Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge

Good Morning and Happy Sunday! I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas! I didn't get more than a moment to craft this week, so I hope to get some catching up done next week-end! Let's get to today's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!

Hostess: Lisa Hjuberg, one of our awesomely talented senior dt members

Scripture: Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, Oh, Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

Challenge: Create a New Years Card

Sponsor: Regina Easter of "The Cutting Cafe" <-- check out their stamps, awesome!

I used a Happy New Year digital stamp from our sponsor, The Cutting Cafe, and the "Reaching for the Stars" digital stamp from Mo's Digital Pencil. I also used a star stamp from SU. The white and yellow cardstock is from SU and the blue is from an old stash I have. I used Prisma colors to color the image and stickles on the stars. I used a gold glitter pen around the sash and on the Happy New Year stamp.

I hope you'll take the time to join us for this week's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge

Good afternoon! Please accept my apologies for this late post! Between graduations, holiday parties and shopping for my family, I didn't get this done before church this morning! Well, I'm home now, and here's the information for today's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge:

Hostess: Awesome and super talented Kathy Winter of Winter Creations, she's a senior DT member and one of the founders of Stampin Sisters in Christ!

Scripture: Luke 1: 26-32: 26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David." (NIV)

Challenge: SKETCH! I love these!

Sponsor: Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, an on-line magazine produced by the lovely Anne House WHOAH! You could be the one to win a 3 month subscription to this awesome magazine! First, you have to enter our challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ!

Here's my card:

Ingredients:

DP-My Mind's Eye

CS-Stampin' Up
Stamps: Stampin' Up

Extras: Pearls by K & Company; Stickles, Ribbon

I can't wait to see what you made!

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge...

Welcome to today's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!

Hostess: The sweet and uber talented, wonderful crafting mentor Kristine Breach of Ink Something!

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Challenge: "...get out your crafting *treasures* and use on your cards or other projects this week, in other words BLING IT UP (ie. charms, gems, pearls, dazzling diamonds, flowers, etc). "

Our Sponsor: The awesome Simon Says Stamp company!

My project:
It's a tag for my sister's Christmas present!

I'm on my way to see my mom in her first ever Christmas play, so I'll edit this later today with the ingredients of my project. Have a wonderful day!

I'm looking forward to seeing your creations for this week's Stampin Sisters In Christ Challenge!

Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge...

Welcome to today's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!


Our Hostess - The Awesome & Uber Talented Ceal Pritchett of Simply Beautiful


Our Scripture - 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Our Challenge - The challenge is to make a card or project using images of people (ie..children, men, women) to let someone know you are praying for them.


Our Sponsor - Korin Sutherlin of Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps <---- AWESOME!



Prayer is so imortant and I think it's just as important to let someone know that you're praying for them. That is why this week's challenge was so much fun for me. I just love sending people little "blessings" like cards to let them know I'm thinking about them! For this card, I decided to make something "boyish" because boys need to know we're praying for them, too! Anyway, here's my card:

Ingredients:
DP-I can't remember! It's from my stash. :)
Image-Mo Manning
Sentiment-Printed on my computer
Ink & CS-SU
Buttons-Bo Bunny
Brads-Again, from my stash!

I do hope you'll join the fun this week at the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog!

Blessings!
~H

Lisa's Blog Candy...

My fellow dt sister, Lisa, at Stampin Sisters in Christ had a birthday this week and now she's giving away candy for her birthday!!! You can check it out here or click on the picture in my candy jar!
Blessings!
~H

Blog Candy Winner!!!

The winner of my "Shout Out" Blog Candy is.........(drumroll...)

Sharron aka Sharrahug!

Here's what she said:
Sharron aka Sharrahug said...
Oh it's so hard to choose just one blog for inspiration. I've been a Suzanne Dean lover for a while now & she inspires me every single time I visit her blog (which is daily).But each one of these fabulous blogs has tidbits of inspiration flowing through them.Thank you for the opportunity to win such delish candy. I am now a follower & posted your candy on my blog sidebar. Thanks again!Huggies ~Sharron ♥

Sharron, e-mail me your address and I'll get these fun treats in the mail to you this week!
stampinwithelen@hotmail.com

(I did use random.org and it was weird because there were 10 entries and they chose #10!)

Thank you for all your awesome comments! Wasn't it fun to visit these blogs to see what they are doing? I just love "blog hopping" all day long. I'll be on a blog and see one that they're linked up to and head over there, and it just keeps going and going and going! lol But everyone has such great ideas and inspirations that somedays my eyes go buggy because I've been staring at the computer all day long! lol

Have a wonderful day everyone!
Blessings!
~H

Blog Candy ending

Don't forget that my blog candy opportunity ends TODAY! Go here for more info!
Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge...And a Birthday Blog Hop!!!

Thank you for joining us for this week's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge and for Lisa's Birthday Blog Hop!!! We're going to start out with Lisa's party, then we'll head into this week's challenge! If you came to my blog from Ceal's blog, then you're on the right track, if not, please head back to SSCC if you want to join in the birthday fun!

First, we've got balloons for Lisa's party! We picked green because it's Lisa's favorite color!

Next is the cake!!! Isn't this cake so much fun?!? I just love these fun designs of cakes! They can be awesome inspirations for great cards, too!

I made this card for Lisa's birthday and it's also the card for our challenge this week, which is hosted by the lovely Randi!

Here are the details of the challenge:

Scripture:
Matthew 2:11 "After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
Matthew 7:7-11: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give what is good to those who ask it."

Challenge:
Make a card, LO, or project that includes an image of gift/s or giving gifts somewhere in it

Sponsor and Guest Designer:
La-La-Land Crafts featuring Irina Blount
You just HAVE to visit La-La-Land! They have the most adorable stamps!!!

Next stop on your birthday blog hop is to Kathy and don't forget to stop by and wish Lisa a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I'm looking forward to seeing your card at the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog this week!

Blessings!

~H

Volunteering & Holiday Cards for My Mom

My mom came up this week for Thanksgiving so she could go with us and volunteer at the community center serving dinner. It was such a fun day! This is the second year that we've been able to volunteer and this year my 15 yr old got to serve lunches with us (last year he was pouring drinks behind a counter). I can't begin to explain to you how it feels to see the greatful faces of people who probably haven't had a decent dinner like that in a long time. It's incredible! One young man, probably about 12 yrs old, stopped my husband outside as we were leaving and thanked him, again, for serving him dinner. It was so sweet. We were there on our feet for about 2 hours, but it only felt like 20 minutes! We were not ready to be done, because we were having such a great time! We also got to meet some of the Disney on Ice travelers, some who are in the show and some who are behind the scenes workers. They helped serve as well. If you ever get the opportunity to do something like this, I encourage you to do it. You will be blessed beyond measure!

Now, my mom & cards! My mom always wants some cards made when she's here! She wanted 4 cards made, and she made one, but I only finished the other 2. I thought I'd share the shadow box card I made.



Ingredients:
DP/CS-SU & I belive the snowflake one is from My Minds Eye
Stamps-Magnolia (trees), The Greeting Farm, Studio G, Judith
Extras-Snowflake from the dollar shop, snowflake border punch by Martha Stewart, Liquid Applique, Stickles, Fun Flock, SU chalk, nestabilities

It's hard to tell, but we used a clear sheet of paper attached to the "frame" which we dotted stickles on to look kind of like falling snow. We also used chalk to "blotch" on the sky & sun by the trees. I love this card and she almost didn't get to take it with her!!! I'm going to enter this at the KLSNS blog snowflake challenge, too!

Don't forget to check out my blog candy & shout-outs here! There's only a couple more days to enter!

Blessings!
~H

These are a few of my favorite things...

Blogs and stores and candy, OH MY!!!

Hi there! Today I wanted to share some awesome and uber talented people and their blogs with you! These ladies have been HUGE inspirations to me through their blogs and their stores/inventions. Most of these I've found through my college friend, Kristine of Ink Something. Because of her encouragement, I've been able to break out of my tiny little world of Topeka, KS and venture all over the world with my love for stamping! I've gotten so many ideas and so much encouragement from her. Re-connecting with her has been such a wonderful blessing! Thanks, Kris!

Now, on to the SHOUT-OUTS!
Please take the time to visit these sites this week. You will be so happy you did!

Kristine of Ink Something Awesome friend, crafting mentor and also a DT sister at Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog You will LOVE her! She's truly wonderful!

Kelly of KL Stampin N Scrappin Store and KL Stampin N Scrappin Blog She's a sweetheart with a huge heart and awesomly talented, too! Her DT is awesome and they have fun challenges every month, too!

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog and my lovely DT sisters, who are becoming more than just DT sisters, they are becoming great friends as well. We have new challenges each Sunday, so join us! It's so much fun! Each of these ladies bring a different style and inspiration to the table each week and it's awesome to see how such different people come together with one common goal, sharing Christ through their stamping.

Kathy of Winter Creations by Kathy Winter
Peggusue of Roses by my Window
Pamela of Pamela's World of Scrap
Randi of Randi's A New Creation
Ceal of Simply Beautiful
Lisa of The Craft's Meow
Candace of Candid Candace
Laurie of Ministering Hands...Loving Hearts

Suzanne Dean of Scrap Bitz um, BOW EASY! It IS so easy! Suzanne sent me one of these early on in my blogging career and I'm so thankful she did! I've been able to make stunning bows for various projects because of her generosity! She's super talented and updates her blog daily with new and exciting cards & projects!

Sparkle of Sparkle Creations Another sweetheart! Her style is fun, too! She's one of the first I became acquainted with on blogging and I've been a fan ever since!

Cheryl of Cottage Creations My New York friend who makes the most beautiful Christmas cards ever! She is the first person I won "Blog Candy" from and she sent me a Magnolia stamp as well as a stunning Christmas card!

Carolina of Carolina's Creative Pad Very unique style with lots of fun tutorials!

Diana Crick with Magnolia-Licious and Scor-Pal Diana created the Scor-Pal, which has become one of my best friends EVER! I use it to make the perfect scores on all my cards and projects. It makes it EASY!

Magnolia-licious Highlights Blog This is another challenge blog I like to visit. Their DT is awesome and they have fun challenges every month, too.

I also mentioned CANDY! I'll randomly choose a winner on December 1st so you have until November 30th to enter!

Here's what will get you into the drawing:

1) Visit the sites mentioned above and leave a comment on my post to tell me something from one of the blogs that inspired you
2) Become a follower of my blog
3) Post a link to this post on your blog,

What to know what you're playing for?
INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!!! No, wait, that's reality TV...

How about a brand new "Waiting Tilda" Magnolia stamp and a surprise stamp from High Hopes donated by the wonderful Kelly of KL Stampin N Scrappin Store AND some stamped images and some embellishments! Whatever fun stuff I can fit into the package I have!

Join the fun and get some inspiration as well as the chance to win some fun stuff!!!

Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge...

Good Sunday morning to you!

This week's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge was picked by none other than...ME. The verse I chose was Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV) and the challenge is to make a Thanksgiving card or card of thankfulness.

This verse reminds me that we are to do good and though it might not feel as though we're being "rewarded" or that anyone really carest that we're doing right, God sees and God cares and we WILL be blessed if we do not give up. We have to complete that job God gave us. If a farmer only worked half his field when he felt like it, would there be much to harvest? I would think not. A farmer has many challenges that he faces while working his crops. The weather, bugs, animals, the soil, broken equipment, etc. yet, he does what he has to so that his crops can grow and at harvest time, if he does as he should, he will reap a very blessed harvest. That is how God wants us to be, determined to do the right thing no matter what, and he's promised to bless us.

I chose a Thanksgiving card because this week in the US we will celebrate our Thanksgiving Day. If you're not in the US, please still join us by making a card of thankfulness. There's always a reason to give thanks to our Lord for how wonderful He is to us!

And don't forget to check out our sponsor this week! Our Daily Bread Designs is going to send one very blessed person this gorgeous stamp set this week!

Here's the card I made this week. Isn't Tilda just adorable?!?

Ingredients:

CS-SU-Really Rust & Hobby Lobby-Brown

Stamps-Magnolia; G Studios (pumpkins were printed)

Ink-Colorbox Fluid Chalk-Black; SU-Really Rust; SU-Green

Accessories-Stickles, Glossy Accents, Nestabilities

Coloring-Water colors; SU ink (on pumpkins using a paint brush)

Join us this week at Stampin Sisters in Christ and let us know what you're thankful for!

Blessings!

~H

Jam Tilda

I made this card for one of my sister's birthdays! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

CS-SU

DP-My Minds Eye

Stamps-Magnolia, Clear set from Michaels

Extras-K & Co flowers, Nestabilities, Stickles, Ribbon from Michaels

Have a wonderful week-end and doen't forget to check out my "Favorite Things/Shout Out/Candy" post from yesterday!

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #13...

Please accept my apologies for not getting this post up earlier today! Let's get on with it...

Today's challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog was to create a shadow box card. Interesting, (I thought)... Peggysue , our awesome hostess this week, is REALLY trying to challenge me now! Stretch beyond my capabilities, or what I though were my capapbilities! Sometimes we need challenges in our lives to move us forward, don't you think? We are all capable of being great! God created us in His image, didn't He? So, there! We all have that greatness in us, and a good stretching challenge is just what I needed this week! Thanks, Peggysue!

Here are the details of our challenge-

SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 13:12 (King James Version): "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

CHALLENGE: Peggysue's stamping challenge was to create one of her favorite layouts, the shadowbox card. She says, "No more shadows, no more dim reflections when we get to heaven!"

You can find a tutorial for creating a shadowbox on Splitcoaststampers.

SPONSOR: Laura at Layers of Color Art Stamps is offering a beautiful set of butterfly stamps. Be sure to visit her, too!

You know how sometimes we think we're up against a major challenge, but when it gets right to it, the challenge isn't near the mountain you've made it out to be? Well, this card was one of those! I was worried that I wouldn't get it right, so I set out with several scrap papers and started following the tutorial Peggysue gave to us and oh my goodness! It turned out to be the easiest card I've ever made! And when you use dp in cardstock, there's no layers or anything needed! Anyway, here's my card: (I was into snowflakes this week!)

Ingredients:
DP-Bo Bunny
Stamps-Magnolia & SU
Extras-Stickles, Snowflake Sequins, Snowflake punches by MS

So, let this be my challenge to you this week: Along with joining our challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog, let God use the greatness He designed in YOU this week, do something that stretches you and helps you grow. And let me know how it goes! :)

Blessings!

~H

Thankful for Friends Blog Hop...

Today is Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's

"A Faith Perspective: Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop."

Join in the fun by clicking HERE!

Lots of prizes and awesome inspiration!

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog is in the line-up, too!

Have a blessed week-end and don't forget to come by

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog

tomorrow for our new challenge!

Blessings!

~H

Waiting Tilda with Snowflakes and several challenges!

I think I am in love with this card that I made to use for 3 different challenges! It just turned out cuter than I ever expected!

Here are the challenges I'm entering it in:
Friday Sketchers challenge was to follow their sketch. You can see that sketch here.

KLSNS challenge was to use snowflakes. Obviously, I used snowflakes! The dp that I used for the large snowflake, has snowflakes on it, too! You can only see part of some, though.

La-la Land Crafts Blog challenge is to use punches or die cuts. I used punches for my snowflakes and nestabilities for the white circles.

If you look closely, you can see that I traced the large snowflake in stickles, as well as put it on the smaller snowflakes, over the words in the sentiment, on the brads, on Tilda's hat, gloves, bottom of shoes, bows, & cuffs and dotted it around the scallops of the circles. It looked like snow to me. :)


Ingredients:
DP-Bo Bunny (snowflake, too!)
Stamp-Magnolia
Sentiment-SU
Extras-Snowflake punch by Martha Stewart; Stickles, Brads from JoAnn's

I had so much fun making this card! I'm thinking about making my boss buy it for his daughter, though, because it kind of looks like her. :) Think he'll go for it? Probably! lol

Have a wonderful day!

Blessings!
~H

Mission Possible...

MISSION: MAKE CARD/PROJECT FOR HEROS
PARTNER: STAMPIN SISTERS IN CHRIST CHALLENGE
HOSTESS: CANDACE
SCRIPTURE: JOHN 15:13
SPONSOR: PAPER PRETTIES

Good morning! No chit chat today, we're getting right down to our mission!

Today's Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge is from the lovely Candace. Here's what she has to say: "The challenge for this week is to make a patriotic-themed card for a soldier and as a bonus, donate it to Operation Write Home, so that a soldier may be encouraged by your words of thanks. Write a special message of gratitude on the inside and sign your name. They will be distributed to soldiers who rarely get mail, or just need encouragement. Be sure to put your card in an envelope and write “Any Hero” on the front. For more information on how to make a card for “Any Hero,” click here."

The verse she chose is John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." WOW! Now seriously, think about that...who in this world is going to lay down his life for YOU? Our soldiers are laying their lives on the line every day for us. For our nation to be free. You know who else laid down Hhis life for you? Jesus. He died so that we could be set free from our sins. He loves us so much that he did this, without asking for anything in return. All we have to do is accept His gift of salvation. Many people reading my blog know the love that Christ has for them, but for the one reading this that doesn't, please feel free to e-mail any of our DT sisters and ask them about this gift of love.

Here's the card I created:

Ingredients:

Stamp-Tilda with a bow & stairs by Magnolia; star by SU; sentiment by Studio G; printed dog from clip art and printed the verse

Paper-scraps I had laying around, not sure who the dp is by because I'd already used the corner with their name on it!

Others: rhinestones by Studio 18; stickles; colored with water colors

Visit SSCC and see what the other DT ladies have made! I'm sure you'll be blessed! Don't forget to join in the challenge and let a "hero" know you're thinking about them!

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #11...

Good morning! It's time for another awesome challenge at the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog!

This week's challenge is hosted by my lovely and uber talented DT sister, Pamela Young! The scripture she chose is Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

Pamela's challenge is to create something about when God is "unseen"; i.e., a scrapbook layout that reminds you that God is always with you; a card to encourage a friend and remind them that God is with them; or something to hang on your wall.

This week I chose to make something using the verse from Pamela's challenge. I also wanted to make a "KISS" card (keep it simple sista card). Sometimes we try too hard to "find" God, when all the time He's right there! It's simple, He's everywhere we look! The promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us is such a comforting promise. I've been through trial after trial in my life (mostly self inflicted!), but no matter what He's always been there for me. He was there to welcome me back with open arms when I decided to get my life right with Him again. He simply had never left me, though I might not have been able to see Him at the time.


Ingredients:
Paper-scraps that were laying around the house!
Sentiment-verse printed on the computer
Stamp-Imaginisce
Ink-SU Creamy Carmel (which I also sponged on the verse and around the edge of the card)
Accessories-Nestabilities
It's simple!

I also challenge you to let God love you this week. Let Him show you that He IS in fact with you.

Our awesome this week is Cornish Heritage Farms! They're offering an awesome prize for this week's challenge! Check that out here! Don't forget to visit their site and see all the wonderful things they offer.

Now, hop on over to the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog and see what inspiration the other incredible DT sisters have for you!

Blessings!
~H

Multiple Challenges...

Whew! This is so unusual for me, but I found a few challenges I wanted to enter. The first is a sketch challenge at Taylored Expressions Blog and the second is a "fall colors" challenge at KL Stampin' n Scrapin' Blog. It's my first time entering a challenge outside the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge! I'm not as pleased with it as I could have been. I loved the colors and nothing says fall to me more than the color brown (don't ask me why, but brown says fall!) I think it's the bow. I might work on it tomorrow and see if I can come up with something that matches but is a little bigger. Anywho...here's my card with the "ingredients" down below! Have a wonderful week-end and don't forget to enter this weeks challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog!



Ingredients:
DP: My Minds Eye Bella Bella "Bellezo" Simply Dottie
Image: Magnolia's Jam Tilda
Embellies: Heidi Grace Flocked Flowers, Ribbon and Stickles
I also used Versamark to stamp flowers on the brown & cream paper, but you can't really tell they are on there. Maybe with a closer up look you can?

Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #10...

It's time for week 10's challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!

Our hostess this week is Laurie Gatton and she chose the scripture I Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV)

Her challenge is to "make a card that expresses your thankfulness for someone or something they have done, or that encourages someone to be thankful."

Our sponsor this week is Rubber Stamp Shack and they have an amazing stamp set that we're giving away to one blessed random winner! Check out their site, too, they have some awesome stuff!

My card does look a bit like the last one I made, and I did have another one already created for this challenge, but after reading the challenge and verse again, I was encouraged to create this one. It's for a breast cancer survivor and I thought this would be perfect to let them know how thankful I am for them! I know this is my second post mentioning breast cancer, but it's such a real thing in my life with so many people I know being affected by it. Please, if you think you need to get checked, don't wait! Do it now!

Ok, my card...of course I used SU whisper white cardstock (my fav) and I also used what I think is called Pretty in Pink. I used my cuttlebug folder to make the little dots. The digi stamp is by Whimsie Doodles and the stone is by Bo Bunny. The other sentiment is by Kolette Hall and the stamped ribbon is by River City Rubber Works and I stamped it on pink paper then cut it out. I also used stickles and liquid pearls on this project as well as the adorable pink ribbon with white polka dots!

Here she is:

Join us for this week's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge!

Blessings!

~H

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As you all know October is breast cancer awareness month. What you probably don't know yet is that my mother had it twice and my grandmother had it once. By the grace of God, they both survived through those trials! So, I wanted to make a card for my mom, just to let her know I was thinking about her and that I love her. My Stampin Sisters in Christ DT sister, Lisa, sent us this Whimsie Doodles link today for the most adorable digital stamp ever, and they are giving it away free through tomorrow! I've decided to name this girl "Ali" after my mom (her name is Alice) They've got some adorable stuff over there, so go check them out!

Now, back to the card! I'm in love with it and I'm not sure that I'm going to actually be able to part with it, so I might have to make a couple more just like it!

I found some brown with pink polka dot dp by The Paper Studios laying around as well as some pink cardstock that I have no idea where it came from. I also had this roll of pink ribbon with white polka dots on it, just sitting here screaming at me! I used some punches to cut out the sentiment and the pink behind it then used stickles to add glitter to the flowers in the "dew rag" and on her shirt and shoes. I used some liquid pearls around the pink "flower" behind the sentiment. The button is by Bo Bunny, and it was plain, so I added some dots to it. The sentiment on the bottom of the card is by Kolette Hall and the ribbon I stamped on pink paper is by River City Rubber Works.

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I do!

Blessings!

~H

Giggling Tilda...

I love surprises and this little Tilda is giggling like she has one. Isn't she adorable???

I made this card months ago and never published it on my blog! I put a lot of work into this card, all those little bows are tied by hand! The paper I used was by daisyd's. I picked it up at a dollar store! It's awesome paper! I made those little packages from the same paper pack. I stamped them with basic shapes from SU, then cut them out and mounted them to cardstock so they could be raised on the card. The white of the card is SU, of course, and I think the green is, too. I ran a little sizzix swirl die in my cuttlebug then put a little stickles on them to put in the corners of the card. The sentiment is a little clear set that I picked up at Michaels and I put some liquid pearls around the edges of the punch. This giggling Tilda is one of my very favorites! She looks like she's got a little secret about those little packages she's sitting on! Hope you enjoyed this fun card!

Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #9...

Today's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge is based on Luke 2:11: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." The challenge is to make a card or project featuring the nativity or other religious theme about Christ's birth. Without the birth of Christ, we couldn't have had His death and the price for our sins could not have been paid. Isn't is wonderful how God sent His only Son to us to die for our sins? Please, if you're reading this and don't understand what Jesus did for us and our sins, contact one of our DT Sisters. Any of us would be more than happy to share with you the joy of salvation in Christ Jesus.

My card:

Years ago I purchased this adorable stamp by "Stamps Happen" to make Christmas cards with. I loved it, but it's been in hiding for a couple of years...until now! I've taken some kraft colored cardstock to use as the base of my card (no idea what brand, it was just sitting ther in my old pile of cardstock) and then used my nestabilities to cut out some dp from Bo Bunny and the stamped image on whisper white cardstock from Stampin Up. I used sheer white ribbon around the front of the card. I made the tiny snowflakes in the corners with a stamp by "Judith" and put stickles on them. "Noel" is a small clear stamp by G-studios, (I think), with stickles tracing it. I almost always use Colorbox Fluid Chalk for stamping, but the white ink on this card is by Imprintz.

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #8...

Good morning! Here is today's challenge for Stampin Sisters in Christ:

Kathy chose this awesome verse for this week's challenge: Jeremiah 1:5 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb." It's amazing to me how God created each of us and knows even the very hairs on our head! This verse is comforting because it tells how we were cared about from the VERY BEGINNING. God did not make a mistake, He knew exactly what He was doing when he created each one of us. Each one of us has a specific purpose for being here. I like that Kathy's challenge is to create a baby card because A) I needed to make one for a friend that just had a baby and B) to me, babies are the very essence of life.

I'll have to post the ingredients later, as I'm on my way home from Milwaukee!

Blessings!

~H

Happy Birthday,Laurie Surprise Blog Hop!!!

Today at Stampin Sisters in Christ we're celebrating our DT Sister, Laurie's birthday with a BLOG HOP!!! What a party this is going to be! AND, IT'S A SURPRISE! She doesn't know yet that we're throwing her this awesome party!!!

If you came here from Ceal's blog, then you're on the right path, if not, you might want to head back to Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog and start from the beginning.


So, here is what I've brought to the party:

Balloons for everyone!

and

a party dress for Laurie!


I also have a card for Laurie!





Now, it's time to head over to Pamela's blog to see what she brought to the party and don't forget to wish Laurie a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAURIE!

Blessings!
~H

Wow...

Still in shock...
SO, a couple weeks or so ago, I learned that a challenge blog that I dearly love was having a design team "try out" so to speak. I don't normally try out for things because sometimes my confidence isn't what it could be, but for some reason I felt very compelled to try. I'd never done anything like this before, but I made my entry, the best I could and sent it off, not giving it too much thought after that. After all, it was the first time I'd ever done something like that and I didn't think I would really stand a chance to making it this time around! Anyway, so days go by and I finally get my weekly challenge up on my blog and then I head over to Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog to link my card for week 6, when I saw the notice about the DT at the top of the blog. Then I remembered I had sent my card in! I wondered how it went. I hadn't heard anything so I got a little nervous. That's when I kick into prayer mode..."Lord, please give me the courage to accept whatever comes out of this. If it's meant to be, please help me be the best I can be and to be a blessing to whomever I come in contact with, if it's not meant to be, please allow me the courage to keep getting better and try again next time." I felt peace about it and I was cool with whatever the outcome was. I was proud of myself for trying to do something that I feel is way above what my experience is. A couple more days go by and then I get the e-mail. Of course, I prayed before I opened it for that peace to flood over me again, and it did. Then I read the e-mail...I cried, I felt overwhelmed, so many emotions. SO, after this incredibly long (hopefully suspensful) story, it's my pleasure to tell you that, along with 6 other extremely talented ladies, I was chosen to be on the design team for Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge blog! I feel very honored and completely blessed to have one of my dreams come true. I love making cards and I want to be a blessing to others through my creations and God has allowed me another opportunity to do this. When I let myself think about it, I just sit and shake my head...
Thank you to the Senior DT members for taking the time to see what I have to offer and being willing to take the risk of a "first timer" for your DT! I'm looking forward to the next few months and to making a few new friends along the way!

Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #7...

This week's challenge is based on Psalm 97:1 "The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice!, let the distant shores be glad!" We were to make a card either with the verse on it or showing the earth rejoice, such as blooming flowers, trees, mountains, anything that shows the earth "being glad" I chose to use the verse and put some flowers on my card as well. Just looking around, we can see all the ways in which the earth rejoices! The earth is so magnificent! Some of my favorite sites are distant mountains, fall leaves and waving grass. It's just wonderful to look at the earth and know that the God who created each of these things also created me, and He created me in His image!



The DT of Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge made some awesome cards this week! Head over there and check them out! Don't forget to add your entry, too, for a chance to win the lovely stamp set that Julee Tilman of Verve Stamps has donated!

Blessings!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge # 6...

This week's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge is to make a card letting someone know that you are thinking of them or praying for them. The verse for this week is Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight Oh, Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Sometimes when we think of words, we think only of what we speak, but what we write is a bit more lasting because it's in ink and can be read over and over again. We should be encouraging with our words to others, both in speech and in writing. That's why I loved this week's challenge so much, because I'm able to use my written words to encourage someone else this week.

Here's the card I created:

When speaking of encouraging others, I think of an acronym that I recently learned also. It's RAK, which I learned stands for Random Acts of Kindness. I received a special RAK this week from Suzanne Dean that I wanted to share with you, too. It was this little interesting looking creation called a "Bow Easy" I've never heard of it until the other day (probably because I don't always pay attention). I've admired Suzanne's bows for months now because they are so beautiful and perfect! You can't begin to imaging my excitement when I received this package in the mail! It was super sweet of her to send it to me and it does make the perfect bow!!! I used it on the card I made for this week's SSCC entry. Isn't it awesome?!? Thanks, Suzanne, for sharing this with me! You are such a blessing!

Have a wonderful week everyone and be a blessing to someone!

Blessings!

~H

Scor-Pal

I mentioned in a prior post that I got a Scor-Pal for my birthday. I wanted this like nothing else! lol Thanks, Tim & Katie! So, anyway...I was needing an odd size box, so I figured out the dimensions I needed, added an inch to each side for scoring, added 1/16 of an inch to the dimensions for the top of the box, cut, score, and wala! Here's what came out of that:

This was for some stationary that I created for my boss' daughter that got married last month. I love this new Scor-Pal! It's going to be my best "pal"!!! I'm already working on some more creations, but I wanted to get this first one up so you could see it.

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #5...

Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."

This was the verse chosen by Kathy for this week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge. I think it's very fitting for a time such as this. A time when all things are changing.

This week's challenge was to create something using the colors of fall. When I think of fall colors, I think of oranges, browns & greens. I bought this paper for my sister's birthday card, because she was born in November and she likes browns with accent colors. I thought it was perfect and since the challenge was for fall colors....it was the perfect card to make!


If you look closely, you might notice the raindrops still on the umbrealla...

Ingredients:
Cardstock-SU Whisper White
DP-My Minds Eye "Out & About"
Stamp-Miss Anya
Sentiment-unknown, I think Studio G
Accessories/Embellishments-Stickles; Glossy Accents; (the flower is either K& Co or Marcella, I just can't remember right now)

Blessings!
~H

Blog Candy & Magical Number Winners...

And the winners are...

Blog Candy...Sharon
sharon said...
Hi! I voting for 37! You are already favorited! I know a good blog when I see it.Sharon Lsharon.lemon@sbcglobal.net
September 8, 2009 12:40 PM

Magical Number...Alison
*Alison* said...
WOW!! thanks so much for the chance to win.. I am crossing everything I have that I win.. :) I also became a follower.. I really like your blog.. and posted on my blog alsofor your age.. I am going to guess 36ish.. LOL :)HUGSwww.stretchnbubbles.blogspot.com
September 12, 2009 11:41 AM

Please, Sharon & Alison, e-mail me your addresses so I can get your prizes in the mail to you! stampinwithelen@hotmail.com
Please contact me by the end of this week, or I'll draw a new name and go to the next person with the correct magical number.

Yes, this year I turned 36! I can't believe that I really did. And, tomorrow I will be the mother of a 15 year old freshman in high school! It's so crazy! I'm really not a day over 25! Didn't I just read that 40 is the new 25? lol

Thanks so much everyone for participating and for following my blog! My goal was to hit 36 followers by today and I'm at 33, so that's pretty good!

Don't forget to check out this weeks challenge at Stampin' Sisters In Christ!

Blessings!
~H

I'm giving away blog candy!

****BLOG CANDY IS NOW CLOSED! ZAC WILL BE DRAWING A WINNER VERY SOON****
(His birthday is tomorrow, so I'm letting him do the drawing; He'll be 15!!!)

Ok, so here's the scoop:

Since my birthday was this past week and I love presents SO MUCH, I wanted to give a little "present" to someone! Here's a picture of what I am giving away:



It includes a variety of images (Magnolias, accessoires, Bellas & some Stampin' Up ones), some tag paper, some brads and some chipboard accessories. To get in the drawing, this is what you need to do:

1. Become a follower & leave a comment on this post (those already following only need to leave a comment) - this will get your name in the drawing once.

2. After you become a follower, if you post a link to my blog candy on your blog (or put it in your sidebar), or if you don't have a blog, e-mail your friends to check it out, then leave a second comment on this blog that you've done this - this will get you an additional chance at the drawing.

THEN, I have another surprise for the first person to guess my "magical" number (oh, that means my *age*). All the items in the blog candy are of this same quantity. This person will receive a surprise that I've created and some images that I'll stamp for them!

Drawing will be held on Sunday, September 20th at 2:00pm.

Blessings!
~Helen

Christmas on my mind...

Well, it's past time to start Christmas cards, but I've finally got in gear! Here are 2 cards I made this week. I just love these stamps! I got some more images in the mail for Christmas, they are Miss Anya, so I'll get those up as soon as I get something made!

This is the Magnolia stamp I got from Cheryl when I won from her Magnolia-licious blog hop candy. Isn't she adorable??? Thanks, again, Cheryl for the wonderful card and awesome stamp!

Card Ingredients:

Stamp-Magnolia

Cardstock-SU Whisper White

DP-Karen Foster

Ink-SU Old Olive; Colorbox Fluid Chalk in Charcoal

Nestabilities-Classic Ovals Large

Color-Prisma Colors

Embellishments-Sheer Ribbon; Snowflake punchouts; stickles; glossy accents

This Whiff of Joy stamp is one I got for my birthday from a co-worker. She's so pretty!

Don't her shoes kind-of look like suede? And what do you think about the fluffy cotton looking muff, earmuffs & balls on the shoes? I thought it was fun!

Card Ingredients:
Stamp-Whiff of Joy

Sentiment-Broter Sister Design Studio
Cardstock-SU Whisper White; SU Green (I can't remember which one, I've had it forever!)
DP-Karen Foster
Ink-SU Mellow Moss; SU Chocolate Chip; Colorbox Fluid Chalk in Charcoal
Nestabilities-Classic Ovals Large
Color-Prisma Colors; Faber-Castell Water Colors
Embellishments-White Ribbon; stickles; Fun Flock in Cottonball White

Don't forget that my blog candy ends tomorrow! I would love to send it to you!!!

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #4...

The verse for this week's challenge is Jeremiah 29:11, which is my favorite verse of the entire Bible. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Every time I'm struggling with something in my life, I remember this verse and know that God has a perfect plan for my life. Though things might not go as I had planned or wished, they are going the way that He has planned and that's the best thing for me.

The challenge was to follow a "plan" aka sketch/pattern. I altered mine slightly, kind of like the Lord often has to alter MY plan for my life. :) Enjoy!

Blessings!

~H

PS Don't forget to check out my blog candy! It's posted at the top of my blog, just click on my banner and you'll see the post.

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #3...

FINALLY, after 2 1/2 hours of trying to upload this picture into blogger...

This challenge was good for me because I needed to make my son a card! He's working hard to be on the honor roll this first 9 weeks in school and so far he's carrying mostly A's, and he's a freshman in high school! I'm so proud of him! I know he's going to make it and so I made this card to give to him along with the "reward" he will be getting...his dad finally decided to get him a cell phone. He's super excited about it! Well, I chose to use purple paper because his school colors are purple & black. He saw the folded card that I received from last months Magnolia-licious mingle and thought it was cool, so I decided to make that style of a card for him. I just happened to have some wood looking wall cover samples from the girls at work and that was perfect for the border of the blackboard. I used glossy accents on the 2 full pencils on the front panel. I thought it turned out rather cool. I hope he likes it!

Blessings!

~H

PS Don't forget to check out my blog candy!

I'm so blessed...

Take a look at what I received in the mail this week!!! I'm so blessed!

First is the mingle card I received from Pat Martin. Check out how she weaved the paper together in the background. Isn't that awesome?!? I also love the frame that Tilda is sitting in. That's a clever idea! It's such a beautiful card! Thank you, Pat!

This one is from Cheryl Rowley. I won her give-away during the Magnolia-licious blog hop. Isn't this a darling card and look, a new Tilda stamp! I love it!!! She asked what I'd like to see on the card, so I told her "CHRISTMAS!" I love Christmas! I love the way she speckled the oval background behind Tilda & on the Happy Holidays tag at the top. I'm going to have to learn that technique! I've seen many things that Cheryl has made and she is such a talented designer and I'm honored that I received this beautiful card from her. Thank you, Cheryl!

Blessings!
~H

Magnolia-licious Blog Challenge

This month's blog challenge is to create an accordian mini-file folder. I found that with the instructions they provide and a ScorPal, it's much easier than it appears, and it's darling! I'm going to make a few more for some Christmas gifts! You can see what their DT has made by going here: http://magnolia-licioushighlites.blogspot.com/

Here's my version...I guess I'm just not ready to give up summer yet! lol

This was such a fun project to make! Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings!

~H

Birthday Week...

I have the most wonderful crafting friend in the whole wide world!!! Look what Kristine sent me and it arrived ON my birthday!

Isn't that awesome?!?! She's such a sweet girl and I'm so thankful for our reconnection! You should visit her blog, she's incredibly talented! http://inksomething.blogspot.com/

I also received a package from Suzanne at http://scrapbitz.blogspot.com/ . She's amazing as well! I won these from her during the Magnolia-licious Fall Blog Hop. Aren't they adorable?

I got some more Magnolias in the mail this week and many other wonderful birthday presents from my family, such as a Scor-Pal, 2 sets of nestabilities, pads for my cuttlebug, new scissors & a pad of gorgeous paper from my husband! I also got a couple of gift cards from some girls at work and those are going for new stamping supplies, too! I'm so blessed!

Have a wonderful labor day!

Blessings!

~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #2...

This weeks theme is Song of Solomon 6:3 and it says "I am my Lover's and my Lover is mine; he browses among the lilies." So, here's the card I made for my wonderful husband:

I used the nestabilities & paper that he bought me for my birthday. (the party was today, but my birthday isn't until Tuesday).

Check out the awesome cards others have created, http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/

Blessings!

~H

Magnolia-licious Blog Hop Entry...

I don't yet own a Halloween or Fall Tilda, so I did something with one I already have and used halloween colors. Here ya go!

The first picture is the outside of my card, the second picture is the treat bag and the third picture is the inside of my card.

Blessings!

~H

Emma Stamp & Blingz

I got a new stamp! Her name is Emma and she's an Elisabeth Bell design. She's beautiful! I also got my first bottle of Shimmerz Blingz. The color is December Sky. It sure is shimmery, which is, of course, why it's called "Shimmerz" lol I didn't color her shirt as I wanted to see what the product would do by itself. I used a thicker paper, but not cardstock, and it got a little too wet, but not so much that I was unable to use the image. I love how it looks!



Blessings!
~H

Creating from the Heart: ♥ Let's give something(s) away.....just because! ♥

Creating from the Heart: ♥ Let's give something(s) away.....just because! ♥

This may be a second posting, but check it out!!!

Blessings!
~H

More candy...

I can't believe how generous the creative world is out there! This just blows my mind!
Check out what Melissa's offering for blog candy, just because she can!
http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/08/lets-give-somethings-awayjust-because.html While you're there checking out her blog candy, be sure to check out some of her other posts. She's got some incredible talent!

Blessings!
~H

100 Tildas!

Vivianne has had 100 posts on her blog, so she's giving away 100 Tilda images! Here's the link to her blog and don't forget to check out the awesome image folders she created! They are awesome!
http://handmadebyvivi.blogspot.com/2009/08/blog-candy-my-first-one.html

Blessings!
~H

More Blog Candy...

There are tons of awesome blogs out there with awesome work that has to be admired, so I've found myself checking some out this morning!

Today I found this one and she happens to be offering blog candy, too! Check out Tab's awesome cards and blog candy!
http://tabsmagnoliacreations.blogspot.com/

Blessings!
~H

Check this out!

You've GOT to see this! Jacque has an awesome card, a twist on my new favorite, the shutter card, and she has some blog candy, too!
http://jacquesmagnolias.blogspot.com/2009/08/halloweenfall-blog-hop-at-magnolia.html

There's also a Magnolia-licious blog hop happening today! Check it out!
http://magnolia-licioushighlites.blogspot.com/

Have a blessed day!
~H

Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog Challenge #1...

Stampin Sisters in Christ blog Challenge #1....

Ok, I went "old school" for this card. I just used some plain cardstock that I had laying around rather than using patterned paper. Some things to notice...the cherries on the front are made with tiny red beads, I used glossy accents on the hot fudge running down the vanilla ice cream, stickles for all the glitter and versamark ice cream sodas on the pink cardstock. What do ya think? I wish I could show the cherries better, but I'm not so good at taking pictures like close up!

Check out what others have made! http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/

Blessings!

~H