THREE DAYS OFF

In our culture a new parent can get at least 6 weeks off from a job for the birth of a baby, but only 3 days off when a loved one dies. It seems that we rush the process of death. Is it because it's uncomfortable? Awkward? Untimely? Too heinious to deal with? My friend lost her husband and I made this card for her. But I know it's not enough. What else can I do? I know she won't ever "get over it"; especially in 3 days! I want to be a good friend to people during grief and sorrow. It's easy to be a friend through joy and happiness. But we're needed most through the "ugly" stuff. Here's a list that God has impressed me to do: Allow my friend to talk, cry, be angry, whatever; guard against offering "cliches" of sympathy; invite her places, do things with her; offer practical help and follow through; avoid suggestions; be patient with her process; talk about her spouse and don't be afraid to help her remember the good stuff; pray for her. Lord help my friend through her pain. Give her a hug today that will provide comfort and security. Help me be a good friend - guide me through this process and may we both grow in You.

Products Used for this Design:

Stamps: Well Wishes by Hero Arts, SU Curvy Verses
Paper: Papertrey White, SU Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: B.Black, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Spica Pens
Accessories: SU Ribbon, Dimensionals, Spica Pens, Mini Dew Drops

SHE'S ALL ABOUT THE CHERRY ON TOP

This week's 100th Featured Stamper on Splitcoast (SCS) is Julie HRR, aka Her Royal Rubberness. Julie was my first introduction to SCS - she politely PMed me to let me know I was doing something wrong! LOL. I was too naive to be mortified at the time as I did not know she was royal! Since our first encounter, however, I have been blessed to come to know her uncanny humor and helpful tidbits. She once gave me constructive critism on a card which was oh so helpful! Anyhoo, the way to play FS is to CASE (copy and share everything) a card from the honoree's gallery. This is the one I chose of Julie's. I am happiest when I stamp clean and simple. The analogy for me in this new year is to be ready and open for God's refinement. He simply wants good things in my life and if I allow Him to, He will clean up the bad and refine it into joy!

Products Used for this Design:


Stamps: SU Goody Goody Gumdrops, Essential Ovals from A Muse
Paper: Papertrey White, SU Summer Picnic
Ink: SU Whild Wasabi, Rose Red, Palette Noir Black, Spica Pens
Accessories: Ribbon from Pink Hedgehog

SIMPLY A KING

The message of Christmas is fairly simple: God sent His SON, Jesus to be the substitution for the fall of man. He was born without sin, lived without sin and died without sin. That's why He is able to be the only substitution for sin. I hope, during this upcoming Christmas season, that many recognize the true gift that is bestowed to us . . . He has made it so easy to have a relationship with Him. So much easier, in fact, than even believing in santa!

Products used for this design:

Stamps: A Muse Mary and baby Jesus, King is Born, CHF Starry Night BG, A Muse Essential Ovals Set
Paper: SU DSP from Prints Pack, Basic Black, Kraft
Ink: SU Real Red, Palette Noir Black, SU Craft White, Sahara Sand
Accessories: A Muse Ribbon, SU Oval Punches, Dimensionals

EVER WISH YOU WERE THE QUEEN BEE?

Wendy Wixler was recently selected as a featured stamper on SCS. Wendy's DD was one of the first peeps I met on SCS. She showed me how to post my creations! LOL Thanks, Amelia, I often say It's all your fault! LOL. Anyhoo, Wendy's work is exquisite. She has definite talent with coloring, die cuts, and sketchwork. She gives alot of practical tips with her design write-ups too, and a lot of her work is done with scraps which is way kewl! Please visit her gallery soon and don't forget to leave a comment on some of your faves! Here's the link:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=79179

I CASED a card of hers that had these same stamps in the design. I changed the theme to "Queen Bee" which is appropriate for the person that the card will be sent to. Come on now . . . who wouldn't want to be queen bee for the day?

Products used for this design:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Honey Bees

Paper: SU So Saffron, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Ink: Palette Noir Black, SU Craft Almost Amethyst and So Saffron, Classic Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: SU Scallop Edge Punch and 2 sizes of Oval Punches, Tangerine Tango Ribbon, Stampendous and K and Company Bling Adhesives, Dimensionals

MILLION DOLLA' MEDALLION

I bet you can't say the title of this card out loud even one time! At least I couldn't! Aren't these medallion punch images eye candy??? The tutorial I found compliments of BeccaStamps is so helpful - you will be able to create one of these the very first time you try, I promise! Here's the link to Becca's Blog where you will find the tutorial!

I fussy cut my designer paper to fit into the medallion center. The sketch is my own, but I bet others have created it as well. Sometimes we think we are originals only to find out we're carbon copies! There must be a lesson in this somewhere, but I'm not sure where I'm headed with this one! Okay, how about this thought: God makes only originals - there are no two humans exactly alike and yet He says we are all made in His image. WoW!

Products used for this design:

• Stamps: SU One of A Kind
• Paper: SU Pacific Point, Whisper White, Bali Breeze DSP
• Ink: SU Pacific Point
• Accessories: Nesties, SU Punches, SU GG Ribbon, SU Gem Brads

FUN FRIENDSHIP AFTERNOON

I think I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating - I am blessed with a great group of friends! This is a card that a group of us made together one afternoon, getting together to chat, laugh and do a bit of stamping. Laughter is something feels so good, doesn't it?

This set of rubbah will be a fave of mine for a long time, I'm sure. I'll be posting more cards using it, for sure!

Products used for this project:

• Stamps: SU Season of Friendship
• Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Whisper White and Autumn Vine DSP
• Ink: Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Really Rust
• Accessories: SU Brass Hodgepodge, So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer, SU Leaf Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Dimensionals