Sunflowers for Ukraine - Vellum and Masking NBUS Snippets WOYWW

 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.

(Link here if not showing)

This is why Good Friday is Good.

By faith in Him, Who indeed alone was Good, we have the certain hope of life forevermore with Him, by faith believing. 

For more see here - Who or What is a Christian? or see sidebar.

The Easter story. 

The gift of His transforming love. 

This is the reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

His sacrifice brought us life eternally,  instead of death and condemnation so rightly deserved. 

Let us walk in the LIGHT as He is in the Light. 

I John 1:6.

*****

Linking up with the following: 

WAW or Word Art Wednesday - http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

NBUS challenge - https://mynbus.blogspot.com/2022/04/nbus-challenge-37.html Robin card and CAS sunflower mask technique.

Snippet Challenge - Robin card https://pixiessnippetsplayground.blogspot.com/2022/04/challenge-425.html

Allsorts Challenge - masculine - train card for Mister 9, all snippets except back card. SU stamp set on greeting. http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2022/04/week-6712-masculine.html

Simon says Monday Challenge- Sweet Treats - happy cake day… make train card https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Black Ice meets Stampscapes contd, Watercolour Block Stamping + Snippets WOYWW + NBUS

 Yes, it’s Wednesday again and popping in with Desky share for WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over HERE 😁 at Julia’s.

Desk shows two A4 sheets cut into four, to make up 8 card. These exceptional papers have been in my stash for at least a decade and lovingly stroked every so often, their colours and gleaming glittery extras all made them special. 

 

They were eBay Freebies from an excellent seller back then called Flissybabes, in UK. I bought loads of mirri card, unavailable here, and in one order she put in these two glittery sheets along with three mirri cerise sheets as a bonus. I was one happy bunny. The card I’m CASE-ing is one in green white with gold, by Darnell 😊❤️🙏. Sent when I was poorly last year, it suits these images perfectly.

Here's completed card for Darnell's NBUS challenge over here!

 Sharing too varied birthday  cards as there are many birthdays in February and March! Mostly male cards too.

This card all snippets so jumping over to Snippets playground here, actually so is watercolour card as well.A cereal box makes great background card.

Firstly there are four of the Black Ice technique (see here). The first is like my last card for my darling dad there. This one is for a dear Nephew. The others are for different family members. All use a Disc. SU paper, except the bottom one for my uncle. I used a scrap piece of card layered with perfect pearls, firstly did dry embossing - unused when made.

Last card was the watercolour technique with tombows on ink black see here, background scrap card from cereal box, with double length brick embossing highlighted in ink.

Then two ladies birthday, first is embossed resist with unknown mauve/ pink perhaps SU inky colours, years in stash.

So ink up embossing folder, emboss.. and ta-da colour embossed.

Next card is also a stash piece done with alfoil layers over scrap cardstock, embossed in folder, then two alcohol inks turquoise and green. MB leaves die cut with Lawn Fawn HB stamp silver embossed.

Now to Aussie photos, the tiniest pineapple ever, it fits in my hand, it wasn’t attached well to plant, so insufficient nourishment. Taken the plant out now. Usually grow like one in front of it.

Still yum, here it is in pineapple patch. 

Then some seaside to cheer you up, bottom one at my sisters, and one down at our creek, that was such a beautiful day.

Had some lovely swims in between huge dumps of rain. Coast is all flooding, especially  north and south less so. Highway north still closed, sadly many lost homes at Lismore, friends included … hope Cathy at Cathy’s card place is okay, I must check. Had water in here, but through the roof.. not the ground.

So dealing with insurers, assessor’s, renovators, etc from deluge Downunder, not badly affected as some, in two rooms, but it’s certainly a to-do and time occupier. Life is never dull, but the LORD makes it all worth while.

Thanks for visiting especially, if you have time for a chat, I'll do my best to reciprocate, but mobile is bit tricky.

Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

Thought for the day:

“Without me, ye can do nothing.” John 14:5 

This verse comes in the abiding in the vine chapter 15, of Johns Gospel.

And  IN Christ we are able to do all things, out of Him, we are weak indeed. Of myself I have not strength, but in Him He is my ALL in ALL.

And thus Without the LORD Jesus I can do nothing.

My Jesus fills every void in my life.

He makes it complete.

In peace, in war, in the storms of life, Jesus is our Anchor, our Strength, our Stay, our Hiding Place, our Saviour and Friend.

If we but trust in Him - Faith changes things, WHEN it’s anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ..

Without Him,  faith is empty nothing. 

With Him, it’s everything.

Re prayer for Ukraine, I’m certainly praying along with many for Gods mercy upon all especially the innocents. For updates … if you’re on Telegram this is small channel, which has latest prayer needs listed, todays was to pray for orphans and those caring for them, bunkered down as best they can in Kiev. https://t.me/+NxFxDBaeF3ljY2Qy

Joining up to:

1 Word art Wednesday Anything goes! http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/ 

2. Joining with the NBUS Challenge .. three NBUS - Never Before used Schtuff link above.

3. Allsorts challenge - stamped watercolour, tombiws on ink block then sepia on  seascape image. http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2022/02/week-665-hand-coloured-or-paper-pieced.html?m=1

Perfect Pearls Brilliance inks with Embossing folder + WOYWW

Yes, it’s Wednesday again and popping in with a desky share + all the cards made of late. Desky share is for WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over HERE at Julia's Stamping Ground.

My desk is today, have made a card. About to replicate it with section left in desk centre, lighting isn't particularly good, sorry - grey day.

This sheet was a failed piece of watercolour, embossed with CB Oriental Folder, turned  into something beautiful by layering a selection of Brilliance teardrop inks, then added Perfect Pearls Interference Violet to the top of the embossed edge..

The die and fiddly bits of die cuts are popped on plate, with pricking tool. The die is a long owned but never carded CCD. As this card is to go to Japan the oriental feel was most apt

See close up here - subtle beauty!

The finished card, quite simple.

CAS style is very Japanese! The Verse "Love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart" is a beautiful verse, gold heat embossed, is discontinued. Most of my stamps are, by Aust company Printblocks. Just added three score lines with rounded corners as finishing touch.

Next card was made before Christmas, you can see Alcohol on Acetate technique. Unfinished card was on this post here. The layout is described there too. Gold EP verse unknown, red rubber, unmounted set from eBay. Diecut is another CCD of same vintage, don't think its been used on here before either, another NBUS.

Now to the  Aussie shots.

My roses are still flowering - amazing yellow cut rose, Dr Verhage, very fragrant, as most of ours are. The heat of last ten days have slowed blooms, but this rainy patch will help.

A beautiful sunset out our backdoor.

Then the beach fix for those who need blue skies. I'm still blessed, & enjoying walks, but slack re taking photos when out.

Thanks for visiting, especially if you have time for a chat, I'll do my very best to reciprocate. 

Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

Thought for the day:

 "I will bless the Lord at ALL times: HIS praise shall continually be in my mouth." Ps 34:1

Not all the Psalms are written by David, titles often indicate authorship.

This one is entitled:

Psalm 34 - By David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, causing the king to send him away.

David was often in trouble - just like our days, it didn't always go smoothly!

Here his life was at threat, so he pretended to be mad ->he was sent away. So let us take heart.. let us like David, cheer up, and praise the LORD! 

Count our blessings, or as Pollyanna would say ... every cloud has a silver lining, if we but look for it!

So looking up to the LORD and .. not at the mud underneath!

Joining up to:

1 Word art Wednesday Anything goes! http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/ 

2. Joining with the NBUS Challenge .. two NBUS - Never Before used Schtuff https://mynbus.blogspot.com/2022/01/nbus-challenge-34.html

3. Snippets cards, two snippets cards. Di has a brand NEW BLOG for her Snippets challenge ... over here!!https://pixiessnippetsplayground.blogspot.com/2022/01/snippets-playground-challenge-419.html

4. Simon Says Monday challenge Insects/ Birds. https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/?p=26535 Oriental card has dragonflies on it 

5. Happy little Stampers challenge anything goes with dies https://happylittlestampers.blogspot.com/2022/01/hls-january-anything-goes-with-dies.html both cards, second alcohol ink card and oriental, Bath have stamped bible verses, no lounger available, in Gold EP and die cuts, 

6. Happy little stampers CAS Challenge, first card. https://happylittlestampers.blogspot.com/2022/01/hls-january-cas-challenge.html

Beccy’s Digi + Acetate Alcohol Technique + WOYWW

 Sorry folks. Things have very busy, am slower so things take longer - you know the story! 😄 Been making lots of cards, but not sharing.. here's a quick post for Desky share for WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over HERE 😁 at Julia's, the first one for 2022!

Today sharing my desk from few days ago. Yes, you can see new calligraphy textas, permanent, yay! and paint pens, as I needed to go to Officeworks - dangerous!

I've been asked to teach some younger family the calligraphy course I've not done for years! So it is going to be most interesting as some is planned to be on Zoom! I have done the intro and lesson 1, while Brisbane family are here over Christmas/ New year. 

Next are some cards done not shared.

These are a set of easy and light cards, for overseas mailing. I made quite a few of these using a Christmas topper, a pass it on card. The golden rectangle frame is an unused, NBUS Bo Bunny set from memory. Had for years, waiting for the right card!

Then are some of the alcohol an acetate cards, these are the two Christmas designs, the dies are old CCD, the acetate alcohol ink technique was shared back here. The verses are Digi I’ve made myself, and used SB older dies fir those. I’ve a lot of discontinued items, crafting for decades.

 The last card is for challenge at Beccy’s place.. see here!

Special birthday was due quite a while back now, so using also a new to me Beccy’s Digi, it was bought on a flashback sale, I think. Miss 10 loves her ballet, and pink, so the idea was to make this cute image into a spinner card.

However, I was really unwell at time (tooth infection), so did best I could. Created image too large, tricky with the mice to spin around with Ellie. 

Realised too late to manage to resize, reprint, recut out two shapes in my unwell state.

It morphed into this simpler design. Still loved it but was disappointed, it would’ve made a great spinner card. Greetings are on computer.

 

Now to Aussie shots, it is summer here and some lovely skies these were taken by family member up at my sisters, you can see the contrasts.

My flowers are magnificent and this is one of multitude of rose bunches this season, the rains and extra TLC have contributed to them.

Very blessed.

Thanks so much for popping over especially if you have time to say HI. I will do my best to return your kind encouragement.

 

May God bless you and all whom you love, in 2022. Especially praying for blessings abounding in health dept. - for us all! 

Prayer hugs,

Shaz in Oz.x 

Thought for the Day:

Today this verse popped into my mind, as I opened my mail with a loving missive from a friend. 

"Iron sharpens iron; 

so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." 

Proverbs 27:17

I love the book of Proverbs, next to Psalms in OT.

There are 31 chapters, so I used to read one chapter, the first on first of  month, etc (x 12 in a year), for about 20 years. So a lot of times!

Read a Proverb a day, you get to know them well! 

I love this verse.

It talks of how we all influence … or rub off on one another - either for good or not! To my mind this is the same for all in blogland and my wonderful friends here.

 

This year my aim is to blog more, God willing! 

Time will tell.

Joining up to:

1 Word art Wednesday Anything goes! http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/ 

2. Joining with the NBUS Challenge .. three NBUS - Never Before used Schtuff link Here! See Christmas card toppers, used a new die set.and the image from Beccys placeis NBUS too

 3.  https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-its-time-to-party/ Simon Says Wednesday challenge - using Beccys elephant h skier dancer. 

4. Simon Says Monday Challenge - Something New using the first set of Christmas cards, due set is new, and Beccys Image

5.  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/ Crafty hazelnuts Christmas card challenge, all Christmas cards. 

6. http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.com/2022/01/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper-january.html

Hazel's patterned paper challenge too for Beccy card.

7. https://peaceonearthchristmas.blogspot.com/2022/01/peace-on-earth-challenge-7.html new to me! 

 A Christmas challenge called Peace on Earth.. Anything Goes as long as it’s Christmas. Both Christmas cards sets.

 

Christmas 2021 - God Leaves the Best til Last.

 The Christmas story is probably the best known of all ALL Bible stories. Everywhere the Word of God it has been shared. The crux of it is Christ’s first coming is as the babe, Jesus, for He was born to die as our Saviour.

*****

Meditating upon this story, I wondered if ALL of the heavenly hosts were there rejoicing? or a select multitude of heavenly host to serenade the arrival of the LORD Jesus? 

In any case, they made a lasting impression in eternal matters on humble hearts! For God’s word is eternal and so was their announcement!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14 

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace, goodwill to ALL men.

Well, we certainly need that today “PEACE, GOODWILL TO ALL” 

- as in the time of Jesus’ birth. 

Jesus was born in troubled times, as today. 

Roman rule is little like the rule of today. There were distinct classes strongly separated in Judaism, and Romans and non-Romans. Jesus came to break down those barriers with PEACE, GOODWILL TO ALL!

I wonder what the baby Jesus would think of it all today, as newborn of today? As a babe seeing faces in masks, not learning proper facial recognition… NO! let’s not go there. 😷🤔

Instead, let us focus on our beautiful Saviour’s First Advent. 

Yes! There is more than one Advent. 😃❤️☝️

Thank the LORD for that! 

That is the brightest part of this story, you know!

This is NOT a one off! JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!

YAY! He IS coming again!

(See verses here Luke 2:10-38)

As we look at this story it’s really a story of Willing and Waiting Hearts.

The Anticipating Cast:

**Elizabeth and Zacharias parents of John the Baptist. (See Luke 1:5-25 here)

Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin. They’d long prayed for a son, but it was impossible. Until God’s miracle and John was born! “they were both righteous before God” v.6

**Mary and Joseph (Matt. 1:19-21 and Luke 1:26 -56)

Like Zacharias and Elizabeth they were “just” and “blessed, highly favoured” .. these are waiting, anticipating, believing Old Testament saints.  

**Shepherds Luke 2:6-18 

**Wise men Matthew 2: 1-13 

These believed “as it was told them”, so many do not do so today 🙏🙏🙏

**Simeon and Anna Luke 2:21-39

These last two are truly remarkable! 

Both are “righteous before God”, both for many decades we’re praying waiting with such anticipation for the Promised Messiah. 

Both had been told of God that they would see Him! These are Simeon’s words when this promise was fulfilled. I love this!

Luke 2:29-33 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

“A LIGHT to lighten the Gentiles and the GLORY of Thy people Israel.”

********

Am I, are we willing joyfully awaiting?

Waiting right now, today, this moment for our coming King. 

For our LORD Jesus’ Second Advent?

 HIS COMING IS AS SURE AS THE DAWN

Do we walk daily in the light of “Perhaps today?” 

Because truly perhaps 🤔  it IS TODAY! 

May we be ready waiting as we’re Elizabeth, Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Wise men, Simeon and Anna, who waited so long too. 

For joy, today perhaps it is that He returns for the second time? 

Amen even so come, Lord Jesus!

 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20

Bless, LORD God of glory, bless us ALL, in spite of our great sinfulness. 

This Christmas time, may we remember afresh the promise of your coming again. May we daily desire to walk in the light of Your Son’s Return for His own, looking forward with anticipation as they did so many millennia ago.

Oh Father, please save souls today, all over our poor, sad world today, for ETERNITY’s sake, please, in Thy great mercy, for Thy Eternal glory. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Thanks to all who pop across to read this blog and Thank YOU, especially if you’re able to leave some love and encouragement.

Prayer hugs,🙏🤗

Shaz in Oz.x 

I’m sorry I’ve been so quiet … various reasons, time just seems to shrink!

Just sharing a few cards, one at top is a simple upcycle with a stamped verse in Gold EP, it’s a set by Colorado Craft Co. 

Belo card is showcasing a scrap piece of acetate, with inks on the back, with die cut rectangle frame and two Simon Says dragon flies also in scrap card. The stamp “happy birthday” is by Lawn Fawn “too much to say” set. Acetate technique done here or just scroll below.. have more to share of them too.

The second image the red zygo cactus isn’t in flower now, was a wee while back but so Christmassy. 

If you are not sure if you are a Christian, a Christ follower, please read this post here - Who or What is a Christian?

Joining up to:

1 Word art Wednesday Anything goes! http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/ 

2. Snippets cards, and look, it is the grand prize draw. Do join in Do!

http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com/2021/12/pixies-snippets-playground-challenge_0458224053.html