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
Okay it’s WOYWW day again ie desk day, What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over HERE 😁 at Julia's .. so where’s my desk!? Actually it's four desks, over a few weeks!
Desk 1: Happened to come across this video by Christine Stokes (link here). Chrissie used 5 layers of toilet paper = snippets, I used four (forgot one layer). I think I'd use serviette next time, I've done this with serviette and die cutting, although didn't wet it, added card base too - See it here. Very successful too.
Snippets card (and a NBUS, as definitely never used loo paper on a card before!😂)
Added shimmer paints to define the letters, NOEL, this large wooden stamp was a gift from Ginny Maxam in US. Extended in shimmer green the quite small rectangle die .. cut it thrice to make green scalloped strip base.
Desk 2: Masking was inspired by a GinaK Insta movie - this is HERE closest I can find to it, as she used a stencil and masking on it.
Ahh, one I watched, here tis! Both are great five min videos, anyhoo 😂✅
Next desk 3 for Christmas cards, brayering. (Desk 4 is bonus background done while had brayer out - for brayering background file, note colours do fade some)
It's an idea that popped into my head as I was waking up one morning, seen the window die the day before in an old blog post, plus stamp was using too in other set! Adding another very old sentiment stamp from early 1990s. Decided it needed another appearing. Most of my crafty stash these days may be labelled DISCONTINUED. But still too many NBUS, think next set of dozen Christmas cards must use some NBUS.
The embossing of "Christ the Savior is born" is two tone, gold and platinum EP.
Loved effect, not that it's very visible in photos..
These are roughly A2 cards, as can get two of them and one larger 5 x 7” out of one A3 top quality 300gsm white cardstock sheet. Three cards out of one sheet is very economical.
Thankfully I’ve a new ream and a half of it left, as probably very expensive now, as thought it was when bought it years ago. So a dozen each in two designs, plus 1 in NOEL stamp = 25 cards, roughly a third of number needed.
Give some as presents at Christmas.
We’ve had some lovely clear days with stunning winters skies, this very short video is one taken and shared on the day I was out walking.
It was very cold about 4.30pm, the dogs didn’t notice cold, but swam joyously with the swiftly, moving creek tide. One more obedient than the other, he took the longest route possible! 😂
Took some still photos, too. Different days, my dad loved to paint these skies, see one of his here.
This is a photo of him (in 1970s) painting up on top of lookout above our coastline, it’s the only one I have of him painting ...
A memorable day, I took it on my first proper camera (a Ricoh), circa 1975.
Well, busy with birthday cards too, but share another day. Started also another dozen Christmas cards, so almost caught up when done, as was way behind. July 25th reminder helps me get skates on.
Thanks so much for popping over - I really appreciate it so much! I will visit as many as I can, but iPad now blocks all bloggers except those with pop up windows comment boxes.
May God bless you and all whom you love,
Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for the Day:
I think this is very hard today... to
"BE *STILL"
and
"*KNOW that I am God.."
two deliberate actions with a liberating result.
For then we are free to love and worship God, Who loves us so very much.
Stillness brings peace and rest, contentment .. as we rest in His everlasting arms.
5 NBUS = Never Used Before Schtuff = loo paper on a card before.. a NBUS technique that’s for sure, and it will be having another outing too as itching to do a blue or purple version, maybe with silver? https://mynbus.blogspot.com/2022/07/nbus-challenge-40.html
Hullo, hullo! It’s Wednesday... again! 😉😃 Those in the know, also know Wednesday is time for desks of the world at WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday So head over to Julia’s - peek, learn and share - do! I’ve been absent for six weeks so going through withdrawal! Desk, is a wee while ago - a card to encourage a friend and another birthday for an Aunty, using this very old beautiful PSX stamp of Sunflowers, the Ukrainian national flower, with the Ukrainian colours. Love my wood mount, used Stamp-ma-jig twice, in each stamping.
Some shared these thoughts on blogland, so joining, too. Praying much for all oppressed, suffering everywhere in war torn countries like Ukraine and Russia, for both people suffer, also Syria one of the most oppressed nations with Afghanistan, etc. my heart is often sad and burdened in prayer for all, + rarely mentioned women under sharia law, silent victims, their children.
This was a masking card, masked the image off to do Darkroom Door mesh mask background then coloured in flowers, etc. a mixture of media, Tombows Prisma pencils, the image was gold heat embossed.
The bible verse from Numbers ch 6 is wood mount, also same vintage 1990s. This is finished card several ways. This masked background with Stamp was seen on Jennifer McGuure so decided to CASE the technique,it’s a NBUS idea to me, too… will reuse. Though tedious doing mask once I have one it’s easier to replicate.
My Aunty’s card is quite different, first image shows me colouring image gold embossed vellum on the back, so it would show through.
Added gold to back of vellum circle. The cream card is embossed in Embossaliscious Orchid pattern 8"x8 EF, with Spellbinder Lacey border die, and Disc CB corners. Happy Birthday is Poppy Stamps.
Made a train card with Cheery Lynn Coo Choo, for Mister 9 - see full post recipe here. Di of Snippets made an original with these two dies, here, seven years ago and this is a similar card, as she reminded me, sorry Di didn’t credit, to be honest I’d forgotten. Probably latent in subconscious! 😉
This next card is Robin card made for my friend Robin, this the best photo I have - forgot to take a proper one of this one. This was still working on layout, but it stayed that way, not attached yet - life is way too busy and not been well, way it is these days.
Robin was on Christmas bonbon, added Glossy accents, EF timber folderon scraps inked up, leaves snippets with Sizzix leaf die, thread gold, from a gift card. Gold Die cut is SB 5 x 7 card size ❤️ - Heirloom Legacy. Stunning blue background, NBUS snippet of unknown origin. When you’ve been cardmaking as long as I have you are given all sorts of things at different times, some useful some not, some wonderful like this. An offcut/ snippet, I’m not sure if hand printed? Paper has the look of texture, is flat with a gorgeous sheen - a puzzle to be honest.
Gold embossed stamp is Disc. from 1990s too - “With God, ALL things are possible”.
“Love the LORD thy God with all thine heart” - Jesus said was the greatest commandment.
The second was “LOVE thy neighbour as thyself.”
Not enough of either in our day, as in Jesus time.
Have you ever noticed how often those who love God weep over such wrongdoing?
Jesus did, all the prophets before Him; often also in prayer these days too. So much which was once right and true - is now mocked, derided as wrong.
Those who speak TRUTH are growing few in number. MSM rules, while the very fibre of our nations is destroyed from within.. as it was in Roman times, in which Jesus lived. “Nothing new under the sun”, as Ecclesiastes 3 says.
Now two Aussie picks, one of late arvo walk yesterday, down by traquility of creek looking to Ocean.
It’s very turbulent today, blustery grey day, a land of contrasts.
Next a house remodeling by Mister 6, as described.
Thanks for popping over especially if you’ve time for a chat, or a cuppa even, the kettle is always on! 😊 praying for you and yours, for God’s blessing in all things.
May we especially take the time to remember the why of this season. See thought of day below.
Will be back again Sunday, God willing, on the happiest day of the year, Resurrection day!
Ginormous prayer hugs,
Shaz in Oz.x
The WHY of GOOD FRIDAY?
Years ago (over 50) 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 - that 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 no argument at all from me on that point!
I knew I had done wrong, that was sin.. but that Jesus had died to take away my sin totally blew me away.
That memorable day, I saw for the first time, that Jesus was on the cross for my sin - this has lived evermore for me, as sung in these words of this hymn.
At top are some cards just out of view, in front right is the wonderful ATC from Shaz Silverwolf (thanks so VERY much, Shaz). I sent Shaz an ATC via Jo on 16/5, sent ATCs to three addresses in England, but have not heard yet that one has made it all the way there from Oz. ☹️
There are Distress inks. A mask was made with a SB Labels Die cut out of a scrap cardstock, masking done with repositionable tape on back, made three and will make more. Ink mat with Inkylicious brushes & DI inks + full size and minis - minis stored in video case, bought from op shop .20c a video case. Great storage for ink pads + unmounted stamps.
Used on top DI blues x4, Dusty Concord, touch of Weathered Wood. Bottom has the Antique Linen, with touch of Frayed Burlap and Fossilised Amber DI. Used hand cut hill mask cut out of scrap paper. The stamp is Nellie Snellen Nativity Silhouette clear stamp, inked up with Versafine Majestic Blue ink, and clear EP. Greeting is from PB Wonder set, on magazine years ago now. It’s so hard to find long narrow greetings, which you need at bottom of card, that’s why I often use digis. Looked everywhere years for long narrow Christmas Bible verses in clear stamps, but none of Christmas bible verse.
Completed cards, it’s a one layer card, so very CAS. This image is of the flight into Egypt by Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Jesus wasn't actually a baby (see here for full story), but toddler under two years old. However it’s rarely shown any other way but as quite a young baby. Will do a few more, have 32 cards done now so almost half way... might try some other verses from ODB on it.. We’ve had some lovely lovely rain, I am ok, yes, shin is still slow. It’s rose time and will be pruned in July. I don’t do them as there are three dozen! And have two more newies to replace lost ones. Well, here’s the Aussie shots.. our loaded lemon tree, isn’t it cute?
It’s kept pruned to five foot, and as result produces very large lemons, last year one over 500grams.
Also cream poinsettia growing in back corner, have no frosts here.😊
And sea view to close, looking north. That’s it for today. Thanks so very much for popping over for a peek and chat, especially if you have time to say hi! May God bless your day wherever you maybe. Hugs Shaz in Oz. X Thought for day:
Love this. As weak I am, WITH God there is hope! For WITH GOD, ALL things are possible! ❤❤❤
Well, yes, it IS Wednesday again!! Weeks are flying by.. in a few days we’re into second half of 2018!! That's as maybe, but it’s time for WOYWW.. so let’s pop over to Julia’s Stamping Ground for desks of the world!
To my desk:
So busy again, finished on left are Christmas cards for Rudolph day or Scrappy Mo’s Christmas card challenge. The card on right is in process with mask and TH Oxides, they’re fab on stencils, perfect blending with the ink tools. Don’t have a sponge for each of my Inks. Have too little pennies to do that and wash the sponges out each time and use foam applicator near colour of ink pad.
Store them in an old Video case. Use those Video cases (Note: video not DVD, as deeper + no bits needing removal) on my mini Inks pads, too, they fit perfectly in my freebie long narrow bookcase, was DVD holder I think. I’ve bought old cases very cheaply for .10c or .20c at opportunity shop. Perfect for unmounted stamps too.
Here are cards finished.
The Christmas card has been de-bossed or recessed into back of base, by running in through embossing sandwich in C'bug .. I actually was really disappointed on one aspect of this gorgeous Sugar Pea Nativity scene die (a very kind gift from Miss Di ❤️). I’d planned to use this snippet of alcohol ink smooshing top and bottom, top on one and bottom on another. But you can’t!!
See that star die, near stable in top?
Wondered why they didn’t attach the star by wires for easy removal then you can reverse the scene.
Because of die design it can’t be done sadly. That being said I totally love it. So easy to use with a quick card made, I’m probably the only one who thinks of it that way. Used snippets the top white piece, a snippet as well as blue silver alcohol piece on gloss card, made last Christmas. Stampendous wood mount stamp 1994.
The colours chosen are because they’re my Aunty Helen’s very favourite colours.. she’s very dear to me. Those of you who pray, please pray for her. She is so very bravely fighting cancer with hubby uncle Ted standing by supporting.
So now sharing the Aussie shots. Truly live in magnificent place. First shot shows moon rising, almost full moon. The second shot called out to me, was on other side of street and looked saw this and quickly crossed over... such amazing colours!!
Thanks so much to each of you for popping over especially if you say hi. May our dear Heavenly Father bless you all in all your doings,
Prayer Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x
This verse is so precious.
We have Someone watching out for us that we will never clearly understand in this life. I have a friend who says that “Coincidence is God’s way of anonymous “. It’s truly wondrous to me that He gives His angels watchcare over us. However help is there for the asking - we are made with a free will, it is our choice ... it is not forced upon us. He is a God of Love. His love is always reaching out to us.
Well, another Wed here in a blink. One day off shortest day of year for Downunder ... can't wait for summer! For desks of the world, pop over to Julia's, do please, at the Stamping ground.
Now to my desk!!
One can see Masks, Oxides, DI tools, cute Lawn Fawn Hedgies. Saw Kristina Werner do partial masking with cute die cuts stamping. Inked images with Black Onyx Versafine with EP and then coloured Promarkers. Fussy cut here, as no matching die cuts.
TIPS: You can use black Versafine (a pigment ink) or blue red, green, purple and make it white gold or silver or whatever EP is. Don't need Versamark pad, really. I found this out by being too lazy to clean my stamp. 😊
TIP 2: Set Oxides with hairspray. Works a treat, removes oxide look. 👍 Love saving pennies!!!
TIP 3: With mask inking, especially one like zigzag one, use a gentle pouncing with sponge applicator - works best. After mask inked lift and add excess ink over same spot to soften the colours.
Used two masks one below Darkroom Door Mesh and Zigzag is a Huey mask.
None of the two cards are finished for photos. Attached images with "White -tac" as outside light was fading fast. Our shortest day tomorrow... YAY!
TIP 4: Had Black ink from stamp catch top of this card top. Removed it with my usual array. Being a calligrapher, I'm a collector of rubbers/ or erasers. The old Staedtler ink/ pencil combo is a good standby, Pentel Hyperaser is ultra thin and handy for tight spots, not unlike Mono, and lastly the newer Mono eraser. Ink removed.
TIP 5 : Always polish over the surface of paper/card with pencil eraser as it removes furry surface. Below is Washi Scored card. For details see post below.
Some lovely photos from Oz went for walk yesterday with someone very dear. Took this photo of our families favourite spot. Aren't those clouds amazing. God's glory shown forth! Glory indeed.. t'was real winter's day with wind as well !!
My brother in law snapped these white Corellas I think.. checking them out, I suspect.
Thank you so much for taking time to pop over and say hi.. especially if you take time to leave a comment. You do so bless my heart!!
Going to make a real effort to comment this week!!
God bless you in your day.
Prayer hugs,
Shaz in Oz. Xxx
I love this verse.. it begins with "we have NO might... neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee!"
How precious it is.. our God is more than willing and able if we but call upon Him. I'm daily needing it at the moment. Trials draw us closer to Him. 😊
