God Hears Us

I hope you're all having a blessed week, and for those of you in the colder regions - I hope you're keeping warm and toasty indoors.  It's been absolutely beautiful in the deserts of Southern Nevada, so I can't complain.  Each day this week has been between 60-70 degrees, and a bit overcast. It's just perfect "winter" weather for me.  The only time I really miss the snow is at Christmas, and when I think about making a snowman or sledding.  For the most part, I enjoy the warmer weather.  Wherever you are, I really hope that you're keeping warm and enjoying the winter months with family and friends, and of course, finding plenty of time to spend in your craft room creating beautiful things.

This week at Word Art Wednesday, we have a VERY exciting challenge.  As always, it's Anything Goes (following our Challenge Guidelines), and you can enter up to 5 projects.  But what makes this week's challenge SO special is that we have an AMAZING sponsor.  The Scrappy Gourmet is sponsoring our challenge, and they are offering one very lucky person a $50 Gift Certificate to their AMAZING store.  For those of you who aren't familiar with The Scrappy Gourmet, you will want to stop by and check out their store.  They carry all the big name brands, and they have all the newest trends to satisfy everyone's taste. You'll find everything you need in their lovely shop, and just by stopping by to share your art with us this week, you will be entered to win this AMAZING $50 prize from them.  We look forward to having you play along.

For my card, I used the Tea For Two set by Crate Paper.  It's an older line that I found on a great bargain at Tuesday Morning.  All the patterned papers and stickers are from this line.  The free word art, available on the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog, was printed onto simple white cardstock and then inked and machine stitched together with my patterned papers.  I added seam binding bows, paper flowers, leaves and stems, a vintage button with jute and baker's twine, and a resin flower in the center of the button.  This week's scripture reminds us that when we wait patiently for the Lord and call on His name, he hears our cry and draws near to us.   God's Word is always a blessing and comfort, and we are SO blessed to be loved by the Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm sharing my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes With Twine or String - I used string (burgundy on my mini tag), jute, and baker's twine (on my button accent).

Just B Creative Crazy - January Linky Party - Just Because/Anything Goes

3 Girl Jam Challenge - January Challenge - Anything Goes With Ribbon

I really hope to see your lovely projects shared in our challenge this week at Word Art Wednesday.  You will definitely want to throw your name in the hat for this amazing prize.  Stop by and join us!

Blessing to you all,

Karen

The Kraft Journal - Fun Sketch

This week at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, we're having a fun "Sketch Challenge".  Since I needed to make a birthday card for a sweet little girl, I just grabbed some supplies from the Kraft Outlet and got right to work following this adorable sketch.  I started my project with one of my Kraft Outlet favorites - a Large Buff Ivory Notecard.  To that, I machine stitched several different scraps of patterned papers to a Buff Ivory Cardstock base.  Once the foundation was laid, I added two strips (stars and ruler) of Black Apothecary Stickers, a Number Flag Banner Sticker, and tied a bow made from Pastel Hemp Cord with a General Store Flatback Pin (25 cents) in the center of the bow.

Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

The sentiment is a Melissa Frances rub-on that's rubbed onto a small scrap of Buff Ivory Cardstock - I love using the Bone Folder tool for applying rub-ons, as well as for making crisp, clean folds on my cards.  The Kraft Outlet has LOTS of great supplies for card-making; including several brand new items, and I look forward to seeing what you will create this week as you play along in our "Sketch Challenge".  It's always a treat to have you play along.

Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

Thanks for stopping by today.  I look forward to visiting your blogs to see what you've been creating.  Have a great week.

I'm going to share my card in the following challenge:
Just B Crazy Creative - January Linky Party

My Craft Spot - Challenge #124 - Polka Dots

Little Scrap Pieces - Friday Linky Party

Karen

Getting Creative With Stencils

If you all saw my craft room, you'd know that I'm a very blessed lady.  I have SO many lovely supplies and goodies that I've collected over the years.  About once or twice a year, I go through my craft supplies and pack up a box of supplies to give to a lady from our church, Elizabeth Robertson, who is a missionary to Mexico with her husband and four children.  Her ladies' group is so blessed by this, and I am delighted to be able to keep them all crafting.  But in all of my supplies, believe it or not, I don't own one single stencil.  I think I gave them away to Elizabeth in one my purging sessions.  So, when I saw this week's challenge at Classy Cards-N-Such, I didn't quite know how I could play along.  I had to get creative.  I made my own stencil!  I took a piece of cardstock, die-cut several holes in it (hearts), and then used that template to stencil the hearts in the lower right hand corner of my card.  It worked out well. So, the next time you think that you don't have the right supplies to enter a challenge, GET CREATIVE and make the things you already own work for you.

This is a very simple card.  I started with a piece of pink Bazzill and inked the edges with a Tim Holtz Barn Door Red ink pad from Classy Cards-n-Such.  I used this same ink to stencil on the hearts in the corner.  I used My Mind's Eye patterned papers from my stash, a glassine bag that I decorated, a Seam Binding bow, May Arts ribbon, sequins, hearts that I die-cut and glittered with Microfine Glitter, some lace, velvet ric-rack,  and a tag tucked in the pocket of the glassine bag.

This second close-up picture shows the glittering technique.  It's very sweet and looks nice on the glassine bag.  Glitter is always a great embellishment for Valentines.  I remember using lots of glitter on the Valentines I made as a child.  The more glitter, the better!  You may also notice that I took my photos today on a wood stump.  My hubby was cutting wood, and I thought it made a cute photo prop.
 

I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:

 

Classy Cards-n-Such Blog - Challenge #16 - Stencils - Please see my stencil story and supply list of items from the store (all listed above).

 

Papertrey Ink - Challenge #149 - Glittered Embellishments - I used Papertrey Ink heart die-cuts, LOVE die-cut, and glittered the PTI hearts following the sweet glittering tutorial on Nichole's blog.

Ribbon Carousel Challenge - Challenge #89 - Love, Birthdays and Chicken Soup - I followed the LOVE theme, and used lots of spooled items including seam binding, ribbon, and washi tape.

 

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek. I hope you're having a blessed day!

 

Karen

Winter Blues at The Kraft Journal

This week at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, we're having a "Winter Blues" Challenge.  For some reason, when I think of the term "Winter Blues", it reminds me of water coloring.  So, I grabbed a Canvas Tag and used simple children's water colors to paint it blue.  I did the very same thing with a length of Twill Tape; as both of these materials grab the water color quite nicely.  The Canvas Tag almost looks denim after it's been painted.  Next, I embellished my tag using some Paper Sweeties stamps, glitter, Lacey Blueberry seam binding, a button, Baker's Twine, and two felt snowflakes that are attached to a Round Metal Edge Grungy Prim Tag. 

It's a very simple project, but gives a great "Winter Blues" effect.  There are lots of great products available at the Kraft Outlet to help make card-making and crafting so much fun, and to help you shake the "Winter Blues".  I hope you'll stop by the Kraft Outlet store, treat yourself to some great new supplies, and then come play along in our challenge this week at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  We'd love to have you join us.

Don't forget.....I'm having a give-away and you can win this small antique floral frog.  Just become a new follower of my blog (if you're not already following me), and leave a comment.  I will use random.org to select a winner at the end of this month, and announce the winner shortly after that.

 

I'm sharing this project in the following:

Little Scrap Pieces - Fun Friday Linky Party

 

Have a blessed week!

 

Karen

Lovely Daydreams - Blog Hop Day 5

Welcome to your next stop on the Daydream Designs Blog Hop.  It's already DAY #5 - the final day of the hop - and I hope you have had very happy daydreams as you've hopped along.  I've added a new Daydream Designs card or project to this post each day of the hop - January 15 -19.  You don't need to leave a new comment if you've already been here.  I'm just SO glad you're here.  If you arrived from Jill's blog, you're in the right place.  But if you just happened to find me, please go back to Daydream Designs to get started.  You will find lots of inspiration along the way, get to save some adorable FREE images, and will be eligible for some awesome prizes.  There are so many sweet digital sets in Diane's Shop that will make card-making, scrapbooking and gift-giving a breeze.

It's Day #5, our final day of the Daydream Designs Blog Hop.  For today's project, I'm sharing a little treat bag I made with some of Daydream Designs' sweet images.  I started with a large glassine bag and filled it with Sweethearts Valentine candies.  I folded over the top of the bag and added a half of a doily that I sprayed with blue Glimmer Mist.  I added some Lacey Blueberry Seam Bind from Paper Sweeties.  I placed a hot pink button in the center of my bow and added a blue gem sticker to the center of the button.  The sweet bird image is from Daydream Designs' sweet Sending You Love Color Set.  Then, I placed a glittered Tiny Wooden Clothespin at the top.  These sweet images from Daydream Designs make crafting and gift-giving so easy.  Don't you just love how sweet that bird looks on top of the glassine bag?  SO fun, and an easy way to give a yummy treat to a friend or your special "love" for Valentine's Day!

OK.....as promised, there's a GIVE-AWAY today here on my little blog.  To celebrate the final day of the Daydream Designs blog hop, my new Design Team position with Top Dog Dies, and just life in general....I'm offering this special prize.  This is a small antique floral frog.  Most people in crafting tend to use them for taking photos of their cards.  I love them for photographing cards as well as for home décor in general.  All you have to do to win this sweet little floral frog is become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already), and leave a comment.  I will leave this give-away open until the end of January.

This is my DAY #4 project for the Daydream Designs Blog Hop, and for this day's project I decided to share this sweet little card.  I started with a cream cardstock base, and added some scalloped October Afternoon patterned paper to that and machine stitched them together.  The image I used on this card is the sweet little Pink Rosette from the Baby Girl Color Set.  This is the freebie I've shared, and you can pick it up at the end of this post.  I printed the Pink Rosette on vellum and put several sequins underneath it, and machine stitched it down.  You can see the sequins through the vellum.  Next, I printed the sentiment Giving You All My Love, but cut off the word love and replaced it with a Papertrey Ink LOVE die-cut.  I also added some washi tape and sequins.

For this, my DAY #3 project, I made a sweet little tag and tucked in into a decorated glassine bag.  First, I took a Grungy Prim Shipping Tag and attached a smaller tag to that which is made from the Love You Always Bingo Card Set.

I also added some washi tape and some wide pink gingham ribbon.  Next, I decorated a Small Glassine Bag with an image from the Sending You Love Color Set, a wooden arrow from Freckled Fawn, washi tape, sequins and machine stitching.

As you can see, I took several different pictures of this project!

This DAY #1 project is a Mason Jar that I filled with Valentine's candy.  The sentiment is from the Snowbaby Love Sentiments, the heart is from the Sending You Love Color Set, and the circle is from the Sending You Love Sentiment Bundle.

These sets go together so well, and have so many possibilities.  You will just love them.

 

Here are the rules of the Blog Hop, and the line up in case you get lost along the way.
1.  Visit each blog on the list
2.  Leave a little comment on each blog to let us know you stopped by
3.  You can receive an extra entry by subscribing to our newsletter - you can do this at Diane's Blog which is the first stop on the Blog Hop.
4.  When you reach the final stop (Jerusha's Blog), you can make one additional stop at Deedee Anderson's Blog and have the chance to win some more sweet prizes from Deedee's Digis Blog Hop with her amazing Design Team.

Three winners will each receive their choice of THREE SETS from Daydream Designs. (Excludes KD Kits)
One winner will win the Blog Hop Candy - See Diane's Blog for pictures
Everyone is a winner - You can pick up free Daydream Designs digis at each stop on the hop.  How cool is that?

OK....here's the line-up just in case you get lost along the way:

Diane Noble - Owner/Illustrator Daydream Designs

Elizabeth Hart - Warm Harted Designs

Gail Scott - I Like Paper

Gemiel Matthews - Gem Scraps

Helen Phelps - Stampin' With Helen

Jill Dien - Jie Craft

Karen Letchworth - That's me!

Marilynn DeGroot - Mississippi McGyver

Miesje Flaum - Craft Room With a View

Jerusha Borden - I Love Papercrafting

Deedee Anderson - Deedee's Digis



Your next stop on today's Blog Hop is at Marilynn DeGroot's lovely blog.  I'm sure she will have something extra special to share with you all.  Thanks for stopping by, and have fun hopping!  I'll see you again tomorrow with a new project.

Happy Daydreams, and may God bless you!

Karen

The God of Jacob

It's Wednesday, and time once again for another AWESOME challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  We have two wonderful sponsors again this week.  The first is Mark's Finest Papers & Stamps and they're offering one lucky person a free stamp set of choice.  They have so many wonderful stamp sets to choose from.  Second, we have another new sponsor this year.  Yours Or Mine Paper Crafts is offering another lucky winner a $25 gift certificate to their amazing store.  How fun is that?

I made this card using papers from my stash.  They're rather old, but still super cute.  All the patterned papers used on my card are from Crate Paper's Cowgirl Collection.  I used some scraps, did some machine stitching, printed my scripture onto a piece of vellum, and then added some jute, baker's twine, paper flowers, ribbon and a button.  Quick and easy!

 

We would LOVE to have you share your cards and projects with us this week.  You can enter up to FIVE (5) times to help increase your odds of winning, and we really love seeing what you create and share.  Please stop by to join us.

 

God's blessings to you all,

Karen

Exciting News!! I'm a Top Dog

I've been anxiously waiting to be able to share my good news with you all, and today is the day I can finally make my post announcing to you all the very exciting news that I've been asked to join the Top Dog Dies Spring 2014 Design Team.  Hurray!

As you can see, I'm surrounded by a lot of talented ladies.  I'm really looking forward to diving in and getting started; so you can expect to see lots of fun new projects shared here on my blog using the WONDERFUL die-cuts found at Top Dog Dies.  They have also told me that there will be fun Blog Hops and give-aways.  I can't wait to get begin creating for them, and I'm excited to have you all on this wonderful new journey with me.  If you've never checked out this amazing store, I encourage you all to take a peek.  You will quickly fall in love with these amazing die-cuts.  I feel SO blessed to be a part of this talented group.  God is SO GOOD!

This is a quick little card I made this morning to express how I'm feeling today.  I used some yummy October Afternoon patterned papers, a Freckled Fawn wooden frame (today) that I painted and glittered, I ran a piece of vellum through my printer (so blessed), used a Papertrey Ink heart border die-cut in slate gray, a seam binding bow with a resin flower in the center, and added some sequins, mini pearls, and ribbons stapled on with my Tim Holtz mini stapler.  This close-up photo shows the glitter and felt die-cut border a bit better.

Little Scrap Pieces - Love Is In The Air Friday Linky Party - I really enjoy sharing my projects here, and keep crossing my fingers to win some of Karen's lovely seam binding!

Thanks so much for stopping by to share this happy day with me.
My Cup Runneth Over,

 

Karen

Sweet Winter Colors

This week's new color challenge over at The Kraft Journal excited me the moment I saw it.  I knew right away that I wanted to use some yummy K & Co. supplies that I had been sitting on for quite some time now because they fit the color scheme and inspiration photo just perfectly.  Since Christmas is over, I chose to make it a snowy celebration.

Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

I started with these lovely K & Co. patterned papers and coordinating 3-D sticker embellishments.  I machine stitched the patterned paper base, and then "hung the 3-D ornaments" using Baker's Twine.  The foundation of this card is a Buff/Ivory Small Notecard, and onto that I stitched the patterned papers for the background.  Next, I took a Small Glassine Bag, folded it over and stitched a piece of coordinating patterned paper on it, creating a pocket to hold a gift card or treat. My sentiment was made from a JoAnne's rub-on (You're), a K & Co. 3-D sticker (SNOW), and some JoAnne's bubble stickers (sweet).  I tucked a little journaling card inside the Glassine Bag that I cut from a small piece of inked Buff Ivory Cardstock, and then adorned the top of it with a glittered Tiny Wooden Clothespin.

Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

I also added a seam binding bow with a button in the center that's tied with Natural Hemp Cord.  This close-up photo shows you the pocket in detail.  As I've mentioned before, I just love using these Small Glassine Bags for holding gift cards, treats or journaling.  They're just SO versatile, and are super cost-effective to boot!  You will want to check out ALL the amazing goodies in the Kraft Outlet store.  Treat yourself to some new supplies with that Christmas money you're holding onto.  You will be absolutely delighted with the great values and adorable high-quality products they offer.

 

I hope I've covered my supply list for you; but if there's anything I've missed that you'd like to know about, just leave a comment to let me know and I will get you an answer right quick!  I'm just SO grateful to have you stop by my blog to take a peek at my card!

 

I hope you will grab your supplies, whip up a project that follows our Color Challenge Scheme, and join in on all the fun over at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog this week.  We would LOVE to have you play along with us.  There are also several new items in the store that you won't want to miss.  To play along, all you need to do is follow the challenge theme, and use either product(s) purchased at the Kraft Outlet, OR any kraft product you have on hand.  You will then be eligible for the $15 Gift Certificate to the store at the end of the month for playing along.  Not to mention, we just LOVE seeing your projects and having you join us.

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Ice Inspiration

Red Carpet Studios - Challenge #61 - Snow Buddies - I used snowflake papers, and a snow theme!

 

Have a blessed week, and thanks again for stopping by!

 

Karen

Beautiful Borders

I made this card specifically for a challenge that I really wanted to enter where the theme is "Beautiful Borders".  I was formerly on the Design Team at Classy Cards-N-Such, and I absolutely LOVE this wonderful scrapbook supply store.  The only reason I even stepped down from their Design Team was because of my rotator cuff injury which many of you know about.  I just had to cut back a bit.  I HIGHLY recommend this sweet store, and I adore it's owner, Beverly, and her super talented Design Team.  They sell everything from papers to die-cuts and all the sweetest embellishments.  If you ever want to check it out, just stop by this link to Classy Cards-N-Such, and be sure to let them know I sent you their way.  I also did a tutorial for them on how to dye your own scrunched seam binding.  You can find my tutorial here:  Seam Binding Tutorial and you can get the plain seam binding in their store through this link:  Chalk White Seam Binding - I just LOVE using this lovely hand-dyed trim on all my cards and projects.

OK, before I get too far off track here - I want to let you all know that I'm sitting on some pretty big news.  I have some exciting crafty news to share with you all........VERY SOON!  I promise that the moment I get the "go ahead", I will be sharing with you all.  And for me, it's really BIG news that I can't wait to share.  I recently had my feelings really hurt by a Design Team reveal for a company that I really liked, had been supporting, and that I have done A LOT of work for to promote them.  I was continually Guest Designing for them, participating in their blog hops (both as a "hopper" and as a  guest designer), and really working as a team player for them.  I had even expressed interest in their Design Team, only to be told that "there was a waiting list".  Then, out of nowhere, they revealed a new Design Team - without even holding an open call.  When I saw that several crafters had been chosen to be on their Design Team who had never Guest Designed for them, never participated in their blog hops, and had never even played along in their challenges or shown any support of this store, I will openly admit that I was REALLY hurt and offended.  I felt so completely used.  It was like being told that I was good enough to fill in and help out, but not good enough to be considered for a full-time spot; even though I had shown my support for the company.  I really struggled with this, and had to really pray about it.  I asked God to give me a peace about it, and I got some great advice and comfort from some Godly friends who reminded me that God is in control, and that He will lead me in where I am to share my talents.  That really put my mind at ease, and it helped me to gather my thoughts and to get back into a better place, and have a better attitude about it all.  Well, not too long after that, I applied for an AMAZING Design Team that I really wanted to be a part of.  I prayed about it, and - don't you just know that God answered my prayer.  When I submitted it all to Him; asking Him to lead where I use my talents, He blessed me in ways I couldn't believe.  I'm really looking forward to being able to share this big news with you all.  God always knows best!

This is my card for the Classy Cards-N-Such Beautiful Borders Challenge.  I used October Afternoon patterned papers and embellishments (stickers, tabs and flair/pin), a Maya Road leaf stick pin, hand-made scrunched seam binding, rub-on sentiments, paper flowers, felt leaves, jute,  a Martha Steward doily, and the border is the Filigree Border from Papertrey Ink (running up and down).

Classy Cards-N-Such Challenge Blog - Challenge #14 - Beautiful Borders - My border is  Filigree Border from Papertrey Ink, and the Classy Cards-N-Such products I used are the seam binding and the rub-on sentiments.
 

Thanks so much for visiting me today, and for your support.  Your kindness and encouragement mean so very much to me.  I am grateful for you all.  I'm reminded through the story I shared, that God always knows what's best for us.  We can't hold on to anger and resentment, because He always has a greater plan, and our goal is to bring glory to His precious name. 

Karen

Seek Ye First

Each year at our church, we have a "verse of the year", and in 2013, our verse was Matthew 6:33 and the whole congregation would recite it together each week.  It's really a beautiful verse to remind us that when our first priority is to seek God and His kingdom, then all the things we desire will be given us according to His perfect will.  We will have nothing left to be desired when He is put first in our lives.  Feel free to right click on the word art file and save it to your computer.  I sure enjoyed using it on my card this week.

I started with a Buff Ivory Notecard from our sponsor this week, the Kraft Outlet.  If you're not familiar with the Kraft Outlet, you will want to stop by and check out all their wonderful products.  They have everything from notecards and cardstock to the sweetest embellishments and trims you can find.  One lucky person will win a $15 gift certificate to the Kraft Outlet, as well as a second prize of 5 digis from the adorable Eureka Stamps.

The patterned papers I used are all Basic Grey papers from my stash - pretty old!  I also added some Zva Creative pearl swirls and some Recollections flowers from Michaels.  I machine stitched the papers together, and cut the word art sentiment with a Spellbinders die-cut.

 

I would just LOVE to have you all stop by Word Art Wednesday to share your art with us this week.   You are welcome to share up to five different projects or cards each week, and we are so grateful for each and every entry we receive.  We have awesome sponsors each week that you would be SO blessed to receive, so why not stop by and share with us?  Our theme is always Anything Goes as long as they're family-friendly (see Challenge Rules), and it excites us to have you play along.

I'm sharing my card here:
Creative Card Crew - Challenge #52 - Anything Goes - This is my third and final entry for this fun challenge.

Little Scrap Pieces - Fun Friday Linky Party - I enjoy playing along in the challenge every week.

 

Have a blessed week, and we will see you all at the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog.  Happy crafting!

 

Karen

Lace It Up

It's Monday again, and time another super fun challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  This week's theme is "Lace It Up, which sounds like a whole lot of fun since lace is always beautiful on any project.

Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

I started my card with one my all-time Kraft Outlet favorites - a Lunch Bag Kraft Notecard which I prefer to fold using a Kraft Outlet Bone Folder to give it a crisp and even fold. I covered the base of my folded card with some Jenni Bowlin Family Tree patterned papers (polka dot, red floral and black/red ruler papers).  Then, I added the matching Jenni Bowlin Family Tree Journalling Card (green with navy polka dots) on top.  I rubbed a Melissa Frances Happy Birthday sentiment onto the journaling card, and then "Laced It All Up" with some vintage lace from my stash, and machine stitched everything together.  To embellish my card a bit more, I used some additional Kraft Outlet supplies including a snippet of Tim Holtz Ruler Ribbon on the upper left, and a Tiny Wooden Clothespin covered in Tape Measure and Black With White Polka Dot Decorative Washi Tapes.  I used my Tim Holtz Mini Stapler to add another scrap of lace to the right side.  It's all inked with Tim Holtz Barn Door Red Distress Ink.

I hope that you'll all stop by The Kraft Journal to play along in our "Lace It Up" Challenge.  We always enjoy having you all join us!

I'm sharing this card in the following challenges:

Little Scrap Pieces - Fun Friday Linky Party - I just love playing along in this challenge.  Check out the sweet seam binding Karen makes as the prize!

Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge - New Beginnings/Something New - It's always fun using new supplies.  I used some new washi tape on my tiny clothespin on this project.

Victorine Stamps Challenge Blog - Challenge #75 - Three Layers (or more) which is something I love to do!

 

Have a blessed week!

Karen

With Sympathy

It's always a bitter-sweet occasion when we have to make a sympathy card.  Saying goodbye to someone we love is difficult for us because we know that we will miss their presence in our lives, and miss all the things we would normally do together.  Yet, because of what our Heavenly Father did for us when He sent His precious son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross and pay the price for our sins, He allowed a way for us to get to Heaven when we die.  So really, it's a new beginning and even a celebration when someone leaves this world when they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  It makes saying goodbye so much easier.  I was asked to make a sympathy card, and I immediately knew that I would use one of the sweet sympathy sets from Daydream Designs to create my card.

Karen Letchworth for Daydream Designs

This photo makes it a little difficult to read the sentiment.  You can click on the image to enlarge it, or read this:  "May our compassionate God comfort your heart, give you strength to carry on and fill each day with peace. We are praying for you during this time of grief. With Sympathy".  Here is a link to the God's Comfort Sentiments Set.  It has several lovely and comforting sentiments to help you make sympathy cards that will bless those who are grieving.

I used some older Crate Paper products (patterned papers and border strip) from their Mia Collection.  I machine stitched everything, added some pearl trim, a resin flower, seam binding bow, a heart border cut from wool felt out of a Papertrey Ink die-cut.  I scalloped the edge of one of the patterned papers with a Fiskars punch.  That's about it.

 

I'm going to share my card here:

 

Simon Says Stamp Blog - Wednesday Challenge - New Beginnings/Something New - I used a new resin flower, and this card also represents "a new beginning" for the person who died.  They get a whole "new beginning" in their Heavenly home.

 

Creative Card Crew - Creative Card Crew - Challenge #52 - Anything Goes

 

Red Carpet Studios Challenge Blog - Challenge #60 - "New Year's Eve" and New Beginnings - This card represents a new beginning in Heaven for the departed, and I also used new product on my design.

Twist of Faith Card Challenges - Challenge #70 - New Beginnings/Anything Goes - My card represents a "new beginning" in Heaven for the one who has passed - this is truly the greatest blessing in life!

Totally Gorguss Challenge Blog - Challenge #217/Ribbon  - Anything Goes - I love "Anything Goes" challenges, and also love the sweet ribbons being offered as the prize for this challenge.  I put ribbon on almost everything I create.

 .

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I pray that your 2014 is off to a great start.  I would warmly invite you all to stop by Word Art Wednesday to play along in our challenge each week. We have great prizes to be won, and we would really LOVE having you all join us.

 

God bless you!

Karen

Hugs From V's Sweet Ideas

Happy New Year to all my friends, both old and new, out there is Blogland.  It's the start of a brand new year, and I look forward to all that it will bring.  I trust that 2014 will have its share of ups and downs - trials as well as many blessings along the way.  There's no doubt that whatever this year brings, God will be my guiding force through it all, and I'm SO blessed to have you all join me for another great year and all it holds.

 

At the beginning of each new month, we have a brand new challenge at V's Sweet Ideas, and this month the theme is Anything Goes.  We warmly invite you all to join us as we ring in the new year with this fun challenge.  There are lots of sweet embellishments, stamps, ribbons, washi tape and more at V's Sweet Ideas to get you started.

Karen Letchworth for V's Sweet Ideas

To make this sweet little keepsake pocket, I used a Maya Road Kraft Envelope and covered it with some October Afternoon Five & Dime patterned papers and embellishments (rubber sticker, journaling sticker and letter stickers).  I also used some of V's Sweet sequins, seam binding, and baker's twine.  I added a glittered button, machine stitching, and some tiny pearl accents.

I'm sharing this project here:

Red Carpet Studios Challenge Blog - Challenge #60 - New Year's Eve - Use Something New - This project uses my new sequins.  They seem to be very popular in crafting right now.

Twist of Faith Card Challenge - Challenge #70 - New Beginnings/Anything Goes - I love making scripture cards, and/or uplifting and encouraging projects.  This is a super fun challenge blog for doing just that!

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - New Beginnings/Something New - I used some of my new sequins on this project.  They seem to be the new trend in crafting right now, and they're sure a fun accent.
 

Two more great Anything Goes challenges starting today where I would just LOVE to have you all share your sweet projects are V's Sweet Ideas and Word Art Wednesday.  I warmly welcome you all to stop by and share in both.  I just love seeing all the sweet things you will share, and YOU will have the chance to win some amazing prizes.  Come and play with us!

 

Blessings to you all,

Karen