Inspiration from a Tea Cup

Happy Monday!
I have been wanting to make a card, inspired by my Tea cup and this afternoon I did it. The cup has two big birds on it, pink flowers, brown swirls (I used leaves), script, a butterfly and some post marks.

I layered the stamps using distress markers. The Carte Postale stamp is from Stampendous, very useful in collages (used walnut stain). The bird is one of my all-time favorites, from Artistic Outpost. I started with a blue distress marker (weathered wood) which I colored the top half of the bird with, then I colored the middle part with light brown and then the underside with dark brown. I then sprayed the stamp with a light spray of water before I stamped. The pink flowers are from a Spring collage stamp from Hero Arts, just used part of the stamp. The brown leaves are from a stamp I found in the sales here on a French Website, called Florilèges, only half price. The little dragonfly is a tiny stamp from an acrylic stamp set.

I had made two - but this one didn't turn out how I liked it, so I punched it out into squares and made a grid. Nothing goes to waste.

And this is my tea cup... I'm planning on making another one, probably much more similar when I can find a big bird stamp to my liking.


Jacqueline

New stamp - new inspiration

Hello from a very wet and cold France. The snow has melted and its gray with low hanging clouds in the mountains.

 This card shows one of the new releases from Hero Arts, called the Postcard Tag. I love getting a new stamp because it always inspires me to use my old stamps and make a mix.
 

I made a card of the tag-shape by placing the top of the stamp on a fold of patterned paper, and then cut it out. I did some stamped layering with lots of different stamps, added a little bit of baker's twine and some little gems. Have a lovely weekend! Jacqueline

Still in the wine label cards

Hello friends. I was wondering whether I have blog readers who are in the same situation as me - something definitive has happened and your future is not as sure as it was. I am talking about the fact that I had breast cancer and that changes your life! I am also talking to those who have put their lives into the Hands of God and have chosen to follow Him through Jesus Christ because I wanted to share about not giving up on that hope that God is always GOOD!We can't fathom His Thoughts or Ways out but His Character is Love and loving kindness! Never let the devil sow doubt in your mind about God's character or His Word. Stand firm on His Promises, you know the Rhema words that He has spoken deep into your spirit and stay attached to Him. The Bible says that if we abide in Him, He abides in us. We, as a family want to make an impact in our region, in our Church. We can only bear fruit if we abide in the Vine, in Jesus, because without Him nothing of lasting impact is achieved.

 I have been busy making cards for the Mission in our Church, I'm sharing a couple here - with wine labels. These were found in the bin by my son who was working in a 'Cave' with his boss. They are such great little canvasses to work with, the quality of the paper is exceptional and reacts especially well with distress inks.
The above card is stamped with an image from Artistic Outpost - never use that stamp but it looks so effective now.

This card uses a Hydrangea image from Inkadinkado, which I bought once when I was in America and still love it.

And this card using an image from Darkroom Doors. No Hero Arts Stamps this time :) but they are still my favorite.

Now for a little tip about what you can do when you barbecue. If you have bushes of Rosemary in the garden, just put three or four branches on the coals, under the grill, to flavor your meat! I saw this on one of Jamie Oliver's programmes. The above picture is Rosemary from my garden. I am discovering this herb as never before and use it a lot in the kitchen!

Bird's of a Feather

The last three days have been the worst yet. I am still not well, hoping it will go over soon, that I can eat and drink again without feeling nauseas and having problems with the smell of everything, which is totally out of proportion! This time around I noticed I was much more emotional,  it's not only the body that suffers. My DH has been my comfort and he told me something I will never forget, he said, see your emotions, your feelings as instruments and servants but never let them master you!! I really liked that!
I also placed a little verse, with a tremendous impact in my left column - the Bible speaking to us about weakness - I pray to understand God's Power in my human weakness, so that I may boast in them and not complain.

I so wanted to play along with the City Crafter Challenge, never done that before - but the theme 'Birds of a Feather' just pulled me in and because I have seen beautiful Bird cards on so many blogs.
I stamped the Misty Garden background stamp (distress ink sprayed with water then stamped) from Hero Arts on beige card stock. Layered with one of my favorite bird stamps from Artistic Outpost (I know a robin should have a red breast), added some more layers around the edges with a bird stamp (inspiration from Franziska). The branch die cut is from Sue and the rolled flower at the bottom from Helle - thanks girls.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Birds, butterflies and a give-away

 Hello, today is Ascension day and a National holiday. It is cold, grey and rainy.

This first card will accompany the winner of this stamp set, which I am giving away today. The bird is one of my favorite stamps from Artistic Outpost. They have a lovely blog here.

Unfortunately it is a set I have hardly used, not a 'go-to' set for me at all, but it might be for somebody else. As you know I'm reluctant to keep things I don't use. My thanks to Stella who went to a Dutch shop to get these for me. I know she will understand. Just leave a comment and DS will pick a number this weekend.

You see that verse in the left-hand corner, it's so special to me. I received it as a promise from God ten years ago when I was ill and every time there was a need, somehow God got that verse to me again , via a card, a devotional, a book, a personal word, etc. etc. And this week, I received it again from an unexpected source. This promise is for ALL His children. He knows that we might fear, so He says DO NOT fear - I AM WITH YOU! I have at times had to speak to my own soul - do not fear, God is with you.... I am so happy with our Heavenly Father and so thankful for all the wonderful people I have met via the Craft World. You are so special and I feel so uplifted! I have another share of the beautiful cards I received this week.

It is now the 11th day after Chemo. Monday my white blood count had halved and I felt weak. Today I have more energy. I have a constant longing for a 'broodje kroket', only the Dutch readers will know what I mean. It is a croquet made from meat and ragout deep fried, eaten on brood with *mayonnaise (*optional)! And do you know what? It's something they don't sell in France!!! I long for one nearly the whole day. It's as if that will fill the hole in my stomach. So my dear MIL told me to make them myself.

My second share is a little tag. As you know I love birds, butterflies and flowers. I feel they give 'life' to a card. The bird image is also from Artistic Outpost, the Bluebird Stamp Plate.

God bless!

Make-It + Mail-It Challenge # 1

I am joining in this challenge of Lisa's. I have been able to donate most of my cards for good causes, keeping some I can't part with, mailing others to my dear friends from the blog and flickr and also family and friends who surround me. I usually have a basket with cards and tags which are on hand.  I, too, don't see the point of keeping them, although I have a HUGE box of cards and tags, ATC's etc. I have received. Love looking through those.

So, these two tags will be going to somebody who I haven't even chosen yet - but will reveal soon!
Edit: Tuesday 26/04 - these have been mailed today to Jean.

Good idea Lisa!

Less is more challenge

As I understood, this challenge is a one layer CAS card with the sentiment taking center stage, I hope I achieved that objective. What I did achieve is the time limit... just. The challenge can be found here.

I used an Artistic Outpost stamp (see their stamp blog here) which I think is Spring-like, even if it is a Robin and the sentiment is from Quietfire Designs... thank you Evelyn. Thanks to Sue for the diecut.

I am getting nice and brown in gorgeous Spring weather at the moment. It is a treat for me just to sit outside in the breeze, listen to the birds and feel the warmth on my skin.
AND I saw the first swallow on April 13th!

Tag Tuesday - a bit of fabric

Tag Tuesday this week is to use a bit of fabric, and that is my butterfly. It is stamped with a stamp from Eline Pellinkhof on fabric.

I used a piece of a Webster page and the children's image is a stamp from Artistic Outpost.

Just loving collage again

Happy Sunday! Here it is grey and damp.... But inside warm and cozy!

I am not motivated to enter any challenges these last months - I just create spontaneously as the mood is and the time allows. Going with the flow I suppose.

 Like yesterday I just pulled out four pieces from my scrapbasket (see card above), juggled and glued and had myself a little card within twenty minutes. Thats how I love creating - picking up papers lying in a pile and turning them into a useful object that I can bless somebody with. When I pray I ask the Lord to show me who I can send a card too and bless them - usually, with a Bible verse or just a word of encouragement.
At work I have many opportunities to include a little creation in the mail I send. So I am happy that being creative is a tool I can use to bless others. I know how it blesses me ridiculously when I receive something from somebody in the mail, so thats what motivates me to create too!

Having made one collage card, never satisfies me, so here is the second one that followed.

Masking

A couple of cards using the masking technique.

 

With the Lace background stamp I went for a different effect for the background.

These are Hero Arts stamps and the bird is from Artistic Outpost.

Little collage tag

This is not for Tag Tuesday - I need to think about that one, but this is a tag that just came together with a diecut that Hellemor sent me. Thanks Hellemor, I love that pp!

I reduced the size of the digital collage stamp I put together with Hero Arts and Artistic Outpost stamps and adhered to a smaller diecut.

See you later in the week!

Another home-made collage stamp

I hope everybody enjoyed their Christmas. I am really enjoying sitting in my craft-room for a little break. DH spoiled me with a better quality camera and I'm really happy with it. This is not for any challenge, just wanted to play around..

 I made this collage stamped image, which I scanned for eventual further use on different patterned papers or even fabric come to that. It makes for a quick card this way and I used a butterfly from the scrap basket. Once the stamping is done and scanned, it's a matter of printing it out, and adhering it to coordinating papers and the card is ready. I could even 3D for the bird, so it has its possibilities too. This stamp using a Bird stamp from Artistic Outpost and two stamps from hero Arts, and the flowers are Anna Griffin.
This will be a little thank-you card to somebody, and I'll stamp a sentiment inside.

Here is another one using black print, made as a quick tag:

Happy Christmas my blogging friends!

May you all enjoy the festive season!

Jesus came into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Him should stay in darkness.

                                                           John 12:46 NIV

Wishing you an abundance of this Light in your lifes!

Jacqueline

Gothic Arches - Snowflakes

I am feeling a lot better - thank you so much for all your well wishes!

Today I wanted to make a Christmas Arch on the theme 'Snowflakes', which was posted two weeks ago on the Gothic Arches blog. I used a Memory Box patterned paper and one of my favorite images which was a download from the Graphic's fairy. All the stamped snowflakes are from Artistic Outpost stamp plate Sleigh Ride that can be found here.

Our sons arrived home safely, just had a slight delay. Lucky for us as there is a lot of chaos everywhere in the North of Europe due to snowfall. I hope to write a little bit about our eldest son later this week - the transformation due to a touch of God in his life is evident! 
God bless!
Jacqueline

Home-made Collage Stamp

Haven't been well the last couple of days with a throat infection, just laid in bed, so boring!
Last night I crept into my room because I got a flash of inspiration while thinking about the new Bird collage stamps from Hero Arts. I thought to myself, I'm going to see if I can make my own as a personal little Christmas stamp, so I did.

After I did the stamping, I scanned it and printed it out on patterned paper and made this tag. This way I can use the image in all sizes and print it out endlessly. I suppose its now a digital stamp!

Stamps used are Robin from Artistic Outpost stamp plate 'Birds of a feather', which can be found here, bird sentiment is Crafty Individuals as well as the postmark, the holly stamp is unknown to me and the script is from Aladin, a French make.

My second card today is one I made last week as I was playing with the Paris Rose ArtPrints stamp from Hero Arts

I might have to adapt this one to Christmas too.
Have a lovely weekend! My two sons are returning home for Christmas from Holland tomorrow, haven't seen them for three months so I hope the weather will remain o.k. for the journey!

Oh yes, I got a very nice Christmas gift from Sue yesterday with Beautiful tags from Melissa Frances, a gorgeous collage stamp, bits and pieces and this beautiful material cone, which I have hung on the Christmas tree. I am totally overwhelmed by the generosity of a lot of American women, I think you lead in the whole world!

Jacqueline

Tag Tuesday - Christmas colors green/brown/yellow

Thank you ladies once again for your lovely comments on my last post, I feel so blessed by them. Yesterday I received the Magazine IRL and was so happy to have a copy.

Another reason to be happy is because Louise is back with her weekly tag challenge! Missed you Louise. It is the one challenge I really look forward to.

Funny thing is, I made this last night and it fits the bill (except for the little touches of pink...).

All I had to do was add something yellow so opted for a flower. This is the first time I'm using a poinsettia stamp that Louise sent to me ages ago and I love it. Why did I discover that so late? So thank you Louise, it works well with collage stamping.

The robin is from Artistic Outpost, stamp plate 'Birds of a Feather which can be found here. The paper is K&Co.

Tag Tuesday - Christmas.. revisited

I can still remember the difficulty I had to find something red, dark blue and turquoise last year, for this tag challenge. Luckily enough this time around, the AO Robin stamp came to mind and I accidentally fished out a turquoise piece of paper while sorting out this morning.

Actually, it is a tag card. It opens up so I can write a message on the inside, that why I punched a hole for some string on the pp not on the tag itself.

Thank you Louise, I really enjoyed these colors this year!

Tag Tuesday - Bingo card

Tag Tuesday was to use a Bingo card on your tag and luckily Sue came to my rescue once again as I had one she sent me a while ago... thanks Sue!

I used K&Co papers, and the distress ink is Frayed Burlap which I used to stamp the Artistic Outpost image with on PP.

I paper pieced the Mother's hat and painted her coat with Victorian Velvet distress ink. The little girl has gold buttons on her coat.

Thank you Louise, nice to try something different.

On another note.. 'Be kindly affectionate to one another..' Romans 12:10

I was struck by something Chuck Swindoll wrote yesterday.  He said: 'Have you ever stopped to think that all those little irritations which come your way each day, are just God giving you an opportunity to become more Christ-like? What does the Lord do to help broaden my horizons and assist me in seeing how selfish I am? Very simple: He gives me four busy kids who step on toes, wrinkle clothes, spill milk, lick car windows, and drop sticky candy on the carpet... being unselfish in attitude strikes at the very core of our being. It means we are willing to forego our own comfort, our own preferences, our own schedule, our own desires for another's benefit. And that brings us back to Christ.'

We might not all have young children anymore, but I'm sure that can be filled in with other things!

It certainly gave me something to think about and may I add 'Lord make me more Christ-like'!
Jacqueline

A Christmas tag

I think this is my favorite pastime at the moment, making Christmas tags... just as well as I have quite a list of people to send too...

I love this color combo. This is an image from the Christmas Stamp plate (Artistic Outpost) that dear Sue sent to me - I love this image too.

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend. We are having exceptionally mild and sunny weather at the moment, I have been sitting out enjoying the sunshine!

Jacqueline

Set of green based tags

After making the blue tags which were so enjoyable, I made three greens ones, and after these I will make some red ones and begin with blue all over again because I want these to be the tags I send out for Christmas. I so much prefer them to Christmas cards somehow.

I used scraps, punched out snowflakes from cardstock I wouldn't know what to do with otherwise, bits of ribbon etc. Just love to use bits and pieces!

The image is from Artistic Outpost, stamped on a diecut after distressing with vintage photo.

Have a peaceful Sunday.
Jacqueline