Congrats!

I'm back again with a card for this week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge! It has been such a long time since I picked up a stamp or paper...over a month I believe. I have been doing a lot of traveling this month and think I spent more days away than home. After I got home, I had about a week of trying to get my "land legs" back after being on a cruise ship for 7 days, along with ferries in Seattle!  I'm finally able to walk in a straight line and stand without holding on to the wall for support. You would think I had been on a tiny sea-tossed boat rather than a big ocean line cruiser.
Our family (husband, youngest daughter, and her friend and myself) went on an Alaskan Inside Passage cruise and had such a wonderful time. I have a few pictures I am going to share on Monday, so please come back for a visit then.
This week's hostess for our stamping challenge is my friend and blog founder, Kristine Breach. You can visit the SSiC blog here and read her thoughts for today's devotional.

The Scripture:

Psalm 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

This week's challenge: Use flags/banners in your card creation!
Our sponsor this week is a friend of SSiC's and a generous donor: (anonymous)  donating a grab bag of stamps!! How fun is that?
I have had these banner dies from Spellbinders and had yet to break them out of their packaging...so thanks, Kris, for the fun challenge! This paper is so pretty, I used just a snippet of the floral and it adds something to my card...the button is aqua and has a Daisy pattern embossed on it. (hard to see!)
I love this scripture and am looking forward to reading this week's devotionals and seeing all the banner ideas!
Wishing you a week of blessings and trusting in the Lord!

Purple Posies

Good Sunday morning! Today we have another challenge on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog by Candace.
This week's scripture challenge:

Psalm 118:6

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

The challenge: Do something on your card that you are afraid of. For example: Clean and Simple style, stitching, a vintage look, etc...Just do something you would not normally do!

Two fears I faced with my card today: First, using this Fleur de Lis Rectangle die. I have had it for quite awhile, but usually have a very difficult time getting it to pop out of the die without tearing it somewhere...so I used a magnetic plate this time and it helped. Also, I used purple, which I actually love, but am a little intimidated by. Purple has a tendency to look cheap if it isn't done right...so I went with an elegant look with just a bit of bling!
I did not take this challenge too seriously, meaning I just had fun with it, and thought, what have I not done in a long time that I would like to try? This was such a fun challenge!
For my card:
Flourishes stamps: From the Garden
Ink: Memento Black, versafine black
Copics for Coloring, C1, C3, C5, C7, V000, V04, V17, G20, G40, G82
Nestabilities, Fleur de Lis Rectangles, Fancy Tags
Pretty wrinkled ribbon from Flourishes
**I am also entering this card in this week's Flourishes challenge to use a flower on your card! You can view this challenge here.http://flourishes.org/2012/05/timeless-tuesday-170/

My Daughters on Graduation!

My youngest daughter, Erin, right on top, center on bottom...graduated this May from Colorado State University.  I realize she is missing her graduation cap...these were taken afterwards, and she took her cap off. I am so proud of Erin...she graduated with "high honors" with a degree in Business and an emphasis in International Business and Marketing. She also accomplished this in four years, including a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain last Spring. Her older sister, Caitlyn, came from Denver and we spent the day together. Our daughters have always been close, and the first photo is one of them being slightly silly doing what they call the "prom pose."
I love these pictures, it reminds me how blessed I am and how very proud I am to be the Mom of my two girls...well, I guess young women would be a better term!! And of course, my sweet husband was the one taking the pictures. He does not like to be in them, though, so I will spare him that.
This is our back deck with the neighborhood pond in the back...this Spring has been so lovely with all the green buds and some fresh rain.
So just wanted to share this happy moment...and praising God for it!! Thanks for stopping by!

Build up Your Card!

Today is my day to share this week's devotional at Stampin' Sisters in Christ!!

Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

There is a fire raging near my town of Fort Collins, Colorado, in the mountains of the Poudre Canyon. It began earlier this week, with a spark that got out of control. Firefighters have been working around the clock, trying to form a barrier to stop the flames and save the homes in the canyon. Residents in eighty of the homes were called to evacuate the area this afternoon. The first night I opened our front door to the distinct scent of a bonfire; the smoke swirled around the street lamp giving off an eerie red light. I stepped outside, my eyes stinging from the smoke, and quickly closed it and said a prayer. That was three nights ago. The fire that has burned and destroyed over 7,000 acres of forest as of tonight…was intentionally started.


James 3:5 reminds us, “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

Who of us has not been singed by fire? Words flung in carelessness by another… a spark that ignites and encircles us with a heaviness of spirit that is hard to quench. We may spend a lifetime putting up barriers, man made boundaries to keep the toxic words from causing further damage…the fire from eventually destroying us. If you were a child that grew up with a verbally abusive parent, you know what I am speaking of. A long time child advocate, nothing breaks my heart more than overhearing a parent degrade a child verbally. And unfortunately, this abuse does not stop with children. It touches all stages of life, including the elderly. Not one of us escapes the smoke getting in our eyes!

In contrast, this verse in Ephesians tells us not to let any unwholesome talk proceed from our mouths. The word “unwholesome,” is the same word used to describe fruit that is rotting…decayed, putrid. It refers to obscenities, foolish talk, or coarse joking. Rotten, wormy apples protruding from our lips is anything but a pretty picture! Instead, our speech is to be marked by edification…that is the building up of others. These are words that minister grace to the hearers. They are not frivolous or false flattery. The Proverbs 31 woman is an example of this. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” This woman’s tongue is governed by a higher authority…the “Law of kindness.” Her speech is kind and tender, exhorting others using Christ’s kindness as her example. These words build us up…they draw us close and encourage us out of love to love others better. What a blessing to have someone like this in our childhoods! Or adulthood's for that matter! My Nana was this kind of loving person in my life who set a Godly example with her tongue. What a blessing this beautiful woman was in my life. I never felt more safe, loved, happy and delighted in than when I was with her. I am sure her influence in my early childhood years shielded me from many of the damaging words spoken so casually and carelessly to my brothers and I growing up.

Proverbs 18:21” The tongue has the power of life and death…and those that love it will eat its fruit.” I hope by the time this is read I may report the fires contained, the damage minimal, and no casualties! Oh, may we say the same thing about our own tongues. “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. “ Proverbs 21:23

This week's sponsor is featured on the SSiC blog: Traci Mayberry!

So for my card, and the reason it is not posted at the top of the page, I CASED this card from Lynn Putt, that I had saved on Pinterest. I wanted to make a card using these stacked flowers, buttons, pearls, ever since I saw this sweet beauty a few weeks ago. I changed the background paper and added buttons and pearls, other than that the flower dies and layout, colors, are pretty much the same. You can visit her blog here.

My challenge: "Build" up your card using paper piecing, paper tole technique, layers, stacked elements...you name it!!

This is for our daughter's  college graduation...she is off celebrating (she doesn't need any help with that part,) so I have not given it to her yet. I will be posting a few pictures this week from that day on my blog.
Thanks so much for stopping in...I hope you have a blessed week!

Organic it Is!

Good Sunday morning!
Before I get to today's challenge, I wanted to let you know that we have six new design team "sisters' on our blog debuting today. We have already been busy getting to know each other, and this is such a blessing to have us all on a team together. So I hope you will visit the blog this week and give them a nice welcome! All of the Design team blogs are featured on my sidebar also!
Today our wonderful  Stampin' Sisters in Christ sister, Miesje, is challenging us to make a card using natural materials. (Twine, seashells, sand, burlap, sticks...etc...). I had bought a large burlap spool of ribbon last Christmas, so decided to use it as the backdrop of this image. This was the third or fourth attempt at a card, and after a mishap involving a dozen or more "flying ink pads," this is what you get. That is what I get for trying to keep it simple!
Our verse this week is:

1 John 2:4-6

"Whoever says, 'I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him."

I don't have a lot to add to this already packed scripture. It speaks for itself. I know some people say they believe in God, yet they do not read their bible or make it a priority to learn his commands. How can you "know" someone that you don't have time for? How can you say you love God, and yet continue to live your life as though you are your own God? God's word is so amazing...as many years as I have been privileged to sit in a bible study...it is always fresh, new, and the applications are there for me in my situation in my life today!! No one likes to be called a "liar," that is such a strong word...but John is saying that is what we are if we say we know him, yet don't obey him. Love and obedience always go hand in hand. An authentic Christian follower will always be evidenced by their love for God and his word, and their desire to obey him. It does not mean we do not disobey at times, but the pattern of our life is one of wanting to know God and follow Him above all else!

The challenge sponsor this week is : Our Daily Bread Designs~a 15.00 gift credit.

My sentiment on this card is from ODBD, I love their fonts and beautiful scripture selections!

Thanks so much  for stopping in...I can't say I love this card, but it uses natural elements, and looks like it will be a good fit for a male sympathy card.

Daffodils for Mom!



Today is our Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge...this week MariLynn is our lovely hostess!
The scripture reference is:

Jeremiah 17:8

"Those who trust in the Lord shall be like a tree planted by water sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green. In the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit."

The challenge: Use our green thumbs, either use green on a card/project or use an image of something planted.

This week's sponsor: DRS Designs gave each of the DT a choice of stamp for our cards today.
A $10.00 gift certificate is this week's prize for one fortunate winner!

For my card, I chose this DRS framed Daffodil stamp ...it is a growing thing and my Mom likes them as much as I do! I paired it with some pretty green solid paper and designer paper, Flourishes custom die (keyhole), Basic Grey designer rhinestones, PTI mixed messages for the sentiment, and two embossing folders.
Make a trip over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to read this week's devotional and be inspired and encouraged by the DT cards!
This is not a verse I am familiar with...but isn't it amazing how God's word comes alive when we meditate on it? I feel I have been in a bit of a spiritual drought in the last year or so...in a period of feeling dry, a little out of my element as a mother and wife, unsure of my place in this world as my daughter is graduating college and moving on to a career in the big corporate world.... will I be able to impart anything of value to her, and if I do, will she listen?) I admit to feeling a little anxiety with a lot of unknowns...and yet this verse says to not cease to bear fruit. I think I need a bit of fertilizer if I'm going to keep producing...maybe sinking my roots a little deeper ...soaking up some of that fresh rain of His word, and looking upward to the sun of His face illuminating my days.  The "empty nest" is a transition for me...although our daughters have not lived at home for four years, they have been nearby...and now another stretch for me as my arms grow ever longer to reach across the threshold of change and find new ways to "bear fruit" as I am called to do! Lord, help me to be willing and please equip me for what is ahead and not be anxious.
Thanks so much for coming by...wishing you a blessed week!

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge

Today's verse for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge is chosen by the Lovely Linda!
The scripture:

Psalm 119:105

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

The challenge: Make a card/project using a soft color palette.
The sponsor: Inspired Stamps~thank you!

The verse on my card is actually a digital image from Inspired Stamps...along with that pretty vine border~! I don't dabble in digital at all; so needed some help from my husband with this...it isn't exactly what I had planned in my head! How often does that happen? The silhouettes are from another stamp company, I embossed those to dress up the other panel. These colors are Pool Party and Wisteria Wonder from SU!, and three silver pearls and some silver swirls were added.
I know Linda will have a wonderful devotions to accompany this week's challenge, so I encourage you to visit the SSiC blog to read and view the rest of teh DT's creations!
Thanks so much for stopping in and wishing you a wonderful, restful, worship-ful Sunday!!

Country Charm

It's another beautiful Sunday here, and another stamping challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ! This week's scripture and challenge is hosted by the talented and lovely Kristine Breach. Why don't you visit the blog and see all she has to share in her devotional today as well as visit the DT's cards? You won't be disappointed, I'm sure!
So today's scripture is:

Colossians 1:27b "...Christ in you, the hope of glory"

The challenge: Create a card using vellum or acetate

Today's generous sponsor: Serendipity Stamps $25.00 gift certificate (Love their stamps!)

Thanks to Serendipity stamps, each of the DT members were given a choice of stamps and I chose this Adirondak Chair. The detail is quite amazing, and I knew this would make up into a cute country card with the embossed vellum and red gingham, a red button tied with twine to adorn one corner.
I love the look of vellum on kraft paper with gingham, don't you?
We hope you will take the time to play along with this week's challenge and also make a stop to Serendipity Stamps to thank them for their sponsorship this week.Can't wait to see what you will create!
Thanks so much for popping in today...I wish you a day of relaxation in your favorite chair!! :)

Jonquil Bookmark! FLLCAPRRW2

So today I told a friend that I did not own any daffodil stamps. Then I decided to enter this challenge at Flourishes for making a "bookworm" card or project, and the closest stamp I could find to fit in this embossing oval from SU! was called "jonquils." I think they must be the same as daffodils, but not sure. Either way, I used two embosslits and thought it jazzed up this bookmark, then added a green satin ribbon at the top. Thanks again for stopping in, we have lots of these yellow flowers poppin' up all over our neighborhood right now!!

Motherly Love Challenge FLLCAPR12

There is a new Flourishes release at the Flourishes Blog this week! That means a new challenge and opportunity to win all of the release sets! The challenge was to make a birthday or Mother's day or any kind of card honoring  your Mother. Yesterday was my Mom's birthday and this is one of the cards I made.  I hope to make a Mother's Day card later this week also!
I used my Designer paper and had some fun pairing up two different kind of ribbons for this challenge. The sentiment is from Flourishes and I just used the box already on the beautiful paper. The ribbon is Flourishes' pink silk by May Arts and also some pink striped ticking I found here locally. The two shades of pink pair well with the two-tone pink flowers found on the paper also. I used three prima flowers and some twine treatment on top of the ribbon for added embellishment.

My mom is such a special woman in my life and I am happy to report that she is home from the nursing home now. As some of you may remember, it was very traumatic for all of us when she admitted herself after the home health care dropped her suddenly last May. After seven months, she is home again and of course, our hope and prayer is she will be able to stay as long as they can arrange to have daily help. I can only attribute my Mom being home to my Dad's diligent persistence and even more so, every one's prayers to this effect. God has been so very gracious to allow her this time home once again. I am in awe of all He has done for them! Living so far away; the stress of her and my Dad's well-being has been overwhelming at times this past year or so...so I am so thankful for this respite for all of us!

Spring Bunnies Shaker Card

My first shaker card!


Good morning! Today is Sunday and the beginning of a new week and new challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! You may visit our blog to read today's devotional written by my friend, Peggysue, and view the wonderful and creative DT submissions for this week's challenge.
Today's verse is:

Luke 15:20 

 So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Today's challenge: Make a card with motion, or an interactive card; spinner, viewmaster, pop up, slider, gel, etc.

This week's prize sponsors is a  10.00 valued gift package from Pizzazz Aplenty!!

Can you believe I have never made a shaker card? Since it is spring, and I have had this adorable stamp for a long time and not used it, I decided this might be the best time to try it out. The oval frame was an aha! moment when I realized it made into the shape of an egg, so this is great for an Easter card as well. I added pink seed beads because that is what I had, and I didn't want to go buy anything. They look so pretty in real life, all springy and remind me of that pink Easter grass found in Easter baskets now.
I still like to give our daughters an Easter card and some type of Easter basket, even though they are grown up. Sometimes I think they are embarrassed because they are too "old" for that, and it is always a challenge due to the forever dieting. But some friends have recently encouraged me not to stop...so I need to get to making one soon!!
Do any of you do Easter baskets and if so, what do you like to put in them?
I have a little project that I finished up today of something I am going to add to their baskets...so stay tuned!
I am looking forward to reading today's devotional and worship at church tomorrow.
This week is very full in anticipation and celebration of Easter Sunday! I wish all of you a blessed week as you consider the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf on the cross. It is the pivotal point of history that separates Christianity from every other religion.

Stampin' Sisters in Christ~Romans 8:31

It's a beautiful weekend here in my hometown...Spring is springing up, birds are chirping, geese are a layin', (wait, isn't that another season? Seven geese a layin')...and another Sunday is here with a beautiful challenge befitting this time of year approaching  Easter! Our hostess this week is our friend, Miesje. Please visit the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to read this week's devotional and see the DT challenge cards for all the details. We are always so blessed to have the opportunity to stamp a card using scripture as our inspiration!
This week's scripture:

Romans 8:31b-32: "If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

The Challenge:
Create a card or project that uses everything! The opposite of CAS - toss on the embellishments and/or different papers, textures.
The Prize: Our Stampin' sister, MariLynn, has a prize offer for this week's winner...it is a surprise package that is sure to delight!! Thanks, MariLynn, for being so generous!

My card uses one of the Our Daily Bread Designs scripture collection! I love the fonts of these stamps, and the biggest challenge was choosing which one to use, as all of them are my favorite scriptures! I added as many "extras" as I could...but my favorite is probably the embossing folder which gives such a nice texture to the already beautiful paper. And then topped it off with a beautiful color of silk, somewhere between rose and a deep coral...and added one of the Prima fairytale french rose to the center.
Hope you will join in on the challenge this week...and thanks for your visits, friendship, and such encouraging and fun comments!
An update:  My husband is on the mend from his hip replacement surgery. I am so thankful for all of your prayers and support...this was one of those worries that loomed large in my mind as he has had some extreme discomfort for many months now. He is relieved to have it done, and is learning not to swagger like John Wayne when he walks (he likes it when I call him John, now...) and is being very diligent about rehab and doing all the exercises. He's back at work, and I've taken a week off "recovering" myself this past week. Nobody told me how tired I would be from my husband's surgery! God has been so good to provide this avenue of healing for him, a surgeon that does this type of surgery in Boulder (one of the few in the nation that know how to perform it). Once again, the Lord shows me what this verse in my card says, "Do not be anxious, but with prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God," and I am slowly learning to heed this verse. So very thankful for your support and prayers!!

Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 4
Paper:  PTI Vanilla, SU! Pool Party, Poppy parade, Certainly Celery, DSP Everyday Enchantment
Accessories:  Labels 18 Dies, Square Lattice EF, Cherry Lynn Die, May Arts Silk, Crochet lace, Blue Rhinestone, Blue Pearls, Scallop Punch, Prima Rose

Fragrant Rose

Today's Sunday challenge on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog is brought to us by my friend, Peggysue. You can visit our blog following the link above to read this week's wonderful scripture and devotional!!
The challenge this week is to use a flower on your card creation. This is a Flourishes set given to me by a friend. The verse is highlighted by a SU! embossing frame and the beautiful Lenten Roses are colored in with copic markers. One of the flowers is cut out and popped up. (That was done to hide a flower...this is a "new" technique...hide a flower...and it worked really well for me!! :) 
We have a prize sponsor as well...so please hop on over and join in the challenge this week!! The card challenge was a good one for me as I am really out of practice coloring and need much more practice.
I look forward to seeing your creations, and will join along with you reading this week's devotional. I am sure we will be blessed. Have a wonderful week, and thanks so much for stopping by!

Intentional Card Giving~Dayspring Cards!!

I've been thinking about my intentions with hand stamped cards for some time now. As with many of you, I love the act of creating cards, especially with a special person and occasion in mind. But sometimes, in the art of card making, the intention of card sending becomes secondary. Not that I don't have good intentions...but I become behind and then the timing seems off (especially in the case of an encouragement card, or a recent hardship, sympathy, or even congratulations on your new baby! ) All of these are occasions that need a quick response and timing is everything!
So, when I saw this offer from Dayspring to receive a free pack of cards (of my choosing)...I was so excited! And when my box arrived in the mail, I practically squealed, as my package of cards also came with this organizer that fits right into my goal of not only being intentional, but organized. This organizer is brightly colored with a fun print, has a pretty latch, and inside are removable Monthly lined pages for recording birthdays and special dates.

I love sending out encouragement cards. These cards, a collection from Holley Gerth, are contemporary, fun die cut shapes, and feminine with words that speak to the heart of the issue. Sometimes while writing the inside of a card, I am at a loss for words. Each of these cards contain words that are so heartfelt and true to scripture.
Here is one of the special sentiments titled, "Never Alone."
"You're never alone.
God is with you.
He knows your name.
He numbers the hairs on your head.
He understands the cares in your heart.
Every morning,
He's by your side.
Every night, He watches over you as you sleep.
There's never a moment
you're not in His thoughts...
never a day you're not in His care.
You're never on your own.
He whispers to your heart,
'You're forever My own.'"
And the inside scripture, "God is love, Whoever lives in love lives in God." 1John 4:16

I am part of a life group at church. We are a group of couples, widows, divorced,  a mixed group; all of us with our faults and frailties and yet God has brought us together to do "life." One woman in our group became widowed suddenly last year. I barely knew her at the time, yet my heart went out to her. In the past two weeks, she has been undergoing a trial  watching a son slowly suffer from a long term illness. She has been doing bedside vigils at the nursing home as she waits for him to leave this life and enter his eternal one. I am sending her this card to let her know she is in my thoughts, but more importantly, she is in God's thoughts.
I know this may seem like such a small thing, sending a card, but to the receiver it can mean the difference between feeling alone, or feeling loved. Feeling isolated, or feeling a part of. Feeling no one cares, to knowing someone is intentionally reaching out to you.

Please visit the {In}-Courage page to read more about the beautiful card selections and be encouraged to begin your own card ministry.
I was so blessed by this gift of cards and am resolved to hand pick a card from this beautiful assortment and mail it off...just because I care.

SSIC 122~ Making All Things New

Good Sunday morning! I am your hostess this week for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog. Thanks so much for joining us! You can see the gorgeous Design Team entries for this challenge and this week's devotional on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog.
My verse was taken from the book of Revelation. With a new year already almost two weeks underway, I wonder, if you, like me, are floundering a bit on your "resolutions," or still deciding what you want the new year to look like? This verse seemed so appropriate and inspired my thoughts on God making all things new. Thank goodness, it is not up to me, or my current mood or the day I am having. If I have given my life to Christ, then I also need to trust Him and His resurrection power to bring newness to my life.

Revelation 21:5

“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘write for these words are faithful and true.’”

Who of us doesn’t like new beginnings? Since the beginning of a New Year, I have also begun a new Bible study, and just this week, celebrated a new birthday! All of these bring a bit of excitement, challenge, and fresh hope. I recently read this poem in a daily devotional, and my heart ached with the words the author conveyed.

Starting Over

I wish there were some wonderful place

Called the “Land of Beginning Again,”

Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches and all our selfish grief

Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,

And never be put on again. (Louise Fletcher)

Ached, because I can empathize with her longings to be free from the past. Because, as with any new beginning, something old has to be discarded. I can’t expect to start out each day fresh and new if I am still entangled by the mistakes of my yesterday. Wrong thoughts, impure motives, selfish desires…all of these the Bible warns about. Yet, are you, like me, eager for something new? We want the blessings that the Lord has to offer; but we are not as willing to do what He requires of us. With the promise of a New Year, we are often so willing to boot the old one out the door like company that has overstayed their welcome, without ever pondering why some things went so awry. We had good intentions, after all. We prayed good prayers, we fought the good fight…and yet sometimes the trials remain. Trials: like The People that do not cooperate with our plans. Yes, I said it. How many times have I been disappointed because of someone else’s behavior? (Underline else.) Most of last year’s trials were of this variety. Don’t you love how the book of James refers to a “variety of trials?” I see the unrepentant child who rushes headlong into one long series of bad choices, and I shake my head and wonder. And yet, before Christ intervened in my life, isn’t that what I was, an unrepentant child?
So before I ask God to do anything new in my life this year, I want to first ask Him to make me new. Give me a renewed desire to please him, a renewed willingness to obey him. Give me new eyes to see my present circumstances…a new heart to praise Him for the simple joys of living. God has promised to renew my thinking, as I immerse myself in His word daily. So that is where I am starting. I want, more than anything, to see God’s newness of life as He pleasures to reveal it to me. But I know that to do that, He will also have to make some changes in me. And we all know change can be painful. I can entrust this process to Him. So I am letting go of some of the “to do’s” on my New Year’s list of goals, resolutions, or whatever you call them. And replacing them with, “ God, Please do…” Do a new work in me, create in me something, someone, worthy of you.

The challenge:
Let's use something new on our card/project this week. It can be a new stamp, paper, or embellishment...or even a new technique or an idea that is new to you! Just have fun with your creation!!
The Prize:
Nina Brackett Designs (2 stamps," Gleefully Yours, " and "Christ is Risen."

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes Snow Wonderful
Paper:  PTI Vanilla, SU! Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey Origins DP
Access: Classic Keyhold Die (Flourishes), Ribbon, Copic Markers: E53, E42, E25, E29, E39, YG95. twig and twine glued with Allene's Tacky Glue, Chalk ink for Background

Thanks so much for taking part of your day by visitng here, and I would love to hear your thoughts, whatever they may be! Blessings on your day!

Surprise Blog Candy!!

This is just a reminder that entries for my surprise blog candy will end this Sunday evening!! After that, I will choose a name to win from the entries on my initial post on blog candy (scroll down 2.)
I would really like it if you would tell me your New Year's Goal, plan, or dream...for this year!! If you have a "Word" for the Year, and want to share it, please do.
Just wanted to let anyone who might want to enter have the opportunity! I will customize the blog candy to the winner, so it will be a surprise to you and to me!!
Blessings on your day~

Stampin' Sisters in Christ~Wonderful Friend!

Hi there, friends!! Today is Sunday, and the beginning of a new year of challenges at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! It feels like so long since we have had our time together, I have missed the challenges and am ready to get back to them and to you, our stamping friends!
So today's scripture challenge is by my friend and talented stamper, Peggysue from "Roses by my Window." This week's scripture choice is:
Phillippians 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

You can view the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to view Peggysue's devotional and the Design Team cards for today's challenge.

The sponsor this week is The Cat's Meow!!

The challenge for your card is to make a "Thinking of You" card!

I used the Rosey Posey set for my card today, and decided on this friendship sentiment.I really liked the bold florals with this font.  If you would like any card details, just leave me a comment and I will gladly get back to you.

So, I hope you join us in this week's challenges and have a wonderful, blessed week!! ~

SSIC~117 Christmas Cardinal

Good Sunday morning!! I hope you had a special time over this past Thanksgiving holiday if you were celebrating!! In my family, Thanksgiving is a matter of survival!! I really don't know how the pilgrims managed, as I have a challenge just getting a turkey on the table and the fixin's for my big crew...I can't imagine dealing with frigid temperatures or making friends with the natives!! I guess I don't have the fortitude the pilgrims did, that's for certain~!
So the day after Thanksgiving, full of gratitude as I was for my family and the blessings they are to me...I happily sat at my stamp desk and created this card!! Not a care in the world...just like the birds in this week's verse!!
You can read all of today's challenge and this week's devotional on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog.
Our challenge hostess is the amazingly talented Linda from Lovely Linda's Craft Central.  Linda chose this scripture:

Matthew 6:25-34

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"

The challenge this week is to create a project that has a bird on it, as designer paper, image, or charm.
The Prize: A Sweet and Sassy gift card!! Go look on the Sweet and Sassy website!! They have so many wonderful products!!
My card uses Flourishes stamps and a sentiment also from Flourishes. The paper is Basic Grey's Jovial. The paper reminded me of warm flannel...which seemed an appropriate backdrop to this wintry scene!! I also added SU's striped grosgrain ribbon, a big 'ol button, and a "fancy tags" nesties for my sentiment. The cardinal was colored in with copics, and a little bit of snow added on the branches with liquid applique.
Thanks so much for stopping in...please visit all the talented design team to see what they've created this week. Sure hope you can join in the challenge!! Blessings on your week!

SSIC 113~Christmas Tree

Another week has flown by so quickly...and it's time for a new Stampin' Sisters in Christ card challenge!

This week our hostess is the wonderfully talented Lisa from The Craft's Meow.  You can view the devotional on the SSIC blog and read along with the rest of the design team. It's always exciting to see each week's thoughts  and applications.

Well, we had a "sneak peek" of winter here a couple of days ago as overnight the snow caught us by surprise, leaving a scene of winter wonderland along with many damaged trees in our town and neighborhoods. The beauty of the fist snowfall of the year sparked the creativity in today's card. This week's challenge was to use "fall colors like crimson, orange or golds."

Crimson it is...and this Christmas striped ribbon reminds me of today's verse:

Isaiah 1:18" Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

I stamped the tree and gave it a gold halo with Tim Holtz antique linen and tea dye inks...(my touch of gold) and added a bit more gold with stickles along the branches. The crimson was added with the back panel and the red and white striped ribbon tied in a big fat bow. These oversized bows seem to be my trademark!

I see this verse as such a "gift" from God...the one we as Christians can celebrate any day...and that is the complete wiping out of our sins by a completely Holy God. Some may ask, "What is sin? " Sin as used in scripture means to "miss the mark." God has set a perfect and holy standard in the Bible. Just reading the Ten Commandments, none of us has to go far to realize that we don't meet any of them perfectly. God is holy, which means he is completely without sin. In order to enter in to his presence and enjoy fellowship with him...we also need to have that holiness imparted to us. Thankfully, we don't have to wait until some distant day far off into the future. God provided a way...and that is by believing in His son, Jesus Christ and repenting (turning away from) our sin. If any of this is confusing or you would like to know more about how to have your sins completely removed (past , present, and future) now and forever...please leave me a comment and we can reason together through the scriptures.

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This week's prize sponsors are a 10 pound gift card from Lily of the Valley. I just received an order from them yesterday, and can't wait to make a card with one of these adorable images!

 I hope you can join in our challenge this week...and be reminded of the weight that has been lifted as we rejoice over the promise of this scripture when we confess our sins and turn away from them...putting our trust in God's son as the perfect sacrifice for all of our sins.

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Today's card is also being submitted for this week's Flourishes

card challenge to use a tree or leaves on your card!

And one more submission for this month's Flourishes Christmas Card Challenge FLLCNOEL18!

Stampin' Sisters in Christ~Doves and Holly

Good morning my stamping friends! Today's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is a really unique one based on such an encouraging scripture selection. Miesje from Creative Craft Room with a View has chosen our verse and challenge this week. You can read her devotional on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog or here.  I hope you can join in the fun this week!!

The verse:  Matthew 11: 28 – 30  "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The challenge: Sharing. Use two of everything on your card. 2 Designer papers, 2 flowers, 2 stamps...etc...whatever you choose, double it!
The Prize Sponsors: This week's wonderful sponsors are Designed 2 Delight~a 10.00 gift certificate!

I don't have a devotional to add to this week's scripture, but am always so blessed reading this week's devotional along with you!

I purchased this stamp last Christmas, and it was still uninked! So I was happy to bring it out and use it for today's card challenge. As you can see, there are two doves on the image, two sizes of the same Labels 18 nestability, and two sets of three pearls. I also used two designer papers.
I am also submitting this for this month's Flourishes Christmas challenge to make your card shine! I used gold embossing powder for my stamped images, stickles for the holly berrys, and glimmer mist for the entire image.
Here are the card details:
Stamps: Doves and Holly, Christmas Classics (Flourishes)
Paper:  PTI white, SU! Brushed Gold, Basic Grey Jovial
Ink: Tim Holtz Spun Sugar and Antique Linen, Memento Black
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels 18, Copic markers, Pearls, Red twill ribbon and white crochet ribbon, Gold Embossing Powder, Diamond Stickles

Thanks so much for visiting today and hope you can join in on the challenge!!

Stampin' Sisters in Christ ~Challenge #109

It's another Sunday and another scripture verse challenge on Stampin' Sisters in Christ!! This week's challenge is brought to us by the fun and talented Kris Breach of "Ink Something." You can visit the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog and see the devotional as well as the design team's samples for your inspiration.
This week's Scripture:
Galatians 5:22
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
The challenge:
Include FRUIT in your creation. (could be designer paper, digi paper, stamped image, charm, etc...)
*By definition, a pumpkin is a fruit, and so are other "harvest" produce such as gourds.*

I received a crate of peaches from a friend a couple of weeks ago; just before we were to leave on a trip. Not wanting to waste any, I went to work peeling, slicing , and freezing. So when I viewed this week's challenge, I was excited to bring out this Magnolia stamp featuring Tilda holding a peach! Isn't she sweet? I have long admired these stamps that have been water colored with distress inks, so this week, I challenged myself to try this technique. It is a different look than coloring with copics, and I like the softness the water coloring medium lends to this sweet image!

This verse is one I have not visited in awhile...and it was such a good reminder that when we have Christ in us; he enables us to live by the fruits of the Spirit.  I did a little inventory of the fruits...not peaches, strawberries, and kiwis...but those fruits that Christ alone can accomplish in us. I know when I am short a fruit (or two or three)...it means I am not walking by the Spirit, but I am relying on my own strength.
This week I am concentrating on one of the fruits of the spirit listed in this verse, "peace." What I learned is that "our peace is an inner calm that is promised to those who believe who have a thankful attitude based on an unwavering confidence that God is able and willing to do what is best for his children." That perspective has really helped me this week...knowing that I can be thankful even in light of difficult circumstances...because I can know that God is doing what is best for me.
This past week I was given the "peace that passes all understanding..." that is promised in Philippians 4:6-8. " The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." There was a situation that would send any mother into a tailspin of worry and anxiety...and yet I experienced so much peace. I prayed a lot during the day, and slept really well at night.  I was talking it over with my husband today and asked...so what was different? The situation remained, nothing changed on the outside...but I felt different on the inside. Could it have been the prayers of others, my own prayers...and then I realized...the difference was I could see a tiny window of God at work. It was as if  the heavens were parted just enough to see something minuscule on a universal scale, yet so large in my life from a heavenly perspective. So then, the question I asked myself, So did that mean that God wasn't at work before? No...it just meant that God was really gracious in allowing me to see a speck of what he was doing in the grand scheme of things. And so I can only thank Him.
I hope you are encouraged by this week's verse and I look forward to see what you do for today's challenge.
Have a blessed Sunday!

A Picture speaks a Thousand Words!

Good morning, blogging friends!! I could tell you where I am...but I imagine you can guess by the above photograph...which by the way, took forever to upload from my hotel room!! But here it is, and it is really beautiful!! Right now I am tucked away in a beautiful but secluded hotel outside of Chantilly, France. Since I have no car, I am relaxing in the room while my husband attends some planning meetings. Our room is surrounded by a miniature forest...so I think a walk exploring the grounds is in order. When I return home, I will upload more pictures from our trip.
The best thing about Paris...Rue de Cler...a quaint street with vendors and sidewalk cafes. If you walk to the end and around a corner, you'll have a great view of the above!!
The least favorite thing about Paris...shopping on the Champs de Lysse...(I think that is misspelled)...so crowded and people walk right through you...I had to get out of there without a single souvenir. I am thinking the streets of New York city may be similiar, at least that is what I've been told!
Missing: Starbucks coffee.

The Church Door~Stamin' Sisters in Christ 106

Good morning! Today at Stampin' Sisters in Christ we have a new challenge!! This week, Rebekkah is our challenge host. You can read her devotional on the SSIC blog or on Rebekkah's blog, "A Diamond in the Rough."  Rebekkah has chosen this verse:

Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened."

The challenge on your cards this week is : To us a door or window on your card!
One card will be chosen winner and receive a special stamp set from Simon Says Stamp!

I searched and searched for a stamp that had a door on it...and remembered this lovely Flourishes image from "Christmas Postcard," which had a small church in the background of this dreamy winter scene. I thought it appropriate for this challenge...you could use a door of a building, a door image, make a small door in your card, use designer paper with a door on it, whatever you wish!! And if you can't find a door, use a window!
I wanted to use my new fleur de lis rectangles to frame this image. I stamped this initially on some Jovial designer paper to give it more of an antique feel. (Leslie from Running with Scissors gave me that idea!) I then used frosted lace and diamond stickles to add snow, colored it in with various copics in soft colors, added a wrinkled distressed ribbon and gold cording...and have one Christmas card done!! Or this could be a winter birthday card, I used the "Warm winter wishes" so my card could be used for any winter occasion! Of course, today is a sunny day in Colorado, and this picture may be hard to capture the winter feel and all the sparkle, but it is there!
So...please jump in and join the challenge this week!! In my week the church is a door I enter through frequently...it is a place of worship, study of God's word, a place of renewal, friendships, encouragement, and a place to be real with others who are earnestly seeking God and want to know Him better!!
Thank you so much for coming by...have a blessed week!



A Quiet Life~ SSIC Challenge #105

Welcome to today's Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge! This week's verse and devotional was chosen by the wonderfully talented  Peggysue at Roses by my Window! Her devotional and all the design team cards will be featured on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog also!

I will be traveling to the mountains over the weekend...which was part of the inspiration for today's card. I wanted a scene that depicts living a quiet life...so I combined two Flourishes stamps and did a distressed ink tutorial for my sky background. I have to say, I like the way it turned out...though a bit bright for the muted colors of today's challenge...I am pretending that this is a Seattle blue sky and anyone who has ever visited there knows that when the sun is shining, the sky will be blue!!

The verse:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living, just as we told you before. 12 In this way you will win the respect of those who are not believers, and you will not have to depend on anyone for what you need."

The challenge:Nothing bright. Use quiet colors in your card creation; either pastels or earth tones; soft muted shades of neutrals

The Prize:  Clear Dollar Stamps GC

My card recipe:

Stamps: Flourishes Kids at Play, Forest of Trees

Paper: SU! Always Artichoke, SU! other, PTI Rustic

Ink: Versafine Vintage Sepia, Ranger Peeled Paint, Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade, Broken China

Accessories: Twill ribbon, Metal Nailheads colored with copic marker, Circle Nestabilites, Dimensional

Thanks so much for visiting today...and your kind comments! I can't wait to see what you create with today's challenge if you play along!! Have a wonderful weekend!

This is the Day the Lord Has Made!

I can't believe it is already time for another Stampin' Sisters in Christ card challenge! Some days fly, and this week has been one of those weeks!

This week's challenge is brought to us by Miesje. You can find her verse along with accompanying devotional and the Design Team's challenge cards on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog.  I am always excited to visit and read the devotional and this week is no exception!

This week's verse:

1 Corinthians 10:17 "Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

The Challenge: Recipe challenge: Create a card choosing at least 3 of the following:

ribbon, button, swirl, hat pin, brad, charm, popped up image.

The Prize: Sweet and Sassy Gift Certificate!!

Today's card uses the verse from Psalm 118:24, one of my favorite verses! After checking, I think I have these elements on my card: ribbon, swirl (found in the labels die cut and the doily,) hat pins, and popped up image. The timepiece on the far corner is a cut out image that I took from a piece of the Webster's Pages designer paper and then adhered it to another paper from the same pack. Because the verse has to do with honoring this day, I wanted to use an element of time. Just don't look too hard...it may seem like my clock is turned on it's side, but I really wanted those florals facing that direction! I also used a new-to-me product, Allene's Paper glaze on my fancy labels. I wanted the image to pop, and this left a glassy glaze on the surface. I think I like it.

I hope you are inspired this week and would love to see your card or creation when you play along with this week's challenge!!

My card is also made with the Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge to use a doily.

This card was also meets this week's Flourishes challenge to make a card using a sentiment as the focal point.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Flourishes Lenten Rose

Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Antique Linen distress ink

Papers, Prima DP, SU! Cocoa, PTI Kraft, SU! Blush

Accessories:  Crochet Lace, 1/4" satin ribbon, Making Memories Vintage Findings Gem Pins, Fancy Tags Two Nestabilities, Martha Stewart doilies, brown pearls, Allene's Paper Glaze

Stampin Sisters in Christ ~2 Timothy 1:7

Good Sunday morning to you!! This week's Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge was challenging for sure. But as with any good challenge, the outcome can be so gratifying! Today's challenge was given by MariLynn from Mississippi McGyver. 

You can view today's devotional and challenge in detail by visiting the Stampin Sisters in Christ blog. I'm sure you will be blessed!

The Scripture:  2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."

 

The challenge:

Try something that you have been AFRAID to try before. Examples: A color combination, a different style than you would normally use (layers instead of CAS or CAS if you normally lay on the layers...) You get the idea!!

The Prize:  A 15.00 gift voucher from the generous Paper Fashions Etc.!!

I really had to rack the recesses of my tired brain to figure out what to do for this challenge. I thought and I thought and I thought...and I could not think of what I was afraid to do. Most things I have wanted to do (stamping related,) I have attempted before. The reason I don't do it is either because it isn't my style, or I've discovered I don't do it well. And I have learned that over spending hours and hours on a card or project and wondered why I tortured myself?  I call that a learning curve...and happily I have moved on to a style that reflects me and doesn't leave me frustrated. Except every once in awhile I see something one of you does and have to give it a try! It's always good to challenge yourself a bit! 

When it comes to living life, I know I am not nearly as brave as I would like to be. In the past two years I have found my knees weak and thoughts rambling and my fingers trembling.  The word that can evoke so much fear has touched all three of my family members...husband, oldest and youngest daughter. Each have required numerous surgeries to rid of tumors. I am afraid of cancer. I am afraid of surgery.  While in this waiting mode of wondering if the cancer recurs in another suspect looking mole on one of my daughter's bodies...I find myself avoiding the sun and being fearful of the damaging rays. I still go outside, but I am not one to go uncovered...I have shade and a hat. 

Those relationships that I have consistently relied on for strength have been slowly taken away.  My mom recently made the decision to be permanently placed in a nursing home in the town where she and my Dad live and I grew up in. I am fearful for her physic  well being as every day she loses weight and she is so frail to begin with. I am worried for her emotional well-being as she is such a lovely woman and yet she spends most of her time alone.  But more than that, I am afraid at times of not being the daughter to her and my Dad and the support that I need to be when they live in a town that is many miles across several mountain passes. How do you flip family responsibilities and become the mother to the mother when you miss your mother? And how do you let go of being the daughter that could go to her mom when she was scared?  I wrestle with this often and the role I now play.  And am I able to meet the responsibilities of handling all the financial and health decisions when the time comes?

These are just a few of the ways the Lord has steered my life and those I love recently. And at times I feel I have lost my equilibrium.I have had the feeling of being suspended in the unknown rather than walking a steady path the Lord has set out for me. When feeling this way, the one thing that has helped is confessing my fears to the Lord...not that he doesn't already know them!!  Reeling in those thoughts that tend to take me captive and down a side street of doom. Lately I am coming to the realization that whatever the Lord is doing...it is truly for my good. I am growing closer to Him. I am putting away the distractions and spending much more time in seeking him out. We have a lot of conversations on my bed at night.  When I find myself unsteady, I think on his attributes and how he is unchanging...He is a rock. He is my rock.

We all need encouragement in this life...and I have found so much through God's continued grace and the ways he continues to reveal his care, his goodness, and provision over me and those I love...oftentimes through friends like you!!

2 Samuel 22

"As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

(23) It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (24) He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to stand on the heights. (37) You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."

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 One thing I am a little intimidated by is alterable items.  They usually require more time than a card...but the results can be gratifying! This gift tin has been sitting in my closet for a long time. I went to work with paper, dies, stamps perfect for food gifts, spritzing roses, adding ribbon, etc...

I filled it with pretty gold foil wrapped candy. And for now it will sit in my stamp room or kitchen...until I find the perfect occasion for gift giving. You can click on the picture for a closer view. I love these stamps from Waltzingmouse work for the canister lids also!

Paper: Daisy D's designer, PTI rustic

Ink:  Versafine Sepia, Always Artichoke

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Victorian Fripperie and Labels Four

Accessories: Spellbinder dies, prima roses, shimmer mist, satin ribbon

Thanks for visiting today! I hope this project encourages you to try something you've been afraid to attempt before. I just thought of something else I am afraid to do...digital!! Oh my goodness, I would need a class for that one!! But I need to learn, because that seems to be a trend here to stay!!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Reeling in Colorado's Beauty!!

I rarely make male cards...but this Thomas Kinkade image combined with Flourishes "What a Catch" set had me swooning. My guy is a fly fisherman, and the combined images made a pretty handsome card, don't you think?
I copper embossed the background and colored a decorative brad with a copper copic marker to antique it...adding the cool "fly" in versamark to give the background some interest. A couple of weeks ago I actually went with my husband while he picked out to fish with. They were so tiny, all in these little bins, and really detailed...pretty cool art in and of itself.  I added a simple handmade flag banner. The main focal image is so detailed, it doesn't need any color added. I kinda like that!

This card was a complete CASE because I love love love it. The blog, "Joyful Creations with Kim" caught my eye awhile back...Kim also lives in Colorado and she captured the beauty of a Colorado pine forest in her card here. She also gives a great tutorial for this one layer beauty. I can't say that I completely honored her card with mine, but I tried. Combined with the twine and a button, I am happy with this card's outcome. I made several using a masking technique and 3 colors for the sponging in background, Baja Breeze for the sky, Old Olive for the base, and So Saffron in the center going upwards to mimic sunlight filtering through the trees.
One thing that really helped me line the masking up is using a large lined post it note pad (I needed two pieces for each side and one for the top) combined with a grid paper underneath to match the lines. I used SU!'s large ruled sheets for this. I made that purchase a long time ago, and they are so handy to have!

Thanks so much for stopping in today!! I will be back on Sunday to share a project I am working on for Stampin' Sisters in Christ!
Hope you're having a wonderful end of summer!

Sing to the Lord!

It's a new week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ!! Today's devotional is from the most talented Teresa Kline of Paperie Blooms. I am so looking forward to reading Teresa's thoughts this morning and hope you will join us in today's devotional and stamping challenge! 

Teresa's chosen verse is:

Colossians 3:16

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

This is such a beautiful and encouraging scripture, don't you think? I think music speaks to all of us...whatever our tastes or genre might be! But there is something very unique and wonderful and transforming when we all combine our voices heavenward in praise to the Lord!

The challenge:

Use music in some form, sheet music, musical notes, instruments, or singing.

The Prize:  Simon Says Stamp gift certificate!!

I love this stamp from Flourishes...it reminds me of my Mom singing our wake-up song when I was a little girl....The Red Red Robin! Do you know it? Anyway, this bird brings me a smile and combined with the sentiment from the same set, "Sing a New Song," is perfect for Teresa's challenge today!

Stamps: Flourishes Singin' Along, Country Charm Labels

Paper:  Papertrey Ink white, Bazill blue

Ink: Memento Black, Versafine Sepia

Accessories: Nestabilities, pearls (colored blue with copic,) copic markers, Martha Stewart punch, prima roses, pink plaid ribbon, white crochet ribbon, twine