Miracles

Hello friends,
Susie here with two cards using several Sweet n Sassy Stamp sets I've come to love, and reach for often.  Majestic Monarchs Monarch Dies, and Everyday Miracles.

My first card is a 5.5 x 5.5 square.   I've created several dreamy layers in an aqua, sage, and light brown color palette.   Some second generation stamping across the horizontal panel provides an old world botanical feel.   I stitched across the bottom for added interest, and to secure the layers (especially at the edges).   The sentiment from Everyday Miracles is the focal point with the lovely Monarchs surrounding it in flight.   Each butterfly is layered over an existing stamped butterfly.   A few sprinkles of sequins and a twine bow complete the card.

My second card is an A2 size.   This card has a pretty fall palette, with the sentiment as the focal point again.   I embossed the sentiment in gold and vellum, and laid it over a piece of rustic cream card stock for a nice soft feel.   Tiny black rhinestones embellish the center of the butterflies.   Both cards will be a nice addition to my card keeper for future use.   Isn't it a nice feel to have hand crafted cards on hand to give at a moments notice.   I like to call them sweet offerings from heart and hand.

I'm stepping down from the Sweet n Sassy Stamps Design Team.   But, I'd like to thank each of you for all your kind comments over the past 8 months during our monthly releases, blog hops, and monthly posts.   It has been a wonderful experience, and one I shall always cherish.   I will continue to support Sweet n Sassy Stamps and the design team in their future endeavors from the sidelines.    But it's time to explore and develop some new areas of art, photography, and do some traveling when time permits.   They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will leave you with a photograph I took in 2010.

Behold the Heavens

"You are the light of the world. 

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

Matthew 5:14

Until next time,

Adios and vaya con dios

Susie Lessard ~

Fill er up!

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps March Sneak Peek

Hello sweet friends!
It's time for a Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps March Sneak Peek (you're going to love this fabulous release)!
It's chock-a-block full of fun trendy stamping love!  And the design team has been busy creating beautiful samples to chase away those winter blues (pleeeease)!    Let's share a cup of coffee while I tell you what inspired me to create today's sneak peek card sample.

I love Holley Gerth's inspirational blog ~ writer, author, and counselor, Holley,  encourages me each day with words that are just spot on.  She speaks my language!   She reaches out with words that draw me in and wrap me with love and acceptance ~ no matter what kind of day I've had, or am having.     The Father gives us "living water" to keep us nourished and hydrated so that we may in turn pour out his love to others when the holy spirit speaks to our hearts.  A river of living water where grace and mercy abound.

Do you know of anyone who could use a cup of encouragement today?    It may be your visit or phone call that makes all the difference, and refills the heart of another.   May the words of our mouths be as living water, filled up and poured out to the glory of God.

"He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, 

out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."   John 7:38

Thanks a Latte!

I'll see you back here on Saturday for the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps March Release Blog Hop!

Blessings,

Sources: Card size: 4.25x 5.5 (A2), Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Pick me Up Image & Sentiments), (Borders&Backgrounds), (Borders&Backgrounds Die), (Decorative Frames), (Hearts&Stars Scallop Border Dies),  Ink: PTI (Pure Poppy), Ranger (Archival Ink - Coffee), Memento (London Fog); Paper: SU (Chocolate Chip), PTI (Vintage Cream); Embellishments: My Mind's Eye (Enamel Dots)

Delightfully Delicate Pin Cushion

Hello Sweet 'n Sassy Friends!

Last week Sweet n' Sassy Stamps released their February stamp sets.  One of those sets was a delicate background stamp that some of our customers thought had a quilted look.   One lady said she would love to see this delicate design stamped on vellum and embossed.   Well, your wish is my command (she smiles).

I have had a small sewing hoop on my desk since Christmas just waiting for the right moment.   Here's what I did.  I stamped the Delightfully Delicate Background on a piece of vellum with Ranger Distress Ink (Victorian Rose) and embossed it with Judikin's Clear Embossing powder - beautiful!   Then I cut it with a classic scalloped circle.    I also cut 2 larger scalloped circles, one out of winter winter soft felt, and one from craft cardstock to place on the back of the hoop.   Lay all of these aside for now.

This is so easy you're going to love me for the idea *wink*   I used some adhesive backed pink lace and ran it around the hoop - yep, that easy!   Next I applied a string of pearls at the bottom and top of the hoop band.  I placed some batting inside the hoop for a little puff, then laid the winter white felt on top with my smaller scalloped embossed circle on top of that (you could sew these scallops together).   At this point you can embellish anyway you choose.  I added some 1/16" baby pink ribbon and spray of roses, little blossoms, leaves and a stick pin that I created.  A few little pearls on the Delightfully Delicate scalloped circle and you have a faux quilted pin cushion.  If you choose to put a few pins in this, make sure they are small in length.

I hope you've enjoyed this little project.   Wouldn't this make a sweet Mother's Day gift?

Thank you so much for your visit, I'll see you next time.
Blessings,
Susie ~

Behold the New

It was a cold, dark, night... 

No, no, it was a cold, rainy night.

Nope.  It's just down right freezing outside!

Hi friends, how are you?  Are you staying warm?  Let's all keep our fingers crossed that Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow this year (laughing).   For now, the cold weather provides the opportunity to stay indoors and do a little stamping.  I hope you've carved out some stamping time for yourself as well.    Now is a good time to take advantage of the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sale - 50% off selected stamp sets while they last.   And you certainly don't want to miss out on our newest feature (pun intended).   It's our Friday Feature & Challenge.   Come play!  We'd love to see what you've been creating.

I love to fussy up a card.  But there are times when I just don't have time to add the extra layers or embellishments.    So today I used a sweet open butterfly design paired with a wonderful Bible verse. Both play off each other.   A Kraft card stock base is the canvas of choice for this card. Simple stamping with just a touch of watercolor pencil, and some Ranger Distress paint (white picket fence) smudged around the edges.  End result: a one layer card with plenty of appeal, and a wonderful reminder that the past is behind.  Behold the new.   Praise be to God!

   

Thank you for your visit today dear friends.

Warm hugs and blessings,

Paint the Town Red!

Hello friends,

What a year this has been!  In a few days we will ring in the New Year - 2014!   We've had a wonderful time this month sharing some very colorful cards with you from the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps December release.   I have one last card to share with you from the Colorful Cocoa Stamp set.

Paint the Town Red!

Whatever your plans are this year, whether you're spending a quiet evening at home or painting the town red, let's continue to remember and treasure the gift of salvation given to us by God.  May our hearts be filled with love for one another.   And may we reflect the light to those who seek.

I am looking forward to our visits in the coming year.   Let's make 2014 a colorful, creative year!

Blessings to you and yours,

Christmas Blessings

Hi friends,
Are you ready for Thanksgiving?   Tomorrow I put my timeline into action.   But for now, it's time to share one last November Release card with you.   About a week ago I stopped to get a drink at my local Starbucks, and while waiting, looked at this years Christmas gift cards.

Hmm, I think I have everything I need to create my own "gift card" as it were, and include a little surprise for the recipient as well.    And so she did (smiling).

Here's a little something about me you might not know.    As a stamper and card maker, I love to create scenes and write stories to accompany them *wink*.    Oh, you knew that?!  *tehe*   I want to share with you how easy it is to create a scene with multiple stamp sets.    First I made a card base from light blue card stock.   Then used the Landscape Silhouettes Stamp set for the background trees.   I stamped them with Memento Northern Pine and Grey Flannel (a little darker than the London Fog), then placed the first hill on top of them.   The trees in the foreground are from our November Release Stamp Set, Tender Thoughts.   I embossed them and used the coordinating die, Birch Forest to cut them out.   Then I cut out several hills.   Don't worry if you don't have a die.   These types of hills are easy to free hand cut.    The snowman is also from our November Release.   He's part of the Snowy Hello collection illustrated by Diane Zechman.    The circular tag uses our Spectacular Snowflakes Stamp set, and sentiment from our October Release, Born This Day. 

Now of course I had a little mishap *frowning*    I hadn't used my Mister Huey's Calico White mist in about two years.   Well, of course it came out like gang busters - ack!   Sometimes you can recover and sometimes you can't.   But there's no crying in baseball so you just have to move on *laughing*.   I think I'm going over to our Starbucks for a hot beverage!   That's the ticket!

May this Thanksgiving be a blessed one for each of you.   I'd like to leave you with this quote.   Teddy's grammy shared it the other day and I'd like to share it with you my friends.

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."

~ Theodore Roosevelt.

May the words of our mouth come from our heart, and may we sow kindness to all.

Happy Thanksgiving, and blessings be unto you and yours.

A Golden Christmas

Hello Friends!

The holiday season has officially begun!  Can you feel it?  About a week ago one of my dear friends wrote and asked if I was familiar with the musical, "Mame."   Why yes, I wrote back.   She went on to write how much she was looking forward to Christmas this year.   Well Santa dear we're in a hurry! For we need a little Christmas, we need a little music, need a little laughter, need a little singing, ringing through the rafters.  We need a little Christmas now!

Let's start by looking at this card made especially for you my friends.   I'm inviting you to get in the mood.  Put on some music, have a hot beverage, and sing or hum that catchy tune from Mame.    See, now you're in the Christmas spirit!   My card today features a sneak peek of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps new November Release, Spectacular Snowflakes and Coordinating Dies.   Oh my goodness friends they are some kinda gorgeous.  Big, medium, and small snowflakes with coordinating dies.    I used the small snowflakes and die today.

A beautiful ivory card decorated with flat pearls, pale champagne rhinestones, and liquid pearls.  My ribbon is light and airy with a hint of gold.   I did not pop up the snowflakes so this card could actually be mailed.   The sentiment is from our previous September release, Christmas Silhouettes.   I stamped with Stampin' Up's Soft Suede ink and sponged the outside of the panel with it as well.   I have talked with you about my desire to use up my designer papers.   I'm being a good girl Santa and doing just as I promised.  This paper is from several years ago.   I believe the name is "Merry Christmas" and is from Craft 'n Craftin' (I think).   I thought it was so prefect to use this way.  I love the idea of creating my Scandinvian looking tree with these snowflakes.   Hope you do too.

So haul out the holly, think about those fruitcakes, and the lovely cards you'll be sending to family and friends.  Come join us this Thursday evening at Splitcoaststampers for our November Release Party on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Forum won't you.   We need to talk turkey (giggle).

See you there!

Susie ~

Everyday Miracles

Hello Sweet Friends,
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month and to all the women and men who are battling this disease, I'd like to offer my encouragement in the form of two cards I've created. Both cards will be sent to the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and will be available to the families and patients free of cost.   I'm using a stamp set that was designed by Korin Sutherland for Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called, Everyday Miracles.    There are two images and 4 sentiments to this set.   I believe they are encouraging and uplifting no matter the circumstance.    I chose to use just the sentiment today on both cards.

This is the first time I have created a clear card.   A heavy weight acetate that can be cut and scored for card bases.  I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Beaded Oval and cut the center out and used the negative on the inside to stamp the sentiment on.   The roses are Prismaroses with a few smaller flowers tucked around from my collection as is the greenery.  The most difficult part of this card was the photography. I've really blown this photo out, but, I kind of like it like this.   It presents a soft and calming image.

My second card is a clean and simple (CAS).   I love them both and believe they frame and deliver the message that each day holds the possibility and of a miracle.  

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

May the Lord bless and keep you.

Susie ~

Immortal, Invisible

Happy Saturday Morning!

Does a long weekend make your work week feel longer or shorter?   Do you try to do more in 4 days to make up for it?   I don't know about you but many times I pack more into those long awaited holiday weekends than I should.   Is it hard to be still and quiet?   The scripture says, "Be still, and know that I am God."  To become still we must surrender.   Our minds, our thoughts, our being.

While I was creating my card for you today the words of the mighty hymn, Immortal, Invisible... flowed from my lips.  I am at peace; my spirit settled as I set my mind on things that are above and not on this earth.    Listen and see if it isn't true for you too.

To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on a tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changest Thee.

I realize I must learn to rest, to surrender my thoughts to the Word.   When I do, I am always blessed beyond measure - because I'm spending time with the One who loves me and desires to be my all.

My card is created using both image and sentiment by Dina Kowal, for Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called, Season of Change.   I used the coordinating die set, Leaf Dies (set of 4) as well.

May the eyes of our heart see, and our faith increase as we surrender and transform our minds.   May God's peace and rest steady our pace in the days to come.

Hapu u'de'u ki-anokhi Elohim
arum baggoyim, arum ba'aretz

Be still, and know that I am God - I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth

Blessings,

Susie ~

Sweet Treats

Hi everybody!

I have several sweet treats for you today.   Earlier this month I designed a card called, Frosty Wishes, using the Sweet n Sassy Stamp set, Snowman Soup, designed by Diane Zechman.

While I was creating the card I thought to myself, "self, wouldn't it be fun to create a little serving tray using this set."   Good idea, I think I will!   I hope I'm not the only one who talks to herself.   I have a feeling I'm not {wink}.

I'll be adding a glass inset later (for protection).   For photography purposes I used clear card stock.

I had a small serving tray that I painted with Ranger Distress Crackle Paint (Picket Fence).   I wanted to continue with the homespun feel of my previous card.   I added some little snowballs that I sprinkled with some Diamond Dust.  Then on two of the squares I embossed the snowflakes with metallic platinum sparkle embossing glitter from Wow!.   The other snowflakes are stamped with Memento ink and then a touch of Copic color.   The little snowman cup on the bottom right has a mound of crystal fine "whipped cream" glitter with several candy canes for good measure.    A nice steaming cup of hot chocolate, a few cookies, and a candy cane to dip -- what a nice surprise to find at your door.   Gifts of heart and hand say, "you're special to me, I value your friendship."

How about a nice Christmas card to go along with this tray?   Well, I have just the one for you!   It's another set from our Sweet n Sassy Stamps (SNSS) September Release called, Mod Ornaments.   And the sweet treat?  How about a coordinating die set?  Yep, we got em'.

I missed the SNSS Blog Hop when this set was featured.  I thought you'd like to see what I created using the set.    I used a new product by Wow! to emboss the ornament.  Lot's of sliver sparkle.  Isn't that pretty popped up on the turquoise dp?   All my designer papers are from several years ago.   True to my word, I'm using my scrapes (I'm so proud of myself *giggle*).   And remember when I talked about finding an icon on your papers?  Well, here I go again - I've used several little packages (fussy cut them) and placed them underneath the sentiment circle (which came with the papers).  It doesn't get easier than this dear friends.   A modern theme using Mod Ornaments from Sweet n Sassy Stamps.   Now go create some memories!    I'm going to get myself a nice mug of hot chocolate (she smiles).

Sweet n Sassy Stamps is having a Design Team (DT) Favorites Sale starting October 4th followed by 5 days of DT favorites on the SNSS Blog.   Hope to see you there!   Let's talk about some home decor for your Thanksgiving table.

Until then,
Blessings sweet friends.
Susie ~