Scripture of the Week

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Gal 5:13-14

Oh my word, I am so sore!! But it was so freakin' cool, it was worth every ache...today was our church's Great Day of Service. Imagine it...over 2000 volunteers met at the church for prayer, then headed out into the community (of about 55,000) for service work, in the name of Christ. We are talking about entire neighborhoods swarming with people doing yardwork, trimming trees,up on ladders, painting. There were clothing drives, visits to nursing homes, shelters, food banks...you name it, we probably had a team doing it. We had the city involved in the planning- and so excited they even organized and added more to our number- then closed down a 3 block section of main street for us for an after party.

I have to say, it really was cool to go into these run down neighborhoods, work our little hearts out, and just look around and see hundreds of others working their heart out, too...and the change in the neighborhoods was cool, too. But, oh, am I sore...not use to using big old loppers to cut back overgrowth for hours at a time...

Imagine what a difference we, as Christians, could make in the world, in this generation, if people got used to seeing us out, sweaty, and working our tails of in the name of the Saviour. Imagine how attitudes and perceptions would change...and, oh- how Heaven would fill up as they asked about our Joy and Reason. I can't wait to scrap this one...such a great day.

Scripture of the Week is a regular feature on A Faith Perspective...Have you joined us on A Faith Perspective yet? This is a community of Christian crafters sponsored by Scrapbook News and Review that is dedicated to serving the Lord and uplifting each other. We would love to have you, come on over and pay us a visit!

School Bus Redux

OK, I have a bit of a confession...this school bus was a different card, at one point. But, I too the card, added it to the front of another card, and voila! A new card, completely! I got this Sugar Nellie image in a stamp image swap over at the Card Universe, and she was a perfect edition to this little gem.

Double Header Weekend!!

Double-header, double issue FREE weekend at Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Come check out the fun and excitement at www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com. From Saturday, September 26, 2009 until Sunday, September 27, 2009, we're celebrating the Grand Opening of our brand new website. Come get a gander at the site, chat on the forum, join in a challenge, play a game or two and the best part of all, see the inside of the magazine for FREE.

Our Special Double Issue -- our largest issue of the year -- debuts on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. EST and from the moment of debut until 8:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, you'll have complete access to the world's largest online scrapbooking magazine. With over 400 layouts (scrapbooking and digital), cards, stamping and altered art projects, product reviews, manufacturer spotlights and more, you'll be amazed at the incredible inspiration, fabulous tips, tricks and techniques, amazing tutorials and exciting eye candy. Don't delay -- register on our site today. You must be a registered user to play.

Friday Finds

Welcome to a new feature here at Paper Cutz and Praisez: Friday Features. I have quite the ginourmous number of blogs that I follow on a regular basis, so I thought you all might like me sharing some of the best of what I find. This could be really cool tutorials, great projects, sales, giveaways, or anything else of interest that I think you might want to know about.

This week, I have found a couple of really cool tutorials for you:

Create Vinyl Stickers using your Cricut: I love this tutorial not just for the how to...bit she has some great ideas for using vinyl stickers. It's not just about wall art! There are also some very helpful tips.

http://www.scrapscene.com/2009/09/make-your-own-vinyl-stickers-with-a-cricut-expression.html

Make Your own Glimmer Mists: plus great tips for usage...are you looking for the "recipe"? Here you go: balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2009/09/tutorial-make-your-own-glimmer-mist.html

Plus, Making Memories is looking for opinions for upcoming embellishments- and they have asked for our input...take a look: blog.makingmemories.com/2009/09/what-do-you-like.html

I hope you have a great scrappy weekend!

Thank You Butterfly

Joy, at Apple Blossom Stamps, has put out a great new set of journal stamps, in wonderful shapes and sizes. One thing I love is that her stamps are perfect for card sentiments, too. This is a simple stamp, but it adds the perfect touch to this card.

Supplies: Paper: Basic Grey, Kraft; Stamps: Apple Blossom Studio, Stamping Bella; Ink: Whispers; Chip: Basic Grey

Scripture of the Week

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." I Peter 2:4-5

Living Stones. You know, scripturally, there are two purposes for stones. Stones were used to destroy, as in to take someone out of the village and stone them. Or they were used to build up, as in a strong fortress, a wall around a city, a shelter. The question this week is very simple, very straight forward: Which kind of stone are you? Are you allowing Christ to use you to uplift, encourage, instruct and train others in righteousness? Are you a shelter for people when they are wounded? Or are you the one hurling the stones?

This is from the Scripture of the Week over at A Faith Perspective, the faith blog sponsered by Scrapbook News and Review. For more resources, community, and Spirit, we invite you to come over and join us!

With You

I do love a humerous card, and this stamp from Toni over at The Digi Shack made this easy. This one was a free give away during one of the Card Universe Digi Day events. Toni is one of our regular sponsors, and always provides a great evening of fun.

I also used one of the new Apple Blossom Studio stamps on the background of this card. Tip: Look at you journal stams with fresh eyes. They often make great background designs when stamped randomly.

Supplies: Paper: AC, Kraft Paper, Stamps: DigiShack, Apple Blossom Studios; Ink: Whispers; Colors: Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils; Burlap.

Princess at Work

This is a layout that appeared in Scrapbook News and Review a few months ago. I love the look of the black and white photo with the black AC paper. Quick tip: To make lollipop flowers, tear simple circles out of your paper in graduated circles. Crumple them up in your hand, and open them back up. Adhere them to each other and add a button or brad for the center. These look great with shabby chic layouts, too.

Scripture of the Week

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1: 2-4

A couple of weeks ago, I was awakened at 5 AM by my beloved sister crawling up the stairs to tell me she had fainted and hit her head...it that order. After quickly determining that she had lost basic cognitive skills- she couldn't even tell me a day of the week, or who the president of the US was, let alone dress herself- we headed off for the hospital. Everything turned out alright, Thank God. A moderately severe allergic reaction had caused the fainting.

Afterward, she remarked about my calmness. I didn't even appear worried, let alone scared. Are you kidding? I was scared spitless, lol. But even in the midst of the unknown, even in the midst of the fear, I was so profoundly grateful. Because it wasn't my job to handle this alone. I didn't have the ability to make her all better. Heck, I don't even know how these bills are going to get paid. But, I know the one who could handle it, make her better, and ultimately, pay the hospital bills. And that was joy!

Scripture of the Week is a regular feature on A Faith Perspective...Have you joined us on A Faith Perspective yet? This is a community of Christian crafters sponsored by Scrapbook News and Review that is dedicated to serving the Lord and uplifting each other. We would love to have you, come on over and pay us a visit!

All Things

Sometimes there is nothing that beats a simple card with a sentiment as true as can be. this card allows the papers to shine, and the sentiment to sing. The papers are from American Crafts, and by layering them a bit, they stand out. Tip- if you don't have the right colored brad, pull out your shiny paint for a quick dot of color.

Going Places

Today, I am going to do something that doesn't happen very often- I am going to show you a card from the current issue of Scrapbook News and Review. This month, SNR put My Favorite Things in the Manufacturer Spotlight. We had a wonderful time talking with the owner, Kim, and learning all about this wonderful company. In addition, the talented stamping staff had the chance to play with these wondeful stamps.

For a look at this article, click here and enjoy.

Like what you see? Of course! This just one of the articles in this month's jam packed issue. :-)

Better Late

Than never, right? I made this card for the June issue of SNR. I really wanted to remind people that sometimes less is more. This card has very simple lines, not a lot of fussy detail, and I think that is what makes it work. Tip: Look at your paper for key design elements. In this case, my sentiment strip is straight from my paper. It saved time, and looks oh-so-coordinated.

Supplies: Kraft paper; Scenic Route, Bazzil, Whispers Ink, Twine.