Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop with Stampin' Addicts!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!!  

Today's the day!!  It's the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!!!  Stampin' Addicts is my favorite Stampin' Up! only online hangout.  Everyone there is super friendly and amazingly talented.  It's just a happy place to be!!

If you just started the hop... welcome!!  If you've been hopping for a while, then you just came from Kim's blog: Stitchin and Stampin' On Paper, where she featured the gorgeous stamp set, Elementary Elegance.  So pretty!  If you are not sure what is going on, or you are feeling a little lost, you can check out the Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop forum at Stampin' Addicts.  This will let you know all the blogs that are participating in the hop. and help you navigate your way around.

As always, Stampin' Up! has done a fabulous job with the Sale-A-Bration catalog this year.  Lots of great products and all for FREE!!  Today I am excited to feature the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder found on page 16 of the SAB catalog.

BUTTON BUDDIES

Stamps:  Button Buddies, Bring on the Cake

Paper:  Real Red, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Garden Green

Accessories:  Stripes EF, Brayer, Scallop Square die, Square Lattice EF, Scallop Punch, Brights Designer Buttons, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Bakers Twine, Real Red Satin Ribbon

This technique is super simple.  You just roll the ink right onto the Stripes Embossing Folder using your brayer.  Lay your card stock on the inked side, close the folder and run it through your Big Shot and viola!!  Striped and embossed card stock!  See those fun, colorful buttons?  They are also available for FREE during Sale-A-Bration!!  You can find them on page 9 in the SAB catalog.

SCALLOP ENVELOPE BASKET

Stamps:  Button Buddies

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Stripes EF, Scallop Punch, Striped Grosgrain, Bakers Twine, Crystal Effects

This little basket uses the same brayer technique as I described above, but after you run your card stock through your Big Shot, you ink up the Stripes embossing folder a second time, lay your card stock on it going the opposite way as before, and run it through your Big Shot again.  Now you have gingham embossed paper!!  I made the basket using four Scallop Envelopes.  I just cut off the scallop flaps.

BUTTON BUDDIES

Stamps:  Button Buddies, Tiny Tags

Paper:  Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery

Accessories:  Stripes EF, Scallop Square die, Designer Frames EF, Tag Punch, Oval Punch, Celery Satin Ribbon, Bakers Twine

This card also uses the "gingham" technique.  I always like gingham for baby stuff.  I also used the Stripes Embossing Folder the "old fashioned" way on this card.  I used it to emboss my background paper.  Easiest technique ever!!  :)  The Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folders are also available for FREE during SAB.  They are on page 13 of the catalog.

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings, You're A Gem, En Francais Background 

Paper:  Soft Suede, Basic Black, Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Stripes EF, Designer Frames EF, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Vintage Brads, Basic Pearls, Mini Clips, Crocheted Lace Trim, Striped Grosgrain, Linen Thread

This is a fun technique I read about on Jan Tink's blog.  It is really fairly easy.  You emboss your card stock with the Stripes embossing folder.  Then you ink up your background stamp.  Lay your inked BG stamp on your work surface with the rubber side facing up.  Lay your pre-embossed card stock on to the BG stamp.  Use your finger or a bone folder to press down on the parts that are touching the BG stamp, not the parts that are raised up.  Lift and you've just stamped on the stripes only!!  Cool huh?!! 

Well, that's all from me.  The next stamper on the hop is Mickey over at Paper Conversation.  She will be showing you the Language of Friendship stamp set.  I always love a stamp set that coordinates with our punches!!  

PAPER CONVERSATION

STITCHIN' AND STAMPIN' ON PAPER

Thanks for hopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 4 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Happy Friday!!  I'm so excited to have TWO blog posts today!!  Can't say as I've ever done that before.  I really wanted to be a part of the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop, but I also wanted to share what I learned this week in Psalm 4.  And in order to accomplish that, I decided to have two blog posts today!!! 


Psalm 4:6-7 "Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound."

FABULOUS PHRASES

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases

Paper:  Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Accessories:   Heart to Heart Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Petal Card die (retired), LOTS of current and retired ribbon!!

Quick how-to on this technique.  Super easy.  I covered a piece of "chipboard" (really just the white piece of backing that comes in our Designer Series Paper packs) with lots and lots of adhesive, then layered strips of ribbon on it, then ran it through my Big Shot!!

These verses caught my attention right away.  They are the "happy" part of the passage.  Wendy Pope kind of went a different direction with the study, but these are the verses that I kept coming back to.  I love knowing that our joy comes from the Lord.

Here is what my NIV Life Application Bible has to say about verse 7:

"Two kinds of joy are contrasted here - inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances.  Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable.  Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up.  Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary."

That new outfit, or purse, or stamp set ;) may bring us temporary happiness, but only God can fill our hearts with pure joy.  Joy that goes beyond our circumstances and day-to-day "life".  We can all "put on a happy face" to get us through the day.  But real joy is a reflection of God's light shining through us.  It is something that can be seen and felt.  It comes from the heart.  Thus the heart on my card today.  That's also why I made my heart bright and colorful and fun.  That's how I look at joy.  As bringing color to the world.

My hubby is a seminary student and he bought this fancy schmancy Bible program.  Bummer is, he has a Mac Book and this program was only available for PC (which he didn't realize until he tried to download it).  Lucky me!!  It's called BibleWorks and it is well beyond my scope and sphere.  It has Greek and Hebrew and a gazillion translations and cross references.  But I was excited to read this about verse 7 from the Matthew Henry Commentary:

"This is what, above any thing, they rejoice in (v. 7): "Thou hast hereby often put gladness into my heart; not only supported and refreshed me, but filled me with joy unspeakable; and therefore this is what I will still pursue, what I will seek after all the days of my life." When God puts grace in the heart he puts gladness in the heart; nor is any joy comparable to that which gracious souls have in the communications of the divine favour, no, not the joy of harvest, of a plentiful harvest, when the corn and wine increase. This is gladness in the heart, inward, solid, substantial joy. The mirth of worldly people is but a flash, a shadow; even in laughter their heart is sorrowful, Prov. xiv. 13. "Thou hast given gladness in my heart;" so the word is. True joy is God's gift, not as the world giveth, John xiv. 27. The saints have no reason to envy carnal worldlings their mirth and joy, but should pity them rather, for they may know better and will not."

(Hafta say that I LOVE the beautiful, rich language.) "True joy is God's gift..."  Yesterday I chatted with our next door neighbor who told me her battle with cancer has returned and with a vengeance. Her doctor has given her only 2 months to live.  As we stood talking on my front porch, I could sense joy in her, even though her circumstances are so utterly grim.  That is a gift from God.  That is not something you get by just determining to "look at the bright side".  Yes, I'm sure she has her down days, we all do, but it is that "inward, solid, substantial joy" that keeps her heart shining for Jesus.  I pray that you will find that kind of joy this week!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza Take 2!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!

BIRTHDAY CARD EXTRAVAGANZA CLASS

Sunday, February 12, 2012

4pm at Tulare Community Church

Need birthday cards for the new year? Come create beautiful, unique hand-made cards for all the special people in your life. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Registration must be mailed to me by February 1st.  Bring a friend!

I still have seats available!!! Call or email me if you have any questions! Today I have another card I CASEd for Goodies Cookies. It's too bad I can't find it back to let you know who the original creator is.  Sorry about that!!!

Stamps:  Something To Celebrate (retired Hostess set)

Paper:  Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Circle Punches, 5 Petal Punch, Elegant Lines EF, Poppy Stitched Ribbon, Designer Brads (retired), Basic Rhinestones

Love these colors together!!!  It always takes me awhile to get into the groove of using the In-Colors.  Then when I finally do, I realize how much I'm going to miss them!!  Like Poppy Parade.  Can't believe it will be gone in July.  :(  I think I really just love color.  All color!!

This card is super easy to put together.  The bright colors on the white make it "pop"!  The Mary Engelbreit style flower is just circles punched out, scrunched up, and layered randomly.  Attach them with a cute brad and your done!!

I'm so excited for tomorrow!!  I will have two posts.  First, I will have my usual "For Real Friday" post, featuring a card for Psalm 4 (which shows off a "new-to-me" technique).  Then I will be participating in the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration blog hop, where I will be sharing FOUR projects (and 3 techniques!) featuring the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  So that's a total of FIVE stampin' fabulous fun projects in ONE day!!!!  You just can't miss it!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

The Stamp Club That Wasn't :(

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Sunday afternoon was going to be the very first time our new Spring 2012 Hostess Club met together to stamp. I was so excited to see my "stamp ladies" again. I even had our projects planned and prepped a week in advance. Then one-by-one, I received word that some of my stampers wouldn't be able to come. No biggie, I'll just stamp their cards for them. Then on Saturday, I woke up with the worst cold I've had in quite awhile. Bummer!! I had to cancel our club meeting. And the even bigger bummer is I can not reschedule for next week either!! I guess I'll be making everyone's projects and tucking them into their order bags. Here is one of the cards we were going to make. It is a CASE of a card I saw on Stampin' Connection (an online site for SU! demos) by Misty Lee Berry. The only thing I changed was the sentiment.

OVER ALL #113790

Stamps: Oval All

Paper: Naturals White, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Everyday Enchantment, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Beautiful Butterfly Die, Framed Tulip EF, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Elegant Lines EF, Taffeta Vanilla Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, In-Color Markers

Isn't this card so pretty? Wish I could take credit for it, but I'm happy to CASE other talented stampers out there.  :)  I sponged a little bit of Lucky Limeade ink on the raised parts of the Tulip Frame, to highlight them. And isn't that Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper just gorgeous?!!!  I love the colors in it. And today is the day you can finally get it because today is the day for Sale-A-Bration!!! My most favorite time of the year!! For every $50 you spend on your favorite Stampin' Up! products, you choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog for FREE (this includes online orders)!!! And there are so many fabulous Sale-A-Bration items it is hard to pick one! Good thing this promotion lasts through March 31!!  ;)

And in other fun stamping news... I can't wait for Friday, because that is the first day of the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!! Stampin' Addicts is my favorite Stampin' Up! only online hangout. They have fun forums, a great gallery, and amazing stampers who share their talent, and inspiration. And it's all Stampin' Up!, all the time!! Such a happy place to hang out! And on Friday, many of those very talented stampers will be sharing their creativity using the products in the Sale-A-Bration catalog. All the Sale-A-Bration items will be highlighted at least once on the tour. I will be showcasing the Striped Textured Impressions Embossing Folder on page 16 of the SAB catalog. It's also on page 218 of the "big" catalog, but wouldn't it be more fun to get it for FREE?! 

If you are looking for more up-to-the-minute stamping inspiration and information, you will want to click "like" on my Krystal's Cards -Stampin' Up Facebook page on my sidebar. I post links to my blog there and also other news and information I receive from Stampin' Up! And if you need more stamping inspiration in your day (don't we all!), then come "follow" me on Pinterest (link also on my sidebar). I started boards that are dedicated to Stampin' Up's! various Big Shot dies. I have a board for the Petal Cone die, and another board for the Fancy Favor box, and so on and so on!! I've been trying to add a new Big Shot board everyday. These "pin boards" have inspiration from various talented stampers, not just me, so there is lots of variety. 

I am really excited for February to get here. That's when I get to stamp with my club ladies again, and have a birthday card class, and finally put in a Stampin' Up! order!!  It's been too long since I've gotten anything new and I just love everything in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. Haven't seen it yet? Check out the link on Stampin' Up! website: Krystal's Cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop Coming Soon!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Lot's of exciting stamping news this week!!  First, tomorrow is the first day of Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!'s most fabulous promotion of the year!! Then on Friday I be participating in another Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop!!!

I missed the last couple of Stampin' Addicts blog hops, because I just didn't have my stampin' groove on.  But I've got my projects almost completed and ready to photograph and then the wait til Friday begins!!  Stampin' Addicts blog hops are always guaranteed to give you lots of fabulous stampin' inspiration and ideas.  It is a very talented group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who are just as addicted to Stampin' Up! as I am!!  Love those gals!!


Tomorrow I will share a card we should have made at my first Spring Hostess club that was supposed to be yesterday afternoon.  But because I caught a yucky cold and over half the gals couldn't make it, I canceled our club meeting and am just going to make their projects for them.  Some months are just like that!!  The card uses the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that is available only as a Sale-A-Bration item.  It is the most amazing DSP ever!!  Love it!!


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Psalm 3 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Psalm 3:3-4 "But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill."

Nature Silhouettes

Stamps:  Nature Silhouettes

Paper:  Basic Black, Island Indigo, Old Olive, Naturals White, First Edition DSP

Accessories:  Black Embossing Powder, Decorative Label Punch, Round Tab Punch, Stripes EF, BRads, Brayer, Old Olive Grosgrain (retired)

I really enjoyed this weeks study of Psalm 3 from Wendy Pope. She gives some wonderful insight into passages I normally would just skim over. In this Psalm, King David is running for his life from his son, Absalom. He is being threatened on all sides. He is quite literally surrounded by his enemies.

Here's an excerpt from my NIV Life Application Bible:

"David was not sitting on his throne in a place of power, but he was running for his life from his rebellious son, Absalom and a host of traitors. When circumstances go against us, it is tempting to think that God also is against us. But David reminds us that the opposite is true. When everything seems to go against us, God is still for us. If circumstance has turned against you, don't blame God - seek him!"

It's so easy for us to have ourselves a little "pity party" when life doesn't seem to be rolling down easy street. But David shows us that we need to have a change in our perspective, and in our thinking, which will result in a change in our behavior. As Wendy says, we need to stop our "stinkin thinkin" and start reciting positive scripts into our lives. 

The verse she shared to help defeat these negative thoughts is Philippians 4:8

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."


Ann Voskamp has a book entitled: One Thousand Gifts - A dare to live fully right where you are. A few FB friends and I have taken on her "one thousand gifts" challenge.  Ann has a list of three things everyday that you are to find thankfulness for. One day it was: one thing in your fridge, your bag, and your heart. Yesterday you had to share 3 graces given to you by people who love you. It is a wonderful challenge to continue to look through the entire day to find things to be grateful for. It really does change your perspective.

I know when I try to find the good in things, life just seems to roll a little more gently. It reminds me of Pollyanna and the "glad game". Can you see through your circumstances and find something that makes you glad? David did. That's why I chose verses 3 and 4 of Psalm 3 as my key verses today. It's at this point in the passage that you can feel David playing the "glad game" and getting rid of his "stinkin thinkin".

Some times we just want to tell people to "put their big girl panties on and get over it!". But we can't "get over it" alone. We need the Lord. We need to cry out to him, when we feel like their is no one else to listen. That's why I chose the wolf stamp from Nature's Silhouettes. It looks like the wolf is crying out. And isn't it a comfort to know that God is there for us? He is our shield and the lifter of our head. He bestows glory on us and sustains us. He takes away our fears and delivers us.

The final verse in Psalm 3 says, "May your blessing be on your people." I pray you will be blessed this week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Pretty Birthday

Hi Stamping Friends!!


To keep our Birthday Extravaganza excitement going, I want to share another birthday card I created during my Goodies Cookies stamping marathon.  It was one of my favorites.  And yes, I did CASE the layout (but I don't remember where).  :)

BRING ON THE CAKE #121958

Stamps:  Bring On The Cake
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, DSP (retired)
Accessories:  Framed Tulip EF, Designer Frames EF, Oval Punch, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls


I'm getting so excited for the Sale-A-Bration promotion to start!!  The start date is January 24th.  The catalog this year is amazing!  Can you believe the Designer Frames Embossing Folders are one of the items you can get for FREE?!  Love that they added Big Shot products to the SAB catalog.  


My Spring Hostess Stamp Club is meeting this Sunday and I can't wait to show them the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, also in the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  It seriously is my most favorite SU! DSP ever!!!  And Stampin' Up! creates some beautiful paper.  I still have one spot available for my Spring hostess club if you are interested.  It's a great way to earn FREE Stampin' Up! products. Plus it's the most stampin' fun you'll ever have on a Sunday afternoon.  :) 


Another great way to earn FREE products is to hostess a stampin' workshop in your home. Sale-A-Bration is the best time of year to host a workshop. Contact me if you are interested in getting FREE stampin' goodies!!


I also still have seats available for my Birthday Extravaganza card class.  RSVP... ASAP!!  And don't forget to "like" my Facebook page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up.  Each "like" will be put into a drawing to win a special stamp set!


I'll be back tomorrow with my Psalm card for the week.  This week's card was quite a challenge.  But I'm happy with the results, even thought it's not a typical "Krystal" looking card.  :)


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I'm so excited about my upcoming Birthday Extravaganza card class!! Create beautiful, unique hand-made birthday cards for all the special people in your life. Sunday, February 12 at 4pm at Tulare Community Church. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Or $10 with a $25 order on the day of the class. Registration must be paid by February 1st to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!! 


Here's a birthday card to help kick off the excitement!

FABULOUS PHRASES

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases, Create A Cupcake

Paper:  Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Red Glimmer Paper, All DSP is retired

Accessories:  Scallop Circle die, Decorative Label Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Cupcake Punch, Pennant Punch, Celery Grosgrain (retired), Baker's Twine

I think this layout comes from Carrie Gaskin. Can't remember. You can only have 100 favorites at Stampin' Connection and by the time I get around to posting some cards, they've already been deleted from my favorite file!!

Remember to "like" my FaceBook page. You'll get up-to-date stampin' news and information. Plus, if you click "like" before the end of February, you could win a FREE stamp set!!

And if you live in somewhere between Fresno and Bakersfield, come to my birthday card class.  I promise you'll have tons of fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 2 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!


Psalm 2:2-3 "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains", they say, "and throw off their fetters."

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps: Artistic Etchings

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Naturals White, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Oval Punch (retired)

I confess. I had a difficult time with Psalm 2.  I'm still getting in the groove of "meditating" on a section of Scripture.  I'm usually a "read and go" girl.  Just checkin' the Bible readin' off my list of things to do. That's what I love about this study of the Psalms with Wendy Pope.  You study one passage of Scripture all week.  You think about that "Word from the Lord", for more than just a few minutes.

A few words that kept standing out to me in this passage, were "kings", "rulers", and "enthroned". Thus the crown on my card today. I also chose the color purple as a sign of royalty. Christ is our Eternal King and we are to surrender fully and submit to Him everyday.  He is the rightful King of our hearts and lives. Plus, He is all powerful and has all authority. We can live in victory because of Him.

My Life Application Bible notes for verse 3 say this:

"People often think they will be free if they can get away from God. Yet we all inevitably serve somebody or something, whether a human king, an organization, or even our own selfish desires... We can find the one sure route to freedom by wholeheartedly serving God the Creator. God can set you free to be the person he created you to be."

That's who I want to be, the person God created me to be. Not the person the world tells me I should be. I want God to be the King of my life. I don't want to focus on earthly things, I want to focus on eternal things. I want to take refuge in Him. I want Him to be the "love of my life", thus the sentiment "amour".

Wendy shared a quote by David Guzik and I wanted to share it with you:

"Those who defy God are broken, but those who depend on Him are blessed."

I pray you will be blessed!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

It's Goodie Time!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


It's Goodie time!!  Goodies Cookies that is!  Yesterday I brought 70 unique, hand-crafted greeting cards to their adorable bakery to sell.  I had a variety of birthday, baby, wedding, and Valentine cards.  I've been stamping my little tail off during Christmas vacation and now my play days have come to an end.  But I have lots of pretty cards to show you because of it.  And I got to enjoy the yummiest cookie too!

FOUR FRAMES  #123442  $15.95

Stamps:  Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fine Flourish
Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories:  Framed Tulips EF, Designer Frames EF, Decorative Label Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Pearls, Crocheted Lace Trim, Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Felt Flowers (retired)


This started out as a CASE of an amazing card by Carrie Gaskin and then morphed into something that hardly resembles the original.  But I'm so glad for the inspiration!!  This card uses all current stamp sets, just a few retired accessories.  You could easily change the pink grosgrain ribbon for the current satin ribbon.  And you could use the white crocheted Fleurettes and page 198 for the felt flowers.  I've been stashing those flowers away for quite awhile and finally decided they needed to be used.  Why do I collect all these fabulous products and not use them?  No one is going to find enjoyment from them if they are laying in a drawer somewhere?!!  Letting go is so hard!!  And these are just craft products after all.  It's not like I gave birth to them!!!  :)


Something new I'm starting with the proceeds from the sale of my cards.  I decided to donate 50 cents from each card to the Reformed Church in America Feed One hunger relief program.  Our family is on a quest to spend less in order to give away more.  I figure this is just one more way we can do that.  I'm hoping to get my cards in another local store.  I stopped by there today, but the folks "in charge" were not there.  So now I get to be nervous for a few more days.  :)


Don't forget to "like" my Facebook page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up.  You could win a FREE stamp set!!  Plus you get all the latest Stampin' Up! news and announcements as they happen.  No waiting around for a blog post.


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

The Hostess with the Mostess!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I am currently taking sign-ups for my Spring 2011 Hostess Club.  Joining my hostess club is fun and easy!!  For 6 months (January through June) you are required to place a $25 order each month with the club.  For one of those months, you get to be "the hostess" and receive all the fabulous Stampin' Up! hostess benefits that are found on page 9 of the Stampin' Up! catalog.  If you do not have a Stampin' Up! catalog, you will receive one for FREE for joining the club.  In addition to getting FREE Stampin' Up! products, you will also be invited each month to come stamp with me!!  The hostess club gets together one Sunday afternoon each month to stamp and learn and chat and laugh.  We have a great time.  If you would like to join, contact me as soon as possible, as I only have a few seats available.  Here is a card we made during the last hostess club.

PENNANT PARADE

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Bring on the Cake

Paper:  Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Just Add Cake DSP

Accessories:  Pennant Punch, Daffodil Grosgrain Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Basic Rhinestones

I CASEd this card from one I saw on Stampin' Connection, an amazing online site for SU! demonstrators.  There are some very talented stampers out there!!

I liked this card, but I didn't love all the blue, so I decided to change it up a bit and get it ready for sale at Goodies Cookies (planning on going there Wed. to drop off almost 70 cards!).  Here's my revamp of this card:

The colors are all the same, I just got rid of all that blue.  I changed up the sentiment and added a little more pink.  I like it a lot better now.  It's a little more girly, but it works.  It's always fun to take a great card and make it a "WOW" card.

If you would like to order any of the products to make this card, visit my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS.  If you would like more information about joining my local Spring 2012 Hostess Club, email me and let's chat!  And don't forget to "like" my Krystal's Cards FaceBook page.  Anyone who becomes a fan from now until the end of February will have the chance to earn a FREE stamp set.  Tell your friends to "like" me too!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 1 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!


Psalm 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."

SEASON OF FRIENDSHIP

Stamps:  Season of Friendship, You're a Gem

Paper:  Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Just Add Cake DSP

Accessories:  Scallop Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Square Lattice EF, Poppy Parade Stitched Poly Ribbon, Red Corduroy Button (retired), Espresso Bakers Twine

Sketch Challenge:  Card Postioning Systems #249 

I joined an online Bible study with Wendy Pope.  It is a year long study of the Psalms.  We study one Psalm every week.  Each day you are to read the Psalm aloud (the hardest part!) and pray for understanding and application.  On Mondays she has a short video teaching.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays she provides study questions.  I figured it was a nice slow study that won't overwhelm me, so I signed up for the emails.

After re-reading Psalm 1 a few times, I had a desire to create a card that represents something from the passage.  This is the card I made. I love the word picture of a beautiful, healthy tree filled with glorious green leaves.  And when we "delight" in God's Word by making it a part of our everyday life, (when we walk and when we stand and when we sit) then we too will thrive.  Rooted and water by our faithful God.


I love the notes in my Life Application Bible concerning verse 3... "When Scripture says, "Whatever he does prospers," it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties.  Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness.  What the Bible means by prosperity is this: when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval.  Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God.  To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts." 

I've been having a little "spiritual battle" within myself about stamping and being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I don't want my "hobby" to be a burden to our family, monetarily and/or time-wise.  But God is so good to me.  He showed me this week how important He thinks creativity is.  After all, he is the most creative being I know!  And he gets pleasure out of creating.  In Genesis, after God created the world, it says, "And God saw that it was good."  God knows what it feels like to look at something you have made and smile.  Just because it makes you happy.  Isn't that why He created us?  To give Him pleasure?  So why do I constantly feel guilty for taking time to be creative?  Because the world looks at "crafting" as a silly money/time waster.  A diversion from the really "important" things.  But if God has given me this gift of creativity, shouldn't I use it?  What is wrong with doing something you really enjoy?  So I've decided to incorporate my creativity with my Bible study of the Psalms.  Not sure if I will accomplish this each week, but when I am inspired, I will not stop myself from creating.

And I plan on being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator until Jesus comes back.  Or at least as long as the Lord lets me.  :)  


If you are interested in finding out more about my local clubs and classes or my February Prize Spectacular, check out this post: New Stampin' News

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!