Some Things Have to be Believed to be Seen

I am building up a stash of positive and encouraging cards to give my mother in law over the next 6 weeks or more. She lives in Costa Rica, but she is staying with us while she undergoes radiation treatment.  I thought it would be nice to have at least one card for week, plus more for days I think she might need an extra boost.

I made extras for a swap I am in. Actually I have two swaps to finish but I haven't decided which one this is for yet: my monthly swap with a group of other stampers or a masculine swap.

Here are the Stampin' Up supplies that were used to make this card front:

• Just Believe stamp set
• Big Shot & Top note die
• Old Olive card stock & DSP (Designer Series Paper)
• Decorative Label Punch
• Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents (I think that means I need to use this for my stamper swap, not my masculine swap! Mind officially made up!)

There are other factors in my life right now causing stress. Nothing major, but the combined total of it all is taking it's toll on me. I have found stamping to be very therapeutic. It gets me into the creative side of my brain, where everything else just disappears. It also feels good to do something nice for someone else.

I also received some swaps in the mail this week. Just looking at them, gave me a lot of peace and happiness. I'll share pics of those in another post.

Warm Winter Wishes

I have no idea yet who will receive this card. I created this card which I believe fits into two challenges:

Clearly Inspired Challenge #20 : Use three shades of blue, and use one of their stamps. The gals at Clearly iStamp even tossed in a freebie, which I used in the challenge.

Stampin' Sisters Challenge #39: Based on Ephesians 4:29, we were instructed to make a card that would encourage someone. Ah! Now I know who will receive this card!

Besides the Clearly iStamp snowman stamp, I used paper I had on hand. The following supplies came from Stampin' Up:

• Ribbon
• Flower brad 
• Crystal Effects (snowman's hat band)
• I printed the sentiment on my computer and punched it out with the Scallop Oval Punch.

I had a lot of fun creating this.

 

Love Birds

A worship leader we know is celebrating his 27th wedding anniversary with his wife in a few days. I saw his post on face book and decided to whip up a card. I searched for inspiration and found it at She Stamps (thanks, Cheryl!). I gave myself 15 minutes...then set the timer for 15 more minutes...then went a bit past that. So much for 15 minutes. I think if my office were more organized I could've done it in about half the time! I'm working on it. Progress, not perfection.

I used paper I had on hand, the Owl Punch and Scalloped Oval punches from Stampin' Up, the Journey and Ashlyn's alphabet Cricut Cartidges.  I made a little "oopsie" at the bottom. I wrote in my nicest handwriting, "A Chord of thee strands is not easily broken." Notice I wrote "thee" instead of "three." There was no way to squeeze the R in there. Then I remembered I had this gorgeous chantilly crocheted trim in my stash! I used sticky strip to lay down the satin ribbon to cover up my oopsie. I would have preferred to use Chocolate Chip, but I was out. I think the black works ok with the crocheted trim over the top. Another  layer of sticky strip (where would I be without this indispensable tool!?) went on over that, followed by the lace. My friend Michelle taught me this fold over technique & I use it every chance I get. It's a fun, easy way to add some flair. I'm all about fun and easy!