Stampin' Sisters in Christ #54

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverb 27:17

The challenge today over at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is to use something metal on your card. My butterfly is my metal. It is a pretty brad I found at Michael's. The stamping is done in Memento Tuxedo Black and the cross is colored with a gray copic marker. The cross stamp is from VERVE. I added mini flower punches with purple pearl centers.The purple cardstock is from Mark's Finest Papers. I don't usually use purple, but then I found this wonderful shade of purple from MFP and I find myself about to use up the entire package. The wisteria collection from Basic Grey looks fabulous with it. The lattice punch is from Martha Stewart.

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Speedy the Cat's Friends' Blog Challenge #18

I loved this little verse about friendship that is included with the OWL BE THERE set from Mark's Finest Papers and it seemed perfect for today's Speedy's Friends' Blog Challenge. This design paper is from Basic Grey and the other cardstock was in my scrap pile so I've lost train from whose it is. The pearls are from Mark's Finest Papers as well. Nestabilities cut the shapes.

Stampin' Bees #73

Vicky's challenge today for the Stampin' Bees was to make a square card with a western theme. This paper I got last month when I visited Stamp San Antonio's new store. It is really cowGIRL paper but thought I would make it work with the colors in a sunset. I used MFP's crackle stamp along with the cowboy set. I did some direct to paper with the ink pads and also some sponging. Since the dp is double sided and I loved the plaid side as well as the western print, I decided to fold back the corner to reveal the underside. This poor cowboy out on that hot plains is a pretty good representation of the hot temperatures we have been experiencing in my part of Texas. The background cardstock is hazelnut tan from Mark's Finest Papers. I love it.

Stampin' Sisters in Christ #53

This is one of my favorite scriptures Neh.8:10 and I especially love this stamp and the way it is long and narrow. This verse starts with "Don't be sad" so I am reminded of why it is important to always be joyful in the Lord.  Humor has always been how I have always tried to fight off tears, although I am known for how freely my tears flow even in times of great joy!!! Let laughter try to lighten any heavy load you are experiencing and let the words of the great Teaching bring you to where following the Word will bring you back to that real sense of joy. Blessings to you on this beautiful Sabbath day.

Speedy the Cat's Friends' Blog Challenge

Although we are a long way from fall weather in the part of the world I live in, some of the wonderful other things that I love about fall are going to be happening soon. Football, family gatherings, fall festivals, and retreats. This stamp is part of a new stamp set soon to be released from Mark's
Finest Papers in September.

Mr. Squirrel is here for fall

This little squirrel is a part of a new stamp set that will be released in September from Mark's Finest Papers. I think you are going to love it along with the cute sentiments that are part of the set. I did this card for the Stampin' Bee's challenge this week to use a diecute, a circle and a flower. This rhinestone flower was one of those great $1 finds at Michael's. I love their $1 bins. I can always find a useable embellishment there. Happy stampin' to you, and hope you are looking forward to all those wonderful fall projects and fabulous colors the season brings.

STVCOLORCS12

I used Speedy the Cat black cardstock as the card base. I added piece of Basic Grey's Indian Summer. The hearts were diecut and the rose was stamped onto pink pirouette paper and then highlighted with copic markers. The black crocheted lace is from Flourishes. The colors for the challenge were pink, wine, red, and black.The  rose and sentiment are from Mark's Finest Papers.  

Speedy the Cat's Blog Challenge #16

I added flowers to this vine from the Spring Breeze set from Mark's Finest Papers for today's challenge over on Speedy's Friends' Blog Challenge. This pretty purple paper is from Mark's Finest Papers as well and I think it is the prettiest purple paper that is out there. The old olive as a scrap left from making a diecut frame for another card earlier. The cardbase was embossed with a brocade folder for my cuttlebug. And the finishing touch was the pearls for the centers of the tiny flowers and that gorgeous purple ribbon bow (which is also from Mark's Finest Papers.) Loved all the samples by the Blog team this week. Outstanding, ladies!!

Last day of MFP's blog hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs on August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)

THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning, Aug. 14th.

Both of these owls, although both very different, are  part of the Owl Be There set now available from Mark's Finest Papers. If you are an owl collector, this is a perfect addition to your collection.

Friday, August 13-Owl Be There

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/
Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/
Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/
Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/
Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/
Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/
Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/
Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/
Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/
Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/
Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/
Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/
Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/
Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/
Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/
Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/
Joanne G- http://inkyoceangazer.blogspot.com/
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Day 3 at the MFP Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs on August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)

THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning, Aug. 14th.

Thursday, August 12-Regal and Proud

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/
Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/
Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/
Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/
Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/
Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/
Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/
Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/
Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/
Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/
Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/
Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/
Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/
Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/
Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/
Julia- http://createwithjulia.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/
Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/
Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/
Lynn - http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

American Eagle

This set is so perfect for patriotic cards.

Mark's Finest Papers' Blog Hop - Day 2

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs on August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)


THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Wednesday, August 11- Flourished Sea Creatures

August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/
Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/
Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/
Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/
Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/
Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/
Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/
Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/
Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/
Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/
Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/
Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/
Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/
Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
Vicki- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/
Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/
Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/
Joanne G - http://inkyoceangazer.blogspot.com/
Geri- http://geriscards.blogspot.com/
Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

All stamps and paper supplies are from Mark's Finest Papers. I used copic markers to color the seahorses and Glossy Glaze on the bubbles.The design paper is Basic Grey, which is also available at Mark's Finest Papers.  I added some pearl dew drops.

First Day of Mark's Finest Papers' August Blog Hop

Mark's Finest Papers' Design Teams are celebrating our NEWEST STAMP RELEASE with a Blog Hop. Our very talented Design Teams have created exciting paper crafts for your inspiration. With the addition of New Design Team members to inspire you, this is going to be a really fun-packed Hop!
We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Tweet Blessings, Flourished Sea Creatures, Regal & Proud, and Owl Be Here. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!
For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs on August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. On Saturday, (August 14, 2010), a winner will be chosen FOR EACH DAY from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for that day. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day.)
THAT MEANS IF YOU MISSED A DAY, YOU STILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES WIN! And, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

Tuesday, August 10-Tweet Blessings
August Guest Designer- Wendy- http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/
Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/
Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/
Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/
Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/
Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/
Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com/
Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/
Faith - http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/
Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/
Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/
Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/
Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/
Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/
Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/
Vicki- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/
Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/
Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
Julia - http://createwithjulia.blogspot.com/

I used Basic Grey design paper to paper piece this cute birdhouse from "Tweet Blessings" from

Mark's Finest Papers. I love that this sentiment fit this paper punch perfectly.

Make sure you leave comments on all the other DT's blog and good luck in the drawing.

Stampin' Sisters in Christ #51

The challenge over on Stampin' Sisters in Christ was to do a card of apology or to tell someone you were sorry. I think the Lord's prayer says it beautifully what we should do about forgiveness, so I used this one from Our Daily Bread Designs. I also used some of Mark's Finest Papers yum yum's blue eyes cardstock and some of the new Capella packet from Basic Grey. I paper punched the medallions and leaves from my scrap bin.

Speedy's Friends' Challenge #15

The challenge for this week over at Speedy's Friends challenge was to make your own embellishments.

So, I made my own ribbon roses. I loved this pretty pink ribbon I got from Mark's Finest Papers as well as the beautiful soft pink cardstock that came from MFP too. This cute birdhouse is a sneak peek at a soon to be released set called Tweet blessings. It is a fabulous set. I embossed the cardbase with my swiss dot folder with my cuttlebug. My roses are held together with ScorPal tape. It worked perfect without this being totally frustrating.

Welcome to all the new designers for the Blog challenge. I am really proud that my sweet sister and stamping passion partner, Lynn is coming aboard along with the very talented Joanne and Geri. I look forward to seeing all of the fabulous and wonderful things the team has planned for the months to come.

A Wonderful Day in the life of this stamper

Today, Faith Hofrichter made the big announcement about me being selected to be on Mark's Finest Papers' Senior Design Team. I cannot begin to describe the thrill and honor it is for me. I retired from full time teaching 2 years ago and my life has become the life of an artist (one of my biggest dreams ever). The nice thing about rubberstamping is that you get to make use of someone else's great art skills as a part of the art piece. What incredible tools stamps are and can make an instant artist out of anyone. I have been so blessed to get to share my talents with so many other wonderful creative people who have always been a big part of my life,  like my parents and dear sister, Lynn. We share this wonderful addiction together and what fun we have stamping our lives away in happy retirement land. To all of you who don't have the time to craft, one day your time will come and don't get rid of those stamps, just think of them as your retirement investment.  LOL Unfortunately, I have spent a great deal of money on it, but I just think of the endless creations that I can make and the pure pleasure it gives me. So just like this little card I made for a challenge on Splitcoaststampers this week says, Faith, this is a "Tweet Blessing" and I thank you for this opportunity to create for your wonderful company..

CWC015

This is for the CAStastic Wednesday challenge. We were to case one of the DT cards that were the samples. I chose Maylee's card because I loved the layout design of it. This stamp is from Mark's Finest Papers and because it is a clear stamp I was able to arch the text to fit in the half circle. I stamped the camellia onto a light pink cardstock and then added copic marker to add the shading. The leaves are punched with a Martha Stewart punch.

Belli Challenge_ Paint

This week's Belli Challenge was to use paint. I mixed up this mixture using Pearl X powder with Glossy glaze and came up with a paint like substance. I had some turquoisde and cooper Pearl X that I have had forever, in fact I had to go dig it out from a draw out in the garage. I stamped the silhouetted trees with Palette Noir black ink. I had saved this tin to alter so tried the paint out on it. I worked great. This cardstock is from paper trey ink. I ruffled the ribbon up the side. This stamp is from Mark's Finest Papers.Hope you will join us in this week's challenge over on Mr. Linky on Creative Belli Blog.

FTTC78

I just love these seashells by Flourishes. Masking is such a perfect technique to use with them. Since Dee Jackson's has a limited challenge this week for Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday challenge of no embellishments being allowed, I just had to let the stamping bring out the real beauty of the card. This grouping of shells remind me of the many treasures that wash ashore adding their own beauty to the sandy shore.

I added a little sparkle gel pen to some of the shells but the photo doesn't show that too well. I did some simple scoring at the bottom of the card. I stamped the image with Palette Noir black ink and colored with copic markers.

STVCOLOR challenge

Carla's color challenge over on StampTV was the warm colors: red, orange, yellow. I love warm colors and I love this camellia stamp from Mark's Finest Papers. I combined them on this card along with some wonderful pieces of Basic Grey paper. That lovely ribbon is from Mark's Finest Papers as well. I added a few punched pieces of a Martha Stewart punch.

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #50

Isaiah 40:31  But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I just love this new eagle set by Mark's Finest papers that will be released in August. If you have not checked over at their store, you need to go see all the new and wonderful items being added every day there. I colored my eagle with my copic markers and I sponged the sky with baja blue and bermuda bay. Sometimes my sponge is not the cleanest so a few other colors might show up, but that happens in the sky as well so I just leave it that way!!LOL