Round two using a sketch

I used the December sketch from the virtual scrapbook pajama party.  I will add this lo to my faithbooking album.

The butterfly border was a test that my friend Kathy was doing to show the 'Scrappy Chicks' the layered punch that she found on clearance.  I wouldn't let her throw it away (like Mikey...I'll take almost anything-lol).  I only used the top layer.  The same punch also made a solid background layer.  Cool punch.

Submitted:
Word Art Wednesday #111
December Scrapbook Pajama Party

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December Creative Dare

The assignment from Tracy was to make an art journal page highlighting 5 values.  Once I started pondering the question it was hard to only put 5 on the page.

 

Journaling: FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, PEACE, Creativity

Submitted: Word Art Wednesday #111

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December Virtual Scrapbook Pajama Party

 For the December pajama party I used the sketch that Tiare posted.   I started off with different pictures.  Then I decided to use pics of me.  It is a part of my 'learning to love myself' work.  I am in the midst of a life change journey which includes weight loss.  For me a part of  losing weight  and growing emotionally is developing a better image of myself physically.  So I am taking pictures and scrapbooking every pimple, gray hair, wrinkle, fat roll, messy hair, paint splattered pajamas-JUST ME.  I am enjoying the journey of becoming what God already says I am.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made...I am working on the 'my soul does know it well' part.

 The star is glittered and embossed-really blingy (made up word, but give a year or so to make it into the dictionary-lol).  title: shining star

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Mixed Media Layout

Limor's Mixed Media December challenge is to make a monochromatic lo.  This is my version .  I am really trying to learn how to blend the edges better.

Materials: gesso, black gesso, white paint, washi tape, canvas scallop, french script stamp, circle stamp, script stencil, silver scrapbook paper, pp scraps, perfect pearls spray.

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I AM an artist

God made 'The creative call..."All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded" (Exodus 35:10) I answered the call...I AM AN ARTIST.'

Thank you LORD for choosing me to be a creator of beautiful, inspiring things.  I accept the call and daily rebuke the negative voices of self doubt and worldly criticism.  

I like the background colors.  They look a little dark for the writing in the photo.  In reality you can see the writing much better than in the picture.  All a part of letting go.

Submitted to Word Art Wednesday # 109

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In ALL things give thanks

Today in church the minister asked us to close our eyes and think of the things we were thankful for.  I began by thinking about my health, that I was no longer confined to my wheelchair, for my house...then suddenly I began to think about the fact that JESUS chose me.  He died for me!  That was all she wrote, I was overcome with emotion and gratitude.  Thank you God for sending your son to die for my sins.  Nothing else matters, because my name is written in heaven I can rejoice!

The Tracy W.'s November Creative Dare was about gratefulness.  I made this art journal page to express what I felt today and everyday.  I am thankful for a lot of things...I can't even count...

...but (sentiment) The thing that I am most grateful for is that HE knew me yet HE LOVED me...when HE was on the cross I was on HIS mind.

Submitted to Word Art Wednesday #108

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Fun fold card

I made this for the informal Twitter card challenge.  The challenge was to make a card with a fold.

The top flap lifts up.

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Week #15 for the Twitter card challenge

Here is another Christmas card.  I call it the 'Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Card'  LOL  I try to use scraps for this challenge.  I used a card base from my stash.  The twig is from an artificial floral that my neighbor gave me.  The star is blingy, but you can't see it in the picture. 

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Paper pieced pouch

I made this for the informal Twitter weekly card challenge.  I put a pen in the pouch for the photo.  I plan to put some sweet treats inside and give it as a "Have a nice day" gift.

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Embellished Emotions

Do any other bloggers lose track of the project that they have already blogged about?  I made this large tag-strip-border-title-thingy at my pal Kathy's house.  I do not think I showed it before, but I can't recall.  I made it a while ago. 

Sentiment: "You don't choose your family, they are God's gift to you , as you are to them" Desmond Tutu
I want to use this on a scrapbook page.

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2 pocket gift card holder

My friend Kathy taught the Scrappy Chicks (the scrappers that meet at her house each week) to make this 2 pocket card using a 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper.  I used the same fold  to make a smaller card to hold a tag and a gift card.  

I used paper from a RAK (thanks Trina!)  The house embossed paper used on the tag was appropriate as the gift was going to my fellow housing advocate.

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Gift card holder

I saw this on Pinterest.  I have not quite figured things out.  I see something that I want to make, but rarely can I find a link to a tutorial.  I only get connected to folks who pinned the item before.  I usually end up making my own version of the project.  This time was different.  Caroline made this gift card holder present, and I was inspired to try the project.

I used scrap paper and a brad & ribbon that I received in a RAK. 

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day # 30, 31 and 32

You may have realized by now that I like the challenge of combining things.  So I combined the next three assignments.  Make a library pocket, use a picture on a card, use stencil, paint or mist to make a background.

 

These were all made using scraps.  The tag is stenciled and misted with  pictures of my dog, Dugan..  The tag inserts inside the library pocket to complete a thank you for his dog sitter.  The message is on the back of the tag.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day # 29

Assignment: Use a question in your title.

I rarely make a lo without pictures, but I had not taken the photos yet of football season fellowships.  I made the title from leftover letters.  The photo mats were made from scraps.

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Still going...

Like the energizer bunny, I am seemingly always going.  I made these three cards in an effort to catch up with the informal twitter card challenge.  It is so much fun to connect with these ladies.

 Week #9 PINK card

Just doodles with a pitt pen (as inspired by Barb Owen) and pink stickles

Week #10 Christmas card 

made with scraps of ribbon

Week #11 Ugly Christmas Sweater Card

Looking for a funny sentiment to add (LOL)

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day # 28

Assignment: Change up a sketch.

Easy Peasy! I usually change the sketch even when I do not mean to. LOL

Made from scraps.  

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Twitter Card Challenge

I hang with a group of artists on twitter.  I was trickerheaded (con-ned, coaxed, forced, talked etc.) into joining twitter in order to find our when certain USTREAM show were about to broadcast.  Seriously, I love this group.  So one night there was a challenge issued to another crafter to use her stash.  We all jumped on board and that is how the informal weekly twitter card challenge was started.  I was cruising along good and then life happened.  So I made a few cards to catch up.

Here are weeks 6: Boy, 7: grunge, 8: animal print, and 9: gray and yellow

Thanks for keeping the craft mojo going and for helping me use up my scraps.  Jess and Jen and all the arties on twitter you ROCK!!!!

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day #27

Assignment: use stickers only.  I used the sketch somewhat here.

I used border stickers, glitter stickers on the photos and vellum stickers for the title; which says: I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13  When Gods gives me an assignment, I can get it done through him!  Whoo Hooo! Because believe me I cannot do it in my own strength.

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October Virtual Scrapbook Pajama Party

I missed the scrapbook pajama party this month (hosted by Tiare), but I used the sketch.  The sentiment says "Unconditional LOVE"  The elements on the page were made from scraps.

Here is tip: the flowered background paper was not wide enough so I cut it in two pieces and covered it with the photos.

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Watercolor on the go.

This watercolor was done on the go.  I see miracles everyday in my life.  Thank you JESUS!!!

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October 2013 Creative Dare

Let it go!  I always hear this sentiment in art world and in church world.  As a drama teacher, I am always telling my students to "be in the moment".  Personally, I strive to live according to this advice.  This month Tracy challenged us to create a piece journaling about what we will let go.  Here is what I came up with:

I know the picture is horrible. 
 Journaling:

In the moment by Tina Riley
I will live life in the moment
I am very unique
like the petals on the flower
When I walk, I am like poetry in motion
My gratitude rises like a song of praise
I plan to sing it for all of my days
I am so glad that Jesus lifted me
My life is full of calm and storm,
but God guides me through all situations
All my trials will soon be over
Until then....
I will live life in the moment

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day #26

Assignment: Mist on a card or paper strip.  Stamp images and cut them out.

It may be difficult to see, but this is a Christmas ornament I stamped many moons ago.  I just couldn't throw it away (does that make me a hoarder?) lol  I made this using all scraps.  Sentiment: Merry, merry, merry

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Time to feed two birds...

This piece was inspired by Tracy on MMM (Mixed Media Monday).    And this piece also fits the criteria for  Limor's October 2013 Creative Journaling Dare . 

 

Journaling: ring the bells that still can ring

forget you perfect offering

there is a CRACK in everything

that's how the light gets in

by Leonard Cohen

My friend Lieba inspired me with the quote I used here.  She said I was shining from all of my cracks.  She has been helpful in teaching me to accept and love my not so good parts.  I love you Lieba!  The ideology is so in line with what Tracy and Limor are always encouraging us artists to do-LET IT GO!

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day # 25

Assignment: mist a background.

I made an art journal page instead of a lo.  I talked about this page in a previous blog post as it was inspired by Tracy W.  See the post here.

My House

It is so easy to be a secret service saint in the world today.  Followers of Christ are always under scrutiny, peer pressure and judgement.  The tendency may be to hide one's faith under a rock.  Joshua's message to the children of  Israel is very timely today- when he told them to choose who they were going to serve. Like Joshua, I declare "...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”  Joshua 24:15b

Through all the criticism from the world, mistakes I make, EVERYTHING!  I choose to be unashamedly Christian.  I made this mixed media piece as inspired by Tracy.  She asked: "What is in your house?"  

My house is covered under God.  Inside there are many things, but especially LOVE,  Joy , Peace and Faith.
I used my travel mix media kit.  I would have loved to use acrylic paint.  Instead I used watercolor pencils, book pages, charcoal pencil, MS marker, gel pens, glitter pens, Sakura, Souffle, Micron and zig markers. 


Submitted: 
September Creative Dare
WAW #99

The LORD will provide

Many are feeling the effects of a struggling economy.   Having to stand at the gas pump and make the choice- gas? medications? or electricity?  Rather than be frustrated about limited finances, I choose to meditate on lovely things.  So Matthew 6:26 KJV lifts me up and focuses me on the provider-the LORD.  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

 Watercolor pencils, book paper, zig markers, generals water soluble pencil.

I am thankful for God's love and provision.

Submitted to WAW #99

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day # 24

Assignment: Use decorative ribbons, add a bow or knot and pearls. 

These are note cards made from scraps.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day # 23

Assignment: 2 page lo.  Horizontal and vertical lines.

Sentiment: FACES of me.  cultural, crazy, classy.  I so did not follow the sketch, but what else is new-lol.

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Within arms reach

After making a layout for the September Virtual Scrapbook Pajama Party  we were supposed to make a card from the scraps.  Many of you know that I use a lot of scraps to begin with so my cards is not always made using the same scraps from the lo.  My pain increased so much (it's gonna rain) that I was having difficulty moving around the studio.  But I still wanted to make the card.  I decided to use whatever I could reach while sitting down.

I grabbed a 4x6 paper stack and made a simple birthday card for my cat loving friend.  I resorted to hand drawing and lettering for the inside.

So I didn't use scraps, but I was able to create in spite of the pain.

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September Virtual Scrapbook Pajama Party

I played along for the September Virtual Scrapbook Pajama Party hosted by Tiare Smith.  I changed the sketch a bit.  Here is my lo:

Title: Hugs from Nadia and Nathan.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day #22

Assignment: use stamps on a card.

I stamped on a tag instead of a card.  Sentiment: Listen to truth.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day #21

Assignment: Use multiple stamps on a lo.  Repeat previous techniques like clustering, inking or doodling.

I used 4 stamps and fabric flowers.  Tried using a stamp as a photo mat. These were picture from Dr. Oriaku's funeral.  What a nice lady.  I am thankful to have met her and happy I will see her again.  Thank you LORD.

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Write the vision! Read the vision! Run with the vision! Habakkuk 2:2

Dream Catcher by Tina Riley copyright 1998

I wish you could have been there, that 28^th day of August back in '63

What a wonder my ears heard and my eyes did see

I know you think that all we ever did was march and sing

But something was awakened in me by the words of  Dr. King

"I have a dream" is simply what the reverend said

The picture he painted still echoes in my head

He talked about Lincoln and how he worked to set the slaves free

And it holds true today- that many still have not tasted the fruit of liberty

He recited part of America's founding creeds

He invited those mere words to manifest as deeds

What Dr. King did was challenge us all

I felt like I had to do something- I had to answer the call

Now I had felt this way before- every Sunday when I heard my own reverend preach

And I'd leave the service with a burning fire- determined my goal to reach

But before long the flame would fizzle and die

Most times before I could even begin to try

We all are guilty: We say that we are going to get involved

Then on March 1^st all the excitement has dissolved

But the battle remains before us and it must be fought

Not necessarily with our fists, but by changing our thoughts

Back then "Non-Violence" was our war cry

But deep inside I know I must be willing to die

If freedom is ever going to ring

We as Christians must begin to live the words that we sing

Perhaps you're wondering "what can I do to change this world I'm in?"

We must stomp out all forms of injustice, hatred and sin

I've even questioned how this could be done

For I am no army- I'm only one

But I've learned that one impregnated with the word of truth

Is all it takes for society's shackles to be loosed

Perhaps I won't even live to see the battle won

But I've decided to spread the good news of God and his only Son

God sent Jesus to set ALL captives free

Not just those who were born with skin like me

There are chains greater than racism that can't even be seen

All I want- is to see those demons of oppression fleeing

The only way to change a nation

Is to offer it God's plan of salvation

We must still work to change rules, regulations, and laws

But political victories won't free the world - so don't be in awe

In order to change the wicked nature of men you must first change his heart

This can only be done if JESUS plays a part

So, what happens now- I mean to the dream

The saints must join together as one unified team

No one is exempt- so do whatever you are able

No excuses- just bring your strengths to the brotherhood table

Whatever you do don't just sit and wait

Pray, fast, study, plan, organize...JUST GO! Before it's to late

Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 20

Assignment: add a person to your card.

I used this image I received in a Cricut cut exchange.  Thanks Kelli!  Once again, I used scraps for this project.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 19

Assignment:  Make a layered paper flower. Use paint on background.

Since I made this type of flower on an earlier card for this class, I decided to make a different kind of flower.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 18

Assignment: use negative space on card, make a window, place sentiment in window.

Sentiment: Dreams.  This was done from all scraps.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 17

Assignment: use large paper, round edges, use color in photos 

This is my Godson, Emmanuel.  I did this lo in a few minutes before the deadline for uploading for the class.  Can't you tell? lol  I sorta kinda followed the sketch.

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August Creative Dare

This is my submission for the monthly dare hosted by Tracy W.  I was inspired by her Mixed Media Mondays show.  The dare was to just let go, use your favorite quote and create something in 1-1.5 hours.  I spent an hour on this art journal page.

 

Water color, sharpie paint pen, MS marker

 

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 16

The assignment: ink edges. I saw both of these images on pinterest.  I made the the flower and the paw from scraps.  The sentiment: my friend.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 15

The assignment: use 3 colors, 3 photos, 3 elements etc.  You know the make a triangle guideline.  I followed the sketch, but turned it vertical.  I used several pictures of my dog for one of the strips.  The chipboard title (puppy love) and the food dish sticker were sent to me by a fellow crafter.  Thanks Sharon.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 14

The assignment: use at least 4 different elements to add texture. 

1. edge punch
2. ribbon
3. heart punch
4. pp
5. rubber stamp
6. bling
7. glossy accents
8. cs
9. inked edges
10. faux stitching

Sentiment: Thanks for being YOURSELF.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 13

I really did my own thing on this assignment as I was out of town.  I was inspired by Queen Kat who was inspired by Leslie.  And the scraplift goes on.  I was given this picture by my friend's Aunt. I told her that yellow roses were my favorite flowers.  The lo reads A Yellow Rose...is what I love today.  

misted and used alcohol inks on the bg paper, made the flower, the leaf is made from acetate packaging. All elements are made from scraps except the bg paper.

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Summertime and the Scrapping is Easy Day 12

The assignment: use metal and four different size squares and as always there is a sketch.  And as usual I am not following the rules exactly.

The metal pebbles say: wish, dream, hope: I THINK lol

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WOOOOOWEEEEE!

I have been in the house all day and feeling kinda blah and having some increased pain.  In spite of the pain, I was going stir crazy; so I said to my dog, Dugan, let's go outside for a bit and get some fresh air.  He headed straight down the wheelchair ramp and into the backyard while I waited on the landing.  Then I saw a package sitting on the railing.  I thought: this must belong to my neighbors, I better call them.  Then I saw that the package was addressed to me.  I could not imagine...it must be some kind of mistake.  Then I thought: hurry up Dugan and go potty so I can get inside to open this box. (LOL)

This was inside:

What a cool gift.  I never heard of a zink hAppy.  I have no idea who sent it to me, but I do have my suspicions, (LOL)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  And a humble thanks to the ultimate gift giver for putting people in my life who really care and pour into my crafting and into my spirit.  Thank you LORD.  I am going to read the quick start guide and idea book right now.  I am so blessed.

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