Power Poppy's Quiet Christmas Continues with Forest Fellas

 Hello, dear friends! Well, I jumped the gun and tomorrow (November 12) is the start of the second half of the release for Power Poppy's "Quiet Christmas" clear and digital sets. This one is so adorable, and it is sure to delight many. (I apologize for the mistake.)

After seeing this sweet stamp set, I knew which "fella" I had to color. Anyone who knows me well, knows my love for teddy bears that I inherited from my dear mom. I started with this piece of designer paper and colored this adorable bear, but then I always get stuck with layouts and actually making cards. So this is what I ended up with. Not my favorite card or colors, but it was still fun to make. I always relax when coloring (so I guess I need to do more of that -- especially since I am still rusty and a bit shaky). 

For my stamping friends, you will find this new stamp (clear and digital) at Power Poppy. 

Check out the adorable and sweet creations my dear Bloom Brigade teammates have shared along with what Marcella has to share about the "Quiet Christmas" Release on the Power Poppy blog. You are in for a delight! (Back later for the Bloom Brigade list.)

Jenn Dove

Sathya Kala

Leslie Miller

Christine Okken

Gloria Stengel

Barbara Campbell

Julie Koerber

Lisa Johansen

Broni Holcombe

Allison Cope

Saskia van den Berk

Barbara Walker

Cheryl Scrivens <you are here>

Marcella Hawley on the Power Poppy Blog

I'm not sure about you, but I definitely miss hugging. My dear dad was a hugger, and I inherited that gift and truly miss giving and receiving hugs. Even greeting others with our hands is something we miss today. However, I am comforted by the constant love of God my Father. There are times at night when I cannot sleep that I imagine being held in the arms of my Father. This is a precious verse from Isaiah.

He will tend His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs in His arms....

Isaiah 40:11a

No matter what we are experiencing, our Father in Heaven is always available. Just call to Him. That's what prayer is -- speaking to God, Who is infinitely powerful and always wants to help us -- especially during these difficult times.

Your friendship, love, and prayers are cherished. May God continue to give great peace, comfort, and strength to you. And may God always be glorified and praised!

Blessings, love, and big hugs, sweet friends,

Stamps: Forest Fellas (Power Poppy)

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Harvest Gold (PTI), Twelve Days of Christmas (Graphic 45), Scenic Route Paper Co. designer sheet

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Onyx Black (Versafine), Mustard Seed Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangle STAX dies (MFT), Mini MISTI tool, Mini Perfect Layers tool, Blueberry Sky button (PTI), Perle Cotton #725, X-Press It adhesive tape, Tombow Mono Glue, Gemini Junior die-cutting machine

Techniques: Copic coloring, sponging
Card Size: 5"

Copic Markers: Bear – E30, E31, E35; Coveralls – B91, B95; Scarf – R27, R29, G07, G19; Mug – Y15, Y19, B91; Watch Band – Y15; Shoes – N8, N9; Grounding – N4, N1; Shading – BV20

Brand New from Power Poppy - Mossy Pots with Paperwhites

Hello, dear friends! It's time for a new release from Power Poppy, and it's called "Quiet Christmas" offering clear and digital sets that will surely delight all for Christmas and winter. Marcella Hawley continues to amaze us all with her creative artistry, and this release will not disappoint you.

After seeing this first new stamp set, I picked out some designer paper and used it as my color palette. I used this sweet little image and colored it (my favorite thing about making a card). After searching for some sketches, I adjusted one of Julee Tilman's Mojo Monday sketches into this one. I was delighted to use a sweet Twine with Bows die that Leslie Miller "enabled" me to purchase. This is the first time I've used it, and I think it worked perfectly. I even wrapped the "twine" around the layer so it really looks wrapped, don't you think? I'll definitely use it again. So here's is the second card I've made this year. (However, I have made some very simple cards for our SonShine Card Ministry at church, which has been great fun and fellowship!)

For my stamping friends, you will find this new stamp (clear and digital) at Power Poppy. 

Check out the fabulous creations my dear Bloom Brigade teammates have shared along with what Marcella has to share about the "Quiet Christmas" release. You are in for a delight! 

Jenny Colacicco

Leslie Miller

Broni Holcombe

Barbara Campbell

Nancy Sheads

Christine Okken

Gloria Stengel

Allison Cope

Cheryl Scrivens <you are here>

Stacy Morgan

Barbara Walker

Julie Koerber

Jenn Dove

Lisa Johansen

Catherine Anderson

Sathya Kala

Marcella Hawley on the Power Poppy Blog

If you have followed my journey this past year and a half, you know how thankful to God my husband and I are for all He has done for us. I continue to take a prescription iron pill to increase my iron level (and my energy level). I am scheduled for blood work and a CAT scan in early December. We continue to pray that any remaining cancer cells are gone. I had both cataract surgeries and look forward to getting a new prescription for eyeglasses soon.  

I love this passage from Philippians, which reminds me that the Lord is always with me. I don't need to be anxious about anything. It says to take all our requests to God, Who will give us peace through Christ. Given all that has happened this year, I'm sure each of us is looking for peace and calm. Only God can give us true and lasting peace and comfort, no matter what difficulties we face. 

The Lord is at hand;

do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

I've memorized a lot of passages of Scripture this year, and Philippians 4:4-9 is one of them. So often I hear the passage above starting with "do not be anxious about anything." But the sentence doesn't start there. It starts with "The Lord is at hand." That's been a great comfort to me these past eighteen months knowing that the Lord is with me...therefore I don't need to be anxious. God promises that He will never leave us. May you be assured of His love and care as I have been...and take all your requests to Him, knowing that He is there for you.

Your friendship, love, and prayers are cherished. Prayer is powerful! May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. May God Almighty be praised always! You are a great blessing to me and to those for whom you pray.

Blessings, love, and big hugs, sweet friends,

Stamps: Mossy Pots and Paperwhites (Power Poppy)

Paper: Solar White (Neenah), White (PTI), Riding Hood Red - retired (SU!), Sugar Plum paper pad (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Shapes Framelits/Squares (SU!), Twine and Bows (Pretty Pink Posh), pearls (Martha Stewart), X-Press It adhesive tape, Tombow Mono Glue, Mini Perfect Layers tool, Gemini Junior die-cutting machine

Techniques: Copic coloring
Card Size: A-2

Copic Markers: Flower - BV20, YR31, YR30, Y000; Holly Leaves - G20, G43; Holly Berries - R35, R37; Blue Ornament - B0000, B000, BG53, BG72; Blue Ornament Top - Y28; Red Ornament - R00, R20, R21, R14, R32 (some R35); Shading - BG0000

Snowdrops & Tea Roses

Hello, sweet friends! 

Today I am happy to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners to introduce a new digital release that is simply gorgeous! It's called Snowdrops & Tea Roses! Are you ready for some fun?

Here's what Marcella shared:

"The first in a series of bouquets nestled inside vintage French café au lait bowls. Festive enough for Christmas cards; cozy enough for a winter's afternoon coloring session. This scene features a trio of hybrid tea roses arranged with crisp white snowdrops and variegated holly. Be open and adventurous with your coloring, i.e., berries can be white/pink/light green if you are using red roses. Holly doesn't always have to be red. Remember, we are making the picture; nature is just one of our inspirations.

Digital download includes a no-line version and two merry sentiments.

A few tea rose varieties to use as inspirations to make this bouquet especially festive: 'Bewitched' (pale pink), 'Neil Diamond' (red-and-white streaked), 'Cinnamon Dolce' (dark red with pink streaks), 'Gemini' (creamy center with coral pink edges), 'Word War II Memorial Rose' (light pink with tinges of red)."

I almost decided to use a portion of this new digital image, but I just could not. There is just so much beauty in this bouquet, and I love that it's in a sweet bowl. (I would love to have this on my dining room table.) Anyway, using Microsoft Word, I sized this image, added one of the sentiments from Merriest Berries, and printed two on a page (landscape - just in case I mess up the first one). I used my favorite coloring medium, Copic markers. The hardest part was deciding what color to use for my roses. After that, I got into my coloring zone (something that really relaxes me). 

Once I finish coloring, the real work for me is making a card. I had some idea before I started coloring, but it usually changes. Ha! I ended up using a scalloped rectangle die with gilded edges. This is definitely a "one-off" card, compared to many of which I color duplicates. I hope to be more adventurous with the next one, but this will be for someone special. I hope you like it, and I know you will love seeing the cards by the rest of my wonderful teammates who have amazing coloring skills.

As I was making this card, I thought about the meaning of roses. Red roses have traditionally been symbols of love. Christmas is when God sent His Son Jesus in the greatest act of love ever. May we remember the great love of God during this season of thanksgiving and as we approach Christmas.

For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have eternal life.
John 3:16

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. You will be inspired!

Oh, precious friends, you are always loved and remembered in my prayers. I so appreciate your visits and comments. I continue to remember the many special prayer requests. 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, and may God be glorified in all things.

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps: Snowdrops & Tea Roses and Merriest Berries (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, 110# Solar White (Neenah)

Ink: N/A (printer)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Grand Scalloped Rectangles dies (Spellbinders), Krylon gold pen, white tape

Techniques: Digital images with Microsoft Word, Copic coloring
Card Size: A-2

Power Poppy's Newest Christmas Digi - Forest Finds

Hello, precious friends! It's been a busy time for me ––  and I'm sure for you as well. It's hard to believe that we are into November already, and I still need to make many more Christmas cards. To help me, Marcella has released a brand new set (yes, brand new), and it's darling...whimsical. 

Today's sweet digital stamp set is called Forest Finds. Here are some thoughts from Marcella:

"Embrace forest finds ––  or glass ornament lookalikes! ––  for this special holiday grouping. A vintage pinecone, tiny pumpkin, and pomegranate ornament are arranged among poinsettia leaves and a berry-bedecked twig. Color this illustration for a simple, sweet, and unique way to wish your friends and family a warm and wonderful holiday season."

Most often I color a practice piece on copy paper, and I struggled a bit with the color palette I wanted. But after finding some vintage pastel color combinations, I knew that was the direction I would go (at least for this card). I discovered a soft plaid paper that helped guide my palette, and it was an easy image to color. Once done, I used my MISTI to stamp the sentiment from Berry Sweet Holiday and used a cross-stitched square die (again giving it a vintage feel). I matted it with the designer paper and adhered it to the card base, but it still needed something. So out came my sequins, and I found several that worked...and then it was done! I always love finishing a card and now am ready to start another!

So while my card may not look like it came from the forest, it was fun to color Marcy's darling "finds" from the forest! And I printed another one and will have fun coloring that one in different colors (especially after seeing one of the teammates' cards). So many possibilities! What color combinations would you color these ornaments? I'd love to see them. 

As I was making this card, I had lovely thoughts of when I was a child and how our family celebrated Christmas. Yes, I remember vintage Christmas ornaments like these, and I especially remember our rustic creche with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, along with the sheep and cattle. We always added the three wisemen, and of course, the angel was at the top of the creche. It was a reminder of the angels' proclamation to the shepherds. Oh, that we would always remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.
Luke 2:14

Now it's time for my stamping friends to hop over to Power Poppy and purchase this beautiful digital image and use it today. Be sure to visit the Power Poppy blog. Marcy never disappoints, and I am eager to read how she was inspired to draw this sweet image! My sweet teammates have some lovely cards of their own. You won't be disappointed...I promise!

Allison Cope
Cheryl Scrivens <me>

Stacy Morgan

Marcella Hawley on Power Poppy Blog

Thank you for visiting with me today. I always love reading each of your comments. I hope to see you again soon and to do some catching up on blog visits myself. 

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  Forest Finds, Berry Sweet Holiday (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Primrose Pink (SU!), Sugar Plum (My Mind's Eye)

Ink:  Onyx Black (Versafine), Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Large Cross-Stitched Square Stackables (Lawn Fawn), MISTI tool, sequins, Diamond Glaze, white and red tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  5½” square

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