Monday, July 25, 2011

DRESS REHEARSAL TAG


Hello! Today, I played along with the Splitcoast Stampers Clean and Simple Challenge! Todays Challenge was all about TAGS!


I used the Brushed Inks technique from the Technique Junkie Newsletter - Aug/ Sept 2009 issue...

The sentiment, I know... it doesn't look THE BEST - I hand wrote it...LOL I liked the words and didn't have a stamp that would be fit for the card, so I made it myself... So- Look Mom!!! :)



Here are some more details...

Stamps: Naturally Style from Susana's Custom Art and card Design
Paper: Blushing Bride, Espresso, White Storm cardstock from Mark's Finest Papers
Ink: Copics, Memento
Accessories: Espresso Twill, Glossy Tag, Paint Brush, Water Based Inks, Wild Orchid flowers available at I Brake For Stamps,
Techniques: Brushed Inks


Well, I am off for the day! It is noon here and my son informed me about 20 minutes ago that I am still in my pajamas, so I better go get ready for the day! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Chrissy D

BIRTHDAY BUDDIES


Hello and Happy Monday! Todays card is just for fun! My friend Holly Brown bought me this cute set from Paper Smooches. for my birthday, so I thought it would be fun to play with it!!


Yesterday was the Featured Stampers Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers. 
Here is the card I cased along with the changes I made ...
1. Colors
2. Stamps
3. Added the Simple whitewash technique from the Technique Junkie Newsletter...
4. Changed the shape of the Tag
5. Added Stitching to the edges



Here are the details: 

Stamps: Birthday Buddies by Paper Smooches
Paper: Pool Party, Island Indigo, White
Ink: Memento and Copics
Accessories: Gesso, Brush, Metal Edge tags, Velvet Ribbon, Glue Dots
Techniques: Simple White wash



Thank you for stopping by and taking a look! I hope you have a great day!!!
Chrissy D

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The past 6 months...


Hello Everyone - Today, I am sharing a bit of what has been happening in my life....

Today marks the end of a short era for Adam and I. Last year, Adam was approached for a few new jobs and after carefully weighing the pros and cons - praying about it for a few months and talking about it - he took a new job in April. After 13 years of working at the other company, in March, Adam went into a few months of shutting down like I have never seen before He stopped communicating about what is was going on in his head. He stopped being as helpful around the house. He would often come home and sit in silence.  This put our marriage to a test. 

I was used to Adam being quiet but not completely shutting me out and honestly, I was used to his help around the house and he had stopped that for a time. I found myself getting bitter and angry because I felt like he was shutting me out and I felt like I had certain "rights" to his help around the house, running errands, help with the kids, etc.. At first, I found myself meditating on everything that made me angry about what he WAS NOT doing. Adam is NOT prone to depression. He is quiet,thoughtful, a very hard worker, diligent in all that he does and really thinks things through. Quite honestly,  I was used to a certain way of life with Adam doting on me and felt justified in my anger and feelings of resentment and MY RIGHT to have him communicate with me and help me around the house...and you know...continue to spoil me the way that he does. I also with drew from Adam. In my head, I figured, well if he is going to with draw from me, I felt justified in the thought process that I could with draw from him...

The new job offered us more money but we had a new schedule, longer hours, and at times longer travel. Most of all, I felt I lost my husband some how... He was still HERE physically, but I felt like he checked out.

After a month or so of working there, Adam was NOT happy but could not figure out why. I felt like GOD has led us to this new job, so that Adam should really stick it out. At his "old" job, Adam loved his work but thought he did not like the way things were run and the amount of travel. This new company looked like it would offer him everything he was looking for. In my head, I was feeling like it is different and that was why Adam didn't like it...

In May, I had a quiet time and thought to myself, what if this was the way it is going to be from now on? I can sit here and be bitter and angry or I can suck it up and make the best of it. I chose to make the best of it. I started to pray for Adam in ways I hadn't before. I also prayed that the LORD would help to change me, so I could fully minister to Adam. I wanted Adam to be able to come home and to be able to fully relax without the worries of life, work, etc. While the house was not always perfect or clean, I tried to do things that I knew he would appreciate but would not put into words. I tried to have dinner on the table within a few minutes of him coming home, I would try to make him lunch every day (he worked a few miles from home). I would offer to go on walks with him and just listen as he spoke. I honestly feel that just listening to him and praying for him was what he needed. He didn't need me to TELL him what I thought, nag him about what he was not doing around the house or demand what I felt were my rights in our relationship. He just needed me to be by his side and to listen to him.

Mind you, many days we walked, I would think in my head... Do I have to listen to the SAME THING every day???? He did start talking but several times a day it was the same thing... Do I stay at this new job? I can't figure out what I don't like, etc. I am so bored at work.... I honestly had to correct myself in my thought process and just LISTEN... I am a problem solver - so having a problem does not come easy for me. In my head, I was thinking do I have to listen to the same thing every day? And then one day, the LORD revealed to me..."Chris, for years, he has come home every day and listens to you complain about the same thing, talk about the same thing. He goes to work every day and never complains. He gets up every day on time and goes to work. This is a faithful man, minister to him and treat him like he has treated you all of these years. Quit your complaining, stop your selfish thoughts and get over yourself. 

Instead focus on Philippians 4:8 -11 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you....

I often had to repeat this to myself and asked a good friend to remind me of it if I complained about something....I made small posters with this Scripture and posted them in the bathroom, in my purse and on my wall.

I also started telling myself , "Do all things without complaining" and Hebrews 12:11, No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful, however it produces the peaceable fruits of righteousness by those who are trained by it." I didn't think we were being disciplined as much as I needed to be disciplined in my thought life and what I was focusing on... So  I focused on the things I was thankful for in Adam and worked at treating him the way As I listened to Adam while we walked , he started opening up more and talking more...he realized he really didn't care for the work he was currently doing but he loved what he did at his old job. Over a few weeks, my husband came back emotionally too! :) I just needed to close my mouth, PRAY and focus on his needs for a period of time rather than mine.

Anyways - in early June, after some encouragement, Adam decided to contact his old place of employment and see if he could have his job back. In my head, I was thinking they would jump right on it, (he had several past employees contact him prior and let him know that they missed him) but the LORD had other plans.

 In that 7 weeks, the LORD revealed to Adam and I how much we appreciate each other, how GOD will provide for us and prepare our hearts in His time for the character building opportunities He sets before us. I learned personally, that I need to listen more and talk less to my husband. Adam learned that he loved what he was doing, the constant change and versatility his old job offered him and while everything may not be perfect there, it wasn't THAT bad. The LORD showed me that I need to be available to just BE with him and not to talk at him. This is funny because Adam is like a steady stream and I am more of a babbling brook! 

In early July, the "old" work place contacted Adam after he went through the interview process again and re-hired him. Adam gave his two weeks notice and today is his last day. We are both so thankful, but I know Adam is more so...The new place operates things differently and they have to spend a lot of time looking busy!!! There have been HOURS of each day, where he has to look busy which is SO painful for Adam. 

So that is my journey the past several months. It is hard not to focus on the negative things - but I know when you keep your focus on what is true, noble, pure and praise worthy the LORD does truly work it out for good.

As I wrap up todays' post, I leave you with a challenge from Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.


Your relationships may not be what you want them to be today, but with perseverance, forgiveness , the right attitude, hard work and doing what needs to be done, things will change.


Thanks for taking the time to read the testimony of the Lord's goodness in our life. Have a blessed day!

Chrissy D
PS . I want you all to know my heart...I do not share this to promote myself or the fact that " I have arrived" in any way but rather to share God's glory and answers to prayer. I am just a mere piece of clay in the Potter's hands!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

CBC121 - CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Hello and welcome to the bi-weekly Creative Belli Challenge! I am back after taking a break for awhile.


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This challenge is a Christmas inspiration challenge. Our inspiration piece is this beautiful Christmas china that belongs to our design team member, Karen Wallace. Thank you Karen for providing us with such lovely inspiration to create our cards and projects.

The spirit of the Belli challenges is to encourage you to use your OLD and FORGOTTEN embellishments!

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If you upload to a gallery, please use keyword CBC121. We would love to have you join in on the fun!

Here are the details to my card! I used the Technique Junkie Newsletter technique called BY THE INCH! 

Stamps: Reindeer Collage available at I Brake For Stamps - you can save 10% by using save10holly
Paper: Cherry, NQN, Baja Breeze, DP from SU
Ink: Copics - Memento
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Technique Junkie Newsletter, Ice White, Viva Pearl Pen, White Satin Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon

Take some time to see what the team has created to inspire you! 


Thanks for taking a look! I hope you have a great day!!!
Chrissy D

SIREN'S CALL



Hi Everyone! Today, I was working in my office and thought I would play along with the Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge! I actually made two cards, but I will share the other one later this week! The Color Challenge was to use Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip and Pool Party. 

I used the beautiful shimmery Creative Inspiration Paints - Sunshine, Orange, Pumpkin, Turquoise, Aqua Marine, Evergreen, Autumn Wheat, Silver Frost, Rose Quartz and Chocolate  

Stop by their blog and let them know Chrissy D sent you!!

I also used the Technique Junkie Newsletter and the technique Curled Corners.

Here are some more details:
Stamps: Siren's Call from Susana's Custom Card and Art Design
Paper: Pool Party, Chocolate
Ink: Staz On - Creative Inspiration Paints
Accessories: Water color brush, Creative Inspiration Paints, Dimensionals, Dew Drops, Technique Junkie Newsletter, buttons, hemp


Be sure to stop by tomorrow to see what I have in store for you then! I hope you have a very blessed day!!!

Chrissy D

Monday, July 18, 2011

GATHERING LOVE CAS


Hello! Here in Wisconsin it is HOT and HUMID... I am not one that fairs well in that weather, so I tend to stay in the house with the air conditioner. I spoke to my sweet sister today and she was sitting out on the porch enjoying the heat.... I told my mother she must be an alien child, because my mom and I do not do hot weather... LOL


Today, I decided to participate in the Splitcoast Stampers Clean and Simple Challenge. I used the Technique Junkie Newsletter and the Copic texturizing technique!



Have you checked out Susana's Custom Card and Art Design? They are advertisers over at Technique Junkies and have some beautiful images! Check them out if you have already! They have the fabulous Viva Pearl Pens too!



Stamps: Gathering Love from SCACD
Paper: White Storm Card Stock available at Marks Finest Papers
Ink: Copics, Memento
Accessories: Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, Buttons


Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a great day!
Chrissy D

Sunday, July 17, 2011

HOT DIGGITY DOG!


Hello and Welcome to my little corner of the world today! It is hot here in Wisconsin, but my good friend from Texas says I have nothing to whine about....and I am guessing I do not!

Today, I played along with the Featured Stamper Challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers!

I loved this clean and simple design of Teri's! I actually had the pleasure of meeting Teri last year at the Chicago CHA too at the SCS table!!!

The things I changed from this design -

are the stamps, the colors, I added an extra layer, some paper piercing and the Dew Drops!

Stamps: Frisky Florence and Hot Diggity Dog from DRS Designs
Paper: Tangerine, Crumb cake, Espresso
Ink: Memento and Copics
Accessories: Dew Drops, Grosgrain, Paper Piercing tool, Mat pack, Mono Glue Dots


Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Chrissy D

Friday, July 15, 2011

ADIRONDACK SUMMER


Hello! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!
This week's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Adirondack Summer? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)
For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Adirondack Summer. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.


On todays card, I used the Technique Junkie Newsletter from the August/ September 2010 issue - Glitter Ribbons! I love this technique. So much fun!!!

Here are a few more details:
Accessories: Glitter, Xyron, Score Tool, Viva Pearl Paint

Hop on through to see more GORGEOUS creations from the Design Team...
Nancyruth
Neva
Silvia 
Faith
Claudine
Dawn
Marilynn
Patricia
Chrissy - YOU ARE HERE
Karen
Pam
Joanne
Kittie
Mark’s Finest Papers

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend!



Chrissy D

Thursday, July 14, 2011

LILACS IN SUMMER - MFP DAY 3


Hello Everyone!! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!
This week's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Lilacs in the Summer? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Lilacs in the Summer. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.

On todays card, I am using the Technique Junkie Newsletter technique called Under - The- Flap! I have included several different shots for you to see...







Here are the details:
Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder, Black and White Storm
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Viva Pearl Paint, Paper Snips, Prisma Color Pencils, Stickles

If this is your first stop, you will want to hop through and see all of the beautiful creations everyone has for you!


Emily
Nancyruth
Neva
Silvia 
Faith
Claudine
Dawn
Marilynn
Patricia
Chrissy - YOU ARE HERE!
Karen
Pam
Joanne
Kittie
Mark’s Finest Papers

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day!!
 Chrissy D

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PLANTED WITH LOVE


Hello Friends! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This week's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

 So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Planted With Love? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's 
release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Planted With Love. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.


Today, I have two cards to share with you using this wonderful set!



On this card, I used the Technique Junkie Newsletter technique called Ghost In Distress.
Cardstock: Watercolor Card stock, Daffodil, Espresso, Mustard, White storm
Accessories: Spray Bottle, VersaMark Ink, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Non-stick Craft Sheet, Heat Tool. Punches, Swiss Dot Embossing, Big Shot, Gems, Copic Markers

You will want to hop along the trail here for your chance to win and to see what everyone else has in store for you!


LoisVickyDawnAnnePeggysueConnieEmilyKarenPattyRoxieVickiLizGeriLynnMark’s Finest Papers


Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Chrissy D