Hi there me hearties

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments re my last card (blush) It has really bucked me up. I've had a pretty good weekend work and craft wise. At Church we launched a new way of caring for each other on Saturday that was well received on the whole. And the service went well Sunday (if i say so myself). I've done another class at Imagine That and have some of my own craftiness to show (more below).

Today I had to see my supervisor in Cambridge to discuss my 6000 word essay (due in May. Gulp). I went early and did some reading in two different coffee shops. The new John Lewis is not as big as I would like but a walk through the towels still made me feel good. And oooh the cushions. If I played the lottery AND i won, I would have someone in to wash my hair every other day(love the massages that come with the conditioner) and I would buy every cushion in the John Lewis soft furnishing department. The rest I would give to charity (maybe minus university fees times three) And... that's why I won't do the lottery - I don't think I could cope with winning, too many hard decisions and too much desire creeping in to keep it all for myself.

Anyway, despite living in Oxford for 3 years I have decided that I much prefer Cambridge. It is just a lovely place to be. If only it wasn't at the other end of the M11 which is a rubbish motorway.
If you are still awake, here is some of my crafting.
I love this layout! (so you don't have to)

Bazzill paperbag cardstock (Newsflash Bazzill are now stocking Kraft in Britain. I am v. happy as I love Kraft for both cards and layouts. As you will see...)
Paper is ummmm... I'll fill that in later.
The black paper is DCWV card stock gone through the cuttlebug and sanded.
Cream card stock was cut with Nestablilites dies (just so cool) and inked with old photo distress ink.
Karen Foster stickers; American Crafts Thickers and AC rubons.
Copper heart from Craft by Carolyns and a Bazzill brad.
That's actually a long list for a layout that is mostly white space!
I also thought I would try out this competition
Cor it was hard!
Not helped by me misunderstanding the rules to start with, hence the slightly un valentine choice of papers. And having to make the cards out of the card/papers was quite a challenge. And cutting a few out before noticing it was 4 and not 3 cards that were required. And choosing ribbon that was actually pretty non pliable....apart from that it was easy.
I'll just show you one card and envelope for now...

The cardstock is that Bazzill Paperbag again plus two American Crafts papers as they are double sided and sturdy.
You can see two of my embellishment choices on the card - white grosgrain ribbon and a bling swirl. The other is felt AC stickers.
Here is the envelope - punched hearts and extra bling.

I have no idea what to do with the cards as I usually only send one...
In the end it was fun though!
Why don't you have a go - just read the rules first!

Hide and Seek

I've been out teaching at Imagine That this morning. I was so proud at being only 10 minutes over when someone reminded me the class should have finished at 12 not 12:30. Oooops. The three people taking the class were all scrapbook newbies - two doing their first ever pages so it was quite nerve wracking. But I think they will be back for more!

Anyway that and some church work meant I couldn't update my blog earlier. I wonder if you have guessed the secret of my card yet?
Yes, it is Friday - already - and main Daring Card day

Hide & Seek

I'd like you to make a card which has a hidden component of some sort.

The hidden part could be a tag, a concealed photo, message or something along those lines, maybe a pull-out or pop-up.

Anything goes as long as there's something extra for the recipient to find on your card that's not immediately visible when they open the envelope.

I couldn't work out what to do until I used Herma repo glue that I won for having a layout in Scrapbook Inspirations - I finally got my original and my prize just before Christmas! The repositionable glue has a great hold but you can move it about too (makes it sound like those old hairspray ads!)

So I made Phil his Valentines card early. He was touched that I had gone to such an effort so soon and wouldn't let him see but then he paused and said "you've made it for a dare haven't you" in a small voice. So maybe I better make him another one!
The paper is all Scenic Route Loveland. The true colour is somewhere between my photos! It is an A5 size card and everything has been inked and doodled to bits. The heart shapes were cut out of the paper. They were stuck on with repo glue so that you can pick the petals
until you get the whole message
or just about anyway!
I tested the idea on some scrap paper and you can reposition about 7 times before the sticky loses its stickiness.

I do hope you join in - I'm off to discover the secrets of everyone else's cards!

Something in the water

I'm on two small blog teams - and there seem to be babies popping out everywhere! I sometimes get a pang for another, but then think about sleep deprivation and nappies and the fact we just couldn't plain afford it and a baby can't do hoovering like tweenagers and I decide I would rather wait for Grandchildren!
The first of the imminent babies has arrived - and I think he should have been the last. Joshua White made a surprise early entrance for Kimberly and is in a special care unit at the moment but is doing well. My prayers are with the family - and huge congratulations too!
One of the nice things about being on international teams (ooh hark at her!) is when you realise that we are many peoples divided by one language - or however the saying goes. Someone in the US couldn't understand what I meant by "fortnightly" and on DCM there was puzzlement from Mel when the Brits were talking about "hoovering" as I did above. Apparently they don't have Hoovers there - they have Luxes in NZ so I suppose you do the Luxing there. I won't find out what Mel thinks til tomorrow because today is over for her and she won't write again until I am in bed. It is strange this time thing...

OK this was supposed to be a quick post before I walk the dog, tend sick(ish) boy and do some prep on my Sunday service before taking a funeral.
It is Salt launch day today and Hazel has chosen the theme

'Encouragement'
I love that verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: 'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.' - in fact, there is so much about encouragement in those letters, and indeed, in other letters from Paul. Encouragement is such a blessing to receive and also to give.

I love the verse that Hazel has highlighted too and wanted to find some photos of the rest of the family to use with it. I found some that I had been saving to scrap about a walk we had a year or so ago. We got so muddy you wouldn't beleive it. The quality of the photos isn't great but the meaning is what counts for me
The papers and stickers are all Scenic Route Newport. It is probably obvious that one of these letters is not like the others due to there being only two of each letter in the sticker pack! Then I added some inking and one bling swirl cut into bits. Can't remember the make but Emma sells them in Imagine That and they are GORGEOUS!

Here are the writing bits in close up. The Biblical text was done in my Kim Hughes font alike handwriting. I love writing like that now!
and the other was done in my normal scrawl!

imitation - the sincerest form of flattery!

Well Sunday passed in a kind of blur. And so did Monday.
We went car and tv and lamp shopping.
We have seen a new (to us) Skoda that is mostly good and sort of affordable (it is sad when you have to start calculating how many years worth of Uni fees that would cover - and it looks like all three will go to Uni - but I don't begrudge them really!) The only downside to said car is that it is a rather Essex girl champagne colour. But we haven't bought it yet.
Then we went to Ikea for some lamps and came out with an Expedit bookcase for me, two new duvets and covers for the boys, some Christmas decorations for £1 and 50p, a new laundry basket for Carys and some other bits and bobs. But no lamps.

Then we went tv shopping. I am trying to control my blood pressure so will not rant about the need for
1: friendly staff
2: the same information on every tv so you can really compare
3: informative staff (not the same as 1 but by the end I would have settled for 1:)
So no tv - just a very big headache.

I now know what to look for and we are going to buy online.

I did squeeze in a tiny amount of crafting time - mostly making my DCM Little Extra for today
I had an idea for a Mid Week Tribute...

Now, as you are probably aware, both Lynne and Gillian sadly stepped down from the Design team recently, and all though the DCM team's door is always open for them, we thought it would be nice to pay a little tribute to them in appreciation for all their wonderful work during their time on the DCM design team. Lythan came up with an idea that we make a card in the 'style' of either Lynne or Gillian's cards. Or maybe pick your favourite of theirs and use an element from their cards on your own card. Everyone has their own style- we thought it might be a little challenge to try out a different style for a change!

I think I am more like Lynne in style than Gillian so went for a Gillian tribute!
Of course it should have been a cream square card but I haven't replaced my stock of those since Christmas so had to use an off white C6 one!
I found the image on my hard drive - I must have collected it from somewhere ages ago. I added a Gillian crown - well it is a Grungeboard one painted with Ranger Dabber in Gold with a few pink gems thrown on. I also gave her a little bouquet of flowers, some painted with distress ink to match the Basic Grey Infuse patterned papers and added more bling!. Gillian does a lot of sewing so I cheated with a hole making wheel and a pencil.
I found a quote which I printed on to plain BG using traveling typewriter font and made tow photo corners. All inked, natch!
We do miss Gillian and Lynne, but know that their talent will still be enjoyed wherever they go - love you girls!

More challenges

I allowed myself some more crafty time today. That is because I have loads and loads on over the next few weeks so need to grab some soul time when I can. Sometimes it all goes wrong and I become Mrs Sulky Pants - but most of the time card making and scrapping is my creative equivalent of Psalm 23 - it restores my soul. I may not make anything particularly spiritual or faith based but if I end up feeling calm and refreshed - well I'm sure God approves! It seems to fit with the MA course work I read this morning about spiritual direction and person centred analysis.

Carys joined me this afternoon - which does slow up what I am doing as I help her. Only she doesn't want helping really. I'm still trying to get the balance right between giving her ideas and taking over. This is what she made
I made two whole cards. I've recently popped my head in on another forum - Scraptitude. It has a really friendly feel. I really shouldn't be part of yet more forums as I don't have time to do much, but I will participate in small ways I think. Any way i have done two of the card challenges today. ONe was to make a card using just one colour. Oh how hard is that.
You wouldn't beleive how long this simple card took me trying to get the greens to go together!
The card stock is all Stamping Up as is the dotty background stamp. The strip of paper with the white dots we won't mention is Scenic Route. The dark green card is the light green covered in Ranger green ink. The parcel stamp is Purple Onion, button Bazzill and flower Sarah's cards. The sentiment is on safmat. Outlining was done with a green Sharpie.

This took a while as well...
The challenge was to do a bright card and I remembered that I downloaded some freebies by Marieke Vermeulen. Printed them up and layered them and wrote "hello peeps" in my new sentiment handwriting (prefer it to my own!)

Right I'm going top sneak back to the conservatory for a little more soul time now!

Me and my shaaaaaaa-dows

taking me so long to do
(long to do, long to do, long to do)

I suppose you have to be a Generation Jones or older to get that really. I only heard that term this week and now I am sulking. Before that I was a Generation X. It sounds cool, mysterious. Now, not only am I too old to be an X, I am given the term Jones. Still I suppose it does remind everyone of the ultimate superiority of the Welsh...

Anyhoo, this is all because I ran out of time until this morning to do my Daring Cardmakers challenge of the week and it just took me for ever! It was fun, but not what I should really have been doing...
Jane came up with a fabby dare (as I said in my last post)

Me and My Shadow !!
I want you to create not just one but TWO cards ! But wait........there's more ! I want both cards to contain the same embellishments and papers, ribbons etc- but arranged in a different way for a different occasion....the only thing being different is the wording....I'll let you have different wording !

Oh Horlicks. Just read the last line and I have used the same working. Sh...ugar. (As I am known around my house as "Mum and her foul mouth" I am doing my best to reduce my swearing - which honestly wasn't that much to begin with)

I gave myself the elements of... 3 pieces of Piggy Tales (double sided) paper - the Baa Baa Black Sheep range (hmmm). White card stock, my NEW nestabilities dies - I cut 5 circles for each card plus a scallop each for the sentiment, black sharpie pen, black soot distress ink, red gems and green spotty ribbon.

hand cut heart extra circle cut with peach circle punch and hand written sentiment
Hand cut some of the circles into rough flower shapes.
theres a wee bit of foam tape action on both cards as well.

They may have daft names but I do love Piggy Tales papers - have I mentioned that before?
Hope you enjoy this dare as much as I have!

New stuff

Yes I actually made a little extra card this week. (Shock)
No time normally but this one came together so quickly.
Just as well as I have been working hard at the day job ever since. Although I did manage a quick visit to Peacocks. The boys are finally growing (yay!) but that does mean they need new clothes. I go to Peacocks cos they do clothes for small skinny teenage boys and student discounts (10%) as well. I am still weaning Emrys off wearing shorts all winter. I figure now he is 13 he is old enough for long trousers!

Anyway here is the card
I used some new presents - my NEW cuttlebug machine which embosses like a dream and is so neat and my NEW wooden scroll courtesy of my Daring Cards Secret Santa - it is just yummy.
and some new not presents - NEW papers and card and ribbon as I finally received the December Self Addressed kit and a NEW cuttlebug square scallop die.
Since then I have also got a NEW ATG gun. It is like an enormous herma applicator. Ever since I discovered this way of applying glue I am hooked as it is so easy. Apparently using one of these is great value for money though the initial outlay for the gun is quite a lot. I bought mine from Directa. I'll have to take a photo of me and me new toy so you can really see the scale of it. At least twice the size of my hand!

No time to play until tomorrow though when I have to make time for my DCM Friday dare. It is a great one this week so I am really looking forward to playing!

Busy bees

Yup Carys and I managed some more crafting today!
She finished off a card she started on Saturday that we had decided to turn into a swing.
The background is done with a cuttlebug embossing folder. They are so much more defined in a real cuttlebug!
I finished a big layout and also a card for the Daring Little Extra tomorrow (may be Wednesday before I can talk about it here - busy day tomorrow) and a simple 8x8 layout for the craft club on Thursday that I couldn't get a good photo of at all tonight so will try again soon. Although it really isn't that great, just a good way of starting off scrapping.
Anyhoo, here is the 12x12 layout for today
I haven't got many Christmas photos after the family asked me not to take them :( but I did take them New Years Eve.
The paper is all Cherry Arte Poolside. I backed the whole sheet with some old Bazzill as it is rather flimsy. The lettering is Vomzom cut on my robo. 2008 is Scenic Route chipboard painted with a Ranger Dabber. The other chipboard shapes are Cherry Arte and the star is extra thick felt bought in Germany.
Grandma made it back ok today. She is very tired and strung out from supporting my sister in law through a shock breakdown of her marriage. The kids have enjoyed a last days holiday so we had a Movie Night watching Oceans Eleven which has so much eye candy as well as an enjoyable story. (its no contest really, I would choose Brad every time).
I'm not looking forward to going back to early starts tomorrow. But I am looking forward to my MA course which is back for a new term.

Crafty Saturday

By being crafty and working hard I managed to finish both my services on Saturday. Which meant that not only did I have time to do the card club at Church but also play time in the evening.
I took my Magnolia and Nellie stamps which people loved colouring in. Stamping Caz did a great how to the other day on how to use watercolour pencils. It has made my efforts look so much better. I didn't make a card using the technique but Carys did. I just love how cool they look in monochrome.It looks like I might have to order some more just for her...

Then after Casualty I got some proper crafty time and finished a layout I have been doing for a few days as there were lots of bits to it.
I bet if you know the song the title alludes to you start singing it...

I have been totally inspired by the awesome talent of Sarah Jane Scrappyfairy.
I am not worthy really but enjoyed the style and will deffo use it again
The papers came together in the first Funky kit but I don't know what they all are now...
Chipboard is Scenic Route coloured with a copper Krylon penThe swirls are grungeboard inked with blue ink, copper ink and a bit of krylon.
great stuff! (but smells like a pet shop...)
This lit is Making Memories Heidi rub ons, Doodlebug rubons, Purple Onion alpha stamps and hand writing.

And then, just to finish the day I opened up my Self Addressed December kit which had just arrived that morning and had to have a play. I had discovered Sketches By Tamara earlier in the day (tea break from services are crafty time too) which are just my style so I used sketch 24 just about as is. the papers are Chatterbox which I used to love for pattern but hate for quality of paper. Now it is lovely card weight stuff. Delish!No time for crafting today but hope to fit some in tomorrow while Phil goes to Heathrow to pick up his mum after her month in Canada

New

Actually feel pretty old today. Carys had a sleepover and although the jinks were not too high I still feel like I could do with another 6 hours sleep.

Still there is work to be done and the reward of some crafty playtime if I can knuckle down today.
I need to get a sample or two done for craft club tomorrow. The group has been a kind of pile in where I take my stuff and everyone uses it. It wasn't meant to be like that but evolved in that way. I only take old papers or freebies but as my card stock is running low and it means there is not a lot that matches we are going to change how it is done. So I will be taking less stuff and being more directive. I have also bought A4 card in both white and pastel colours for people to make their cards with.
And tomorrow we will be playing with my Sugar Nellie and Magnolia stamps and also making tri fold cards.
So still some options - just less of them!

I have been getting huge inspiration from Kristina Werner at present. She does the nost fab little youtube videos every Monday. In fact at the moment she is doing more little films too. You can really see her influence in my Daring card this week.
the theme is...
'New'
So not only New Year, but maybe New Home, New Baby, New Job or maybe a card for someone who is starting a new chapter in their life.
those who notice this sort of thing may see similarities between the card and the layout I posted on Wednesday. Well I made them the same day with some of the same papers and I quite like the translation of card ideas to layouts and back again!
The papers are American Crafts Metropolitan. Really loving AC at the moment. Double sided heavy weight card is my thing baby! That blue is just so lush isn't it?
I love the little letter stickers that I think Making Memories do. I haven't got any and keep trying to reproduce them with letter stamps. Still not there yet but I quite like my "happy" done with Purple Onion stamps from a Self Addressed kit. "New" are AC letter stickers with some Rangers pearls dotted on. Year is a papermania duff rub on that only just rubbed on and so I had to go over it in pen. Boo to you PM! Actually once it was on I realised I would have preferred year to go further down.
Still I don't know who would get a new year card made on Jan 1st - I just really fancied making it!
I look forward to seeing what "new" things you come up with.
Off to look at the latest kwerner vid, sorry, I mean get my service ready...

where is my treasure?

it is Salt day today. Gillian set us an interesting challenge

take Inspiration from the Gospel of MatthewVerse 6, Chapter 21
For where your Treasure is,
there your Heart will also be.

I had to think long and hard about this one. All the things that I wanted to say were my treasure - my family in particular, don't really fit in with what Jesus is saying. That ultimately if your treasure is in the love of God rather than the things of the earth. That to be a person of faith I have to put God before the "stuff" of my life, yes even my stash supplies and even my family. But if I can find the way to put God first - and that can be a struggle at times - then everything else will fit into place and life will have more meaning and purpose both now - and in the life to come.
Actually I think Jesus puts it better than me...

Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them,
and thieves can break in and steal them.
Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them.
Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

Which is why I went for the simple option for my layout. Kimberley went for something similar and I love the way she has chosen to express her faith. I cheated and went for the words of the marriage vows. They are a great way of praying and getting close to God I think. If you can't read them (acetate is hard to photograph I think!) it says...
I take you to be Lord and Saviour, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish and worship, and not even death shall part us. This is my solemn vow.

The papers are all Scenic Route. The background paper is Laurel, the rest Loveland. I cut out and inked up lots of layers of hearts and covered them with the acetate and a piccy of me looking solemn! It does look better in real life and it was also a very spiritual experience making it. I was watching Midsomer Murders at the same time which lessened the effect slightly. But only just.

My heart and my treasure is Jesus , yesterday, today, tomorrow. But part of that is loving my family and that can mean spending time with them doing crafty stuff rather than sitting on my own. And even in that, to God be the glory.


PS: blogger is mucking around with me fonts and I can't get it all the same. Grrrrrrrrr

Happy (ish) New Year!

Actually I have had a lot of fun since I last blogged. Craft day was spent in a different way from planned. I needed to make some samples for Imagine That and realised it would be better to do them at the shop using their die cut letters rather than at home. So I spent a happy few hours with KI memories pop culture papers including some of the lace paper. Slurp!
Of course I didn't take my camera...
Must remember to next time I go in as you also can't see the other class that I have finished too. Silly me!
I really enjoy making samples for the shop although
1: I get very nervous in case I go wrong or it is horrible
2: I often end up buying some of the stuff that I have used for the class cos it is just so lovely!

On Monday we headed to Birmingham to spend New Years Eve with Auntie Jones. we had lunch and supper there and then went down the road to the M5 to a travelodge - about 10 minutes drive away. It was the grottiest one ever - at least I had a cheapo deal on the rooms. Plus our two rooms were miles apart. There were no pillow cases - we had them warm from the tumble dryer. Still we were comfy and warm and snuggled up to watch some Dr Who series 3 episodes and the fireworks.

Tuesday we went for brekkie at Auntie Joneses (my cunning plan to avoid expensive breakfasts at the Travelodge). But we ended up back at the service station as when we drove out we saw what looked like a dog with a lead on its own, possibly tied up in some woods. Phil, with his big heart, couldn't go home without checking. There was indeed a greyhound on its own. The staff were aware and told the traffic police as it was in between a busy road and the motorway. As it happened the man behind me in the petrol queue also had a retired greyhound pet! Lucky spent 2 nights at kennels and is glad to be home now.

Once home I had fun doing some more crafting. I did my dare work for this week and finished this layout.
I love this picture of me and my choir buddies. I enjoy saying rude things to Alma and making her laugh at practice.
the red of the American crafts papers goes well with our luxury scarves (£15! for a scarf!) I added more AC papers, some Queen and Co felt, lots of black gems, some sparkly black ribbon, some diamente gems, Purple Onion stamps and lots of black pen (of course)

Today I did a funeral and have a other lined up for next week. It is so hard when people die at a festive time of year. And I have Elders tonight. Yup, the holidays (such as I had) are ended!
Although we have Phil's junior church party and sleepover here tomorrow night...

Well it was a nice dream.

the idea of posting on Christmas Day.
Life has been just so, so hectic. But in a good way.

What with the three services on Sunday, two on Monday and one on Tuesday. (The pyjama service went so well with lots of kids there in their pj's listening to the stories of Christmas) I was exhausted by Christmas lunch time! Still I had to wake the kids up at 7:30 so it wasn't too early a start!
I have worked hard to make Christmas a relaxed time. Some people (not the children) get a little over excited and I have had to be quite firm so as to not wind the children up in the past. Now we all take out time opening presents and we all get to enjoy each others pleasure and it is just plain lovely. Some may feel it is boring. I stick to lovely.
At the same time I know of bereavements and strokes and broken hips over Christmas so I know it is not an easy time for everyone.

I don't have many pressies any more. This is because I tend to spoil myself all year! I did open my cuttlebug which has been waiting for me for a few months! And I also had a set of sparkly peel offs from one friend and some lovely wooden scrolls and crochet flowers from another. Fabby!

I made notebooks for many people - and bought some toilets in Africa for them too!
This one uses Piggy Tales papers and American Crafts stickers. I took Dolly dimples idea of laminating the paper which makes it light and sturdy. I did get frustrated with myself as I just can't work out how to punch more holes than this with my Bind it all. I am going to ask Emma at Imagine That for some lessons I think!
And for my sister in law Louise I made an altered canvas. It was a mad idea because I didn't really have time. But then I woke far too early last Sunday morning and boshed it off!

American Crafts Papers cut with Sizzix and QK dies and a star punch, some AC thickers and heaps of outlining. I hope she likes it. May not be her thing at all.

I managed a few minutes crafting to do my DCM card this week. At least it was fairly straightforward to come up with an idea.

4 of the best

Hi All. Today we have decided to revisit your most favourite dares of 2007. The four top dares, decided by the number of comments you made on them are (in no particular order): 'buttons', 'ribbons', ...'and cut' and 'frames'. We would like you to use this week as many of those dares as you like to make your card in any theme and any style.

I used a card from the October Self Addressed kit, paper from there and from a BG mellow pad (same set, different sizes). I hand cut (tick) the frame (tick) and made a button (tick) T with real sewing (gasp but no tick), added a "hankyou" (I like doing thanks cards with a large t for some reason so have loads of these lying around) then added stickles for extra bling after reading about stickles on UKS and remembering I have rather a lot. I should have used rub ons for the "hankyou" I think but not bad for a quick card. I have spent the last few days mixing family time and work. Last night we went to see Tintin in Tibet in London. It was fab, fab, fab, fab, fab. See it if you can. Today I am having a CRAFTY DAY OFF (apart from the Church stuff I have been dealing with while doing this. And you didn't even notice. Clever eh?)
Cuttlebug here I come!

The Phantom Blogger returns

Eeeek!
I hate being so long between posts. Feels a bit rude, so I'm very sorry.
this week has been filled with...
rehearsing a Christmas service production, doing a Christmas service production, preparing orders of service and powerpoint presentations for more Christmas services, a carol service, a funeral, an advent meditation, carol singing, teaching at Imagine That, Christmas food shopping and more service planning. It's beginning to look a lot like....

Plus the Salt challenge and Dare card for this week.
So v. quickly, here they are!

Salt theme was set by Esther The verse John 3:16 'For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believed in him shall not live but have everlasting life'

It is perhaps a well known verse, but it is a real testimony to our Christian faith, the fact that the babe Jesus was born as a SAVIOUR for our sins. So that if YOU believe that he came to die, and ask for forgiveness YOU ALSO will receive the GIFT of eternal life in heaven. John 15:13 reminds us 'Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'

Use this verse to inspire you or to meditate on in the next few weeks

I had ambitious plans of making signs with the verse on for people to hold up. Then I forgot til it was too late and went for something simple instead...

I printed the world on a sheet of acetate then wrote the verse in gold pen, adding some chipboard letters for key words. It was hard to photograph though. You can see the words best on balck
and the world best on white

Then the Dare this week was cool beans.
I'm free!
This week, we the DCM team, would like you to design a card using a magazine 'freebie' .

It was a job finding the freeibes as they had been on my desk but then I tidied up.
NEVER tidy up a craft desk...
The flowers and the "make a wish" are from a free gift with Scrapbook Inspirations. I tend to use up my free papers with the craft groups so didn't have many large bits to use. And they didn't match. Actually neither did these papers until I turned the middle of the flower blue rather than green. Now the extra glitter is truly dry the effect is a tad more subtle than it looks. The papers are SEI ones.

And that is that. I'm sure you are all as busy as me at this time of year. I will try and post before/on Christmas Day - enjoy all your preparations.

Inside and out

Kind of sums up my life just now. Never a dull moment! Although I would love more crafty time the rest is pretty good too.
Actually a lovely thing happened yesterday. I am still trying to get a craft club off the ground at my small church. We usually do card making. One of the two wanted to try scrapbooking so I phoned the other one to bring some photos. I think she was a bit hesitant. But boy did she love it! Actually person 1 then forgot completely to come and so I made up a little kit, including my page so I can't show it to you yet. I did a page with the title Cute as a button. Person 2 suddenly said "no, I don't want a button on mine, I want it to be "cute as a butterfly", so we made a butterfly for her page instead. That little thing made me so happy - that she was already confident enough to do it differently from mine.
I gave her a little 6x6 album I have had for ages. I just can't do that small. SO I did my page 8x8 and scaled down for the class.
And apparently we are doing scrap booking again next time!

I can show you my dare card for this week...
Gillian chose the theme and the different ways we have interpreted it are fabby I think!

Inside and Out

I dare you to take the design of your card to the inside as well as the outside Add a little finishing touch to match the theme on the outside, or Surprise the receiver with a flap, foldout, decorated journal block to write on,or one of those pop-out delights....It really adds so much to a card when there is attention to detail on the inside as well as the outside. I know some of you are finished your Christmas cards already so this week it's Any theme, Christmas or not But make the inside count too :)

My card was inspired by some layouts on UKS. Someone used the same technique on a few layouts - curling paper at the edge. Can't remember who it is but thanks for the inspiration!
I used one sheet of Scenic Route Laurel. I love it all so much that cutting into it is torture - but then you can't keep everything. If anything, the card is a tad brighter in real life. Anyway using double sided cardwieght paper was a joy for making this, although it may need another panel at the back to stop it buckling
I just cut strips to different lenghts, rolled them up and attached them with double sided tape. The flowers are from the Euro shop in Achen, Germany - such a bargain as there were about 20 in a pack.. I spent ages choosing how many button flowers to put on! I added a little watercolour paper to break the stripes up and a safmat greeting.

I have been on a funeral visit this morning - to a family who have chickens! So we had a nice chat as well as the sad one of sorting out details of a funeral. there is never a good time to lose a loved one but Christmas can be especially hard. May all of you who are grieving find some comfort and peace even in your sadness.

PS: Kathy I have no idea how to put it in an envelope. Will need hand delivering methinks

PPS: Forgot to mention a big WOOT to Carys for passing her Grade 1 piano with a merit - and just a gnat's crotchet away from a Distinction. You go girl!

Sparkle time

I love driving at this time of year. When people gradually put up their outside Christmas lights. I don't like a big show. We don't have any as we are concerned about the use of energy - and I do worry about it. But there is something spiritual about seeing all the lights shining in the darkness. If it wasn't for the green issues then I would be for keeping them on until the clocks go forward in the spring.
I have to go out tonight and I would rather be in, with a real fire and some crafty stuff to play with. But I have work to do tonight - nice work though - sharing good news with a local church. And lots of lights to see on the way!

I have had some crafty moments. I haven't shared my Salt layout for this week yet.

Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas

We all love celebrating Christmas because it is a time for us to stop, remember and praise God for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. HE IS the true meaning of Christmas. Not presents, not parties, not decorations, etc. JUST JESUS!!!

It would have been easier if I had got the hang of digital I think. But I haven't...
The words are from Meekness and Majesty by Graham Kendrick. The picture is one I saved to the computer but not where from. I would love to give acknowledgment for this beautiful picture so if anyone recognises it please let me know. For me it sums up the vulnerability of Jesus come amongst us, totally reliant on those around him - as we are totally reliant on Him. The words were printed onto white card, the photo mounted on top and the whole thing matted on red bazzill. The word "God" has been glittered. Three red gems and that is it.

I also made two 8x8 layouts this week.
An old piccy of Carys. She doesn't twiddle as much now but I still have to cut the odd knot from her hair! The papers are from an old SA kit- they are American Crafts. The title is robo'd. I just added some black gems and shisha mirrors - they look pretty but make a layout hard to photograph!

This months Self Addressed kit papers - sassafrass lass. The heart was hand cut and mounted on card. It was distressed with red distress ink. The stamps used on the heart are purple onion. The wings are from Artbase. I coloured them with red distress ink and then used my new dot stamp with the same ink. I wanted some sparkle so added Diamond shimmer paint on the top - which took all the ink off. SO they have ended up very distressed indeed (and so was I). He said and she said are Technique Tuesday stamps, the arrow is from an old SA kit. The chipboard letters are from my QVC box. I thought it would be good to get Phil to write what he said on the layout. He thought it was mad...
No change there, then.

A change of clothing

Well several actually today! Started off in ordinary clothes, then sparkly top for a short concert Phil and I did at his church, now about to put on a clerical collar and do a funeral, then back to ordinary clothes again. That kind of sums up what my life is like at the moment - coupled with not feeling well. My throat glands are still a little tender so I am still not 100% but I am feeling better now than I have done for two weeks. Which kind of leaves an awful lot to do before Christmas...
I have made about 56 Christmas cards though which is a result.

I will share my Salt contribution tomorrow but here is my Daring Cardmaker Dare for the week.
Saffa chose the theme

Candy Stripes

I love the stripey candy sticks that are around at this time of year so inspired by this I challenge you all to create a card featuring stripes of some kind, the occasion is up to you but you must use some form of stripes on your card. Maybe stamps, or paper, or ribbon...
I used one of my Tilda stamps and my all time fave papers - Salem by Scenic Route. The colours are actually a tad brighter in real life but I had to photograph it in the dark! I made the little balloon shape (as if you can't tell) and hand wrote the greeting (ditto) Just added two black brads and some of the felt stars from the Euro Shop in Achen. Phil hates the scary stamp girls (as he calls them) but grudgingly admitted he liked the card "of its kind". Praise gets no better...