Thursday, May 31, 2018

"Almost Twins"

Hello Everyone.
We are approaching this Thursday with agility and enthusiasm.   We are moving about quickly and easily while being able to think and understand.  We are so eager and intense on making something that will give you great joy and inspiration so you may do the same.
Two cards on the blog today almost look like twins.  With a careful view, you will only find the flowers mostly in the same place on both cards.  The colors are different as well as the papers and layers.  They were made to satisfy my weekly bible journaling card making assignment (make a card and send it to someone).    Two were made because I missed the assignment last week.
So much is going on with a lot of individuals I know of as well as myself.  Cancer and death seems to be rampant .  Sickness and illness are also included.  A celebration of life ceremony was held yesterday for my brother who died suddenly  last Wednesday.
We all need prayer as well as blessings coming our way.  Therefore, these two cards were made using these two sentiments:
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

The flowers and pattern paper are from Recollections as well as the black and aqua cardstock used for layering.  The sentiments are from ArtC "faith"  ephemera.  The die on the blue card is a Spellbinders die.  The die on the pink card came from Alina Craft.  

I hope you enjoyed your view.  Thanks for all the sweet comments you have been posting.  I really appreciate the love.  Come again for some enjoyment or inspiration.
Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

"Two For Tuesday"

Welcome to Tuesday, May 29, 2018 everyone.
I hope you enjoyed your weekend and Memorial Day tributes.
Today, I'm using a Tattered Lace die called "Walking The Scottie".  I've use the die without the Scottie and with the Scottie.  I've dressed the girl in two different colors but have used tag dies behind her.  Both cards have flowers...one with paper flowers (die) and one with handmade flower.
One has a sentiment and the other doesn't at this time.
Take a look and enjoy the view:
this will be posted over at http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

Continue to enjoy the remainder of your day.  
Thanks for looking and please come again.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Friday, May 25, 2018

"What's On My Desk For Friday?"

Good morning to all.
It's Friday and you know what that means from my end of the desk.  What can I find that has already been cut, painted, or half made to use for a card on Friday?.
Today, I have left over die cuts from Mother's Day.  The only thing that I pulled out was the black and red cardstock for layering and the word "blessed" for a sentiment.  I didn't want to stamp or cut out any words... I'm trying to keep it simple and not complicated.  It may look that way but you have to remember, this or these are things that were ready to be glued down.  Complicated would have been...cutting out items and putting them together this morning.  I appreciate sifting through my supply bin and using glue on a Friday morning.  It gets me ready for the weekend and especially this weekend since it will be the Memorial Day holiday.  I'll probably be with family as we prepare to funeralize my brother.

Here's my share for today:
Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white; Recollections black and red; pink shimmery cardstock;
die for dress form, flower and tag are from AliExpress
sentiment: ArtC
embellishment: Recollections faux pearls

Thanks for viewing with me today.  Please come again.
Enjoy  your lovely weekend.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Thursday, May 24, 2018

"Brother's Day"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Good Thursday to you on this beautiful May 24, 2018.
I hope you're having a glorious time with whatever you're doing and in whatever your thoughts are.
According to the National Day Calendar, we should be celebrating our brother(s) today.
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/2018/05/23/may-24-2018-brothers-day-red-nose-day-national-wyoming-day-national-scavenger-hunt-day-aviation-maintenance-technician-day-national-escargot-day/.

Here is what the article says:

BROTHER’S DAY

Observed every year on May 24, Brother’s Day honors the brothers in our lives.  Whether we have one or many, our brothers hold a special place in our hearts.  Even if for those who don’t have brothers, someone in their life is usually like a brother to them.  Brothers from other mothers are found in a best friend, a brother-in-law or a cousin.  They are the men in our lives we count on even when we don’t talk very often.  We share memories, challenges that frequently began with the phrase, “What’s this!” soon followed by a few stitches. While minding their own business, they are also prepared to step in when necessary.  That’s what brothers do. Brothers come in many shapes and sizes and so do their relationships.  Whatever yours is, take the time to celebrate your brother on Brother’s Day.
As of Tuesday night, my brother was still alive.  Death knocked on his door yesterday morning.  My feelings are numb at this moment.  (Physically, spiritually, and mentally I'm at a good place at the moment.  Pray that I can remain strong to deal with his upcoming funeral).    There were only two boys in our family and now none. I think what hurts the most is that both brothers died suddenly...no days or months of suffering.  It is as if God said to them, "it's time to come home" and they didn't delay their departure.   I don't and I will not get upset with GOD for what HE did because he has  all power in HIS hand and HE knows what HE is doing and will do.

My advice to you, don't wait for the National Day calendar or any calendar date to celebrate, love and appreciate your love ones.  They are here today and in a blink of an eye, they are gone tomorrow.

The card I'm sharing was one I was working on for Father's Day to put in my box for "Cards For Soldiers".  Because it is in the masculine line, I'm using it for this special share today.
an entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock; Kaisercraft craft cardstock;  pattern paper from my stash
Spellbinders die; Nuvo gold drops; ephemera from DCWV paper pad; 

Thanks for viewing and have a lovely day.
Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

"A Card And A Folio"

Good Tuesday to all.
What's on your agenda for today?
Are you planting a garden (flower or vegetable)?   Are you taking selfies for a scrapbook or to share with others?
Today, I'm doing two for Tuesday.   I'm sharing a card I made this morning and I'm sharing a folio that I think is finished  until I add something else.  The folio has been a work of art for two weeks and I still feel as if it needs something else.
First the card share:
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
Enabler's List:  cardstock: Neenah white; burgundy Recollections; patterned paper from Carta Belle Spring Market and Hunkydory
embellishments: wooden birds; Recollections flowers; Offray ribbon

Next, the Folio.  Click on each picture to enlarge it.
front cover using Prima doll "Audrey"

pictures of the back 

on the left you have a picture of the opening of the folio that includes the title "Live, Laugh, Love.
the next picture on the right shows the folio opened from the left, middle and a peek of the right side

these pictures focus on the very far left...an accordion fold out where six pictures can be placed...four inside and two outside

on the left is the continuation of the accordion with the two outside folds...the middle picture and the right picture shows the middle section of the folio.  This section shows the "waterfall" folio.

second through fifth waterfall

sixth & seventh waterfall section  and right opening of folio

 Thanks for viewing.  Come again.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois






Monday, May 21, 2018

"Corrugated Paper For A Background"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Welcome back from a fantastic weekend.
Did you watch or attend the Royal Wedding?  It was so nice.  How amazing to see the LOVE between two individuals.
We've had so much rain, flooding and dampness since last Wednesday and it will continue until this Wednesday.  Rescue had to be made for some people who thought they could drive through the standing water.
Another school shooting has happened.  When will our children be safe from this type of tragedy?
So much for the NEWS...on to my share for today.
I made this card to put in my file for later usage.  That is the reason there is no sentiment attached to the front.
Take a look:
entry to be added to http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white for card base and corrugated cardstock for topper.  In between, I've used patterned paper from my stash.
dies: Cherry Lynn "fancy pots";  Cuttlebug "Up In The Sky";  Spellbinders "Wreath"
embellishments: Recollections doily; 49 Market Cottage Blooms - Poppy

Thanks for viewing with me today.  Enjoy the remainder of your day.  Come again, I enjoy knowing you were here.  Again, thanks for looking.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

"Are You Walking?"

Hello on this rainy morning...at least that's what I'm seeing outside my window.
Friends, followers, visitors and viewers, it is going to be a super fun day to craft.
I have so many ideas running around in my head and I'm not sure where to start.  I know I have to get at least two projects completed today because we have appointments on Thursday and Friday.
Today, I'm doing my bible journal card to send to someone for the week:
I used a sheet from DCWV the Butterfly Garden stack, cream linen cardstock from PaperandMore,
a die from Alina Craft,
the sentiment is from Janet Dunn "faith" clear stamps by Hampton Art and I put gold Nuvo drops on the flowers at the bottom of the card.

entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com


Some situations present itself as being too hard to be in, too hard to go through and too hard to imagine the end result.  Are you in a situation that finds yourself without faith?  Or, are you walking by faith and not by sight?
Most of the time we want an instant cure, or an instant pill or an instant solution  to handle the situation.  It doesn't work that way.  We endure things while we are in them or going through them to witness to others and sometimes to be made stronger in our faith.  Don't think you are the only one who has something going on that YOU, yes YOU, can't handle without God.  With God "all things are possible"!

That's my tidbit for today.  
Thanks for looking, thanks for reading and thanks for leaving a comment.  Please join me again on this adventure.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

"Sizzix 3D Texture Fades Botanical"

Good Tuesday to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
We are experiencing some beautiful warm/hot weather.  I'm not complaining because it gives me a chance to get outside to enjoy it.  Along with the beautiful weather is the severe storms that come with it.  Thunder, lighting, and hail that can be frightening.  Trees coming  down, and damage to roofs and vehicles from the hail.  It has been announced that this is the weather forecast for the majority of this week.  Talking with my daughter in Florida, she tells me that they are somewhat having the same thing with a "tropical depression" coming through.  They will also have rain which has been forecast for the remainder of the week.

This morning, I used a Sizzix 3D embossing folder to make my share for today:

entry for  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com


The embossed image is so beautiful.  I used Neenah white paper to see how it would look.  With more experiments I will try using inks or different colors of cardstock in the future. 
From a sheet of cardstock taken from DCWV "the Butterfly Garden stack", I cut out the butterflies to use on this card.  The sentiment came from Recollections "Mixed Media Stamp and Stencil Set"

Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white; Tim Holtz Etcetera paper pad; DCWV the Butterfly Garden stack
sentiment: Recollections mixed media stamps and stencil
embossing folder: Sizzix 3D Texture Fades botanical


Thanks for coming over to view with me today.  As always, you are welcome to come and comment at any time.
Sending you a hug and love,
Lois


Monday, May 14, 2018

"Paper Dolls"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Welcome to Monday.
Did you lovely ladies enjoy your Mother's Day weekend?  I did.  It was such a lovely, glorious time with family and friends.  Now that all mothers have had their day...let's start planning for the men...Father's Day.
Congratulation to all the college graduates this weekend.  Now that you have that degree under your belt "the adventure begins".  A new attitude...a new job...a new state to live in...a new apartment (you can't live with mom and dad forever)...a new country (maybe)...there's so much to explore and to think about.  I hope you didn't wait until this weekend to start making plans...they should have been done months ago.
But, "the adventure"!

Today, I've used a paper doll from Tim Holtz collection to make this card.  Even though college graduation is over, we still have to think about those coming out of high school getting ready for college.  This is a card that can be used for that purpose...high school graduation.  If you're late congratulating a college grad (male), then, this could also be a card for him.

entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

You could be beginning an adventure today, yourself.  What shall it be?  Whatever it is, I hope it is a good one.
Thanks for viewing with me today.  You are always welcome to come again.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois


Friday, May 11, 2018

"Quick And Simple"

Good Friday, May 11, 2018 to all of you.
I'm wishing all the moms a Happy Mother's Day.    Enjoy your day and have some fun with your children if you're with them or if they are with you.
So much to get done before I'm off to celebrate this weekend with my daughter, grandchild and son-in-love.
It's Friday and you know I use things on my desk...so take a look at this quick and simple card I made:
Thanks for viewing.
Please come again.
Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

"Masculine Card Using Sizzix/Ranger Supplies"

Good Wednesday, May 9, 2018. 
How is your morning or your day or your evening going? 
Well, if you are reading and viewing this, you are doing well...you are still here.  Yes, you are.  We made it to the middle of the week and can see the weekend in full view.  I'm happy for you as well as myself.
How many of you ever get reviews about your crafting from your spouse or children?  I have a Sizzix die (Home for the Holidays) and I wanted to cut out the car to use on a card.  When my DH (a car enthusiast who has built cars back from destruction) peered over my shoulder when I was putting the car together...he kept saying...it should be this way...it should have this....you should do ??? with that part.  Literally, I had to tell him to go to his garage and build me a car die (one that he thought was nice) to use on my cards.  He has made so many comments about   this die  that it is unbelievable.  He has never spent that much time near me when I've crafted before.   I believe the car die just caught his attention and that is where it stayed for a period of time.   I do give him credit for asking every day if I was able to complete a project to post.  Most spouses don't really care if you're coloring or cutting or adhering paper together.
Between you (viewers) and me ...the next time I use this die, I'm going to get him to cut it out and put the parts together the way he wants them...lol.
A share of the card I made:

entry for

 Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white; Recollections black; Bazzill red; PaperandMore grey
dies: Sizzix cityscape, skyline; Sizzix Home For The Holidays; Sizzix Pondering Words
inks: Distress Oxides salty ocean, broken china and faded jeans

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

"Stamperia "Wonderland" Paper Pad"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Welcome to Tuesday, May 8, 2018.  How are you doing with giving teachers appreciation for what they are doing or have done this week?    Celebrations are all around but the news is reporting a lot of teachers in our local area who are protesting due to no recognition, low pay and harmful environments.  Some have approached the local governing boards to ask for a salary increase for the upcoming school year. They have been met with a lot of opposition as if teachers are supposed to continue doing what they do without an increase in salary.  I've never understood why jails and prisons get more money to operate than schools.  If someone who is reading this can give me the reason why, I'm very interested in knowing.

Today's share is all about Stamperia paper.  It's gorgeous!   I'm using the "Wonderland" pad (the 12 by 12...10 double sided sheets).

 The same card photographed in two different angles.

Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white, Recollections black: Design paper from Stamperia "Wonderland" pad
dies: Tattered Lace border dies; Spellbinders circle dies; Marianne Design fancy edge with lattice die
stamp from Hero Arts Feb. 2017 monthly kit
embellishment: faux pearls from Jolee's boutique

Thanks for taking time to view with me today.  Your comments are always welcome.
Please come again.
Sending you a hug and love,

Monday, May 7, 2018

"Happy Birthday Easel Card"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Welcome to Monday.  I hope you enjoyed your weekend and had an opportunity to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.  This weekend we will be celebrating all mothers.  Have you purchased a gift?  Are you ordering flowers?  Is the card in the mail?  My mother is no longer with us.  It has been almost twenty years without her but I still have fond memories of celebrating Mother's Day with her.

I have a card to share today...an easel card.  It is pretty when you finish it,  but the process takes some time especially if you are using a die cut.
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com


Enabler's List:
cardstock: heavy cream from PaperandMore, black Recollections, Neenah white, red Recollections
DP from Recollections "English Rose Garden"
die: Spellbinders Cascading Grace and woman die from Alina Craft.
embellishments: Nuvo gloss white drops; Little Birdie handmade flowers "Carla scarlet" and Berwick Offray ribbon.
stamp: Martha Stewart clear stamps

Do you have a birthday in the month of May or maybe in June?    I have a sister that will be celebrating a birthday on the 28th of May.  I always try to be prepared and ready for family celebrations.

Thanks for viewing with me today.  
Your kindness, comments and appreciation are welcome at all times.
Have a Blessed Day ~ Lois

Friday, May 4, 2018

"What's On My Desk...Friday, May 4, 2018"

Good Friday to All!
We made it to Friday and if all goes well, the weekend is on the horizon.  Tomorrow is the celebration for Cinco De Mayo.  Are you ready for it?  Yes, we are.  Even if we're not a native, we will still enjoy the festivals and the food.
Friday is a day to pull and put together items that have not been filed and are still near  or on  my desk.
What was there today?
  • die cuts from projects that had not been filed:  a cup and spoon that was really scheduled to become a shaker but never made it because it was too small for the embellishments that I wanted to put on it... flowers and butterflies that are probably always on my desk because they are the two favorite things I like to craft with...a tag that I pulled out earlier this week to use with a Prima doll for Mother's Day that didn't get done (great idea but no evidence)...a scalloped band that I cut out from a piece of scrap paper to see how it would look...hemp cord left over from a week ago...and a sentiment from an Art C ephemera pack used on Thursday)
  • Take a look at my share:
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

"Life is full of blessings", don't you agree.  Even when we don't realize that we are receiving a  blessing,  it happens.  Something good comes out of something bad.  One opportunity closes so you can receive a better opportunity.  When you think you are down to your "last dime",  you keep finding financial blessings that you didn't know you had.
Yes, your cup runs over and you are blessed beyond measure.

Have a fantastic weekend.  
Thanks for viewing and as always, you are welcome to come again.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois


Thursday, May 3, 2018

"My Bible Journal Card"

Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Today's  card is inspired by two different things.  One, at the beginning of the year I've tried to incorporate a card to send to someone weekly based on the suggested idea from my bible journaling advisor.  Two, today is  the National Day Of Prayer...observed annually on the first Thursday in May.  This day of observance, designated by the US Congress, asks people "to turn to God in prayer and meditation"...encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
I make cards almost every day so incorporating a phrase or scripture from the bible is right in line with what I like to do.  Also, prayer is the way that I communicate with God daily.  I don't really need a special day to do it.  It has been my routine almost from the time I new how to talk (when you had to repeat the prayers your parents told you to say).
Here is my share for today and I hope you enjoy the view:



Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white; Recollections pink; Design Paper from Carta Bella Spring Market
embellishment came from Art C ephemera collage pack "faith"; ribbon from Michaels as well as the flower. 

We all have something to pray for and about.  God hears and answer prayers.  May peace be with you today and everyday.  

Thank you so much for viewing with me today.  You are invited to come again.
Sending you a hug and love,
Lois


Wednesday, May 2, 2018

"My Last Mother's Day Card For 2018"

Hello to Everyone on this Wednesday, May 2, 2018.
Are you ready for Cinco De Mayo?  It's this Saturday.
Are you ready for Mother's Day?  It will be celebrated on May 13th.
Many are skipping towards the end of the month  for  Memorial Day.  Usually this is the beginning of summer, school closing and  beach time.  Most students have done as much as they expect to do for the school year.  It's time to take test initiated by the state.  I'm familiar with Virginia but not the other states.  Around in my part of the country, we hear "SOL's" during this time of the year. 
But let's slow down for a bit.  We will give MOM her day of celebration before we closed those schools down for the summer.  Yes we can and yes we will.
I made my last Mother's Day card for this year.  Please read this correctly..."for this year, 2018".  Seven sisters and one daughter who are mothers, account for a lot of paper and die cutting as well as embellishments.   Some  have special boxes made so they can go through the mail without getting damaged.
Take a look:
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

Enabler's List:
cardstock: Neenah white; Bazzill periwinkle; Recollections green and Design Paper from my stash
dies: Spellbinders curved borders two; Spellbinders Radiant Rectangles; Sizzix tattered flowers; Sizzix holiday greens
embellishment: Liquid Pearls hydrangea drops

Mother knows best and you better believe it.  
Thanks for always supporting my work.  You are a blessing to me.  I enjoy seeing and reading your comments.  Thanks for leaving the love.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

"Teacher Appreciation"

Hello to all this first day of May, 2018.
We have beautiful sunshine and a lovely day ahead of us.  I realize that some of you due to the time zone maybe into your afternoon tea or it is your dinner time.  Welcome anyway to this blog.
We had community voting today for our Town Council.  My DH did not campaign this year for a seat on Council.  I pray and wish those who did, much success if they are chosen.
Let's talk about teachers.  There is a lot in the news about those who are protesting the low pay or no increase in pay for the upcoming school year.  Also in the news, there are some teachers who are taking advantage of students in ways that is illegal and they can and will spend a number of years in jail.  We are not hearing a lot in the news about the positive things that teachers are doing.
During the week of May 7th - May 11th,  many schools will have what is called "Teacher Appreciation Week".
If you know me personally, you know that I spent thirty+ years as a teacher in the school system as well as at my church (29) on Sunday mornings.  When I did what I did professionally, I loved it.  Many times there is no appreciation for what you have to endure.  That's why I send or give an appreciation to those who are still in the profession.
I have so many colleagues left in the field so this is a card I made for a special friend.
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

Enabler's List:
cardstock: PaperandMore linen cream; Recollections light pink and dark green; Hunkydory pattern paper.
dies: Spellbinders Romantic Vines; Spellbinders Love in Flight; ODBD Beautiful Borders; 
embossing folder: Sizzix 
embellishments: Recollections flowers; pink lace ribbon (Walmart)

If you know a teacher ...please show some appreciation during "Teacher Appreciation Week" or any time that you feel the need to show some love.  I'm sure they will appreciate it tremendously.
Thanks for viewing and for commenting.   Please come again.

Sending you a hug and love,
Lois