Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Be the Elephant, #2

Please see my previous post for more details.  I changed the orientation and colors, but other elements are the same - as is my story!  I find lots of positive advice here!  My grandkids think I am an adventurous Grandma!
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/p/challenge-rules.html
Positive encouragement http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Uplifting comments advice for a new year!:  http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/
Any digihttp://papermakeupstamps.blogspot.com/2012/09/digi-makeover-challenge-55.html
Any:  http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://createwithtlc-createwithtlc.blogspot.com/p/show-it-off-sunday.html

Be the Elephant

I am going to be a little short of a card a day posted here - but with the ones on Splitcoaststampers I am sure I have reached that goal.
This image and saying are from TLC - I just had to have this one!  A few of you may have seen some of the photos (see previous posts) from our recent trip to South Africa.  We had so many animal views - but the most memorable is an encounter with an elephant.  We were driving in Kruger National Park when we saw a large elephant near the road, just ahead of us.  We stopped, to see what he would decide to do.  We had a vehicle behind us - we did back up as much as possible.  The elephant paced a bit - generally staying on the road just ahead of us (maybe as close as 10-15 feet.) .  At one point he flared his ears -not a goodTL sign.  When he appeared to be coming even closer, our experienced guide/driver opened his window - banged on the door and shouted.  In a short time, the elephant decided to saunter off, and we could all breathe again!  Had he decided to challenge us even more, we were quite sure he could have done serious damage to our van.  That does not happen often, but is not unheard of!  (I hope some of you will  take a look at the photos.)
I like the verse - it encourages adventure but also gives good advice for a well grounded life.
I added some glitter to the Cuttlebug BG, and used Belle Blvd. washi tape.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Glitter:   http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2013/12/december-challenge-is-here.html
TLC:  http://createwithtlc-createwithtlc.blogspot.com/p/show-it-off-sunday.html
Any (100%) digi:  http://createwithtlc-createwithtlc.blogspot.com/p/show-it-off-sunday.html
Positive thoughts - following this saying would result in a joyful life!:  http://createwithtlc-createwithtlc.blogspot.com/p/show-it-off-sunday.html

It looks like I need to fix some links - will get back to this.


Monday, December 23, 2013

Joanne's birthday

This is for a friend from church.  Her birthday is right after Christmas.  She has been undergoing cancer treatment, and can use a bit of a lift.  The Stampin Up image and Basic Grey paper and doily have been in my stash (From Splitcoaststampers WishRAK) for several years.  The irridescent gems are by Recollection, as is the sentiment.
Sketch, with stash items: http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any, with Basic Grey papers: http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Colors:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-12-18T08:00:00-05:00&max-results=4
Any:  http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/


One last Christmas card




A last Christmas Card

Yes, I did need one more Christmas card - and I found a lot of last minute challenges!  For these last cards I am trying to use up some materials left from previous years - that stash just grows!  This is a sentiment embossed in silver - it is on a cube of Christmas images.  The sentiment is computer generated.  I added glitter to the circle, and used a bit of Paper Pizzazz dp, as well as some ribbon and silver cord.
Sketch:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/
Any Christmas:  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/ 
Any Christmas and upcoming new year:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Christmas with sparkle:  http://joannasheenchallenge.blogspot.ca/
The true meaning of Christmas - the glad tidings announcing the birth of the Savior:  http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/
Christmas with a sentiment:   http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
The last Christmas card:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ 
Christmas: /http://thesquirrelandthefox.blogspot.com/
 

Welcome baby

It is good to have cards other than those with a Christmas theme!  This week we welcome a new great-nephew - I think this is about number 40 in that generation - on DH's side.  There are 6 more on my side!  The oldest is about 26 - lots of weddings in the future LOL!
This sentiment came from the stash of items from Splitcoaststampers Wish RAK so I do not know the source.  The DP is from an adorable Debbie Mumm stack.  I added a Cuttlebugged heart with some half pearls.
Sketch: http://kgiron.blogspot.com/   ("The Sweetest Thing")
Any:  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any:   http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 22, 2013

December anniversary

I will use this for an anniversary card.  I have learned that the black and white with an embossed bg will result in a classy looking card - and is fairly quick to create.  This image is from Beccy's Place, and the embossing folder is by Cuttlebug.  The mats are black, and the trim is vanilla.
Sketch #224:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any: http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Sk Sat #224

Masculine - teen birthday

All of a sudden I have realized that I have several family cards to make - today or tomorrow!  This is for a grandson - it is a challenge as I am out of ideas for late teen and early 20's masculine cards.  Outdoorsy themes are great but I have used a lot of them LOL!  This is a digi from stamp 'n doodle,  I added a piece of burlap and mounted it on Kraft cs.  The DP is from a Paper Studio collection.  My NEW item is from a collection of library stamps by American Crafts - I am hoping the dates and the sayings will be useful, especially when I need a tiny sentiment.
Sketch:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
New item, with Kraft cs: http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Use a stamp:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any masculine:  http://herecometheboysblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Have a Blessed Christmas

I want to wish each of you a most happy and blessed Christmas.  May you and yours be filled with joy and love as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

I have not had much time to do cards recently (see the previous posts of photos from our trip) but I need one more Christmas card - and found lots of challenges to complete!  I used the same materials as for most of the previous cards - the glitter added to the Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing, and a shiny gold die cut strip, and a die cut circle.  The mat is hunter green.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
 Christmas:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Holiday:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Die cut:  http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/
Christmas/sparkle:  http://acreativeromance.blogspot.co.uk/
Any Christmas sparkle:  http://craftitudechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas, with a sentiment: http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Happy Holiday:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Bling: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Inspiring - the Christmas message:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
P - palm tree: http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Last minute card:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Nativity:   http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/


Thursday, December 19, 2013

More glimpses of South Africa

 Here are more memories - huge termite mounds; ; our first ride in a helicopter; lush landscapes; happy people in colorful dress - with ready smiles for the camera; - and the haunting memory of row after row of small, square tin dwellings.









 (Sorry - blogger does not seem to want me to rearrange the photos!)
This will give a sample of the hundreds of animals we saw - some closer than we wanted!  Zebras, baboons, wildebeast, impalas and many other antelope, warthogs, cape buffalo, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, vultures, giraffes and many more.  Most were at Kruger Park but we also visited other reserves, breeding facilities, animal rehabilitation centers and more.  Most photos were from inside the van - you can see a few photos where animals were right in front of us or beside the road.









More South Africa photos

Here are more photos - this group highlights the mission aspect of our trip.  We have had the privilege of 
 helping to support a small Lutheran seminaro in Pretoria.  Students come from all over Africa, and will return as leaders in their villages.  The couple at the right are leaders in this congregation - her beautiful voice led the a capella singing in Africaans.  Next is a photo of me with Erling.  On the left is Pastor Karl Bohmer, who until recently was pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran in Gunnison, CO.  At the right is Rev. Nathan Mntambo, pastor of this seminary congregation.  They are experienced big game hunting guides who are also extremely active in many mission projects, including support of this seminary.  Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber is president of the seminary as well as bishop of the Lutheran Diocese in South Africa.  His wife also teaches at the seminary.
Gathering for the Sunday service.

Inside the church, before our English service.
Our tour group and local members.
Add caption





Tour leaders Danielle and Michael Grosse, me, Erling, Pastor and Mrs. Wilhelm.
 As you can probably tell, we have become quite interested in the support of this project.  Most of these students cannot support themselves, and their local congregations find it difficult to give the aid necessary to sustain them at the seminary.  As a result, many have been turned away.  You can learn more at www.LTS.ORG.ZA, or by contacting us.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Trip to South Africa

I have a very good reason for not adding any cards over the past two weeks.  We have just returned from a wonderful trip to South Africa.  We had several goals - to visit a seminary for which we provide some support; to see a lot of animals; and to learn more about the history and the people of this part of the world.  This is not a travel blog, but I want to include a few photos.  Check my other links to see more!  In the photo above, hubby and I are petting a four month old lion cub - not scary at all.



 
There were about 40 elephants in this group.  Each zebra is unique - no two have the same stripes.
That 5 year old elephant challenged our van - came within about 10 feet - was finally persuaded to leave.
Our group leader persuaded me to hold this albino python..  Did I really do that???  The giraffe obviously believes the leaves are better on the far side of the tree!

Monday, December 2, 2013

For Phyllis

This is not quite so shiny IRL!  I neeed a quick card to cheer a friend who is in a lot of pain following surgery.  I have had this ribbon that I do not use on regular Christmas cards, so I thought I would combine seasonal colors with an encouraging message.  Thanks to Hayley at the Sunday Stamps blog for the inspiration.
Sketch:  http://sundaystamps.blogspot.com/
P - for Psalm:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/
Free and easy - any:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/

Holiday Thanks


Our new neighbors brought us a plate of goodies - we have neglected them since they recently moved in - at least I can send a thank you!  This is a digi from Beccy's Place, colored with Prismas and gel pens. IRL the flowers and bow closely match the cs and burgundy of the DP.  I added the die cut from CB's Olivia alpha set - I use the letters often, but neglect the extras.  DP is by Paper Studio.
Sketch:  http://thecraftingcafe.blogspot.co.uk
Any, with Beccy's image:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Grateful:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Thank you with die cuthttp://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
Any:  http://www.inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/
Thanks:  http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
P - for posies:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 29, 2013

Green and white Christmas

For this card I used new hunter green cs and fairly new embossing folders.  The green gems are from a large supply of neglected embellishments!  I also used some gold paper from my stash for the star.
Beccy Muir's 30th challenge of the month is to do something we love.  It is a joy to create Christmas cards - we like to remind our friends and family of the birth of Jesus - the reason for the season.  On another level, I love to use embossing folders.  Though I have LOTS of pattern paper, I really like the clean look of cream or white and a dark color.  Another thing I really like to do is to follow sketches and combine with other challenges - and to create many different looks with the same image.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
What I love to do: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards-challenge.html
Any Christmas:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/

Embossing in cream

From my stash:  tiny half pearls - one of the first prizes I received (Pizzazz Aplenty) several years ago.  The image is from my leftover stack, and I have had the snowflake folder a long time.  The other two embossing folders are fairly new. 
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/challenge-94-any-sentiment.html
Any Christmas:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.com/2013/10/chnc-challenge-extra-for-october.html?showComment=1381358679049#c2166906042903339106 
Christmas:  http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Any Christmas:  http://www.craftybloggersnetwork.blogspot.com/
The last few cards will be mainly "leftovers" - pretty appropriate as out dinner will be leftovers as well - which we are very happy to have!
The DP has been in my stash for a couple of years, as have the gems.  The image is one I stamped a few years ago - I added some sparkly glitter from Studio G - to create garlands on the trees.
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Sparkle: http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://www.craftybloggersnetwork.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/chnc-challenge-extra-for-november.html
Any:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Sparkly snowflakes

I have almost finished the cards I need to make for this year.  Since I will be taking a couple of weeks off (more on this later - it is a good thing for me!) I am glad I completed what I wanted to do.  I am not sure you can see the glittery, sparkly snowflakes - as well as a bit of glitter to edge the sentiment and to highlight the Basic Grey paper strip (I trimmed the edge as it was too wide for this layout). 
Sketch  #79:   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/
Glitter/sparkle:  http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
                          http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
                          http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards-challenge.html
                          http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
                          http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
The shepherds are counting down, waiting to visit the Christ child:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Here are the three cards of my set - see previous posts for individual descriptions.
Set of three:  http://tsgclearstamps.blogspot.com/

Third of three

This is the third card in a collection.  I will post them together soon.  This one is colored with pastel chalk pencils.  Although the layout and image are the same, I varied other elements.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Holiday:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
          http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/

2nd of three

One of the challenges is to do a set of at least 3 cards - thanks to Sketch Sat. I found an easy sketch to use -  pretty important for me right now!  I had pre-stamped and colored several images, and prepared other materials - now my goal is to try to use only what is in that stash - I don't want too many left overs for next year, and it is totally against my nature to discard anything!  The stamps are Stampendous, and dp Paper Studio Faith.  I used Prismas for this one.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.anonymousstamps.blogspot.co.uk/
Any, with uplifting message (any Christmas message is that):  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Countdown for Christmas - the shepherds are certainly doing that:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Oval window




 I have a lovely Madison window die - but it has decided to go into hiding - or maybe it is in the witness protection program.  So I cut a "window" with the oval nestie, and added a scalloped border on the outside - not really too visible on the screen.  (and the mysterious blotches have reappeared.  I need to do some serious checking on that.)  Coloring is by Pastel chalk pencils, and the sentiment from my computer.  DP is Paper Studio.Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Sentiment:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Pencils:  http://www.beccysplace.com/
 Holiday:  http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/