Look to the Lord...

Talk about getting down to the wire!
3 more hours and then....SEPTEMBER!!

Can you believe it? Not me. I am in total denial.

Anyways, before this crazy heat wave, I was feeling the
beginnings of fall and that, along with the picture from the
August challenge, totally inspired these cards.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.
I really love fall :)

Both cards are pretty similar, and totally copying the layout
and emboss resist technique I used on this card...
but I was pressed for time and figured I should
go with something that works! Switched up the colours to
go with the inspiration picture and instead of multiple colours
for the sponging I only used one. I wasn't sure how it would
turn out, but I *think* I like it.

This one is for my Mother-in-law. She was
just ordained as an elder at our church and is
feeling just a bit nervous :) I wanted to
remind her that this new role and season
in her life won't be done on her own.
I hope she can find a special place to put this
where she will remember that and be encouraged!
I added a bit of lace and some ribbon that I ruffled by
pulling on the outside threads, along the bottom, knowing
how much she enjoys those 'frilly' details.

This second card is the same, just using
a different flower stamp and simply wrapping
twine around the bottom and finishing it
off with a clear button and bow. The
recipient of this card is a bit more simple and
natural so I tried to keep it clean and crisp.
This friend is going through a season of big changes
and a lot of unknown and I thought this verse would
be very meaningful for them as well.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this month's challenge.
I think I may still make a little visual encouragement
for myself when I have a bit of time...I know I could
definitely use a beautiful reminder that I don't have
to do it all on my own each day. So thankful for His grace!

Can't wait to see what the rest of the Duke Divas have up
their sleeves - and our next challenge. Stay tuned for the details!
Thanks for visiting!

My little Stamper

I just had to share this...
Gracie Jo's first 'official' creation.
This summer I got Gracie Jo her first 'real' stamp set,
'Pony Party' from SU!. The first time she saw this set in my
catalogue, she said to me "Mom!! When I grow up, this is going
to be the first stamp that I buy!!" So cute! I just couldn't resist
getting it for her. She has been such a big help to me this summer
and I knew this would be a real special way to let her know
how proud I am of her and a neat way to share something
we love together. Needless to say, she was beyond thrilled
when I gave it to her and now our stamping-together
adventures begin! Isn't she so cute? She's definitely got
the chops to be a great card-maker...I know, I know, I'm
biased, but really? Such a sweet card for her little friend!

A Second Attempt

I just couldn't get beyond the beauty of the

card that I attempted to 'CASE' for July's HCCC
(see previous post) and so, after trying to figure out what
went wrong with the first one, I took a second stab at it.

Our friend's mother passed away this month and
while sympathy cards are never 'fun' to make, I
know from my own experience how meaningful it
it to have a handmade card sitting in the windowsill
reminding you that you are in someone's thoughts and
prayers. I hope this card will be that for our friends.

I wasn't a fan of the colours or the lace bow on my last
card, so for this one I kept things a bit more subtle.
After embossing the flower image (new rubber from my
A-MA-ZING Unity prize pack...seriously, out of this world!
I will try and take some pictures and share the goodness
with you soon. I'm still pinching myself! Unreal!),
I sponged Pale Plum, Baja Blue and Not Quite Navy on top.
I added a few butterflies from a sweet SU! embosslit and
tied some simple twine around the bottom to finish
it off. And the verdict is...I'm in love :)

I love the softness of this card and the
gentle way the butterflies seem to just be
fluttering among the flowers.
I hope it brings a bit of peacefulness
during these difficult times.

I love this saying from the SU! set 'Thoughts and Prayers'.
The inside looked a bit stark with just the sentiment though,
so I stamped another flower image (in Versamark)
from the 'Insightful Meadows' Unity set to add a
softer touch. I love the way it turned out!

How are you're August challenge creations
coming? I have lots of ideas 'fluttering' around
in my head...now, just to find the time and energy
to get them on paper! Happy stamping friends :)

Better late than never???

So, after many not-so-subtle promptings from

my fellow divas, here is my submission for July's HCCC.
Yes, I know August is half-way over, but
better late than never is what they say.
However, in this case,
I'm not sure that is actually true.
This one may have well been better off as a never.

I'm not sure if I'm just not digging the colour combo,
the poufy lace bow, or that I just can't get the epic
gorgeousness of the card I CASE'd out of my head,
but this card definitely falls into the 'failed attempts' category.

Hopefully, my mojo will find its' way back to me, as I have
a whole bunch of cards on the waiting-to-be-made list.
I'll do my best to keep more up-to-date here on the blog-o.
Thanks for not giving up on me! Looking forward to your
visits and comments again. Take care!!