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,