Scrappy Mo’s Inky Christmas challenge + Early WOYWW

Suddenly realised a few days back its time for Scrappy Mo’s Christmas Challenge, from 25th of each month till end. And as I’ve made it each month this year, I didn’t want to miss.

Well, bit early this week for desk day or WOYWW, but do pop over to Julia’s for What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday.
To my desk a few days ago: 
I’m getting inky as wanted a background for die cut to layer up as focal point. Used DI with brushes on ultra cheap scrap of watercolour paper.

As you can see used Diamond Dust Glimmermist on top.

The card finished - is really all snippets even the base, left over from A3 sheet when made square card below. Centre white piece was left over from another card as were side silver bits and the layered  diecuts.

Die is CCD, EF is Snowfall by Taylored Expressions. Verse “For unto us a child is born” is from Nativity Itty Bitty set by Unity Stamp set, and silver embossed.

More snippets on this card in fact all but base.. this is from my “Use it or Else” bag.

The image with verse “The Lord is Good is Stronghold in day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him” was printed ages ago, as was the random digi printed paper, they matched beautifully.

Diecut in gold is Yvonne Creations called Holly Jolly Christmas, saw it year or so ago on Loz’s blog and she enabled me! Corners are Lala Land Filgree corner die.

Last card was in my "Almost-made-up-bag". Added the gold base and adhered it all. It was originally made back here - recipe here, especially tip in emboss resist with brushos. Same design,

Next photo overload Aussie shots, skip if you like - from family visiting Victoria.

First two, are at Brighton, Melbourne, roses to remind you it’s spring here.

Second is at Brighton beach with very expensive beach huts, $300,000+ . Must be resident to own one.

This is sure to set you salivating, a world renowned bakery in city of Melbourne. Was told there were busloads of Asians queuing ten deep to buy, so only looked!

These are in Dandenong range, east of Melbourne. Tallest flowering tree in world on right, Eucalyptus Regans or mountain ash. Yarra River in background, in upper reaches.

The beautiful rhododendrons, etc from Dandenong Botanic Gardens.

With bonus decorations from Cloudhill Gardens.

Looking south from Phillip Is, home of fairy penguins.

Very last one is a local beach taken few days ago, the black dots in breaking wave section are surfers as its a good southern break, one of dad’s favourite spots.
Am thinking and praying for all suffering with devastation of drought in Oz, still not much rain in NSW good rain in Qld so praying on, etc, prayer for fires in US too.
Mid-north coast where I live there are several townships evacuated, fire spotting ahead of fire front due to bad winds and dryness of vegetaion.
As said last week, this week is very full on with quick trip to Syd Drs, 520 km south. Will try catch up commenting at weekend, or bit after, God willing?!
Thanks so much every one for popping over for a peek and chat! 😀
May God bless your day wherever you may be.
Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for the day:

These verses come directly before the Great is Thy faithfulness passage, and really are a rebuke to me to remember my great HOPE in God. Our Father in Heaven never fails in watching over His wayward sheep 🐑 it is indeed of His mercies that we are kept!

Joining up with:

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

2. Rudolph's days over at Scrappy Mo's https://scrapsoflifebyscrappymo.blogspot.com/

3. http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/week-543-make-your-own-background-no-dps.html Brushos
4. http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com/2019/10/pixies-snippets-playground-challenge-364.html Christmas Card ALL Snippets!
5 http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.com/ Patterned paper square card.
6.http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/chnc-challenge-461.html?m=0
7. http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/abc-christmas-challenge-u-v-are-for.html?m=1 Using U is for Upcycle as all of Christmas card is recycled card 

Brushos with Stencil + Heat Embossed Stamping + WOYWW

Hi there everyone, yes .. tis  Wednesday! Popping over to deskland at Julia’s Stamping Ground! Check out worldwide creativity in What is on Your Workdesk Wednesday! My desk:

Not interesting, yesterday was cleaning day. Unsure what I’m doing here, green card mid-make was a happy accident. Tried to deep white emboss this cardstock. As spritzed it with water for a deeper emboss, a little bit of brushos appeared with droplets on white sheet of card from last use. 😜
Thought: “Mm, wonder? Mm, add more brushos, I think! ”.  Being CB Asian bamboo EF, chose two greens with touch of yellow! Love it, few ideas floating around. 

Now to cards created on far right of desk. First two were on last week’s desk.
Probably won’t blog next Wed unless really organised as off to big smoke for annual Drs check, have tests done and one more to do, mostly ok but all in God’s hands.

Card 1: started as brusho background, thought to do reverse resist. Used unmounted PB Winter Ledge stamp given to my by Anne in France (thanks! ❤️), with clear EP on image. Tried to colour lift, found it didn’t work like video, as I’d not used watercolour paper or that quality card.. but back of food box. 
Lift as much as possible then added white chalk ink, plus Diamond Dust glimmer mist, then Sapphire DI in spots to highlight. Yes!!! 😁 now happy with it!  Used new Stamp set greeting from Simon Says shown few weeks back, corners are a diecut SB Magnificent Squares, cut in 4. Used outer edge as corner die.

Isn’t this verse beautiful?
"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." 
One of the Beautitudes, I love it, for a very dear couple who just lost their brother & brother-in-law.

Next is also brushos from last week. Whinged re the TH Mosaic Tag Stencil being crazy narrow. Extended it width wise by matching up pattern, imperfections but hidden with dies as an eye distraction. Love die MB poppy, and  HB die is CCD. Triple mounted die cuts, different but really love it, for special niece who doesn’t look at blog.

Last one started on this desk here. I need another sympathy card but think this washi paper, with Ultimate Crafts Dragonfly and Simon say hugs prayer set is bit too arty for her. She’s very traditional. May try another, can see it, just have to make it. 😉

I love how washi cuts with word dies, do need to back with cardstock, but can use scraps.
Now to Aussie shots - from here, been on several creek walks, did a video but not sure if folks would like it so didn’t upload it. It’s really amazing the bird calls we have.

There are mangroves the scrubby low growing bushes, they grow in salt water, use the low tide breathing tubes to help cope with salt and exude the salt in lumps in their leaves.

There was a lovely white heron in the water feeding .. a fair way off though.

This is a brush turkey (the ones that dig up my garden, I chase them out of our yard!).
This is a tidal creek, these are near town centre.

This image is five mins from my place, left are mangroves. If you scroll in on the green water area there’s lots and lots of fish. Swimming about happily till you throw in a line, very clear water!

Here is a hanger-on! on my garden shirt yesterday when pruning, they are hibiscus beetles, and yes, also called  stink beetles, 'cos they can!

Last image one below I found last night via FB. Have you ever heard of a Purple-crowned Fairy Wren?

I saw a photo of one on FB, thought someone has photo edited, but no! God’s creation is absolutely amazing!

How anyone can think that something as stunning as this can evolve from a blob of goo over millions or billions of years is beyond my understanding.
I think that takes more faith to believe that.. than to believe God did it! 
Video well worth watch, it’s up in North Oz as they’re only found in Nth Territory or Nth WA, in pandanus habitat. Photo screen shot from video.

https://youtu.be/RxAvXyMQHws
That's it for today, some rain in drought parts. "...mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead", as the Hymn says.. so praying on! 

May God bless you and all you love,  

Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for day:

Oh boy, do I ever do this the wrong way around!

Our default nature is to worry.. then pray then worry some more.
Something wrong with system there. We are to cast our burden upon the Lord as Psalms says, BUT LEAVE IT there, not pull it back with fishing line method!
Not God's way. Pray, plead, trust rest, fret not... as said in Ps. 37.

Linking up to:

1. Word Art Wednesday

2. http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/pbsc-october-anything-goesoptional_19.html?m=1

3. Crafty cardmakers - Sparkle challenge Sympathy card has sheen from Glimmer mist Diamond Dust. Not captured well. Also hugs prayers washi which has shiny sparkly sliver in washi and in dragonfly and words.
4. Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Hugs Prayers card Fall or autumn colours (found in washi)
5. http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/week-542-add-something-gold-andor-silver.html?m=1 add silver/ gold.. a little or lot. Hug Prayers card.

Brushos with Silhouette Christmas Dies + WOYWW

Yes, it’s here again.. desk day!! It’s WOYWW or What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday... please head over to Julia’s HERE for desks of the world!

My desk as left last night. There are a few things going on here! On left brushos not put away as want to use again. Middle is a Sympathy Card in make, scene was brusho, tried one thing - didn’t work, so tried another idea or three! 
I don’t give up easily and finally happy with end result.. or think I will be. It’s funny 😂 it’s only a biscuit card background, but really fight to make it something I’m happy with! Two spray bottles at back used and on right are more brusho backgrounds with texture paste on them. TH Mosaic stencil which is lovely - but an annoying tag width (am I only one who dislikes this?). Thus I’ve added extra on side and really not noticeable, except at this angle. The one on far right has glitter on it as well, not sure what they’ll turn into, but do need a “Praying for You” Card. Very extreme right, almost out of sight are completed cards. Rest are usual suspects.

Cards completed, yes! two more Christmas now up to 43, but aiming for 80 or minimum of 70, want to gift some. These were begun on last weeks desks with brusho backgrounds, saw Kate's great offtering on Rudolph challenge (here). This is my take on it thus far, made two but number of more planned with other dies. So used Di of Snippets Playground die of nativityscape by Sugar Pea. Really, really love it. Dies are great for using Snippets and as brusho coloured backgrounds are inside of cereal, frozen food, biscuit packets on white side it’s one cheap card! Base only new purchase, premade 5 x7”. "Silent Night" is a CCD.

Aussie views are mixed locations. Two from Grampian range on west Victoria.

Stunning escarpment, first one is What’s app from family there. Two slackliners in high winds, too! acc. to family, near Mt Kenya; lots of climbers, as it’s one of Aust top rock climbing locations.

Second one is Brooks Lookout also in Grampians National Park.

These are Ballarat’s Botanic Gardens, plantings began in 1860, early for Aust, after beginning of 1850’s gold rush.

 The two stunning sea views are not here but FOUR hours, flying time, west of here on east coast, family on south west coast of WA stunning coastline!

Apologies for being bad blogger last week, very full on, and wheels fell off! God willing, will do all this week! 
Well, that’s me for today.
Lord bless and keep you all safe, in all your ways,
Prayer hugs, 
Shaz in Oz.x
UPDATE re drought and fires:
All fires under control, but not out, two lives lost in fires three hours north, and incredibly sadly 64 homes. 
I’m very grateful yest found out my friend in middle of fires okay, house safe, but lost stock, grasslands, fences, outbuildings. Sad for them, but but not as sad as some, for video details on this here.
Fires still at watch and act level, with high winds, & low humidity, both negative factors. 
Praise God - some good rain in SE Qld and some in northern NSW. The farm I showed last week which experienced a dust storm had 4mm, 1/8 of inch. Much, much, more needed so I’m praying and fasting on, till drought breaks I think, it was for month of Oct, called by interdenominational church group. I may do as long as required. Think it’s my responsibility as a Christian. 
Thought for the Day:
Came across this verse in Isaiah during week, it's one of God's promises to those who love Him.

I love that God promises:
1. Safety 
2. Bread and most of all "sure waters". 
Claiming that, and praying much for those who are struggling, that in midst of it they will seek the help of the Father Who is only ever a prayer away.

 Linking up to:

1. Word Art Wednesday

2. Yay!! Loads of snippets here... so off to playground for sure!

3. Crafty Cardmakers Add some sparkle. Gem on star. Hope that's enough!
4. http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/chnc-challenge-459.html?m=1
5. http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/abc-christmas-challenge-u-v-are-for.html?m=1 I'm using U is for Upcycle with recycled card from food packets.

Distress Oxides Stencil Layering for Christmas + WOYWW

Yess! It’s Wednesday so time for WOYWW again or What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday? Over to Queen of Deskland - Julia of the Stamping Ground. My desk today..

Hope to make another batch of cards, since Christmas pile needs a boost. Saw this idea on last week’s Scrappy Mo challenge with brusho backgrounds so late night pulled out some biscuit packet with white backing and sprinkled, spritzed and splattered result nice bright backgrounds, two more subdued on left out of photo. Three masks are washed in cases waiting to go away showing them on next desk. Tiny white scribbled paper on top of right side stencils? Card ideas.

So here I using an idea I saw over at Sarah’s craft shed last week, not her WOYWW post but one before, I often wander around when doing WOYWW, only time being a sticky beak isn’t bad manners.😁 Sarah used Oxides, beautifully layered with masking for background. Added embossed gold images. I thought Christmas cards. Yes! wild tangent, but that’s me! Layered colours three blue DOxides, needed deep blue, tried regular DI chipped sapphire. Worked just fine. Mask colour was citron oxide, with three stencils.
NOTE TO SELF: don’t seal Oxides before heat Embossing. Seal Oxides with hairspray or micro distress glaze, to make colours pop. But one I accidentally did it before Stamping and embossed ugh! Powder everywhere shouldn’t be! Turned out kinda ok but lots of work.

Finished cards, set of 4, the stamps are Stampendous Glory to God wood moubt, bought with Marilyn in Florida last Sept, nativity stamp is quite old wood mount stamp. Used my stamp-ma-jig to position them. Not going to mess up after that!
Aussie photos are from today! I went to our botanic gardens with a friend, so nice. So sharing some of our amazing plants.

Below Gymea Lily with a Waratah tree above it, Waratah Tree close up.

These are Clivia, and Lily pond with a tortured willow in front of it, it was shaped like a little cubby size for little people. Yes, I could fit in it!

Next two photos are from family travelling in Victoria.. first is silo paintings on the silo art trail down there, amazing pencil-like black and white drawings. Next garden bed with some stocks in Gardens there in central Vic. They’ve not had severe drought of elsewhere so family enjoyed visit thus far.
Pray you’re all well, and thanks so much for popping over for a peek and chat. May God richly bless you wherever you maybe!
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for Today: 
These photos were taken this week, if you put a pin in the middle of NSW, you’d probably land near Gunnedah where these were taken.

I’m praying for Darryn & Michelle  Phinn and their family at Carol, who’ve been living, breathing in this dust, parched landscape - day after day. That’s dust storm on horizon, with willy-willy in one of photos. 
PRAY please for Darryn & Michelle, for relief with rain. 
Praying also for Rappville , a small town three hours north west of us.
There were 30 homes lost last night in bushfire, nearly the whole town gone, including village hall. Incredibly it looks like it was deliberately lit. So sad.
Why do sad things happen? Jesus' answer to this question was this:

God sees what we cannot, "His way is perfect", and "He will perfect that which concerneth me", and you, as we seek Him. 
Blessings, dear ones, I pray for you in your burdens.
“Our Heavenly Father knoweth.” “He careth for you”.

Also joining over with:
1. http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/?m=1 

2. Christmas card