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
Well, just over 2 mth since last post - I think this a record silence from blogging for me! I am creating but blogging time is scarce, nevertheless a glimpse of many cards made and techniques explored.
Desky share for WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over HERE ð at Julia's … today is full of 2 months of inky fun. This desk is continuing the previous post's techniques with Alcohol Inks and Foiled card.
A foiled cardstock with galaxy sky look, made by embossing silver foiled card (CB Clockworks folder disc.) then layering alcohol twice, ie first layer not enough depth so repeated double layers of alcohol ink. It was a great learning curve. Key addition was metal mixative of copper, as it layered over it a coppery effect in light, photos don't capture really it. The images are Beccy's Place, Nuts & Bolts Bot set disc. Coloured around edge with black fineliner to easier cutting, used greetings on set. Colours closest to first and last photos. I used a fine liner black to thicken edge of image to make cutting out easy, see below.
Next are AI on embossed foil - ladies birthday cards shown on desk in post below - different colours, but similar, PB die on right (disc.) and MB die on left added, EF Sizzix 3D, recipe below post.
TIP - ordinary alcohol laid down first, added colour and move colour about by tilting, add more colour or alcohol carefully not too much of it, as is needed.
I like to cover it all, most of time, but sometimes looks good with space..
A Sympathy card using MB Poppy die, the Numbers Stampendous verse I love, with gorgeous snippet of Washi for DP again!
Iris’ 90th is made with Spellbinders Iris die - this was a labour of love.
It had stringent overseas mail size restrictions, couldn't be fully 3D, very difficult. The colour more purple than plum, but unable to capture that, again!
Two male birthdays of Black ice - see here(see last post for link or just search it will come up). These are done with Stampscapes, involve multiple stampings, very tricky to be honest. I redid some by cleaning off with alcohol spray a few time just wipe and start again! July one still on way to Norway, other Aussie for June.
A learning curve - hard to photograph but much fun. A 60th, but photographed before added 60, die cut birthday greeting is embossed in copper EP used on card, dragonfly a NBUS, forgotten name sorry..
(Might have bought some more embossing powders to try some ladies cardsð)
Below are powders used, not new but some quite old.
TIPS: the addition of the Stampendous Shaved Ice was brilliant, made it iridescent, esp on green EP.
Keep moving the gun around in pouncing -> fine doing it on heat proof surface, used "Glad Bake" paper, for Aussies.
Last card is most recent, for a nephew, wanted change from Black Ice so finally used this Snoopy's Convertible stamp by Stampabilities.
Used a new Mask too, my bargain spider web one marked to $2. DP is surprisingly same set as the black ice cards, & by SU five years ago.Real colour is closest to bottom image, very sunny washed out top image.
Now am working on a small Calligraphy for present... then August birthdays - and somewhere some Christmas cards, as waaaaa-y behind there!
Next are the Aussie pickies - for those of you sweltering, we've an unusually cold winter Downunder! This Nandina out the front under the house eaves is our weather barometer for how cold it gets. More autumnal colour the more cold it’s been - lots more this year!
As near sea, frosts are rare but still very cold! Hat on with fingerless gloves at night… inside ððð
A Brommeliad by front door, love the flowers on this one.
Chrysanthemums, yellow are always late.. end of May, after our Mothers day in early May. Loved this year's rain then dry.
Sunsets are always a beautiful end to a sunny winter's day..
Last is obligatory seascape - know they're loved! I love it too, so did mum and dad.. this is such a "dad painting"!
How am I? simple answer is up and down - often not great with some good patches.
That is in part why I'm not blogging much, but also since Covid I am more in prayer, and visit folk more often, as more need it - when able!
Australia has been very strict in mandates, etc (in my opinion, too much). I don't consider us a democracy, but now more of a bureaucracy, run by “health” bureaucrats. It makes me sad, so pray more. Not as bad here tho’, as in Vic, Qld and WA.
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.
(EDIT: Sad, more than half of WOYWWers, I cannot comment on. iPad will not comment - a few are non blogger website. Mostly are bloggers with embedded comment boxes, which crazily is bloggers “default setting”! I apologise, really, I read post. I’ve actually written to blogger ages ago about it, no reply .. like my comment attempts.
May God bless you and all whom you love, Shaz in Oz.x
PS the crafty WOYWW crop in Nov sounds wonderful.. happy memories of Llandudno in Sept., 2018, so blessed to share with you all. Enjoy! Might see if can zoom now have it on iPad. ðððĪŠð❤️
Thought for the Day
This is not a verse - but it is so apt, and in many verses!
It is easy to forget there in One Who is watching over us and only ever a prayer away! if God seems a long way off - He hasn't moved - I have!
If we come simply as a little child, our Heavenly Father hears the softest cry!
2. Snippets playground is Iris' 90th, snippets are all but base and mauve plain cardstock. All rest are snippets right down to oval scallop made with a cracker packet coloured with inks, as did on other parts of flowers ribbon etc. - https://pixiessnippetsplayground.blogspot.com/
3. Joining with the NBUS Challenge .. three NBUS - Never Before used Schtuff https://mynbus.blogspot.com/2022/06/nbus-challenge-39.html last Snoopy card and Iris card too both are NBUS. Oh and first card is too as brand new stamp set .. wow!
Yes, it’s Wednesday again and popping in with a desky share + cards made of late! Desky share for WOYWW - What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over HERE ð at Julia's … today is full of inky fun.
My desk this morning - just briefly played with Alcohol Inks on dry embossed silver foiled card (Sizzx chevron 3D)... oh so much fun and came up quickly too, worked out a easy technique on it. You don't need the blower this way ...
Lay around colours in locations of choice, put in centre if too bottom half two careful dollops of alcohol.
And then move it by tilting or tipping it around, and an occasional use of a gloved finger to spread it over how you like it. Easy peasy.
These days, make sure I wear gloves, apron and cover desk with scrap paper, for easy clean up.
Here’s some cards to share not done these bases up but here is one from last week, mailed yesterday.
Die by Penny Black - kind gift when I had my heart attack in June 20, from Scrappy Mo - so thank you Mo my new favourite Snippetty die ❤️❤️ you can use a skerrick strip up with it! Less than an inch roughly. The Dienamics rectangle, and Elizabeth Craft design Birthday die.
A quick CAS card of washi paper, scallop border, with disc. stamp, new fav. PB die.
Also was reminded its Scrappy Mo's Rudolph Day Christmas card challenge so quick entry, had these two elements done in Christmas box. Stampendous embossed greeting. EF 3D of carol think is Gemini brand ..
Baby card: Image
from book Beatrix Potter images. SB lattice die, large was used with DP
mount, Crafts Too Daisy Lattice EF A4 with pink pearl dits to decorate.
Celebrate die - Waffle Flower.
“It’s a girl!” stamp, PB Hedgie baby set, with baby stats in Kaisercraft
labels die.
An Aussie combo shot to end some pretty sunsets.
Not walked as much as not 100%, but this was soo beautiful, have 20sec video if time to watch it, too, link here if missing.Lord bless everyone thanks so much for popping over esp if you say hi.
I will do my very best to reciprocate, but sadly cannot comment on embedded comment boxes they block me on iPad.
Prayer hugs,
Shaz in Oz.Xxx
Psalm 27:3,5,7-8
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
The LORD is a constant companion to those Who love Him, and yet He is never far away from a seeking heart too that has not yet trusted in Him.
Our Saviour Jesus, our God is only ever a prayer away - but He made us with a free Will to chose Him, or not.
Praying for you dear ones, you’re all so very precious to Him.
Some special things to share today - do you have some rejects in craft room, wool/ sewing cupboard, garden shed, etc? I do, today I’m sharing a card (or three) in part rejects - made good, also applying other ways.
“Rejects” - first similar to shared before (left over of said sample, diff. stamp used tho).
This is a continual lesson to me that something not good, may be made so.
Piece on the left was a whimpy, inky green embossed piece. Nice folder, nice colour, but messed up watery ink idea -> reject pile.
Spied it one day - thought Versamark + perfect pearls - voilÃĄ! It’s stunning.
An oriental folder, so added CCD oriental diecut (up close).
Another reject - copied J.McGuire idea of EF with foiled card + sand top layer off to highlight. Mm, NOT good thick foil, thin cheapie, not so great effect. Then saw this brilliant idea by Maxine also using an Altenew 3D, this a CASE (kinda), Maxine’s beautiful, clever card is HERE! Border floral die MB, Heros Arts Hugs Prayers stamp & die.
Next reject is me …
Some who come this way may wonder why I always mention Jesus, & to be BE SURE you know Him as your Saviour or not. This the WHY.
I've a chronic, congenital (from birth) incurable Malady, (*aka Darnell’s instructions to use malady, a much nicer wordð).
Drs can’t explain me, only God can!
I say it’s allowed of God. Originally there were NO mistakes in God’s PERFECT creation, but sin spoiled it…
NOTE: It is NOT GOD’s choice -> sorrow, grief, pain, sickness, hunger, famine, wars, suffering, death, a broken world -> ALL is a result of mankind’s sin.
God though (IF we let Him do it) is lovingly working in His way for GOOD!
Especially in me, taking me broken, sinful, lost - saving & blessing me.
My malady means I’m literally kept alive by medication. No meds I’m dead. Many others are. So not so unique there!
Quite a number of times though, I’ve collected close calls.
God wisely decides to knock off bit more of roughness of this“earthen vessel” ð & keeps me here. ð
When one lives day by day like this, one knows how SHORT life is - ETERNITY is ONLY ever a breath away.
Yet it IS for us ALL.
WHEN God says time to go, I’ll say hallelujah, heaven, here I come - BUT I speak up lovingly while I can.Each post may be my last.
We must be ready for eternity NOW - when we are dead, that is too late.
ESPECIALLY TODAY - happiest of the year!
It’s RESURRECTION DAY.
The FIRST DAY of the week, almost 2,000 years ago, when our LORD Jesus arose from the dead.
Jesus did NOT stay dead, He defeated Satan’s power of death over US.
Death was punishment for all our sin & wicked ways.
On Resurrection Day the LORD Jesus Christ miraculously arose from the dead.
This MEANS we too can live forever with Him, BY FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
There is an EMPTY TOMB, an EMPTY CROSS, where our sin’s price was paid by Jesus’ blood on Calvary’s tree. Forevermore ALL who believe in Jesus, will live, too.
***PAID IN FULL***
Jesus, of all preachers in Bible - Old Testament & New Testament was the One Who spoke of hell the most.
Why? Because He KNOWS hell is as real as heaven.
He DIED TO SAVE US from it.
Jesus ALONE FULLY understands, He LONGS that we see it all, too.. examples in Matt. 5, nine times by Jesus in just Matthew Luke 16 parable on it.
Are you sure you have this HOPE in Jesus?? We can be absolutely sure, I trusted in Jesus at 12 yrs old, see here - Who or What is a Christian?
Here is one more card to share, this is Snippetty, too, actually as are the other two cards. MB Prim Poppy die sadly disc.
Favourite stamp again Numbers 6:24-26, by Stampendous, gold embossed. Paper is Washi, by the roll, mostly used now; 25 yrs ago was $10 a roll, here, c. $US7. I’ve two different rolls, now it’s prized, so very expensive. Needed encouragement cards so more will be forthcoming.
This is whole of the passage, love it in a stamp in KJV, as more complete.
It is a prayer of blessing by Moses for Israel, God’s chosen people, and for us today, too. I pray this verse for YOU and ALL your dear ones.
The LORD bless you all & keep you all,
Make His face to Shine on you and be gracious unto you all,
Hullo, hullo! It’s Wednesday... again! ðð 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! ð
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! ð 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.
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