Thanksgiving Card

How about a little Thanksgiving card as we close out October? This one was made usiong the new scalloped circle stamp from Apple Blossom Studios- one of my favorite stamps ever. This stamps and cuts out really well, for many different uses. Also, don't be afraid to layer a stamp with your sentiment- I think it just adds a little punch.

Birthday Blessings

One of the monthly features of Scrapbook News and Review is the 3 of a Kind Article. In this article, 3 people take the same stamps and show how they can be used for 3 different occasions, and then for 3 different techniques. The fun part of this article is getting great ideas for thinking out of the box on how to use the stamps you already own. Take this umbrella stamp, for example. This was a card from the July issue, and instead of just using this stamp on a get well card, we used it for a Birthday card, a baby card, and an anniversary card, too, if I remember correctly. The umbrella is from Penguin Pants, they had such great stamps. It is always so sad to see a stamp company fall victim to the economy. The circle stamp is a journal stamp from Apple Blossom Studios. Yet another look at using your stamps "outside of the box"

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

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.

LilyPad

Hi, thanks for hopping in. Aw, come on! You know I couldn't resist. I got some new Apple Blossom Studio stamps to play with- and they are so perfect. The green matting on this card is one of the new journal stamps. I love finding different ways to use these treasures! The frog is one of my favorites from Whimsy Stamps.

Have a great weekend!

Our House

I have seen layouts built on clear backgrounds- and always wanted to try one.  I finally gave in, and gave it a go---what do you think?  This one was built on a Hambly Transparency with a soft white grid- perfect for the winter theme.  I also used the winter line from October Afternoon for the papers and letters.  But, do you see the stamps?  Take a look- they're there!  I used the scalloped frame from Apple Blossom Studio for the picture frame, and the candy cane from ABS as one of the border strips.  Love 'em!!

Coaster Ornament

Welcome to Day 2 of "I Altered My Christmas Tree". Ready for our first ornament? This is a coaster ornament that I made...found the chipboard coasters at M's on sale. I think the pack was 50 cents or something. Here are the steps:

1. Trace shape unto paper, use scissors and cut. Adhere to coaster using Modge Podge. Do not apply top coat, yet.

2. Once dry, use your files to smooth the edges. Now is the time to add any ink or distressing to the edges that you want. Now, add the top layer of Modge podge.

3. Now, you can add the top embellishments. I handmade this flower, by tracing a silk poinsettia. Tip: Fold and curl the edges of your paper to add dimension and life to anything like this! The Joy plaque is a wonderful journaling stamp from Apple Blossom Studio...love this set. Just look at all the fun uses!

4. Hole was punched using my crop o dile...if you don't have one, this is actually on sale TODAY at Scrapbook Express!! Run on over and snag one!

Here's a look at the other I made:

Trust

I did this one for my DT work at Apple Blossom Studio Stamps, and My Sketch World...a two-fer! The sketch is a wonderful Lucy Chesnea sketch- and was a blast to work with---as usual! And the stamps, sigh...I love the stamps. Look at how versatile these are!! In one layout, I have used 3 stamps- the scalloped stamp cut out made the lovely scallops on the top of the journaling area. The journaling block cutout and popped with foam dots added a great decorative touch to this journaling area, as well. Then, the links stamp-simply stamped as normal...added a fun horizontal element to the page. I tapped of spots of ink on the chain stamp before I added it to the page- to give it an uneven vintage/distressed look. I loved the way it turned out!

I snapped this picture a couple of weekends ago, as we were driving down the road to a conference. I immediately thought of this verse- of God making our paths straight. But, if you read the verse...and I mean read it, there is a condition to this promise. We have to TRUST Him. Not my best thing, trust. And, if I am completely honest, I will admit that this is something I struggle with- trusting God. Really trusting Him. Oh, I trust that He came in the form of Jesus, that He died, rose again, and by His grace has saved my soul. But, the day to day, living trust? I confess, sometimes I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to fall...like it is going to well. Or, I find myself thinking that God is almost waiting to 'disciple' me...to teach me some cosmic lesson. Almost as if God enjoys watching me struggle...just so I will lean on Him further...how ridiculous is that?!!

So, I have chosen to combine this verse with another:
"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you hope and a future." Jer 29:11
Put these 2 verses together...it makes it so much easier to....TRUST!!

Berry Yummy!

Oh my goodness- I cannot believe I forgot to show this to you. My only excuse? I was crazy busy the first of the month with the WCD celebration at SNR. Sorry!

This one was made using 3 Apple Blossom Studio Stamps. I love these stamps! Cannot say that enough! I embossed the candy cane stripe onto the black cardstock- great look! Then, I used the scalloped border to go around the edges...so simple- but I love the look! Then, I used the Circle journaling stamp- and then used foam squares to pop it out. The bottom circle is made of seed beads- sewn on.

Baby Gift Set

One of the parents in our program had a new baby boy, and I got to decorate the gift set...yeah me! I love decorating baby things- so fun and whimsical!! Anyway- I had to use my Apple Blossom Studio stamps for this- too fun! I tell you what, if I had to defend one stamp with my life, it would be that long scallop border! I love that thing- I have used it so many times. Of course, the awesome journal spots are so handy, too. I just love mixing and matching these stamps on projects. They really are so fun to use. If you have not checked them out yet...you really need to pop over and have a look!

Apple Blossom Studios Stamps

Chosen

Time to show you another project using my Apple Blossom Studio Stamps. this one uses 2 stamps- the scalloped oval in the background, and the tag on the front. such fun ways to use these versatile stamps!! The Challenge word for this week was chose/choose- I confess, I changed it to chosen. I lpve the idea that we are chosen by the God of the universe--how cool is that?!!!

News...

I have news!! I am so excited to say, Joy from Apple Blossom Studios has asked me to join her Design Team....yeah!! If you have not had the pleasure of finding Apple Blossom Studios, you really need to take a look!! She has some of the cutest--and most versatile stamps... I already have a ton of ideas floating around in my wee brain. I can't wait to get my stamps and start playing. So... check out Apple Blossom Studios---and keep an eye peeled here for some fun new designs in the coming weeks.