Be Merciful

Hi there, sweet blog friends.  Thanks for popping by again today for my second post of the day.  I actually finished this card yesterday evening, but it was too late in the day to take good photos.  Soooo....I took the photos this morning and finished up this blog post.  It's a "just for fun" card and I had a lot of fun making it.

I started with a dark pinky plum cardstock and then a layer of white watercolor paper that I rubbed with matching ink and a fun (super old) stencil to create my background.  Next, I ran the white piece through my Cuttlebug with an embossing folder called Snowflake Sparkles from Sizzix.

Again, I used the same (old/stash) stencil for the butterflies and the sentiment banner.  The butterflies are from a Papertrey Ink die cut set (super old also) and the sentiment banner is the Fishtail Banner Dies from Stamp Simply.  I just followed that same pattern throughout.

I used a sentiment from Stamp Simply.  It talks about being merciful which is something that we all need to be reminded of now and then.  Since God has forgiven us (me for sure and I hope you as well) of SO much, we should always remember to do our best to show mercy (forgiveness) to others.  It's so easy to get upset and to possibly even hold a grudge when someone hurts/offends us; but I've learned that when I get bitter towards someone, it really only ends up hurting me.  Showing mercy and forgiving others somehow frees us of all that weight and bitterness.  It's just really a beautiful sentiment from a gorgeous stamp set about showing Mercy.

All of these gorgeous leaves and sprigs were cut from white cardstock scraps that I inked with a variety of green inks.  I cut them using the Floral Cluster with Leaves & Sprigs Dies, and I dabbed them with some paints for a pop of color.  I also inked and tucked in a small piece of cheesecloth.  I attached a few sequins for another layer of texture and some sparkle.  Yes, there's a lot going on here, and that's often the case with my cards.  I just can't resist adding more and more each time.  I really do appreciate your visit today and I hope you'll stop by again soon.  I appreciate you.  Have a creative week; and don't forget to show mercy - as God has shown us mercy.

I'm sharing my card in these fun challenges:

Can You Handle the Pressure Challenge - Use an Embossing Folder w/Optional Butterflies - I did both this time.  I used the Sizzix Snowflake Speckles Embossing Folder.  The butterflies I added are cut using an older die-cut from Papertrey Ink.  I had FUN with this challenge.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes" - This is Entry 3/5

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Summer Mood Board" - This is Entry 1/5 - While I didn't see any butterflies or flowers in the inspiration board photo, I notice that Anna-Karin used them on her card and they really do scream Summer to me.

Triple B Challenge - Birds, Blooms and Butterflies - This card has blooms and butterflies to celebrate the beauty of July Summer days.  I really created this card with the Triple B Challenge in mind; knowing that I wanted to play along with an actual butterfly or two.  Then, I made it work for other challenges where I could share it as well.

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2326 - Anything Goes (sponsored by the wonderful Lawn Fawn).  I always love to play along in this fun challenge when I'm able.

I'd really love to hear your thoughts about my card.

Be blessed,

Karen