Blessings

This is Week Two of our Shining the Light Sketch Challenge.

Once again I adjusted this sketch to make a square card (I tend to gravitate to a square card). But I truly had fun with this card using one of my favorite images from Faith. I used the matching Butterfly Branch die and fussy cut another butterfly to pop it. I used several designer paper patterns, pierced one layer, and then popped my butterfly branch with a LOT of little pop dots! Then I added the ribbon with one of the Mini Tags dies and "blessings" from the Mini Tag Sentiments. I know I will be using this set a lot in the future, and I love the different shapes of the dies. I used Copic Marker W0 to make the white edges of the butterfly branch blend with the designer paper. 

Well, my sweet friends, this is my last card as a member of ODBD. I have been blessed to have been one of the "Breadsticks" since June 2013, and I am so grateful for the wonderful friendships and privilege of representing ODBD. As some of you may know, I have been dealing with chronic pain and recently ended up in the hospital. But I am regaining my strength, praise God! My sweet Challenge Team members have been such a blessing and fun to "play" with, and Chris has been the most wonderful CT Coordinator. I will miss the entire ODBD team and all my wonderful friends who have participated in the challenges and left comments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine for you all
making my prayer with joy...
It is right for me to feel this way about you all,
because I hold you in my heart....
Philippians 1:3-7a

I will continue to make cards and post on my blog, so I hope you will visit in the new year. In the meantime, I wish you all a blessed Christmas as we celebrate God's greatest gift to us -- Jesus, our Messiah. May we eagerly long for His return to restore creation to its original glory!

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until December 28 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Faith, Mini Tag Sentiments (ODBD)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Vintage Cream (PTI), Flourish (Authentique)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Black (Versafine)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Butterfly Branch die (ODBD), Mini Tags dies (ODBD), Pool Party ribbon dyed with BG11 (SU), Perfect Layers tool, piercing tool, Diamond Glaze adhesive, 3M dimensional tape, red tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing
Card Size:  5 1/4"

Christmas Filled With Love

This is Week One of our Shining the Light Sketch Challenge.

This is a great sketch that Chris Olsen has designed for us, and I adjusted it for a square card. I used two pattern pieces of ODBD's Christmas Paper Collection 2014. I used Copic marker BG72 for the matting for a good match and then did my usual piercing (you know how much I love to pierce!). My focal image is from Christmas Blessings, and I added my sheer ribbon (once again colored with Copic marker BG57) but tied under the sentiment layer. Then I added one of the sweet new Mini Tag dies with a sentiment from Mini Tag Sentiments. 

Christmas is indeed a time that should be filled with God's love and blessing. But is it? When I think of the lengths to which God went to provide me with eternal hope and life, I am humbled. He sent Jesus to live among us, die for our sins, and rise, defeating sin and death...forever! May each day be Christmas in our hearts.

You will keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

This is the last full week before Christmas, and I have a very long to-do list (and I'm you do as well). But my goal is to look at each item on my list and decide what tasks are most important and decide what not to do. I know it will be very hard, but I plan to focus more on anticipating Christmas (remember, Advent is based on the Latin word for "coming"). I am remembering His first coming that Christmas day and looking forward to His second coming. In the meantime, I desire to have a greater longing for His return, as He keeps me in perfect peace.

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until December 28 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Christmas Blessings, Mini Tag Sentiments (ODBD)

Paper: White (PTI), Christmas Paper Collection 2014 (ODBD)

Ink: Black (Versafine)
Tools/Accessories: Copic marker BG72 for matting, Mini Tags dies (ODBD), Rectangle dies and Scalloped Rectangle dies (Spellbinders), white organza ribbon dyed with Copic marker BG57 (CTMH), Perfect Layers tool, piercing tool, 3M dimensional tape, red tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing
Card Size:  5"

Christmas Poinsettias

This is Week Two of our Shining the Light Christmas with ODBD.

I kept my card fairly simple this week because I was not feeling very well. However, it turned out to take a while to "construct" it (mostly because I had something in mind but did not exactly know where it was going - ha!). I decided to use Peaceful Poinsettia dies together with Fancy Foliage dies to frame my lattice circle. I used one of the sentiments from the Cardinal Ornament set and placed it all on an embossed background with a shaped frame. And, of course, you know how much I love to pierce for a border accent! For my poinsettias, I sponged them to give them definition and added seed beads for the centers.

Our pastor's sermon this past Sunday was excellent, and he reminded us about the meaning of Advent and how the Israelites were longing for the coming of the Messiah. Today we look back to the first century when Jesus to earth, and we look forward to the second coming of Jesus when He returns to rule and reign...forever.

In the meantime, we are to leave at peace with others and to live in such a way that people are attracted to Jesus, not to us. We never know how God will use us in our everyday lives.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,
always being prepared to make a defense to anyone
who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
yet do it with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15

This year John Piper has once again published a wonderful Advent devotional, and it is a free download. Perhaps you will join my husband and me as we read through it. It certainly can be a wonderful family devotional.

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until December 14 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week as we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Cardinal Ornament (ODBD)

Paper: White (PTI), Lucky Limeade, Old Olive, Ruby Red (SU)

Ink: Black (Versafine), Old Olive, Crisp Cranberry (SU)
Tools/Accessories: Peaceful Poinsettia dies (ODBD), Fancy Foliage dies (ODBD), Circle dies, Petite Ovals dies, Fancy Lattice die, Grand Labels One dies, Dainty Dots M-Bossabilities reversible embossing folder (Spellbinders), seed beads, Diamond Glaze adhesive, piercing tool, red tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing, fussy cutting, sponging
Card Size:  5 1/2"

Poinsettia Wreath

This is Week One of our Shining the Light Christmas with ODBD.

For this week's challenge, I chose the Poinsettia Wreath with matching Poinsettia Wreath dies. This is a lovely image to color, and then I gave it some dimension with my Empressor tool. I used a piece of stripped designer paper matted with red for my background and then added another embossed layer and popped my wreath on it. Of course, each layer was paper pierced! With my ribbon I added a "sprig" from Fancy Foliage dies and used the new Mini Tag Sentiments and the Mini Tags dies for my "Merry Christmas" sentiment. My final touch was to add the sweet little "buttons" from the Doily dies threaded with some DMC floss.

This past Sunday was the start of the Advent season. Traditionally, the Advent wreath is constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life through Jesus, and the circulate shape represents God, Who has no beginning nor end. As we light the candles of Advent wreaths at our churches, we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The first candle is white and is the candle of hope, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God's Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness
 -- on them light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2

It's a beautiful time of year, but it's a time for us to stop and consider the real meaning and significance of Christmas. May the Lord draw you and your family closer to Himself during this Advent season.

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until December 14 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Poinsettia Wreath, Mini Tag Sentiments (ODBD)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Vintage Cream (PTI), Riding Hood Red and Pear Pizzazz (SU), Jolly Holiday Designer Series paper (SU)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Black (Versafine), Pear Pizzazz (SU)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Poinsettia Wreath dies (ODBD), Mini Tags dies (ODBD), Fancy Foliage dies (ODBD), Doily dies (ODBD), DMC floss 470, Perfect Layers tool, Diamond Glaze adhesive, piercing tool, Empressor tool, 3M dimensional tape, red tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing
Card Size:  5 1/4"

New Every Morning

This is Week Two of our Shining the Light "Blessings" Word Challenge. For your recipe, use four letters of the word "blessings.

B - Blossoms/Bow, L - Layers, E - Embossing, S – Scripture, 

S – Sponging, I - Ink, N - Nestabilities, G - Green, S - Shaped Card

I love flowers and doilies, and I managed to use every letter of "blessings" again this week. In my kitchen window is my beautiful African violet that is in full bloom right now, so I was inspired by it. I colored the Violet image twice so I could add a couple of extra flowers that I fussy cut, and then I added some pearls for the centers. I used the Doily dies and stamped my sentiment from Sentiment Collection 3, and then added the doily on top of my embossed and sponged background. Then I popped my flowers, paper pierced around my shaped card, and added a taffeta white bow. Since I continue to try to make more cards that are mailable, I think this one qualifies. 

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

This Scripture passage has been one near to my heart recently. My husband had a close call with a possible blood clot in his calf. Praise God it was only a large hematoma that will resolve over time. However, as I waited in the imaging center for several hours, God brought to my mind this wonderful Scripture passage and the song, "Great is Thy faithfulness." I especially remembered, "Thine Own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow." What a special blessing it was to speak with some of the staff who were believers and were so kind during this stressful time. I praise God that He is always with us and gives us opportunities to praise Him through the hard times!

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until November 30 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

One more thing. ODBD is having a BIG sale through Sunday, and I do mean big. You won't want to miss it.

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Violet, Sentiment Collection 3 (ODBD)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), White (PTI), Blushing Bride (SU)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Black (Versafine), Blushing Bride (SU)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Doily dies (ODBD), Grand Labels One dies (Spellbinders), Dainty Dots M-Bossabilities reversible embossing folder (Spellbinders), White White taffeta ribbon (SU), pearls (Recollections), piercing tool, 3M dimensional tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing, fussy cutting, sponging
Card Size:  5 1/4"

Christmas Rose

This is Week One of our Shining the Light "Blessings" Word Challenge. For your recipe, use four letters of the word "blessings."

I actually managed to use all the letters in "blessings," probably pushing it a bit (smile)! But it was fun. I colored my Christmas Rose a deep red (even though they really aren't that red and often white or pale rose), and I added the "Merry Christmas" sentiment from Gift of God. I used a shaped die and matching decorative die and paper pieced. Then I added some "sparkle" to my blooms and added gold cord. Once again, this is a very mailable card!

Here is a list of what I used for "blessings." 

B - Blossoms, L - Layered, E - Embossing, S - Sentiment, 

S - Sparkle/Shimmer, I - Ink, N - Nestabilities, 

G - Gold Cord, S - Shaped Card

Interestingly, the Christmas Rose is a well-known European perennial evergreen plant that blooms during the depth of winter and is known for its ability to bloom during the darkest months of the year when everything else is frozen solid. 

Red is a favorite color for me at Christmas, probably because my mom loved it. The day after Thanksgiving she would start to decorate by putting out the first piece, and it was always red. Each day thereafter, she added decorations until the culmination of Christmas Eve, when they had an open house for family and friends. The house was beautiful, warm, and welcoming, and she always had all kinds of delicious cookies that she had baked. Such wonderful memories!

I'm not sure what your favorite tradition is for Christmas, but I hope that will include enjoying time with family and or friends. But the most important thing to remember is the real meaning of Christmas, when Jesus came to live among us.

She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, 

for He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until November 30 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Christmas Rose, Gift of God (ODBD)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Pure Poppy (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Black (Versafine)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Labels 8 dies and Decorative Labels 8 dies (Spellbinders), gold cord (May Arts), glitter pens (Spica), white Gelly Roll 08 (Sakura), Diamond Glaze adhesive, piercing tool, Glue n' Seal adhesive (Inkssentials/Ranger), red tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing
Card Size:  4 x 5 1/2"

The Star!

This is Week Two of our Shining the Light Holiday Challenge (Thanksgiving/Christmas).

Once again, I chose to make a Christmas card and used a beautiful sheet from the new Christmas Paper Collection 2014 for my background. I used the sentiment from Come Let Us Adore Him and fussy cut the sentiment using the Elegant Oval dies and also matted it and used the star and added a sequin and a rhinestone. Not having the right paper for matting, I used Copic markers BG72 and BG57 to match the background paper. And I also used these Copic markers to dye my organza ribbon too (what would we do without our Copic markers?). I paper-pierced the background, added a few more sequins to the focal sentiment, and then added my ribbon and popped my sentiment and star, keeping it a fairly simple card.

The wise men (often referred to as magi) were scholarly men who were aware that God would use a special star to announce the Savior's birth to the world. I can only imagine their joy in seeing Jesus as they fell down before Him and worshiped him.

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose
went before them until it came to rest
over the place where the child [Jesus] was.
When they saw the star, 
they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
And going into the house they saw the child
with Mary his mother,
and they fell down and worshiped Him.
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts,
gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9-11

While the wise men presented gifts to the infant Jesus, the real gift that Christmas was God's gift of a Savior to us. Their gifts signified that Jesus was to be worshipped, acknowledged that He was King of Kings, and foretold His suffering and death for our sins.

To see all the designs in one place or join the challenge, please visit Our Daily Bread Designs Blog. You have until November 16 to join us. You may use any stamps to enter, but if you have any Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we would love to see you use them. By participating in the challenge, you have an opportunity to win a $15 ODBD gift certificate good towards the purchase of stamps in the "stamps column" on the ODBD website or to be "spotlighted" for the Shining the Light Award. We would love to see your designs!

For more beautiful inspiration ideas for this challenge, please visit my precious design team sisters:

Chris Olsen * Diana Nguyen * DJ Rants
Elizabeth Whisson * Linda Carson * Robin Clendenning

Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought, or prayer request, and I hope you have a wonderful week!

For His glory,

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Come Let Us Adore Him (ODBD)

Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI), Christmas Paper Collection 2014 (ODBD)

Ink: Black (Versafine)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers (BG72 and BG57 for matting), Splendorous Stars dies (ODBD), Elegant Oval dies (ODBD), sequins, rhinestone, white organdy ribbon (dyed with BG72 and BG57), Perfect Layers tool, Diamond Glaze adhesive, piercing tool, 3M dimensional tape, red tape
Techniques: Paper-piercing, fussy cutting
Card Size:  5 1/4"