by 27 comments

Greetings!!  I know you thought I was being quiet, but I was finishing up some projects and I’m excited to get back to stamping!!  Today I’m sharing one of the June releases from Our Daily Bread Designs called Quiet Waters.   I pulled out my Tombow Markers to color the scene and some K & Co. paper to match the main colors and it all made for simple card.

 

After watercoloring the scene I cut it out with Spellbinders Curved Rectangles and recut the bottom with Spellbinders Ric Rac Scallop Pierceability.   The vertical brown panel was cut flush on top and the bottom cut with the same Pierceability.   I used  the staggered sizes of Spellbinders Classic Oval Large and Spellbinders Classic Oval Small to highlight the sentiment.  A bow and pearls finish the card.

Card Recipe:
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs
Paper:  K & Co – Ancestry, Pixie Press, Bazzill, 140 lb Strathmore Watercolor
Ink:  Versafine Black Onyx, Clear Embossing Powde
Accessories:  Spellbinders Curved Rectangles, Spellbinders Ric Rac Scallop Pierceability, Spellbinders Classic Oval Large, Spellbinders Classic Oval Small, Ribbon, Pearls
Size:  6" x 6"

Where did this week go?  No matter, I hope it’s a happy one for you!

 

Posted in Our Daily Bread, Spellbinders Die Templates, Stamping
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  • Karen WJune 18, 2009 - 5:43 am

    Beautiful, I’m going to call and order it today, their website is not accepting some of the items for the flowers today. Thanks so much for all the inspiration!!ReplyCancel

  • lisa808June 18, 2009 - 5:53 am

    What a beautiful stamped image.ReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisJune 18, 2009 - 5:58 am

    So beautiful and serene. Your coloring is perfection. TFS!! Becca.ReplyCancel

  • HeatherJune 18, 2009 - 6:06 am

    So masculine and wonderful! The color of the ribbon is absolutely stunning! My hubby would love a card with this scene and the scripture indeed since he teaches a Bible Study while he’s serving our country in Iraq. He would appreciate the encouragement the scripture brings. Thank you for sharing with us.ReplyCancel

  • Joan FrickerJune 18, 2009 - 6:33 am

    Becca, this is stunning! I love all the little details you used. Great job!

    JoanReplyCancel

  • MicheleJune 18, 2009 - 7:40 am

    This is simply gorgeous!!! Your bow is perfect too…..wish I could tie bows that perfectly!ReplyCancel

  • Jenny S. (UK)June 18, 2009 - 8:02 am

    Absolute perfection. I love it and the verse is awesome. Jenny xReplyCancel

  • Michelle RJune 18, 2009 - 8:19 am

    Beautifully done, Becca. Your coloring is gorgeous!!!ReplyCancel

  • Carol WestJune 18, 2009 - 8:24 am

    Absolutely georgous Becca. I’ve ordered this beautiful stamp and hope it arrives in time to do my Father’s Day cards. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration for a card.ReplyCancel

  • DianeJune 18, 2009 - 8:48 am

    Becca,
    What a peaceful card. I’ve had a pretty stressful week and your
    cards are always so calming to me. Thanks.

    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • Amy ShefferJune 18, 2009 - 9:36 am

    So classy, Becca! Love your coloring!ReplyCancel

  • ToshJune 18, 2009 - 10:04 am

    So beautiful, elegant and serene Becca!! WOW!ReplyCancel

  • pinkyJune 18, 2009 - 1:43 pm

    Becca, this is an amazing card…I love everything about it.ReplyCancel

  • cheryl yelvertonJune 18, 2009 - 2:08 pm

    You are soooo cleverly talented. Looking at your work gives glimpses into your heart. Thank you so much for sharing, ms.cherylReplyCancel

  • MrsHJune 18, 2009 - 3:19 pm

    Good evening, Becca – this is a truly inspiring card- the colours are so restrained and calming- simple elegance.ReplyCancel

  • adelineJune 18, 2009 - 3:47 pm

    an other beautiful card! Thanks for sharing with us. I can’t wait to see the rest of your projects!ReplyCancel

  • Chris OlsenJune 18, 2009 - 4:23 pm

    This is gorgeous Becca!! Love the ribbon and your gorgeous coloring and layout!! Beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Bridgett OwensJune 18, 2009 - 6:34 pm

    What a terrific card. It looks like it could be a masculine card even with that bow! Lovely verse!
    Hugs,
    BridgettReplyCancel

  • Lisa D. Atha (inspired by purple)June 18, 2009 - 8:33 pm

    Becca,

    Stunning card, just gorgeous. I know almost everyone has already said this, but I love your coloring.

    Hugs,

    Lisa A.ReplyCancel

  • Denise (peanutbee)June 18, 2009 - 8:36 pm

    Gorgeous coloring and I love the satiny bow!ReplyCancel

  • JanineJune 19, 2009 - 5:17 am

    Hi Becca!! Hope you have a great weekend. Great card!!!ReplyCancel

  • Judy RozemaJune 19, 2009 - 9:44 am

    Gorgeous colors – beautiful yummy ribbon!!ReplyCancel

  • ConnieJune 19, 2009 - 2:32 pm

    So very pretty, Becca! Love that satin bow!!ReplyCancel

  • KelleyJune 19, 2009 - 11:40 pm

    So beautiful! Love your coloring!ReplyCancel

  • AlienAnessaJune 20, 2009 - 12:45 am

    Holy moses, Becca, once again is a jaw-dropping work of art! =)ReplyCancel

  • Stacy SCS TwinshappyJune 21, 2009 - 9:37 am

    Beautiful Becca, wonderful layout, framing and coloring.ReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterJune 21, 2009 - 8:51 pm

    pretty coloring, wonderful design!ReplyCancel

by 38 comments

I made this piece a couple of months ago and it rekindled my love of embossing stencils and marked my first time using the embossing paste that was languishing in my stash.  It was all just an experiment but the effort was easier than I imagined and the results were eye catching.  From my stash I picked a Dreamweavers stencil and gold embossing paste.  I thought that velvet would make for a rich background to build a sample.  A test run on a small 4 x 4 square of velvet ended up perfect even though I was originally skeptical.  My next step was to do the final.  I followed the directions on the paste label which are little more than – lay down stencil, spread paste on like peanut butter, remove stencil and wash tools.  Um….I’m doin’ more of this. 

This all came about through a challenge to use art pieces as our inspiration.  One of my most vivid impressions of art are the pieces painted on black velvet sold by vendors on street corners.  As a military brat, I spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines and when we returned stateside you could always tell other families who had been there, because they had some kind of black velvet art in their household goods.  I thought the black velvet was kind of retro but it seems like I run into it even these days when we are in a touristy place.    

To finish the piece I picked up a very inexpensive frame from Walmart.  I adhered the embossed velvet to mat board, which I then backed with gold paper and mounted on a framed sized sheet of mat board also covered with velvet.  The glass was removed from the frame and the mounted piece inserted.  That’s it!

Piece Recipe:
Stamps:  None
Paper:  The  Paper Company – Gold Linen Weave
Ink:  None
Accessories:  Dreamweaver Gold Embossing Paste, Lynette Harlow Embossing Template, Ribbon, Frame

Here’s to hoping we’re all off to a great week!!

Posted in -3D Projects
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  • LeslyJune 16, 2009 - 1:02 am

    This is absolutely gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • Linda S. in NEJune 16, 2009 - 1:51 am

    Wow, Becca!! Stunning is the word that comes to my mind.
    Linda S. in NEReplyCancel

  • Joyce across the pondJune 16, 2009 - 3:23 am

    Becca…this is simply stunning…..and you are a girl after my own heart….I too take the glass out of frames….love to be able to see (and touch!) the textures…I have two items unglazed…one a machine embroidery from 25 years ago which is as good as new (hoovered occasionally!) and another fabric backed collage which hangs in my hallway…no problem without glass at all.
    Thanks for sharing this, it is just so good to look at.
    JoyceReplyCancel

  • Joan FrickerJune 16, 2009 - 3:37 am

    Becca this is beautiful. And you make it sound so simple!!! Great job!

    JoanReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisJune 16, 2009 - 4:03 am

    Just beautiful Becca. I have done this technique with paper but never on Velvet. The results you got are stunning. TFS!!!:0)ReplyCancel

  • Wanda HJune 16, 2009 - 5:44 am

    Gorgeous!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Gigi EscalanteJune 16, 2009 - 5:51 am

    Becca, another beautiful design. Thanks for making sound easy enough to try on my own.ReplyCancel

  • beth UllmanJune 16, 2009 - 6:05 am

    Oh Becca now that is a piece of art it is gorgeous do you think velvet paper would work? Very simple but oh how elegant.ReplyCancel

  • Amy A. MontrealJune 16, 2009 - 6:15 am

    Absolutely gorogeous and I love black and gold, so elegant.
    You inspired me with this Again….Tks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Donna RinckelJune 16, 2009 - 6:23 am

    Wow! You never cease to amaze me. This is gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • Bev J.June 16, 2009 - 7:00 am

    The black and gold together is very striking. Beautiful work. tfsReplyCancel

  • Cathy MJune 16, 2009 - 7:30 am

    I love how the gold stands out against the deepness of the black velvet. Very elegant.
    CathyReplyCancel

  • Tish SchneiderJune 16, 2009 - 7:32 am

    Wow, very elegant and stunning. You make it sound TOO easy!ReplyCancel

  • DianeJune 16, 2009 - 7:36 am

    Becca,
    Really. really eye catching.
    I just can’t get over how creative you are.
    Another piece of wonder work/art.

    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • Carole MillerJune 16, 2009 - 7:54 am

    BEAUTIFUL It is so classic, I absolutely love it. Thanks for sharing. I need to get some velvet and try that.
    CaroleReplyCancel

  • JanineJune 16, 2009 - 9:50 am

    ALL I CAN SAY IS WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!ReplyCancel

  • Peggy MaierJune 16, 2009 - 10:16 am

    I agree with everyone who posted! Can’t think of anything else to say (you’re SO talented)!ReplyCancel

  • Sonya AppelJune 16, 2009 - 11:08 am

    Becca,

    This is beautiful!! I was thinking about doing a quilled piece with a black velvet background also!! I have a few stencils that I thought I might give a try at embossing paste since yours came out so awesome!ReplyCancel

  • SandeeJune 16, 2009 - 12:47 pm

    WOW! WOW! WOW!ReplyCancel

  • Linda BandowJune 16, 2009 - 1:01 pm

    Who knew that something this eye-catching could be so simple. Of course, I may be singing a very different tune when I try it out myself. TFS!ReplyCancel

  • adelineJune 16, 2009 - 1:28 pm

    what a really nice and original project!ReplyCancel

  • Terri JacksonJune 16, 2009 - 2:24 pm

    Beautiful. Simple and elegant!ReplyCancel

  • ConnieJune 16, 2009 - 4:29 pm

    This is just so very striking and breathtaking, Becca…it just jumps off the computer!!ReplyCancel

  • sheenaJune 16, 2009 - 5:53 pm

    Wow Becca. This is exceptionally striking!ReplyCancel

  • NimueJune 16, 2009 - 8:00 pm

    Becca, I’ve got paste and stencils in the back of my cupboard. I think you might just be the push I needed to try this. Thanks – NimmyReplyCancel

  • Joan SwitalskiJune 16, 2009 - 8:13 pm

    Hi Becca! I just have to say that I’m so very happy that we have the same roots. Pinay ka rin pala! Your blog has always been the first one for me to visit and I always love your work ;) Thank you for sharing your talent which definitely inspires a lot I’m sure.ReplyCancel

  • cards4uJune 16, 2009 - 8:33 pm

    Beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa D. Atha (inspired by purple)June 17, 2009 - 12:43 am

    Wow Becca,

    This is absolutely stunning! Gorgeous!

    Hugs,

    Lisa A.ReplyCancel

  • Cindy HaffnerJune 17, 2009 - 7:24 am

    Stunning!!!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • BettyJune 17, 2009 - 8:38 am

    Becca, this is beautiful!!! It has been years since I tried the paste and it was in white not gold. This is very striking and amazing on the black velvet. It looks so crisp and clean. Beautifully done!!!ReplyCancel

  • Silke LedlowJune 17, 2009 - 9:52 am

    WOW – Becca – this frame looks awesome!!!ReplyCancel

  • Amy ShefferJune 17, 2009 - 9:59 am

    What a great look, Becca!!ReplyCancel

  • GloriaJune 17, 2009 - 1:13 pm

    I just wanted to let you know how much I admire your work. I love how you use your talents to praise the Lord. Your work is stunning. May God bless you today, and every day!ReplyCancel

  • MarionJune 17, 2009 - 3:24 pm

    Hi Becca love this! I’ve done this technique onto card but not onto velvet, going to give it a try.
    Marion UKReplyCancel

  • JudyJune 17, 2009 - 7:06 pm

    Wow! Absolutely beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • JenJune 17, 2009 - 10:11 pm

    {*Swoon*} I can see why you will do this again! WOW what a great effect!

    Beautiful.
    thank you for sharing !!ReplyCancel

  • LorelieJune 18, 2009 - 2:01 am

    Love how you used velvet…added a whole new ELEGANT spin to it!!ReplyCancel

  • Joan BJune 20, 2009 - 7:34 pm

    gorgeous, stunning, beautiful. words fail me!ReplyCancel

by 18 comments

Those of you who visit often will remember that I had a post about a commercial that I love, love, love, put out by the State of Michigan.  Well, truth be known I love all the Michigan commercials – the one on lighthouses, the new one about being yourself on vacation, there are quite a few of them and thanks to YouTube they are easy to find.   Anyways, the commercial that I talked about in my post was about 25,000 mornings – it gave us all some cause for reflection and lots of readers weighed in.  If you were not around when I published that post, you can get the gist of it HERE.  

I received the cutest comment today, from a reader who was quite affected by that commercial.  Do me a favor, read what she wrote me – and get ready, it is sure to leave you with a smile.

 

I’m working on samples for my last gallery with the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen…sniff, sniff.  I’ll be back with a post as soon as I can.  In the meantime, this weekend has your name written on it!!  Have a good time doing something you enjoy!

Posted in Stamping
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  • Mary C. AndersonJune 13, 2009 - 12:18 am

    What a wonderful post. The letter did make me smile. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    MaryReplyCancel

  • CindyJune 13, 2009 - 12:46 am

    I’m glad you shared the letter with us; it definitely made me smile! Have a great weekend, CindyReplyCancel

  • Joyce across the pondJune 13, 2009 - 2:33 am

    That was a great letter to the Michigan Tourism folk…bet it made them think it through…my guess is that it was a young person who wrote the text and to them 68.4 seemed a long way away.
    Thanks for giving us a smile to waken up with here in Northern Ireland where thundery showers are forecast and hope they don’t dampen my husband’s vintage tractor parade and show…..or the Scottish Pipe Band Contest which takes place in school grounds and the sound of the pipes will be floating over to our garden…just far enough away to be pleasant!! Oh, and of course it is the Trooping of the Colour from London…that spectacular event to mark The Queen’s Official Birthday when her troops celebrate with her.
    JoyceReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisJune 13, 2009 - 3:42 am

    TFS!! that great post with us and it made me smile and I think i’ll be smiling all day long too.ReplyCancel

  • AimeeJune 13, 2009 - 4:38 am

    That’s a great letter. I love those Michigan commercials too, but never saw the 25,000 mornings one. Now I know why! lol.ReplyCancel

  • Judy RozemaJune 13, 2009 - 5:37 am

    Thank you for sharing such a fun story, Becca!! It once did seem far off!ReplyCancel

  • Peggy MaierJune 13, 2009 - 6:33 am

    Glad you shared the letter… Nicki certainly has a great sense of humor! AND she’s absolutely right, not everyone’s life ends at that number. I did like the commercial though, it really made you stop & think about the short time we spend here on the earth. Glad we’ll have a longer time with Jesus!ReplyCancel

  • JeannieJune 13, 2009 - 6:48 am

    Hi, Becca,
    I love those Michigan commercials also. I was fortunate to live in Michigan in Traverse City (the thumb of the Michigan mitten) for one year. It truly is a place of beauty that only God could have created. It has been a year of personal growth and growth in my faith to leave my home in Illinois and my wonderful son and family. However, I met a Godly man and we were married last August and I moved to Michigan. Unfortunately, we are returning to Illinois at the end of the month due to the sad economic situation here in Michigan. One in five jobs is auto related, so you know the rest of the story. The people of Michigan are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I will recall my time here with fondness. Fortunately, my husband has two awesome daughters and two adorable grandchildren that we will drive up to visit throughout the year. I want to thank you and all the talented ladies that create cards of inspiration! My cardmaking has gone to new heights since I started using many of the tools that you ladies use.
    Have a blessed day! JeannieReplyCancel

  • MargJune 13, 2009 - 7:49 am

    I really enjoyed reading the response to the commercial. I am not from the USA but I did so enjoy the ads. I watched quite a few of them after your original post. They were beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Joyce MarcomJune 13, 2009 - 8:46 am

    Nicki’s note really brought home to me 25,000 mornings. Her birthday, July 31, will be my 11 year survival anniversary of breast cancer surgery. I turned 68 on May 25th so I, too, am not ready for my mornings to be up! I second her proposal of 10,000 more!!!! I love those “Pure Michigan” commercials. The great voice on those commercials alerts me to one coming on and I always stop to watch . If more states, including my own NC, had such beautiful commercials I’m sure tourism would be up.ReplyCancel

  • Judy MillerJune 13, 2009 - 9:21 am

    I have made many visits to the lighthouses of Michigan. That commercial is wonderful. The red one is Big Red in Holland, MI which is a lovely site to see. Lighthouses are our castles. If you have a chance, do go visit them. They are beautiful, historic and the settings are so peaceful.
    I have my own haunted lighthouse. Those of you from Michigan probably know the story of White River Lightstation. Every time I visit there, at least 3/4 of my pictures have strange semi-transparent shapes in them. The last time you could actually make out the outline of William Robinson with his cane. http://www.whiteriverlightstation.org
    If you do go to Michigan to visit lighthouses, get the Penrose guide book The Lighthouses of Michigan. BTW, Michigan has the most lighthouses of any state. The estimate is 116 lighthouses.ReplyCancel

  • Judy MillerJune 13, 2009 - 9:35 am

    I just found the website with the commercials.
    Go to http://www.michigan.org/Default.aspx
    Anyone who wants to see more about lighthouses in MI, I have links to several great sites. Feel free to email me.
    JudyReplyCancel

  • MaryJune 13, 2009 - 10:58 am

    Good Morning,

    As I was reading the note from Nicki….guess what ad was playing on the Food Network…yes….the Pure Michigan commercial. I love them too, hope they do go on for 35,000 mornings!ReplyCancel

  • colleen eJune 13, 2009 - 11:36 am

    thanks Becca,
    well I am on my way to a class with TIM HOLTZ today and sunday, in between I will go to church tonight and in am we will be celebrating out 4th anniversery at out church with baptism and BBQ. So I dont let to many mornings slip by. I wonder if they every thought we would all calculate 25.000 out. well people live to 80 or so. better up the number just a bit.
    have a great weekend bless you
    colleenReplyCancel

  • KathyJune 13, 2009 - 6:58 pm

    Is that why I haven’t heard this one? Even here in Michigan they play those commercials a LOT and I have been waiting to hear this one! Now I know why I haven’t!
    KathyReplyCancel

  • MarceeJune 14, 2009 - 11:01 am

    I had never seen this commercial until I found it on You Tube this morning after reading your post. What a BEAUTIFUL commercial. Thanks for sharing:)ReplyCancel

  • JanineJune 15, 2009 - 9:11 am

    I think 35,000 mornings is better too.!!ReplyCancel

  • NickiJune 19, 2009 - 2:27 pm

    Dear Becca and Friends –

    Thanks so much for your wonderful comments; what started out as annoyance at the Michigan commercial has led to an inspiring dialogue about love, life, and faith.

    The strange and wonderful thing is that one of my best friends has moved to Michigan, and I probably will visit this summer, on or about my 24,996th morning!

    My best to you all,
    NickiReplyCancel
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