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