tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81135385381610157182023-11-16T01:07:53.039-05:00Gabe Says Whee!Welcome! I began rubber stamping about 10 years ago but I always stayed "inside the lines" of someone else's design; however, after viewing the awesome creations on many other blogs, I'm finding the courage to "let 'er fly" and say "Wheee" along with 3-year-old Gabriel, the youngest of my 10. Want to step out of the box too? We can do it together. BTW, the name "Gracka" came from my granddaughter, Ainsley, when she was 6-months-old and tried to say Grandma. I loved it, and it stuck!Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-72037595441523670112011-08-11T13:55:00.005-04:002011-08-11T19:35:05.042-04:00"She who finds a friend, finds a good thing"Tomorrow Gabe turns FIVE! He's my inspiration for this blog because he loves to help Gracka make cards, which he always declares "pretty" despite what the opinions are of others. He's had some storms in his short life that I would have done anything in my power to protect him from. The past 8 months have been especially difficult for him, as will be the next 3 months. Because he is so precious to me, I have called on, and trusted, my very special friends to stand beside me in prayer for Gabriel, in much the same way that Aaron and Hur stood with Moses (<a href="http://donsweeting.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/the-blessing-of-having-a-moses-an-aaron-and-a-hur-in-your-life/">http://donsweeting.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/the-blessing-of-having-a-moses-an-aaron-and-a-hur-in-your-life/</a>). And they have indeed been faithful. I love to make unique cards for my one-of-a-kind friends, and here is my latest result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBC-tmVv0gnSHnOa3ve3XJthJ3Bt96CeZrjBEnnIxIEvwTDmczOwAOE_qD3YV2bpZmnQF5cnIlpbQwNb2gft321fR5ZBvmshqKw1WiaCiPBtEN_LbdlapwZmVxWUBVh9i15VSUleADSA/s1600/card+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBC-tmVv0gnSHnOa3ve3XJthJ3Bt96CeZrjBEnnIxIEvwTDmczOwAOE_qD3YV2bpZmnQF5cnIlpbQwNb2gft321fR5ZBvmshqKw1WiaCiPBtEN_LbdlapwZmVxWUBVh9i15VSUleADSA/s320/card+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> Can you tell what the vintage-looking paper is? It's actually not paper at all, but the fabric from a used tea bag! I LOVE the way tea bags look when they have dried; each has a unique pattern, and different colors depending on the blends of the teas. And it always seemed such a shame to throw away those tea bags after just a few minutes' use. (I might not be able to convince anyone, but I'm really NOT a "hoarder"). The bird is a Tim Holz stamp, the flower is a piece of satin ribbon, and because I'm not at home where my sewing machine is, the stitching is "faux". I've entered this into these challenges:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bellichallenge.blogspot.com/">Creative Belli Blog Challenge</a> #123 Non-paper Materials</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/">PaperPlay Challenges</a> Create your own DP</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/">Delightful Challenges</a> Things With Wings</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/">Southern Girls Challenge</a> Black & White with pop of one color</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://quietfire.ning.com/group/createdbyhandchallenge/forum/topics/rainbows-multi-colors-wings">Created By Hand</a> Rainbows/Multicolors/Wings (hope the bird qualifies)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-60198997685893602522011-07-12T09:18:00.002-04:002011-07-12T11:42:14.699-04:00Feed the DogOne of the things my pastor emphasizes frequently is that faith (hope) and fear are like two dogs, each fighting to be the "alpha dog", the master in our lives. Whichever dog is being fed, is the one who's winning the fight. I struggle with this constantly, often sounding like Eeyore: "Oh, well, this is just the way it's going to be for the rest of my life." And the "fear dog" begins to win. But I know from experience that if I feed my "faith dog", he and I will begin to win the fight. I like the Tim Holz sentiment on this card because it reminds me that the battle for my mind and my will and my emotions is constant, but never over!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NObdlD1plG56mzXEKHLnKktzNmrVHqSDnAFAMHH3rlatGuOrhLo_zSTkOvoxk_3BZJqOhahnB2Nnc3dxiTX9NVkY40iiJ-_sN4ZTPoxwJnAyRxqgQEljdE8YeHlLteMeyJH9JSANZws/s1600/card+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NObdlD1plG56mzXEKHLnKktzNmrVHqSDnAFAMHH3rlatGuOrhLo_zSTkOvoxk_3BZJqOhahnB2Nnc3dxiTX9NVkY40iiJ-_sN4ZTPoxwJnAyRxqgQEljdE8YeHlLteMeyJH9JSANZws/s320/card+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The circle shapes were cut with the Martha Stewart circle cutter and the scallops were all cut with scissors. The embellies just happened to coordinate with the colors and were from a re-packaged package from <a href="http://scrapbooking-outlet.com/">The Scrapbook Outlet</a>, my favorite (super-discount!) craft store, so no company name, and the papers were some I've had for a while. Incidentally, the four-loop bow just "happened" while I was playing around. If anyone has the actual directions, I would love to have them!<br />
<br />
I've entered the following challenges:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/">Mojo Monday</a> their sketch <br />
<a href="http://diecutdreams.blogspot.com/">Die Cut Dreams</a> recipe (3 shapes, 2 colors, 1 ribbon/bow)<br />
<a href="http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/">Kaboodle Doodles Challenge</a> use those scissors (and/or Xacto knife)<br />
<a href="http://scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/">Scrap-Creations </a> recipe (at least 2 papers and at least 2 embellies)<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-66508440135231773072011-07-09T17:36:00.002-04:002011-07-09T18:11:50.968-04:00Pray for the Peace of JerusalemThe stamp on this card is from <a href="http://zumgaligali.com/">Zum Gali Gali Rubber Stamps</a> and I'm particularly excited because I had just a tiny bit of input on its creation! Over three years ago I began an email correspondence with Arlene Bandes at the company, asking if they offered a stamp with the phrase "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem". She answered that they did not have such a stamp but that it was a good idea and they would get to work on it. After many emails back and forth, I got the word that the stamp was designed, then in production, and finally what I had been waiting for: the stamp was on its way to me! The result is on this card, and is my new most favorite stamp for many applications. I hope you like it also, and visit Zum Gali Gali often. And I especially hope you'll join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZfB0ptfGLrEMnWGkvP0CHj9YSiZtTy-pIeaMVoq7hq9izKlXG_GCYkzDcPvKb9G9pbGG3b6mNBqMfjkWU-eCeeWhnHljJIytOOqJi1HXbMaJsYFzY9CGtrPwhXF33pH7Kr3cvMmZZwc/s1600/pray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZfB0ptfGLrEMnWGkvP0CHj9YSiZtTy-pIeaMVoq7hq9izKlXG_GCYkzDcPvKb9G9pbGG3b6mNBqMfjkWU-eCeeWhnHljJIytOOqJi1HXbMaJsYFzY9CGtrPwhXF33pH7Kr3cvMmZZwc/s320/pray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
I have entered this in the following:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/">Paper Pretties</a> their sketch<br />
<a href="http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/">Allsorts Challenge </a> free and easy (anything goes)<br />
<a href="http://quietfire.ning.com/group/createdbyhandchallenge">Created by Hand</a> metallics (three silver embellies)<br />
<a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Papertake Weekly</a> anything goes<br />
<a href="http://ladybugscraftsinkchallengeblog.blogspot.com/">Ladybug Crafts Ink</a> summer birthdays (it's my son's 44th birthday -- Happy Birthday, Matt!)<br />
<br />
And last but not least, be sure to take a look at the <i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Getting Ready for CHA Sale</span></i> at Claudia & Company. I love sales!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7e0VM5cHSsmiIfTsecOzGW-C5fm01KVhWjThhl4N0wfdaLwu_H8snQG5udqza9b_bDqAC41LhcQWX3O3CXovBQpwBX0XlYDblshePOKNTPw-bd-9s036IlQsjEbWo0QcWkIf3LlSlNc/s1600/ClaudiaandCoCHAsaleBlogBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7e0VM5cHSsmiIfTsecOzGW-C5fm01KVhWjThhl4N0wfdaLwu_H8snQG5udqza9b_bDqAC41LhcQWX3O3CXovBQpwBX0XlYDblshePOKNTPw-bd-9s036IlQsjEbWo0QcWkIf3LlSlNc/s320/ClaudiaandCoCHAsaleBlogBanner.png" width="320" /></a></div>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-47050931017612772562011-07-09T08:42:00.026-04:002011-07-12T11:47:51.394-04:00Paris Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know why, but a pretty or unique bookmark, to me, is the height of luxury! That's why I typically take every opportunity to make them, although I usually end up giving them away, including them with books or as little "extras" with cards I send. And so, because I'm trying hard to get back into a creative mode, I made this one, which I really hope to keep myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO2N2HVat_bCO8rGXfyDEpqzQrACLObP_1km4PZroB8jVNyBw04SAMKlFiiqSzaFRQT_-tHzPkyL6b4IO24mmD3tYkjmc5KxYE2n5hTLvkuA9wq8JFr9MUzYYtR5eshyorKbC3oRq6D0/s1600/paris+tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO2N2HVat_bCO8rGXfyDEpqzQrACLObP_1km4PZroB8jVNyBw04SAMKlFiiqSzaFRQT_-tHzPkyL6b4IO24mmD3tYkjmc5KxYE2n5hTLvkuA9wq8JFr9MUzYYtR5eshyorKbC3oRq6D0/s320/paris+tag.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Paris postmark and french script are both Tim Holz stamps; the crocheted flower is just one I've had and wanted to use for some time; and the distressed edges are thanks to Ranger's Vintage Photo <i>Distress Ink</i> . This has been entered into the following challenges:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/">Crafty Creations</a> Paris theme, anything but a card</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/">For Fun Challenges</a> Sit a Bit and Crochet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com/">ABC Challenge</a> Y is for Yesterday (vintage)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Papertake Weekly</a> anything goes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/">Allsorts Challenge </a> anything goes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be sure to visit <a href="http://claudiaandcompany.blogspot.com/">Claudia & Company</a> to grab some great sale items at the <i style="color: #a64d79;">Getting Ready for CHA Sale</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-Txxm6evQ_X1Bk2Q8VRlRcAnmNCjMJUkDgjt8fHhaoCbkGPkXtYhqKUnabxOnp6Dt9gqLGF8D83CPT1NLM5iy70TGWRxVWn2BVEJOzSIO1gDj5TGOXdMidXmpxCf-n7dwzzoRnO58To/s1600/ClaudiaandCoCHAsaleBlogBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-Txxm6evQ_X1Bk2Q8VRlRcAnmNCjMJUkDgjt8fHhaoCbkGPkXtYhqKUnabxOnp6Dt9gqLGF8D83CPT1NLM5iy70TGWRxVWn2BVEJOzSIO1gDj5TGOXdMidXmpxCf-n7dwzzoRnO58To/s320/ClaudiaandCoCHAsaleBlogBanner.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-77219596527345500332011-06-29T13:13:00.001-04:002011-07-04T13:56:51.575-04:00Gabe says "Jesus is living in my heart!"I've been away from my card creativity for several months, due to illness. It's only been recently that I've had the energy to begin creating again, mainly because of a granddaughter's graduation. That card will show up on a later post. But for today, I want to express the utter joy a "gracka" feels because little Gabriel, age 4 and the inspiration for this blog, just asked Jesus to come and live in his heart!<br />
<br />
Now, I do realize that Gabe doesn't have a complete understanding of the theology behind his simple prayer of "Jesus, please forgive me and come and live in my heart." But I also know that it was Jesus Who said, "Allow the little children to come to me." Our responsibility, then, is to raise Gabe in an atmosphere that supports this early decision, and to teach him how to allow it to shape his life.<br />
<br />
What a privilege this is for me, to watch and be part of the cycle that began with my own "Jesus in my heart" moment at age 8, to my children's decisions, and to the decisions of my "children's children." The fulfillment of God's promise!Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-49593604411433893042010-11-11T09:42:00.017-05:002010-11-11T09:53:09.588-05:00Roses Are Red, Violets Are BlueIt's an incredibly beautiful November day today in west Michigan. Sunshine, temps in the mid-60's, still some color left on the trees. God is so creative, and every time I make my feeble little attempt at being creative too, I feel my kinship with Him all over again. Consider the colors of His world: flowers, rainbows, even trees and grass are varied shades of green (or in my backyard, brown where George Bailey plays). But I love the color blue. It always makes me smile, and it seems so peaceful and unassuming. There's lots of agreement on the pleasanter characteristics of blue: blue chip stocks, true blue (THANK YOU, VETERANS!), bluebirds of happiness, and nothin' but blue skies. Of course, there are those who would disagree: the baby blues, singin' the blues, the blue flu, and a blue Christmas without you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDNafWM-VIFw6dfMLVwls2HF-64PTfspK2DpCuRUuBOn7YMqfJ16v17aaJ1v4ai_uF13YkTMqT-UVoNNMF10H_pWOVIOucIs6XejZ3lCAf0UWZ-Gml3PgeXFBycDG61VpfB3vupucbP8/s1600/card11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDNafWM-VIFw6dfMLVwls2HF-64PTfspK2DpCuRUuBOn7YMqfJ16v17aaJ1v4ai_uF13YkTMqT-UVoNNMF10H_pWOVIOucIs6XejZ3lCAf0UWZ-Gml3PgeXFBycDG61VpfB3vupucbP8/s320/card11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"></span><br />
Once again I've taken a little step outside my personal "box". No flowers this time, no pearls, no embossing. Just circles, all in blue, just because I like it. and, believe it or not I saw several challenges to enter this card!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://iftheshoefitsscrapit.blogspot.com/">If The Shoe Fits</a> the color blue<br />
<a href="http://totallystampalicious.blogspot.com/">Totally Stampalicious</a> blue<br />
<a href="http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/">Crafty Creations </a> buttons (lower right-hand corner)<br />
<a href="http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/">Gingersnap Creations</a> sewing notions (2 buttons in corner)<br />
<a href="http://movingalongwiththetimes.blogspot.com/">Moving Along With The Times</a> nice & bright (wash away Autumn Blues!)<br />
<a href="http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/">Daring Cardmakers </a> colors of topaz (blue)<br />
<a href="http://raisethebarchallenge.blogspot.com/">Raise the Bar </a> curves<br />
<a href="http://iftheshoefitsscrapit.blogspot.com/">If the Shoe Fits </a> blue<br />
<br />
How cool is that??!!! See? It really is a wonderful day!Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-30164888159033565972010-09-30T11:07:00.049-04:002010-09-30T13:01:24.115-04:00Second-Hand RoseToday I've been looking at other artists' blogs and admiring their creations. I realize that my "art" all too often imitates life, and I wonder if that's something unique to me, or if everyone feels that way, at least some of the time. I so admire those little masterpieces with the perfect colors and the just-right embellishments. I'm sure their creators are the same people whose outfits and accessories always inspire second looks and sounds of appreciation. I so want my cards, like I want myself, to be an "Uptown Girl," but we both just sort of end up being a "Second-Hand Rose." Is there hope? Can it be learned through repetition and attempted duplication? It's what I'm working toward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWGshM07vgFrabYZQsFYzJOoMUe3xPUHGq8ROKbMhe_a2-8OTLWgGFklIyS4P11gxodzcFn1Y-iOmfGUvH7DU5KsZ9U6GkssxbgLDiI-nMidFi3c-I0SEL8mhlpPNcu6e-JfkQupbV-w/s1600/card10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWGshM07vgFrabYZQsFYzJOoMUe3xPUHGq8ROKbMhe_a2-8OTLWgGFklIyS4P11gxodzcFn1Y-iOmfGUvH7DU5KsZ9U6GkssxbgLDiI-nMidFi3c-I0SEL8mhlpPNcu6e-JfkQupbV-w/s320/card10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
How I wish I knew how to add more embellishments to this card; I envisioned something "luscious", like a wedding cake. The card is lighter lavender than it appears: the front was cut horizontally, the sentiment stamped on the inside, and the top and bottom of the front are held together by a strip of acetate, creating a "window" to view the sentiment. Most of my papers and embellishments have been in my craft room, just waiting to be of service, so I rarely know the company they came from. As simple as this card is, though, it still fits a few challenges. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://aliceinwonderlandchallenge.blogspot.com/">Oh Alice</a> window or hole<br />
<a href="http://challengeupyourlife.blogspot.com/">Challenge Up Your Life</a> lace and pearls<br />
<a href="http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Tea Room</a> pearls and pastels <br />
<a href="http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/">City Crafter </a> flowers and frills<br />
<a href="http://ecpchallenges.blogspot.com/">Easy Craft Projects</a> purpleGrackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-30080898809645330122010-09-22T14:18:00.005-04:002010-09-27T11:13:27.184-04:00Everyone Has Her PriceMine is chocolate! No anti-anxiety medication, no tranquilizer, will ever equal chocolate's soothing properties. There are times in my life that I really would love to jump into a huge vat of molten chocolate, a la Willie Wonka. But alas, I generally just end up eating one exquisite truffle. Cheaper than a prescription, faster working, and tastes better, too! I made this card for Pastor Appreciation Day, October 10 this year; the inside reads "Actually, <u>(pastor's name)</u> is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!" My pastor loves candy, so I hope he enjoys this card and knows how much he is appreciated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrlKiCMitzap5vaAMcfGPqNQcpb1eA0nSM94yNp65kH4MqFS0M4yoTZnIRdM3HSaHciDTKbZew-NCo5bvlLo6Z8ZX59TGT4nCFojV0DY09e3VeqSAQUCUSuqoo0LO6k-fr-x4_6ugcFk/s1600/card9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrlKiCMitzap5vaAMcfGPqNQcpb1eA0nSM94yNp65kH4MqFS0M4yoTZnIRdM3HSaHciDTKbZew-NCo5bvlLo6Z8ZX59TGT4nCFojV0DY09e3VeqSAQUCUSuqoo0LO6k-fr-x4_6ugcFk/s320/card9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I actually found some challenges that seemed to fit this card:<br />
<a href="http://raisethebarchallenge.blogspot.com/">Raise the Bar</a> something yummy (couldn't be yummier!)<br />
<a href="http://ooh-la-la-creationschallenges.blogspot.com/">Ooh-La-La </a> sentiment<br />
<a href="http://cinspirations.blogspot.com/">Creative Inspiration</a> 2 stamped images<br />
<a href="http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/">Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge</a> anything goesGrackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-18706944255187638032010-09-17T13:09:00.003-04:002010-09-20T10:29:58.918-04:00Better Than TherapyThat's what my true friends are! And I want them to know it, so I will often send a card for no reason other than to say "I want you to know you are valuable to me." This is why I'm enjoying the creativity I'm learning through the cards I've been making, and I'm loving that I'm able to send a part of myself (blood, sweat, and tears -- LOL!) every time I send a card. I truly hope the people I touch through the mail, will understand how much they each mean to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnUALpdW49hoaWYRh8e8SdgzDf42H1WLbFJQHmog9nlw2W8_qwOLmuwiEtu7NqS_vuD82fgpEvRCxCdybYEUPweEwEq96SB6OPE7ltB-KRt0YUSTBa6KtgbmW8LvZWd6BeKxNtQtAXe4/s320/card8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front/Outside of card</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnUALpdW49hoaWYRh8e8SdgzDf42H1WLbFJQHmog9nlw2W8_qwOLmuwiEtu7NqS_vuD82fgpEvRCxCdybYEUPweEwEq96SB6OPE7ltB-KRt0YUSTBa6KtgbmW8LvZWd6BeKxNtQtAXe4/s1600/card8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZO-mQOL_FSUBhW6KN81CV9UGamMjCJUOR0SFCZoiOnWJdYF68ahszslqptieL8kZ9KV3gqNHEFowsaSyrfEowISalSsRvGmonj77iU9xWtq4G2sgdTCP4R4Ngz5T_PPbBD8-QYN_iw/s320/card8-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of card with a perforated tear-off bookmark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZO-mQOL_FSUBhW6KN81CV9UGamMjCJUOR0SFCZoiOnWJdYF68ahszslqptieL8kZ9KV3gqNHEFowsaSyrfEowISalSsRvGmonj77iU9xWtq4G2sgdTCP4R4Ngz5T_PPbBD8-QYN_iw/s1600/card8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZO-mQOL_FSUBhW6KN81CV9UGamMjCJUOR0SFCZoiOnWJdYF68ahszslqptieL8kZ9KV3gqNHEFowsaSyrfEowISalSsRvGmonj77iU9xWtq4G2sgdTCP4R4Ngz5T_PPbBD8-QYN_iw/s1600/card8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZO-mQOL_FSUBhW6KN81CV9UGamMjCJUOR0SFCZoiOnWJdYF68ahszslqptieL8kZ9KV3gqNHEFowsaSyrfEowISalSsRvGmonj77iU9xWtq4G2sgdTCP4R4Ngz5T_PPbBD8-QYN_iw/s1600/card8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
I found three challenges at the same time this week: a color challenge, a notecard challenge, and a bookmark challenge, and voila! a card was born. To create this card, I cut it (from kraft cardstock) wide enough so that the back/inside could be folded inward 2 inches, and perforated on the fold to create the bookmark. It's something I saw on a commercially-made card decades ago, and I said "I can do that!" I think it's so much fun to get something "extra", don't you?<br />
<br />
I've entered into these challenges this week:<br />
<a href="http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/">Crazy 4 Challenges</a> color challenge black, red, kraft<br />
<a href="http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/">Sweet Stampin' Challenge blog</a> notecard challenge<br />
<a href="http://totallystampalicious.blogspot.com/">Totally Stampalicious</a> bookmark challenge<br />
<a href="http://opus-gluei.blogspot.com/">Order of Opus Gluei</a> use letters challenge<br />
<a href="http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/">Daring Cardmakers </a> come fly with me (OK, the dragonfly on the bookmark is a stretch)Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-41434232455381836732010-09-10T08:42:00.007-04:002010-09-10T11:25:12.178-04:00One Thing I KnowIt seems the older I get, the less I know for certain. As a new wife and young mother, I "knew" the answers to all of life's questions. Gradually, though, I began to realize that not everything is black and white, and just like I'm expanding my horizons in my card-making, I'm learning to open my heart to thoughts, opinions, and even life-styles that differ from mine. And I realize now that the desire to understand these differences does not necessitate adopting an "all roads lead to Rome" point of view. However, there are some things that I know which will remain unchangeable truths: the sky is blue, raindrops are wet, every baby is a miracle, and "He (God) is mine forever." It's so good to know that the things I know for certain remain true and unchanging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBz9yytHAabwuHyWmH-uIT1V6GsIO_4l-2WEU52HcSjneeks-CHcQ3NTCvr8H69Wid9iRF0w9P3QA0p-dENM0qjc0vqDFYopFFOzyWOgrBOG-oi3xNP-KG8w1cl-ZRYT8LrKYKjlEZhU/s1600/card7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBz9yytHAabwuHyWmH-uIT1V6GsIO_4l-2WEU52HcSjneeks-CHcQ3NTCvr8H69Wid9iRF0w9P3QA0p-dENM0qjc0vqDFYopFFOzyWOgrBOG-oi3xNP-KG8w1cl-ZRYT8LrKYKjlEZhU/s320/card7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This card evolved over several days. I knew I wanted to use this sentiment from Our Daily bread, and that I wanted to use colors I hadn't used before. And after playing with, and discarding, every idea, I finally decided on this combination of K & Company papers, a flower and pearls I've had for a while, and some little mini-hatpins I've been trying to make. And just in time, too. I just found out my "co-grandma" of three of my grandchildren has had some surgery. I hope she will enjoy this "pick-me-up". In searching for a challenge for this card, I found a few:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/">Sentimental Sunday</a> recipe challenge 1 solid, 2 patterned papers, 3 embellishments<br />
<a href="http://diecutdreams.blogspot.com/">Die Cut Dreams</a> pearls and pins<br />
<a href="http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/">Totally Papercrafts</a> going dotty <br />
<a href="http://cookupacard.blogspot.com/">Cook Up A Card</a> recipe 1 sentiment, 2 ribbons, 3 autumn colors<br />
<a href="http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/">Stamp and Create</a> pearls and gems<br />
<a href="http://cinspirations.blogspot.com/">Creative Inspirations</a> lace/sparkle<br />
<a href="http://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/">My Time To Craft</a> jeweledGrackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-39817030859382477802010-09-02T07:42:00.088-04:002010-09-03T15:08:38.152-04:00If You Carry Your Childhood With You, You Never Become Older(<i>Quote by Tom Stoppard</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGAw2aaHdQnMYdwdFrDieUePgfEyVVgC2xfTyfCk1ciCalnoENsQZZSYIWayaY2EJjgMHt20fr2gWKxD02diY8MkKnugF4Pz2fT0qoSUiUFCrQ_-kWwg2QiFiQ_4ubcG2a_q0rXH5fqg/s1600/card6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGAw2aaHdQnMYdwdFrDieUePgfEyVVgC2xfTyfCk1ciCalnoENsQZZSYIWayaY2EJjgMHt20fr2gWKxD02diY8MkKnugF4Pz2fT0qoSUiUFCrQ_-kWwg2QiFiQ_4ubcG2a_q0rXH5fqg/s320/card6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I often wonder if I'm the only one whose dreams and emotions and spirit just don't seem to match my physical age. Inside, I'm actually 30 years younger than outside, but I've been acting my "outside" age and it's no fun! I realize that I created boundaries long ago, constantly telling myself that I can't wear this or I shouldn't do that, and I can't create, I can only copy. Now I'm trying to figure out why I ever placed such restrictions on myself, and the only reason I can come up with is that somewhere along the way, I stopped carrying my childhood with me! Today's card is yet another attempt to do something new, and I'm continually amazed that whenever I take tiny steps outside of my box, the world doesn't explode, people don't laugh at me, and my friends still love me. <br />
<br />
I've had the background paper for a long time; it's pink toile and shows little girls playing at being grown up. The sentiment is one that makes me think of my own kids and grandkids, and literally brings a lump to my throat every time I read it. Colored ink didn't work for it, but the black was just a tad too stark, so I put some velum over it, which I punched with a lace border. The pearls seemed to be the right "soft" touch.<br />
<br />
I enterred this in the following challenges:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://onestopcraftchallenge.blogspot.com/">One Stop Craft</a> sentimental<br />
<a href="http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/">Paula's Ponderings</a> pink background<br />
<a href="http://thecraftypad.blogspot.com/">Craftypad</a> pearls<br />
<a href="http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/">Sentimental Sunday</a> clean and simple<br />
<a href="http://diecutdreams.blogspot.com/">Die Cut Dreams</a> soft shades of vintage<br />
<a href="http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Tea Room</a> old meets new</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-26809333183274219932010-08-26T12:31:00.001-04:002010-08-27T09:17:57.850-04:00Star of Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMzxqkvBCh7CbSodHi46prsiyuGH99FwFGPjhm4fypfZo7VUitiLlck_W4AhvIwY4bOnw9eY2VUuaAltKTqOsV8_HhfeEkBq488M1JNIoKGGi1jGdO3ueTD_Sy1532kUSt4UWXBz56Bs/s1600/starcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMzxqkvBCh7CbSodHi46prsiyuGH99FwFGPjhm4fypfZo7VUitiLlck_W4AhvIwY4bOnw9eY2VUuaAltKTqOsV8_HhfeEkBq488M1JNIoKGGi1jGdO3ueTD_Sy1532kUSt4UWXBz56Bs/s320/starcard.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Well, it's not like me to get <i>two</i> cards made in a week, but here I am! <a href="http://totallygorjuss.blogspot.com/">Totally Gorjuss</a> and <a href="http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/">City Crafter</a> both have "star" challenges, and <a href="http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/">Crafts 4 Eternity's challenge</a> is "holiday" using their sketch. <a href="http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/">Paper Cutz</a> has an anything goes challenge, and <a href="http://opus-gluei.blogspot.com/">Opus Gluei</a> wants something un-ordinary (blue is NOT the color usually associated with Christmas). Finally, <a href="http://madebymomo.blogspot.com/">Made By Momo</a> has a birthday challenge, and of all the people I love and who have impacted me the most, the birthday that we celebrate on December 25 is the most precious to me. (I've since removed it from this challenge). This card didn't scan so well, but there is a glittery gold star on the paper just under the image, and the dark blue paper under that has tiny crystal stars (all individually applied by hand -- whew!) I know it's still August, but this year I intend to get my Christmas cards made AND mailed on time.Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-5652052012127006852010-08-24T08:29:00.001-04:002010-08-24T11:04:24.334-04:00Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeRIka_tJEpiLZHHRM3AlKlY4bKLWQzDF0-zvbmnMAvo9hzdRNgw2Xg7AiHG0S3Aft6ikW6j8Bdm5qATK1LNu-c0XtyA14PT7kWpImkLafLYiNuDud-_WAZ3GfMMK9PdT_kOb-v3XXM/s1600/card5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeRIka_tJEpiLZHHRM3AlKlY4bKLWQzDF0-zvbmnMAvo9hzdRNgw2Xg7AiHG0S3Aft6ikW6j8Bdm5qATK1LNu-c0XtyA14PT7kWpImkLafLYiNuDud-_WAZ3GfMMK9PdT_kOb-v3XXM/s320/card5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today's post header is taken from an old "Negro spiritual" that we folk music enthusiasts of the '60s used to sing, and too suddenly it has become my reality. My husband died at 31 in 1977; the following year my dad died. The year after that my mom was seriously ill and close to death. I have thanked God through all these years that He allowed her to remain a loving, vital part of my somewhat shattered family. In April, she finally went "home", leaving me a true motherless child. And that has been a kind of scary place to be. Sometimes it feels as if I'm walking in the dark, never knowing whether my next step will land on solid ground or send me tumbling to somewhere I can't get back from. Ah, but though my husband and parents are gone, my Father still holds me close. And when I saw the <a href="http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/">Stampin' Sisters in Christ</a> challenge (based on the verse in Psalms that says, "When I am afraid, I will trust in You") I thought I should enter. So here is one little verse that speaks the truth of my life.<br />
<br />
The blue background is actually heavy corrugated cardboard (like packaging cartons) and REALLY difficult to cut! The papers are just scraps from my stash. The butterfly's flight trail is a piece of gold key chain -- yep, the kind you actually put keys on when you don't have a real keyring! After I finished this card, I realized that I have created a "box" of my own: a couple of squares, a background, and some words, with a winged creature thrown in. Yikes! Got to break out of my own box. But for today, I also entered this in:<br />
<a href="http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Tea Room</a> a little bit of metal<br />
<a href="http://craftyourdaysaway.blogspot.com/">Craft Your Days Away</a> with wings<br />
<a href="http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/">Crafty Creations </a> butterflies <br />
<a href="http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/">Sentimental Sundays</a> words that inspire (at least I hope so!)Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-65714422306242318512010-08-20T09:06:00.010-04:002010-08-20T10:01:03.569-04:00Expressions Of The Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N5x8k5X6dgLkqJLnEXu6X3YbhhLUL1ngGunnKi29lkoM08wK7rdgOgIcSQrKNXmh0-8D-UGEor_nHYye4YWjBZb3C2ykqF6Wsjycx10g9P4SfPDMBN_VPBn4N1MItzCkM_xtMi9fKZ0/s1600/card4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N5x8k5X6dgLkqJLnEXu6X3YbhhLUL1ngGunnKi29lkoM08wK7rdgOgIcSQrKNXmh0-8D-UGEor_nHYye4YWjBZb3C2ykqF6Wsjycx10g9P4SfPDMBN_VPBn4N1MItzCkM_xtMi9fKZ0/s320/card4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So many of the creations I see on the blogs I try to follow, are works of art in every way. The layouts, sentiments, and colors fit together perfectly. Not so for me. A simple "Hello" (the recipient is so glad to finally hear from me she'll ignore the boring card) "Happy Birthday" (ditto) or "Get Well" (too sick to be critical) have been my standard fare, with a few Christmas cards thrown in when I remembered in time to actually get them made and sent. So, for the next step in my quest to get out of the box, I chose a card that I've always stayed away from: a sympathy card. <a href="http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/">Cuttlebug</a> actually has a sympathy card challenge, so I embossed the background. <a href="http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Tea Room</a> has a Delicate Cottage Rose challenge, which led to the Speedy the Cat challenge (anything, flowers). OK, forget Speedy the Cat. I tried 6 times and couldn't get entered. For the layout, I used the <a href="http://aliceinwonderlandchallenge.blogspot.com/">Oh! Alice</a> sketch. Finally, since everything I used was something I already had on hand (including the coffee filters for the rose) I decided to enter this card in the <a href="http://opus-gluei.blogspot.com/">Opus Gluei</a> challenge to make something only from your stash. I sincerely hope that the person who receives this card will know how much he/she is cared for.Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-75153958463100769152010-08-17T08:47:00.008-04:002010-08-18T08:50:36.513-04:00(Almost) Farewell to Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoDON7QK_NHZjJif8Je7EyV7YRJ0ndog6XPQ2afnozKlgYWYnuPLlam2hRc3vIAa5aKS1K7dsmiQM1oy-lNnqTq7iCuho7lSV96o5JTAJr1WRKJZFiPK3Zxj61uWBrhoKFh_q10u7L1c/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoDON7QK_NHZjJif8Je7EyV7YRJ0ndog6XPQ2afnozKlgYWYnuPLlam2hRc3vIAa5aKS1K7dsmiQM1oy-lNnqTq7iCuho7lSV96o5JTAJr1WRKJZFiPK3Zxj61uWBrhoKFh_q10u7L1c/s320/scan0001.jpg" /></a></div>Every year about this time, summer begins preparing to relinquish her reign and give way to autumn. This is the one season change that always makes me a little sad. It means having to wear more layers of clothing, keeping a more regimented schedule, and spending less time with the kids. But it also means seeing my favorite creature: the delicate dragonfly with his sturdy body and gossamer wings. I experimented this week with a stamp I love, the large dragonfly, and stamped him on acetate. I get really excited when I can use someone else's cast-offs, and that's where the acetate came from. (The company I worked for a few years ago was going "high-tech" which meant putting presentations on PowerPoint and getting rid of transparencies. I got a brand new box of 100 sheets!) I knew I wanted color to show through his wings; I searched for an entire afternoon but wasn't happy with anything in my stash. Then yesterday as I was "playing" with my delightful friend Elena (<a href="http://seebeautyallaround.blogspot.com/">seebeautyallaround.blogspot.com</a>) we thought of using stamp pads directly on paper to create colors I liked, then cut them into "twinchies". While I was doing this, Elena searched until she found a challenge for this card. After I mounted it all on a Cuttlebug embossed background, I entered my card in the:<br />
<a href="http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/">Cuttlebug Cuttin' Up! challenge</a><br />
<a href="http://raisethebarchallenge.blogspot.com/">Raise The Bar Challenge</a> ABC: (A)nimal -- is a dragonfly an animal? (B)lue twinchie, (C)uttlebug <br />
<a href="http://totallygorjuss.blogspot.com/">Totally Gorjuss</a> Aqua (bottom right twinchie)<br />
<a href="http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/">Paper Pretties Challenge</a> SummerGrackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-58529706778152587312010-08-13T14:13:00.016-04:002010-08-13T14:21:11.958-04:00Gabe Turns 4!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEomnBb9HZcLb5JmXs6j_cmRPcDIHSd1ec3s0ONDGWGIgV4umodSNlVUYJhTPCXEFTZRxBoTQCU8LxXoiwDUVsWLC4H2PtxMs-_RS0TFAaC7FU5e-Sl4fRlWcwuuT-eWf2w-RnAdR3AFA/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEomnBb9HZcLb5JmXs6j_cmRPcDIHSd1ec3s0ONDGWGIgV4umodSNlVUYJhTPCXEFTZRxBoTQCU8LxXoiwDUVsWLC4H2PtxMs-_RS0TFAaC7FU5e-Sl4fRlWcwuuT-eWf2w-RnAdR3AFA/s320/scan0001.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here he is: the man of the hour. He can finally hold up four fingers! Just look at that face; is it any wonder that the world looks brighter when Gabe says "Wheee!" ? This picture was taken on an absolutely perfect day spent at the zoo. I'm not sure who had more fun, Gabriel or his mom and me. God has certainly compensated me for growing older.</div>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-70347349142643271322010-08-09T08:15:00.003-04:002010-08-10T08:33:16.534-04:00It's a Blue Monday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X7dUXzJQMm_uSx0WkV9ElnEE0tejP1ljZaWb2B_OBcyAMVdm2OPT0imh4qMIX_zLH5idGz1G1NzTg8jkrhFsHQUX1Cvx0Y1zm_GRYszW_p3BhNfo4kfBv0_sEsI4I-z0EtoXlqMHHjE/s1600/card+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X7dUXzJQMm_uSx0WkV9ElnEE0tejP1ljZaWb2B_OBcyAMVdm2OPT0imh4qMIX_zLH5idGz1G1NzTg8jkrhFsHQUX1Cvx0Y1zm_GRYszW_p3BhNfo4kfBv0_sEsI4I-z0EtoXlqMHHjE/s320/card+3.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a blue card for a "blue" Monday -- storming here this morning. The thunder and lightning are putting on quite a show! And I'm blue because I made this card for the Shabby Tea Room Challenge using soft blue, cream, white, brown, and/or a house. I figured this card nailed it. But alas! The deadline was Sunday night, and I didn't get it entered. Well, I hope the person I'm sending it to appreciates it. It was fun to experiment with embellishments, which I'm trying to become more comfortable with. Hope you have a sunny day!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-23749260863957008122010-08-03T11:36:00.002-04:002010-08-13T11:00:09.078-04:00Ya Gotta Love GreenBelieve it or not, green is not my most favorite color. But I saw two challenges that looked interesting, and these papers fit both of them, so green it is! I made this to say hello to a very old (oops, make that a long-time) friend. I hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed making it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC54uwPt7QfxD4qtDT5HdE1OnKlpRo9NDRz9bUXditsCaGnmRLUtQ37Oe8JZvIQGFR8KgMOBATgE-qex9wZEeQmnOQZN0wjV3KZ1KEZ9lETBw-n-DJmZsCLbzYdEQJx67gRQPgqRPFsA/s1600/card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC54uwPt7QfxD4qtDT5HdE1OnKlpRo9NDRz9bUXditsCaGnmRLUtQ37Oe8JZvIQGFR8KgMOBATgE-qex9wZEeQmnOQZN0wjV3KZ1KEZ9lETBw-n-DJmZsCLbzYdEQJx67gRQPgqRPFsA/s320/card2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I found two additional challenges to enter, so here are all four of them:<br />
<a href="http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com">Crafts 4 Eternity</a> Recipe Challenge #44 Birds & Pearls<br />
<a href="http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com">Simon Says Stamp</a> Goin' Dotty Challenge<br />
<a href="http://diecutdreams.blogspot.com">Die Cut Dreams</a> Challenge Gingham<br />
<a href="http://ebtkschallenge.blogspot.com">EBTKS</a> Challenge ButtonsGrackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113538538161015718.post-84809488118423920712010-07-28T14:42:00.000-04:002010-07-29T07:39:53.370-04:00A Summer Birthday Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86VnLSCtsSSl6kT_KAc5TzFpyHkjFQDW1ILOqctORmsAoehlx0jIyytqQUiETQOGJgVXkWJFlFo578Q_8Z6_QucroLUDE9b-nVDkjFN1qQekm6E7afR21veResadxEw2gXChhMp8Asz8/s1600/card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86VnLSCtsSSl6kT_KAc5TzFpyHkjFQDW1ILOqctORmsAoehlx0jIyytqQUiETQOGJgVXkWJFlFo578Q_8Z6_QucroLUDE9b-nVDkjFN1qQekm6E7afR21veResadxEw2gXChhMp8Asz8/s320/card1.jpg" /></a></div>My previous years of card-making consisted of following directions or copying samples precisely. The cards were faithful reproductions of someone else's creativity, but never had my personal imprint. This is my first attempt at "breaking free"; my goal is that this will begin to affect the other areas of my life as well. As I learn to express my own creativity in my cards, I pray that I will exercise that same freedom in my daily life, and in my relationships with strangers, family, and friends, and most especially in the worship of my Lord.Grackahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040151722878764734noreply@blogger.com3