 
So the truth is that it’s been very busy but at the same time I’ve been finding myself “stuck”. Have you ever been there? You feel like the tires are spinning and as soon as you are able to lurch forward a bit, you lurch back stuck between those two places. That’s me. It’s an awful feeling, it’s pure limbo. Well I know that I don’t have all the answers, but know that normally when I get to’ that’ point, things go into overload until I simply stop, sit down and sort it all out. It just like when you finally pop your back, relief. This is my sorting out week. Not that I’ve solved anything, but today I can put a label on things so that I know how to deal with them. Along the way, God sent me a widow to comfort, a pending widow to reach out to, a friend to remind me to take care of myself, three sweet kids to text to make sure they know I love them. Along the way God pulled me outside to breathe in the fresh air, guided me toward a chapter in a book that spoke to me, put me in a place to offer forgiveness that I didn’t know I had overlooked and inspired me to say what was on my heart. Thank you!! Life is a beautiful mess, but it’s all good. The fog clears and I’m reminded what a great life I have and that any worries I have are small. Have you been there? Ugh, I honestly had nothing to say in my last post – its the first time I’ve ever found myself typing and the words just didn’t come; it was a horrible feeling. I apologize. Today I’m reminded, I have such a passion for this craft and I know you do too. Let’s enjoy it – it may be the tool that brings us through the fog or sends us along the path to help someone else. I’m excited to share a card today, it brings back the joy of sitting down to make a simple card. I’m using one of the sweet sentiments from Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Series Three – one of my favorites. I picked two three die templates I haven’t used and one of them is my new found secret. My sentiment is stamped on Spellbinders™ Decorative Labels One and it is layered on top of Spellbinders™ Scalloped Labels One. The background is a classy embossed pattern from Spellbinders™ Venetian M-Bossabilities™. Ah…then the sweetest little flower! It’s from Spellbinders™ Jewel Flowers and Flourishes.
For the flowers I simply took my biggest stylus and a mouse pad and rubbed along the back of each petal until it curled – a lot!! Then I flipped the flower over and really rubbed in the center until the center curled up like a bowl. For each flower I stacked up three layers. Now the neatest thing is I could vary the size of the flowers by how deep I made that bowl. So the largest flower has a slight bowl, the next size down the bowl is deeper and for that smallest flower I made sure the petals curled more and the bowl was deeper. When done, I added a dollop of hot glue and dropped in a large pearl. I know I’ll be making more of these, it’s the easiest flower I’ve made in a while :-)
| SUPPLIES I USED |
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs – Scripture Series 3
Paper: EK Success Acorn, Pink Viburnum, The Paper Company – Brushed Cotton,
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Series Three, Spellbinders™ Decorative Labels One, Spellbinders™ Scalloped Labels One, Spellbinders™ Venetian M-Bossabilities™, Spellbinders™ Jewel Flowers and Flourishes, seam binding, Darice Pearls, Maya Road Pearl Pic, gold button
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Treat today! Over on the JustRite Inspiration Blog the ladies have dreamed up some wonderful gift items from the the dies and stamps in the October Amazing Paper Graces Kit. They will also be sharing gifts tomorrow so be sure you scroll down so you can see everything!!
If you would, please say a prayer for my sweet, sweet sister. She is having surgery on Thursday. I know I’ll be holding my breath all day while I think about her.
Hi there blog friends! I’m peeking in to share a card, but first a note of thanks to you – just because. I know how blessed I am and simply cannot say it enough! It’s always like dessert to be able to sit down and play a bit so I have a quick card to share all of the details are below. For my 6 x 6 card I used two fairly new die templates – Spellbinders™ Hexagons and Spellbinders™ Labels Twenty Seven – stacked. Along the side I added a decorative accent with Spellbinders™ Vintage Lace Accents.
I’ve been moving some of my craft supplies around so that they’re easier for me to get to – my studio is next door. Today for the first time I have enough in the house that I don’t have to run back and forth. Perfect for me to putter around and get things done without a major production. It’s kind of crazy because I’m sitting in the area that I was sitting in more than 10 years ago when my studio was built. It’s funny how things come full circle :-)
Hugs to you all, thanks for stopping by today!!
Good morning blog friends! I got a chunk of craft time, so I sat down and got inky with some new stamps and reached out all over my desk to make some projects for my crafty friends. I never know whose gonna get what, but I love to have special craft gifts ready for the occasion before it comes knocking at my door. Of course it’s always wonderful when the gifts you make don’t break the bank or need a whole slew of supplies, so I reached out some simple supplies. . . let me take you though what’s in my gift basket!
A quick and easy enclosure card with a wooden spool topper – the stamp set is JustRite It’s Sew Vintage (this set is part of October’s Kit) and I embellished it with tiny spool speared with a corsage pin (Maya Road) and spool toppers I got at Hobby Lobby/Michaels. I cut one die from the Vintage Frame Labels (this set is part of October’s Kit) and folded it along with a store bought doily across the top of the card for decoration; the bottom die is Spellbinders™ Asian Motifs. I reached back and pulled out one of my favorite K&Company papers that I just found again in one of their recent releases.
A Button Card – I was so tempted to make these into magnets but decided the recipient could just as easily use them on a card. They are simply 1″ wooden spool toppers (disks) and I used Vintage Frame Labels and Spool Toppers to cut the tops. They are distressed with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink and glued to the wood using Ranger Crystal Accents and topped with a pearl. The card is from My Minds Eye.
Spools of Linen and Lace – these are tidbits I reach for all the time. I have the huge spool, so I thought it would be great to wind some off and onto smaller spools for a gift. They use spools you can get at a local craft store in the unfinished wood section and all I did was cut the appropriate size using the Spool Toppers, distressed with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink and glue tot he spool using Ranger Crystal Accents. I have tons of these small ziploc bags around, so I put each spool type in a bag and topped it using a store bought doily and and the Vintage Frame Label along with some seam binding and a bit of filigree.
Lace Bobbins – Using the 3-1/4″ bobbin shape from the Vintage Frame Labels set I cut in duplicate to give the bobbin some weight, and glued them back to back. Then I punched a hole and stamped the header of each bobbin with the word “Lace” from It’s Sew Vintage. They are each distressed with Brushed Corduroy and threaded on to a hinged ring. The same bobbin shape is stamped with Filigree, folded in half and seam binding tied.
Using many of the elements used to make the gifts, I made a card. You know how I love to layer, so I stacked it up!! The bottom layer is Spellbinders™ Floral Ovals, then Vintage Frame Labels followed by another layer of Floral Ovals followed by Spellbinders™ Classic Ovals LG, on top. For the peaks on the Vintage Frame I used the matching filigree stamps from It’s Sew Vintage. You’ll kill me, but I don’t have the name of the cameo and frame – they were on my desk from a previous crafting frenzy, lol. The wonderful sentiment about Vintage Friends comes from It’s Sew Vintage :-) I laid out a border using Spellbinders™ Damask Accents and finished up with a seam binding bow, filigree and a pic.
I’m always tickled with something I can make quickly, that’s a no-brainer. So as I sit down to get my Christmas crafts in order, I think some of these sets are going to be high on the list. A little bit of lace, a little bit of linen…
| SUPPLIES I USED |
Stamps: JustRite – It’s Sew Vintage
Paper: K & Company, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, Coredinations, My Minds Eye
Ink: Amuse – French Roast, Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Vintage Frame Labels and Spool Toppers, seam binding, Wooden Spools and Disks (Michaels/Hobby Lobby), Recollection Pearls, Zva Creative Pearls, lace from my stash, linen – May Arts, doilies (Michaels), Spellbinders™ Floral Ovals, Spellbinders™ Classic Ovals LG, Spellbinders™ Damask Accents, Spellbinders™ Asian Motifs
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Hugs to you all, thanks for stopping by today! Hope you have a chance to get crafty :-)
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Dear Becca,
What a beautiful card. I will pray for your sister and hope all goes well on Thursday.
XX From the UK.xxxx
Beautiful card. I’ll have to add the flower die to my wishlist. Thoughts and prayers for your sister.
I’ve been there before. In fact, I lost my mojo quite some time ago.. Your card is beautiful, The kraft colour goes so well with those pretty pink flowers. Hope you feel your mojo back soon.
Becca your blog is so aptly named- you are an amazing person with so much to give – thank you for making me think about things going on in my life and the incentive to work through them. also this card is so beautiful and I love your flowers- thanks for the info on making them
You’re right…those flowers are winners! Gorgeous! And, you’ve just had your daughter move away…that’s a big change. Sometimes it takes a while to get used to that. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. This gorgeous fall weather just begs for getting outside and sitting under the sky. Pray you’ll feel “unstuck” soon!
Prayers for your sister, and for you as you await the outcome of her surgery.
Beautiful card as usual.
You have been through a lot recently. Launching your own line, although it’s very exciting, is also scary and all-consuming. Moving childen, changing studios, worry about your sister: none is overwhelming, but add them up and you have a pretty big load with lots of changes. It’s OK to need some time to process and re-group. Focusing on the beauty of life is a good place to start. If we all got up each day and thought about how lucky we are, we would all be happier. Good place to start.
Georgous! Love the flowers-you eyes just go right to them. Will pray foryour sister. I only have one and just got back from visiting her. Glad you are back – I miss you wben I don’t get my email from you.GOD BLESS!
MSTGANE
ANN Robbins
Becca, I was a widow, and the hardest year for me was the second year….I actually tooka hammer to the ceramic tile in my bathroom, LOL! You have a lot going on in your life but more important, you have your faith to lift you up…….It does manage to sort itself out, trust me….been there, done that!
Beautiful card.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you, your sister and rest of the family
ColleenB.
The major changes in your life may have contributed to your feeling stuck. Any one of the changes, would have pulled the rug out from under me and knocked me for a loop. You’ve had them all in a relatively short time. As some of your commenters have written, take a break if you can, if only in your head. Here’s my prescription: Get comfy where there are no phones, emails etc to disturb you; close your eyes; think wonderful positive thoughts; and most important breath deeply and slowly. Do this for 10 minutes and repeat at least 3 times a day. It’s like a holiday for my mind and I hope it works for you too. Prayers and positive thoughts for you & your sister. You must be beside yourself with worry.
Lastly, this is a gorgeous card, and all the more so, knowing how you felt as you made it. Sending big cyber-hugs, Francie
Beautifully written…did I bump into you when you felt that way, since I was exactly in the same spot!! The card is lovely.
A new puppy, and I’m all better and refocused!!
Creative Wishes,
Claire S.
Dear Becca:
I’ve said a prayer for your sister and that you have peace of mind while you wait.
Thank you for the beautiful card idea and the flower is a real little beauty.
Blessings, Jean.
Creator’s block. we’ve all been there at one time or another. maybe too many things going on at once?
I haven’t commented in quite a long time but admire your work every day and enjoy reading comments from your hundreds of fans, and your uplifting words even when you’re feeling down. I wanted to let you know how ‘Amazed’ I am that you can change the appearance of the size of the same diecut flower by adding dimension to it – it makes sense, it just never would have occurred to me that it makes such a difference. You’re such an inspiration and teacher in every way and so, so appreciated! I’ll include prayers for your sister while praying for mine. Mine is not facing surgery but rather diminished quality of life and she deserves so much more than that. Take care of yourself.
Love it! The card is beautiful. Gives me much cause to count my own blessings! Thanks for all you do!
Becca, I hope you are doing better and that your sister’s surgery goes well. It made me really sad that you were going through such a difficult time. You are a wonderful, beautiful, creative person, you deserve the very best. Take care.
Becca,
It’s funny how life gets in the way of living! I am praying now for your dear sister in surgery. May our God guide the physician’s hands and may she be surrounded by angels that minister to her needs during her surgery and following as she recovers. I love your card. Thank you so much for sharing your talent but also for sharing your struggles and triumphs. There are times that we need to lift each other up and times that we need to be carried. They remind each of us that we are all in this journey called life together.
Love your card, especially the flowers and I needed your encouragement today. I am taking care of my ill husband and sometimes forget to take care of myself. I know that stamping has been a solace for me, also. Thanks again.
Becca,
Thank you so much for sharing what God is doing in your life. He does bring so many things in our lives and sometimes we just need to stop and reflect on it for a moment. Thanks for sharing that moment. I always love your cards, I have not had time to do alot of stamping or paper crafting, but still love to see what you have made for inspiration.
Blessings, Gale
What a beautiful card! Love the colors and those amazing flowers! Praying for you and your sister today.
Beautiful card Becca, those flowers are gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing with us. Will be praying for you and your sister. I might even try to copy your card, just a little bit. God bless.
I so loved your share today and can really relate to all you said. thanks for letting me know i am not alone!!! That said, the flowers on your card brightened my day1 can’t wait to try them. thanks!
The Word of God tells us to think on Him; let our minds ponder His amazing truths and in due time when He has accomplished what He has set out to do in our lives (at that particular junction) He will confirm, strengthen and establish us. There is no better way to live but to know He is right there! Thank you for being so transparent as not one of us has it all together all the time. God Bless.
Wonderful, wonderful words showcased by your incomparable art on this card. I’m glad you took a moment to share your heart in the words of your post today. So many of us walk down the same road and and draw comfort and love in walking together. I pray blessings and fullness in Christ fill your heart to overflowing!
Becca, I have just discovered your blog and love it!! You have created so many beautiful projects including this card – thank you for sharing. I have said a prayer for your sister.
Those flowers are lovely and that sentiment is just too true and beautiful! So glad you like to share your heart and talent with us.
thank you Becca, for sharing your heart. that’s what friends are for. To share joy, concerns, and love. We love ya, an miss you when not here. But certainly understand. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love your new card. Your sentiment is one I love too. In fact those other three are as well…….hugs and blessings
Is it the weather, or the water, or what? I am reading blogs with various people in the same spot as you–somewhere in between forward and backward. Maybe it’s our bodies taking a rest before the craziness of the upcoming holidays. Who can say? We go on… your card is great. I don’t think I’ve seen that flower die before–it’s great, or should I say you made it great! Praying for not only your sister, but also your peace of mind and heart… Hugs
So gorgeous and uplifting! Thank you, Becca!
Dear Becca, we’ve all been there. like brain freeze it leaves us stunned for a little while, then we can function again. Glad you can help others in any way you can! Your card is so awesome. I love making those flowers, too. Thanks so much for sharing how you do what you do!!! Rosy
Beautiful Card as usual ,we all become unstuck
sometime in our lives
Be nice to help other folk along the way !!
Will be praying for your sister that the Lord will put his healing hand on her make her well again !!
Thank you for sharing with us. We will be praying for you and your family.
I have to admit ALL of your cards and projects are just gorgeous! You have done so much to enliven my life and you do not even know me. So I just want to say Thank You for all that you do and are! {{{hugz}}}
There is an older song that states that even a warrior needs a quiet place to rest. Do not forget to meet with God every morning or night and it will help you to make it through your days. If God be for you then who can stand against you and succeed?
Know that you will always have me as your loving fan and friend. <3 <3
Sometimes I just can’t seem to find the right words that are in my heart. Our family has been and still going through some tough times. I pray and I cry and pray some more and get mad and feel guilty and pray some more. One thing that comforts me ( as the trials and tribulations pile on) is to remember how so many of the men and women of the Bible went through many many hardships and yet God was able to use them for His purpose which is perfect. It is a comfort to me to be in the same company as so many wonderful Biblical people and I know God loves them so much and so it reminds me how much He loves me too. I believe with all my heart He only allows us to go through exactly what we need because He loves us. We are supposed to “count it all joy” as we as going through but golly gee that is so much easier said than done. HaHa I send you my prayers and my best wishes for you and your family. Tell your sister I have and will pray for her. God bless ……. Denice
Dear Becca,
All of us get ‘stuck’ from time to time. I hold on to the saying, “This too shall pass”. I know our Lord will see me through.
You may think you’re card is simple but I think it’s lovely! The browns and pink go so well together. Can’t wait to see what you have for us next!
I WILL be praying for your sister. I too have a VERY dear sister and I would feel as you do if she were going into surgery. Please let us know when her surgery is over.
Love,
Rhea
Becca, I’m hoping that your sister came though her surgery fine and that all is well. I think that we all have times like you’re describing…the only thing to do seems to be to press on till we come through the other side. Remembering to count our blessings helps, as does crafting!
Thinking of you and yours,
R/
Becca, a very beautiful card, simple yet stunning and gorgeous flowers. It is okay to stop and relax and reflect.. God wants us to do that sometimes.. I even thiink he wishes it upon all of us.. You have had so much go on in your life lately and you need to take breaks often and get your bearings and get to know where you are going.. I will say prayers for you and your sister and I am sure she will be fine with her surgery and you will be just fine also..
Hugs to you, Jean
Becca, my 1st shipment of your new kits arrived and I am so pleased. It is a little late as it has to make its way across the Canadian border and sit at Customs until they decide to release it. I don’t care when it comes – any mail like this is a wonderful surprise!
I just have to say what a nice job you have done on the whole package. The kit card and journal are very nice and your instructions are clear. Can’t wait to get started. Thank you for venturing into this uncharted territory. I am so glad you did!
NancyD
Good to hear you have gone over the bump in the road and are feeling better, your card is Lovely and the flowers are just gorgeous!
WOW! This is so beautiful!!! You were feeling this one, I could see! Wonderful!!
Yes, I can empathize with all you have been going through. May better times last longer…
I had to look twice (or maybe three or four times!) at those flowers. Are you sure they are made from paper? Amazing!
Becca, as always your creations are so enjoyable. The addition is to see a bit of you behind the creation. God is using you in a mighty way. Am thankful I can be a part of that. May He continue to bless you and your talent.
Gorgeous card and thanks for sharing your heart!
Becca — how wonderful that you can see God’s hand in all you do. We so often can’t see the why of things, but it is always easier when we allow Him to guide us.
Your card is lovely — I especially love that M-Bossability and those flowers are gorgeous — had to check out your link to Spellbinders as I thought they must be selling silk flowers now! Wonderful job!
Beautiful card!
You have a beautiful heart and we are blessed that you share it with us, Becca!
I’m there with you, sister~ Love and Hugs!
Gorgeous. I love the brown behind the text. Fabulous flowers.
Becca,
I think your comment should be a rubber stamp: Life is a beautiful mess, but it’s all good.
I think I’ve quoted correctly.