Newsprint Reveal and an Announcement...

Hello! The past two days, I have been feeling a bit under the weather. My stomach is crampy and not feeling quite right and I have a sinus headache. ICK. Yesterday was far worse than today, I woke up, grabbed a cup of coffee, had 2 sips only to get so nauseas I ended up back in bed. By lunchtime, I felt better and was able to function again. Today, I am able to function, but trying to take it easy.

This morning, while enjoying a cup of coffee I was reading my e-mails and recieved one from the Technique Junkies Newsletter. Remember, I am their Guest Designer this month!? This is my exciting news... I have been invited to join their Design Team!!! I will start in June!

This card is one I made yesterday. I used Technique Junkies April/May Newsletter and the Technique Newsprint Reveal technique. I also combined Splitcoast Stampers Color #213 and Sketch Challenges #223.

Here are a few more details...

Stamps: From Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps - Dream Silhouettes, A True Friend
Paper: bashful Blue, So Saffron, Spring Showers, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Brads colored with Copics, Dimensionals, Scallop Edge punch, Clear EP, Brayer, Heat Tool

Have you participated in the Belli Challenges yet? Check them out HERE.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a blessed day!

IT'S WEDNESDAY! DOUBLE CHALLENGE DAY!!!

It is BELLI CHALLENGE DAY! I know I have said this a few Wednesdays in a row now - but did you know we moved to a new BLOG and changed the name? Please join the fun at http://www.bellichallenge.blogspot.com/!

This week's Belli Challenge was to use your Cello Bags...I was all set had this project set up and realized that this uses the clear envelopes.

I am back with the tutorial. I was all prepared to share it here this morning, but then got a wave of nausea, so I went back to bed. Are you an American Idol fan? I tend to record everything, but then my DVR cut off the show early...ARGH! I missed my favorite! Adam Lambert! But thankfully due to modern technology I found it here - check it out!

http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j141/mjsbigblog/Top%208/?action=view&current=adam-top8.flv

I created this little booklet with my new Digi-print Graduation set that is available at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. When you participate in the Belli Challenge this week, you can win this Digi stamp!!!

The instructions for this came from Jill Smith, 2006

Clear Envelope Album

Covers: One piece of cardstock cut into TWO pieces measuring 4 3/4" x 8 1/2". Score each cover piece at 1". Fold completing crease with the bone folder.

Binding: One piece of cardstock measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/4". Score at 1 1/4", fold, completing crease with the bone folder. (I skipped this portion on my project)

Envelopes: Stampin' Up! Clear Envelopes: 5

Accessories: Brads - Quantity 2 (I used 5), 1/16th hole punch, Bone folder, Sticky Strip

Directions:

1. Layer Clear Envelopes on each other, one at a time, by lining up the closed ends/ Use the envelope adhesive to stick them to each other. Make sure the envelopes are all the same side up (i.e. side the envelope opens on)

2. Stick the Clear Envelope stack on top of one of the folded flaps of one of the cover cardstock pieces.

3. Place the other cover cardstock piece, folded flap down, on the top of the envelope stack. Use 1/16th punch to punch TWO holes, one from the top and one from the bottom, through BOTH cover pieces and the envelope stack. Insert your brads. (Note: You are creating the look of one of the Post Bound Albums. This will also allow more envelopes to be added to the Clear Envelope Album at a later date.)

4. Attach binding cardstock piece using Sticky Strip, around the folded ends of the Album.

5. Decorate your cover as you wish.

Here is the fabulous Design Team links - go check them out and let them WOW you!!!

Christi Thorsen

Joan Ervin

Courtney Fowler

Joanne Travis

Holly Brown

Lee Murphy

Anna Harada

Ceal Pritchett

Shelly Koskinen

Anna Banana

Danita's Daily Dish

I will post the tutorial for this by lunchtime today! Now onto the Bloggers Challenge!

This week's colors...

This week, Tootles & Binks is our Sponsor! When you participate be sure to link up with Mr. Linky for your chance to win! Be sure to check out Tootles & Binks website too!

Be sure to head on over to the Colour Copic Challenge Group for more information and to see MORE TOOTLES & BINKS! VERY CUTE STAMPS and SO Fun to color!

Visit the Design Teams Blog for more inspiration with these colors!

Adele
Karen
Lisa
Louise
Maddy
Paula - Challenge Creator
Sarah
Shell - Challenge Creator


I'll be back in awhile! Have a fabulous day!

TUTORIAL: Why Light Direction Matters in your coloring

LIGHTING AND SHADING
Tutorial by Chris Dickinson
www.chrissyd723.blogspot.com

Why Light Direction Matters in your coloring…

If you want your coloring to look authentic or realistic, you want the direction of your art to be consistent throughout your entire project that you are creating. Sometimes, the stamped images will show you lines with the shading done already, but other times the stamp will not include the shading so you cdan have a bit more flexibility in your coloring.

You may want to get a lamp that you can change angles and choose a still life object to play around with your light direction and shadows. Remember when you were young and you would try to hide from your shadow or jump on it? (Or was I the only weird one? LOL) It typically would move around depending on the time of day or where you were standing. The following notes will help you in directing your shadows when you color.

With your Light Direction, you have several different options…

1. Overhead Lighting – This is when your light hits your objects from over head.
When outdoors, over head lighting happens around mid-day. Your shadows will be small and directly underneath your stamped images.

2. Frontal Lighting – This lighting occurs when the light is in front of your stamped image. There is a lot of contrast between your objects and tends to flatten them, eliminating fine detail.

3. Side Lighting – This lighting occurs when the light hits your stamped image from one side. When outdoors, side lighting will happen in early morning or early evening.

4. Back Lighting – This lighting occurs when your light is directly behind an object. It will create a dark silouette.

5. Soft or Overcast Shadows – This lighting happens when you want your artwork to look like the lighting is filtered, smoke, pollution, clouds, etc. There will be softer shadows and colors and there will be very small contrast in the shading.

These tutorials take extra time and I want to make sure they are helpful to you and worth the time! Please let me know - good or bad I can take it!

Have a blessed day!

EASTER SILOUETTES - Monday DT Challenge #19

Good morning! I am happy to share this week's challenge with you...Create a card using an EASTER THEME!

I honestly made one card and realized after that it was more Spring than Easter...and by that time, I was all out of OOMPH and didn't feel like stamping anymore but wanted to complete this challenge... I hopped over to the OCC Blog and saw Silke Ledlow's card. WOW!!! Is it gorgeous - head on over and check it out. I ended up CASING it and changing the stamps. I also used a Technique Junkies technique -Pigment Scrunch.

Here are the details:

Stamp Sets: Dream Silouettes, Easter Scripture

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose DP

Accessories: Colorbox Ink, Eyelet Scallop punch, button, Taffeta ribbon, distressing tool, White brads

As always you are welcome to use any stamps for our challenge, although it thrills us to see you using your SNSS stamps :).When uploading to SCS & PCP galleries use keyword SNSMC19.

Be sure to check out the following DT blogs for more inspiration:

Sandy Domelle

Courtney Fowler

Janette Olen

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

DAY 3 BLOG HOP, BLOGGERS CHALLENGE AND FUNNY CANDY

HAPPY FRIDAY! We hope you will join us tonight for the Release Party! Here is the link to the forum for the Release Party from 9pm-11pm EST! Hope to see you there! Be sure to join us for the HOP!

I combined the BLOGGERS CHALLENGE with the BLOG HOP and Sandy's Challenge for the Release Party! It is a FUN color challenge - and you can have an opportunity to win a FREE stamp set if you participate! I used the elegant Easter Scripture set for this card...

Be sure to click on the Blogger Challenge Blinkie on the side bar and view everyone's projects! They are sure to wow you! I enjoyed this sketch and I even tried to keep it simple! LOL

You will also want to check out the other Design Team members for their BEAUTIFUL projects for the BLOG HOP!

Courtney

Korin

Deb

and back on the SNSS Blog to wrap it up!

Now something to make you SMILE!

Yesterday, I was sitting in my office doing some stamping and my 4 year old daughter, came into my office holding something behind her back.

She said, "I found candy in a room."

I said, "what kind of candy?"

She said, "Special Candy that is very yummy!"

I said, " Show Mommy, the special candy!"

Sooooo....(see attached picture)

I tried telling her that it wasn't candy, but she didn't believe me! So I grabbed my camera and took this picture...
I hope to see you at the Release Party tonight! Have a FABULOUS DAY!!!!!

DAY TWO of BLOG HOP!

Hello! Have you been HOPPING? If you missed yesterday, you will want to go back and see these beautiful projects the Design Team has created.

Start on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps blog

and head to Suzy Lorie Faith and scroll down here for another Sneak Peak from me...

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is doing things a bit different this BLOG HOP and RELEASE PARTY. We are posting the challenges throughout our BLOG HOP and you will have a chance to win these 4 new fabulous stamp sets! This time around, the Design Team is posting the challneges on their blogs - so check out each blog to find out the challenges! This card was a take on the Sketch Challenge! Come on and play- we WANT to see what you create! (Scroll down to see the Challenge I posted!)

This stamp set is called Spring Scenes - I just love the versatility of this set! You will definitely have to go through the HOP to see all of the different ways the Design Team uses this set!

Here are the details:

Stamp Sets: Spring Scenes and I'd Pick You Mouse and words)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Coordinations, Whisper White

Accessories: Scallop Eyelet punch, Dew Drops, Mini Glue Dots, Rounded Tab Punch

Be sure to hop on over to be FULLY WOWED by the Design Team

and head to

Cindy

Sandy

Janette

Jeanette

Sarah

I have had a few friends who are struggling this week. I struggle at times myself and read this devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries and it encouraged my heart, so I thought I would share it with you today...

The Truth About Fear
Micca Monda Campbell

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed how some TV commercials mix just enough truth with their product to make it believable? While that's called false advertisement, the product still comes off convincing. It's not until we purchase the product, and it fails, that the trickery becomes exposed.

In the same way, Satan specializes in false advertisement. He's good at making our fears look real when they are not. Does that mean all fears are wrong? No. The fear of standing near a high cliff protects us from getting to close to the edge and toppling over. One the other hand, Satan's spooks are full of trickery. They are usually disabling and keep us from progress. This kind of false advertisement can choke our faith and fuel our fears.

Have you ever wondered where our struggle between faith and fear began? I have. According to author and teacher Malcolm Smith, fear was introduced to the human race by a satanic lie.

The Garden is the first place where the serpent deceived Eve by twisting God's word. The Lord told Adam not to eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). If he or Eve ate from that tree, they would surely die spiritually. Not only did Eve eat the forbidden fruit, but she offered it to Adam and he ate too.

As soon as Adam disobeyed God, their relationship changed. Adam was not only afraid, but he doubted God's authority, friendship, and provision. Satan's lie told Adam that he didn't need God. In fact, Adam was persuaded that he could be his own god, self-sufficient in every way.The same can be true for you and me. At times, you an d I live independent of God's presence. We act as if everything depends on us. We wouldn't dare admit that we are in over our heads. We want to appear in control. But God never meant for you and me to be strong in and of ourselves. We were meant to show His strength in our weakness as He provides for our needs. We were created to live like little children, dependent on the care our heavenly Father.

The times we insist on living life our way, in our own strength, we experience the same result as Adam and Eve. We will live in fear. This is right where Satan wants us.

If we're afraid to try, we never will. If the enemy can keep us contained by fear, we won't be able to fulfill our potential or make a difference in the life of another. Satan knows what we are capable of with Christ. To prevent us from that realization, he poisons us with fear.

The truth is what we fear rarely comes to pass. This kind of fear that is fueled by Satan's lies can be described by this acrostic:

False

Evidence

Appearing

Real

It's not that we shouldn't be concerned about certain issues of life such as safety and health. But when worrying takes over by keeping us up at night and shutting us down during the day, we've moved into a place we were never meant to live. We must return to living in God's presence and relying on His promises and provision. Only then will we be able to distinguish between truth and lies. Only then will our lives be marked by faith, not fear.

Dear Lord, help me to discern between false fears and real concerns. As I commit Your Word to memory, make Your truth alive in my heart so that I can battle fear and live by faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell

i am not, but i know I AM by Louie Giglio

Finding a Faith Stronger Than All My Fears (3 CD set) by Micca Campbell

Visit Micca's blog

Application Steps:

Determine if your fears are real or if they are only False Evidence Appearing Real. If your fears are real, heed their warning. If they are smoke and mirrors performed by the enemy, take those thoughts captive and give them to God in prayer.

Reflections:

Do you doubt God's provision and protection - why or why not?

Are you living independent of God's presence, or carefree in His care?

How can depending on God's resources and strength eliminate your fears?

Power Verses:

Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (NIV)

John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV)

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (NIV)

© 2009 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

If you have not heard of the Proverbs 31 Woman Ministries, I really enjoy their devotions.

Have a blessed day!

BLOG HOP & BELLI CHALLENGE #61 & COPIC COLOUR CHALLENGE

This post is going to be a TRIPLE DECKER with TWO sneak peaks for you in the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog Hop! If you have come here first - when you are done looking, you will want to HOP on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog.

I had recieved a card a few weeks ago from a friend and that served as my inspiration for this card. I will share it next week! :)

This Blog Hop Sweet 'n Sassy is doing things a bit differently for this release. To celebrate the release of four new stamp sets, Sweet 'n Sassy will be having four challenges, each with a prize of the new set being featured. You will see each of the four challenges posted on DT member blogs during your blog hop from April 1-3. I am hosting the sketch challenge, and you guessed it, the winner will receive this super sweet Be Blessed set used to make today's card. This is a stamp set with a cause - more on that below.

Be sure to HOP to all of the Blogs to see the challenges - These are VERY easy to do!

I am hosting a challenge with the theme of BIRDS. To enter just make a card using BIRDS on your card, and upload it to the Sweet n' Sassy Gallery. There is no need for a keyword.

Here are the details of my project...

Stamp Sets: Dream Silouettes

Cardstock: Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Accessories: Dew Drops, Mini Glue Dots, Celery Grosgrain

Be sure to HOP on over to see the rest of the Design Teams Inspiring Sneak Peaks!

Start on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps blog and head to

Suzy

Lorie

Faith

It is good to be home and NOT busy. I am having a GREAT week. I have had lots of time to work on my blog and spend extra time snuggling and reading to my gremlins. To actually live here, I could complain, but I know that it would not change my circumstances.

I can always tell when Tax Time is here in my home because that seems to be when things fall apart. While I was away from home this weekend, we had a snow storm and our power went out several times. This brought on power surges - which blew out several of our small appliance things - The things I came home too being broken...

1. 2 Dvd Players (this is bad because we do Video School for the kids with Bob Jones Univ.)

2. One of our Computers

3. Wireless Internet Router

4. Nintendo Wii Player (sad!)

5. one of Television - the one Grace does her school on

Now, as I look at that list - I think WOW those are expensive items to have to replace, but I have to say on the other hand, we are blessed to even have those items. Ultimately they do not belong to us anyways, as all of our possessions were gifts from God. I am not going to stress about all of these things, I am going to trust God that He will provide for us when He deems it time. My flesh wants to run out and go shopping though! LOL

I combined this week's Challenges for the Belli Challenge AND the Copic Colour Challenge

I will start out with the Belli Challenge! In combination of these challenges, I am showcasing a NEW SWEET 'n SASSY STAMPS - BIRTHDAY GREETINGS.

The Belli Challenge for this week is to make an APRIL FOOL'S DAY card. I have to say I absolutely LOVE this card and the way it turned out. It makes me SMILE! Be sure to check out the Belli Design Team's FABULOUSLY FUN projects.

The Copic Colour Challenge colors are R22, E47 and B12 - be sure to check out everyone's GORGEOUS projects.



Each one of these Design Teams do such FABULOUS work! I feel privileged to be part of these teams!



Here are the details of this project...

Stamp Sets: Birthday Greetings by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, other images are Whipper Snapper Design

Cardstock: Neenah #80 Solar White, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Pink Coordinations

Copics & Memento Ink

Accessories: Dew Drops, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Chocolate Grosgrain.


Thank you for stopping by! I will have another Sneak Peak for the New Releases from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps coming out tomorrow! I hope you have a blessed day!