I'm Filled with Glee

...as I preview my first 2011 GinaK Designs stamp set, Gleefully Yours, today. This one was several months in the making. It was inspired by my girls' love of singing (you can see my post of them at their school's Supertalent show HERE), but I just had to add elements from one of the most popular TV shows in the US right now (can you guess which one? There's a hint on the first card's sentiment). We don't have it in Croatia (that I know of), but I am aware enough that many of my Facebook and paper crafting friends love it. I hope they will love these stamps, too. :-)

Both my cards use the Pink Paislee Cupid Collection. The first one has the vintage jukebox from Gleefully Yours that was colored with Copics and framed with a GinaK Grass Green die cut (Spellbinders' Labels 17) and a SU's Cameo Coral flourish tag (Spellbinder's Fancy Tags). Some buttons, glitter and ricrac finished the card.

This next card has the antique piano image, which goes well with my "Just a Note" sentiment from Lovely Labels 2 set. This set will also work well with the music background from my Vintage Backgrounds set.

Are you ready for more inspiration? Make sure you check out the GKD DT's blogs and be prepared to be impressed. The team is also previewing the new Free with Three set, Smile. Start with Gina's blog, for more info about the free stamps up for grabs during today's hop.

• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Nina Brackett <<-- you're here
  
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

Finally, make sure you check out my NEW YEAR BLOG CANDY. It includes many of my favorite things.

Merci

One of the things I love about my girls is they are very well-adjusted kids. As missionaries, we are often in people's homes and host many guests throughout the year. My girls get along with them right away. Put them in a roomful of strangers and they will make friends within a few minutes. Even attending a school where they are the only non-white, non-Croatian and the only non-Catholic, they thrive.

They recently entered a Supertalent contest at their school singing a duet. They were one of the top winners. That was great, but the best part I thought was how the audience loved them. The kids applauded many times during their performance and that really encouraged them to sing better. As their mom, I was touched by how they're accepted by their peers in a culture that's experienced war in recent history and did not have foreigners living among them until we moved here 12 years ago.

My girls may look different, but they speak like their Croatian peers and thrive among them. I am so thankful to God for that. Here they were at the Supertalent show. They are truly a gift from the Lord.

Today's card is for Stamp TV's Sketch Spotlight #6. I used my Lovely Labels 2 and Vintage Backgrounds sets. The butterfly is also by GinaK called Hope is Faith. The yummy papers are Basic Grey's Curio. The seam binding is my own.

Here's a close up.

A new color combo for me...

Today's card is for the StampTV's Color Spotlight Challenge. I would never have picked combining the colors this week: white, Vibrant Violet and Fresh Asparagus; but that's what's fun about challenges. They inspire you to try new things.

I used my Hugs and Prayers and Lovely Labels 2 sets for my card. The papers are Pink Paislee Old School and my Vintage Basics digital papers. The ribbon is my hand-dyed seam binding. Speaking of bindings, my girls and I had fun yesterday coloring more of them. You should have seen my rainbow hands. Oh, but the results are so pretty. I may have to share some with you. Stay tuned for a Christmas giveaway soon on my blog!

In honor of the Georgia Dawgs

I have a couple of projects for you today that use the colors of my husband's favorite college team, the Georgia Bulldogs. And this color combo of red and black is one of my favorites, too.

First is my card for the Stamp TV Sketch Spotlight Challenge. I used my Lovely Labels 2 (cut with Spellbinders labels 15) and Lord of the Season sets. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934. I did the stitched ribbon/lace technique on the lace before placing the paper rose in the center.

This next project is for the SRM Stickers Gift Holders Challenge issued to the DT. Here's my take, a special bag and tag for a special mom. I used the SRM WGYS Sweet. I did the same technique again with the lace here. The papers are K&Co. I used my Cuttlebug alpha dies for "MOM."

Here's a close up of the tag:

Holiday Hoppin' with Spellbinders Paper Arts

Welcome to the second day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop! Spellbinders, along with Gina K Designs are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore! Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog. A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away! To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog! Be sure to see all of yesterday’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!

Visit all of today’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs:

Mona Pendleton
Gina Hanson
Deborah Young
Becca Feeken
Julie Overby
Kimberly Crawford
AJ Otto
Margie Higuchi
Beth Pingry
Jennifer Holmes
Kerry Urbatch
Shona Erlenborn
Tammy Inman
Jessica Turner
Brenda Hurd
Julie Koerber
Rae Barthel
Rachel O’Crowley
Kellie Fortin
Kristen Cohen
Joy Dickson
Candy Rosenberg
Laura Craigie
Stephanie Hester
Leesa Crutcher
Nina Brackett <<--you are here!

I have lots to share with you today as I feature the following Spellbinder dies for my projects:

• S4-291 Labels 15
• S4-285 Nested Mittens
• S4-283 Heirloom Ornaments
• S4-293 Lacey Circles
• Nesties-005 Classic Circles
  

These dies coordinate with many Gina K Designs stamps, including:

• Lovely Labels 2
• Heirloom Ornaments
• Winter Mittens

This photo ornament was created using Lovely Labels 2 stamps, Labels 15 and Heirloom Ornaments dies. The papers are October Afternoon. Tutorial coming soon on this blog!
Here are some detailed shots.Here's another ornament or gift card holder using the Nested Mittens dies and felt. This is an easy project to do with your young kids. I handstitched the die cut felt together, along with the decorations.
This card uses the Heirloom Ornaments stamps, Classic Circles and Lacey Circles dies, which was stamped with the vintage ribbon image from Vintage Backgrounds stamp set. The papers are Graphic 45 Christmas Past. (This is a little preview of tomorrow's Card Patterns sketch).

Finally, another card using the Winter Mittens stamps and Nested Mittens dies. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather.

Simply leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package, including some Gina K Designs stamps! One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22, and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes. Happy Hoppin'!

Turquoise for Christmas?

I've been loving turquoise on my Christmas cards lately. Here's another one. I made this card for The Color Room color palette last week. The frame is Lovely Labels 2 and the sentiment is Banner of Joy from Penny Black. The doily paper is October Afternoon.

I hope you had the chance to hop with the Layers of Color team yesterday. Some of them are sharing new projects today. Go to the LOC blog for more info. I have a card to show you tomorrow with LOC.

Lovely Labels 2 Lovelies

I hope you are enjoying the GinaK Designs previews still going on now. I have one more set to show you tomorrow. And of course, it coordinates with Spellbinder dies!

Today's cards are by two of my talented friends who made these gorgeous Lovely Labels 2 cards. First is by Jennie Harper. I love this Graphic 45 paper that makes such an elegant, vintage card. The verse is from my Vintage Borders set. You can find more details of her card -->>HERE.

The second card is by Carla Suto, who makes such beautiful vintage cards. Here's another one of her beauties. She even made that beautiful flower. Find more info on her card-->>HERE.
I have tons to show you tomorrow featuring the new Heirloom Ornaments set. Can't wait! :-)

Bon Voyage

Happy Wednesday, friends. I hope your week's been going well. Mine is great, esp today as I look out the window and the sun is shining! We've been working to fix our patio and need it to dry before we start the next phase. We're also installing a wood stove to prepare for a harsh winter. I can't wait to have it all done.

Today's card is for this week's Card Patterns and uses some of my favorite products. The stamps I used are Layers of Color's Acanthus Leaves (fleur de lis), GinaK's Lovely Labels 2 (background frame), Vintage Backgrounds (text) and Fanciful Tags. The papers are Webster's Pages. The beautiful seam binding is from this week's Card Patterns' sponsor, Simple Treasures.

Here's the sketch. I hope you can play along with us to win some fabulous vintage ribbons.

Celebrate the beauty and Winners

I hope you are enjoying beautiful fall weather in your corner of the world. It's been cold, windy and wet here in Croatia and I'm really starting to miss the sun. I do enjoy crafting even more when the weather is like this.We heard that this year's is going to be the coldest winter here in 100 years. I guess I'll get a lot of crafting done :-).

Today's card features Lovely Labels 2 and Melanie's Festive Frame sets (sentiment). The top paper is from Vintage Basics digi paper pack. The rest are from Cosmo Cricket's Winter Mittens. The ribbon is my hand-dyed seam binding. The green flower is Webster's Pages' bloomers, which I received awhile back but didn't know how to use it (sad, I know :-). The red flower is a Dollar Store find. Lace is by Wright's.
And now the WINNERS, all picked by Random.org, you've been waiting for from my Birthday Blog Giveaway:

Lovely Labels 2 stamp set ----->>> #59 Emmy
Upcoming GinaK stamp set ----->>> #112 Dani
Some shabby chic embellishments --->>> #47 Savannah O'Gwynn

Congratulations, ladies! Please email me (contact tab above) your address, so I can send the goodies out to you. Thank you all for your joining in my birthday celebrations.

Just a Note

Thank you all who left sweet birthday greetings for me and my girls and participating in my blog giveaway. You are all the best. If you haven't yet, make sure you leave a comment on THAT POST for a chance to win Lovely Labels 2, an upcoming GinaK set and some shabby embellishments. You have until Monday night!

Today's card uses Melanie's latest set, Buds and Vases and Lovely Labels 2. I had so much fun coloring these flowers. The card base is GKD Sweet Mango. Patterned papers are Oct Afternoon and my Vintage Basics digi paper pack.

Enjoy your day!

Birthday Post and More Giveaways

EDIT: This giveaway is now closed. The winners have been announced -->> HERE. Thanks for joining in my birthday celebration.

Today is my birthday, but today's card is for YOU, my blog friends. I am thankful for your lovely comments and kind words on my blog. I hope that you realize how much your visits mean to me.
I'm celebrating my birthday today with my dear family. I share it with my middle-child and I stopped celebrating after she was born. So, I will be 30 forever :-). My youngest turns 5 tomorrow, so it's a busy week of festivities.

Seriously though, there's nothing like a birthday that will make one ponder about life matters. I often read Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions when I examine my life. Here are some things I like:

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

And my favorite:

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory.

If you've been a frequent visitor to my blog, you know that my first passion is Christ and my paper crafting is just an expression of that. As I examine my life on my birthday, I can't help but thank God for the joy He has brought to my life through His Son. My prayer is that everything I am and do is an testimony of my love for Him.

Now, you can't have a birthday without a giveaway. I actually have three since we have three birthdays to celebrate this week.

• Lovely Labels 2 Stamp set.

• One of my upcoming Gina K Designs stamp sets. I can't show you what it looks like yet till the previews begin at the end of the month, but I think you will like it. Hint: it coordinates with Spellbinder dies.
• Some shabby chic embellishments that include my hand-dyed seam bindings, delicate European lace, doilies and other lovely things for your paper crafting projects. (I will post a photo later on).
  

To be eligible, just leave me a comment here. If you are (or become) a follower, you can leave me a second comment. I will post the BIG WINNERS next Tuesday.

Have a great day! I know I will.

Gina K Designs DT Challenge Hop

When Gina issued this challenge to use a background technique that she has featured on Stamp TV, I knew right away which one I was going to do - Distressed Newsprint. It's perfect background to make with my new Vintage Basics digital paper pack and Lovely Labels 2 stamp set. It's just what I need for my vintage-inspired cards.

My first card uses GinaK Grass Green cardstock for a base. The label was stamped with Tuscan Tan ink. I printed the ledger paper from Vintage Basics on ivory paper then stamped the text lines from the Vintage Backgrounds set. The background was distressed using Memento Bamboo Leaves and Distress Vintage Photo inks. The sentiment is from Labeled with Love.

The card base is Lipstick Red. I stamped the label with Vivid Brick Red, the flourish with Tuscan Tan, and the sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa.

For more of the design team's favorite background techniques, please visit these designers' links participating in tonight's hop:

• GinaK
• Jessica
• Melanie
• Nina <<-- you are here!
  
• Theresa
• Tami
• Lee
• Cathy
• Donna
• Tera - our guest designer this month!

The Shabbiest ...

...card I've ever created is probably this one. If you saw the first cards I made, you wouldn't think they were made by the same person. :-) I am enjoying making this style and often my stamp designs reflect my love for the vintage and the shabby.

Today's card uses Lovely Labels 2 and Vintage Basics digipapers. I stamped the frame with Vivid Tuscan Tan then die cut with Spellbinders Labels 15. The papers are Oct Afternoon and the flower is by Prima. The cardbase is GinaK Kraft and ribbon is also GKD.

Here's a close up:
On another note, I read this poem years ago and stumbled upon it again the other day. I love it and want to share it with you all. I esp love the last stanza:

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

~Amy Wilson Carmichael

Fancy Congratulations

What a beautiful day today is in Croatia. The sun is shining, the colors are changing and my family is healthy. God is good.

Today's card uses Lovely Labels 2. I stamped the frame with Vivid Tea Rose. A good friend gave me some Zva crystals this summer and I've been hoarding them like crazy. Now that I've started using them, I can't stop :-). The papers are DCWV and October Afternoon. the flower is by Prima.

This card was made by my friend, Jennie. I love its simplicity and elegance at the same time.

va

Thank You and a Winner!

I just want to say thank you for your lovely comments on my giveaway and daughter's birthday post. She read them all and was touched that she received so many sweet messages from ladies she's never even met. You made my little girl's day, so here's a thank you card for you.

I used GKD Lovely Labels 2 and Inside and Out stamps. The card base and ribbon are GKD Red Hot. The patterned papers are Oct Afternoon.

Now, the winner of my giveaway of seam bindings, lace and Vintage Basics digital paper pack is...#63 DENISE B. Please email me (via contact tab above) with your address, so I can send the goodies your way. Thank you all for playing along. I have more giveaways planned this month. My other two girls and I also have our birthdays in October, too. Stay tuned :-).

Loveliness

I have been busy creating samples for Layers of Colors' release next week. As you know, I love their stamps, esp because they're hand drawn by my good friend, Laura. I am showing you a preview of my current favorite flower stamp called Cottage Rose and it's HUGE. I got to practice my Copic coloring on it. Doesn't that rose just scream loveliness? (PSST, I'm giving away a sampler pack of seam bindings like the one you see on this card on my post HERE :-).

My second card is one I showed at the GinaK Designs release party using Lovely Labels 2. Again, the paper is Oct Afternoon. I can't get enough of their stuff :-). The card base is GinaK Passionate Pink.

Tomorrow and Friday are holidays here in Croatia. Woohoo! We have a full 4-day weekend planned including a trip to another country (of course, the nearest border is only 10 minutes away from our house, but still).