Sunday, July 31, 2011

Two is much better

Thank you for joining The Craft's Meow team as we preview the new August release stamp sets. The set we're showcasing today is called In Tandem. As with the Telegram set, my love for vintage motivated me to design this set. I hope you will like it, too. :)

The papers are Cosmo Cricket's Odds & Ends, which is probably my favorite of their papers so far. I stamped the sentiment on Spellbinders Labels 18. The tandem bike was fussy cut.
Bike two
Please check out The Craft's Meow's blog for more info and inspiration using this set. And make sure you join us tomorrow for the August release blog hop featuring all the new sets!
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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Thank You Telegram

Welcome to the previews for the new The Craft's Meow's August release. Today, the TCM team is featuring one of my latest sets called Telegram. My love for vintage motivated me to create this set.

I included many possibilities with the sentiments that you can stamp on the telegram background stamp or on their own. The check mark, postage mark are included in this set. I added distressing and stitches on my card below. The background paper is by October Afternoon.
Telegram2
Please check out The Craft's Meow's blog for more info, including a chance to win the new release stamps!
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Friday, July 29, 2011

Let me introduce you to Amy Carmichael


I want to share a little bit about the author of a quote that I included in the new Encouragement clear art stamp set that I designed for Layers of Color. It is the one by Amy Carmichael, one of my spiritual heroes. Her story was very influential in my decision to pursue a missionary life.

Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary to India. She served God faithfully for 55 years in the field without furlough. She started the Dohnavur Fellowship that, to this day, ministers to neglected children. She exemplified sacrificial love and devoted herself to serving these children for most of her life. Amy Carmichael card detail
While ministering in India, Amy wrote several books that showed her great love for Christ and the Indian people. The quote I included in the Encouragement stamp set is from a poem called Fret Not Thyself, taken from her book of poems called Toward Jerusalem.
Amy Carmichael card

Fret Not Thyself
By Amy Carmichael

Far in the future
Lieth a fear,
Like a long, low mist of grey,
Gathering to fall in dreary rain:
Thus doth thy heart within thee complain.
And even now thou art afraid, for round thy dwelling
The flying winds are ever telling
Of the fear that lieth grey
Like a gloom of brooding mist upon the way.

But the Lord is always kind.
Be not blind, be not blind
To the shining of His face,
To the comforts of His grace.
Hath He ever faileth thee yet?
Never, never. Wherefore fret?
O fret not thyself, nor let
Thy heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid.

Near, by the footfall,
Springeth a joy,
Like a new-blown little flower
Growing for thee, to make thee glad.
Let thy countenance be no more sad,
But wake the voice of joy and health within thy dwelling,
And let thy tongue be ever telling,
Not of fear that lieth grey,
But of little laughing flowers beside the way.

For the Lord is always kind.
Be not blind, be not blind
To the shining of His face,
To the comforts of His grace.
He hath never failed thee yet.
Never will His love forget.
O fret not thyself, nor let
Thy heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid.

If you want to know more about Amy Carmichael, I highly recommend that you read her biography, which is aptly called A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot.  Amy blessed so many during her lifetime. And her story and writings continue to inspire so many others today all over the world.

“In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.”
Psalm 2:4-5
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Bon Voyage

I hope you're having a great weekend so far!  Today's card is for Card Patterns sketch this week. Our sponsor is Sparkle Creations that provided the cute images for the CP DT to use. I colored mine with Copics. The sentiment is from my GinaK's Fanciful Tags stamp set. The papers are Echo Park For the Record.
Nina Sketch 125
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Monday, July 25, 2011

Butterfly in Black and White

Happy Monday! Today's card is for Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge. The sponsor this week is Layers of Color and the prize up for grabs is my  Encouragement clear art stamp set.

I used the brand new Silk Moth cling art, in addition to the Encouragement set. I heat embossed with white powder the butterfly on vellum for the top layer. The bottom layer was simply stamped in black ink.
Butterfly in black and white
Here's a close up of the layered butterfly:
Butterfly in black and white detail
Please check out the LOC blog for more card inspirations for the SSIC challenge.
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Friday, July 22, 2011

Sew, what's new?

Thank you so much for your kind words about my Angel Company stamps on yesterday's post. I received several inquiries about a way to purchase them. I am about to go camping, but when I return I am going to find a way to provide links to a TAC e-commerce store on my TAC posts, so that you can shop online. If you don't want to wait for that info, please contact The Angel Company by phone, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm CST at 785-212-6113 OR drop them an email at tac@theangelcompany.net, and they will connect you to a demo who will gladly take your order. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement regarding my work!

Today's card features more of my new TAC stamps, Sewing Labels and Sew Lovely. The labels set coordinate with some of the older Spellbinders dies. The papers I used are Cosmo Cricket Odds & Ends again. The buttons were punched with a 3/4" circle punch.
 Here are the stamps I used:  Sew Lovely and Sewing Labels
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hello, Gorgeous

We're busy preparing for an upcoming youth camp that I haven't been able to update my blog. Thank you for coming here even when I have nothing new to share :).

I am excited to share my card today because it uses two of my newest sets from The Angel Company. If you haven't seen their catalog, you can view the PDF version HERE. My stamp designs are in pages 26-37.  I used Sweet Silhouettes and Elegant Labels, which coordinate with Spellbinders dies. The paper are Cosmo Cricket's Odds & Ends.
Hello, Gorgeous
Here are the stamps I used. Please contact a TAC demo to purchase them. If you don't know of one locally, contact The Angel Company by phone, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm CST at 785-212-6113 OR drop them an email at tac@theangelcompany.net
 
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Monday, July 18, 2011

Birthday Carnival

Hi, all! I hope you had a relaxing weekend. I spent much working on the computer, designing future stamps and dies. I feel like I accomplished so much, but I still have lots of ideas I want to make into stamps/dies. I love my job! I have been working hard as I will not be able to do much the next few weeks. We are taking about 100 kids to a youth camp on the Croatian coast for a week. I'm not much for camping, but it means so much to my girls and there's always a need for more workers. I know I will enjoy myself. I will share photos whenever possible.

Today's card uses The Craft's Meow's Life is a Carnival and Timeless Tags sets. The paper is by Echo Park.
 Here are some photos from a place I visited with our friends a couple of weeks ago. I forgot to share here some photos. This place is called Plitvicke Lakes and it's one of the prettiest places to visit in Croatia. I'm so fortunate to live just a few hours' drive from here. The lakes are crystal clear and have deep hues of blues and greens. Beautiful places like this make me more in awe of my Almighty Creator. 
 
And here's my favorite photo of that trip. It's my youngest with our pastor's wife, my girls' adoptive grandma in Croatia.
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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Anniversary Bouquet

Today's card is for Card Patterns sketch this week. I used one of Layers of Color's new sets called Gifts of Love. The papers are Echo Park's For the Record. I like its bright colors! I hope you can play along with us at Card Patterns this week.

I am working like crazy getting designs done for the companies I work for. It's so fun, but I wish there's more time in a day, don't you? :) Enjoy your weekend!
Nina Sketch 124

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Oh taste and see!

It's been very hot here and I really miss having central air conditioning! But it's all good, as we get some relief in the evenings.I haven't braved my craft corner in awhile as nothing like heat that makes me lose my mojo :-).

Today's card features Layers of Color's brand new Encouragement clear art stamps. If you've been a frequent visitor of my blog, then you would be familiar with this verse, which has graced my blog header since the beginning. I'm so glad to be able to make it into a stamp. It has always been my desire that my blog and art will point my readers to the goodness of Christ.

I framed the Bible verse using the Floral Frame cling art stamp here, then die cut with Spellbinders Labels 16. The papers I used are My Mind's Eye.
O, taste and see
I hope you're staying cool in your corner of the world.
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Monday, July 11, 2011

How Sweet and Winner!

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's blog hop. Thank you for all your sweet comments. Today's card uses one of Layers of Color's new art stamps, Honeysweet. Have checked them out yet? And did you see that some of LOC stamps are on sale, including the new release!

Today only, you can purchase the new stamps at 25% off
 I just love the new stamps and will use them often. They compliment so well with the older stamps that LOC offers. The papers are Crate Paper's Emma's Shoppe. I used Spellbinders Labels 18 for the edge of the card and the main image.
Now, the winner of the Encouragement clear art stamp set, via random.org, is...
Congratulations, Lillian! Please email me, click on the tab above, so I can forward your info to Layers of Color. Don't forget to visit the other DT and LOC blog to see who won the other giveaways.

Thank you to everybody for playing along with us.
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Layers of Color Tea Party Blog Hop

EDIT: The contest is now over and the winner announced here.


Welcome to Layers of Color's
Summer Release 2011
Tea Party Blog Hop

I'm so glad you can join the LOC team for today's blog hop.
Layers of Color Blog Hop - Join our New Release Party on July 11th!

If you came from Melisa's blog, then you came at the right place. If not, check the list below for the right order so you don't miss the projects the LOC team has prepared for you :-). Here are some things you may want to know:
  • LAYERS OF COLOR SUMMER 2011 NEW RELEASE are now available exclusively at LOC online boutique)
  • WIN FREE NEW RELEASE STAMPS! 8 drawings to celebrate Layers of Color's 3rd Birthday! (see below for details)
  • A buffet of delicious sweet DESIGNER PROJECTS!The steaming hot Grand Opening of 10 NEW STAMP ART GALLERIES! (Also enjoy join our FLICKER Gallery)
  • ALL details on Layers of Color blog!

My card uses the Encouragement clear art stamps that fit well inside the many Spellbinder-coordinating cling art stamps that LOC already has. I used the Garden Wall, which was colored with Copics.

This set is very special to me because the verses and quotes I included in it all have ministered and continue to minister to me in some way. I meant them to encourage those who are facing life difficulties by directing their thoughts away from their situation and hardships, and toward Christ who is greater than anything we may face in this world. The Mighty Savior is able to bring peace, help and comfort, even when our situations do not change. And we can trust Him to be ever-faithful, never-changing and to do all things for our good. That truth has carried me through many challenges in my life, for which I am forever thankful to Him who is worthy.
The future
How would you like to win the Encouragement clear art stamp set? Just leave me a comment below and I will pick a random winner tomorrow. Make sure you check out the other LOC DT's blogs for more eye candy and a chance to win some new stamps. Teresa is our Guest Designer for this month and she's playing along with us. I know these ladies will not disappoint!

Finally, visit the Layers of Color blog where you will have a chance to win Grand Prize that includes THE ENTIRE NEW RELEASE! And be sure to join us all on FACEBOOK! Here's the order of the hop.

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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Sent with Love

Today's card features Layers of Colors' new stamps to be released next week. I used LOC's Gifts of Love and Honesweet sets. I followed the Card Patterns' sketch this week. The papers are Echo Park's For The Record, which I've been dying to have and it's finally here! The bee and label were die cut using Spellbinders dies.
Please check out the other LOC DTs' blogs for more sneak peeks of our new stamps:
And don't forget our release blog hop on July 11th! I can't wait to show you the new goodies! They just speak to my vintage-loving heart :-).
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Thursday, July 7, 2011

More SRM Stickers Fancy Sentiments

Before I show you my cards today, I just want to direct your attention to the Moxie Fab World's Stamp of Approval post that is giving away some fabulous Layers of Colors stamps! Woohoo, LOC!

Now onto today's cards...they feature the new SRM Stickers Fancy Sentiments and they're available for purchase now on the SRM online store, along with other BRAND NEW stickers.

For the first card, I used the Christmas Fancy Sentiments, October Afternoon papers and Spellbinders label  dies.
Season's Greetings
My second card uses the Thank You Fancy Sentiments and Graphic 45 papers.
Thank You Black
Check out the SRM blog for more info on their new products and be entered to win some new stickers!
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Teacup Blessings

I'm so excited to show you sneak peeks of Layers of Color's Summer 2011 release. My card today features Teacup Blessings, which is a collaborative work between me and Laura Campbell, the owner of Layers of Color. She drew the pretty teacup and I designed the sentiments to go with it.

The papers are Crate Paper's Emma's Shoppe. I colored the cup with Copics. I stamped the text background from LOC's The Love Chapter on the bottom patterned paper.
Teacup Birthday blessings
You're invited to the LOC Blog Hop next week with lots of inspiration and giveaways!
Layers of Color Blog Hop - Join our New Release Party on July 11th!
In the meantime, check out these LOC DT's blogs with their sneak peek posts:
Linda - Card #1, Card #2
Janice - Card #1
Melisa - Card #1
Diana - Card #1
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

New SRM Stickers Fancy Sentiments!

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend. We couldn't think of a better way to spend it in Croatia than being with our American friends. We went to visit a beautiful place in Croatia called Plitvicke Lakes. I have tons of photos to sort out, but I will share them with you soon. I have been so busy (in a good way!) with them here that I've neglected updating my blog. I have tons to share with you all, including sneak peeks of new products I get to work with!

In the meantime, I am so thrilled to be among the first to play with SRM Stickers' new Summer CHA release called Fancy Sentiments. This new line of stickers is just my style. I'm so glad to showcase a couple of cards I made using the Love theme stickers. The papers and cardstock stickers are Pink Paislee's Butterfly Garden. The bird cage and butterflies on my first card are from The Craft's Meow's Fly Free stamps.

Be the first to win these new stickers by leaving a comment on the SRM Blog!
I Love You
Forever & Always
Tomorrow, I will have sneak peeks of some new stamps I designed for Layers of Color!

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Saturday, July 2, 2011

What I've been up to...

I've been busy all week with some friends from GA. They came to help us organize an English camp in our small town through a local school and our church. It was a huge success with 140 kids plus 30 or so volunteers. To compare, we had 60 signups last year! We met so many wonderful kids and their parents. We played games, taught English, did crafts and had a blast! Here's a 8.5 minute slide show I put together that shows some highlights of the camp and another snippet of our life in Croatia.
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