As One Door Closes....

Yesterday I received the news that a newly opened door for me has now closed. I have been removed from the Digiments Design Team. Michelle has a new business to run and needs people who can give her their full effort right now. Unfortunately, that isn't me because of all my health yuckies. So I wish her and the rest of the team the very best! Please be sure to continue to visit the Digiments site each week to see the new contest sentiment as well as the monthly releases. Good luck, Michelle!

But as God always does for us, He has opened another design team door for me with the oppotunity at Angel's Landing. As I had mentioned in my previous post, Judi has been so good to offer me a position on her new team knowing about all of my health issues. I look forward to being able to be a contributing part of her team in the NEAR (fingers crossed!!) future!

We must always remember to not lose sight of God's best intentions for us, even when we ourselves can't see beyond the 'right now'. As I sit and type this, an owl is serenading me with his glorious call. The other morning birds are beginning their calls to one another. My 2 beautiful labs are sitting at my feet. I am able to sit and smell the roses in my own little corner of the world because that is what I am choosing to do. God will ALWAYS bring us through whatever trials we are facing. That is what He does because He loves us. and He is always opening doors.................

A Quick Update...

Hello to all my dearest friends!
I am sorry to have taken so long to post any updates. I just have a rough time getting out of bed and even coming downstairs to where the computer is these days. Life at the Ritz can be so demanding....... ;)

I have been to see my dr. and had some tests done at the hosptial & the consensus seems to be that I need to have a biopsy done on my pancreas. Evidently this is not a 'everyday, run of the mill' kind of thing since there are only several drs. in the Cleveland area who will even do it. So I go in next week for an appt. to get the surgery scheduled.

You will be happy to know that I have now 'upgraded' from Gatorade to Powerade. I keep asking the pool boy to put the cute little umbrellas in my drinks, but he just rolls his eyes at me......... good help is so hard to find these days! wonder what he'll do when I ask him to serve it to me in a big pineapple!!! gotta keep the help on their toes! But really, my family has been tremendous throughout all of this. I am one blessed woman indeed!!! :)

and Judi over at Angel's Landing has so graciously allowed me to be a part of her new Design Team! Thank you so very, very much for the wonderful opportunity! I hope to be up and stamping again soon!

Going to be gone for a little bit.........

Just wanted to let all of you know, that I am taking a wee break per doctor's orders. Rather than be in the hospital, I am 'enjoying a restful vacation at home lying in bed all day sipping the elixir also known as Gatorade, being waited on hand and foot by my adoring family as cool breezes from the lake cause the curtains to flutter while birds twitter from their nearby nests.' Sounds better than, 'you are stuck in bed' doesn't it?!?! ;) But really, I don't know how long I'll be out of commision, as it depends upon the tests that the dr. ran yesterday and whether or not I start improving.

Just trying to keep you in the loop. of course it's a loop made of pretty ribbons! :)
enjoy your wonderful weekend! love ya bunches!

It's Here! Digiment Grand Opening!!!!! :D

The big day is finally here! Race over to Digiments to see the many wonderful images that Michelle has to offer! You will surely find something for any and every occasion, plus beautiful scripture that will comfort and encourage.

I used the 'Happy Birthday, My Friend' digiment for the 2 cards I feature here. I wanted to show both a masculine and a feminine version of the same sentiment. As I had mentioned in a previous post, these print out so clear and crisp - no wavy lines or incomplete areas. Michelle really knows what she is doing! ;)

The masculine card uses Cosmo Cricket Halfway Cafe` paper - both sides. I added some great burlap ric rac from JoAnn's and buttons in co-ordinating colors. Added some faux stitching and distressing, a star punch, and the card is complete! It measures 9" x 3 1/4" so that it fits in a legal envelope.

The feminine card uses Basic Grey Urban Prairie papers. Lots of little embellies here to catch the eye! I used the spica glitter pen to outline the word 'friend' on the digiment as well as to outline the large butterfly on the BG paper. Really adds lots of sparkle irl, that sadly doesn't show in the scan. The little butterfly punches also have touches added with the glitter pen. The prima flower was painted with pink shimmerz. The main digiment is popped up on thick foam tape to add extra dimension. Tiny hot pink seed beads were added to the circle of cs just below the digiment portion.

Well I hope that these cards inspire you to check out the offerings over at the new store! Michelle has really outdone herself with the great digiments she has provided. I hope you have enjoyed my creations as I much as I did making them for you!

Have a beautiful day!

Jennifer

It's a DIGIMENT Sneaky Peeky!!!! ;)

Coffee of the Day - Gatorade - will be glad when I can drink coffee again! ;)

You are being treated to a little sneaky peeky of one of the brand spankin' new sentiments comin' from DIGIMENTS on Wednesday!!!!! I hope you are ready to have your socks blown off when Michelle opens her doors, 'cause man, oh man, she has some great images ready for you to download! Perfect for any and every holiday!

I chose to use the graduation digiment since Tyler graduates in just a few weeks, (no, we are NOT thinking about that yet - notice I said it is still a FEW WEEKS away!!!!!! - hence it isn't happening yet and my little baby boy isn't becoming a man and all that stuff that makes mamas cry and get mushy!) Anyway, I know that I am gonna be needing several (ahem!!) grad cards, so why not get the jump on them with this very cool sentiment.

One of the great things I have noticed about Michelle's images is that when you readjust the sizes, none of the edges get cropped off like happens with some digis that I have downloaded. I love that! And hers stay crisp and clean - the lines don't get all hazy or distorted, which is another plus.

I used some DCWV paper for the bg and Basic Grey for the matting pieces. All of this was sprayed with pearl glimmer mist to give a nice shine. All edges were inked with black and then silver inks. The silver organdy ribbon was heated briefly with my heat gun to age. Velvet trim is from Prima. Chipboard was covered in black ink, lightly sponged in silver, and then sprayed with the same glimmer mist. Button is a gorgeous one I found at Wally world - actually bought it for a different project, but didn't use it on that one. bet none of you ever do that, do ya?!?! ;)

Everyone take care and don't forget to download the free digiment over on the site to enter the contest! have a glorious day! :)

Grand Opening of Digiments coming SOON! :)

You have only a few days left to participate in the way cool fantastic contest going on over at Digiments to celebrate the Grand Opening on May 13!!!!!!

There is an amazing verse available for FREE to download and create a card. Link your creation to the website using Mr. Linky (wouldn't you love to have a name like Mr. Linky?!?! it just makes me smile to type it! grins!!!) You will then be entered into this phenom contest for your chance to win ~

The ENTIRE set of new release Digiments!!!!!!

yep, you read it right!!!!! :D

isn't that just the coolest?!?! The Design Team has been working hard gathering up supplies from far and yon (yon was the hardest place to get shipping from - rates and delivery schedules are TERRIBLE this time of year! wink wink wink!) to make the most wonderful cards and projects to ever be seen this side of Paradise. well, okay, maybe a SLIGHT exageration, but they promise to be cool! you might even see a little sneaky peeky somewhere in the blogs...............

but you gotta get busy printin' that Digiment! come on - what are you waiting for? this is your PERSONAL invite baby! ;)

An Oldie but a Goodie

Coffee of the Day - Green tea today for my tender tummy! ;)

I am pulling out one of my fave cards that I made a while back for a VSN over at SplitCoast Stampers. I was the lucky winner with this card and I just love the way this one looks. Since I've been sick and haven't done any stamping for several days, I thought that I would post this one for you. Call it an 'oldies, but goodies' Day! Kinda like a Nick at Night but without the commercials or beehive hairdos.

Everything about this card is from Stampin' Up! I distressed the card base with sand paper and then sponged on white craft and gold inks. The organza ribbon was heated quickly with a heat gun to age.

Finally went to the dr.'s today and discovered I have a nasty virus. 2 weeks? yeah, I guess 'nasty' works. The bugs have settled in and decided to throw a party..... wish I hadn't been invited to this one!!! ;) guess it means I am a good hostess though.......

hopefully I'll be back to 'normal' and stamping again soon.

Enjoy your weekend!

p.s. check out this way cool blog hop and candy!

Be Still and Know.......

no coffee today - sorry!

God has really been putting this verse on my heart lately - I mean a LOT!!! so I knew that it was time to make a card using it: Psalms 46:10 "Be Still and Know that I am God." So often life gets busy and we (I) don't slow down enough to REALLY listen to the still small voice of a mighty God who has such an amazing love for each one of us. So He has been reminding me to get to some quiet moments that I give completely to Him. Not just slowing down or getting quiet, but really giving the time to Him to listen to all that He has to say to me. and gosh, what wonderful times we have together when I do this!!!! :) I pray the same for each of you! Listen for His gentle voice calling out to you. It's like listening for a butterfly - you may not hear it the first time until you totally clear yourself of all distractions. and then you will never again be the same! :D

The card uses more of the K & Co. Que Sera Sera papers and the retired SU! set Long Time Friend. This is such a beautiful set. The verse is SU! as well. All buttons, and yes there are a ton of them!, are vintage Etsy finds. The trim is from Jo Ann's. baby flower is a little one from Prima that I added a bead to. Card didn't exactly turn out the way I wanted it to, but it ends up being perfect for a thank you that hubby needs tomorrow for someone coming out to Camp. The ribbon on the tag is long organdy and heat set to help age it. But I cropped the photo some which ended up cutting off the pretty tail. wish you could see it irl!

Have a beautiful evening!

A most beloved blog award!

I think that this is my most prized blog award ever! It was given to me by my dear friend, Edith of Come..... Walk with Me. She is a most amazing woman and one I feel honored to call 'friend'. I don't know how many of you have seen the blog badge that I have had for a while for the site 'Women to Women Sharing Jesus'. This is a beautiful site that truly uplifts me on a weekly basis by providing deep, thoughtful, spirit-lifting devotions to both inspire and challenge. Guest writers often come in to share their insights, and Edith was one of those gifted writers! What a wonderful devotion she had to share!

The Exalting Christ blog award is given to bloggers who consistently exalt the name of Christ on their blogs. What a joy to see crafters blend their passion for Christ and papercrafting. This award is given to bloggers who share Christ through their posts or through the design of their artwork. We are commanded in Scripture to be "salt and light" sharing the Good News of Jesus no matter where we are (Matthew 5:13-16). This award is just a way members of Women to Women: Sharing Jesus can say thanks for exalting Christ with us!

Rules:

1. Post the blog award in a regular post on your blog with the explanation, including the original link to WTW and the rules for passing the award along

2. Name five people (more or less is fine!) to whom you want to offer this award and link to their blogs. The blogs need to obviously exalt Christ in some manner.

3. Contact the bloggers you have named to let them know they can pick up their blog award from you.

4. Invite them to permanently display the WTW blog badge and/or the award on their blogs. The badge can be obtained on the WTW site.

I would like to present the award to the following people:

Karen from Karen's Escape
Lori from Make a Difference

these women don't just say that they are Christians and leave it at that - they talk about their faith on their blogs. They mention the ups and downs of life as a Christian and how hard it is to hold on sometimes, but yet still get down on their knees and praise Him through both the storms and sunshine. and I think that is pretty cool! :)

I am still creating just can't post some of the things since they are for the Digiments Grand Opening next week on May 13! Will try to make a few things to share on my blog - God has really laid a verse on my heart in the past week that I need to get on a card. Hope you have a glorious day! May you have sunshine in your heart even if it isn't outside your window! :) Love ya!

Jennifer

p.s. How could I forget this - run over to the Digiments site right now for a freebie sentiment and contest!!!!!!!! hurry! it's a really cool deal-ie-o!

Normal Family Giraffe Digi Challenge Card

Coffee of the Day - Starbucks House Blend

I am getting so behind on making cards since being sick, so I decided to combine challenges on this one today. I am loving making cards with digi images and this fun giraffe is from The Digi Shack. My son, Mick, said, "That giraffe is just so twisted" when he walked by while I was making this card! I laughed. Then I showed him the sentiment that I was pairing with it, and he got such a kick out of it. This is a new stamp from Inkadinkado and is my new fave stamp ever! It describes our family so perfectly!!!! ;)

The 2 challenges are from The Digi Shack (sketch challenge of the week) and Digital Tuesday Challenge (theme is "April Showers Bring May Flowers"). Papers are Basic Grey Two Scoops collection and SU!. Ribbon and buttons are some little finds from Etsy. All coloring is done with SU! inks and watercolor brushes. Edges of cs were sponged and the card base was inked with white craft. Flowers were punched with the fun little punch from SU! and centers filled in with some beads I won several years ago on SCS from a VSN.

Hope that all of you are having a great Monday to start out the week! Look around you at all of the neat opportunites that God brings into your life to laugh! He has a remarkable sense of humor!!!! You may find you wake up one morning covered in flowers! ;)

Love ya!

Jennifer

Fun Photos and a Blog Award

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Truffle

No card to post just yet as I wanted to share a few family photos with all of you. The first of these are Tyler and his date, Rachel, at Prom last night. Don't they look so nice?! They went with a big group of friends on a party bus that they rented and then to After-Prom back at the High School following the dinner & dance. Breakfast at Waffle House followed. Tyler was excited because he won a Pitts Steelers blanket in addition to some work-out equipment at After-Prom. I was cringing as he showed it me, because being the proper southern gal that I am, I'm a big Dallas Cowboy fan, but dear hubby David has corrupted the boys and they all cheer for the Steelers. my poor dear Daddy is rolling over in his grave at my crucial error in raising these boys that they are Steelers fans. I am so very sorry, Daddy. I really tried! But they do root for the Texas Longhorns! I promise! hook 'em!

The next photo is from the trip David and the boys took to Raccoon Creek park in PA. Tyler and Ryan (our youngest) are in a movie at school and Tyler needed to be 'scruffy' for his part. These photos are taken prior to mom and dad insisting that he get his hair cut and shave his beard for a job interview for the summer. They had a great time at the park. Too bad weather didn't co-operate so that they could stay for a few days as they had originally planned.

Next I am the blessed recipient of this cool blog award from Sue over at Sue's Sentiments. I am supposed to pass it along to 7 people, but have decided to increase that number to 9 - my new peeps on the Digiments Design Team. Please click on the links on the sidebar to see their great blogs! I am truly humbled to be in the midst of such amazing talent. (I think Michelle made a wee mistake by putting me in the midst of these ladies, but shhhhhhh...... don't tell! wink, wink!)

the rules for receiving this award:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. On your blog, link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs you’ve nominated

Fancy Pants House Mouse Get Well card

Coffee of the Day - Starbucks House Blend

This is what I call a double duty card - it covers 2 magno challenges in one! ;) House Mouse Monday Challenge was to make a get well card and Jenn Balcer has posted a sketch challenge over on her blog for the weekend. Well, that was the incentive I needed to get my stampin' mojo back in action after being sick all week. Do you know how hard it is to make a get well card when you feel pukey? yes, you can feel my pain! :) So I finally decided to get busy stampin' anyway and see what the end result might be...........

I couldn't for the life of me track down any mousies that fit the 'get well' theme, so I went with the Hot Cocoa pair. What DOESN'T chocolate of any kind cure?!?! ;) I originally started this card as a masculine themed one, since most of the 'feel better' cards I send tend to go to guys. But once I was almost finished I saw this itty bitty little Petaloo felt flower sitting on the floor under my chair where it must have fallen last week. poor thing! It was pretty thick, so I tore it in half and made it feel welcome on the card. I guess it would still work for a guy since the tones are more neutral. The coloring is all watercolors. Edges are inked in vanilla craft. Papers are SU! and Fancy Pants. and always lovin' the little dew drops! (okay, I MAY have gone Dew Drop happy on this card - but don't they make YOU happy?!)

Please notice the new blog buttons over on the right hand side. One is very important for you to pay attention to EVERY DAY. If you click on the Breast Cancer button, it will take you right to the site where you can help sponsor free mamograms to the less fortunate. Click it every time you visit my blog please. It means so much to someone you don't even know! The other button announces my new DT - Digiments! I received notice yesterday that I was accepted! What an honor to be chosen! It has been several years since I have been part of a DT, and I appreciate so much that Michelle is giving me the chance to join her team! So many phenom people tried out, dear friends of mine with lots of amazing talent. Not that it says anything about me, 'cause I'm not all that - I'm just me. I burn my toast & eat my burgers off of paper plates with the best of 'em! :D But that she would take a leap of faith that I could create something special with her designs. That makes me feel truly special.

And each of you are super special, too! God says so! :) Love ya!

Jennifer

Glitter Pink 'I Thank God' card

Coffee of the Day - French Vanilla

Showing another card made using this beautiful verse from Digiments. I had such fun creating with it the first time, I decided to make another card with it and for a happier occassion. I really can't wait to see the other sentiments and verses that Michelle comes up with once her store opens up. I feel like the woman from those commercials a while back, standing at the door, saying over and over again, "open, open, open!" I'll be sure to post just as soon as she has her Grand Opening! I know that we are all anxious!


I once again went with these gorgeous K & Co. Que Sera Sera papers. Thanks to my blogging friend Dru over at Garden of Dreams, I have decided to try to add a little more glitter on some of my projects, so this one's border was first painted in pink shimmerz and then highlighted in fruit punch stickles. lots of shine here, friends! For the charm, I sanded it pretty well with sandpaper and then used my sponge to add some black Staz-on to help age it, which was quickly wiped off (kinda like antiquing it). The paper roses are more from the Prima line like I used on the other Digiments card. I love these little flowers!
The rhinestone flower is also from Prima and the drop dead gorgeous ribbon (sorry the one tail folded over in my scanner! you know the troubles my scanner gives me from previous posts I've made!) is from May Arts. The flourish stamp in the bg of the verse is that neat Michael's find I keep telling you about. man, that is such a cool stamp and all for only $1!!!!
The matting on the verse was distressed and then accented with gold ink. Helps add to the overall shine of the card. Card base edges were once again inked in white craft and then again in gold to add to shabby feel. Oh yes, the paper that the verse is printed on is more of that beautiful pearlescent paper that I had shown you earlier this week. such a wonderful glow to it irl!


Enjoy your weekend! We are swamped here - State Choir competition, SAT's, prom, Spring Retreat at Camp Burton, Maple Festival in town, and me being sicker than any dog I know with a flu bug that's been livin' the high life and settin' up house for almost a week now. blech, icky poo, yuck! no fair food for me! :( and I look forward to the Maple cotton candy every year.......... oh well, maybe next time!