Out of Africa

Card making today was a birthday card for my pastor, who just made a mission trip to Uganda, Africa . . . which gave me just a perfect time to use some of my African design stamps.  More importantly, of course, was the team's opportunity to minister to so many children at the orphanages. Being inspired by a card that I saw on Pinterest at Cards by Teresa, I also got to use a technique that I haven't used in a long, long time. 

I started by cutting a 3 1/2 inch circle from a piece of scrap card stock to make a mask.  Next I cut and folded an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch white card base.  After taping the mask in place, with Distress Ink Squeezed lemonade, I sponged the entire circle. Then while leaving a bright spot in the middle, I sponged around it with Distress Ink Dried Marigold.  I finished the outside edge of the circle with Distress Ink Ripe Persimmon. 

Rather than using a solid image stamp, I chose to us an open image for an entirely different effect.  The image was stamped with Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black.  For a final touch I used foam tape to mount the sentiment.  The dotted paper you see behind the card actually isn't part of the card -- just used to make the white card stand out. 

Wishing you wonderful hours of stamping!

Annie

Color Wash Backgrounds

Good afternoon, my paper crafting friends,

As often happens in early spring, I start cleaning out the cupboards and storage places.  And, almost always, I find something that I haven't used for a very long time.  The found object is the inspiration for these cards and this blog post.  Long before spray washes were so popular, Stamp Zia (Zana Clark) had created a color wash that was packaged in little bottles - without a spray nozzle.  I used them a time or two and then put them on the shelf.  Sound familiar?  Well, needless to say, my cleaning cupboards quickly came to a halt and I sat down and started playing with my "new" old toys.  Here are a couple of the final results.

Stamp Zia is now out of business, but Ranger has wonderful color washes, (with nozzles LOL).
The Ranger craft mat is perfect for this technique.  After spreading it out, I poured onto it a drop of three colors, followed by misting it with water.  Next, take a quarter sheet of white water color paper and lightly touch the ink with it, moving around to cover the whole paper.  You can blot off the extra water or just leave it.  Use a heat gun to dry both sides of the paper - it will curl then flatten out.  Once dry, I used a small paint brush to randomly brush on Pearl EX powder.  I used colors to match my color wash colors, but any complementing color should look good. I used Memories black dye ink to stamp the images.  On the green card, Clear Wink of Stella was brushed onto the black flowers and leaves.

The measurements for the blue card are:
8 1/2 x 5 1/2
Score at 2 1/8 inches and 4 1/4 inches.

May you have a gloriously blessed day!
Annie

Another Fun Class

Hello stampers and paper crafters,

At my class last week, I took us back to stamping images for our cards - just taking a little break from the die cuts except for the little bird, and also used embossing powder.  It was really fun to stamp and cut out, and actually be involved with making the images for our cards.  I'm not giving up die cuts by any means, but stamping was a creative boost that I needed.  Here are the three cards that we made.

This card is actually four layered panels on the card base - starting with the top panel it is a white panel, striped paned, white panel again, and polka dot panel.  I think it would make a great masculine card.  The die cut bird was mounted over the stamped leaf branch.

For this card I downloaded a music background from Pinterest.  You can find it on my Pinterest board:  Ann Lancaster - Clip Art.  I stamped the Dahlia two times on pale salmon card stock and embossed with white embossing powder.  They were colored with Copic Chrome Orange #YR04 and shaded with a bit of Light Suntan #E13.  I cut out the center petals of the second image and mounted it over the whole dahlia piece.  The leaves were also stamped and cut out - stamped with Distress Pine Needles and sponged with Distress Evergreen Bough.  The music panel was embossed with a wood grain embossing folder and edged with Evergreen Bough.

On this card I used handmade paper for the background panel.  On the brown rectangle panel I used Scrapbook Adhesives E-Z Runner White, placing three strips of the tape and covering with glitter.  It holds the glitter wonderfully and you don't even have to press the glitter down - just sprinkle on and shake off.  To make the jewels match the olive green layered panel, I used a circle hand punch, attached the punch outs in place, and then attached the jewels over them.  This is a great way to make jewels match your color scheme.

Well, I hope you picked up a few handy tips for your card making.  Have a great time creating!

Blessings,
Annie

Cold Shot

Cold shot is a term used by snipers.  You make the shot without a practice shot first.  Chief Park Ranger Griffin McCray of Gettysburg National Military Park knows all about cold shots, as he was formerly a SWAT team sniper.  Therefore, when Griffin was called to a crime scene in the park at Gettysburg, along with Finley Scott, a forensic anthropologist, they were able to determine that an expert sniper killed the victim.  Also called into the case are two of McCray’s three best friends from college days – Declan Grey an FBI agent and Parker Mitchell a crime scene analyst.  However, the third friend, Luke McCray, brother of Griffin McCray, had mysteriously disappeared after the tragic death of his and Griffin’s sister.  Their world – and their friendships – crumbled.  Each of the group realized that if they were going to be able to work together and solve this case, they were going to have to confront the dark days of the past.  Little did they know that their investigation would lead them to the mysterious disappearance of Luke.

The plot of this story has a lot going for it.  I really liked the action and suspense and how the author led us through the collection of clues and tied them together. What I did not like is the author’s weak attempt to add to the story a budding romance between Griffin and Finley.  I mean how could this woman, Finley, – all at the same time – 1. be fearfully shaking in her boots,  and  2. so overcome by Griffin’s closeness and manliness that she could hardly breathe from the excitement of standing next to him?  These romantic notions seemed to be randomly thrown in and did not add anything of merit to the story.  It was the same with references to God and faith – just thrown in so it could be called a Christian fiction book.  Not!

Bethany House Publishers provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

A Special Valentine Card

Hello again, friends!

I had a special request from my pastor to make a valentine card for his wife.  Of course, I said yes, but, me oh my, could I do justice for the occasion.  I wanted to make something that was feminine and a bit elegant. Thankfully, once I got started it all fell into place.  I was happy with the result, Pastor was happy, and hopefully Pastor's wife will be, too.

Here is what I used:  background panel - Sizzix Textured Impressions Dots & Flowers Set;

layered motif:  Spellbinders Shapeabilities Lacy Doily Motifs; hearts:  Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Hearts.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Annie

Hearts-a-Plenty

Hello again friends,

I just got back from the gym and need to take a little rest break.  So I thought what better time than now to enter my next blog post showcasing two of the cards we made at my last class.

The first card is a case from Pinterest. I couldn't resist because I'm just smitten with the Impression Obsession Heart Flourish.  I also loved those little tiny flowers, made with the Impression Obsession dies Spiral Flowers and Leaf Cluster.  To make it suit my fancy, I used a different border punch (Stampin' Up hearts border) and added red card stock under the punched border.  I also decorated the inside of the card by adding red strips to both inside panels and decorated them with the punched out white hearts created by the border punch.  A big thank you goes to Kittie Caracciolo for inspiring me to create this card.

 This second card has kind of an old-fashioned look which I love.  The ribbon overlaying the decorative paper (which has raised embossing on it) has an embroidered flower design with sequins attached.  Not sure how well it shows up in the picture but it's really pretty.  It originally was a wired ribbon, but I removed the wire to make it lay more smoothly.  To hold it in place, I used 1/8" Red Line Tape (can use Score Tape), on both sides of the ribbon and over to the back side at top and bottom.

I die cut the "love" heart from red card stock using the Savvy Die Love Heart #10061 and backed it with white card stock.  For the final touch, I punched two sizes of small hearts and then added white floss to one of the larger ones.  All of the hearts are adhered with mounting tape.

Well, that's it for today.  Thanks for checking out this post!

Blessings,
Annie

Glaze Background Technique

Hello again!

Today I have a technique to tell you about that is new to me.  I've done this technique before using alcohol inks and distress inks  and also Luna Lights.  But this time I used Golden Glaze, an artist medium.  I normally use it on pages when I'm making an altered book.  The product I used is a slow-drying, water-based acrylic with a satin finish; colors - Violet Earth, Sea Foam Green, and Fresco Cream.

On a piece of grey card stock, I randomly poured about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of each color.  Using a Tsukineko Squeegee (a credit card is a substitute), I smoothed the colors over the card stock, lightly blending as I covered the whole panel.  You may need to add a bit more of one color or another, to your liking.  Keep in mind to not over blend or your colors will become muddied.  Lay aside to dry or if the piece is not too damp, you can dry with your heat gun.  Next, I lightly sponged Memories White Dye ink over the entire panel.

Once dry, I embossed it with Tim Holtz wood grain embossing folder.  The leaves were made using Impression Obsession Leaves die set.  Give it a try and let me know if you liked the technique!

Blessings,
Annie

Fun With TeePee Cards

A couple of my stamping friends introduced me to the TeePee card a few months ago.  This is something I have wanted to try since then but just no available time.  So after sitting on the back burner for a while, I finally got one made.  I also was shown a great video with easy-to-follow directions.  In case you haven't seen this particular video, I'm passing the link on to you.  My thanks to Debbie at The Crafty Pad Designs.  Here's my version of the card:

Hope you'll have some fun with this.  Until next time!

Blessings,
Ann

Fold-Back Flap Card

Good morning, blogging friends,
It is no surprise I have had hearts on my mind recently.  All the stores have their Valentine's Day displays up and hearts are everywhere.  But I was thinking hearts I don't want to just use my heart supplies for one event during the year.  Why not work them into any kind of occasion card? So with this in mind, this card was created:

It's a very quick and simple card.  Below are a few instructions to get you started.

Fold Back Flaps Card

5 ½ x 4 ¼ card base ( 8 ½ x 5 ½ )

5 ¼ x 4 Doublesided DP panel, BoBunny A Gift of Love

2 ½ x 2 ½ piece of Brown card stock

Spellbinders Nestibilities Classic Hearts S4-136

2 sizes of Cherry Blossom Punch or any flower punch (small and medium)

Brown Brad

Memories Baby Pink Ink Pad

Distress Walnut Stain Ink Pad

Sentiment from Impression Obsession, C8560 Loving Heart

On the DP panel on the right side edge, measure 2 5/8" down from the top.

Measure again 2 5/8" down from the top, only this time place the dot 2” to the left of the first dot.

Cut the paper between the 2 dots; that would be 2 inches from the right side.

Score from each of the right side corners to the center dot and then fold back the triangle flaps.

Lightly distress the edges of the pink flowers with the Memories Baby Pink Ink Pad.  Round up/mold the petals.

Using a brown brad to hold them together, assemble the 2 flower pieces, the brown heart, and the DP panel together.

Adhere the DP panel to the card base.

Stamp a sentiment in the opening between the flaps.

Hope you like the card and want to make one.  Blessings,

Annie

Song of the Stars

“Song of the Stars” is a beautifully written Christmas story by Sally Lloyd-Jones, a well-know author of children’s books.  The illustrations are as beautiful and inspirational as the story.

From the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, to the plant life, all of creation was joyously heralding the coming of Christ Jesus.  There was music from the crashing waves and whispering praise from the leaves of the trees.  All the animals sang songs of worship and adoration while keeping watch for the Savior, and then spreading word of His arrival.  The whole world and every created thing were in awe and praise of the newborn King.  Reading this story gave me an unexpected sense of wonderment, joy, and thankfulness that I had not expected to experience.

Although written for children, this little board book is a gem for all ages as a reminder of how we are to worship the Savior and look with great expectation for His return.  If you don't have any little ones in your home, just read it for yourself and experience the magic!

Blessings, Annie

In exchange for my review, the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers.

Celebrating Thanksgiving!

Hi friends,

 Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching.  Now that my cards are made, I can concentrate on planning a menu and doing the shopping.

All through the year we have things to be thankful for, but isn't it wonderful that we have an annual day set aside where we show special thanks for our blessings, family, and friends.  I love making and sending Thanksgiving Day cards, so today I'm going to share with you two more designs.

I love this clean and simple design.  The colors of the image and the layered panel just really pop out against the white background which is partially embossed.  It is a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4", side folded card.  The burgundy panel measures 4" x 2 1/2" after using the scallop border punch.  The white panel is 4" x 2" and stamped with a Kaleidacolor rainbow dye ink pad called Autumn Leaves (by Tsukineko).   Emboss the large 5 1/4" x 4" white panel, leaving 2" unembossed at the bottom.  I used the Stampin' Up/Sizzix embossing folder called Square Lattice, one of my favorite backgrounds.  After all pieces are attached together, wrap white ribbon around the whole assembly and tie a bow.  Then after you have stamped Happy Thanksgiving at the bottom of the panel, it is ready to be adhered to the card base.  For the finishing touch, I embellished the three flowers in the image with clear jewels.

The image stamp is by Inkadinkado #98700-DD (Pumpkin Trail).

                                                                                             

I just have to smile every time I look at these little Pilgrim mice.  Who knows - maybe their ancestors came over on the Mayflower, too!  This sweet little stamp set is by Lawn Fawn called "Thankful Mice" (LF936), which coordinates with the "Thankful Mice" dies (LF937).

This card is the same size as the first card.  The embossed panel (Thankful Background & Borders Set by Tim Holtz) is layered onto a black panel, then attached to the card base.  A ribbon was tied around the sentiment panel in a square knot before it was attached to the decorative paper panel.  

Well, there you have it.  Thank you for joining me today.  I wish you a very blessed Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Annie

On this Foundation, by Lynn Austin - Book Review

“On this Foundation,” is the third and last book of The Restoration Chronicles by Lynn Austin.  I really appreciate how thoroughly Ms. Austin did her research for this series of books.  Once again, I was captivated by her story-telling skill and character building.  Her words became so alive in my mind’s eye that I could almost see the characters and the story taking place.

As the story begins Nehemiah, a Jewish exile, is the trusted cupbearer and chief of security for King Artaxerxes, ruler of the Persian Empire.  This empire included The Promised Land and its holy city, Jerusalem.  When Nehemiah learned that the wall of Jerusalem still had not been rebuilt, from its destruction nearly 20 years ago by the Babylonians, he became extremely distressed because the people and the Temple were completely unprotected from their enemies.  Feeling God’s call upon him, Nehemiah obtained permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.

This book depicts Nehemiah as a righteous man, who God blessed with courage and unfailing faith, just as he was written about in the Old Testament of the Bible.  No matter the danger from his enemies and their plans to either stop the rebuilding of the wall or kill Nehemiah if they had too, Nehemiah carried out his God-given assignment.  In his real lifetime, Nehemiah was an inspiration to his people and a perfect example of living by faith in God.  The biblical account of this man is still inspiring to me, as I am sure it is to many others.

This is an absolutely wonderful book, just like the previous two books in the series.

Bethany House Publishers provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

Blessings,

Annie

Thankful Mice!

Hello again, friends.

Just a quick post to share a Thanksgiving shaker card I just made. I used my new stamps and dies from Lawn Fawn, called "Thankful Mice."  They are just adorable little pilgrims!  Also, I loved making the cheese confetti to go behind the window frame along with the sequins. Included in the set is a cheese stamp and a die to match.  So cute! There are lots of shaker card tutorials on YouTube so I won't post directions.  Card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".   I'm really looking forward to creating more designs using this little pair.

Thanks for looking at my card.
Annie

The Looney Experiment in the Life of an Eighth Grader

Meet Atticus Hobart, an eighth grader who has decided that his life is pretty much a mess and wonders how it got that way.  Why did his dad just up and walk out on his family, why does he choke up and cannot utter a word in public, why is he the one who is constantly beat up by Danny, the school bully, will he always silently pine for Audrey, the most beautiful girl in school?  And by the way, why was he named Atticus of all things?  Just so Danny could taunt him by calling him Fatticus?

Then into this mess and confusion, Mr. Looney appears as their substitute teacher for the rest of the year.  Not only is Mr. Looney old, he’s a bit loony himself, and older than dirt according to Atticus.  Taking the path less traveled seems to be Mr. Looney’s teaching style.  And yet there’s something about this guy that makes Atticus want to listen to him, and not just because Mr. Looney has a loud, clear, and strong voice.  Atticus began to feel safe inside and thought to himself, “I’d better listen up.  This voice has got something interesting to say.”

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Looney Experiment written by Luke Reynolds.  It was very humorous and entertaining.  When Atticus’ imagination kicked in and he became the super hero in all kinds of situations, I actually laughed aloud.  But also it presented a very strong message.  In small steps Atticus left his shell of protection and began to feel hope.  This is a book about finding things within one’s self that you didn’t know existed.  Things like courage, believing in yourself, and the ability to manage the problems in your life.

In exchange for my review, the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers.

Double Triple Shutter Card

Hello friends!

Today I'm really excited to share with you a card style of which I recently became aware, the Double Triple Shutter Card.  Being such a big card, at first I was hesitant to give it a try.  One of my stamping pals (thank you, Sharon) showed our paper crafting group how to do this, but also I found a wonderful tutorial by Tanya Dawn Richards, with very easy-to-follow instructions. It's not hard at all and assembles much quicker than what I thought it would.  I'm thinking that this is one of those cards that I will make for very special people in my life.

The card opens and keeps unfolding until it is spread out to a couple of feet and it is six inches high.  It's fascinating to watch it unfold!  Here are a series of pictures to see the various stages of unfolding.

Now go have yourself some fun . . . and have a blessed day!
Annie

Bathsheba, Reluctant Beauty

When reading this book, one thing you need to remember is that this story of Bathsheba is from the imaginings of the author, Angela Hunt.  Although it contains actual biblical events, the story surrounding these events is fiction.  With that in mind and understood, Bathsheba, Reluctant Beauty, is a riveting love story about a beautiful young woman named Bathsheba, who is married to and madly in love with her soldier husband, Uriah.  As one of King David’s most faithful and valiant soldiers, Uriah is sent off to fight in a war against the Ammonites.  Thus begins the end of Bathsheba’s joyful and contented married life with Uriah.

As many women did in those days, their baths were taken in the privacy of their sun-filled courtyards, usually in the late afternoon, sometimes in the early evening.  On one such evening, King David stepped out onto his terrace, seeking fresh air and release from a feeling of restlessness.  Once he caught sight of the beautiful Bathsheba, he was struck to the core of his being with desire for this woman and he could not avert his eyes, as decently required.  Not caring who this woman was or her status in the community, not caring whether she was virgin or married, David demand that Bathsheba be brought to him immediately, where upon he forced himself upon her, and all the while Bathsheba was protesting, pleading, and declaring her love for her husband.  As the Bible tells us, Bathsheba became pregnant, which led King David to cover up his evil deed by planning the secret murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband.   He added Bathsheba to his harem under the ruse that he was taking her under his care in honor of the loyal and faithful soldier Uriah. 

Although the first child of David and Bathsheba died as punishment for David’s great sin, eventually another son is born to them, who was named Solomon.  God told David, through the prophet Nathan, that he was to anoint Solomon to succeed him, and that his seed would rule forever as long as Solomon was obedient to God.

As could be expected, contention and strife grew between the older sons of David as to who would one day become king.  There follows deceit, treachery, and murder from Solomon’s half-brothers, and Bathsheba’s constant struggle to protect Solomon until it was time for the prophecy to be made known.

Bethany House Publishers provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

I hope you take time to enjoy the blessings of reading a good book.  Thanks for stopping by.

Annie

Stepping it Up with Fall Cards

As much as I hate to admit it, Indian Summer is here, and autumn is creeping in.  Don't get me wrong, I love the seasons and I'm thankful to be living in an area that definitely has pronounced seasons.  It's just that I'm not yet ready for a change - just need a little more summer time.  By my own hand, I was forced into making a fall card because I joined a fall foliage swap.  You can see two of my creations here:

I sent the brown card for the swap.

Using an Impression Obsession die set, I cut the leaves from patterned paper matching the card base.  It's really a very simple design, but I love the effect of the patterned leaves.  I challenge you to just randomly pull some patterned paper from your stash, choose some coordinating card stock, and make one yourself.  Please leave a link where I can go admire it.

Blessings,
Annie

A Wonderful Gift!

I just finished reading an absolutely wonderful book called, "So Great Salvation, What It Means to Believe in Jesus Christ," by Charles C. Ryrie. It is in our church library and I highly recommend reading it, even if you have been a follower of Jesus for many, many years.

This is what the dust jacket says:

"In an age when there is a tendency either to water down the Gospel or add to it requirements that are not scriptural, people need a clear, concise, and authoritative word on the meaning and evidences of salvation. And that is exactly what Charles Ryrie provides in the pages of this timely book.

Here Dr. Ryrie answers key and practical questions such as :

*What exactly is the Gospel?

*What is spiritual fruit?

*Can a born-again Christian be carnal and, if so, how long?

*Can a person accept Jesus as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord:

*Can a dedicated Christian take back part or all of his commitment?

*Must repentance precede faith?

*Is believing in Jesus Christ really so easy?

*What is eternal security?

As you read, you will find the Gospel message and its implications for your life clearly delineated. You will receive added insight and confidence to explain the Good News to family members, friends, and others without the Savior. And you will be touched anew by the marvelous grace and sacrificial love of the Author of our great salvation."

Head for the library now. This is a must-read book!

Annie

Love Your Neighbor

Hello friends,

Thanks for stopping by today.  A few days ago I completed a poster and display for my church library.  I love it when I can use my paper crafting tools in my ministry work.  I saw a similar poster on Pinterest and adapted it to fit my purpose.  You can see it in these two pictures. 

The wording on the poster is, "We are each unique and beautiful, but together we are a masterpiece!"

The theme is about loving your neighbors world wide.   As you know, love can break all kinds of barriers - skin color, different languages, customs.  As Jesus taught us, "The first commandment is . . . you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. . . . And the second , like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no other commandment greater than these."  Mark 12:30-31 

Below are a few books and movie titles that I put on display with the poster.  Check through them to see what you might find for your reading or viewing pleasure.

Blessings,

Annie

How to Love Your Neighbor (Book)

Thunder Dog (Book)

Abel's Field (DVD)

God's Not Dead (DVD)

Chasing Mavericks (DVD)

Rescue the Captors (Book)

End of the Spear (Book)



Small Things with Great Love (Book)

Kite Runner (Book)

Unconditional (DVD)

Fearless (Book)

Behind the Sun (DVD)