Fabulous New Year to YOU!

I know it has been quite a while since I blogged and to be honest, I have been way to busy with this and that and a little thing called Christmas :o)   I am also working on some upcoming releases...one of which begins this coming Monday morning for Gina K Designs...some exciting stuff is coming!

It is the end of 2010 and this year has been one of challenges and blessings.  I must say the Lord was in control of every bit and as the trials and challenges came His guiding hand was always there as I leaned upon Him for strength.  The Lord taught us so much that I know we needed to learn and for that we are thankful.  It is comfort in knowing that 2011 will all go according to His perfect plan.... and nothing surprises our omniscient God!  He will give strength and guidance for every step as we lean upon Him.

2010 was FULL of blessings I never even dreamed possible. I was Guest Designer for Gina K. Designs in March and Layers of Color in September and am now full time with both teams.  The Lord has also blessed in having some designs published in magazines (which was a goal I had for 2010) and He abundantly blessed as I persevered through more rejections that I ever imagined, lol!  I must say if it is a goal for you to be published...just go for it and SUBMIT, lots!!!!!!  

Now to some amazingly exciting news.... In less than a month, I am going to CHA in California. Yep, all the way across the country from my little part of North Carolina!  I am completely stunned about  how the Lord opened the doors for this amazing opportunity.  I will be representing Layers of Color and have lots to prepare for the conference.  I am taking my camera, so know I will have LOTS to share the end of January and early February.  It will be so exciting to meet those in the paper crafting industry and network with various companies.  BIG thanks to Laura for this opportunity and looking forward to seeing what the Lord has for Layers of Color in 2011!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I will be back Monday morning with some GKD sneak peeks for the upcoming release on Thursday, January 6th!

Blessings,

CP94: Merry Christmas

I made this for the Card Patterns #94 sketch challenge.  Super easy sketch..  I used the stamp set Block Greetings and paired it with some My Mind's Eye patterned paper.   The sentiment is from Holiday Greetings.  The label image was sponged with Antique Linen distress ink to age it a bit and have it blend with the patterned paper. I wrapped some cream colored tulle and added one punched snowflake. A nice quick and easy Christmas card.

We are getting freezing rain today and hoping it switches over to rain soon!!! 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

His Specific Plan

I am back and trying to get into the swing of things stamping wise...  Lately there are so many other fun things happening around here that stamping just doesn't get worked in to the day and that is just fine!  I did manage to get a little bit of stampin' time on Sunday afternoon while the youngest was napping.  Since I was short on time and needing some inspiration sketch wise, I turned to a favorite sketch challenge blog: Card Positioning Systems #197.   For this card I use the Layers of Color Belle Brocade Art Stencil to create the background and added some black brads.   The sentiment is from You are not Alone.

This card also fits for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #60 to create a card that will encourage or cheer someone in need of uplifting.  This is for a dear lady that has been on my heart recently.   I pray this is an encouragement to her as she trusts Him for her daily strength amongst a difficult diagnosis... The Lord knows all of our needs even before we do...there is such comfort in knowing that He is in control and nothing takes Him by surprise...

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Family

I made this using the stamp set Nesting.  The feather stamp is perfect for creating your own background stamp.  I paired this with some Basic Grey Pyrus patterned paper and used Chocolate Brown and Soft Sand cardstock.   The focal image was stamped using Antique Linen and I stamped 'Family' over it with Brushed Corduroy.  

I am entering this into the All Occasion Card Challenge over on Moxie Fab.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Happy Mail: Surprise Friendship Box

I received the sweetest thing in the mail on Monday!  A Surprise Friendship Box from sweet MariLynn....Lookie here:

I tried making one of these over 3 years ago and they are not easy, at least not for me!  She used the clear art stamp set Creative Flourish from Layers of Color and even embossed some of them in Gold embossing powder.   Isn't it stunning?  I just  love those flowers on the top!  And here it is opened...

Inside each of those drawers were these beautiful handmade paper flowers....just a thing of beauty!!!  MariLynn, you are such a blessing!  You have the sweetest spirit and a glow for the Lord about you that comes right through cyberspace....thank you for being such a sweet friend.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Chai

Just a quick card to share using the stamp set Mugs and Kisses.  I wanted to create more feminine card and used some Webster's Pages patterned paper.  My daughter and I love to have a cup of Earl Grey or Chai in the evenings.  Just something special the two of us share...  I just love that Melanie included the word Chai and this cute Tea bag image.  Eeeks,  right up my alley!

I received the most delightful thing in the mail yesterday and CANNOT wait to share with you.  I am so blessed by such a creative group of stamping buddies....  You all are so very inspiring!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

LOC: Happy Thoughts

I saw the technique this week over on SCS which was Faux Tile Background and thought it looked fun!  I had never tried it before and am trying to stretch myself more :o)  You probably notice I tend to stick to clean and crisp designs and am comfortable with that style, but at times it is good to try something new and different.

I used the Brick Wall cling art stamp to create my faux tile, such a great background stamp!!  I also used the Embroidered Butterfly cling art stamp and the flourishes are from Nature Walk.   I am not a big "color-er" like so many of you (I am amazed with your skillz) and sponged my butterfly with yellow and brown ink.  I love how shading a bit around the *tiles* with a Gray Copic made those tiles really pop, uber cool!!!

This card fits the following challenges:

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge (create a card of encouragement/congratulations)

Moxie Fab Card Creations All Occasion Card

I am excited to announce that Diana Queen is joining the Layers of Color Design Team!!!  She has such a sweet spirit about her and is a true blessing to Layers of Color, we are thankful to have her joining us and be sure to check out her post today....it is Slipper-Sational!!!!

  Layers of Color Art Stamps has a new FACEBOOK GROUP where you can connect with many more LOC friends and a new FLICKR GROUP where you can upload your LOC artwork and be inspired by hundreds of fabulous LOC creations!
With Facebook you can stay on top of all the latest news: We're now a Spellbinders Preferred Stamp Company, new releases (red rubber cling is here!)
 Making your creative world more colorful with Layers of Color!

 And I have an exciting opportunity coming in January that I am just amazed at...truly LOC is busting at the seams with FABulous news...

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Gina K Designs Sneak Peek Day 2

Welcome to the second day of the previews for Gina K Designs December Release!  Today Gina K Designs is previewing two more sets and I have two cards to share using the newest set illustrated by Asela called Nesting...

For these two cards I kept to a color theme of Black Oynx, Soft Sand, and Ivory cardstock.  I used the Herringbone CB folder along with some 5/8" Black Stitched ribbon.

I kept the image on the nest itself uncolored so that the three eggs would POP!  It is symbolic of the three I have in my nest and how there is no place I would rather be then home with them.... 

Be sure to comment on each of the participating designer's blogs and Gina will randomly choose FOUR winners from ALL of the comments!  Gina will announce the winners tomorrow night, at the top of this entry on Gina's Blog just before preview day 3.

And for even more samples of the upcoming release, please check out these participating designer's blogs:

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper *you are here*
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

We'd also like to invite you to attend our Release Party Thursday, December 2nd starting at 7 pm central on StampTV. There will be challenges, contest questions, and more samples from our designers on all the new stamp sets being released this month. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Gina K Designs Sneak Peek Day 1

Welcome to the first day of the previews for Gina K Designs December Release!  This is my first month on the Gina K Designs Design Team and I am just thrilled and honored to share some of the samples I made with the stamp sets which will be released this Thursday night at 10 PM (CST).

First up is Mugs and Kisses which is illustrated by Melanie Muenchinger.  This stamp set is jam packed with some fabulous sentiments and images that will be perfect for anyone you know that enjoys a good cup (or mug) coffee, tea, chai, hot cocoa and even soup!  I decided since it was almost December to create a Christmas card.   

Don't you just love that peppermint stick!!!  Eeks, so cute!  I used Chocolate Brown cardstock and layered it with Lipstick Red and Ivory.  I added a bit of  Chocolate Stitched 5/8" ribbon and a little Happy Holidays tag.  I used Spellbinders Large Classic and Scalloped Circles for my image which was paper pieced.  Melanie has certainly created another adorable set and know I will use it a ton...  Don't you just love that BIG mug :o)

My next project features the newest set illustrated by Tami Mayberry called  

Block Greetings...

And yes...the squares in this set coordinate with Classic and Scallop Large Square Spellbinders dies!  Tami included beautiful sentiments that fit perfectly within the scalloped oval.  For my card, I kept it to a simple Friend greeting.  I love how quickly you can create a card with this stamp set and plan on creating sets of cards to give as gifts. ( I am also entering this into the  Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Week All Occasion Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.)

Be sure to comment on Gina K's blog as she is giving away one of each of these stamp sets on her blog.  And for even more samples of the upcoming release, please check out these participating designer's blogs:

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

We'd also like to invite you to attend our Release Party Thursday, December 2nd starting at 7 pm central on StampTV. There will be challenges, contest questions, and more samples from our designers on all the new stamp sets being released this month. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Layers of Color: Friends Forever

I have been so blessed by the friendships I have made via Layers of Color.  Grace is one of those I connected with right away for her sweet and uplifting spirit.  Her love for the Lord and care for others has been an encouragement to me.  When my husband was in the hospital this past summer Grace  shared with me Psalm 73:26 which was such a great comfort to me (as His Word is for believers). 

This card was completely inspired by Grace...I used the Cottage Rose cling art stamp and colored it with Copics.  I also added a musical score since when I think of Grace, I think of the uplifting music that  plays on her blog when you visit...  Her blog is truly a joy to visit...I promise it will be inspiring!!!

Grace is stepping down from the Layers of Color Design Team and while she will be greatly missed, we know that she won't be going far :o).  She is a dear "Friend of LOC" and the entire LOC DT is looking forward to seeing her creative designs in the future. And I still hope to meet her at a LSS and have a nice cup of coffee :o)  Blessings to you Grace, you have been a blessing to me!!!

Be sure to check out the rest of the LOC DT for more inspirational designs as we bid a sweet "see you around friend!"

Laura *  Melisa *  Nina *  Linda *   Janice *

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Thankful For YOU Special at GKD!!!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!  I know I enjoyed cooking/baking and we had just a wonderful day.  My parents came down from Virginia and we really enjoyed our time together.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and love all of the great left-overs :o)

It sure makes dinner easy for tonight, lol! 

I wanted to share this CAS card I made using Melanie's A Year of Borders stamp set.  I needed several thank you cards on hand and these were quick to put together.  Just stamped the leaf border, used a label from Lovely Labels 2, and the sentiment is from Fanciful Tags.

 

I wanted to let you know about this great Thanksgiving weekend sale happening over at Gina K Designs!!!

 With just a $35 order, you can pick on of these SIX fabulous stamp sets!! There could be some really happy mail coming your way soon, just in time for your Christmas card making!!!  Just remember that you have to place your order by 11:59 P.M. Sunday, November 28th!

Well, I am off to do some shopping of my own....braving Black Friday with my mom and daughter.  Now mind you, I am not one of those out at 3 A.M., but still enjoy the early morning sales :o)  Hoping to get a LOT off my list....

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I made this card using the SSIC#66 challenge which was to create a card or project that shows your thankfulness to God. I have certainly been abundantly blessed in all areas of my life.  First and foremost in my salvation, my dear husband, our children (He blessed us with in His perfect time), my parents, good health, needs provided (as well as many *wants*), and this amazing hobby which has given me some wonderful friends in my computer, lol!  Some I have met and others will get to meet "in real life" soon.  More on that another day :o)  hee-hee...

Anyways...for this card I used some beautiful Layers of Color stamps.  I used the cling art stamps: Victorian Frame (which since Layers of Color is a preferred Spellbinders company it coordinates perfectly with Labels 14!) and Brick Wall, as well as Fruitful Harvest art stamp set.  The flourish is actually an art stencil: Natural Flourish.  The little acorn beside the sentiment is from Nature Walk and just perfect with the Autumn Blessings sentiment. Acorns here in North Carolina are abundant and the squirrels are going nuts getting them gathered up for the winter.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

Moxie Chic Tuesday Trigger

This card was inspired by the Trigger Tuesday Challenge: Moxie Chic over on Moxie Fab.  I used Heirloom Ornaments, the Christmas wording backgroung from Vintage Borders, and the sentiment is from Fanciful Tags.  The patterned paper is from Webster's Pages.  I loved the pop of pink in the trigger and added it to the top of my ornament.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings, 

Winter Mittens

A quick card to share today that I made for the new Color Spotlight Challenge Gina has on Stamp TV.  I used the stamp set Winter Mittens and more patterned paper from My Mind's Eye (I Believe collection).  The green brad is from a gift I received from my Secret Sister who sent me some MME brads and ribbon to match the paper I had...thank you so much, looking forward to finding out who you are :o)  

Hoping to get a good start on my Christmas card designs this weekend.  My goal: make them ALL this weekend.  Will see how much I get accomplished, lol! :o)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings, 

Winter Mittens wrapping

A quick gift idea to share today using Winter Mittens... Along with the stamp set, I used some My Mind's Eye I Believe patterned paper and wrapped up a jar of Apple Butter.  The mitten and label were stamped and die cut with Spellbinders.  A nice quick way to dress up a gift of canned goods :o)  Obviously I need to really start thinking of gift giving ideas and kicking myself for not buying more Apple Butter while we were at Carter Mountain Orchard the end of October...  I am not a jelly/butter maker, don't know the first thing about it (I know, that is just sad).  But I guess I could wrap up some Smuckers, hee-hee!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

BIG News!!!

I have been sitting on a BIG secret and somehow I managed to keep my lips sealed...yes, it is possible, lol! ;o)  Gina asked me to join the Gina K Designs Design Team, eeeekkkkkssssss!!!  So very excited and quite an honor to be amongst the talent of the current team and those that are joining the DT with me.

I do have a  project to share using Nina's Heirloom Ornaments:

I loved the card Nina made (HERE) for the release party and just had to try it myself.   In addition to Heirloom Ornaments, this card also features the worded background from Vintage Backgrounds, and the sentiment is from Fanciful Tags.  I started making this card using  Gina's sketch today over on Stamp TV...however, not thinking it fits now due to my ornament, lol!  The patterned paper is from the new Christmas line from Graphic 45.

Now who all is joining the GKD team you may ask....
Here they are:

AJ Otto

Carolina Buchting

Carolyn King (Yes! She's back as a DT member!)
Colleen Schaan

Deb Felts

Giovana Smith

Janice Whiting

Michelle Woerner

Suzanne Dean

Tina Gilliland

Valerie Stangle

Vicki Dutcher

Super excited to be joining these talented designers and huge thanks to Gina K for asking me to join, too!
Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

The Color Room #32: LOC

I made this for the Color Room #32 challenge and am also entering it into the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger challenge. I love colors of fall with their rich yellows, oranges, reds and brown. Just a beautiful time of year!

I used the Starflower Frame and Brick Wall cling art stamps as well as the Belle Brocade art stencil along the top. Isn't that Brick Wall cling art stamp AMAZING!!! 

I  combined two different sizes of brown half pearls for the center of each flower.  The sentiment is from Nina's set Fanciful Tags.

And don't forget that this week Layers of Color is sponsoring 2Sketches4 and the special at Layers of Color:

 

**30% OFF SALE on art stamp sets at Layers of Color online boutique!**

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings, 

Fruitful Harvest

Welcome to day five of our Fruit of The Spirit themed celebration!
Layers of Color is celebrating sponsoring 2Sketches4You this week!  I shared my card for the challenge on Monday and today wanted to share a CAS design using Fruitful Harvest.

This is really a very simple card that used two different images from the clear art stamp set.

I stamped on Pumpkin Spice cardstock with Memento Potter's Clay to create a nice fall creation.  This is also being entered into the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger Fall Festival.  I was inspired by the orange colors and paired it with Chocolate Brown.

The scripture that is the central theme for our Blog Hop this week is Galatians 5:22: 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law"

**Layers of Color is having a special sale 30% OFF select ART STAMPS

(**it is for a limited time**)

You’re invited to visit the designer blogs all week as we continue to share our “Fruit of the Spirit” themed creations!

LOC * Diana * Grace  *  Jennie  *  Linda * Melisa * LOC

and NinaB - friend of Layers of Color

Remember to subscribe to the Layers of Color blog for Faith Art Friday, Guest Designer Wednesday, tutorials, exciting upcoming news, and unique colorful ideas! 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Layers of Color Fruit of the Spirit Hop Winner

Welcome to day two of our Fruit of The Spirit themed celebration!
Layers of Color is celebrating sponsoring 2Sketches4You this week!

Yesterday the LOC Design Team featured cards using their sketch and the Layers of Color Prize! Be sure to join the challenge at 2Sketches4You to be eligible to WIN THIS PRIZE: Fruitful Harvest art stamp set, Belle Brocade art stencil and Botanical Swirls art stencil!

For my card today, I used Bird Queen cling art stamp and two stencils: Belle Brocade and Botanical Swirls.  The patterned paper is WonderFALL from Webster's Pages.  The "love" sentiment is a rub-on.

Love is another Fruit of the Spirit which is my focus today.  The self-denying, self- sacrificing, Christlike love which is the foundation of all other graces.  Certainly it doesn't always come easy...(I imagine we have all run into people who have hurt us or are hard to love), but with His help we can  show the love of Christ to all. 

NOW... ON TO MY WINNER!
Last night I randomly drew one name to receive the prize I chose to give away today:
Touch of Elegance art stamp set!

The winner is:

Carolyn King
 Congrats Carolyn!  Please email me your address and we will get Touch of Nature right out to you!!

**Layers of Color is having a special sale 30% OFF select ART STAMPS
~ THIS WEEK ONLY!**
Today, the following designers have more inspiration to share and winners announced!

LOC * Linda * Melisa

You’re invited to visit the designer blogs all week as we continue to share our “Fruit of the Spirit” themed creations! Remember to subscribe to the Layers of Color blog for Faith Art Friday, Guest Designer Wednesday, tutorials, exciting upcoming news, and unique colorful ideas! May God bless you with layers of color!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Layers of Color 'Fruit of the Spirit' Blog Hop!

   
Welcome to the

Layers of Color

"Fruit of the Spirit" Designer Blog Hop!

If you got here from Grace's Blog you are in the right place! If not, please start at Layers of Color blog.

Layers of Color is celebrating sponsoring 2Sketches4You this week!

We are featuring cards using their sketch and the Layers of Color Prize! Join the challenge at 2Sketches4You to be eligible to WIN THIS PRIZE: Fruitful Harvest art stamp set, Belle Brocade art stencil and Botanical Swirls art stencil!

The sketch is just fabulous and works so well with the LOC Art Stencils.  I stenciled the top with the Bella Brocade Art Stencil using Memento Cantaloupe ink.  The beautiful image is from the Fruitful Harvest art stamp set, stamped with Memento Black Tuxedo and colored the image with Copics.  Then I used a Versamarker (Versamark ink in pen form) and colored over the stamped/colored image and embossed it with Clear Embossing powder.  It really made the image pop as you can see:

Our Designer Blog Hop theme is, "Fruit of the Spirit".

For my design I wanted to focus on Faithfulness.  
Faithfulness describes a person who is trustworthy and will always stand up for God's way.  The Holy Spirit produces this fruit through the believer who is in union with Christ.  It is faith which makes it possible for one to be true to his promise and faithful to his task.  I certainly want to be faithful to my Lord and Savior most of all...and believe when I am everything else falls into place.  It is the J-O-Y principle: Jesus, others, and then yourself.

From here, hop to Linda's blog to see the inspiration she has for you! Be sure to visit each designer’s blog as there are GIVEAWAYS on each blog!! Simply leave a comment on my blog today and I will announce the random winner tomorrow of this stamp set:

Touch of Elegance

The following is the blog hop order:

LOC  *  Diana  *  Grace   * Jennie  *  Linda  *  Melisa  *  LOC

Before you hop along...I had to tell you:

**Layers of Color is having a special sale 30% OFF ART STAMPS ~ THIS WEEK ONLY!**

Old World Flourish
Renaissance Hearts

Granny’s Jewelry

Birdday Party

Rise & Shine

Touch of Elegance

You’re invited to come back to the designer blogs all week as we continue to share our “Fruit of the Spirit” themed creations! Remember to subscribe to the Layers of Color blog for Faith Art Friday, Guest Designer Wednesday, tutorials, exciting upcoming news, and unique colourful ideas! May God bless you with layers of color!

Blessings,

Winter Mittens

Well, I know I said I wasn't going to post anymore...but eeks, just had to share a card I made with this cute set Winter Mittens.  I used some more My Minds' Eye patterned paper from the I Believe collection and even managed to make one layer crooked....I feel it is all balanced with the mitten, lol!  I am notorious for wanting things "even and straight" and anything cock-eyed makes me cringe.  The mitten coordinated with the Spellbinders Nested Mittens dies.

I also wanted to let my blogging friends know that on Monday 

Layers of Color is having a special Blog Hop.

(pop over to Layers of Color for this badge)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8th

LAYERS of COLOR

Designer Blog Hop!

GRAND PRIZE DRAWING, BLOG GIVEAWAYS

Challenge with 2SKETCHES 4YOU, and amazing stamped artwork!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,