Friday, March 31, 2017

Rise and Shine Tea

I started with a bright turquoise card.

I cut the sun with the Stampin Up Sunburst Thinlit from yellow Bazzil Textured card stock.  Trimmed to the edge of the card.

I created the sentiment with the words from the Verve Stamps Rise and Shine Digital Set free download during this blog hop.  I colored it with Night of Navy and punched it with the SU 1 3/8 inch circle punch.  I cut a turquoise circle with the 1.75 inch punch from SU. I cut the navy scallop circle with a Nestabilities Scallop Circle thin die.These were adhered as shown and adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

I added a tea cup from the Stampin Up Tea Shoppe Stamp set in Night of Navy.  It was printed then I fussy cut around the edge and used an exacto for the handle. This was also adhered with 3D foam tape.


Submitting to the Coffee Loving Cardmakers Spring Blog Hop

Tea for Two

I started with the sentiment which I had printed and embossed when I made my other tea card.

I chose to make it a Stampin Up card so I decided on Night of Navy, Old Olive as a color scheme. The sentiment is printed in Old Olive and is from the Tea Shoppe Stamp Set. It was clear embossed on the vellum.
I created a piece of background paper with the Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Crushed Olive mostly and a bit of Mustard Seed.
I cut a piece of Kiwi Kiss card stock into a large banner and adhered that to the front of a Night of Navy card. Then I trimmed the back ground paper and the vellum to leave small even borders on each of those.
I printed a cup from the Tea Shoppe Stamp set on Whisper White and fussy cut around the image with scissors and an exacto knife.  I adhered it above the sentiment with 3D foam tape.  I then placed double sided tape behind the cup and adhered the vellum to the background paper.  Now, I adhered the background layer to the Kiwi Kiss banner.
I measured the center and a point on each side which I punched out the side ones with a 1/8 inch hole punch. I cut a length of Night of Navy Tafetta Ribbon and tied it in a knot above the cup.

Submitting to the Coffee Loving Cardmakers Spring Blog Hop

Christmas Bethlehem - Starry Night

I purchased some of this gold starry white card stock this week and I wanted to know if it would work for some of my Bethlehem cards.  I trimmed it to 4 x 5.25 inches and adhered it to a purple card.
The vellum layer is a graphic of a wood cutting pattern which I altered by coloring it purple then adjusting the fill to provide variations in color from deep to lighter.  I added my own Bethlehem star graphic and printed that on a quarter sheet of vellum. I then coated it with clear embossing powder and heated it.  I found a greeting in my stash (Stampin Up Apothecary Framelit die cut with a SU stamped in purple) which was adhered to the vellum with 3D foam tape to the right side.  I placed some double sided tape behind the greeting and the town graphic and adhered it to the starry background.  I then added a tiny gold brad in the center of my star for a bit extra texture and some good holding together of the layers.  I think this paper makes an effective starry night for my cards.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Share Your Cup #242 - This week

This was tea this afternoon. 
I sliced a Granny Smith green apple and included a couple oatmeal cookies.

I made some of my original favorite Chai tea which was Rooibos Chai Tea from Tea Desire.  A bit of honey and some cream. Delicious. 

I served it in a new cup.  I love big mugs but the
jumbo yellow ones I have had for years were getting too much so I was looking to come down in size a bit.  This is the second smaller one to join the row above the tea cabinet. Designed by Laurie Gates from California.  I researched the mug and found the collection had 6 bright colors but I got the color I wanted, yellow!

I found some of the blue and white tea related items Margie mentioned a while back.

I found the tea towel was too much of a turquoise color so I left it but I brought the Primose Hill napkins.  At 13 inches they would like be considered dinner napkins. 

They worked really well with my Chelsea Garden tea cup and dessert plate set. I love the scallop edge and the small flower pattern.  They will go well with several of my blue and white dishes.




I met my aunt at a sewing store yesterday as she was picking up a piece for her machine.  I had not been there before and expected they would have fabric. Not really, it is a machine store with sewing, embroidery and serger machines.  I was a bit early so I browsed around. There was thread, needles, notions, feet, stabilizer, a bit of fabric and a clearance section. 

This is where I found these gorgeous espresso colored large sewing machine bobbins.  The are 1 inch in diameter and 3/8" tall.  The lady asked if I knew they would fit my machine.  I said no I don't have a machine I have a camera.  These will be great for photography props!! The are for an industrial single needle sewing machine.

This is a sweet little book that came my way this week. 

It has many ways to do something for others. Those who are hurting, struggling, in need of practical help or spiritual help, those we live with or near - our family.

Some of the chapters are Friendship, Affirmation, Forgiveness, Comfort, Celebration, and Tradition.  It includes several nice recipes, gift ideas, and traditions. 

One she mentions is setting aside time after school for her children, to talk, be together and have a snack.  This led to many wonderful conversations and the college girls still like to have time with Mom at 3:00 pm when they visit.

I made this card for a large blog hop being hosted by Coffee Loving Cardmakers.  They have a few per year and this one is the Spring one.  All the cards have to be coffee, tea or cocoa related.  It is a lot of fun and the links are nearing 1000. 

You can find the details about my card here.

The blog hop here.

I am sharing this post with
Jann at Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson who hosts Share Your Cup #242

Bernideen at Friends Sharing Tea

Ruth at Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Have a great day!

One Thousdand Gifts - Session 5 - Empty to Fill

This is week five in this bible study - One Thousand Gifts - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.  I look forward to a time of slowing down, being intentional, checking my attitude and increasing my gratefulness. The video is very well done with wonderful images. There was good attendance.

Session 5 - Empty to Fill

Ann this week talks about an experience she had with a man during a youth group event she was chaperoning.  It took place in downtown Toronto at a mission where the group of young people were going to do some outreach.  The man had lived a hard life but wanted to be a blessing.  Sometimes we limit our view based on appearance, circumstance or our own history. Ann comes to understand that when she counted blessings she received that was one half of the miracle.  She could also be the gift to someone else.

We should allow the blessing to flow through us not get stuck with us.  We have been blessed with talents, opportunities, resources, time, energy, and love to share that with others. 














As you see blessings everyday write them down in your journal but also look for the opportunities to bless.


What can I give?
  • a spot in traffic
  • a smile
  • a kind word
  • a meal                            
  • a hug
  • a card
  • a call
  • a prayer
This was our last lesson for this bible study.  The group was a blessing.  I spent time with 8 incredible ladies.  Thank you for the privilege of leading.  Some of the ladies took me out for fish and chips which was really nice and we had very good time.


I created a small reminder of our time together that they can place in their journals, stick on the fridge or bathroom mirror, or place in a small frame. I hope they will see it often and lessons learned will be brought to mind again.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Cup of Thanks

I started with the cup.  I cut it with the Cricut and the Joy of the Season cartridge.  I chose some bright spring paper and cut the cup at 2.25 inches.  I added a narrow strip of blue card stock along the top and bottom of the cup.  I added 3 tiny yellow handmade paper flowers along the blue held in place with 2 tiny brads. The sentiment layer was created with a greeting from the Stampin up Tea Shoppe digital set.  Printed in Island Indigo and clear embossed.  The banner is 2.75 wide and 4.25 tall.  The tail was cut by hand.  The cup was adhered to the vellum with 3D foam tape.  The watercolor background was created by smooshing 3 colors of Tim Holtz Distress stains onto a waterproof mat. I used Crushed Olive, Mustard Seed, and Peacock Feathers.  I spritz the ink and then laid my glossy white card stock into it to capture the color.  Once dry, the layer was cut to 3.75 wide by 5 inches tall.  It is adhered to a card of Bazzil textured card stock in a bright warm yellow.
Submitting to the Coffee Loving Cardmakers 2017 Spring Blog Hop.
This card is number 885.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

One Thousdand Gifts - Between Sessions

There is Between Session work in the One Thousand Gift bible study.

We are asked to continue to write down our gift list.  To always have a place to write handy - a file on the phone, the computer, a note book and or a dry erase board.

Ten more dots to write down gifts in our guide.  I will share a few from this week.

1. Dad has been out of the house now that the weather is better.
2. Sunday's music has been with me all week.
3. Spring is here - water is running and geese are flying.


God stretching moment - I was layed off my job 2 years ago.  I spent a few days just beside myself because I was given 30 minutes to empty my office after working there 12 years.  Punch in the gut.  I am doing well and doing what I enjoy.  God is good.

God trusting moment - dropped my car keys when crossing the street running an errand.  Two people were sitting on the stoop of a tatoo business across from where I parked.  When I returned I discovered my keys missing.  I searched a few minutes and found them in the wiper well of my car.  I can't imagine it was not these fellows who put them there because they knew which car the keys belonged to.  I was reassured that God is good. 

Monday, March 27, 2017

Mosaic Monday - Macros

Macro photography is my favorite.  I love to take pictures of items up close and personal. 

I participate regularly in challenges with certain themes assigned each week.  Some of the themes are very challenging.  It makes me think about how to approach the theme.

I ask myself these questions.
What objects would work?
Do I own them?
Can I find them?
Are they small enough?
How can I present them creatively?

Sometimes I have a load of ideas, I photograph those I want and then select my favorite. Other times I only have one idea and struggle how to present it creatively.



The heart in top left was for Heart
The teapot tea infuser was for Made of Metal
The pen in the middle was for Pens Pencils Erasers & Paperclips
The fabric in bottom left was Cloth/Textiles
The bird tea light was Black and White

Joining Maggie at Normandy Life who hosts Mosaic Monday #33.

Have a great week!

Card Club - March - Easter Flowers

Some folks still send Easter cards so I put this one together with gorgeous paper by Anna Griffin.

I cut the designer paper to 4 x 5.25 inches. 

I wrapped a piece of ivory twill tape across the bottom third of the paper and taped the ends to the back. 

I adhered this layer to the card front of a purple card.

I color printed the purple greetings on ivory card stock.  The tulip is clip art from CLKER. The greeting was cut with the Stampin Up Deco Labels Framelits Die. The greeting is adhered aligned over the twill tape using 3D foam tape.

Each person receives a birthday greeting in case they do not send Easter greetings.

Card Club - March - Yellow and Blue Polka Dots

I started with a dark blue card.

I chose 2 patterns of designer in the same family. It is from All My Memories - Herbanella - Design 30 which matches well with the navy in the designer paper.  I cut the paper to 4x5.25 then cut again at 3.5 inches. I turned the small one over and tape them back together on the back. 

I wrapped a length of green grosgrain ribbon across the join and taped the ends to the back. It was adhered to the card front.

I then placed 3 small yellow handmade paper flowers along the ribbon with tiny yellow brads.  I used a push pin to make the holes for the brads before inserting them, then press apart the prongs on the inside of the card.

Card Club - March - Birch Birthday

We have guy card this month. 

I started with the Stampin Up Woodland Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I rubbed the background half of the folder with my Versafine Vintage Sepia ink pad.  I cut my paper 6 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall.  I ran the folder through my Big Shot.  I trimmed the embossed piece into three 2 inch pieces which I trimmed to 4.75 inch tall.  

I took a 4.25 x 5.5 inch piece of white card stock and ripped it in half.  This piece was trimmed to 5 inches tall. These were layered and glue together. 

I cut pieces of designer paper by 7gypsies - For Autumn Leaves into pieces 4 x 5.25 inches which were adhered to the front of a black card.

The birch tree accent was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape. 

I color printed the greeting on white card stock and punched them out with the SU 1.75 inch circle punch.  I designed it so the words are all aligned to the right hand side of the circle. Then the circle greeting was tucked behind the accent and glued in place.

Card Club - March - Bird on a Branch

I started with a ginger colored card which coordinated with the rusty color in the designer paper.  The designer paper is by Authentique - Collection Hope - Adorn.  I cut it to 3 x 5.5 inches and ripped the top half in off making sure not to leave a white ripped edge. I trimmed it slightly and adhered it to the bottom of the card front.
I cut the Bird Branch by Tim Holtz from kraft card stock.  I then cut just the bird from blue card stock.  I applied Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Gathered Twigs onto the branch to give me some variation in color on the branch.  I glued the branch to the card front and trimmed it to the edge of the card.  I trimmed the bird die cut to ensure I only had legs and adhered him directly over the kraft colored one.  I used a push pin to make a hole for the eye and placed the tiny brad and pressed the prongs apart inside.
Option: A greeting could be added to the right of the bird.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Tea Cup Coaster Project

There are three of us working on Tea Cup Coasters for the Mother Daughter event our womens group is planning for May.

We have shared fabric and lace and the sewing machines have been whirring.

The original pattern for these can be found at The Enchanting Rose blog where Stephanie has posted the details. Follow this link. UPDATE:  You can find the pattern here.





We are using fusible interfacing which is a bit heavy and I was concerned about trying to turn that over in the seam.  One of the other ladies offered the suggestion of making the interfacing only the size of the finished cup.  That is working wonderfully.  So I cut my fabric to 5 inches, cut my interfacing to finshed size, fuse it to the wrong side of the front piece.  I then sew the lace which provides a mechanical connection between the fabric and interfacing should the glue release over time.  I add my handle, sew around, turn it over, iron flat.  I then start my over stitch in the lace where the join will not be obvious. Go all the way around. Done!


I am working on a small tag to go with these that will encourage those using the coaster to encourage someone who comes to mind and heart while they drink their tea.

Our count is 54 and we are aiming for 80.  Over halfway there.




They are so cute!!



Sharing with the following:

Bernideen's - Friends Sharing Tea

Ruth - Tuesday Cuppa Tea 



Have a great day!

Friday, March 24, 2017

Share Your Cup - This Week

This was tea this morning.  Left over popcorn from the movie last night (more about that in a bit), a cup of Jade Citrus Mint and some orange wedges to make it somewhat healthy.  All set out on a large yellow charger plate then placed on the small yellow chair I bought a while ago.  It has had its second cleaning and now I will have to take sand paper next.



The mug was a gift from a friend many years ago for she knew sunflowers were my favorite flowers.  It is a Canadian Design by Valerie Pfeiffer - Sunflowers.



I finished another book this week as it was due back to the library on Tuesday.

This a collection of short stories of very interesting characters who all live on in the 30 or so houses on Chestnut Street.

Fay's New Uncle is one which I enjoyed.  She did not know him until he needed her to be released from the hospital.  He was elderly, quiet and kept to himself. The hospital staff tracked her down and suggested she visit him there.  He seems nice enough but the rub is he can not be released from hospital unless someone agrees to care for him.
She visits the house on Chestnut Street, it is clean and tidy and well kept. She agrees to help the old guy out.  It will need renovations to allow him to live on the main floor. The guy has funds so that proceeds.  Now a tenant on the upper floor would be ideal.  Well what about her and her room mate.  Yes, that will work.  The arrangement made was they would cook Sunday supper for him every week.  Soon, he is visiting his neighbours, making friends and is all around much happier.  I would recommend this one.

A friend and I saw the movie "The Shack" last night.  When the book was released in 2007 several copies circulated around our ladies group.  I borrowed the book and read it cover to cover in 2 binge sessions.  I have since acquired my own copy and try to read it once a year.  It is so good! 

That year as well when the author P.W. Young was on his book tour a bunch of us went out to dinner and went to see him talk about the book.

The movie was terrific.  I love God portrayed as a black woman.  Jesus as a dark skinned, plaid shirt wearing carpenter and the spirit as a creative Asian woman. 

The power of forgiveness has to redeem our souls. Totally enjoyed it. 

Look what I found at the thrift store yesterday!!

Another glass lemon.  Eventually, I am hoping to have a bowl full of glass lemons and now I have two.

This is very good!









Sharing with Jann who hosts at Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson and Share Your Cup #241.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

One Thousdand Gifts - Session 4 - Trust - The Bridge to Joy

This is week four in this bible study - One Thousand Gifts - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.  I look forward to a time of slowing down, being intentional, checking my attitude and increasing my gratefulness. The video is very well done with wonderful images. There was good attendance.

Session 4 -Trust - The Bridge to Joy

This week, Ann mentions several fears that made it difficult for her to trust God in her life.  As she practiced Eucharisteo - giving Thanks she found that Joy came and Trust grew.

Fear keeps our lives small. Fear tells us the lie that God's goodness is finite, it will come to an end, that there will not be enough, our needs will not be met. Trust is hard work.

If we reach for life with open hands does our life become bigger, richer, more joy filled?  God has given the best and knows our needs so what would He withhold?

We build trust through millions of faithful moments where God was there to support, provide and encourage.

This week Ann describes a moment on her drive to somewhere. She had the epiphany when she drove over a bridge and realized that she had trusted the bridge builder to get her across safely.

Thanksgiving builds Trust.

We need to trust God who is our Bridge Builder to get us through and over the troubled waters in our lives.

'When we can't see His hand, we can always see His heart'.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Simple Sentiment - DSP Version

I've been wanting to expand my options for my line of Simple Sentiments cards.  I designed the photo one last year.  With a bit of brain storming when my sister was out last week we came up with this design.

This one features designer paper on a coordinating card. 
 
The greeting is ripped top and bottom and adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.   It can be on white or ivory card stock.



 
It has a quarter sheet insert of bond paper.

This is a versatile design that works for a wide or tall card. 

I may expand the width of my greeting by using a different font.  I do have quite a bit of room in either layout.

Looking forward to producing a few of these for my card box or others.

Enjoy a Cup of Tea


I started by watercoloring a warm brown muted background on white card stock.  I cut it with the Sizzix Squares Thinlits.  I rubbed the edges with a Versamark ink pad and dipped it in gold embossing powder and heated it which gave me a nice rough frame.

I then cut the frame with the Lil Inkers Instant Camera thin die.  I added some water color wash to it which was similar to the background.  I stamped the sentiment with a small clear stamp and gold embossed it as well.

I cut the tea cup with the Cricut and the Joy of the Season cartridge.  I cut it at 1.5 inches from Authentique 12x12 paper - Hope Collection - "Adorn" using the polka dot side.  I then rubbed it with the Versamark ink pad as well to allow me to repeat the gold embossing one more time.

I chose a warm brown card and I embossed the front with the Stampin Up Polka Dot Textured Impression folder. This allowed me to repeat the dots.  I adhered the watercolor background at an angle, added the frame evenly spaced on card then applied the tea cup with 3D foam tape in the center.

I'm joining the Coffee Loving Cardmakers - Design Team Case link party.

Watercolor Flora Card

This card is for one of my card exchange buddies.

I started with a left over from making samples for my Art Card Stack Class which is coming up soon.
I decided to watercolor this card with the Stampin Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons.  I used a water brush to apply the color.  I used Garden Green, Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy. I used Not Quite Navy to add spatters to the element.  It was cut to 3 7/8 inches square.

I added a length of Spring Moss grosgrain ribbon on the left hand side of the card front and taped the ends to the inside.

I stamped the greeting in Cherry Cobbler with the Itty Bitty Banner Stamp set the die cut it with the Bitty Banner Framelit set.  I mounted it to the right of the ribbon with 3D foam tape.


I used a water brush to paint the color onto my card element.  I applied a bit of color to a clear stamp mount with the crayon then painted from there.  In my opinion, this is the best way of doing.  You can You can collect the color directly from the crayon onto the brush which works okay if you want a bit more intense color. Applying the color directly with the crayon to your paper puts too much color, makes it too dark and it has very fat end for coloring. 
I bought the crayons second hand and I see that I got some colors from the Rich Regals set and some from the Earth Elements set.  I am very happy with the color selection.  These will last me my life time. 

Floating Balloons Card

I made this accent for photography project earlier this week.  You can check my Flickr photo stream for more info.  It reminded me of the movie UP.

Now, I could make a card out of it.

The original element was created with 10 balloons made with the Martha Stewart punch.  I chose red, yellow and blue.  I attached them to a quarter sheet of vellum.  The central yellow balloon has red spatters on it.  The first 7 balloons were attached directly to the vellum and the last 3 were adhered with 3D foam tape.  I attached white thread strings to several of them. 

For the card I trimmed the vellum down to about 3 inches wide to allow more of the sky card stock to show.  I placed adhesive behind the balloons.  I chose a Stampin Up Decorative Label greeting in a blue matching the balloons.  This was adhered with 3D foam tape to the card front with the middle points aligned along the edge of the vellum.  I placed some adhesive for the vellum where it would be hidden by the greeting.   This is off to one of my card exchange buddies.

Monday, March 20, 2017

One Thousand Gifts - Between Sessions

There is Between Session work in the One Thousand Gift bible study.

We are asked to continue to write down our gift list.  To always have a place to write handy - a file on the phone, the computer, a note book and or a dry erase board.

Ten more dots to write down gifts in our guide.  I will share a few from this week.

1. A good result from my tests last week.
2. A visit from my sister.
3. A friend called and we made plans.
4. Fellowship with ladies.
5. My sisters grandson is getting better.

Our ugly-beautiful moments are moments when we can excavate the experience deep enough to see Christ.  Many times we cannot, at times all we can do is cope, at times we can be grateful, and then other times we can be transformed by the moment.

Mosaic Monday - Visit to Garden Center

I visited the large garden center yesterday.  I generally only visit at Christmas time when it is totally decked out for the season.  It was very windy yesterday wo it was nice to photograph flowers that were sitting pretty.

There were a large variety of pots for house plants and outside patios.

There were some 3 feet tall and very decorator in color and finish.  There was a variety of materials: pottery, plastic, glass, ceramic and wood.

I thought these were bright and colorful.  Together as a group they are quite overwhelming but spread across a space they would likely do the trick.  I thought the colors where quite retro.

They have a wide variety of decor items featuring a number of materials including resin, glass, papermache, and metal.

This was a small angel in a cream color.  It had a wash applied to highlight it's lovely features.  It was maybe 4 inches tall so could easily be tucked into a corner of almost any space.

Great in the house or the garden.







The model train was set up in the central area.  It is the same one I saw at the Conservatory a while back.  It must take a lot of work and time to set up the pieces in new venues.

I've just finished viewing a series of railroad promos done in the first half of the 20th century telling of their history in North America.  It was very interesting.





I was surprised to see the amount of art and paintings available at the center. It's not fine art mostly but very nice pieces which would look good in a living as well as in a 3 season room.

This piece of art was huge, probably 4 feet square and very lovely.  As you can see there is a reflection so some parts of it were a bit shiny.  I love the texture in the petals and the monochromatic color scheme.



Of course, there was lots of plants for sale. The orchids were gorgeous, ranunculus in many colors as well as rhododendrons in very pretty colors.

I enjoyed my visit and will be back as the seed rack was full and I will want some herbs again this year on the balcony.

Sharing with Maggie at Normandy Life who hosts Mosaic Monday #32.