Bowl of Beauty

Hello, sweet friends! It's so good to post another card, and I enjoyed coloring it. I must say that I still feel a bit rusty. We continue to praise God for the healing in my hubby's knee and thank you all for your prayers. He is eager to get the other one done now.  

Today I am delighted to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners to introduce a new digital release that is truly beautiful! It's called Bowl of Beauty!

Here's what Marcella shares about this new digital image:

"The fourth installment of our café au lait bowl bouquets is filled with some of my favorite plants: hellebores, ferns, and a luscious tree peony with stems of Spanish bluebells. Of course, I had to call this Bowl of Beauty because I know that anyone coloring this one will bring forth beautiful results. A polka-dotted vintage bowl can be done in so many ways to compliment the flowers."

This new release comes with the bowl and without it, so I decided to use just this luscious bouquet, along with the digital sentiment from Rose and Chamomile. I started with the hellebores and then did the fern. The hardest part was deciding what colors to make each of the flowers and yet (hopefully) make the bouquet look cohesive. 

Once the coloring was done, I ended up finding a piece of card stock and used a Copic marker to coordinate with the Spanish bluebells. Here is clean and simple layout that allows this bouquet to take centerstage. 

This card is for a dear mom whose young daughter is on an MDS journey. The whole family is, and they continue to be upheld in prayer and other support by our church family and others. I trust that you will join us and pray for this family. 

We all have trials and difficulties, and we trust in God alone to guide, strengthen, comfort, and love us through all circumstances that pass through the Father's loving hands. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Is anyone among you sick?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over them,
anointing him [her] with oil in the name of the LORD.
James 5:14

Hop on over to the Power Poppy blog and see what delights Marcy is sharing about this stunning new digital release. You will also want to see what my teammates have to share (and our special guest Allison Cope of the Bloom Brigade). What gorgeous cards to inspire you!

Sweet friends, you have continued to be in my prayers, and I praise God for His mercy and for bringing your names and requests to mind as I pray. It's a joy to hear praise reports as well as updates. Thank you for your friendship and your prayers for us. May God continue to give peace, comfort, and strength to us all. You are a great blessing to me and to those for whom you pray.

Blessings, sweet friends,

Stamps: Bowl of Beauty, Rose and Chamomile (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Almost Amethyst (SU!) colored with Copic marker B63, Textured White (Bazzill)

Ink: Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, 6x6 Matting Basics B dies (Spellbinder), Mini Perfect Layers tool, red tape

Techniques: Digital images with Microsoft Word, Copic coloring
Card Size: 5 1/4"
Copic Markers Used: Hellebores - RV66, RV32, R30, YR20, YR000, YG03 (stamen); Ferns - G28, G24, G40; Leaves - G24, G24, G40, YG91, E31; Peony - R30, R32, YR20, YR21/RV32 (center); French bluebells - B63, BV17, RV00 (tips); Cast shadow - BV20 

New Power Poppy Digital Release - My Favorite Pair

Hello, sweet friends! I've been missing you, but I have been so busy caring for my dear husband who had knee replacement surgery on December 12. Yes, it was an early Christmas present! Hehe! He is doing much better, but he has a long way to go with lots more physical therapy. We are blessed to have him walking again and thank God for His faithfulness to us in every way. So on to my post today. It's been more than six weeks since I last picked up my Copic markers, and it felt good to carve out a little time to color and make a card (wow, was I out of practice).

Today I am happy to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners to introduce a new digital release that is absolutely gorgeous! It's called My Favorite Pair! Are you ready?

Here's what Marcella shares about this new digital image:

"A perfectly piled jumble of ripe pears, African violets, and meandering ribbon comprise the second in my series of vintage café au lait bowl bouquets. Think of the fun you can have with this one! As we burrow into our winter wonderlands, the freshness of houseplants in window sills is sometimes the only green to be seen! Bursting forth with blossoms in purples, blues, reds, and whites — the coloring options are endless. This illustration comes with an alternate version with a hand-lettered sentiment and a no-line version of each complete drawing. Pick up Snowdrops and Tea Roses to complete the set, and look for another café au lait bouquet coming in February."

It's hard not to use the complete illustration — with all the exquisite details and elements sweet Marcella puts into her artwork (each one a masterpiece). The possibilities with this one are endless, and just wait till you see what my teammates have done! As always, I find it hard to decide what colors to use. So I tried using my color wheel, and it helped some. I think this might be a complementary/split complementary color combination, but I need more practice in using the color wheel. I printed the image on X-Press It Blending Card, and I used a lot of Copic markers! I masked off a portion of one of the sentiments from Potted Primroses using my Mini MISTI.

Once the coloring was done, I struggled with many options for a layout. In the end, I kept it very simple and decided to sponge the edges to bring out some of the color from the pears to balance it out. I used one of the new Life Changing Blending Brushes and was very happy with the blending. I mounted it on some Rich Razzleberry card stock and adhered it to a white card base, and that was it. 

This card is for a very dear friend who was by my side all day during my husband's surgery and till he finally arrived in his room late that night. She encouraged me, took care of me, prayed with me, and loved me. And she told me it was her privilege to help me. I am blessed by friendships like hers. She is a cherished friend, and I cannot thank her enough for being there for me (and us). Proverbs talks about friendships. It's my prayer that you develop friendships like hers. 

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
Proverbs 27:9

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 stunning new digital release and see what my teammates have to share. You will be completely inspired! 

Oh, my precious friends, you have continued to be in my prayers even in the midst of all the stress and work of helping my husband recover. God has given me some quiet moments to pray as He brings your names to mind, and I thank you for your friendship and your prayers. I know He is always working and will continue to bless and encourage each one of us. And it's in the hard times that we grow (James 1:2-4). I know that for a fact. May God give peace and comfort to us all. You are a blessing to me, and may God be praised and glorified in all things.

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps: My Favorite Pair and Potted Primroses (Power Poppy) 

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

Ink: Printer, Onyx Black (Versafine), Scattered Straw Distress Ink
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Mini MISTI, Life Changing Blending Brushes (Picket Fence Studios), white tape

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

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"

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"

Heart Abloom

Hello, dear friends! Spring is in full bloom here in South Florida, and our temperatures are perfect. 

Today I am sharing a most extraordinary Heart Abloom digital release by Marcella Hawley. I could say it's my favorite, but she somehow always "tops" it again! Here's her delightful description:

"A tapestry of spring flowers fill a large, lush heart shape in this Color Story adventure! The flowers for this heart were expressly chosen for scene to celebrate yellows, greens, blues and purples. We have Daffodils and Narcissus, Trout Lilies, a myriad of single and double Hellebores, Trout Lilies, and then the surprise guest: Blueberries! Now, here’s the thing. Blueberries ripening on the vine start out a very pale greenish-white. The same stem can have a multitude of shades in white, pink, chartreuse, light and dark blue. Hellebores also are cross-pollinated to create loads of color combinations. So, whether you take this Color Story into cool territory with green, blue, deep purple, and white, or something warmer with blushes, yellows, and peachy tones, you are pretty much going to end up with a masterpiece! "

So if you look down at my card, you are probably saying to yourself, "Well, that's not a heart or all those flowers." But, Marcy has also included a single hellebore drawn from the main image. Now isn't that just fabulous for a simple card? I found a beautiful inspiration photo, pulled out my Copic markers, and colored. I used a Crimson Red to add some of the fine lines found in the Helleborus Harlequin Gem and then used a 50% French Grey for shading/highlights. (And I had to remind myself not to use my Copic markers after using my pencils.)

As most of you stampers know, I struggle with card layouts and with how to finish my cards. I tried using a stencil, tried sponging, and other ideas. But nothing worked beside just a bit of shading.  One of the fun things about this one (giving away my tricks here now…) is being able to make a photocopy of it and then enhance the areas that did not copy well with markers and/or pencils to look as good if not better than the original. So, I’ll definitely be making more of this card…and I am definitely going to try to be more daring with those! Hehe! As many of you know, Marcella Hawley always inspires us by sharing what each element is. Just wait till you see what she has done with it! Wow! So here's my clean and simple card, and it's easy to mail.

Reducing stress has been very important for my health, and God has given me an opportunity this week to relieve stress by coloring this beautiful artwork from Marcy. I've been focusing on being quiet and listening to what God would have me do each day and not try to tackle too much. I hope you too might find joy in the quiet of His presence. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.

Psalm 23:2-3a

Now it's time for my stamping friends to hop on over to Power Poppy and purchase this beautiful digital image and use it today. And be sure to visit the Power Poppy blog today to read more and see who else is joining me!

Precious friends, thank you for your visits and for your comments that I always love reading. I am behind in replying to your comments (and also your blogs), but I am working on it! May God bless and encourage each of you.

Blessings, precious friends,

Stamps: Heart Abloom (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 110# (Neenah), Purely Pomegranate (SU!)

Ink: Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, Rectangles dies (ODBD), Blueprints 27 dies (MFT), Mini Perfect Layers tool, white tape, red tape,
Techniques: Digital images using GIMP and Microsoft Word

Card Size: 4” x 5¼”