Stamping on Acetate with Polished Stone + WOYWW

Well, it's that "middle-of-the-week" day again! Yep, Wednesday is here... sooo 'tis desk time once more... For the initiated, it takes place over at Julia's ("the Stamping Ground blog") - courtesy of our kind  hostess each week you can check out and learn from desks of the world!

Here you can see me working with a card in blue + white theme, (it's my sister in law's birthday in a few days) with a square punch for tiles. Four birthdays in eight days... mm, needs must make cards for each! And two are decade birthdays to boot, so that means a special celebratory poem inside as well! Will share completed card once birthday is past.

The inspiration came in part from this card here from Veronique of OSA for "Any other fold but half" mingle - the blues and half cut out image caught my eye, then saw Irene 's snippetty "inchie" card over here - and hence an idea above began.

Wonderful card by Veronique in Oz - OSA mingle

.. my card for this mingle is this one with Artneko dragonfly stamps including kanji and haiku poem, stamped on acetate with Stazon over polished stone background shown back on desk here.

This is another set from Artneko of Christian stamps - also used on this post here and here and here. Double embossed background shown on this WOYWW post here. 
The image of the little Asian girl praying is a Jessie Wilcox image of children praying .

Over at Allsorts their theme is Oriental, which fits perfectly with these last two cards.

To close here is the image from Oz.. had huge chuckle when saw this on a walk.. 
There sits dog on towel while master takes a dip! 
It reminded me in a way of the way the LORD watches over us, too but His eyes are all seeing (omniscient) so it is a limited comparison.

Well, almost short and sweet as have to get back to real work :D  Commenting is limited as have two commissions not started (an illuminated text) and cards, five in all, so must move along. May God bless each of you this day in all that you do - and thanks for popping over and making my day.. you bless my heart, 

Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join over with 
1.Di's Snippety challenge - Used snippets on both cards.   http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/ 
2 .Allsorts Oriental weekly challenge

3. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

OSA using Artneko stamps + Sarn's Christmas Challenge

Two challenges being attacked here :D one over at OSA it Layout 269 - make an Oriental card with a tag on it.   Over at Sarn's where 'tis time to get some Christmas cards ready, two in fact - see here for her Rudolph challenge which starts on 25th of each month.

Here is an inky card with a tag..

 First up is the OSA tag card. Tag is hand cut from card snippets, and mounted once finished on another snippet. Used versamark and clear embossing powder for background, the sponged around edge to highlight with black. 
 I adore this beautifully calligraphed verse "Be Still and know that I am God" I'm not good at being still, and waiting on the LORD. This verse is sitting here in front of me as type, on a piece of hand cut timber.
The tag  was masked background inked up with Adirondack inks and then inked with this these images from Artneko. 
They can be bought individually and are deep etched unmounted rubber very reasonable in shipping and whole set and individuals are on sale too :D.
I have used the set over on these posts here and as well with the polished stone method back on this post here... lovely inky fun!

Now over to Sarn's cards .. first time this year I have managed this and really should have been doing something else .. but here 'tis..

One must make at least two cards and since had taken out three bases decided to make three. So embossed with CB Snowflake folder (disc.) and used holly ribbon from stash - have whole roll! Verse stamp is from Unity Itty Bitty " For unto us a child is born" punched out with two oval punches from SU. I had two of these poinsettia made up on my desk for months now. It is a Britannia die and the leaf swirl from Memory Box. Many snippets were used in the making of these cards.. both lots.

It is fun with punches and dies to see how small you can get them!

hanks so much for popping over for a peek and a chat. I really appreciate your comments and will try and get back at time permits..

May God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join these over with the following:

OSA  challenge 269 - http://osadesignchallenges.wordpress.com/2014/04/20/card-layout-challenge-269/

Sarn;s Rudolph day- http://stampingforpleasure.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/rudolph-day-april-2014-sticky-post.html

Di's Snippety challenge - Used snippets on card.   http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/ 

Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

Mrs A.s Butterfly Challenge + Annies Smiles

{WOYWW post below}
Well, two posts in quick succession.. this what happen when dont get to sit here much on computer.. but must move along... was so happy to get these cards done been struggling to make them for ages with time beating me!

First images are last night when making this snippet of digis one from Nicecrane spring flowers set and the the a Bible verse Digi Word Art Wednesday and Karen's blog, Papercraft Memories.. Printed up about six weeks ago for a spring card - never made.

This card in the making is the third card for Ginny's three card challenge (see here on last post). Its already to mail but holiday here today for Anzac Day. Daffodil image is from
Nicecrane Vintage Butterfly and Blossoms set.

Took largest of Lattice Spellbinder, cut embossed then coloured image before removing from die with cotton ball glimmer chalks and PanPastel as shown above. Then sprayed with Diamond Dust Glimmer mist.

 

Can just see bit of the shimmer on this shot..

Here is the completed card with snippet of ribbon at the back over embossed (with CB Kassie Brocade) snippet of moss green cardstock. Highlighted with gold ink and some butterflies punched from glitter card - over at Mrs A's Butterfly (here) challenge this fortnight is to go for some Glitter and Sparkle - some Glitz, Glimmer or Glitter - I used all three!

Mm, I know hard to see but used glittery, snippetty cardstock, glimmer mist and also bling for glitz..

Last card was shown on my desk this week - (see desk here). The image is from
Nicecrane "Flowers bring smiles", the background embossed and inked up was done a while back on this post here, and digi verse was from ages ago too, navy snippets. Digi Bible verses free at Word Art Wednesday and Karen's blog, Papercraft Memories.
Lastly a smile for you - at Annie's Smiles - pop over here for some more!

 Do well to remember this " the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong" .. it's little by little, one day one moment at a time - and hope this cheers you heart. It does mine!

Well, almost short and sweet as have to get back to real work :D 
Commenting is limited as have two commissions not started (an illuminated text) and cards, five in all, so must move along. May God bless each of you this day in all that you do - and thanks for popping over and making my day.. you bless my heart, 

Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join these over with the following:
1.  Mrs A's current Butterfly Challenge where we have to use Glitter, Gltiz and Glimmer.

2. Di's Snippety challenge - Used snippets on both card.   http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/ 

3.Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

God bless our Land - ANZAC Day + Cards to Bless 'n Encourage

First of all my thoughts and thanks on this ANZAC day are with all who served in Australia to protect our land in past years. Also my prayers are for those who serve us in this way today, for God's continuing watchcare and blessing upon them who all do this for us each day. 
In the morning at the going down of the sun we member them. 
Lest we forget.

Over at a Facebook page for Christian Cardmakers  Ginny challenged us to make some cards to cheer some folk up. You are more than welcome to join the group just contact Ginny. This was on my mind so it gave me added impetus.

Here are two of the three - this one below was shown on my desk earlier in week - these two were posted off in mail yesterday.

On both have done some double embossing - dry embossed in cuttlebug (see desk here), then also embossed with inkpad (to highlight) with Golden Delicata ink on it.. do love it. Images are from Nicecrane "Flowers bring smiles". I saw the images over on Ginny's blog here and being rose lover fell in love with them. My aunt who this is for is also a great rose lover, too. Digi verses free at Word Art Wednesday and Karen's blog, Papercraft Memories.

This card is winging its way to Uk for dear ones who have illness in their life at the moment. I do pray for them - the green embossed background on this image was made over on this post here with multiple inking up of embossing folder. The Oriental image  is from Nicecrane Amazing Asia paperpack but I used it as image - just a section rather than as paper. Spellbinders for Bible verse are Labels 25 with highlight of chalk. 

 Then lastly is a bookmark made for a very dear friend, Karen, who is really struggling with cancer ... shows one side before covered and used a Rose from Nicecrane and Word Art Digis again. Second side shows more verses same rose image, finished with ribbon & lace - used colours on book. Two verse reminding her what we have in our LORD Jesus, our Hope and an Anchor sure and steadfast in life's storms and to pray instead of being anxious. The book which I bought for her is wonderful Amy Carmichael daily devotional book called "Edges of His Ways" (for details see here) - if you know anyone going through trials and especially illness this a really great little gem for each day.. my friend loaned me hers whilst I was in Brisbane two months ago very unwell, seeing Dr's, having tests etc.. it is a great treasure..

 Thanks so much everyone for popping over for peek and a chat! and may God bless your day wherever you maybe,

Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join these over with the following:

1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au
2. Di's Snippety challenge - http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/  Used snippets, sitting around for ages awaiting inspiration, except on book mark. The Asais heet of paper was printed out two month back for another card and rejected.

WOYWW Double Embossing on Folders

Hullo there everyone! Well, it is now time again for  WOYWW (What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday, very kindly hosted at Julia of the Stamping Ground. Take a peek and learn just what folks are crafting making creating ..all over the world!

Well, two desks today for the price of one! desk one earlier .. yes a sewing spot.. I used to make all my clothes but not so much these days .. but needed a new nightie as old fav. had died so unpicked and and cut up pattern. Here is overlocker, sewing machine (both over 20 years old but still go well) and ironing board at front.. like to press as sew, it saves pinning, etc..

 Here is what I was making; 

now finished with sleeves in as that is what was doing in top shot.

Note pin-tucking .. bit of nightmare involving unpicking, etc for last two rows of ten rows .. why do you get the first ones just right then struggle on last two? but really like it, and was on original so persevered.. "and so you should" mum would say. :D

Here is my crafty desk as of now! A mess indeed (mainly to cropped left), but creative one! One card done, another almost done; here is the close up of cards in earlier stages of working.

Two folders (Couture Creations Budding vine and extra large Crafter's companion D'esire Regency swirls one I cut this folder down - see here) are double embossed - dry embossed with cuttlebug folder in bug, then embossed to highlight it with Golden Delicata ink.. do love it. Images are from Nicecrane "Flowers bring smiles". I saw the images over on Ginny's blog here and being rose lover fell in love with them, and so trotted over to buy them (bad me .. on buying ban supposedly)..

Aussie shots today from a month or so ago at my family's home.. view from  their verandah.

at 7.50pm moon rising sun setting.. just love the blues, marvellous creation.

...almost an hour later.

Well that's it for me. I was going to share cards made but camera battery died - takes while to recharge, so will post them separately later all being well.

May God richly bless your day wherever you maybe.. and thanks for popping over for peek and chat. (if with WOYWW please leave number).

Shaz in Oz.x

Illuminated Work + Why is Good Friday Good?

{WOYWW post below}

Hullo there everyone! 

Hanging on my bedroom wall is an Illuminated calendar for 2014, from the Hong Kong Christian Book Room. A lot of my texts are similar to their monthly images on the calendar as the book I learnt from (see - here it is) is written by the founder of this Book Room. 

Here is April's verse.. oriental this time - as it is printed in Hong Kong.

Isn't it a beautiful verse? 

It is the true reflection of what occurred on Good Friday all those years ago. On a rocky hillside, in sorrow and pain, a young Man shed His blood on a cross - a shameful, sinful death.

WHY?

Years ago (over 40) I well remember my sister's teacher asking me on a hillside (here near the beach) if I knew why Jesus had died? 

I said, " No."

.. and so she told me He had died for my sin, and the sins of everyone. 

Now I was a child.. and you may wonder - how a child can have sinned?

.. but believe you me, there was not argument at all from me on that point.

I knew I had done wrong.. and that was sin.. but that Jesus had died to take away my sin totally blew me away. 

That memorable day, when I saw Jesus on the cross for my sin, has lived evermore for me in these words of this hymn. 
 

                                      There Is A Green Hill Far Away

                        There is a green hill far away, without a city wall,

                        Where the dear LORD was crucified, Who died to save us all.

                        We may not know, we cannot tell what pains He had to bear,

                        But we believe it was for us He hung & suffered there.  

                        He died that we might be forgiven , He died to make us good,

                        That we might go at last to Heaven, saved by His precious blood.

                        There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin,

                        He only could unlock the gate of Heaven, and let us in.

                        Oh, dearly, dearly has He loved, & we must love Him too, 

                        And trust in His redeeming blood & try His works to do. 

By C.F. Alexander

 

Jesus is our Living Redeemer, Saviour and Friend - if we have sought salvation in Him, the Lord Jesus.

"God sent His Only Begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him."
1 John 4:9

This is why Good Friday is Good.

By faith in Him we have the certain hope of life forevermore with Him. 

For more see here - Who or What is a Christian? or see sidebar.

The Easter story. The gift of His transforming love. The reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

His sacrifice brought us life.

Taken from a Dayspring e-card

There is sadness in the story. There is pain in the story. There is death. But there is more. The whole story includes the beauty of Easter. 
The triumph. 
The joy.

I would dearly love that all who read this might know that Beauty, Triumph, and Joy.. in Jesus.

I would like to close with a very early Illuminated text done in the early 1990's. 

(sorry, it is very poor "best-can-do" enhanced image - bad flare from old camera, etc. not digital.)

 The observant among you will realise it's the verse done on the header of my blog. 

It is also on the very first post I did on my blog, back here.

(I have done it four times now, three different colours, and one was duplicate of one on the header.

This, the original is the one and only one done in Aluminum leaf - very hard to work with but will not tarnish like silver leaf.)

May we all take time to ponder the importance of these words of the Lord Jesus, as He speaks to each of us - it will help to keep life with a real perspective. 

"What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

Zip, zero, zilch is the answer... 

The whole world will profit us nothing.

This is the whole key to Easter... Eternity... and what counts for eternity. 
May we live this truth.

 May God richly bless you wherever you maybe and thank you SO much for  making my day - being real encouragers!
Shaz in Oz.x 

Would like to join these over with:

Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

WOYWW ~ in the Australian Rainforest..

{WARNING - picture heavy post}

Yes! hard to believe but here we are again.. checking out desks of the world over at Julia's blog - because, believe it or not, another Wednesday is here! So it is time to link up for What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday! 

So here is my desk! Well, where I am/ was today! out in the local rainforest with family! First  starting down low... at ground level!

A native ground-cover violet.. have it in our yard growing too, comes up in moist areas.

Then in rainforest path . .. where creek meanders.

Rainforest proper - the subtleties of the light from ground cover to skyline are glorious!

 

A palm or two...

Well camouflaged butterfly see near the bird on the watermark... sitting on rock.. they were amazing the way they hid!

 

A kookaburra sits in an old gumtree.. or not!

 Back home, I was being shown the pumice washed up on their beach.. was amazed at the size from underwater volcano ... water is on cement because was also shown how well it floats!

To show you my desk was in use yesterday I will show the card I made and delivered to a dear friend on the way home. They also are really suffering under cancer recurrence, makes you count your blessings. May the LORD be their Comfort and Strength in it all.

The background sheet under central image was done with my colouring method on embossing SB Lattice folder - shown here and here. Other elements are Spellbinder label adapted, the Nicecrane Birds and Blossoms, digi verse I think from http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au.

Thanks so very much everyone for popping over for a peek and chat!

May God bless your day wherever you maybe (sorry in advance , will comment as able).

Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join these over with the following:

1. Di's Snippety challenge - Used snippets on card.   http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/

The  sheet on bottom  of main image was from card three weeks ago rejected - originally a daisy folder in yellow re-embossed and colour change plus! plus other snippets.

2..Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

Marbling with Re-inkers + OSA challenge 267

Hullo one and all.. how quickly we are flying through another week! 

Well beginning this week with a challenge or two this week..As most of you know I belong to OSA (or Oriental Stamp Art group). Each week there are layout challenges and monthly there are technique challenges.

Last week's layout challenge is over here. To make a card with punched or cut out vase and flower in CAS style, must have stamping and be Oriental.

I had a play a week or so ago for the April "re-inkers and make a background" challenge with glossy photo card and dye re-inkers, but did not make a card (plus used silver alcohol re-inker a little with alcohol blending solution to aid ink dispersion, cleaned off excess with a hand wipe and this really made it pop. Excess ink removed once it was dry made it all stand out.). Really intense and almost like marbling! The saw challenge 267, thought to combine it, so hot off the press, here's two!

Stamped Artneko Small Brushstroke Orchid http://www.artneko.com/displayItem/A148-0006 

Used the colour with water markers and "huff" method.

Cuttlebug Alphabet Olivia die has a vase (and flowers) with phrase "hi" on it. Put Taylor Expressions eyelet border on side to show off more of the inky photo paper. Rounded corners on right side to reflect the scallop on left.

Love both of these cards and method.. plus used "Not Much Used Before Schtuff" again!

Update on folk in Far North Qld with Cyclone Ita: Well, she packed a punch but no where as bad as feared - mercifully no deaths, some homes, about forty, in Cooktown damaged and lots of flooding from the torrential rain. Sadly many banana and sugar cane farmers have lost a lot of crops, rain and wind flattened them. However compared to what was predicted, this was better news in a lot of places, so thanks for thoughts and prayer.

Thanks too for popping over for peek and chat. May God bless your day and those you love, wherever you may be! Shaz in Oz.x 

I would like to join thse over to:

1. Di's Snippety challenge - http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/  Used snippets, white sheet with border die had been sitting around for ages awaiting inspiration, rejected on another card.  

2. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

Thank You cards - OSA, Masking Stamping et al.

Hullo there everyone - just a very quick post.
First of all please say special prayers for folk up in Far North Queensland who are awaiting the arrival of Cyclone Ita, Fri evening, a category 5 cyclone (most severe), and strengthening. Due to hit just north of Cairns at 10pm our time or 1pm UK time. I'm praying hard for God's mercy & keeping on all folk there. (Update Sat 6pm - hit land as Cat. 4 cyclone, now weakened to Cat.1 but still big winds + huge dumps of rain -> much widespread flooding. Answered prayer it was no where near bad as thought, and no loss of life.)

A few weeks back (here and here) shared with you some DAK's from OSA folk for birthday and whilst I was not well. I was so grateful for these caring folk I made some thank yous. As there quite a few, I made some batches... some easier than others. Mostly the cards were based on ideas I had after doing the wonderful challenges that Sonia thinks of and hosts each week on their challenge blog (see here).

Cards ~ with mask cut from Spellbinder Octagon dies, sponged Brilliance inks, SU Oriental stamp set.

 Cards made with Challenge taken from Joyce's purple gold card from here, made with 1 3/8" circle punch folded into squares.

 Set again made with SB die classic oval mask, sponged the Brilliance inks, SU Oriental stamp set.

 Cuttlebug folder Oriental frame set of our- inked like this post here, used SB octagons again plus charm. 

When colouring up add the colours you want it to go with it . As was shown on this folder here - looked at image and added those colours.

 Another one -same method but with SU tiny tag punch and stamp set, "friend" + "thanks so much".

Tnks so much everyone for popping over for a peek and chat, may god richly bless you and those you love. Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join these over with the following:

1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au
2. Stamping Sensations April Challenge - Use those Dies and/or Punches-   Punches or dies used on all cards.

Inking up Embossing folder + WOYWW

Hullo there everyone! Well, as quick as a blink it is now time again for  WOYWW (What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday hosted at our Head Desker, Julia of the Stamping Ground. Take a peek and learn just what folks are crafting making creating all 

over the world!
Well here is my desk as of now! A mess indeed, but creative one! an umbrella card from a precious friend is in the centre -  stamps near monkeys ready to put away as cleaned, few faithful tools, on left front is a card in process of being made. I surely hope I get to it today and one other out of view almost done .. two cards on go, plus one need to start...

Last week's desk brought some interest on inking up embossing folders, so have  taken some photos to share steps. Desk two days ago:

 Silver fern folder by Craft Concepts - use Brilliance pigment ink spots as have great sheen and easy.

Another inky effect all cut up ready to assemble on half made card... from Oriental set by Cuttlebug.

Step one: ink up base colour flattest side of embossing folder  - this can vary. 

Blue one above is opposite side to this one.

 Step 2: Emboss in cuttlebug. Clean folder sooner rather than later as much easier before drying :D wonder why I know?

Step 3: Added inks above to achieve effect desired.

The card on my desk came yesterday from France, isn't it so lovely? admired it on Anne's blog over here and lo! it appeared in my letter box - so kind!

Now to the view from Oz today... yes it is just this beautiful five minutes walk from here over at the special spot I like to wander when time permits.. how's this for a glorious part of Gods creation?!

Thanks so much everyone for popping over for peek and chat - you make my day. May God bless your day wherever you may be.

Shaz in Oz.x
PS cards from last week on posts below.. bit of catch up, if you want to peek!