Thursday, March 31, 2016

"Designing Around The Sentiment"

Hello Viewers, Visitors, Followers and Friends.
This is the last day of March and  of course you already knew this piece of information.  Already, the year seems to be jumping along very fast.  
Are you ready for those April showers coming to produce May flowers?  April comes in tomorrow and rain is forecast for the weekend.
April also speaks "tax time"  if you don't have a business (those are required to be finished by March 15).      The tax man "cometh" even if you are unprepared to greet him!
How do you go about creating a card?  Do you make it according to the sentiment or does the design of the card come first before the sentiment?   Sometimes,if I don't have anything in mind, I will design a card with layers and embellishments and then add a sentiment or leave it off .  If I know I'm going to do a specific card, I will try to design the card around the sentiment I'm using.
Today's card was designed around the sentiment that I used on it.  I tried to think of what I could use on the card to make it go along with what was written.  Take a look:
Hear Blessings Dropping Their Blossoms Around You
The very first thing that came to my mind was rain.   You can hear the drops as they fall from the sky.  If it is raining...then, the umbrella.  If blossoms are falling...then, flowers.  So, I found the paper that had dots (simulating the rain).  Blessings are beautiful coming from our Heavenly Father so I thought of sparkle...I had some brush foil that I embossed to bring in this aspect.  If blossoms would be around me...then, I found a piece of cardstock with the flower vine and sequins that looked like the flower blossoms to put on this card.  The Designer paper with the polka dots had to be matched with a color to make it pop.  I tried the grey against it at first but the white then the grey really did the job. 
Enabler's List:
cardstock: grey Recollection and Neenah white with a piece of Recollection polka dot for the focal area and brush gold foil for the corners.
die: in'spire by Spellbinders Umbrella Trio
embossing folder from Tattered Lace
embellishments: Handmade Modern sequins

I hope you enjoyed you time with me today.  Please come again!

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

"Combining Two Crafting Dies Into One"

Hello Friends, Followers, Visitors and Viewers.
Congrats, you made it to Hump Day!  Let's celebrate by playing with more than one crafting die today.
I'm going to use two Spellbinders dies...Elegant Ovals and Romantic Agenda.  You may use any two dies that you have in your craft room (make sure they can be combined to look like one).
How did I choose these two dies?  The suggestion came from watching a craft show on the TV last week.  The young lady who was demonstrating was asked if it was possible to combine dies to make your own.  She stated how she would cut out patterns from different dies and throw them up in the air and if they landed together she would challenge herself to put them together into one on a greeting card.
Hum-mm...I may want to try this.  I have to admit that I didn't throw anything into the air.  I took out some dies (not all), and started looking at what could be combined (possibly).  I tried my first two selections together and they seem to work fine.
I'm calling this card a prototype for future cards that will be made in the same design:
Thinking of You
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection brown and Designer Paper from Craft Smith paper pad
die: Spellbinders Elegant Ovals #3 cut out three times and overlapped.  Spellbinders Romantic Agenda cut out and placed in the center of the elegant ovals
stamp: Cardmaking for Connoisseurs clear stamps sentiments
ink: black Hampton Art pigment ink
embellishments: three pink Martha Stewart flowers surrounded by greenery cut from Martha Stewart punches


Entry for    Word Art Wednesday Challenge Weeks #224-#225 - Anything Goes 
Worry Ends When Faith In God Begins
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection black, light green and dark green.  Ranger Watercolor paper
pendants made using scrap pieces of Designer Paper
water color: yellow
die: Tattered Lace to cut out the bottom piece on the card with the rose which  was fussy cut from a piece of cardstock.  I  added glossy accent (you can't see in this picture) around the rose.

Thanks for viewing today.   I hope you try the technique of combining some of your dies into one and sharing your projects for us to see.   

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois



Tuesday, March 29, 2016

"Time To Get Dirty"

Hello Friends, Followers, Visitors and Viewers.
We are aware that it is Spring.   It could still be  cold and wet where you are at the moment but it is Spring.  What do most of us do during the beginning of this season?   The majority of us try to get outside to enjoy the sunlight and get dirty.  We get dirty by starting our gardens (flower and vegetable).  In the dirt we go and grow.  
Let’s get outside and celebrate!  In fact,  I'm encouraging you to get up close and personal with the Earth – as in, soil and dirt – turns out to be a good idea any day of the year.  Make that every day!
For instance, did you know that your stress levels are significantly reduced within minutes of entering green spaces?  Did you know playing in dirt can help develop healthy immune function in kids that’ll keep them healthy and strong long past childhood?  Did you know that being outside and in the dirt can reduce  higher rates of obesity, ADHD, Vitamin D deficiency and depression?
I'm sharing this card with you today.
A Flower Cannot Grow Without Getting Dirty
Enabler's List:
  • cardstock: neutral and dark brown Recollection cardstock;  Ranger watercolor paper
  • Specialty Cardstock from Recollection Steampunk Botanica
  • water colors:  pink and light yellow
  • embellishment: Recollection vase of flowers with a butterfly
  • die: Tattered Lace border die
Thanks for viewing today.  Take a little time to get outside and get a little dirty.  We are like flowers, beautiful in  our own way but without that dirt we cannot grow.  Air is good, dirt is better.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois


Monday, March 28, 2016

"Mother's Day Using Dylusions' Couture Collection Clear Stamps"

Happy Monday  friends, followers, visitors and viewers.  
Most people call this day "Easter Monday".  Do you?
What a beautiful weekend it was for us.  Yesterday, our Resurrection Sunday, was awesome!
How did you do or what did you do?    Are you still eating on your  chocolate bunny and jelly beans?  Do you plan to attend an egg hunt today?   In our area, this will be number two for the children in the neighborhood.  They had one Friday and will have another one today.  Hyper! Hyper! Hyper!

Well, as a crafter, as soon as one holiday is over you get ready for the next.  I used Dylusions Clear Stamps in the Couture Collection to get ready for Mother's Day.    I played around with paper piecing on one of the cards and the other I just stamped from one piece of paper.  Both cards has the stamped image on top of a piece of Ranger Watercolor paper.  I used water colors in two colors to make the background for each.
Oh! I love you so
Enabler's List;
  • cardstock: burgundy Recollection; DCWV designer floral paper and Ranger watercolor paper
  • Specialty Paper: mulberry 
  • light brown and dark brown water colors
  • stamp: Dylusions Clear Stamps - couture collection and Hampton Art Vintologie 
  • ink: black Hampton Art pigment
  • three faux Recollection gems
  • Michael"s feather


Happy Mother's Day
Enabler's List
  • cardstock: Neenah white; pink and black Recollection and Ranger watercolor paper
  • watercolors: pink, yellow and mint green
  • stamp:Julie Nutting "Mama's Day" cling stamps
  • Michael's feather 
  • red and green Sharpie for flowers
  • piece of Designer Paper from my stash for the image

Thanks for taking a little time to view my cards today.  Come back again.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois



Friday, March 25, 2016

"Whose Hands Hold Your Problems?"

We made it to Friday my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Are you looking forward to this weekend?  Do you have plans for Resurrection Sunday?  Are you on vacation next week with your children while they are out of school?
Spring Break!!! I remember looking forward to this time of the year when I worked in the classroom.  I knew that once we came back off of that vacation it was all down hill until school closed.  Do I miss those days....what do you think?
Are you having problems whether big or small in your life?
I've had some problems in the past as well as some that happened this week.  Some things were easy to solve...some too big for me.  The small problems (computer crashing) were handled by myself and a computer expert.  Those that required a miracle were/are being handled by God.
Someone wanted to know "How does one put a problem in God’s hands and not steal it right back, more often than not, unintentionally?"  Think about this!  Do you put it in God's hands and then steal it back? After all, this isn’t your problem any more; it is God’s—so stay out of God’s business and mind your own business.   Once it is in His hands, it belongs to Him and not you anymore.
Here is a card reflecting my question for today:

Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock; black Recollection cardstock; Designer Paper from Colorbok, Delilah; Ranger watercolor paper
pink watercolor
stamp: Stampology fancy flourishes
Martha Stewart butterflies and Recollection faux gems
 



Everybody cannot handle your problems.  Decide whose hands should be holding your problems and leave them there.  Don't steal them back!
Thanks for your time and comments.  Have a fantastic Resurrection weekend.  Give God some LOVE.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Thursday, March 24, 2016

"Can We Bottle LOVE?"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
A thought came to my mind pertaining to LOVE.  It is more of a question that I'm wondering if anyone else has ask... What if we could bottle LOVE and give it away?  Here is a blog page that inspired this question and this card for today.  Go HERE to read this woman's answer.
I don't think I could have said it any better:

LOVE
Enabler's List:
  • cardstock: pink, black, brown Recollection
  • DP from Botanique, Paper House and Nicole Floral Pattern
  • tag:  cork tag (Walmart)
  • stamp used for jar: Inkadinkado Mason Jars and Julie Nutting "Mama's Day"
  • Embellishment: Recollection flower; pocket was handmade with DP
Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

"How Beautiful Are You?"

Hello to Wednesday and to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
By now, many of you have had a chance to look in the mirror this morning.  What did you see?  Did you stare at the reflection and say "oh how____ you're looking today."
 Do you think you're skinny or fat?   Do you think your hair needs some coloring to make you older or younger?  Do you have to see an orthodontist to have perfect teeth before you can open your mouth to smile?
Hello you... yes you!  You're gorgeous, beautiful, pretty, cute, handsome, whatever you want to say about you.  Just don't say or think anything negative about yourself.
So look in the mirror and repeat this:  I am what and who I am.  No one can make me believe that I'm not beautiful.  I love myself even if no one else does.  I'm strong and I'm here being beautiful.
This is in no way being selfish but a way to stand up to all the bullies that try to bring you down.
In today's time we not only have children bullying children but did you know adults are doing this to adults also.  Let's take a stand and be beautiful in our own kind of way:
Be You Own Kind Of Beautiful!
Enabler's List:
Neenah white and Recollection black and yellow cardstock
Nicole Nostalgic Feelings designer paper
die used...Romantic Vines by Spellbinders
flowers from Recollection 

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

"Do You Know HE Will"

Good Tuesday, friends, visitors, followers and viewers.
  Are you going through something in your life today that you don't have any clue as  to how you will solve your problem?  Do you know who or what can help you?  Do you start by flipping through the "yellow pages" in the phone book to look for an answer?  Do you pick up the phone and call your best friend?  Maybe he or she knows the answer to your problem.   Do you call on the one who you've heard can help you and say "if you can" will you do ....?
I made a card that will help to answer this/these questions.  It was a quick and simple card to make.

Faith is not believing that God can, it is knowing that God will
Enabler's List:
Cardstock:  Neenah white and Recollection blue and black
Designer Paper from Recollection the Bright and Basic pad
die used: QuicKutz Antique Doily and Spellbinders Romantic Vine
embellishment: Prima flowers and handmade paper vase

Thanks for taking a little time to view with me today.  Let's pray for  those who we know are experiencing trials and tribulations in their lives at the present time.  As of this  morning let's also include those people in Brussels .

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois 


Monday, March 21, 2016

"SPRING, I Love You With Caution"

Happy Monday to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
You came according to your appointed time.  You brought with it a coldness that didn't make many people happy.  As a matter of fact, most people didn't enjoy your arrival because you always bring so many frustrating things with you.  We thought you would be warm and inviting but as I've already stated...you were moving all over the place and getting colder and colder by the minute.  You caused me to pull out clothing that had been placed in the back of my closet just so I could embrace you on your arrival.
Along with the coldness you also made me stuffy and had me with a sinus headache.  Just because you came the way you came,  I thought I would have to see my primary care physician this morning.  Your gift left me with one major sneezing, coughing, and feeling of light headiness. Because of you, I know it is time for my allergy medication. I'm not a happy camper.  I'm proceeding with caution.  You treat me this way every year.  Later on, I know you will be showering me with your beautiful color of yellow all over the place.  On my grass, my vehicle, my hair and everything that you can cover.    Spring, I love you with caution but hello there to you!
Hello there!  ( I speaking to the fact that Spring is here...did you get it?)
Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock;   Ranger watercolor paper;  Designer paper from my stash
watercolors: yellow and green
die: Tattered Lace Gatefold Border dies
stamp; Dylusions shattered bits and Jillibean soup handwritten sentiments
ink: Hampton Art black pigment ink
embellishment: small die cut butterflies

Thanks for viewing.  I hope you can embrace spring with love and you do not suffer with allergies that come with the season.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Friday, March 18, 2016

"Just In Case You Need Them"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
I'm ready for the weekend except for one minor glitch....the weathermen are reporting "SNOW".  Can you believe it?  Spring officially start, according to the calendar, on Sunday (Palm Sunday).  We have had temperatures in the 80 degrees and those weather people are reporting snow for Sunday!!!  Let's just wait with caution and see what happens.

It's Friday and my busiest day of the week.   What I have for you today are two "just in case" cards.  You never know when you will need a card for a family who has experienced the loss of a "loved one".  At the present time, we have five people from our community  in our local funeral establishment being prepared for burial.  Also, I like to fix a card without a sentiment so that when the time comes I can use it for that particular occasion.
With Sympathy
Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock, vellum and Designer Paper from DCWV The Chateau Lavender stack
die: Spellbinders Romantic vine and  Spellbinders Vines of Passion
Embellishment: Recollection flower and faux gems

Enabler's List:
white cardstock, Ranger watercolor paper and Designer paper from stash
die: Spellbinders Romantic vine;  Spellbinders Elegant Ovals; Spellbinders Feathers and Spellbinders Opulent Ovals
Embellishment: Recollection flowers

I hope you enjoyed viewing my "just in case you need them" card today.  Have a fun and enjoyable weekend.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois


Thursday, March 17, 2016

"Irresistible, Incredible Watercolor"

Hello to Thursday friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
I'm playing in the water again!   It's warm outside but not enough to go swimming so I decided to get my fingers and paper wet .  It's so irresistible (too attractive and tempting to be resisted).  Every time I mix those colors with water, they appear to get better and better. They are so incredible, making it hard to believe what happens in the process.  No matter how I try, I cannot at this time produce two of the same backgrounds.
The cards I made today have no specific design or directions.  I took out Ranger's watercolor paper, my watercolors and two brushes and mixed some colors and water together. After a period of drying time,   I found a sentiment that could be used on both cards and basically they came together.  I did put more effort into choosing the mat layering  than anything else in these projects.
I going to enter this in the challenge weeks #222-223--Anything Goes at WordArtWednesday.
May the Lord make this day special for you...
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection black and pink
Specialty Paper: Ranger's Watercolor paper
Inks: watercolors (selections: pink, blue, purple)
Embellishment: Petaloo floral bouquet
die: Our Daily Bread stitched circle
Info: This card can be used for a birthday, for encouragement or for someone recovering from sickness....Every day is a day of blessing from the LORD.

I Said a Prayer for You Today
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection black and mint green
Designer paper: DCWV and Ranger's Watercolor paper
Inks: watercolors (selections...pink, blue, purple, yellow, green)
Embellishment: Martha Stewart butterfly
die: Spellbinders
foam dots applied behind the sentiment
Info:  This card can be used for encouragement to let someone know they are included in your prayer(s)

I hope you enjoyed your view today.  Be irresistible and incredible in whatever you do today!

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

"Wednesday's Word Art"

Hello to all my faithful friends, viewers, visitors and followers.
Happy Wednesday to you and I'm glad you could join me today as we take a look at "the WORD" in art format.

I was working on a card for yesterday but did not get a chance to share with you so I will be doing that today.  Also, you will be viewing a card made last evening and the one I crafted today.

 I love to do cards that reflect the WORD.  It gives me great pleasure and an inner peace when I make something that uses scripture reference.  I like the blog "WordArtWednesday".  Their page always show cards using scripture.  I get inspiration from reading their page even if I don't participate in their sketch challenge.

Here are the cards I'm sharing with you today:
Entry for WordArtWednesday
Challenge Weeks #222-223 - Anything Goes 
John 14:6
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection black and Bazzill peach
image: Google...it was colored with colored pencils (all in the peach-orange family)
sentiment: copied, typed and printed out using the BIBLE
embellishment: Recollection faux gems; flower pot was hand drawn and cut out.

John 11:25
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection black and beige pearl
Designer Paper: Paper House Country Girl; 
die: Our Daily Bread corner cross die and Spellbinders book die
embellishment: Jolee's Boutique cross sticker;  Martha Stewart's dogwood flower ; Recollection faux gems

Psalm 130:5
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollection black, burgundy and pink
Designer Paper: Paper House Country Girl; Colorbok Signature Novelty Greetings
die: Darice picket fence border
embellishment:Recollection dimensional sticker 

Read these scriptures and may God add a blessing to you for doing so.
Thanks for taking a little time to look and read with me today.  Come back again and see what I have to share with you.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois



Monday, March 14, 2016

"Monday's Mojo"

Hello on this beautiful Monday.
Welcome to all my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.  How was your great weekend?  I'm going to assume you had a marvelous time.  I did!  We did one of my favorite things....shopping!!!  What was really frustrating  during my shopping experience ....I couldn't shop in the stamping isle at Michael's.  The store I go to decided to restock supplies this weekend.  Every stamp had been taken down and placed in shopping carts (big carts).  The little jolly sales person was having a great time checking what she had in her two shopping carts that I couldn't get a look.  As she said to me...we are doing inventory...putting up new and checking the old...come back tomorrow.  Nevertheless, I came home still satisfied.  It is always another shopping day (lol)!!!
I looked at the sketch for MojoMonday and couldn't decide if I wanted to participate or just used the sketch for fun.  My "Sunshine" popped into my thoughts because I wanted to do something with and for her for the Easter celebration.
Today is also NATIONAL CHILDREN’S CRAFT DAY.       This day is an attempt to bring awareness of crafting to children.  By opening children’s eyes to the world of crafts their imagination is sparked and from there, the possibilities are endless. It is part of National Craft Month.  For my project,  I pulled out a bird and a chick trying to decide which one I would use.
Not to keep you wondering, here is what I made (using both of them):
MoJoMonday439
card for my "Sunshine"
For Peep's Sake Have A Happy Day
Enabler's List:
  • cardstock: Neenah white and black Recollection
  • Designer Paper: Colorbok Delilah and Silhouette vellum
  • Ranger water color paper with pink, blue and green coloring
  • die: Our Daily Bread double stitched circle
  • Jolee's boutique dimensional sticker (chick)


Be Still and Know that I am God
Enabler's List:
  • cardstock: Neenah white
  • Designer Paper: Colorbok Delilah and Silhouette vellum
  • embossing folder: Tattered Lace Double Delights and the its matching die
  • Paper House 3D sticker (bird)

Thanks for taking a little time out of your day to view with me.  

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois



Friday, March 11, 2016

"FUN DAY FRIDAY"

Hello Friends, Followers, Visitors and Viewers.
It is so good that we have finally come to  almost the end of another week.  It has really been a good week with fantastic weather.  It has been so good to get outside and stay for a period of time enjoying the beautiful weather.  Spring is here even if our calendars don't say so at the moment.  The trees are blooming.  The daffodils are popping up with their beautiful color.  I've really enjoyed every moment in the sun this week.
The cards I made are just "fun cards".  There are no challenges that I want to enter them in.  I mainly used scraps (that's what I find myself doing on most Fridays).   You can enjoy the view and say to yourself "what was she thinking".  The answer will be...she was just having a "fun day Friday":


 

 If you want to know a specific item I used, leave me a question in the comment box and I'll get back to you with an answer.
It's a fun day for me and I'm going to enjoy it.
Thanks for your time.  Have a nice weekend.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois



Thursday, March 10, 2016

"ALL BECAUSE Of..."

Hello to all who are visiting today.
This includes friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
 
Are you amazed at the answer you receive when you ask someone "why" did they do something?  If it is something good they have done, they may say "all because you did it".  If it is something bad, they still may say, " all because of....".
Recently when I congratulated a person for something he did, his wife was quick to respond, "He did it all because of you (me)".  I was flattered (for a few seconds)  for him to do something because of me.  If I'm taken out of the equation,  then, why did he do what he did?
Someone else responded in the same way...they did something all because of me and what I had done or was doing.  It is good to give humans credit for doing something but today I want your focus to be on what Jesus did.  ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS...

We are getting very close to our celebration at the end of this month and the card I made for today reflects on "All Because Of Jesus".  He didn't have to go to the cross but He did.  He did it so love can and could remain alive.  Hope was/is reborn and joy was/is renewed.  I'm so glad of what Jesus did for me.   I praise HIM every day.


This card was done with light beige Recollection cardstock; bronze cardstock; craft cardstock and Neenah white cardstock.  Design Paper from Colorbok Signature Novelty.  I used layering on this card.  The flower stamp is from Inkadinkado beauty stems.  It was stamped with embossing ink and gold embossing powder was use (no other coloring was done).  A butterfly was used for the embellishment.  You are looking at the front and side view of this card.


This is a card that will be entered in the Wednesday sketch challenge at the Outlawz.   
Here we have Neenah white cardstock.  A piece of Designer Paper from K & Company  Best of Brenda Walton Paper Pad.  C Gill embossing folder was used. The center was cut out using Our Daily Bread double stitched circle.  White netting was placed behind the circle.  I cut a vine from Spellbinders Romantic vine die and the butterflies were also cut out.  The sentiment reads: "Sending Love and Sympathy".

Don't do it because of me, do it because of Jesus.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois


Wednesday, March 9, 2016

"Get Over It"

Happy Wednesday friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
We made it to the middle of the week...
What are we celebrating today...NATIONAL GET OVER IT DAY!  Yes that's what we are doing.  Getting over IT (whatever that doesn't suite your fancy)...ex girlfriend or boyfriend; mean-spirited coworker; the sales clerk that cheated you out of your change; the server who brought the wrong order and for my crafting buddies, a non crafter who try to tell you how your card should have been designed...let's get over it.
Have you tried vellum or metal on any of your cards or other projects?
I've had some metal items in my possession for quite a while and decided I would incorporate a piece on a card specifically for a male today.  There are not that many designs for a masculine card so when anyone can come up with something creative, it helps us who search for ideas.
I've also had a vellum paper pad with different images in my possession.  I took the time to cut out some of the images for the card I used for display today.   Vellum is easy to use on a card and I think it is gorgeous when someone does incorporate it.

For this card:
Neenah white and black Recollection cardstock; Colorbok Signature Novelty polka dotted paper;
Vellum cut out images from Hot Off The Press Paper Pizazz. The use of a Fiskars corner punch; a sentiment from Hampton Art Jillibean Soup stamped with black pigment ink.

SC583
For this card:
Cardstock: Recollection light and dark beige
DP: Kaisercraft Base Coat Collection and bronze paper from Paper and More Company
Embellishments:  from Momenta (metal)
Embossing folder from Sizzix Tim Holtz Alteration (brick wall)

Don't let anything or anyone hinder your love or progress today.  Just GET OVER IT!

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois





Tuesday, March 8, 2016

"Coloring, Matting and Layering"

Good Tuesday morning to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.

Celebrate International Women's Day today. It is a global celebration which aims to inspire women across the world.  Worldwide, women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement.  And we have much to celebrate today.   Whether internationally or here in the USA, women need to be recognize for their importance and contribution.

Today, I'm sharing two cards that I water colored and matted with many layers.  Matting and layering your card gives a more quality look to your finished card!  The technique is quite simply building up your chosen image onto other papers or cards for effect.
A tip pertaining to matting and layering: look at the colors you have in your image or in my case my water coloring.  Match up those colors with cardstock .  To bring out that image more, make sure you have a darker color in the background for one of your mats or directly behind the image you have as your focal point.
Entry for 


MONDAY GREETINGS - AMAZING GREEN (ADD A LITTLE GREEN) - GCC030716
at The Outlawz
On this card I have used three mats behind my focal water colored image. The base A2 is pink, a black mat, a yellow mat, a green mat and then what you're looking at in white (colors that correspond with the colored image)
Enabler's List:  The base and all the mats were done with Recollection cardstock.  The top with the sentiment was printed out.  Then, cut down to fit the green matting.  Next, I used water colors (pink, green, purple, yellow and blue) in a random fashion (no particular shape).  When the colors dried, I use an Inkadinkado clear stamp of beauty stems  to stamp the image in black pigment ink.

This card has five layers of matting behind the focal image.  The base A2 is white; a black mat; a green mat; a yellow mat; a blue mat; another black mat; the focal image of water coloring and a stamp image of dandelions with white embossing powder on a piece of water color paper by Ranger.  The sentiment was taken from Cosmo Cricket word stickers, cut apart, and matted on black cardstock before being adhered to the card.

If you're a woman, I celebrate you today.  These cards are for you.  Wishing you a Happy day and take a little time to make happy memories today.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois




Monday, March 7, 2016

"I Got Busy Before I Lose My Hour"

Good Day to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Welcome to Monday.  We're back from our fun filled weekend. Were you busy or did you have a blast of a weekend?
 Daylight saving time begins this upcoming weekend  on March 13 and is followed by the beginning of Spring on March 20 and Easter on March 27.
I've seen many cards related to Spring and I know you're ready just as I am. Your cards are very inspirational and beautiful.
What about those cards for Easter/Resurrection Sunday on March 27?  Do you already have your cards made or are you going out to buy some?  Do you pass out cards for this time of the year?
I didn't have any left from last year that I had made, so, I had to get busy this weekend when time permitted me, to do some crafting.  We will lose an hour when our clocks spring forward this weekend coming up.  I got busy before I lose my hour (lol).

Here are three cards I made for Easter/ Resurrection Sunday:
entry for
WordArtWednesday
Challenge #221 - Anything Goes Two-Week Challenge 
Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock; pink Recollection cardstock; pieces from my favorite  bag of leftovers; a cross sticker and a computer made sentiment.

entry for
MOJO438
MojoMonday.blogspot.com
Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock for the A2 base; yellow Recollection cardstock for first mat against the base; 
green DCWV~ Cutting Machine cardstock for the mat on top of the yellow; the use of Darice embossing folder for the next mat (focal area) that is on top of the green; circle and strip cut from same DCWV cardstock; black square from favorite stash; cross sticker and computer generated sentiment.

Entry for  the Outlawz
CAS Challenge - March 6, 2016
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/sunday-clean-and-simple/forum/topics/cas-challenge-march-6-2016
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white;  pink and black Recollection
Ranger water color paper
ink: abandoned coral Tim Holtz Distress ink with water; Ranger embossing ink pad/clear; white embossing powder
stamp: Martha Stewart
flowers: Recollection
birds: wooden Recollection
embossing folder from Tim Holtz Alteration
musical note stickers

I hope you enjoyed your view today.  Come back and visit again.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois




Friday, March 4, 2016

"What Day Is It On Your Calendar?"

Hello Friday and to all my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
The snow...  Yes, it fell, it covered, it turned cold but at the writing of this post, it is only a small trace that it was here from 10 PM until 10 AM.  It is the beginning of a glorious weekend.  So after you (the snow) left, now the fun will start.  It is going to get warmer and we will be back outside enjoying the warmer temperature.

What day is it on your calendar?
It could be your birthday.  It could be your anniversary.  It could be your celebration...wait one minute...it is.
 March 4, 2016 – NATIONAL HUG A G.I. DAY – NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY – NATIONAL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY – NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY – NATIONAL SALESPERSON DAY – NATIONAL DAY OF UNPLUGGING.

We love our service men and women.  They do so much for us in keeping us safe.  Those cooks in the kitchen that love to keep our palate for something sweet up close and on time. We celebrate them today.  You're working and that makes you an employee.  Someone should tell you how much they appreciate what you do and/or are doing today.  Language is something to celebrate...to speak it and to write it correctly.  How about celebrating that person who remembers your colors,  size and designer in a store? They are almost your personal shopper because they know you so well.  Let's celebrate them today.  Last but not least, celebrate the people around you today.  Cut off the phone, TV and computer during breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy a good conversation with the person across the table from you.  When you have finished eating, then you can connect with you Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TV  friends.
Two cards that I want you to look at today:
This card is featuring the pleated skirt as part of its design.  I have used three coordinating pieces of Designer Paper from K & Company along with the traditional A2 base and matting.  Can you guess the Spellbinders die that was used?

This card is portraying clear embossing ink with silver embossing powder.  Metallic crayons were used to color in the flower and the dragon flies.

Thanks for viewing today.  Have a nice weekend.  Enjoy yourself.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Thursday, March 3, 2016

"SPRING... Oh Spring, Where Art Thou?"

Good Thursday to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
In my part of the world, we have experienced some beautiful weather for the majority of this week.  We were able to take off the heavy coats and walk around with just a light  jacket.  Some wore sweaters and  some even went bold enough to put on shorts, wear flip flops and sandals.
Was it Spring regardless of the calendar?
Initially, Spring will be officially here on March 20, 2016 but the temperature and the way people were reacting we thought it was Spring.  It looked like it.  It felt like it until this morning...and the weather man reports snowstorm..."what the what"...snow!!!
Yes, it is going to fall tonight into Friday morning.   I love snow, I really do but when you're given a tease or a taste of Spring...I'm ready for the change of weather.
I'm not by myself...take a look:
The "Crazy Bird" and I decided we've had enough.  We see you're on your way.  Come, we're ready for you!  It's time to start digging in the dirt and singing with the birds...not the crazy ones.., the real ones that will soon start building their nest in my rose bushes.

Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white; Recollection light blue and black
DP: Kaiser Craft
Ranger Water Color Paper
die: Our Daily Bread rectangles die
water colors in the orange, green, blue and yellow family
cloud stickers

Thanks for viewing with me today.  Are you wishing for the change in the weather or would you love to keep Winter here for a while longer?

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois




Wednesday, March 2, 2016

"Did All Of Your Doors Open?"

Good Wednesday to my Friends, Followers, Visitors and Viewers.
What kind of doors do you like to go through?  Single, double, revolving, panel, flush, French, bypass, patio, etc...

Some doors that were built in the early 1900's are too small for a very  large person in 2016 to go through, especially bathroom doors in older buildings ( our small town discovered this when they were remolding an old building).   This can also be said about some revolving doors.  Larger people cannot fit into the little section they have deem applicable for entering the building.
So, have you found any doors lately that you cannot go through and maybe not due to your size?

 Have you had any obstacle in your way when you have attempted to get that job, find that prestige school or program for your child?  What about finding that potential buyer for your home , or the guy or girl you thought would be a perfect match for a relationship?  Those kinds of doors didn't open and your key didn't fit.  Are you disappointed or happy that this door didn't open?

All doors are not  for you to go through.  There are many reasons for it. I'm only giving you one reason today.  It was for your own good or protection the reason you couldn't open or go through the door.  Something behind that door would have been very harmful or unsafe for you. It would have made you different from your DNA or change your personality.  Be glad it didn't open.  A caution to some people who older people call "hardheaded individuals"...if you think you are big, bad and bold and push your way in...you will never be satisfied on the other side.

Take a look at the cards that goes with this posting:
entry for WordArtWednesday.blogspot.com
Enabler's List:
cardstock:  Neenah white for A2 base and Recollection black for mat
DP:  Paper House 
embellishment:  keys cut from DCWV Regent Street
embossing folder:  Spellbinders brick
ink:  white pigment to highlight the bricks from the embossing folder
sentiment and image:  from Google

Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white for A2 base; Recollection black for matting
DP:  Colorbok and Kaisercraft
embellishment: Cousin Corporation of America key charm
sentiment and image from Google




Tuesday, March 1, 2016

"Super Tuesday Voting"

Hello Friends, Followers, Visitors and Viewers.
It's Super Tuesday in my state.   Are you out there voting or you don't know why you need to vote today?
"Super Tuesday," what does it mean and why it's such a big deal in this presidential campaign.  It's when more states vote and more delegates are at stake than on any other single day in the presidential primary campaign.  No other primary day has as many delegates grouped at once, and thus no other day gives a single candidate as much of a chance to declare a sense of certainty about his or her position. The less local the race becomes, the more serious the contenders are as national candidates.  If you think or know for sure your vote will make a difference today, by all means, please exercise your right to vote and do it.

I want to see how many of you will vote on which way I should present this card before putting a sentiment (Love One Another: John 13:34) on it.  I am presenting it in its horizontal stance and in its vertical stance.  I cannot decide which way I want it to go:
Please note* this is a pretty grey, white and black card in real time...my camera did not do it justice when I took  a picture of it.

This way....or

This way


Enabler's List:
  • cardstock...Neenah white for base and Recollection black for a mat
  • DP... Craft Smith natural luxury (grey and white checks)
  • dies...Spellbinders Romantic vines; Spellbinders Romantic Blooms Three and Tim Holtz Mixed Media
  • Embellishments...Offray ribbon and a piece of netting
Again, the sentiment that is typed on white cardstock and matted with black cardstock will read: Love One Another~John 13:34

Thanks for taking a little time to view with me today.  Go vote in the Super Tuesday of vote here telling me if you like this card horizontally or vertically.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois