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

Black-Eyed Susan

Hello, dear friends! What a fun-filled post we have today. So let's get started.

First, it's September 15, and here is the new Instant Garden digital stamp set called Black-Eyed Susan. This is a simple early-autumn botanical paired with three sentiments. Marcy has been so fascinated with prairie wildflowers (note the Pure Prairie Bouquet), and this Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) goes along with that thinking! Now isn't this a beauty?

I had hoped to try some watercoloring but decided on doing something totally different from what I've done so far with the digital images. I fussy cut the image - oh my! Yes, I printed it out to fit the size I wanted for my layout (one of the benefits of a digital image), colored it, and fussy cut it! Oh, how I loved doing that! And this pretty black-eyed Susan is easier to cut out than I thought it would be. I CASE'd one of the beautiful birthday cards I received (thank you, Tracy)! I embossed the teal designer paper and sanded it to show the raised portion. Next I printed one of the sentiments from Cuppa Buttercups and then used the notebook edge die, rounded the edges of the "notebook" and popped it over the embossing. I used my Empressor tool to add some shape to the petals and leaves, added something dimensionals, and popped it in place. And I even added some Wink of Stella to the petals and sequins! Wow, I think I am really getting wild, eh? But I think they work with the card. 

I was reading from one of my devotionals yesterday morning, and it was about having a grateful heart versus an unthankful heart. One is full, and the other is empty, and the difference is almost always gratitude. She challenged us to make a "gratitude list" of what God has provided. It sure makes me "full in the things that matter most." I praise God for all He has given me...for He is good and loves us with an everlasting love.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

for His steadfast love endures forever!

1 Chronicles 16:34

NEWS: As we help kick off Power Poppy's brand new release, Black-Eyed Susan, we have some other fun to share! A selection of our favorite digital designs is available at a special price! These late-summer flowers and fruits are in full bloom -- ready for you to download, print, and color to your heart's content. Power Poppy's brand new Black-Eyed Susan, plus Pure Prairie Bouquet, Sunshine of My Life, Cuppa Buttercups, and Apples in Season are just $4 each (save $2 per set), OR get all five digital stamp sets in a bundle for $15 (a total of $14 savings). What's even better? Play along in our weekend Coloring Contest over at Passionate Paper Creations and Friends using one of these five digital stamp sets, and you could win a $20 gift code to the Power Poppy Shop! The contest and sale close Monday, September 19, at midnight Central Time. A winner will be announced sometime on Wednesday, September 21, on the PPCF Facebook page. WOW! Isn't all this exciting?

AND have you seen the new Free Coloring Downloads from the first Power & Sparklette Mini Challenge? They are free and available to download here. Congratulations to our winners. And don't forget to visit the newest Mini Challenge here for an opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate.

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 to see what my teammates have in store for you. 

Jennifer Dove

Broni Holcombe

Cheryl Scrivens <me>

Debbie Olson

Barb Walker

Nancy Sheads

Jessie Banks

I so appreciate your visit and sharing a comment, thought, or question. I would love to know what you are thankful for and challenge you to join me in making a "gratitude list."

It's always such a joy to hear from you, and I love reading your comments. I am always happy to answer questions regarding digital images. And I hope to watercolor a digital image again soon. (I am also entering my card in this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.)

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  Black-Eyed Susan, Cuppa Buttercups (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and 110# (Neenah), Genteel/Fancy-Free Collection (Fancy Pants Designs)

Ink:  Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Notebook Edge die (MFT), Pierced Rectangles dies (ODBD), Charles embossing folder (Cricut/Cuttlebug), sequins (Verve), Empressor tool, corner rounder punch (EKSuccess), Wink of Stella, Diamond Glaze, Thin 3D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives), white tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  A-2
Copic markers used: Flower Petals - Y11, Y35, Y26; Leaves - G40, G43, G46, YG01; Flower Centers - E55, E57, Y11

May We Never Forget...

Today is a day filled with deeply sad memories, and I am sure that we each remember where we were and what we were doing on September 11, 2001. I still remember how our entire country (no matter what political affiliation, what nationality, what color) rallied together -- and even prayed publicly and often. And the world mourned along with us.

Yesterday, I decided to color this image -- a beautiful stamp a dear friend gave to me. From her apartment just blocks away, she personally witnessed the horror that day in New York City, and she said it was surreal. Fifteen years ago today, many people going about their normal lives in the Twin Towers lost their lives, along with those who ran to help. Yet that day also included an attack on the Pentagon, where many brave and courageous people lost their lives, including those who also ran to help others. And finally there was a failed attack that tragically ended in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, due to some very courageous passengers. It was devastating to watch the events that day and for many days following, and my heart still aches for the many families who lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, and others. May we never forget the horror of that day and pass its memory on to the next generation so that they too may be willing to work together for the good of our nation.

Since September 11, 2001, we have seen continued loss of life and conflicts within our country and throughout the world. But we should never fear or lose hope -- for God is our only true security. May we continue to trust in Him and not be afraid. He is still on the throne and will be forever.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD,
"He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2

I read the entire chapter of Psalm 91, and I encourage you to do the same. It was a blessing to me. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing a comment, thought, or question. May God bless and encourage you today, sweet friends. You are dearly loved.

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  God Bless America (Stamps Happen)

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

Tools/Accessories: Copic markers and pencils, Blueprints 3 dies (My Favorite Things), Wink of Stella, white tape

Card Size:  5¼”

Well, Hello Dahlia

Hello, my precious friends! It's Labor Day here in the States, and I hope you are having a good weekend. I know a lot of people have had some bad weather, but I hope you are all safe and comfortable...and relaxing.

Today I am sharing a newly remixed image that is a lovely grouping of dahlias in earthenware vases in three different images with two sentiments. This new digital set from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley is called Well Hello Dahlia.

Yesterday, I enjoyed my afternoon and colored the largest of the three digital images. What a sweet arrangement of dahlias in earthenware. It was a special treat for me to start and finish a card in a single day - that's a big deal for me, the tortoise! Hehe! Of course, you can see the layout is an easy one, so coloring was the most fun and so relaxing. By the way, I had some real fun trying to get the earthenware vases to look as "earthy" as I could. So I used quite the variety of colors and blended a lot. The pot on the right is actually more green than it appears. I was inspired by some that I found on the internet, and I'm sure you will enjoy coloring them as well.

I decided to use a sentiment from Potted Primroses and used my MISTI to stamp it. Then I used a stitched rectangle die, matted it with my Mini Perfect Layers tool, and finally adhered it to the card base. Voila! I love that it is very mailable, and I hope my friend will like it. 

One of the members of our small group is a teacher, and we were talking about joy, which led into kindness. She shared how she is teaching her students using her "Kindness Tree." When an act of kindness is done, a leaf is added to the tree. Scripture reminds us of the importance of being kind to one another, and it's especially true today. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another,
as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

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!

Barb Walker
Cheryl Scrivens <me>

Nancy Sheads

Tosh Leyendekker
Power Poppy blog

Don't forget about the brand new Power and Sparklette: Mini Challenge Week 1. It's guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing, and there will even be prizes! 

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

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  Well Hello Dahlia, Potted Primroses (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and 110# (Neenah), Ruby Red (SU)

Ink:  Onyx Black (Versafine), printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangles dies (Gina Marie Design), MISTI, Mini Perfect Layers tool, white tape, red tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  A-2
Copic markers used: Flowers - R20, R17, R29, R39; Leaves - G40, G43, YG10; Grounding - W0, W1, W3; Earthenware Vases - B21, BG10, BG11, W1, W2, special blend marker of BG0000 and B0000; E41, E42, E43; BG90, BG93, G40, G43

Cuppa Buttercups

Hello, my sweet friends! It's Tuesday, and it's already been a busy week for me so far. How about you? 

I didn't get to share the new remixed digi from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley on August 25, but better late than never, right? It's called Cuppa Buttercups and is a remix from one of Marcella's very first clear stamp sets called Marcella's Mixtape. In that set is the sweetest little cup of buttercups, and now we can make it any size we want - and any color we want!

I decided to use a new die from Papertrey that has slits at the top and bottom, and I just love the open scallops. Once I determined the size, I printed it on Neenah 80-pound paper and colored the flowers. I decided to use Tempting Turquoise to mat the strip that goes through the slits and to mat the embossed background - and of course colored my cup accordingly. I printed one of the sweet sentiments from this new digi to fit the matted strip. And then after it was all put together, it was missing something. At that point, I could not pierce it, so I faux pierced it with a multi-liner pen. Then I added four small pearls - and it was ready to be mailed. I just love when it all comes together - eventually!

I enjoyed playing Saturday's Inspiration Challenge on Splitcoaststampers, which was fun. I don't get to play challenges as often as I'd like to. So it was a treat to have Harry & David's website to chose from, and I am so thankful for the great websites and Pinterest boards Audrie selects to inspire us. 

What comfort it is for me to remember that each day can be a lovely day when I remember Who is in charge of all that happens. Here are two great Scripture verses that I have read the last couple of days. May they be encouraging to you as well, my precious friends!

In quietness and trust
is your strength.
Isaiah 30:15

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

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

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  Cuppa Buttercups (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and 110# (Neenah), Tempting Turquoise (SU)

Ink:  N/A Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers,  Scene It: Doily Tag Base die (PTI), pearls (Recollections), Wink of Stella, black multi-liner pen, Perfect Layers Mini tool, white tape, red tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  5¼” square
Copic markers used: Cup - B0000, B000, B01, B02; Leaves - G40, G43, YG01; Flower Petals - R18, R83, R85, R89; Flower Centers - Y11; Shadow/Grounding - W00, W0, W1

Pure Prairie Bouquet

Hello, wonderful friends! I hope you are keeping cool here in the Northern Hemisphere and warm in the Southern Hemisphere, aka "down under."

Once again, I get to play with another brand new Instant Garden digital image from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley called Pure Prairie Bouquet. Wow, is this an amazing bouquet, and there are three sentiments in this set! Marcy shares this:

"I spent a week immersing myself in prairie wildflowers. I spent time looking through the native plants of regions all over the country. While this bouquet is more specific to middle-America edging in to the west, some of these plants are also native to the Great Lakes region and the Northeast. Sorry for the Southerns. I haven't tackled that territory yet!"

Now I have to say that this was quite the coloring project! Hehe! The main image has so many interesting and beautiful flowers, and I had to research some of them. Marcy will surely tell you more about what they are and about her journey in drawing this image. I decided to stay as close to what these flowers generally look like and colored the entire image. I added one of the three sentiments -- one that I'm sure I will use a lot.

I used a new Papertrey die that cuts an entire A-2 size card with the scalloped and stitched borders and a score line to fold it. The trick was cutting down my finished piece to the right size so I could add a very narrow mat using Calypso Coral. So here she is, colored, matted, and with a sentiment for a friend.

I love this sentiment, and I have so many friends that I cherish dearly. Friends are wonderful both in good times and in hard times, and we should always be looking for opportunities to encourage one another. These two passages remind me of the significance of being a good friend:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ,
any comfort from love,
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1a, 4

Therefore encourage one another and build
one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

We have a special treat today, as we have a new addition to the Instant Gardeners team. I know you will love her work, and you will surely love to see what my teammates have done too. Hop on over to Power Poppy to get this new digital release to use today and (as always) check out the entire digital collection.

Barb Walker

Broni Holcombe
Cheryl Scrivens (me)
Debbie Olson
Jennifer Dove

Jessie Banks
Nancy Sheads

Marcella Hawley on Power Poppy blog

One last note. Tomorrow begins the sneak peeks for the August clear release "Nature & Nurture Collection." You won't want to miss it, so visit the Power Poppy blog tomorrow. So you don't miss a thing, subscribe to the blog!

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 please don't hesitate to email me. I love reading your comments and cherish your friendship deeply. (I am entering this in this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.)

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps:  Pure Prairie Bouquet (Power Poppy) 

Paper: Solar White 80# and #110# (Neenah), Calypso Coral (SU)

Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Noted: Scalloped A-2 Die Collection (PTI), white tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word

Card Size:  A-2