The Card Concept #100 Challenge - Elegant Fall

Hello, sweet friends! It's me two days in a row ... wow!

Today I am happy to guest design for The Card Concept #100 Challenge, "Elegant Fall." Special thanks to my precious friend Julie Gearinger for asking me to be one of her guest designers. I am honored and loved making a card for the challenge.

Here is the Inspiration Photo, and it is gorgeous!

I was inspired by the lovely array of pumpkins dipped in gold, one with flowers, and one with a delightful flower and flourish array. I would say that my card is clean, simple, and layered. 

I chose a new clear stamp by Power Poppy that reminded me of the pumpkins on display with the lovely flowers and golden pears. After coloring with Copic markers, I used an oval die and then carefully used my Krylon gold pen for a gilded edge. I added a scalloped oval die underneath using designer paper that I sanded for some texture. I matted the two pieces of designer paper and used my Mini MISTI for the sentiment, but it still needed something more. That's when I remembered a long-ignored Ornare piercing template that was inspired by the large pumpkin with the flower. See that flourish? Lovely, right? So I decided to stop there (although I was tempted to add some sequins or pearls, haha!). Hope you like it.

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One of the wonderful things about the stamping/blogging community is the number of precious friends I have met online (like Julie Gearinger who invited me to join The Card Concept Challenge). We help each other by sharing techniques and commenting on each others' cards. More frequently than one might think, we develop close friendships, and we are privileged to share prayer requests and to encourage each other. It's a joy to be able to share on a personal level with friends. Friendships are important ... especially to us gals.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his [her] earnest counsel.
Proverbs 27:9

Let each of you look not only to his [her] own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4

Sweet friends, you are truly loved ... and remembered. Thank you so much for your visits and comments. I am behind in replying to your comments and to visiting many blogs, but I look forward to catching up. May God encourage and bless you all. You are a joy to me.

Blessings, sweet friends,

Stamps: Fortunes of Fall and Simply Camellias (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, French Flea Market/Julie Nutting (Photo Play Paper)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Onyx Black (Versafine)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Ovals and Scalloped Ovals dies (Spellbinders), Mini MISTI tool, Mini Perfect Layers tool, Krylon gold pen, Ornare piercing template, Thin 3D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives), Tombow Multi Mono Glue, red tape
Techniques: Copic coloring, paper piercing, sanding

Card Size: 5" square

Painting Pumpkins

Hello, dear friends! 

Today I am happy to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners, and we have a fun new digital release that I think you will love! It's called Painting Pumpkins! Are you ready for some fun?

Here's what Marcella shared:

"Painted pumpkins -- whether given a coat of chalky milk paint in pastel hues, a bold dip with metallic accents, or delicate dots with a fine-tipped brush -- are all the rage. Now you can paint the pumpkins in real life AND in your paper-crafting process. In this arrangement I have several pumpkins primed for your special creative touches. Paint pots and brushes await your artwork on the 'blank canvas' version, or use one of my pre-drawn patterns or jack-o-lantern faces. A series of four sentiments ranging from a general Thank You through Halloween and Thanksgiving allows multiple uses for this fresh fall imagery."

There are so many wonderful ideas for painting pumpkins...oh my! I have a new paper pad that was my color palette for "painting" my pumpkins, and I sure had fun.

I printed the "blank canvas" version and then decided to add a sentiment (like I've seen on the internet), and then I did some "doodling" of my own with a gold gel pen, a white gel pen, and dots with a Copic marker. I used my Mini MISTI and curved the sentiment from Olive and Oak Expanded to match the shape of the large pumpkin. Cute, eh? I used an oval die to cut out my focal image, and then I embossed that die on the card stock and fussy cut it to make a thin mat for the oval (using Copic BG72 to match the designer paper). Works like a charm. Then I put the papers together, matted it, and I added a couple of fishtail flags. And then I was done...what fun!

As I was making this card, I thought about how much I have to be thankful. God has given me the time, ability, and resources to enjoy making cards and sharing His love with others through my blog. What a blessing to have you all as friends. I want to share the blessing of having Christ as my Savior, for that is where I find true joy each day.

I will give thanks to You, LORD, with all my heart;
I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1

For my stamping friends, you will find this new digital image at Power Poppy. Hop on over to the Power Poppy blog and see what Marcy shares about this wonderful new digital release and see what my teammates have to share. 

Nancy Sheads

Leslie Miller
Rhea Weigand
Cheryl Scrivens <me>
Broni Holcombe
Marcella Hawley on Power Poppy Blog

Oh, precious friends, you are dearly loved and remembered in my prayers. Thank you so much for your visits and comments. There are many special prayer requests that I continue to remember,  and there are always new ones. Thanks for sharing those with me. I know that God will encourage and strengthen you. May God give peace and comfort to those suffering loss and encouragement to us all. You are a blessing to me.

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps: Painted Pumpkins and Olive and Oak Expanded (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Cool Caribbean colored with BG72 to match designer paper (SU!), FarmLife (Mintay by Karola)

Ink: Smokey Gray (Versafine), printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Infinity Oval dies (Hero Arts), Fishtail Flag Layer STAX dies (My Favorite Things), Mini MISTI tool, Mini Perfect Layers tool, gold gel pen, white gel pen, 3M dimensional tape, Tombow Mono Multi Glue, red tape, white tape

Techniques: Digital images with Microsoft Word, Copic coloring, fussy cutting
Card Size: 5 1/4" x 6"

Season's Seatings

Hello, sweet and lovely friends! 

Today I am happy to join my Power Poppy teammates in sharing the newest "Digis on the 5s" digital release, Season's Seatings. Here's what Marcella shares about this new release. 

"We love any scene that exudes cozy fall goodness — a second-hand chair in the garden? Of course! It's the ideal perch for a rustic pumpkin bouquet. You may recognize this image from our popular clear stamp set 'So Grateful.' What's especially neat about this digital download version is that you get two focal images, one of the large chair vignette and a second large image of the pumpkin bouquet by itself featuring dahlias, berries, and black-eyed Susans. The verse from Ecclesiastes, 'He has made everything beautiful in its time,' is the perfect accompaniment, and you'll also get a shorter 'Hello, Beauty' sentiment. A coloring feast awaits!"  

In South Florida we do not see many real carved pumpkins, and if we do, they are inside our air-conditioned houses. It's far too hot for pumpkins to survive very long. So to have a pumpkin filled with fall flowers is a delight for me!

Using Microsoft Word, I arranged the flower-filled pumpkin next to the Scripture verse for a wide card, printed it on X-Press It Blending Card, and started coloring. I found this vibrant fall plaid designer paper and kept it simple with a wonky-stitched die, thin mat of Tangerine Tango, and it was done. I dug through all my embellishments but finally decided to keep it simple — flat and easy to mail. ;)

I truly enjoyed making this card, and I read on in Ecclesiastes where it tells us that there is nothing better for us to do than to be joyful and to do good as long as we live. This is God's gift to us. As I considered the enjoyment I experienced in making this card, I am reminded that pleasure is fleeting and that true and lasting joy is found only in Jesus Christ. May I glorify God in all I do. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
...there is nothing better for them than to be joyful
and to do good as long as they live; 
— this is God's gift to man..
Ecclesiastes 3:11, 12b, 13b

For my stamping friends, you will find this new digital image at Power Poppy. Hop on over to the Power Poppy blog and see what Marcy shares about this wonderful digital release and see what my teammates have to share. 

This week Splitcoaststampers has a wonderful Inspiration Challenge, and we are to be inspired by one of the flags. There were many I could have used, and I think it's a wonderful website to inspire many other future cards.

Precious friends, you are truly loved. As always, I thank you so much for your visits and comments. I continue to pray for many of the special prayer requests, and I know that God will encourage and bless you all. I thank God also for how He is answering our prayers. May God give peace and comfort to those suffering loss and encouragement and joy to us all. You are a precious gift to me.

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps: Season's Seatings (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Tangerine Tango (SU!), Perfectly Plaid Fall (Lawn Fawn)

Ink: N/A (printer)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Wonky Stitched Rectangle STAX dies (My Favorite Things), Mini Perfect Layers tool, white tape

Card Size: 5" x 6"

Bountiful Bouquet

Hello, sweet friends! 

Today I am happy to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners. Marcella Hawley has illustrated a brand new digital image release for us, and it is both beautiful and versatile. She colored it with her masterful watercoloring to delight and inspire us as we celebrate fall.

Here's what Marcella shared:

"Emanating autumnal élan, Beautiful Bouquet features TWO focal images! One illustration is large and in charge — with three Rudbeckia blooms intertwined with berries and leaves. A second illustration is a pitcher filled with the same Rudbeckia flowers, plus branches of fruiting persimmon and the vivid stems of pokeweed berries. Two sentiments encouraging happiness and mindfulness round out this bountiful digi set."

Since we live in South Florida, we do not experience fall as do our northern friends here in the States. Having grown up in New Jersey, I always looked forward to seeing the leaves turn gorgeous colors in the fall. Since Marcy shares the names of each flower and plant, we can find inspiration for coloring with a few clicks on the internet. However, she always encourages us to color as our hearts desire. So I decided to color this beautifully filled pitcher with vibrant colors (to remind me of what I am missing up north).

Since the pitcher image is tall, I decided to keep the layout simple and make the image as large as possible. I did a "test run" with my color combinations and then happily colored another "Marcella" beauty! The details in her illustrations are amazing, aren't they? After I finished coloring, I used a stitched die to trim my colored piece and then matted it with "Copic-enhanced" card stock to match the pitcher. I used my Mini MISTI to add the lovely birthday blessings sentiment from Artistic Bouquet clear stamp set. A dear friend has a birthday next week, and she loves and grows many flowers. I hope she will enjoy this card. 

Birthdays are special days to celebrate God's gracious gift of life here on earth. He has known us since before the earth was formed and joins with us in celebrating the joy of each birthday. As we awake each morning, may we be reminded that God has a purpose for us each day. May we find joy in each day.

For you formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:13-14

For my stamping friends, you will find this new digital image at Power Poppy. Hop on over to the Power Poppy blog and see what Marcy shares about this wonderful new digital release and see what my teammates have to share. Of course, you have most likely been following Marcella's newest clear stamp release, Natural Wonders.

This week Splitcoaststampers has a fun Ways To Use It Challenge, and we are to use fruit on our cards. Persimmons are fruit, and I have some ripe ones in this lovely image. 

Oh, my dear and sweet friends, you are truly loved. Thank you so much for your visits and comments. I know there are special prayer requests that I have continued to remember, and I know that God will encourage and bless you all. May God give peace and comfort to those suffering loss and encouragement to us all. You are a joy to me.

Blessings, sweet friends,

Stamps: Bountiful Bouquet and Artistic Bouquet (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Baja Breeze colored with BG72 to match pitcher (SU!)

Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine), printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX Set 1 dies (My Favorite Things), Mini MISTI tool, Mini Perfect Layers tool, red tape

Card Size: 4 3/4" x 5 5/8"

Bittersweet Wreath

Hello, my sweet friends! We are definitely feeling some cooler temperatures here in South Florida, as we are approaching my favorite month of the year. Yesterday we did our weekly shopping, and it was a joy to feel the cool breeze. I love November because the temperatures are cooler, the humidity is lower, and our orchids love it. 

Today I am sharing a newly remixed digital image called Bittersweet Wreath. Marcy has shared, "Given a bit of a shearing and a plumpen-upping, my remixed Bittersweet Wreath illustration downloads in a flash and colors up easily to make a beautiful Thanksgiving, fall or holiday card front. Two sentiments accompany this sweet and simple set." 

Today I have two cards to share. My first one is CAS (clean and simple in the stamping world) with this sweet wreath and the Scripture verse below it. I colored the bitty berries and leaves, die cut it, matted it, and adhered it to the card base. Easy, right?

But one of the images I saw online kept my brain working. And finally yesterday I was able "put to paper" a card design that had been "ruminating" in my head for a few days. Here's the photograph of the bittersweet vine that inspired me. Are these the sweetest little berries...I just love the soft, warm colors!

As many of my stamping friends know, one of the wonderful things about digital images is being able to resize them. So I enlarged the wreath (by a lot....hehe!) and made two "copies" of it in Word. I rotated and arranged them to "frame" this wonderful Scripture verse. I used the same colors as the first card and a couple more colors and matted it. But something was missing...and that's when I decided that jute with a button would lend a more country feel. I used dimensional tape under the entire card front and mounted it to the card base. So there you have it...an easy card to make and color...just in time for this Thanksgiving season. I have printed out another one with the "Happy Thanksgiving" sentiment, so don't tell my family this is the card they will be receiving in the mail, okay? Hehe!

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, may we continually thank God for His many blessings, remembering to rejoice even in difficult times. Our Father is good and gracious...and always uses difficulties for our good...even when we cannot see them as good at the time. He is always with us...in the good times and the hard times. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So, my sweet stamping friends, it's time to hop on over to Power Poppy to get this new digital release to use today and check out the entire digital collection. Then visit the Power Poppy blog...and be sure to leave some "love" for my teammates, including Marcella, who continues to delight us all with her wonderful artistry...and heart! (Note: Due to internet issues, the Power Poppy sale is extended through Wednesday, October 26, midnight CT.)

Barb Walker
Cheryl Scrivens <me>
Cindy Lawrence
Nancy Sheads
Stacy Morgan

Marcella Hawley

Thanks so much for visiting and sharing a comment, thought, or question. I always love hearing from you, precious friends, and read each and every comment! You are such a joy, and I appreciate your friendship!

Blessings, dear friends,

Card One:
Stamps:  Bittersweet Wreath (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and 110# (Neenah),  Cajun Craze (SU)

Ink:  Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangles dies (Simon Says Stamp!), Mini Perfect Layers tool, white tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  A-2
Copic markers used:  Leaves - YG03; Berries - Y32, R05

Card Two:
Stamps:  Bittersweet Wreath (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and 110# (Neenah),  Peach Parfait (SU)

Ink:  Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Mini Perfect Layers tool, natural jute (May Arts), Summer Sunrise button (PTI), 3M dimensional tape, white tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  A-2
Copic markers used:  Leaves - YG01, YG03; Berries - Y32, YR12, R05

Fall Haul

Hello, my precious friends, and hello fall, y'all! Here in South Florida we are keeping watch over Hurricane Matthew, and we are saddened by the many who have already been affected by it in the islands and are praying for everyone in its path.

Today I am sharing a newly remixed digital image that is an old-fashioned country wheelbarrow filled with an array of wonderful squash and pumpkins, and the set comes with two delightful sentiments. Isn't it charming? This new digital set from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley is called Fall Haul.

Yesterday I finished coloring this image, and what fun to find an amazing variety of pumpkins and squash -- and the colors and shapes are amazing! I also learned that the very top one is called a Turk cap or turban squash. After I finished coloring, I die cut my image and used my MISTI to stamp a sentiment from the clear set Olive & Oak Extended. 

A few weeks ago Allison Cope used this gorgeous designer paper, and I just had to get it. It served as a perfect color pallet for my card. This week's Color Challenge on Splitcoaststampers is a beautiful array of fall colors, so I am participating in that challenge. So here she is, and I wish you all a happy fall! 

When we lived in New Jersey many years ago, I absolutely loved to see the leaves change colors -- oh the splendor of it all. And it was a time of harvest for all kinds of fall produce. It still reminds me of the bountiful blessings God continues to give us.  

And God is able to bless you abundantly,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

Now it's time for my stamping friends to hop on over to Power Poppy to get this new digital release to use today -- and also check out the entire digital collection. Then be sure to visit the Power Poppy blog and be sure to leave some "love" for my teammates, including Marcella who has a special treat!

Cindy Lawrence
Cheryl Scrivens <me>

Jessie Banks

Marcella Hawley

Thanks so much for visiting and sharing a comment, thought, or question. I always love hearing from you, precious friends, and read each and every comment! (I am also entering my card in this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.)

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  Fall Haul, Olive & Oak Expanded (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and 110# (Neenah),  Perfectly Plaid Fall (Lawn Fawn)

Ink:  Onyx Black (Versafine), printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangles dies (Kat Scrappiness), MISTI, white tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  5¼” square

A Warm Autumn Welcome!

Hello, sweet friends, and I trust that you have had a good week and are looking forward to the weekend soon. Yes, it's been far too long since I've posted (where did October go?). But I'm back and have a special treat for you (and it really got me coloring again).

It's the 5th of the month, and I am playing with the newly remixed digital image from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley called Maize for Days. Here's what Marcy shared, "Maize for Days is a bough of colorful Native American Corn (also called Indian Corn and Calico Corn - how cute is that!!) extending a token of friendship and a warm welcome to everyone, and it colors up beautifully in autumnal tones. Three sentiments allow you to have a straightforward sentiment – or two jaunty puns!"

This delightful image is exquisitely designed, and I love its beautiful detail. I found some wonderful inspiring photos to guide me in coloring my corn, and I used a lot of colors. I decided on a green ribbon for contrast, and I matted my focal image with green and sponged inside the die with Antique Linen and the edges of the card base. I know this is going to be a perfect image for lots of occasions, especially with the sentiments (and of course many other Power Poppy sentiments).

So, for any non-techies or those who are hesitant about digital images, today I'm going to explain how to use a digital image in Microsoft Word only. I know you can do it – I have confidence in you. First, I opened Microsoft Word, dragged in the main image and resized it (clicking on the image and using the corners only to push and pull for resizing). After I resized my main image, I righted click on that image, chose Wrap Text, and selected Tight. Now you can click in the center of the image and move it anywhere you want (you'll see the blue border around it). Easy, eh? Then I clicked anywhere in the white area to "unselect" the main image and dragged in the sentiment. If you do that, the sentiment will be "on top of" the white space of the main image. Repeat the Wrap Text and select Text procedure. Resize it and move it where you wish near the image. If you want to make multiple copies of this "arrangement," hold the Shift key down and select both images. Then right click, hover over Grouping, and select Group. Voila! Now move that "group" to where you want it, copy it, and paste it. Then move the second one where you want. Now you are ready to print two copies to make two cards (if you wish, do all four). If you have any questions, email me.

Well, this image really has put me in the fall and Thanksgiving mode, and I am reminded of all the many blessings God has given me. And in good times and bad, He is always my strength.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart exults.
And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 28:7

Now it's time to visit the Power Poppy blog and see what Marcella has to share with us, and then hop over to see what "a-maize-ing" cards Christine and Stacy have done!

Be sure to visit Power Poppy to get this new digital release to use today. While you are there, don't forget to check out the entire digital collection! 

Thanks so much for visiting and sharing a comment, thought, or question. I love hearing from you and am always happy to answer questions, so don't hesitate to email me. (I am entering this in this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.)

Blessings,

Stamps:  Maize for Days (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Classic White (Neenah), Wild Wasabi (SU)

Ink: Antique Linen distress ink (Ranger)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangles dies (Simon Says Stamps), Perfect Layers tool
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word, sponging

Card Size:  A-2
Copics used:  Corn and husks - Lots of Y, YR, E - just have fun with the colors; Ribbon - YG61, YG63, and YG67