Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 50 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Wednesday 8 January 2020

Watercolour Poinsettia + WOYWW

Hullo everyone, into our second week of year! Guess 2020 isn’t slowing either! As Wednesday time for WOYWW or What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, pop over here to Julia’s do.. we’re a friendly bunch! 😊
So my desk.. it’s actually a bit clean for me as cleanup continues! Wow, the things I’ve found. 
Plus need clean area doing the watercolour cards I stamped and embossed last week! 
A QUESTION, please: To anyone out there who has glass mat, are they a good purchase? I’m looking at one (coming birthday), Tonic to be prezact, as they’re in my price range here, and A3 and 12 x 12.
They both have advantages and disadvantages. 
Question: 1. is glass mat good investment?
2. Do you heat emboss on them just fine? 
Angela has an Xcut and she said she does.
Desk is Distress Ink watercolour, I added Tombows to mix to make colours pop more on finished cards.
I’ve managed now to make a dozen Christmas cards of my January two dozen aim, which is good as next week is wipe out with visitors and will be prob MIA.
Finished cards, as you can see they’re quite different from last weeks with same stamp, the stamp Poinsetta CCS set.
Verse is really great one by Stampendous so sharing close up. As you can see did three, slightly different.
Last card is a Snippets card well and truly. All those green pieces were digis. I found when doing search a year or so ago for a person who loves green and found them again in cleanup. 
They looked so good together the card was born, butterfly was digi too.
I added a verse by Stampabilities, a favourite verse of mine which I often claim “WITH God ALL things are possible.” 
I want to especially thank all those who’ve popped over recently to say they’re thinking and praying for us. You are appreciated deeply.
Also loads of unspoken jobs are being done for months. By Aussies, army etc and other nations from overseas, too. Sadly press dramatises it all as if nothing is being done. This is wrong & untrue. This group in grey were called by locals "grey angels" and from army found a lady's jewel box with grandmas jewels intact! 
They've been amazing as are sooo many!
Criticism of our PM is also unjust. Also I want to praise God here, because many are praying as I have for keeping safe of all folks, praying for wind changes, etc.
Many answers given.Time and time again have heard seen tales of amazing protection, especially through wind change.
Much better  illustration & more on drought fires over at latest post on my other blog here. LOTS of past examples to give local context to the current events.

“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous“ quote of a friend.
The most recent miracle was on Kangaroo Island in the southern ocean of Sth Aust., the Wildlife Park there was suddenly saved by a wind change! I heard it on radio today, plus was on FB in comments on post. 
Also after a recent visit there by a family member, they said today although the fires are really horrible, some wildlife had had to be sterilised due to overpopulation on such a small island. Culling has its natural advantages, although horrible, & some flora depend of fires for regeneration of seeds. 
Also a koala is not a bear! Bears are mammals, koalas are marsupials not mammals.
Quite unique but not cuddly like they appear, they've good claws! And can be cranky, as like to sleep 18 - 22 hours a day!
Now a few images from here, this is the Mother in law tongue flowering, it has such a pretty flower hasn’t it?
Next is beautiful red Brommeliad and behind it pale peach Anthirium growing in our courtyard garden, when I take photos.
The last one is late afternoon taken down at our creek. Lovely reflections.
Well, that’s it for today thanks so very much for coming over for peek and chat. I did most commenting last week but still have few more to do .. struggle sometimes but love to make it around as learn lots.
Happy WOYWW and May God bless your day and keep you an yours safe wherever you maybe, special prayers for next two days as they’re bad fire days, and huge praise for rain fallen in various drought or firey places in last 48 hours, God is gracious.
Hugs Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for the Day:

Wouldn't this make a lovely card? Saw this digi on FB so saved it as it's long been favourite of mine. 
"The joy of the LORD is thy Strength". 
I've illuminated it, and I've always considered Strength is God hence capitals. When life is hard, and there is little joy, then it's  knowing God's comfort, help and grace that joy is found. Truly that then is the joy of the Lord which is Thy Strength!
*****
Linking up to the following:
1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes. All cards  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/

29 comments:

Anne said...

Your poinsettia cards are lovely and your butterfly card is gorgeous! Bravo you! Stunning photo of the sea and reflections, wow! We continue to pray for your country and are thankful for the mercies God has shown.xx

loz said...

Gorgeous cards Shaz. I have never had a glass mat so I can not help you. Beautiful photos of your flowers and the koalas.. Very sad they are trapped in the fires and all the other wildlife and families also.. Loz...

Annie said...

Really love the latest cards Shaz. The fires throughout your country are so upsetting. I really hope you get some rain very soon.
Hugs,
Annie x #12

Julia Dunnit said...

Oh my gosh those cards are making me swoon, how beautifully you are colouring them. Can’t beat a bit of embossed beautiful text either. Loving the sight of your desk! My cousin from Jervis Bay is here on a long planned visit, but they are cutting a bit short, desperate to get home and help and be included where they can. I am so pleased to read on your blog that there is so much going on behind the scenes. The bush fire stories are on our news bulletins but even the BBC can’t move away from the Peril and throw some light on the community’s that are working together. Not to downplay the Peril. Australia is ve much in everyone’s thoughts and prayers right now.

Julia Dunnit said...

I totally forgot to say...I have a glass mat by EK Success. It’s about 14” square and I would probably try to save it from a fire. Love it. It takes heat gun, paint, glue, acts as a palette, easy to clean and has even survived several drops. (I used to take it with me for demos). Shoshi has the new TH multi mat, has recently reviewed it. We have a difference of opinion about cutting on glass mats, she doesn’t, I do. I did a blog post in praise of my mat, but it would take a while to find. If I can, I will and pint you to it. Xxx

Julia Dunnit said...

I found it! Lordy!! It’s not as in depth as it could be, for sure, I was only about a year into being a blog writer and didn’t realise my full potential for wittering!! http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/2010/12/so-glass-mat.html xxxx

Glenda said...

I pray daily for your country. It breaks my heart to see all the devestation! I love your cards of course the poinsettia is lovely! I have a glass mat and have used it for everything just like my other craft mats. The only thing is glue and stuff will stick to us but I have a "window scraper" with a blade in it to scrap all that stuff off without scratching it. I hope it will last me the rest of my crafting days!
Glenda #19

shazsilverwolf said...

HI Shaz, fabulous cards, love them very much.
As for glass mats- I bought the Tim Holtz one, the black one. I both love and dislike it, to be honest. I love that I can heat emboss straight onto it, glue and ink cleans off really easily.It's very sturdy, and has plenty of non slip feet under it.
On the down side, I dislike how reflective it is, I struggle now to get 'step by step' photographs, I have to move everything around, as the glass mat reflects my ceiling lights (Florescent tubes). I also dislike the fact that cutting on one dulls your blades faster, and I have found my scalpel blades actually mark the glass.
Overall, yes it was a good buy, and very useful, it's just a couple of little niggles, really.
Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #6 X

StampinCarol said...

I've been praying for your country, too. Such heartbreak.
I LOVE my Tonic glass mat! I even use it as a palette for my watercolors and other mixed media. I do use a 12 x 12 paper to photo on as I agree with Shaz about the reflective qualities.
Your cards are just gorgeous!!! Interesting name, Mother in law flower. Have a wonderful week!
Carol N #20

Helen said...

Gorgeous cards of course ! Never seen a mother in laws tongue flower, even at kew! Seems the press the world over take things too far . Helen #1

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your poinsettias are GORGEOUS with that pretty color blend. Lovely job!
I just got the tonic mat for Christmas and haven’t used it long. I can say it is solid, and it doesn’t move around on my desk top at all. I haven’t had a chance to use my heat gun on it, but I am pretty sure it will take the heat. It is a nice size for my work area, but I am sure you could look up the dimensions and see if it would work for you.

Aimeslee Winans said...

Bless you all down under, Shaz. I have to shake my head, the media here in the states is JUST NOW focussing on your fires, whilest those of us with Aussie blogging friends know just how long it's been. I wonder sometimes if there is an intellectually curious journalist left. Geez. Anyway, you are all in my prayers every night. Those cards are gorgeous. You always do such great work. I can tell you about your glass mat! Finally something I can attest to. I use a 13-inch thick Tonic glass mat with rounded edges to do ALL my heat embossing on and it works like a dream. Never gets hot, but then it sits on a very thick old wood cutting board that I scarfed from the kitchen once It began getting worn. My hubby told me to put it on some wood and then sit that on my table. So I did. I've used the glass mat right on the table though with no problems. Tonic makes a great mat! xoxo

Caro said...

Gorgeous cards and quotes this week. In answer to your question about the Tim Holtz mat, yes the white bit, under the sheet/matt is glass with lines to make a pallet - I havent used it much yet, but it is great for mixing colours. I am liking the entire thing so far, but havent experimented a great deal yet. You and your country are regularly in my prayers at the moment so it is wonderful to hear about some of the miracles that have occurred. Please do keep us informed. Happy WOYWW. I hope you have a good week, with love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#11)

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Australia has been uppermost in our thoughts over here - the unfolding stories are heartbreaking but also inspiring too. I've donated to the Aussie Red Cross as they do such amazing work. Let's hope that the rain continues to fall and help the situation. Gorgeous cards btw!
HUgs LLJ 2 xxx

Cath Wilson said...

I'll keep praying, Shaz. So sorry it's lasting so long...what on earth is God up to? You must all be tearing your hearts out! God bring lots of fruit from it, despite the pain!
I have a bog standard large glass kitchen cutting mat on my desk and love it because I can just scribble felt tips and add water, or just run ink pads over, then clean it up with a baby wipe and a flannel. Works great for me...I'm not a WOYWWer these days (I was and still have my card holder to prove it, lol) but thought I'd add my bit. I came to see your gorgeous poinsettias...love the fact that you use scriptures on everything...yay God!
Cath x

Betsy said...

Good morning my dear sweet sister Shaz. Your newest cards are so lovely. I never tire of that verse. Unto us a saviour was born. How amazing is that? Also, the joy of the Lord IS our Strength. Without it we would be nothing.
Your talent in making such works of art is incredible. I wouldn't know where to begin. I have your Christmas card out on our console table where it will stay all year, next to a little Nativity scene made for me by a blog friend.
I'm so glad that the fires have suddenly garnered attention in the media. I know people have been working for months against them. Maybe now even more resources will come. I'm glad to hear of the miracles that are happening daily around Australia. I'll keep praying for even more of them and that people will realize that it is the mighty hand of God. I'm also praying for a turn around to salvation for your country, mine and the world as a whole.
Blessings,
Betsy

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Shaz, your cards are lovely, the butterfly card is a stunner and I am enjoying looking at that beautiful landscape. If the mat says it's made from tempered glass then it should stand up to the type of heat you would get from a heat gun, so you need to check this before buying.
Wishing you a very happy creative woyww, Angela x8x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Your watercolouring is amazing Shaz, as well your designs!!! Fabulous poinsettias cards and love so much also the one with the green layers and the gorgeous butterfly!!
Hope and pray that rain falls, again and again... and helps to stop fires.
Take care
Hugs

Diana Taylor said...

Your Poinsettia cards are beautiful, I love the delicate shading of the watercolours, and the green card is stunning too - that butterfly is spectacular. Australia is very much in our thoughts and prayers over here,
Hugs, Diana xx #16

berucrafts said...

Oh, how great, coloring cards you made... really artistic... I also pray four Australia... and I often think about. I love all the animals there, also there a lot of poison one... It is terrible what happened and I hope that the fire can be stoped.
Thank you very much for joining us at the Simon Say Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

Hugs and good luck
Ute
DT Spotlight Januar 2020

Anne said...

Beautiful cards plants and views Shaz
I continue to pray for everyone. My friend;s family is now safe. However another friend has family in Australia, she has chased around all over avoiding the fires. On return to her home she found all but her car and patio completely destroyed.
I have am hoping to make some knitted/ crochet items as requested by a group in Aus that has followers now all over the world. Someone has found someone who is going over and will take a suitcase full of items. There are many doing similar in UK and worldwide.
Take care Shaz Anne x 22

LilArtsyWoman said...

Your cards are lovely as always. Thanks for the news about your area. Glad you are doing well and is continuing to craft.

Conniecrafter said...

Your poinsettias are just gorgeous, your coloring of them is so pretty!
I have the Tonic glass mat have had it for a long time and I use it every day for everything I do, it cleans up real well, I would recommend it.
So wonderful those people who come to help others when disasters happen.
Love your beach picture and so good to see some blue sky there instead of smokey sky. Continued prayers for rain

Shelly Schmidt said...

The poinsettia's are just beautiful! And, how wonderful is your snippets of blues and greens- love that combo of colors!
I have been thinking of you! We are hearing many stories of all of the help you are getting and the ongoing work being done there. The boy with a carful of Kaolas is all over our social newtwok here!
Happy New Year Shaz!!!

Sarah Brennan said...

I have the Tonic A3+ glass mat Shaz and it is all I use for working on. I use my heat gun near/on it with no ill effects and it is easy to clean up. I find it easier for cutting too although it does blunt the blade slightly quicker than using a self healing mat. I wouldn't go back now. Beautiful cards, the digi butterfly finishes off that stunning blue/green card perfectly. Still praying for significant rain in Oz. Happy WOYWW. Sarah #3

kiwimeskreations said...

Dear Shaz - thank you for counteracting the media in your own small way - I get so sick of the (untrue) negativity of the media!
Loving your cards - so beautifully made and showing the Word so beautifully. Your scrappy blue/green one is exquisite.
Thank you for joining us at the current Word Art Wednesday Challenge
Blessings
Maxine
WAW DT

Crafting With Jack said...

Love your cards and that last image which I think is a Karla Dornacher one. For me the glass mats are brilliant, I have the Tonic A3. I use it all the time and can't think of any disadvantages. x Angela #27

Pia S said...

The poinsettias are beautifully colored and it’s such a pretty effect with the golden embossing. You’ve got an impressive stack of Christmas cards already, wow.

EmmaT said...

Beautiful cards, the poinsettia is lovely. Emmax

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