A Layout for My "Book of Me"

If you remember, I am working on a "Book of Me" this year. I have two layouts in my album thus far. You can see those layouts by clicking here and here. Today, I wanted to share a third layout I just completed before church this morning to go into my album. It's shows the cover of my favorite book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. If you have never read this book, I highly recommend it! One of my daughter's has read this one three times now I believe. Truly a great, great book based on the story of Hosea in the Bible.

For this 8 1/2 x 11 page, I used the lastest sketch from Flying Unicorn. I also used Blue Fern Studios papers and a title from the Blue Fern Studios chipboard set called Spiritually Speaking. I painted the title with Shimmerz Texturz and then I inked over it with Archival ink. That is the first time I have done that, and I think I will use that technique again.

Papers: Blue Fern Studios Garden Timeless and In Bloom, Memory Box cs 
Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Spiritually Speaking (painted with Shimmerz Texturez gold mine then inked with Archival coffee) 
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink antique linen, Archival coffee 
Embellishments: Manor House Creations Ohh La La flowers, Kaisercraft chino pearls, Tim Holtz burlap stencil, Prima resist canvas lace and Say It In Crystals, Flying Unicorn metal butterfly, Hobby Lobby doily, Jenni Bowlin journaling card, Petaloo Botanica minis pistachio and pink, Wild Orchid Crafts leaves, joint tape, sewing machine

I hope you have enjoyed today's inspiration. And if you haven't started a "Book of Me," why don't you join me. You could start with the three topics I have already done. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Three New {Projects} and Doctor's Update

Hello everyone. Today I have two cards and an 8 1/2 x 11 layout for you using the new Blue Fern Garden papers, the February sketch, and of course Blue Fern chippies. And at the very bottom of today's post, I have a doctor's update for those of you that have been praying for me. Thank you! Let's look at the fun stuff first.

Just Because
My best friend is having a hard time right now so I decided to make her a card out of the new Blue Fern Garden papers. I hope she likes it!

I layered and distressed the papers. I also used one heart from the Lace Heart Border chipboard. I mixed a bit of modeling paste and crackle paint to color the chipboard.

Papers: Blue Fern Garden Timeless and Calling Cards, Memory Box notecard 

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Lace Heart Border (painted with Viva crackle paint and Liquitex modeling paste) 

Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink shabby shutters 

Embellishments: Hero Arts pearls, Petaloo Wild Blossoms pink, Prima rose leaves, Basic Grey button, May Arts twine, joint tape

One of a Kind
This is our 2 year old Keeshond that was diagnosed with epilepsy in August 2013. He is on many medications, and everyday is a challenge. These papers and chipboard were just perfect for this layout. I also use the Blue Fern Studios February sketch for this 8 1/2 x 11 layout.

For the title (One of a Kind), I covered it in gesso and while it was still wet, I misted it with some color. Once it was dry, it gave a very nice effect.

For the corner embellishments, I treated the Shabby Brick Bits the same way as I did the title (with gesso and mist). The Manor Hinge was first inked with distress ink, then I stamped on it, and painted on a bit of Glossy Accents to finish.

Papers: Blue Fern Garden In Bloom, Signature, Calling Cards, and Love Letters 

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: One of a Kind and Shabby Brick Bits (both painted with gesso and Shimmerz Coloringz Mama Sings the Blues), Manor Hinges (inked with Adirondack pebble then stamped) 

Stamps: Prima Seamstress, Becky Higgins date stamp 

Stamp Ink: Adirondack pebble, Archival coffee 

Embellishments: Prima vintage trinkets, Petaloo Camelia mantis green flower and dark brown flowering vine, Freckled Fawn epoxy sticker, Authentique Diction stickers, Tim Holtz burlap stencil with Luminarte Twinkling H2O tahitian blue and olive vine, misc. ticket, Basic Grey Lucille buttons

Faith
I have an envelope full of the new Blue Fern Garden paper scraps. I truly save every little bit. So, I decided to put some of those scraps to use on this card. There are scraps used on both creations above too. Can you find them? :) For this card, you can see how I distressed the edges of all the little scrap strips.

For the chipboard, I used the Blue Fern Studios Doodle corner. I treated it the same way I did with the layout title above but after it was dry, I added a little more paint using watercolors.

Papers: Blue Fern Garden, Memory Box notecard

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Doodle Corner (painted with gesso, Shimmerz Vibez pop art pink, and Luminarte Twinkling H2O watermelon mist) 

Stamp Ink: Hero Arts Shadow Ink soft sky 

Embellishments: Prima clock and resin key, misc. flair, Wild Orchid Crafts flowers, joint tape, cheesecloth

And now for my mammogram update. I ended up being gone for 4 hours. They were packed with patients because of last week's storm, and we all had to reschedule. Anyway, they have an area they want to watch so I need go go back in 6 months. It was a long morning, and I came home with such a heavy heart for the other women that I talked to and bonded with. It's funny how when you all are sitting in a waiting area in white robes getting the same news how you bond. I ache for the elderly woman that has had cancer 4 times, and now was coming to see if this was a 5th. I wish I could follow up on how she does. I asked the ultrasound tech to pray for her too as I knew she was right after me. I was just in tears for her yesterday. I will of course continue to pray for her and the other women I spoke with even though I will probably never see them again. I am praying God might allow me to "bump into them" at the grocery store or somewhere in town. He is a great big God capable of doing such a thing!

Thank you all for your prayers and support and for stopping by. You are a blessing to me! And remember, there is still time to participate in the Blue Fern Studios February Sketch Challenge. All of the details are here. I hope you will join in! Blessings,

Slice of Life {Layout}

One of the recent challenges I wanted to complete was called the "Slice of Life Challenge." I am making a Book of Me this year. My "One Little Word" layout I posted last week will also go into this album. If you missed that layout, click here. For this album, I want to try to find things that represent me and who I am right now. I do not know what this album will grow into but I pray it will be a piece of me that our girls can share when I am gone someday.

For this layout, I used this week's Flying Unicorn sketch. I also use the Blue Fern Studios Bits of Honey chipboard. I painted it with a mix of Shimmerz Texturez crushed coral and Shimmerz Spritz plum pudding. Here is my 8 1/2 x 11 layout:

Papers: 7 Dots Studio 9th Wave Sea Foam and Golden Sand, art journaling card by Patter Cross
Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Bits of Honey (painted w/mix of Shimmerz Texturez crushed coral and Shimmerz Spritz plum pudding)
Stamps: Becky Higgins date stamp
Stamp Ink: Archival jet black, Prima Chalk Ink old road
Sketch: Flying Unicorn Mojo Monday
Embellishments: Flying Unicorn butterfly adornment painted with Lumiere pewter; EK Success binding edge punch; Prima Corine flowers, black crystals, and zipper pull; Petaloo pink wild blossoms, dk. brown paper flowering vines, aqua and fuschia wild mini blossoms; Silhouette cut file for title; Angora watercolors; sewing machine

I hope you have enjoyed today's inspiration, and feel free to jump in and create a Slice of Life page too. Enjoy your weekend!

Two Layouts {and} a Card

Today I am excited to share a card and the new Blue Fern Studios papers with you. I used the papers for two layouts. Both of the layouts are 8 1/2 x 11 and feature photos of our friend's baby that was born on Christmas Day. Both of these layouts were gifts to her for her album that includes previous layouts I have done of their daughter. So, let's start by looking at the gorgeous papers and fun chipboard pieces.

Adorable
Here is our friend's precious baby when he was 3 days old. I layered the In Bloom, Parlour, and Calling Cards papers for this 8 1/2 x 11 layout. I was able to use two of the words from the Calling Cards paper as tags on the layout.

The chipboard I used was a heart from the Eclectic Hearts set. I colored the heart with Prima Chalk Ink shabby tote and Distress crackle paint. The title is from the Good Vibes set. I painted it with a mix of modeling paste, Glimmer Mist artic blue, and Lindy's Stamp Gang bachelor button blue.

Blue Fern Studios paper: In Bloom, Parlour, Calling Cards 
Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Eclectic Hearts (colored w/Prima Chalk Ink shabby tote and Distress crackle paint), Good Vibes (painted w/mix of modeling paste, Glimmer Mist artic blue, and Lindy's Stamp Gang bachelor button blue) 
Stamps: Tim Holtz Ultimate Grunge, Becky Higgins date stamp 
Stamp Ink: Adirondack pebble, Archival jet black 
Embellishments: Pink Paislee Portfolio photo tab; Prima Frost Frappe VII flowers; Tim Holtz mini paper clip; Glimmer Mist riptide; Hobby Lobby doily; joint tape; cheesecloth; misc. cork stars

Love Always
And here is little baby at 6 days old. Here I used the Blue Fern Garden Parlour and Calling Cards papers. Again I used more tags from the Calling Cards paper and did lots of layering.

For the title, I used the Love Always chipboard piece. I painted it with layers of Tim Holtz Distress Paint tarnished brass, Viva crackle paint, and Inka Gold old silver. The layering of those three products gave the title a great look.

Blue Fern Studios paper: Calling Cards, Parlour 
Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Love Always (painted with Tim Holtz Distress Paint tarnished brass, Viva crackle paint, and Inka Gold old silver) 
Stamps: Unity Reversed Punchinella, Becky Higgins date stamp 
Stamp Ink: Adirondack pebble, Archival jet black 
Embellishments: Petaloo Large Daisies blue; My Mind's Eye Heirloom alpha and word stickers; Tim Holtz film strip ribbon; Glimmer Mist riptide; joint tape; Prima Frost Frappe VII flowers, resin pieces, and wood veneer; Probe game card

And Finally a Card
On this card I used the Circle Motif. I did not use a sentiment because I wanted the circle to be the focus.

I pulled up the layers of chipboard to create dimensional leaves on the Circle Motif. I then painted with Shimmerz Texturez gold mine.

Papers: Webster's Pages Best Friends, Memory Box kraft nc 

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Circle Motifs (painted with Shimmerz Texturez gold mine) 

Stamp Ink: Archival viridian 

Embellishments: Prima fly away resin; Wild Orchid Crafts flowers; Hero Arts 5mm pearls; Studio Calico cabochons; hand-dyed Hug Snug seam binding; misc. cheesecloth; sewing machine

Thanks for joining me today, and stay warm and safe. I know a lot of us have had bad weather. Blessings,

More Cards with Blue Fern Studios

Today I want to share two cards with you that you could easily create and use as thank you cards or whatever occasion you need after the Christmas holiday. You will need the Blue Fern Studios Shabby Layered Frame chipboard, Gabrielle Butterfly Set, and the Graduated Circles. Let's get started!

Hello
For my first creation, I wanted to use the Blue Fern Studios Shabby Layered Frame. This frame measures 4 1/2" x 5" so it was perfect to use for a card frame. I cut my card base and then got to work on dressing up the frame. I started with a layer of gesso on the frame, and then I used some DazzelerZ spun sugar. Once that was all dry, I used a sponge to add touches of Inka Gold paint on the frame randomly. Here is how it turned out:

Papers: Webster's Pages Postcards from Paris II, Memory Box cs 

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Shabby Layered Frame (painted with Shimmerz DazzelerZ spun sugar and Inka Gold antique gold) 

Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink frayed burlap, Adirondack ginger 

Stamp: Memory Box Just a Note 

Embellishments: Wild Orchid Crafts leaves and flowers, other misc. flowers, My Mind's Eye Happy Days wood banner, May Arts twine, Prima resin bird and jean button

I used a "hello" sentiment but that could easily be changed to any sentiment you would like to use.

Made for You
For my next card, I used two pieces of Blue Fern Studios chipboard. The first is the center from the Graduated Circles set. I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink antique linen to color it. I wanted it to match the woodgrain color in the patterned paper I used. It looks like I left the chipboard raw but there was a slight color change when adding the ink. It turned out to be just the color I wanted.

And for the Gabrielle Butterfly, I covered it in gesso first. Once it was dry, I added two layers of DazzelerZ dreamscicle. I let the first layer dry before adding the second layer since the butterfly is so delicate. It helped to build up the paint a bit by allowing it to dry between layers on this delicate piece.

Papers: Crate Paper Flea Market, Memory Box kraft nc 

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Graduated Circles (inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink antique linen), Gabrielle Butterfly Set (painted with Shimmerz DazzelerZ dreamscicle) 

Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink brushed corduroy and antique linen 

Embellishments: wood veneer from Diana McRae, Wild Orchid Crafts flowers, other misc. flower, Hobby Lobby doily, Zva Creative flourish, hand-dyed Hug Snug, sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you got some useful ideas to try on your Blue Fern Studios chipboard. Have a blessed week!

{HSCRC13} Hymn #22, Joy to the World

Hymn Challenge #22: Joy to the World
Words by: Isaac Watts
b. July 17, 1674; d. November 25, 1748

We studied Isaac Watts back in Hymn #13, O God, Our Help in Ages Past. You can click here to see information about Isaac Watts there. So now, let's begin our study.

Today was our special day. We were going to find out the sex of our first baby. The tech began the ultrasound, and I thought to myself—“This ultrasound sure is taking a long time. I pray the baby is okay.” Just as I was thinking that, the tech says “Were you on fertility?” I responded with, “No, why? Is it twins?” We have many twins in my family, and when we finally decided to try to get pregnant, my sweet husband said “We are having one baby. We are not having twins.” Well, the tech responded with “No, it’s triplets.” I began crying uncontrollably, my husband began pacing the room, and our lives were forever changed.

As we approach the birth of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, think of Mary. As we see in Matthew 1:18 “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” What do you think her day was like? She was pledged to be married. What would the town’s people think? And what would Joseph think? To say our day was turned upside down is nothing compared to Mary’s day! Mary’s plans were not her own yet in Luke 1:38 we see “'I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May Your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.’” Mary’s response was incredible. She knew she would experience shame but she had great faith and completely trusted the Lord.

Dr. Henrietta Mears said “Faith may see God but obedience must serve Him.” Mary was willing and called herself the Lord’s servant. I can’t say we were willing like Mary was but we can’t begin to imagine our lives without our three precious girls. We have come to know Christ, He has walked with us through many trials during the last 19 years but we have also experienced a joy that only comes from Him. Jesus is the source of our joy. Dr. Mears continues with “Know this! Christ never takes our joy away. He gives joy! He says that He came not only to give us life, but give it to us more abundantly! God tells us that the way of the transgressor is hard, but His ways are ways of pleasantness, and all His paths are peace.” How do you react when things don’t go your way? Are you willing to follow God’s way and experience His incredible joy that can never be taken away?

God is Sovereign. His plans and ways are perfect, and no purpose of His can be thwarted. He alone is the source of our joy. I am thankful for Mary’s example of great faith and her heart of obedience. Will you trust Him in your circumstances knowing that His purpose will be fulfilled? Will you glorify Him through it and experience the incredible joy that only He can give?

Below you will see the sheet music for today's hymn. And click here to listen to David Archuleta sing this hymn with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Turn it up and enjoy!

For my 6x6 page, I used the December sketch from C'est Magnifique. I also used the Blue Fern Studios Graduated Circles chipboard. I covered it in Shimmerz Texturz paint called Patina. The wood veneer was one I special ordered from Diana McRae. She does custom pieces, and they only cost pennies. You get the pieces you want without having ones you won't use. You can see all she has for sale here. Just click through the many pages. I really got GREAT service from Diana and her husband!

The scripture I chose was Luke 1:38 from above. It a great reminder to me that when I gladly follow and serve Him, I am filled with joy! And yes, there is a typo on my typed scripture. I didn't notice it until after my page was done. I actually typed that scripture three times when I was making this page. Wow, I guess I was just meant to have an error today. Oh well! I guess it's just another reminder to me that Jesus is the only one to live fully human and live perfectly. I certainly never will be able to!

Papers: Pink Paislee Snow Village
Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Graduated Circles (painted with Shimmerz Texturez patina)
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink frayed burlap
Embellishments: wood veneer from Diana McRae, Jenni Bowlin watch face, misc. baker's twine, misc. flowers, Wild Orchid Crafts leaves, thread, machine sewing

Remember to use Keyword HSCRC13 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here.

Today will be our last Hymn Challenge for 2013. God has shown me some plans for 2014 so be watching for that announcement over the next couple of weeks. For now, thank you ALL for joining in. I pray that God has blessed you beyond measure for your study, that you have grown in your walk with Him, and that you are excited to join in next year's study. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas everyone!

A {Coupon} Binder

Hubby was traveling a few weeks ago so my daughter and I decided to watch the show called "Extreme Couponing." Have you seen it? It was the first time I have ever watched it. While it was a bit "extreme" for me, it also renewed my interest in couponing again. I used to do it years ago but got so busy with the kids that I did not feel the effort was worth my time. Well, after watching the show, I realized that I will search for online coupons every time I shop online. Why am I not using coupons when I go to the grocery store and other places? So, I decided to start couponing again but with some changes to my system from years and years ago. Let's look at what I am doing.

The Binder

First, I used a Simple Stories binder that I had in my studio. It is perfect. The large binders that people seem to use on the show are just too large for me. I am not couponing to that extent anyway. And the little "wallet style" coupon book I used years ago didn't work too well either. So, I think this new binder will be perfect. I can keep individual coupons in the Simple Stories Sn@p! Pocket Pages and easily see what I have and when coupons expire. It's also small enough to carry into the store. Isn't it pretty?

To decorate it, I used copies of my scanned art journaling pages. It was easy to print them out onto Neenah Bright White Cardstock, ink the edges, and then adhere to the front of my binder. I also used scanned art journaling pages for the dividers too. It was quick to do yet makes it look like I spent much more time on the binder than I did. Sneaky huh? :)

For the decorative piece, I used the Blue Fern Studios Blooming Foliage chipboard. I covered it in gesso and then painted it with Shimmerz crushed coral Texturez and spritzed with Lindy's Stamp Gang Frenchy's Pink Pouf.

The alphabet I used throughout the binder is the Memory Box Large Typewriter set.

The System

As you open the binder, there is a table of contents. I have each section numbered and in alphabetical order. I labeled each divider with the corresponding number. I did it that way so it will be easy to move things if I add new dividers and sections. I also have my address and phone number on this page just in case my binder is lost. Oh I pray not because I am rather fond of it now. :)

Behind the table of contents, I have an empty 6x8 pocket page. I use that to hold the coupons I will use. It will be easy to take them out of that page pocket when I get to the check out.

Then the binder starts with the divided sections by number. Here you can see a couple of my sections.

Papers: Art journaling papers by Patter Cross
Simple Stories products: 6x8 Sn@p! binder, 6x8 page protectors, 3x4 divided page protectors, 3x4/4x6 divided page protectors
Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Blooming Foliage (painted with Shimmerz crushed coral Texturez and Lindy's Stamp Gang Frenchy's Pink Pouf)
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink black soot
Embellishments: Memory Box large typewriter alpha and number die sets

Now I am only cutting coupons I know I will use. I am very picky about brands I use, etc., so this binder should not get too large but it will also help me save a little money much more easily now. I also read on a website to spend just 15 minutes a week going through your book to make sure you have removed the expired coupons. It only took me about 20 minutes to go through yesterday's ads from the paper and cut out the coupons we use. Now, I can do that! How about you?

I am using three different styles of the Simple Stories page pockets.

• 6"x8" page protectors
• 3"x4" divided page protectors
• 3"x4"/4"x6" divided page protectors

These all seem to hold my various coupons just perfectly. I hope that this has been helpful. So grab a Simple Stories album and page pockets and begin couponing with me! Have a blessed week!