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

Ultimate Crafts Dragonfly, New Die Cut Technique + WOYWW

(Warning - photo overload again today!)

Hi there everyone, yes, it’s Wednesday and World Desk Day.. over at Julia’s, WOYWW for What is on Your Workdesk Wednesday right HERE!! 😊

Few desks again today with techniques. Firstly was working on birthday card, and using the Ultimate Crafts dragonfly die, had two lots of washi paper I liked. Didn’t end up using this design but different layout but decided to add some acetate with DST, and TH rock candy glitter to wings. Did on silver ones, too, made from silver washi tape on card too. Haven’t quite finished that card but share other.

Desk 2 is at ridiculous o’clock last night, really this morning, couldn’t sleep. Up & decided to try this idea over on Verna’s blog, she has link to video on technique (here). So desk shows me with die cut, Holly Berries - Penny Black with a serviette (already in quarters) folded in half, total of eight layers, with sheet of white cardboard underneath. See video by Dave. It took quite a few passes to die cut it right through, as this is detailed die, used metal shim.

Fetched out my old Reeves Watercolour  paint tin from 1971! Good brush 000 and painted away. One thing to note, I did need to glue few bits of compressed serviette (or napkin) onto the cardstock. I think it’s because was ultra smooth surface card, no tooth to surface. I loved this technique! First time I’ve really been happy with this PB die, had for ages. Hollies are so tedious to add gems to or highlight, easy peasy with this. Will repeat! 
Now to three cards made:

Birthday card changed to this, MB Pippi butterfly (for Mrs A's challenge, see below) praying for you card, with Hero Arts prayer Die with washi, stamp comes from Joanna Inspired by Stamping Sympathy set.

Second card is the Dragonfly on largest wonky rectangle die set, in washi mounted, mounted on deep blue. Happy birthday stamp - disc. set by Sweet ‘n Sassy.

Last card is Christmas card. Believe it or not folks, Christmas is coming, yesterday shops had it everywhere! An-nnd Simon Says Monday Challenge is Christmas! used CB Holly Ribbons EF, PB die, with Poppy Stamps “Tidings of Great Joy” Stamp/die set. Used all Snippets but base, sooo off to Snippets Playground over at Miss Di’s. Yay!!

Aussie Photos: Continuing trip (with family member, on other side of Oz) start just off coast of WA.

“Definitely wouldn’t want to be here in Marble Bar in summer and really admire the pioneers of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Poinciana House was built in 1908, listed with the National Trust. George Miles built it for his wife but she only stayed a year, now a private residence.

Certainly appreciated seeing the ocean again after almost 10,000 kms and a lot of that on the dirt! 
Point Samson is really a beautiful spot... nothing here but a general store, tavern and cafe. The housing is certainly built for the cyclones .... row upon row of screws on the roof and no guttering... doesn’t rain a lot and when it does it’s so heavy the gutters don’t take it! 

We found a front garden of a home, on a walk, with some very healthy Sturt Desert Pea.

Also a nice view up to Cape Lambert, the Rio Tinto iron loading facility.

Cossack is now a historic ghost town, the original trading port before Dampier, also the original port of pearls before the luggers moved north to Broome in 1886. The town was dissolved in 1910 and abandoned by 1950.

Some of the bluestone buildings have been restored, the present museum is by far the most impressive.”

Last photo is of stunning orchid (Oncidium), (in my photo spot courtyard) on loan from neighbour Edward, pray for him please had news this week his cancer has spread throughout, praying for them all in it.

Well, that’s it for today, hope some tips helpful! May God bless your day wherever you may be, and especially thanks if you’ve time for a chat! 
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for the day: This month for October there's a very large group of Christians all over Oz who are fasting and praying for Repentance, Revival and Rain rain rain! This is why.

This is mostly up where I live in north NSW, and SE Qld.. all in extreme drought except for coast, fires over the hill still burning. So will for the month of Oct. in my small way be joining in prayer & fasting .. it’s key, repentance revival and rain for Oz! 
When you think one farmer a week reportedly commits suicide each week, due drought severity this is really, really critical. 
Souls need to be saved. See my latest post on this here.

This verse holds key which I incidentally shared three weeks ago, unaware of this prayer challenge. Note the two sets of actions. 
May I do my part! that God can bless.
*** on our part = humble, pray, seek, turn

*** God’s part = hear, forgive, heal

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

2. Christmas card.   http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/09/chnc-challenge-457.html?m=1

3. Butterfly Challenge Your 6 elements are Magnolia/ *Mandarin/Mint/*Marker Pens/Metal Charm + your *Butterfly. *Used these 3, marker pen on butterfly pearls to make them gold.

4. Tuesday Throwdowns Anything Goes   http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/2019/09/tuesday-throwdown-441-paper-shelter.html?m=1 
5. Penny Black.. something old, neglected. PB Hollies die