14 Days of Love Day 4

Hi Stamping Friends!


Here's another Valentine card to help share the "stamping" love!!

FILLED WITH LOVE

Stamps:  Filled With Love (retired)
Paper:  Basic Gray, Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black, Red Glimmer
Accessories:  Heart To Heart Punch, Scallop Heart Sizzlet, Black Grosgrain (retired)


This is a CASE of a CASE of a CASE.  I'm pretty sure the original started with Mary Fish and was copied and changed and added too by a number of stampers.  That's what I love about this art... everyone shares everything!! 


I made this card to sell at Goodies Cookies. I need to get up the nerve again to stop by another store here in town to see if they would be willing to sell my cards. It would be nice to be in two locations!!


If you are local and are not busy next Sunday, February 12th, there is still time to register for my Birthday Extravaganza Card Class. Only $25 for 10 cards.  Don't miss it!!


Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Psalm 5 and 14 Days of Love Day 3

Hi Stamping Friends!

"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

Psalm 5:1-3

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Stamps:  Thoughts and Prayers

Paper:  Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, Naturals White, Everyday Enchantment DSP (Sale-A-Bration)

Accessories:  Top Note Die, Fancy Favor Box Die, Beautiful Butterflies Die, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stitched Poly Ribbon, Hemp Twine, Button (retired)

Today I chose to share the Psalm 5 passage in the King James version.  When I was in Jr. High and High School, we used to sing these verses as a song in youth group at church. I still remember the tune. For me, the easiest way to memorize scripture is to sing it. There are so many wonderful Christian songs that are scripture taken straight from the Bible. Love that!!

This week's online Psalms Bible study with Wendy Pope focused on prayer.  That is why I chose to use the Thoughts and Prayers stamp set. It fit perfectly with what I had been meditating on. And I know exactly who I will send it to. I might have to make more cards with this set. There are quite a few people I know that would benefit from knowing that someone is thinking of them and lifting them up in prayer.

After reading through the Psalm 5 scripture passage a few times, I turned to my BibleWorks program which brought up Matthew Henry's Commentary on these verses.  Wow!  There is so much to think about in just these 3 little verses it is amazing.  I would love to share it all with you, but I don't want to bore you with my book reading. Here are some of my favorite thoughts from the commentary:

1. Give ear to my words, O Lord! Though God is in heaven, he has an ear open to his people's prayers, and it is not heavy, that he cannot hear. Men perhaps will not or cannot hear us; our enemies are so haughty that they will not, our friends at such a distance that they cannot; but God, though high, though in heaven, can, and will.

2. Unto thee will I pray. "Others live without prayer, but I will pray." The assurances God has given us of his readiness to hear prayer should confirm our resolution to live and die praying.

3. Morning prayer is our duty; we are the fittest for prayer when we are in the most fresh, and lively, and composed frame, got clear of the slumbers of the night, revived by them, and not yet filled with the business of the day. We have then most need of prayer, considering the dangers and temptations of the day to which we are exposed, and against which we are concerned; by faith and prayer, to fetch in fresh supplies of grace.

4. That he will patiently wait for an answer of peace: "I will look up, will look after my prayers, and hear what God the Lord will speak, that, if he grant what I asked, I may be thankful--if he deny, I may be patient--if he defer, I may continue to pray and wait and may not faint."

The area I struggle with the most is #3. I'm somewhat of a "night owl". I can't seem to get to bed before midnight each night. Night is the only time I am all alone. And I relish in it. (Being a homeschool mom, I'm not alone very often.) It is also the time I read my Bible and pray. But I'll be honest, I am quite tired by the time I get to the praying part and I've been know to doze off once in awhile. To wake up before anyone else in the house, seems like a daunting task to me. I would rather stay warm and cozy in my bed for another hour. But after reading about praying myself up and my family for the day ahead, I may have to try and turn a new leaf. Well, maybe when the weather warms up a bit. ;)

My Life Application Bible has some great thoughts on this passage as well:

"The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to him earnestly each morning. In the morning, our minds are more free from problems and then we can commit the whole day to God. Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God. We need to communicate with him daily. Do you have a regular time to pray and read God's Word?" 

Lots of things to think about and ponder.  :)

And now on to Day 3 of the 14 Days of Love!!

VALENTINE COLLAGE

Stamps:  Tiny Tags, Pretty Postage, Filled With Love (retired)

Paper:  Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Whisper White, Red Glimmer Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper, various retired designer series papers

Accessories:  Owl Punch, Tag Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Bird Punch, Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Cupcake Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punches, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Basic Rhinestones, Baker's Twine, retired rub-ons

This is a CASE of a similar Valentine collage created by Nancy Riley at iStamp. I had to change mine up quite a bit since I did not have same stamps and punches as she did. But it was a great source of inspiration. 

I had a blast making this. I was excited to find the white frame at our local Big Lots. It is an odd size for a picture frame, but perfect for paper. It is an 8 1/2x11 size. Most portraits come as 8x10. Strange. But perfect for me!! Each square is 2x2. I used TONS of retired product on this collage. But all of it is from Stampin' Up! It was fun going through all my scrap DSP. It was like walking down memory lane! I love all the Glimmer paper. It makes everything so sparkly.

Here is a close-up of the collage:

I hope you've been blessed AND inspired! Come back tomorrow for more Valentine love!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

14 Days of LOVE!! Day 2

Hi Stamping Friends!


Welcome to Day Two of my 14 Days of Love!  Can't believe Valentine's Day is less than 2 weeks away!!  Where does the time go?

YOU ARE LOVED

Stamps:  You Are Loved

Paper:  Naturals White, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Everyday Enchantment DSP

Accessories:  3 Heart Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Ribbon Punch, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Spritzer Tool

 

Challenge:  Pals Paper Arts Add Red

This card was supposed to be for my January Hostess Club class.  Except that I caught a nasty cold and had to cancel the class.  Instead, I ended up stamping all the projects for my club members.  I hope they don't get too used to that.  It was a lot of work!  :)  But I'd do it again, 'cause they are such a great group of ladies.  My monthly club is what keeps me stamping.  Sometimes I think it also keeps me sane.  :)

Even though this set is no longer available, most of my club members had bought it back in December and we never had a chance to play with it.  I created this card as inspiration.  I don't have the heart Framelits yet, so I don't know if this heart stamp would fit in them.  I cut them all out by hand.  I was surprised at how well the Riding Hood Red matches the Everyday Enchanment DSP.  It is not one of the colors listed.  And have you heard me mention how much I LOVE this DSP?!!  Seriously, you must take advantage of Sale-A-Bration and get this paper.  It is gorgoeus!!  Visit my website today and get yours FREE!!

Tomorrow is a double whammy.  It's the 3rd Day of Love and also Psalm 5 For Real Friday.  I hope you'll come back and see what I have in store.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

14 Days of LOVE!! Day 1

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I can't believe it's February all ready!!!  I guess it's time for a little stamping love!!  At Christmas time you see all sorts of blogs that have the "12 Days Of Christmas".  I thought it would be fun to have the "14 Days of Love" to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I hope to post some type of Valentine/Love project for the next 14 days.


My first project is also a "challenge" card for the colourQ challenge, which I love and miss!!

WILD ABOUT YOU

Stamps: Wild About You (retired)

Paper: Regal Rose, Real Red, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Red Glimmer

Accessories: Square Punches, Oval Punch, Black Grosgrain (retired), Perfect Polka Dots EF

I created this card during my "stamping spree" for Goodies Cookies at the beginning of January.  I thought it would be a cute kid's valentine.  Wild About You is just one of those sets I can't seem to let go of!  Speaking of Goodies Cookies, if you need a fun Valentine idea, you should go get your loved one some of their yummy cookies for V-Day!!  They make the cutest cookie bouquets and their decorated sugar cookies are adorable!!  They also offer cake pops.  Yum!  Yum!

Don't forget all the stamping news happening in February!!

SALE-A-BRATION 2012

January 24 to March 31

Choose FREE Stampin’ Up! products for every $50 order you place.

Now is the perfect time to host a workshop and earn more free products. Call me today to add your workshop to my calendar. Remember, it’s more than a party, it’s creative fun!!

Also, SAB is the perfect time to join my Stampin’ Up! team. Get your Starter Kit for only $125. Plus, when you become a demo during Sale-A-Bration, you get a free paper pack every month for the rest of the year!!!


BIRTHDAY CARD EXTRAVAGANZA

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 paid in advance to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!!


FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!! 
THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
 1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

 2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)

3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up

I'm off to place my first Sale-A-Bration order!!  I've been saving up my stamping dollars so I can place one big order this month.  And hopefully I won't have to place another one until the new catalog comes out this summer.  I'm so excited!!  Seriously!  It's better than Christmas and my birthday!!  :)

Come back tomorrow for a little more stamping love!!  :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

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!