere the window block over top of it with foam adhesive.
8. Diecut the hearts & butterfly from patterned paper & felt.  Adhere the butterfly to the upper right corner, and accent with pearls.
9. Stick a heart topped pin through the felt heart, then layer inside of the window with the scalloped heart.  Accent the felt heart with a pink pearl.
10. Add a wooden button & pearl to the bow center, and three paper flowers next to the sentiment to finish.

Challenges:
-MFT Guest Designer Sketch challenge
-Pink Paislee Shadowbox Card challenge
-Clearly Inspired #61 - sentimental
-Sweet Stampin' challenge - use a window










Thanks for checking out my soft and sweet card today!  I might have more to share later on today....you never know!!  I hope you have a great day of card making!

Until later,
~L.

WPlus9 October 2012 Group Post

October 5, 2012

Happy Friday, everyone!!  Are you looking forward to the weekend?  I know that I am....although it looks like it is going to be a cold one.  That's okay...I am going to be spending most of tomorrow in my little crafty room creating cards to my heart's content.  It is World Cardmaking Day, after all.  Tee hee! :)

Well, the new product all became available for sale this morning, and today is the group post which ends each release week for WPlus9.  It is always SO fun to see what each designer comes up with, and how different we all create!  I did a little set with a matching card and pillow box.  Here is what I created!
Instructions
Card:
1. Make A2 card from black cardstock.
2. Cut newsprint paper slightly smaller, adhere lace trim to the right side and adhere.
3. Cut black damask strip and adhere to the bottom.
4. Adhere diecut banner over top of the black damask strip.
5. Stamp the tree & girl image to a diecut card and adhere.
6. Tie a bow from dotted ribbon, and adhere to the corner along with two paper flowers.
7. Top the bow with a wooden button & pearl.
8. Cut a strip of newsprint paper, add a banner edge & stamp the sentiment to it.
9. Accent with a pearl, then adhere the strip tucked into the flowers.
10. Add a tree topped pin underneath the banner to finish.

Pillow Box:
1. Assemble the pillow box.
2. Cut a striped paper strip and wrap around the middle.
3. Wrap lace trim around the bottom.
4. Diecut the tag & outlined star from patterned papers and adhere to the front.
5. Add a bow and two flowers to the right corner of the star tag.
6. Diecut the banner and stamp the sentiment to it.
7. Accent with pearls and adhere to the front using foam adhesive.

Challenges:
-Deconstructed Sketch #72
-Cute Card Thursday #237 - ribbon
-Delightful challenge - winter holiday
-PaperPlay #40 - sparkle & shine
-Penny's Paper Crafty #96 - diecuts & punches
-Papertake Weekly - anything goes

Don't forget to check out what the rest of the designers have created today, and be sure to check out Dawn's blog.  She has all the projects in one place, and it is SO fun to check them all out together!!









James 2: 21-26
I can see why Martin Luther struggled with James 2.  Paul tells us early on in the New Testament that faith is what makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God.  The big thing to realize is I don't think James disagrees with that in any way, shape or form.  I feel, after having read chapter 2 quite a few times now, that James was more expanding on the premise of faith.  I think we first have to understand that salvation is always apart from works.  But James makes it quite clear that "proper" faith leads to good works.  He also gives us two examples from the Old Testament, Abraham & Rahab (who seemingly couldn't be more different), who both had faith that lead to good works.  I guess I see it this way.  If you truly believe in Jesus and what He did in His time on earth....and if you truly want to strive to be more like Him....then good works will become a more natural progression in your faith.  And while I know I will never be perfect at it, I do notice that as I continue to grow in my faith...I have more inclination to do good for others, and even more importantly - do more good for God.

I hope you enjoyed my projects for this month's WPlus9 release.  Everything is available at www.wplus9.com right now, so head on over and pick up your must haves!!

Until later,
~L.