Vale ShazSilverwolf + WOYWW + Joseph’s Coat Technique

 Hi dear ones, well it’s a bit of a sad post 😢 today for those of us in blogland and WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday (Deskland over at Queen Julia’s blog here). I was introduced to WOYWW by a few bloggers back in 2010, when I started blogging, and one of my first followers, was ShazSilverwolf ... thanks to Maggie Silvercrafter and WOYWW. To my desk.. and Shaz and her handicrafts are the desk stars ⭐️

So grateful to have met Shaz in 2018 at Margaret’s Llandudno crop. This large photo triptych was made by Shaz for me to remember that day, it arrived chez Margaret the day before I left for Florida (it's described in Shaz's last post for 2018, here, as her favourite make in 2018, so honoured). Normally, it’s between kitchen - dining room, however now it needs to be promoted to my craft room..

Large photo in centre of tryptich.

This is another one of them.. yes, we laughed!

 On the right is photo of Jan and Julia, as Julia was unable to come due to family commitments, BUT our Shaz made sure she made an appearance all the same 😃❤️.

The very last card from dear Shaz is the Christmas card at the back left and it rather touched me as knew Shaz was so unwell. The rest are various ATCs by Shaz and my total favourite (it’s out on my shelves all the time) is the purple and silver WOYWW 10. (My craft room is purple 💜😉). I think the saying on that ATC epitomises Shaz ..  “With love from the heart”... “Friends - the essence of Life.” Now some joys of the wonderful day at Llandudno. I never published any photos at the time as was still month before I was home. It was my last trip, my darling dad (story here) had just passed before I left, and it truly was such a time of miracles. At the time I described that day as “a-pinch-me-is-it-real?” kind of day. Starting with the food table spread by Margaret, Chris and other helpers hands, centre at tables is dear Shaz.

Photos will now follow as a bunch, as those who know, can identify without much help. Wifelet, Shaz and Hublet, Doug were at any crop quite a team. Precious memories.

The two sisters Jo and Annie (& hubby) with dear Shaz.

The ladies were in one photo, so the gentlemen starred in the other.

Shaz brought a gift bag to the crop bursting with crafty goodies (these penguin cards back - see here is a set of her Stamps from that day). So Shaz’s liberal bounty often pops to mind as sort through crafty stash.

One more card to share from the Joseph’s coat of many colours series (I’ve not made any in past week, too unwell).

This one was made earlier for dear Shaz. It was her colours, and had it ready to send to her.

However when as I saw last week’s post on Julia’s blog, I sadly paused it 😢 - now it’s winging it’s way to Shaz’s dear hublet, Doug. 

When I met Shaz in blogland we had an instant affinity, firstly sharing a name, but a love of craft also. This is her first comment on my blog about Stampscapes which we both loved.

  shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Shaz, from Shaz! :) Thank you so much for your lovely comments, and for the link over to my blog, that is so nice. I really like your Stampscapes, and the Purple Twilight/ Mountain Rose/ Peach Bellini blend is one I have to try- its gorgeous. I love my Stampscapes, and I agree with you, they make such perfect male cards,and I also love them for Sympathy cards, and for those people whom 'cute' or floral wouldn't suit.
My Brother & his Wife emigrated to Perth in December 2009, and I know they are saddened by the difficulties being experienced by those in the north. 
Thanks for visiting me, I will be back soon.

12 January 2011 at 04:00

You can hear Shaz cheerily talking in that comment, and also again on her extraordinary blog, where she willingly shared her skill, wisdom and understanding crafty-wise. 

Thank you Shaz for your kind and caring ways, your funny, generous and genuine heart. You'll be deeply missed in blogland, for all who came by, it was a favourite stopping post.. and you always left us with a laugh and a smile with your “And Finallys...”. 

And now to two Aussie photos...

 

First a Eucharist Lily in flower they’re quite intricate and detailed, stunning, love the white and green details. Thinking of you, Shaz....

 

Creek reflections five mins walk from here, yesterday evening. No swimming for me as been laid up with a summer head cold. A short walk is always good .. very blessed. 

The clouds rather reflect the mood at the moment..

Thank you for taking the time to pop over and especially if you’ve time to comment, you are so appreciated. Lord bless you too and keep you safe, and those you love,

Giant prayer hugs, 🙏🤗 Shaz in Oz.x 

*****

Thought for the day:

As I thought upon Shaz this verse came to mind, from Proverbs 10:22 “the blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”

Knowing Shaz, we all who’ve been touched by her life, are rich and so blessed indeed by that knowledge of her, and will keep her memory close in ♥️heart💜. 

In our sorrow at her passing, comfort may indeed be found in God alone. Our God knows what it is to suffer loss... the shortest verse in the bible is “Jesus wept” John 11:35.

And the “no sorrow”? 

We live in broken, hurting world, so now there is sorrow, pain, grief, loss, this brokeness is not at all of God’s original, perfect plan.

One glorious day “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things shall be passed away..(Revelation 21:4).. 

One glorious day yet to come, in Jesus...

Linking up with also:

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

** Shaz's card is slimline (larger Aussie size, if this is ok) so entering in here https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-make-a-slimline-card/

One Hundred Years of Poppies - Lest We Forget

Today is 11th November, 2018. At 11am Paris time (10 hours after Aust.) 100 years ago in Compiègne NE France, WW1 - the war to end all wars ended. A Centennial Remembrance day is worthy of a blog post.

MB poppy die, Stamp set Inspired by Stamping, Creations Rectangle set Sizzix Dot Matrix EF DP snippets as were all cardstock, but base. 

Above card win over at Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge HERE!, 

Oft quoted poem"In Flanders Fields" is a war poem in written during the WW1 by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He wrote it on May 3, 1915, after the funeral of friend and fellow soldier.
The poem & poppy are prominent Remembrance Day symbols throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, particularly in Canada, where "In Flanders Fields" is one of the nation's best-known literary works. The poem is also widely known in the USA, where it is associated with Veterans Day & Memorial Day.
Poem and more information found here.
Our family had one special uncle of my dad's who died in World War 1.

He was Charles, as was dad, curiously, and both were artists. See dad's work here.
I've uncle Charlie's sketchbook see below.

As you can see he had some skill with a pencil. He was killed a year and one month after he left NZ (Fern Hill); and a year and one month before the end of the war. His grave is in Belgium. He was 22 years old. As my dad only saw his NZ family once when he was four, he knew very little of them.. which is sad. So we really know only what his sketchbook tells us - that he had a sympathetic eye .. and also there are politically orientated jokes in it as well.

Possibly one of his four sisters.. but no idea really.
This verse below in Isaiah came to mind as I thought on the great sacrifice of so many in this war and even still goes so sadly today.
Many mother's father's gave the ultimate gift, their own son or daughter.
Our Heavenly Father likewise gave His only Son for us and these men women in generations before. The gift of His Son was that we might have eternal life through faith in Him, and know peace in the life to come. (Rom 6:23, 5:1)
These who gave their life in WW1 etc gave that we might know peace in this life.
God sees and weeps with us over our sorrows. The shortest verse in the Bible is "Jesus wept" in John 11:35. Jesus sorrowed over Lazarus' death, even though He knew He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead.

"... they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." Is 49
This verse in Isaiah is speaking specifically of Israel and Jerusalem, but it extends to all who are His by faith in Him too. "...for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted." Is. 49:13b
One day the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6) the Lord Jesus shall come and peace shall indeed reign (John 14).

 So let us each pause and remember and give thanks for the men and women who gave their lives that we might live in freedom. 
The following words were written by Rudyard Kipling in part of poem oft sung:

"God of our fathers, known of old,

   Lord of our far-flung battle-line,

Beneath whose awe-ful Hand we hold

   Dominion over palm and pine—

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget—lest we forget!

In the morning and at the going down of the sun, 

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

Shaz in Oz.x

So very thankful!! This card won the Wednesday challenge at Simon Says voucher... very blessed!!
Linking up also to:
1. SNIPPETS playground Card all snippets.
2. Word Art Wednesday. http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
3. https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2018/11/week-493-poppies-andor-colour-red.html
4. https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-thanks-thanksgiving/ we are very thankful for all who gave their all for us, & as my card says: " Remembering with you the life of someone so dear."

Belated WOYWW + Sympathy Cards

Okay.. trying another post on mobile. Sorry.. the formatting messed below. It will not co-operate!
A belated WOYWW..  so to show I am making cards.. May not be commenting much for which I apologise. For Desky share please pop over to Julia’s Stamping Ground! HERE.
To my desk a few days back..

The desk shows a left over snippet of brushos with script background stamp. Cut in rectangular die then adding several layers of MB Lavish branch. With  Sympathy die is Elizabeth Craft Designs i think?? I'd need of few sympathy cards so showing them below. Second card is Hero Arts background mosaic mask with Distress Oxides. All dies rectangular are extended. Xcut set, butterfly is MB. Two navy white card are ones I've made before. The stamp greeting set is sympathy one on my desk by Joanna. Inspired by Stamping.. not sure if still available? Bible verse is from early 1990s. A great comfort to those whose trust in Jesus.. we shall meet again.. in that heavenly home where all tears are wiped away... Blessed hope indeed!

And to close. A Birthday card for dear 86 yearold Iris in UK. It will be winging it's way tomorrow all being well! This is a glorious stamp. A Penny Black Trailing Vine. I've only had it a while and made several cards with it. Must replicate this for another friend. A close up below shows how the greeting is layered. Also Elizabeth Craft Designs. Coloured with Tombows and added shimmer.

This is a very special spot near where we live.. I haven't edited this photo. This is how it looked! A magnificent part of God's creation.. to share a verse  paraphrased from memory.. "the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth His handiwork." Psalm 19. Our Heavenly Father is but a prayer away.  May the Lord bless and strengthen you in all your doings... and thanks so very much for popping by!! Shaz in Oz.x
Joining also with:
Word Art Wednesday - anything goes   http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au 

Floral card http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/2018/06/june-in-garden.html

http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/2018/06/pbsc-june-anything-goesoptional.html

http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/2018/06/june-anything-goes.html

Tim Holtz Mixed Media #2 Die - Bizzy Bec's DT Anything Goes Challenge + Butterfly Challenge

Well, time again for ANYTHING GOES June Challenge over HERE at Bizzy Bec's!
...please do pop in! As you might win that monthly prize, which Bec so kindly gives!!!
My card is layered, but in a CAS design really.

Items used:
Tim Holtz Mixed Media #2 Die set
Elizabeth Craft Design "With Sympathy" die
Memory Box Pippi butterfly 
Memory Box - Elegant Scrollwork
Tim Holtz Chipped Sapphire Ink Pad 
Tim Holtz Faded Jeans Distress Ink Pad 
Shimmer Mist
White Hammer cardstock... that's the WHAT? Now for the HOW!

First I took a piece of hammer card to size ( 5 x7" card topper) and die-cut and embossed two lace relief from the Lacey Die in the TH Mixed Media#2. Then cut a piece of watercolour paper (chose from one pad which is textured on one side).

Taking DI Faded Jean + Chipped Sapphire, smoothed colour randomly from ink pad in two open corners.

Then spritzed generously with Imagine Crafts Shimmer Spritz Frost. Heat set the colours then topped it with little more of deeper shade. Once dry attached top layer with foam mounting tape to pop it up a bit.
Did same on a small piece cardstock for butterfly and word die as well.

TIP for Word Die layering - if you leave the base die cut attached to bottom outline, then add next two pieces using outline as guide. Find this stops them stretching out of shape + these Elizabeth Craft Design dies tend not to do that.

Triple layer MB Scroll die too.

Add layered die cuts on card base, using Ranger Multi Matte Medium.

Love the monotone of this card, plus very happy with my only set of TH dies, think they're very versatile.
You can see shimmery sheen in image close up below .. hope you like this too!

Aussie shot was taken last month when we went for a long drive, to Red Rock, now wonder it is called that? sadly not great deal of the namesake Red Rock left, due to beach erosion.

 Now dont forget to pop over  HERE at Bizzy Bec's and check out the other DT gorgeous creations, and please do join in the ANYTHING GOES CHALLENGE - to win that prize.
Pop by Bec's store, too, for her great bargain prices.  

Special prayers at this time for all who suffered in London Sat evening and others from previous attacks across this troubled, sin torn world - truly we need to look to the Lord.
Hence why I chose the verse below..

May God bless your day wherever you may be .. and please say hi, so I know you've been by!
Shaz in Oz.x 

For the LORD Jesus, the Prince of Peace said: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
 John 14:27
 

Linking up to:
1. Butterfly challenge - L is for Layers and/ or C is for Cream
Just did "L is for layers" with many layers, no cream. Layered dies by three on Swirl and With Sympathy. Under lace Die layered a coloured sheet of watercolour with two sections coloured in Distress inks as listed and spritzed with Shimmer Mist Frost. Glued the two top layers onto white base card.
2. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/ 
3. Anything goes - http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/challenge-59-winners-from-challenge-58.html

Good Grief! Is Grief good?

 In my youth I often used the Snoopy comics expression of "Good grief!" as my favourite exclamation. 

Once someone stopped me in my tracks by asking:
 "Why do you say that? grief is not good." I was in my teens so did not question my elder.. but now I beg to differ. 

Grief in its own way is good, there is a purpose for good in it.

Yes, this is a very serious topic, but it's one that's been on my heart to share. As some of you know I've had a run of sympathy cards to make. 
Dear friends, precious ones - with whom we've shared many happy experiences over the years, and grown into deep friendship

I also have some very dear friends who've recently lost their deeply loved spouses. 
All these folks are believers in Christ and as believers, followers of the Lord Jesus, and joy! we do have the "blessed hope"(see verse) of His coming and of the resurrection.

The promise of the resurrection and eternal life is by faith alone in our sweet Lord Jesus Christ (not through any good which we've done, as it says in Titus 3).

So is it okay to weep, to sorrow and grieve?

Sometimes we as believers feel bad for feeling sad. 
We should be glad they're in heaven with Jesus!

However it is okay..
... okay to be feeling vulnerable and weepy cos you're mourning, you're hurting for your loss, sorrowing over their passing, but also for hurting over the whole situation for others who have loss too through this..... 

Remember the shortest verse in the bible?

"Jesus wept."  John 11:35

This was because His friend Lazarus was dead. 

This is the conversation in John 11, Jesus with Martha just before v35 before this verse (I've often thought Martha's first comment would've been mine!!)

²¹ Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
²² But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
²³ Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
²⁴ Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
²⁷ She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
                                                            .... .... .... .....
³³ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
³⁴ And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
³⁵ Jesus wept.
³⁶ Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Now Jesus knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead...

But in His flesh, in His humanity, in His great sorrow of heart, He wept even though He knew of that joy that was to come.

How much with us, who have this same humanity, but not His omnipotent, omniscient, omnipotent nature???

Don't be down on yourself. God allows us to mourn, He uses it to make us grow closer to Him, to grow more like Him.  To know and love Him better!

 

A poor photo, pre-digital age of a work done for a very dear friend - it is such a great verse. Let us cast our care upon Him, for He cares for us.. but dont use the fishing line trick and pull your burdens back to carry them again... once given to Jesus - leave them there.

Jesus weeps with us, He knows He cares... 

As do I - I weep for those whom I love, who've gone on before me, I weep with those who weep and sorrow with them, it is all part of the healing of a wound... 

And God works in hearts where we see not, in needy hearts and lives and in our own situation. When we reach out to Him - He is our Help, our Guide, our never failing Friend -  and most of all, our Saviour, by simple childlike faith in Him alone for salvation.

I would like to share with you two cards recently made for the passing of a wonderful Christian lady to glory, to be with her Lord whom she loved so much and so well .. dear sweet, precious Sue of the UK. 

May our great God bless everyone who loved her, and keep them in the hollow of His hand and dear Lord, please touch, comfort as only You can all who read this and are grieving, hurting, too.

The recipe of this card can be seen here. Verse is by Stampendous.

The recipe for this card can be seen on this post here.This verse is precious is of those who've gone before by faith in Jesus.
"God Himself shall be with them.. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes".
This from Rev 21:4 talks of the new heaven and those who are there in heaven, where there is no more crying, sorrow or pain, those that are saved walk upon the streets of it (Rev 21:24)    For we sorrow not as those who have no hope..

Every blessing of the LORD everyone where ever you maybe!

Thanks so much for popping over for peek and chat.. you are really appreciated and will, God willing, call back to see your lovely work, too!

Shaz in Oz.x

"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.  And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:.." Revelation 21:23, 24

I would like to link over to:

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

Roses of Inspiration over at the lovely Stephanie's - no#50!!
http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/roses-of-inspiration-50.html