A Baby Changes Everything!

 

I have a few Christmas cards that I did not get posted during December, so I hope you don't mind if I share now. (I am calling it an early start on Christmas 2015!) This image is from Mo Manning and is a favorite of mine. I love the sweet face of the baby angel looking at Baby Jesus. I kept this card really simple as I wanted the image to be the focal point. I used a Memory Box die and added some rhinestones to add a bit of sparkle. 

Have a wonderful day filled with blessings!

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/

http://hjcchallenge.blogspot.ca/

http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/

http://cardmaniachallenges.blogspot.com/

http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/

My Song: Faith Hill

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched
How will she keep his trust?
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries!
Ooh, she cries

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can't stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel He's coming soon
There's no place, there's no room

A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries!
Oh, she cries

Shepherds all gather 'round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

A Christmas Angel

A closer look at the lovely Image

A look at the corner die cut.

 

2014 will soon be gone! It seems like this year has flown by and there should be at least a couple of months left. LOL! I hope each of you are preparing for a wonderful Christmas celebration of our Lord's birth and a special time with family and friends. I made this card with scraps of paper from last year's Christmas cards. The die cut is a Marianne Design with tiny star stickers added. The sentiment is from Lilly of the Valley. The lovely image (one of my favorites) is from the fabulous Paper Shelter. You can click on the link and check out all they have to offer. You will be amazed at the wonderful variety and the value you receive the each image. I colored the image with Copics, added glitter to the wings, and liquid glass to the berries. Just a fun quick card for Christmas.

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: All I Want For Christmas Is You

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There's just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true...

All I want for Christmas

Is you...

Christmas Mail

 A closer look at the image.

 A look at the flowers.

 

 Another Christmas card. I have enough Christmas cards made for my needs. But, I thought I would take some to our local nursing home and share with the residents there. I feel terrible as I don't remember the maker of this image. I received it and two others when I was asked to be a GD for a month. I made my cards and sent them in but they were not published. I then contacted the owner and she had forgot them. It was a mix up but rather disappointing to have made the cards and not have them featured. So, I guess I will have to be the one who asks for for forgiveness as I cannot remember the artist. (This getting old is terrible!) Anyway. It is a fun image and a fun color. I am not sure what color the post boxes are across the pond, but here they are a dark blue. As you can see I chose not to use that color. I added some pretty paper lace. The one on the right is from a Cherry Lynn die and the one on the left is a Magnolia die. The poinsettias are from a die that my dear friend Elaine sent me and I have used it for several years, for both cards and scrapbooking.  The circle sentiment is from Lily of the Valley. I added some glimmer spray that a dear friend that passed away this year had sent me. Just a fun little card that will hopefully put a smile on someone's face this Christmas holiday.

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: A Beautiful Life

Each day I'll do a golden deed

By helping those who are in need

My life on earth is but a span

And so I'll do the best I can

Life's evening sun is sinking low

A few more days and I must go

To meet the deeds that I have done

Where there will be no setting sun

The only life that will endure

Is one that's kind and good and pure

And so for God I'll take my stand

Each day I'll lend a helping hand

 

Winner, Winner!

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope everyone is ready for the big day and each of you can enjoy a day or two of crafting. I wanted to announce my winner for The Paper Shelter Blog Hop comments.

My winner is:

Suze @

http://craftysuze.blogspot.co.uk/

Congratulations and please hop on over to The Paper Shelter Blog to claim your prize!

Enjoy your fabulous prize. Thank you for all the sweet comments!

The Paper Shelter Challenge...Anything Goes!!

 

The inside of my card.

The fun sentiment!

A closer look at the lovely image.

One more look!

It is a busy time for all of us and I know most people are making last minute Christmas cards. I decided to make something bright an warm to cheer someone on their birthday. Our challenge (the last one for the year 2014) at THE PAPER SHELTER is "Anything Goes"! So, you can make a card of your choice! You can find this fun image called "Autumn Attitude" here! Both teams at THE PAPER SHELTER are participating and you will not want to miss the lovely work by my talented team members. Be sure and leave a comment as it brightens our day to hear from you. Have a wonderful Christmas and may you be blessed with the true gift of Christmas. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: No Room In The Inn

When Mary and Joseph set out on their journey

They left Galilee, a new life to begin

They traveled all day and at night they grew weary

And so they sought rest in the Bethlehem Inn

There's no room in the inn was the inn keepers answer

And he led them away to a stable near by

And there in a manger a miracle happened

The Christ child was born near a bright star on high

"Z" Is For Zany!

 A Closer Look at the Image!

 

Once again we come to the end of our alphabet at ABC CHALLENGE! It has been a fun year meeting new friends along the way and saying good bye to some old friends. I hope you have enjoyed the challenges and as you approach Christmas you will enjoy the blessings of the gift of Christ, the love of family and the joy of friends. Of course I am hoping you are looking forward to another year of fun challenges and will be playing along with us as we work our way through the alphabet once again. 

Our lovely sponsor is Sheri Baldy and you can find the image I chose here!

I decided my zany would be the colors I chose for this Christmas card. Not the normal run of the mill Christmas colors but I actually like the green and turquoise together! Both of my die cuts are from Memory Box. I colored my image with Copics and added some glitter to the snowy ground, and white Fun Flock on the boots, hats, and sleeves. Some pretty rhinestones and  Stickles around the image finish off this fun card. I hope you will take time to make a card for our challenge...who knows....you may be our next winner! May your Christmas be filled with blessings! See you next year!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

My Song: One Child

An angel appeared of the highest One
And Mary believed the word she received Of God's only son

 The Virgin rejoiced gave thanks to the Lord And as Joseph dreamt
The angel was sent With tidings of piece and joy
Of the blessed baby boy
They traveled for miles to reach Bethlehem
Yet when they arrived no one could provide
Place at the inn for them but God kept them safe
From hurt, harm and danger in His warm embrace
Away in a manger waiting for Jesus' birth
To glorify the Earth then He came
One child can change the world
Christmas Morn'
The King of all kings was born
He reigns forevermore
Let us worship and adore
Christ the Lord. Wonderous star 
Led shepherds and wise men
Through valleys and mountains
Angels surrounded them
As they traveled far
As Heaven and Home
Rang out for the Savior
The sweet Prince of piece
Lay majestically
Asleep glorious and pure
And His mercy endures for always
One child can change the world
Christmas Morn'
The King of all kings was born
He reigns forevermore
Let us worship and adore Christ the Lord!

A Christmas card using non traditional colors!

 A closer look at the image.

 Another look!

 The inside and sentiment!

 

I 'needed' to unwind an play a bit, I started coloring this cute little "Wee" image. I have had it for several years and it is a favorite of mine. I have always liked the turquoise and light blues together and I liked how this color combination came out on my card. I added liquid glass to the berries and glitter to the wings an snow. It gave a nice sparkle to my card. I used two Memory Box dies for the top and bottom of my card. A Spellbinders die was used to frame my image. Some pretty rhinestones to the center of the snowflakes on the die (and they are dark lavender not blue) finished of this card of non-traditional colors. Now, if I just had my Christmas shopping done I would be ready for Christmas! LOL! Have a blessed day!

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: Christmas to Me

Christmas to me is the new born baby

Lying quietly in the hay when the angels came to say

"Peace on earth to man" and I pray for peace again

Sing softly Nativity, that's what Christmas is to me

Christmas to you, pray it never be blue

And may all your dreams come true

Merry Christmas to you !

It's A Marshmallow World

 

The minute I saw this beautiful digi from THE PAPER SHELTER I knew it was destined to be a favorite of mine. I love the gentleness captured in this image. As Christmas approaches I am overwhelmed with the love I have been given. The first is the love of God by sending his Son Jesus to die for my sins, then the love of family, friends and all the blessings that fill my home. I also realize that this time of year is not always the happiest for others. So, today I pray that each of those individuals will be blessed. May I remember to show kindness, gentleness and love to everyone. 

After a long spell of no crafting I felt like I was learning all over again to use my Copics. I also struggled with the burgundy Copics I used. I added lots of sparkle with Stickles. The center of my die cut poinsettia is a piece of Christmas decoration that fell off a flower stem. (Up-cycled)! Some snowflake buttons and a sentiment (from a yard sale) finished off my card. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song:  "It's A Marshmallow World"

It's a marshmallow world in the winter
When the snow comes to cover the ground
It's the time for play, it's a whipped cream day
I wait for it the whole year round.
Those are marshmallow clouds being friendly
In the arms of the evergreen trees
And the sun is red like a pumpkin head
It's shining so your nose wont freeze.
The world is your snowball, see how it grows
That's how it goes whenever it snows
The world is your snowball just for a song
Get out and roll it along
It's a yum-yummy world made for sweethearts
Take a walk with your favorite girl
It's a sugar date, what if spring is late
In winter it's a marshmallow world.

Pretty Poinsettias!

 A closer look.

 I really liked this card once I was finished with it. I am not sure what there is about it that appeals to me so much. Maybe it is the pinks and brown that I love together or maybe it is the image it is one of my favorite. But to be honest, I think it is the beautiful pink poinsettias. This die was a gift from my wonderful friend Elaine Livesey. She is such a sweet friend and I have used this die over and over. The die comes with a center cut, but I replaced it with the little half back pearls. I cut the poinsettias out of white card stock but then used my Copics to color my poinsettias to match my card perfectly. That's it for today. I hope you enjoy this fun card. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: In All Things

I met a woman down the street at the park where my kids play
She was living underneath the trees because it's pretty hard to find a job these days
We talked about the ups and downs of her life
As the tears filled her eyes she smiled and said something I will never forget
That in all things, all things
Give thanks to the One
Who meets our need before we know we even need it
Because all things are all the things I just can't handle
So I hand it to the One who takes care of all things!

A closer look at the poinsettias!

If Tomorrow Never Comes

A closer look!

This card was made for a special lady, Gail Lass ! I saw a beautiful card on Gail's blog and fell in love with it. I mentioned to Gail that I would love this card for 'my' birthday. She was so sweet and sent it to me even though my birthday is not until July! http://laceylassy.blogspot.com/

This is Gail's beautiful card. I loved it so much that I framed it and hung it in my craft room. It is my inspiration on those days when I just don't know what to do. Thank you Gail you made my day and have brightened my corner of the world. You can view Gail's lovely bog here: http://laceylassy.blogspot.com/ it will be well worth your time as she has some lovely work. Gail, I am still stalking following your work. Hope you enjoy the card I sent you and the little surprise.  Hope everyone is enjoying this special time of year! Blessings!

I am entering (my) card at the following challenges:

My Song: Garth Brooks

Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart
If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way
To show her every day
That she's my only one
If my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

Take time to let those you love know it today! Today is all you have as tomorrow is not promised.

 

"A Special Celebration"

 The sweet Paper Shelter Image "Hope"

A closer look at the lovely image!

 A look at the detail and die cut!

 The sparkle and the bling!

 

Are you ready to Celebrate? It is The Paper Shelter's 4th Birthday Party! There are fabulous prizes to be had and all you have to do is enter our challenge. We want to see your cards or projects that show celebration. I chose this lovely image "Hope". When I first saw this lovely image I knew I had to color it right away. She is a beautiful image and I felt like I didn't do her justice with my coloring. I added some rhinestones to her hair....there are actually holly berries but I liked the sparkle. I added liquid glass to her eyes, Stickles to the star with a small rhinestone in the center. The die is a Memory Box that is new this year. I popped the pieces of holly and berries that are cut free by the die with foam and then added liquid glass to the berries. Spica pen added some sparkle to the eyelets where her vest is laced. Some pretty white pearls and some glitter to the snowflakes popped the adornment on the vest. 

A pretty Memory Box die cut made the lace and I also added rhinestones to the lace to finish my card.

I am still away visiting my brother but I hope you will play along with our Birthday Celebration at The Paper Shelter. Before you do check out the lovely images at The Paper Shelter remember you can win a $30 dollar gift certificate if you use one of our images.  The next person along the HOP is http://lenascrappar.blogspot.co.uk/ her lovely creation will take your breath away!

My Song:

"Anyway"

You can spend your whole life buildin'

Somethin' from nothin'

One storm can come and blow it all away

Build it anyway

You can chase a dream

That seems so out of reach

And you know it might not ever come your way

Dream it anyway

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good

When I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should

But I do it anyway

I do it anyway

"Y" Is For Yuletide

 

A Closer Look!

 My die cut

The Inside of my Card

Are you all ready for the Christmas season? How does it get here so fast? I have scheduled this card to post as I am visiting my brother in Georgia. We will be having a marvelous time and I cherish the time we have together. So, if everything goes correctly this will post and each of you will be excited about our challenge at ABC CHALLENGE we are down to the letter "Y" so the challenge is "Yuletide". I decided Santa has the right idea with the work done and Christmas behind him. Although his sack of toys looks a bit full still.  Our lovely sponsor is THE PAPER SHELTER. (Yes, it is a favorite of mine!) The image I chose is December 26 and you can find it here. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and that you will play along with us. It's a great time to win some beautiful images! Be sure and check out my teammates inspirations they are lovely! 

My Song: Holly Jolly Christmas

Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss him once for me

Happy Thanksgiving!

 A closer look at the image!

 The pretty corner die!

 

I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving! I have scheduled this card as I am now in Missouri visiting extended family. I am probably missing my own family and thinking of them but I am grateful for the time I have with Aunts and Uncles, cousins, my sweet sister-in-law and my baby brother. I know this will be a good-bye visit with several that I am with today. I am grateful that we will someday be together again with our Lord. I pray that you are enjoying your family today. For my family in Idaho have a wonderful day, I love and miss you and wish you all could be with me in Missouri today!  My image is a Saturated Canary image. I used papers from the scrap box to make this card. Greens are not a color that I predominately use but I like the softness of this green. Some pretty flowers from WOC finished of my card. 

My Song: Thanksgiving Song

Grateful for each hand we hold

Gathered round this table.

From far and near we travel home,

Blessed that we are able.

Grateful for this sheltered place

With light in every window,

Saying "welcome, welcome, share this feast

Come in away from sorrow."

Father, mother, daughter, son,

Neighbor, friend and friendless;

All together everyone in the gift of loving-kindness.

Grateful for what's understood,

And all that is forgiven;

We try so hard to be good,

To lead a life worth living.