On Your Golden Jubilee

Since moving to Charleston, my husband and I have met a lovely couple who surprisingly have criss-crossed our path for many years until now.   Both are on staff with our church in Pastoral Care. We hit it off immediately and haven't looked back.

We have been on the Pastoral Care Team from the beginning with them.   Recently we have been asked to take the out reach ministry at our local Assisted Living Center where we have been providing a full church service for those who cannot attend a regular service outside. Most are wheelchair bound, or use a walker (very slowly). And believe it or not, many are in their 90's! They are dear hearts to be sure. And it is an honor and privilege to serve the Lord in this way. 

Last Sunday as we had coffee together after church, I was asked if I would create a Golden Jubilee card for our friend's sister, a Catholic Nun, celebrating 50 years this coming week. 

Please keep my husband and I in your prayers if and when we come to mind. When asked by a sweet resident what purpose God has for her now (she is 93), I replied, tell your faith story.

"The shortest distance between a human being and Truth is a story." Jesus, himself, told stories about the most common things in the world: a lost sheep, a seed that falls on rocky ground, a man whose son runs away from home.

All personal theology should begin with the words: Let me tell you a story. ~ Sue Monk Kidd from the book, Firstlight.

The sentiment is computer generated.  The cross is a stamp from the Verve Stamps set: Jeremiah 29:11 and is embossed with Rangers Liquid Gold Embossing Powder.   The floral and Bible image is hand sketched with pencil and watercolored with Grumbachers Opaque Watercolors.

Blessings

Sincerely, Susie ~

Scatter Kindness

Welcome sweet summertime - hot days, long nights: it seems every summer has a story to it.  It also feels like summer is almost over once we see and hear the last of the fireworks doesn't it?   

I've tried to steal away a few moments of time here and there at my art desk lately.   And I've watched some amazing video tutorials from some of my favorite designers.  I'm always in awe at the beautiful work I see from so many.  

Have you ever sat down to work at your art desk without a plan?  Guilty!  In fact, I did it this past Saturday.  I've been trying very hard to ink up stamp sets that I haven't used yet.   I really wanted to use my Sketched Blooms set from MFTs.  I colored some of the blossoms on Friday, cut them out and got my card base ready along with a never-been-used die cut frame, Stitched Cover-Up Companion - Vertical Frame, also from MFTs.  Oh I thought myself so clever to be so prepared for Saturday (she smiles).    I wasn't as prepared as I thought!

I really wanted to do something like my card, You Got This.    Something vibrant, something out of the ordinary - I have a tendency to go soft most of the time.   I started arranging elements around the frame - hmm.  I didn't like it.   Scrap plan A and move on to plan B. 

Plan B: Choose one flower and two stems from the stamp set.  Color with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.  Add some gold leaf along the outside and inside of the frame and sponge the inside panel with some distress ink.   Arrange the flowers and stem in a pleasing manner following some visual design principles, add some sequins and done! 

I started without a plan and in the end was happy with the results.   Next time, Plan C: Sketch the design first! (she laughs).    Like the sweet colorful dandelion's on the card, lets scatter some kindness around to those who just might be struggling with decisions of their own.   Everyone needs a do over once in a while (she smiles).

Hope you'll come back and visit again.

Sincerely,

Susie ~

So Very Grateful

Hello Friends!

It is day 3 of The 30 Day Coloring Challenge.   Wonderful techniques, tips, and of course, beautiful cards!   

I was so inspired with the lovely artwork on day 2 from Kristina Werner, Kathy Racoosin, and Dawn Woleslagle.  There is a saying that dates back to the early 19th century that states, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."  When I'm trying to learn a new technique I find it very helpful to CASE the work first.  I often color an illustration using the same colors the artist used on my first try. Once I feel familiar with the technique I will proceed from there.   That is the case today.   Dawn Woleslagle from Wplus9 provided instruction start to finish on a Cath Kidston Design Background piece using Copic markers and free hand sketching in a painterly style look.   I love the vintage cheerfulness don't you?

I practice, and I practiced.   I colored, I painted, I glued.  I trimmed, I tore it all up, and started all over again.  Okay, you get the picture.   This afternoon I finally got close enough that I thought a card might be in order. 

The little cabbage rose bouquet is a free hand sketch using Copics.  The painterly style looks like the 'building stamp sets' that are so trendy.  I kept with the same Copic colors that Dawn used.  R22, R24, and E07 for the rose and buds.   G24 and G28 for the leaves.   My card base was created with Papertrey Ink's Make It Market Kit, Don't Forget to Write.  The kit includes some beautiful dies.  

I adore small cards like this.  Wouldn't this be lovely as a set of 4 cards in different colors to give as a hostess gift?  A sweet offering from heart and hand.  

God's Blessings

Sincerely,

Susie ~

You Got This!

Hi everyone!  I hope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July.   We had a very busy weekend.  Parade, Concert, and Fireworks on Saturday with more to follow on Sunday!   We've even heard fireworks this evening!

This morning begins Kathy Racoosin's TheDailyMarker30Day Color Challenge.   This is a very unique challenge.  All Kathy asks is to spend a little time each day coloring (any medium).  You don't have to create a card.  Just color.  If you don't finish it's okay.   It's about making time to create.   You'll meet new friends, and see some wonderful coloring skills!   So with that said let me show you what I've created.

My card is created by using a page from one of the adult coloring books, Secret Garden.  No stamps, just coloring with fun summer colors!  The sentiment is stamped and embossed on vellum.  Love that look, how about you?   I hope you'll visit Kathy's blog, The Daily Marker, to see how she created her Color Book Card and the very unique bonus card.

So inspired by Debby Hughes yesterday when she posted a masculine birthday card using the new Clearly Besotted, Tickle My Fancy stamp set.  Debby spoke about the symbolism of a feather.   For me it symbolizes Freedom. Strength. Hope - for today and the future.   May we as a nation continue to serve, protect, and love our neighbor as ourself.  One nation under God.

Thanks for your visit today.   I'll see you next time.  Until then, stay cool, have fun, and enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Susie ~