Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Silver and Red Nativity

I want to share something wonderful with you today regarding pesky little dies that are intricate and hard to separate from the cut you have just run through your machine. I used a die that is notorious for this today (Cottage Cutz Nativity Scene). I tried this technique and there was no poking, no tearing of the paper and no mess getting it out of the die. I have to give credit to my sweet friend Sony for sending me this gamechanging tip. See for yourself if this technique is not groundbreaking for you:



Wasn't that amazing?

In addition to the Cottage Cutz die, I used 4 thicknesses of heavy duty aluminum foil run through a Darice Snowflakes EF; a small rhinestone is added to the center of the bow for a little extra bling. The sentiment on the inside is from Diane's Daydream Designs, which sadly is not available anymore.

If you would like another video tutorial on how to make a single or double looped bow like the on on my card, you can go to a former post of mine at http://homespuncards.blogspot.com/2014/08/quote-from-st-patrick-and-bow-tutorial.html. You will learn how to make a beautiful bow in about 30 seconds. It may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of it, you may do it this way all the time.

Here is today's card:


The inside sentiment:



I am entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Dec 30 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #4
Dec 31 DL Art Thankful Thursday - AG 1 E per Day
Dec 31 Craft Dee Bowz - AG with a Handmade Bow UE
Dec 31 Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra - Christmas UE
Jan 01 A Crafty Mess - AG UE
Jan 02 Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - AG as long as it's Christmas UE
Jan 02 Glitter 'n' Sparkle Challenge - AG 3E #1
Jan 03 613 Avenue Create - AAG
Jan 03 Paper Nest Dolls Challenge - AG 2E #1
Jan 08 Sister Act Card Challenge - AAG UE
Jan 13 Dream Valley Challenges - Christmas 3E #1

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day, and that you would prosper and live at God's highest level for your life.

Many rich blessings,


Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 

Acts 13:38-39
"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."  NLT

Monday, December 29, 2014

Getting Started Early!

Last December after mailing out Christmas cards, I immediately started making new ones for Christmas 2014. I have to tell you that making some every month took so much pressure off during December this year. By the time December came around, all the cards that were needed were made, with some to spare that were given to a nursing home and a hospice center. If you make each card different, you know how time consuming and how much love goes into each card. This really seems to help, and I know that there are so many card crafters who do this.

Having said that, today's card is made from wrapping paper from Christmas packages and ribbon that was on same at Joann's. It is hard to throw away beautiful papers, isn't it?

The poinsettia is from a Spellbinder's die and a large gold rhinestone finishes the center of the flower. The white background is run through a Darice Crackle EF, then sprayed with glitter mist.

Here is the card:


I am entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Dec 29 Get Creative Challenges - AG 3E #3
Dec 30 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #3
Dec 31 DL Art Thankful Thursday - AG 1 E per Day
Dec 31 Craft Dee Bowz - AG with a Handmade Bow UE
Dec 31 Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra - Christmas UE
Jan 01 A Crafty Mess - AG UE
Jan 02 Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - AG as long as it's Christmas UE
Jan 03 613 Avenue Create - AAG
Jan 03 Paper Nest Dolls Challenge - AG 2E #1
Jan 08 Sister Act Card Challenge - AAG UE
Jan 13 Dream Valley Challenges - Christmas 3E #1


Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day, and that you would prosper and live at God's highest level for your life.

Many rich blessings,


Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 

Acts 13:38-39
"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."  NLT

Sunday, December 28, 2014

A Special Day

Today is my husband's and my 40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!

Somehow it doesn't seem that long ago that we were walking down the aisle, but in another sense, we have been married far longer than either of us was single. Love grows.  :o)

I made him an anniversary card using Microsoft Publisher. He is not much for frills and lace (as I would expect most men are not the frilly type!), so this is straightforward, no frills and most definitely CAS.

Here it is:






I am entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Dec 29 Through the Craft Room Door - AAG 2E #2
Dec 29 PDE - AG UE
Dec 29 Get Creative Challenges - AG 3E #2
Dec 30 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #2
Dec 31 DL Art Thankful Thursday - AG 1 E per Day
Dec 31 Frosted Designs - Family 1E
Jan 01 A Crafty Mess - AG UE
Jan 02 Less Is More - Family 5E #1
Jan 03 613 Avenue Create - AAG
Jan 08 Sister Act Card Challenge - AAG UE


Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day, and that you would prosper and live at God's highest level for your life.

Many rich blessings,


Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 

Acts 13:38-39
"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."  NLT

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Happy Birthday Blue Flower

I have been kind of out of the loop as far as posting cards lately. Christmas is such a blessed time of year, and my husband and I were so fortunate to have family at our house this year. No time for posting cards, but so enjoyable!

So today's card is a floral one made with a embossing folder, 2  1/2 inch ribbon, Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge, lace, ribbon, small flower brad, liquid pearls and lots of glitter.

Here is the card. Sorry about the orientation:




I am entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Dec 27 613 Avenue Create - AAG
Dec 29 Through the Craft Room Door - AAG 2E #1
Dec 29 PDE - AG UE
Dec 29 Get Creative Challenges - AG 3E #1
Dec 30 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #1
Dec 31 DL Art Thankful Thursday - AG 1 E per Day
Dec 31 Craft Dee Bowz - AG with a Handmade Bow UE
Jan 01 A Crafty Mess - AG UE
Jan 08 Sister Act Card Challenge - AAG UE


Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day, and that you would prosper and live at God's highest level for your life.

Many rich blessings,


Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 

Acts 13:38-39
"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."  NLT

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

I Count You Twice

Today I am entering a challenge at Joan's Touch which requires us to make a white, pink and green card, and use flower(s) and a circle. It must also have at least one element that may be purchased at Joan's Gardens.

This is what was used to make the card:
  • StampinUp Sentiment
  • Spellbinders Exquisite Circles; Sprigs; Papillon Two
  • Die Namics Mini Heritage Tea Rose
  • Sizzix Heart Pressed Letterpress Hearts and Dots
  • Viva Ice White Liquid Pearls
  • eBosser
Here is the card:




I am also entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Jul 02 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #3 PP
Jul 03 Sister Act Card Challenge - AG UE PP
Jul 03 Crafty Catz - AG 3E #1 PP
Jul 05 613 Avenue Create - AG UE PP
Jul 05 Robyn's Fetish - Stripes or Dots UE PP
Jul 06 Dragonfly Dreams - Things with Wings UE PP
Jul 07 Craft Your Passion - Use a Ribbon 3E #1
Jul 07 Papertake Weekly Challenge - AG 5E #1
Jul 26 Just Keep on Creating - AG UE
Jul 31 A Girl Who Crafts - AG 5E #1 PP
Jul 31 Die Cut Divas - Must Use a Die Cut and Button or Bow 4E #1 PP
Jul 31 Craft-Dee-Bowz - AG with a Handmade Bow UE PP

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. As always, I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day.

Many rich blessings,

Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 



Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Come and Worship the Newborn King

'Tis the season! Today's post is another Christmas card, and since I have sent out mine, this one is for my 2015 Christmas stockpile.

I elevated the brown portion of the card by folding back the left and right edges using a paper scoring tool so that it popped up about 1/4 inch from the base of the card. A gold bow was used to embellish it, but it still looked a little bland, so some liquid pearls were added on the upper right and lots and lots of glitter was sprinkled on it. (Wish the glitter showed up better, but my camera just does not do glitter well!)

These were used in making the card:

  • Diane Noble's Daydream Designs:  Winter Wonderland Papers, Elegant Snowflakes Papers, Celebrating Christ Sentiments, Little Bits of Christmas Color Digis
  • Sizzix Ovals, Scallops
  • Cricut Accent Essentials Cartridge
  • Gold Ribbon
  • Copious amounts of Glitter
  • Blue Liquid Pearls
  • Blue Ink
  • Pop Dots
And here it is:



I am entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Dec 09 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #2
Dec 11 Sister Act Card Challenge - AAG UE
Dec 12 Christmas Card Challenges - AG UE
Dec 13 613 Avenue Create - AAG
Dec 14 Get Creative Challenges - Christmas 3E #2
Dec 29 Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Blue Christmas UE
Dec 31 Craft Dee Bowz - AG with a Handmade Bow UE
Dec 31 V's Sweet Ideas Challenge - Holiday Cards 2E #2
Dec 31 Simon Says Show Us What You Made - AG UE
Dec 31 Sisters of Craft - AG 3E #2

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day, and that you would prosper and live at God's highest level for your life.

Many rich blessings,


Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 

Acts 13:38-39
"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."  NLT

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Let the Heavens Rejoice

Today's Christmas card was fun to make because I love glitter. The stamps used were SU Lovely as a Tree and Hero Arts CL625. (Sorry--there was no name of the stamp set; just the number!)  Grey and green inks were used for the trees; soft blue ink was dabbed on for the sky; silver embossing powder was used for the sentiment. The trees were dabbed with glue and some spots in the sky, as well, and then it was dusted with glitter to resemble snow. The card is finished with an iridescent bow.

Here is the card:


Closeup of the glittered trees and snowfall:


One note to those of you who make cards for a hobby, but have more than you know what to do with: you might consider donating them to a local hospice. They not only need Christmas cards, but birthday cards, thinking of you cards and general cards that are uplifting. These people are so in need of encouragement and any card that is homemade is such a treasure to them and is immensely meaningful to them. When you contact the hospice, you might ask to speak to one of the chaplains who work there. They will know how to distribute your cards. Any number of cards that you donate will be gratefully received, and much appreciated.

I am entering this card in the following challenges ending:

Dec 05 Sister Act Card Challenge - AAG UE
Dec 06 Christmas Card Challenges - AG UE
Dec 06 613 Avenue Create - AAG
Dec 07 Artistic Inspirations Challenges - AG UE
Dec 08 Through the Craft Room Door - AG 2E #1
Dec 09 Word Art Wednesday - AG 5E #1
Dec 14 Get Creative Challenges - Christmas 3E #1
Dec 29 Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Blue Christmas UE
Dec 31 Craft Dee Bowz - AG with a Handmade Bow UE
Dec 31 V's Sweet Ideas Challenge - Holiday Cards 2E #1
Dec 31 Simon Says Show Us What You Made - AG UE
Dec 31 Sisters of Craft - AG 3E #1

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always appreciate your visits. I pray for God's highest and best to you today and every day, and that you would prosper and live at God's highest level for your life.

Many rich blessings,


Ginny B.

Romans 10:9-11
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. NLT 

Acts 13:38-39
"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."  NLT