Daydream Designs: Cardinal + Wednesday Wisdom

Before I start my post, I'd like to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to Diane and the other gals on the Daydream Designs DT.  This will be my last post for this team.  Sadly, I am stepping down to take some time out to focus on schoolwork, etc.  These gals are some of the most amazing people I have met and I will truly miss working with them on a regular basis.

Hi, friends!  It's Wednesday, the day I share a card made with digital elements from the Daydream Designs store and today I have a not so traditional autumn card for you.  You might be wondering why I chose the cardinal on my card since it's more of a winter bird...well, the only reason is because I think he's pretty! :)  Take a peek!

See?!  He's beautiful!  you can find him in the Deck the Halls color set.  The only things I did to accent this wonderful pre-colored digi were to highlight his eye with some clear glitter gel pen and add some Stickles to the branches.  I fussy cut around the image to create a fun and different design.  I think it looks great!

The sentiment is from the Autumn Blessings set.  The font on these sentiments is just so fun and perfect!  All I needed to do to accent it was add a few red rhinestones!

This fussy cut panel was then added to a patterned paper card base.  I did some faux stitching around the edges and made it look like it "disappeared" behind the image panel.  Really, I was lazy and only added this after the image panel had been added to save time. ;)

I just love the autumn time.  It truly is a happy time for me.  We have one of our church's semi-annual general conferences in October, my hubby's birthday and other family members' birthdays fall in this season, and my 10 year anniversary is also this fall!  The autumn really is such a happy time and I give thanks to God for all He has given me!

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS, grateful blessings, and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Autumn Bingo + Wednesday Wisdom

It's that time of the week--I am so excited!  I've got another card to share with you that uses some super fun digital elements from the Daydream Designs store.  I think it turned out so fun!  What do YOU think?  Come and look...

I started the formulation of this card with the two BINGO cards from the Fall Bingo Color set.  There are six fun cards in this set.  They are perfect for accenting a card and also for a fun autumn game!

Next, I turned for a sentiment.  I love this beautiful script sentiment from the Autumn Blessings set, and the whimsy of the font went perfectly with the style I was going for.  I accented the sentiment with a punched border and some liquid pearls.

I then added a few bits and bobs to finish the card off with.  Some buttons, a resin flower, and some red pearls in the corners of the patterned paper panel.  The colors are all just so fun and autumnal in a non-traditional way!

The thoughts that I have in regards to this card are just to remember all the blessings we are given on a daily basis.  God is our loving Father.  He wants to give us good gifts.  These are given based on His mercy and our obedience to His laws.  I know that I have been blessed with so many things, that I can't even count them.  I try each day as I pray, but I think that this is something I am going to work on.  Won't you join me in counting YOUR blessings?

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS, grateful blessings, and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Thankful Heart + Wednesday Wisdom

Welcome, dear friends!  I'm back again today with another creation that uses more amazing digital elements from the Daydream Designs store.  It's another autumnal themed card with a scriptural sentiment.  Take a peek!

This beautiful pre-colored digital image and sentiment are both from the glorious God's Bountiful Love set.  I just adore the shading and beautiful autumnal colors!

I added three kraft colored banners to accent my main panel and some heart rhinestones to mirror part of the scripture sentiment from the God's Bountiful Love set.  I also added some glitter glue around the main image and then it was all layered onto a patterned paper base.

This verse is a good reminder for me.  Sometimes life gets hard and people do not treat us as kindly as we would like them to treat us.  Sometimes things happen that are not what we had planned.  And sometimes life is truly just horrible.  BUT, all things lead us to realize that our Father knows best.  We should praise His name in both the sunshine and the rain.  With all our hearts.  No less.

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS, grateful blessings, and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Autumnal Wreath + Wednesday Wisdom

Hello, sweet blogging friends!  Thanks for stopping by today!  I'm here with a new card using some beautiful digital images from the Daydream Designs store and I can't wait for you to see it!  I've created an autumnal greeting card to send to someone special--take a look...

I am just in love with the beautiful wreath from the Autumn Blessings set.  I love the precolored imaged that Diane creates--they are beautiful!  The sentiment I used is from that same Autumn Blessings set.  I layered these both onto a doily to add a bit more texture and elegance.

I decided that a banner would be a fun way to add the sentiment from the Autumn Blessings set to the card.  I punched the edges of the strip, folded it over to add some dimension, and sponged edges to create a more country and distressed feel.  Two orange rhinestones finished off this portion of the card.

The wreath from the Autumn Blessings set was fussy cut out before I added it to the doily and card base.  I added five sets of orange rhinestones as "berries" to add some more texture.  They work perfectly with the two cute acorns at the bottom of the wreath!

I totally love the final creation.  It just screams fall to me!  It also reminds me to be thankful in all things.  The changing of the seasons is a great reason to renew and refresh.  I am grateful that our Father in Heaven gives us so many reminders to continually change!

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS, autumn blessings, and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Star Friends + Wednesday Wisdom

Yep, I'm back again!  Today I'm sharing another creation using some elegant digis from the Daydream Designs store to share with you today.  This card is destined for a fabulous friend.  I'm not sure which one yet, but I'm sure it will land in the lap of the right person!  Come and look...

Here's the card~

Daydream Design's products used:

Shine Like Stars Sentiments (sentiment)

Easter Morning (paper)

I decided to go monochromatic with this card.  The faux stitching was done with a metallic gel pen from Sakura.  Instead of using digital images to compliment this fabulous sentiment, I chose to have it stand along with minimal embellishments.  I really feel that the result is sheer elegance.

I believe that we are all brothers and sisters here on this earth.  Because of this fact, I believe that we need to try to get along and to touch those spirits we can reach specifically with our personality.  When we act like good friends, love follows.  Unity abounds and lives become better.  Go and be a better friend today.  That's my goal--I hope you'll join me!

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Eggstra Special Card + Wednesday Wisdom

Hi again!  I am back with another creation using super cute digis from the Daydream Designs store to share with you today.  It's a card that would be PERFECT for that special someone who needs a little lift!  AND, it's punny--and I LOVE a good pun!  Take a peek...

Here's the card~

Daydream Design's products used:

Country Chicks (image)

Simply Eggstraordinary Sentiments (sentiment)

Poppies For You (paper)

Those cute little eggs are actually sequins that a dear friend bought for me at a garage sale.  I thought they went well!  I added a few washi tape anchors, too, just to add a bit of interest.  I really like the way the plaid and gingham play together, too!

Each of God's children (which is equal to every person who has lived, will live, or is currently living here on Earth) has worth.  I am a big believe that you CANNOT diminish your worth in God's eyes.  He does like some choices better than others, but I believe that there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.  His love is a perfect love.  To Him, each of us is "eggstraordinary"!

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Sailing + Wednesday Wisdom

Hi again, all!  I am back with another creation using beautiful digis from the Daydream Designs store to share with you today.  It's technically a summer card, but it's also perfect for a sailor!  Come and take a peek...

Here's the card~

Daydream Design's products used:

Beachscapes (image)

Poppies in a Pot (sentiment)

Touches of Tangerine (paper)

I tried to keep this super simple.  I just added a bit of texture with the netting and the little trio of embellishments there in the corner.  I think this card could work for a man, even!  What do you think?

This card reminds me of the story where Jesus is asleep in the ship while a storm is raging and his disciples wake Him in fear.  We all have winds and storms that rage in our lives.  While we may think the Lord is unaware or "sleeping", I know that He is always there to bring us peace in the midst of the dangers of life if we ask for His help.

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you!

Daydream Designs: Seeds of Kindness + Wednesday Wisdom

Hello, friends!  I know we are into September now and so we're focusing on fall and autumn here in the northern hemisphere, but Kansas doesn't believe in "seasons" and so I've got a spring/summer creation using items from the Daydream Designs store to share with you today.  I guess it's completely appropriate for all my southern hemisphere friends!  Take a look...

Here's the card~

Daydream Design's products used:

Pot of Tulips (image)

Garden Gifts (sentiment)

Bouquet of Daisies (paper)

Diane's pre-colored images are so beautiful that they don't really need anything extra, but I added some Stickles to the flowers and leaves to add a bit of texture.  I think it turned out beautifully!

Since school has started, I don't have quite as much time to draft posts, but here's this week's Wednesday Wisdom--I have found that when I take care of the things that the Lord needs me to do, including spreading kindness, everything else falls into place.  Sometimes it doesn't make sense, but it always works out!

That's all for me today, friends!  I hope you go and grab these fabulous digi elements and take some time to browse the rest of the store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you!

DDD: A Simple Scene + Wednesday Wisdom

Hi, friends!  It's Wednesday, and so that means it's time for me to post a creation using fabulous digi goodness from the Daydream Design's store!  This week I've got a card that is just a simple scene.  No sentiment, just a peaceful little trailer sitting on the grass!

Here's my card~

Products used: Bouquet of Daisies (polka dot paper), Nest To Sky Papers (cloud paper), On The Move Color Set

My "Wednesday Wisdom" this week is to just be still sometimes.  There are times when you don't need a reason to just be.  Rest is imperative to us and to our well being.  In fact, it's a commandment!

"Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death." -Exodus 31:16

Rest is so important that the Lord has commanded us to do so every seven days.  In our fast paced world, we sometimes forget that rest is necessary for us to be able to function correctly.  We need sleep, good food, relaxation to optimize our potential.  How wonderful is it to know that our Father in Heaven knows how important it is, too?  He is surely wise to tell us to take time out!  So, please do that today!  Go and rest and relax in the knowledge of our Lord's love!

Thanks for stopping by today to take a peek at my creation!  I hope you like it and I hope you go grab these digi elements from the Daydream Design's Store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you all!  

DDD: Fun Flag + Wednesday Wisdom

Hi, friends!  It's Wednesday, and so that means it's time for me to post a creation using fabulous digi goodness from the Daydream Design's store!  This week I've got a card using a fun sentiment and some other digi papers!

Here's my card~

Products used: On The Move Sentiments Set, Bouquet of Daisies (papers)

I've been talking this month about journeying through life here on my Wednesday Wisdom posts.  This week's card is a reminder to allow for the unexpected and to embrace it when it comes!  The Lord has things prepared for us that are FAR better than anything we could plan for ourselves!  Embrace His perfect plan for you.  Abandon your imperfect plan.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." -Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord knows what is best.  Trust Him.  His love will be able to carry you through everything and lift you when you fall.  He sees the big picture, the whole tapestry, the completed puzzle, whichever comparison is your cup of tea.  He loves you!  Never forget that!

Thanks for stopping by today to take a peek at my creation!  I hope you like it and I hope you go grab these digi elements from the Daydream Design's Store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you all!  

DDD: Fluttering By + Wednesday Wisdom

Hi, friends!  It's Wednesday, and so that means it's time for me to post a creation using fabulous digi goodness from the Daydream Design's store!  This week I've got a CAS card with a butterfly on it--my favorite!

Here's my card~

Products used: On The Move Sentiments Set, Doodle Garden Color Set, Hot Pink Party Paper Pack

For these fabulous challenges~

Ladybug Crafts: CAS

The Sailing Pineapple: It's Summer!

Bunny Zoe's: Summer Colors

Eureka Stamps: Things With Wings

Last week I talked about how my life's journey isn't what I thought it would be.  It was terribly disappointing at first.  BUT, I have to tell you, the Lord knows what is best for me, my husband, and our marriage.  The trials we have gone through have only strengthened us and made us love each other more.  I am so grateful for the Lord and His all seeing view.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5

Sometimes it is hard to trust that something that seems like a trial can end up being the best thing that could happen to you.  I know that when I see trials given to me (not things I bring on myself--there is a difference!) as blessings, I start to have more strength to overcome them.  Most trials I have gone through have actually been HUGE blessings to me personally.  I am grateful that the Lord knows what I need to grow and progress.

Thanks for stopping by today to take a peek at my creation!  I hope you like it and I hope you go grab these digi elements from the Daydream Design's Store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you all!  

DDD: I Want To Ride My Bicycle + Wednesday Wisdom

Hi, friends!  It's Wednesday, and so that means it's time for me to post a creation using fabulous digi goodness from the Daydream Design's store!  This week I've got a creation using some of the newest digis--travel themed!

Here's my card~

Products used: On The Move Color Set, On The Move Sentiments Set, Cup of Tulips (paper)

Sometimes our life's journey takes us places we never thought we'd go.  I don't know about all of you, but I had a very strict schedule that I felt my life should take.  I try to be organized and plan ahead, so when my plans came crashing down quite young in life, I was devastated.  Luckily, I have an amazing husband who has helped me and I have found comfort in this verse:

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." -Isaiah 49:16

This is my absolute favorite scripture verse.  The knowledge that my Savior has suffered for my every sin, my every sadness, my every sickness makes things easier to bear.  When my soul cries out, "There is no one who understands," this verse tells me how wrong I am and helps me to rethink my position.  I hope that it helps you find some peace as well.  YOU ARE LOVED!

Thanks for stopping by today to take a peek at my creation!  I hope you like it and I hope you go grab these digi elements from the Daydream Design's Store!  HUGS and happy {digi} stamping to you all!  

500 Friends Blog Candy + An Announcement!!!

***THIS IS A STICKY POST AND WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP OF MY BLOG INDEFINITELY.  SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE CRAFTY GOODNESS!***

Hi, all!  I've been noticing my followers number creeping up slowly and steadily and to that I would like to say THANK YOU!!!  To all of you who have followed me for any amount of time--you rock!  You are the reason I keep doing this!  I LOVE your feedback and I strive to be better each day to bring something new to those who even glance my way!

That said, I have a goal for myself.  I would like to reach 500 followers!  I only need about 150 more to get to my goal, but as an incentive, I've got some blog candy I'll be giving away once I reach my goal!!!

Here's the candy~

Candy includes a 6"x 6" paper pad and enamel dots by My Mind's Eye,
the Happy Sentiments stamp set from Inspired By Stamping,
and three colors of baker's twine.

So, want a chance to win this?  Oh, and did I mention I will ship WORLDWIDE?!  That's right, this package of goodies will go to one lucky someone ANYWHERE in the world!

Here's how to gain a chance (or more than one) to win:

1. Follow my blog.
2. Like my blog page on Facebook.
3. Follow me on Twitter.
4. Follow me on Instagram.
5. Follow me on Pinterest.
6. Follow me on YouTube.
7. Follow me on Bloglovin'.
8. Add a picture of the blog candy on your blog linked back to THIS POST.
9. Refer a friend who follows me on any/all of these social outlets. (Each separate friend is ONE extra chance to win.)

For each of these things you do, leave a comment below stating which of these things you do/did.  If you already follow me on all these social media outlets, all you have to do is comment!  When referring friends, add a single comment with the person's name ONE TIME, meaning that you can't add their name each time they follow me on a social media outlet...that's THEIR chance.  You may add an extra comment for each friend that follows me, I just need to know their name so that I can allow your comment to count.  So, basically, you have UNLIMITED chances to win!!!  SCORE!

As an extra incentive...I might add a few more candies when I reach 400, 450, and then 500...so you may really have a chance to win one of four prize packages!  So, tell your friends, follow me, and THANK YOU for all of your support! :)

And now, I have a happy announcement to make! :)  I am SO excited to announce that I have been asked to join the wonderfully talented design team for Diane's Daydream Designs!!!  Diane's digis are fabulous and inspiring--you really need to hop over to the store to take a peek!  I feel so grateful to God for this chance to work with digital images again and to work with such amazing women!  I'll be sharing more cards made with these fabulous products each Wednesday from now on, so stay tuned for more!  But for now, here's a little something for your viewing pleasure...

Here's a card featuring one of Diane's sentiments~

Details~

For these fabulous challenges~

Word Art Wednesday: Anything Inspirational Goes

Crafty Calendar: Love is all around!

Crafts & Me: Inspiration Photo

Creatalicious: Pearls & Glitter

Doodle Pantry: Any Digi Goes

Ladybug Creations: Be Mine

I've used a sentiment from the Snowbaby Love Sentiments set at Diane's Daydream Designs, a crocheted heart made by a friend's daughter for me--she made me hearts & flowers, so stay tuned for more of these--, glitter paper by DCWV, a snowflake punch by Martha Stewart, pearls by Studio 120, Stickles by Ranger in Diamond, liquid pearls by Ranger in Silver Pearl, and all papers are by Stampin' Up!.

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by today!  I hope you all take some time to create today and that you join in these fabulous challenges and my blog candy!!!  As always, HUGS and happy stamping to you all!