{Gratitude}

  • "True gratitude is the ability to humbly see, feel, and even receive love. Gratitude is a form of returning love to God. Recognize His hand, tell Him so, express your love to Him." -Gene R. Cook

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« October 2011 | Main | December 2011 »

Vintage Ornaments Revisited

 We are officially ready for Christmas in the Johnson house! The tree is up (earlier than normal!) and the lights are even strung on the house! It's kind of a miracle to be honest.  And with the beginning of December comes the Papertrey Ink Senior DT challenge! We are revisiting Vintage Ornaments and additions! 

 I love the retro feeling that these sets lean toward. I thought I would create a retro clean card to start off with.

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I die cut these from Vintage White cardstock then stamped the main solid image. Next I Stamped the  long ornament with the drip image in Fresh Snow ink then Heat and Stick embossing powder. (I think mine is from Stampin' Up!) I then followed the directions and stuck glitter to it.

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The other images were inked in VersaMark then the darker ink color (Ripe Avocado and Enchanted Evening)  to make the decorative image stand out. I used that heat and stick and glitter again to add that retro glitz that I love so much! These remind me so much of what I remember seeing as a kid.

Every year I give my girls an ornament for the tree. They love this tradition and look forward to it every year. I have on bought them a few times… usually right around the time I have a newborn. LOL! This year I thought it would be fun to use this Vintage Ornaments die. Each one is personalized and has a unique color bow... Ella's really into yellow right!

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These are more time consuming than you might think because of the many steps needed to "get it right!". (should have taken photos as I went but it was about midnight when I wrapped these babies up and I was a bit giddy) Each ornament has 4 layers of die cut coaster board. the first 3 are glued together then score-tape sheet is die cut and layered on top of that third layer. Next I die cut the patterned paper and glued it to that 4th ornament die cut from coaster. After letting that dry I die cut the circle out of the center using the Love Lives Here circle with heart die. (see... lots of steps huh!) 
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Ok... so now that the hole is in the top layer, peel back the score-tape cover and adhere the final top layer to the bottom three. There will be adhesive showing through the hole now.  Now is a time to stop and die cut all the letters and patterned paper that have been die cut with score tape over them... and adhere them together. Next place that letter, with the protective coating still on, in the center of the showing adhesive in the circle area. Sprinkle with red fine glitter then remove the protective coating from the letter and sprinkle with clear glitter. Whew! Hopefully that all made sense. Let me know if you have any questions. :)

The other Senior DT ladies have some projects to share too...

Happy December! Thanks for poppying by friends!

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Ornaments

November 30, 2011 at 09:07 PM | | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

Inspired Happy Mother's Day

I keep forgetting to share some of my publications here on my blog. Mostly because life has been so incredibly busy... some good busy and some not. Like having Three daughters have Birthday's all in a month's span... Ella breaking her finger and getting a cast on her hand. (She got it off yesterday, on her Birthday!) ... Yes, I could go on... it would probably bore the life out of you all though. It's just been a super crazy busy time. 

Anyhow... here is a card I created for the Paper Crafts special issue... Card Creations: Get Inspired. It's a great issue, full of ideas on how to be inspired by the most ordinary things!

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I used Backround Basics: Chevron Stripes for the top trim and Daydreamer for the flowers. You might be able to tell that I used the rock-n-roll technique on the flowers with my Papertrey Ink inks. The inspiration photo that I worked off of was a really cute dress. It was a fun card to create... that's for sure!

BTW... I'm so excited that so many have loved the new Crackle Embossing technique! I can't wait to see what everyone makes using it.

Well, I'm off to get my saturday errands done! Thanks for poppying by friends!
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November 19, 2011 at 09:52 AM | | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)

Crackle Embossing

Fun things can happen when you start playing around and experimenting with paper crafting supplies. Today I'm going to share with you something that is new, to me at least, that I discovered during some of that playing around! I'm So excited! I call it Crackle Embossing.

 Have you ever done any decorative painting? If so you probably have heard of or used crackle paint. It's super cool stuff. There are several applications in paper crafting too. Sometimes it's nice to not have to buy something extra or to have one product that can be used for many things. Embossing powder is a must have for any stamper.. and comes in a variety of colors which makes this an even more fun technique... SO many possibilities! Let me share with you how I create something that is Crackel Embossed

Here is a close up of some Crackle Embossing. I can imagine this being perfect on a vintage card too.

IMG_5879bIf you click on the photo you will be able to see the detail much better!

So let me show you how I created it...
IMG_5857First thing is to take some Score-Tape or Score-Tape sheet and trim it to the size you need. Then adhere that to cardstock. If you are using a lighter colored embossing Powder then I recommend a dark cardstock. You really want contrast so that the crackle shows. Now... die cut the shape you want. I chose to use this Merry die from Wonderful Words: Holiday Die collection.

Next, peel off the cover from the top of the die and sprinkle with powder. Do not press into the powder... just sprinkle it.

IMG_5857Heat emboss and watch the crackle texture appear! It's so fun to watch.
IMG_5857Make sure to not over heat it.

Here it is... all crackle-y and fun!
IMG_5857I'm not sure the dynamics of why it works but I can tell you that you will get a very different result from just pressing the die cut onto a VersaMark pad. There is a really cool separation that happens as a result of using that thick tape adhesive. Imagine how cool this would look with a teal or super dark color on white paper!

Adding dimension to these types of die cut elements can be tricky... so why not just die cut some foam mount tape?
IMG_5857It's easy to just line them up and adhere it all together and to the card!

Here is the card I created showcasing this technique.IMG_5857One think about Crackle Embossing is that I know if will looks great with any style you may have. I'm excited to play more with the concept!

IMG_5879b Well.... let me know if you have any questions... I will answer any in the commons section. I hope that you will try this at home! Let us know if you do so that we can come check it out!!!

On a personal note... Thank YOU! Thank you for all of the open arms as I shared, or at least tried to share my raw feelings in my post about Katie's Service. I have to admit that with all of the negativity that's going on online, I was extremely nervous. I'm glad in sharing that I've helped some.

Thanks for poppying by friends!

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November 18, 2011 at 12:36 AM | | Comments (83) | TrackBack (0)

Katie's Service

Many of you have followed Katie's journey...Today was Katie's service. I have learned a few things lately that has taught me that it's important to share... not just my work, but more of my heart.  So here goes...

Today I woke up and got dressed in my Sunday best... kissed my girls goodbye... sent them to school,  got into my mini-van... and started to drive. It was a chilly day... the wind whipped leaves around in a parade of vibrant colors. The view as I crossed over the bridge from Fidalgo Island, where Anacortes is located, was filled with cool, frosted farm fields. As I drove closer I saw foothills that had been freshly dusted with powdery snow. The somber valley reflected what my heart was feeling at that moment.

Sad.

Shortly after realizing that correlation, I looked north to Bellingham where Katie's service was being held... where Katie's home was and her loved ones are. My heart swelled as I saw bright, piercing rays of sunshine peeling back the layers of gloom over the city to which I was headed. That's when I felt it... I felt that gift that God was giving to Katie’s family...and all of us that were headed to her service... beautiful rays of sun... just like Katie was to everyone she came in contact with! It was lovely, just like her... and the memories many of us share of her.

I arrived to Historic Bayview Cemetery and memories of past visits flooded in. Having lived in Bellingham for over a decade before moving to Anacortes, I have several friends and loved ones that now reside there. As I entered the Chapel and was seated I noticed the beautiful flowers that surrounded the simple and natural casket. Simple and natural… again, so very much like the Katie that I got to meet. The most wonderful adornments of the room were the hearts, HUNDREDS of huge hearts in those who attended. The love in the room was so thick! The soundtrack of this lovely scene consisted of sweet whispers and soft sniffles. The sound of  hugs and warm embraces.

Peace.

 A Hospice Chaplin spoke about Katie’s overwhelming support from the online community… through her blog and cards and ability to be completely open… sharing herself so willingly with all of us. Katie brought people together from all over the world. I knew that many of my online friends had been thinking and praying for peace and love to be felt by Kevin and their three boys. I felt it there…and if I, having not been very close to Katie and never meeting Kevin before today could feel it, I can only imagine that they did.

Comforting and playful memories were shared by Katie’s best friend… a friendship sparked in the 4th grade at a birthday slumber party. It was wonderful to hear more about Katie. As her best friend shared… we smiled, cried and even busted out in laughter. Abundant love filled the room.

After saying the Lord’s Prayer and reciting Psalms 23, we watched as Katie’s casket was gently carried to the hearse and toward her final resting place.  We all walked down in a long, silent parade. Steps were mingled with warm embraces and the soundtrack of sniffles still played in surround sound.

I noticed how many historic headstones surrounded where Katie would be. There was such a nostalgic feeling… I couldn’t help but to remember visiting Katie last winter. The Renz home is in a historic part of town… It’s like a little piece of the early 1900’s has been frozen with all of the beautiful period homes. As I sat with her twins and giggled over their toys… I could feel the love in her home. Her new home felt the same…nostalgic and warm… full of history and love.

Beautiful.

I have to admit that at first it was hard looking at the boys, thinking of their futures. As I watched them rise and pat their beautiful Mother’s casket, wishing her goodbye, tears caught in my throat. I’ve lost friends who left small ones behind. It was hard on them… and their Dads. A sense of peace came to me just then. I looked up and took a panoramic view. Love, SO MUCH LOVE was flowing toward Kevin and the boys. Abundantly flowing, with all of the hope in the world for them. I know the road won’t be easy, but with all of that love and support full of loving memories of Katie… I think they will be OK and still have her “there”through them.

I stayed back and watched the guests meander up the hill…I was the next to the last one there.  I contemplated and prayed. It came to me as I sat there… I want to be more like Katie. To be more open and willing to share my heart, to have more courage in the face of adversity… to be more real and feel more of the joy that is available to me. Life is precious… but it’s the people in my life that make it precious. Living isn’t enough… Living and Loving is what it’s all about.

I walked up to Katie’s casket… placed my hand on it and said farewell with a peaceful heart.  As I walked away I softly sang Amazing Grace to myself and thanked my Father in Heaven for all of my blessings and for the blessing of briefly getting to meet and interact with His wonderful Daughter, Katie Renz.

Katie and Lisa

'Till we meet again in Heaven, Katie... Farewell.

 

November 14, 2011 at 11:03 PM | | Comments (112) | TrackBack (0)

November 2011 Papertrey Ink release

What a fun week this has been creating for the November Papertrey Ink release! We are all sharing the rest of our project early!!!

Here are the rest of my contributions...

Winter Penguin

IMG_5809Ella's birthday is on Friday and we are headed to Happy Feet II that night.

IMG_5809aElla adores penguins! We even got her some penguin jammies and a matching robe! (Don't tell here though... it's still a secret!)   ;)

Next is Tiny Tags II...

IMG_5809aSo many uses with this sweet set. IMG_5809aLook how well the stars match with the stars from Love Lives Here: Holiday!  Love finding things like this!

Tag-its #10

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Such sweet little images in this set. Isn't this banner darling!IMG_5809a

Yep... I had Happy Feet on the mind! LOL!

Birthdays By the Numbers is a really wonderful Birthday set. There is a great frame in the set...

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and the font is so fun! I think the cupcake is perfect too... simple and sweet!IMG_5809a

I also used the new Background Basics: Circles with this set.

Flower Fusion #10  has several great flower centers...and a matching stem die for the series!
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This card was made for a young woman in our church... the colors all represent a "value" in the YW program. IMG_5809a

She worked really hard to fulfill years of requirements to earn a medallion. Sort of like earning an Eagle Scout award.

Well that wraps up my cards for this month. Let me know if you have any questions. The supplies will be listed in the gallery.

Here are the other DT blog links...

Thanks for poppying by friends!

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November 14, 2011 at 08:41 PM | | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

Stitches & Swirls

 We have another Papertrey Ink group post.. and today we are all sharing projects created using the new Stitches & Swirls stamp set. It's SUCH a beautiful set and I know it will not collect dust in my studio!

Here's my first card... I went with a darker, earth toned color scheme.

IMG_5812aI really love that the stamp images are so lovely alone... without anything really added to them. The simple pearl centers to the flowers add just a touch of elegance.

Look at the fun flowers in this image... so pretty. Honestly, I can see using these images all year round for most holidays and occasions. Well, maybe not Father's day. :)
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Look at this beautiful image I used with the sentiment. There are so many possibilities with this one.

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I honestly cannot wait to create with this set again!

This next card was created with the same color combinations... just a little different style. I love when a seemingly obvious background image is strong enough to be a focal point.

IMG_5812aI made a faux wood panel then stamped the stitched image onto it. There are some decorative score lines on the bottom to add some balance.
IMG_5812aThese are so simple I can imagine mass producing them. I've had so much need for thank you cards lately too... so it's very nice to have a quick design that I can replicate in a snap!

I've spied several projects that the other ladies have created using  Stitches & Swirls.. my mind is blown... seriously! Here are the links to their blogs!

Thanks for poppying by friends!

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 Grateful

Simple Thank You

 

November 13, 2011 at 08:59 PM | | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

Door to Door

It's group post day at Papertrey Ink!!! It's so fun to participate in these. I love seeing what everyone creates with the chosen set. Today we are all sharing projects using Door to Door...one of Nichole's new sets!

I lived in New York for a short time and have warm memories of welcoming porches and elegant entryways that seemed unique to the region. Door to Door brings back those warm and inviting feelings! I thought it would be fun to create an interactive invitation using this fun set.

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I used a copic marker in gray to outline the while ink... adding some depth to the images. IMG_5801The new dies that coordinate with this set make it really easy to create something interactive and easy. Look at the fun door opening!

I printed the invite information on cardstock, stamped the topiary images the layered it under the door opening.

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I thought that a game night at our house would be fun to have... and worked perfectly for this concept. Now... If I can get all the girls' bithdays wrapped up... and the holidays, I will be able to have one!!! Our friends have them all of the time... it's definitely out turn!

IMG_5801I thought the banner image and all the sentiments that Nichole included were brilliant too!

 This set also has several lovely decorative planters, flowers and foliage. I thought I would create one more card using a few of them.

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I used my ink cubes to ink the flowers.
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I'm also really liking Maile's new Background set too.

I already have someone in mind for this card ... I hope they can feel a hug from me through this. 

I hope you've enjoyed today's sneak peek...  Here are the links to the other DT members so you can click over to see their wonderful creations!

Thanks for poppying by friends!

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Game Night Invite

Thoughts and Prayers

November 12, 2011 at 08:59 PM | | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

Willow

Today I get to help introduce the new Willow stamp set from Papertrey Ink and share a few sneak peek projects with you! It's a really sweet set with lovely sentiments and a lovely willow tree image. I really enjoyed creating with it. :)

This first card was inspired by many art pieces and photos I found online that show the changing seasons. I have lost several loved ones and I know how various feelings pop up in different seasons.

IMG_5772Each panel is one inch wide. I sponged the ink and made sure to blend the colors from one panel to the next. I used a post-it note to mask the panels after adhering them, then I stamped the season elements.

The tree is inked to reflect the seasons too.
IMG_5772aI had a special family in mind when I created this card so I really wanted a feeling of love to come through... love and warmth.IMG_5772I thought the concept of changing seasons went well with this sentiment too. 

The next card is more sweet and simple. While Willow seems like an obvious sympathy set, I saw a few other things that it can be used for. Miss You and Thinking of You came to mind with this sentiment.

IMG_5772I wanted to portray a feeling of love but not IN love... the tree bearing heart fruit seemed to work.
IMG_5772I think the crystals add some sweetness too.

This next card was inspired by a favorite childhood book... The Giving Tree.
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I remembered the cover of the book and the page about the boy receiving the apple from the tree. Loved that... that book meant so much to me as a child. I thought a simple card could easily convey that feeling too.

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I used a craft knife to trim the leaf that holds the apple that I trimmed out. Now if I only had a sweet little boy stamp to catch that little apple like on the .

I hope that you've enjoyed a little preview of the new Willow stamp set. It will be available through Papertrey Ink on Nov. 15th. Nichole has several great projects to share using this set. These ladies have sneak peeks too!

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 Seasons Ahead

Special Someone Love

Giving Tree Thanks

  • Stamps- Willow, Inside & Out: Thank You, 2009 Autumn tags
  • Ink- Dark Chocolate, ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss
  • Paper- Rustic Cream
  • Other- Craft Knife

November 11, 2011 at 08:59 PM | | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)

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