Final Challenge of 2011-LYB

Little Yellow Bicycle has a sketch challenge that ends tomorrow night. I really put this off to the very end, but now it's done and I'm sharing it with you.

Every Fall I gather the kids around and head out to one the nearby parks to do our fall photo shoot. This year with my oldest son married I thought managing four subjects might be easier...not so much...

Now if I can ever master chopping heads from one photo and transferring it to another I might get a photo layout where everything was perfect, but it wasn't this year! To my greatest surprise the child who was always the hardest to keep from bursting into tears at the prospect of having to sit and pose, gave me some great pics this year! Her personality really came through.

That's my little minx! So mischievous! ...love you Libby-Lamb!

Now I will duplicate the page doing one of each of the kids for their albums and change out the photos of Libby with theirs. Of course will have to adjust a few things as I don't think the guys will appreciate being called "beautiful" they won't buy the idea that it's my family that's beautiful....guys!

well, until 2012...
wishing you all the best for the New Year. Hey isn't it nice to be able to start the New Year...the very first day...at church? How great is that!

                                            andrea

and then there were two...

Two days to Christmas...

I tried, but alas, the many last minute details of the holiday season just carried me off to do their bidding. So all the cards I have planned will not make the blog this year in a countdown but to be sure they will continue to be made and posted on the Flickr account, so be sure to occasionally click the link under Card Designs to the right that says Five Pines on Flickr to find the 2012 Christmas card designs throughout the year.

Today I will post my Christmas card for this season. I tried an easel card to display the painting, Folded so that it tucks behind the verse on the bottom of the inside. It is mounted with foam tape and gives just enough height to allow the face of the card with the 'painting' to rest behind it.

The watercolors are twinkling H2O's. I have loved trying these colors out on several projects, but felt this rubber stamp by Deb Strain really called for that extra sparkle of the H2O's. Yes, it was time consuming, even with a great deal of the work sone months ago, I left the painting to almost too late as the business of the season kept creeping in stealing time.

I hope you and your family have been able to focus on the real meaning of Christmas this year, and look forward to starting the New Year on the right foot.

Merry Christmas!
andrea

EIGHT

A late day entry I'll admit, but simple to put together. I bought the Merry Christmas tape years ago with an idea in mind, but never executed it. This year I did several with a rustic feel and managed to come up with a card using that almost forgotten tape.

I hope in the days ahead that the busy-ness of the season doesn't take away from Celebrating of the coming King...first as a babe and one day as The King of Kings!

andrea

Nine Days to go and Nine Cards to view

These are not new designs this year, but they are an example of one stamp and the variations you can do when you change cardstocks, pearlesent papers, embossing powder or tinsel embossing powder. Add some crystals, metallic inks and each will bring a different look.  

the focal stamp is a tree from DeNami Design and the Merry Christmas's are a variety of stamps.

will try for a new card tomorrow...things just got out of hand today...
thanks for stopping by

andrea

and now there are TEN...

Yes! Just ten days till Christmas!

Today's Card is one that that I have created based on a Wedding card by Julie Hickey in Contemporary Wedding Crafts by D&C publishers at oour local library. The original card was a narrow rectangle on the right of a square card and the filler was flowers not snowflakes. I used a Spellbinders Classic Rectangle to cut and emboss the center cut. Working from the top left to right and downward I placed and glued the various snowflakes punched from the same white felt cardstock as the card along edges and attached to each other. They are not attached to the pale blue ridge cardstock that I attached once completed. I added the pale blue to the white edges, (not in the original design) not the snowflakes (they float) because the snowflakes are more delicate than the flowers of the original design. Various punches from various companies are represented here. The final touch is the addition of various sizes of crystal gemstones from Hero Arts.

and now keeping with the Blue Christmas theme a new song for today! ENJOY!

Tags: Blue Christmas, Martina McBride, Martina McBride Videos

Wishing you TEN wonderful days of preparing for Christmas in your home and in your heart!
Merry Christmas...

thanks for dropping in...
andrea

With Eleven Days to Christmas a card and carol too...

Tags: It's Christmas Time, Joey & Rory, Joey & Rory Videos

A song for today, a new Christmas song from a terriffic duo. 

 Background music for today's card.

Quick and easy to make. Mounting a blue card face to white cardstock adding a bit of silver metallic ribbon along bottom, topping that with punched border with Martha Stewart's snowflake border punch. Today's stamp is from Inkadinkado and is stamped with Versa Magic Dew Drop Chalk-Night Sky. It didn't stamp solid, and after heming and hawing about re-stamping it, I finally decided that it actually lent to the blizzard feeling of the stamp and mounted it on blue then on a silver paper mount. A versatile card, can be used as a notecard, a thank you card or your Christmas card.

As always, I appreciate you stopping by and taking a minute to see the latest card...
I can't believe how quickly the days have been passing...
for now...

 Merry Christmas!

andrea

Coming Attractions!

A quick preview of things coming in January

why not shop for some new stamps,
be inspired and join in!

 This will be fun! don't miss it! andrea

A dozen cards and days to go...

...before It's Christmas Day!

Are you finished shopping? Are the presents wrapped? Are the cookies baked and are you ready for the Christmas program and Musicale? Unfortunately I'm still painting my cards and I've lost my mailing list with all the addresses for them when the computer needed to be cleaned in the fall...on the bright side, the photos have arrived and hopefully by weeks end I'll finally be caught up with all that needs to be done.

Today's card continues with the frosty aqua Winter look.

Today's card is made with:

Rubber stamp from Paper Inspirations

ribbon from Darice/Pat Catan's

embossing folder from EK Success

cardstock from Hollos

Ink: Encore Ultimate Metallic-Teal

Well, I've got to get back to painting, I have White Christmas on in the background...seen it so many times I don't need to watch...good thing, as I really have details to attend to...not even my second set of readers I save for detailed stitch work are strong enough to to make this a breeze. Guess that'll teach me not to choose to watercolor 40 cards at once! 

Seeing as it is twelve days before Christmas thought I'd throw this in from Straight No Chaser...enjoy!

Have a blessed CHRISTmas ...it won't be long before all the new scrapbook designs will begin to appear as I begin January as a Design Team Member with Mosaic Moments...please plan a trip back, meanwhile thanks for dropping by for a peek...

andrea

13 days to go and another card to share

Today's card continues with some non-traditional Christmas colors, but it definitely has a wintery feel and a message for the season. I added in a bit of glimmer for a look of snowfall caught in the light, yet still had that tone on tone look.

Stamp: A Christmas Blessing by Verses Ruber Stamps
Embossing folder From Sizzix's Sugar and Starry Nght set
Ink: Versa Color-Atlantic
Swaravski Crystals: White Opal 12ss Hot Fix
cardstock from Hollos

Thanks for stopping in...
wishing you a Merry CHRISTmas!

andrea

Fortnight to go...

or fourteen days before the Big Day!

Swarovski crystals make the sparkle on this tree

Stamps from Morning Star stamps and scripture verse from Stampabilities.

It's the third Sunday in Advent and the theme for this week is Joy.

"You have made known to me the paths of life,

you will fill me with joy in your presence."

Acts 2:28

Do you know people who get all their Christmas presents opened and find themselves disappointed at what they've been given? I can honestly say I can remember a few times like that; as children we often have our hearts set on something in particular we just had to have, and don't get it.  All of a sudden the 'joy' of Christmas is dashed by unfulfilled dreams.

On that special night when angels appeared to shepherds in their fields, the wonder at seeing these angels and their message! How exciting! What Joy! Joy that was not diminished when they saw the tiny babe laying in the manger.

In the coming years, however there were those who could not see the specialness of that gift, could not see Him for who He was...the Savior some expected didn't arrive in the package they were looking for,

No conquering King, but a suffering Messiah,

their hope was dashed.

However, just because they could not see, didn't change the gift, or it's value.

Will we be grateful for all we are given? 

Whether wrapped in pretty paper or the circumstances that come into our lives...will we find joy?

Have you learned that happiness is based on circumstances and easily changes,

 but Joy comes from knowing God.

 from accepting His gift of His Son Jesus,

and living in the power of The Holy Spirit. 

I wish for you this year, come what may, true JOY.

Thanks so very  much for stopping by and sharing a few moments with me and my thoughts...

andrea

Half way to the goal!

With fifteen days to go before Christmas arrives, we've been counting down the days and counting up the cards. I've offered many new ideas in the past days but today and tomorrow I would like to offer a few oldies but goodies that will stay in the line up.

From the Inspirational Christmas line from Stampendous "Joy to the World".

The first card includes parchment and gold metallic floss as an accent. Embossed with Pirates Gold from Stampendous. The second card includes a background of music (Stampendous), also embossed in pirate's gold embossing powder, and layers of green and burgundy cardstock.

Thanks for stoppping by today, may you find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the season

Joy to the World! The Savior reigns!

andrea



Sixteen Days

...and counting...

Plum and Teal, very non-traditional colors, soft watercolors and Stampendous stamp from the Window Art Collection and Merry Christmas from Hero Arts. White embossing powder from Ranger. Both stamps are older stamps, but endless applications.

Is your shopping finished? Are you ready for the day? Are your cards signed, stamped and addressed...and sent? Good for you!! I'm still playing catch up!

Thanks for taking the time from your busy day to stop by and take a look..

andrea

Seventeen Days and Counting...

As I promised...you are seeing a variation on a card from earlier this week...The ink is Encore Ulitmate Metallics-green, I just wish it really popped more on the black cardstock, a gold ribbon and bow pick up colors from The Paper Studio paper: Evergreen Christmas Mix.  

I also mentioned the idea of a Wreath for Advent that includes the Names of Jesus, one on each of the Stars...if you considered it but needed something more concrete I assure you I am still working on it, but it may take time! I was in Pat Catan's yesterday and was looking for inspiration. and picked up some stars, some individual 4" ones and a package of about 24 with a variety of sizes for $1.79, which will really work for what I have in mind...eventually...

So Stay Tuned...have had some interest in working on this as a project...anyone else interested? Meanwhile, I'm still not done with the painting on my own Christmas cards, so, back to work!

thanks for stopping by and taking a look,

andrea

Punched Poinsettias

18 days and counting.... 

Time for another quick card.

On green cardstock I've mounted three strips of white cardstock that I've punched with Anna Griffin's poinsettia punch by All Night Media and backed with red cardstock, wrapped a 1" red ribbon from JoAnn's and the Merry Christmas stamp by Stampabilities in Bottle Green by Adirondak. Poinsettia centers details with Gold Pearl Pen by Viva Decor.

thanks for stopping by for a quick look...

andrea

Simple and Quick with a Big Message

Better late than never! A very quick and simple card for today's offering. One you can complete in a very short time!

Red, White and Dark Green cardstock (Hollos)
Encore Ultimate Metallic Green ink
Our Daily Bread Designs (ODBD) Joy Tree stamp

So many variations to try...you just might see another one before Christmas!
thanks for stopping by...

andrea

Nordic Snow 2.0

Just had to try another version of of these colors, stamp and snowflakes. Add a few new elements like snowflake stamps from Hero Arts and My Sentiments Exactly! stamp the snowflakes with Versa Mark watermark, add Martha Stewart marble glitter to the Martha Stewart snowflakes punch. Split the flake border in half and attach above and below the sentiment block. Add snowflakes to the sentiment block edge with Versa Magic's Oasis Green. Cut Sizzix Snowflakes #15 die edges brushed with Versa Magic Aegean Blue, then Mica D'Lights-Blue Topaz to a few spots on the edges, add pearls with Viva Cream Pearl Pen knot and tie bow with Offray Ribbon.

Week 2---Hope

21 days and counting...


"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Week Two of Advent begins with the theme of  HOPE. Well, we've heard a lot about Hope in recent years, but what is it? Why is it important? And what does it have to do with Christmas?

In the Old Testament Abraham hoped for a promised son...he waited a very long time before Issac arrived. Noah worked 120 years building an Ark before the rains came...Israel waited for the promised Messiah...and when He arrived, not everybody recognized Him...perhaps they forgot the signs they were supposed to recognize? Perhaps we too have forgotten who we are awaiting in this Christmas season? Perhaps we need to prepare ourselves, for one day He will return, and we need to be ready. What are you hoping for in this Holy season?

Today's card is not brand new, but one I'm pleased to be able to bring back. I found Plum cardstock at the store the other day after being off the market for a couple of years! It's a little dark in the photo maybe not too clear, but hope you like it.

Stamp: Jesus Words-Wordsworth by Rubber Soul

paper: white and light blue; Plum aka."Eggplant" cardstock (Hollos)

embossed in Liquid Platinum by Ranger...I love this color it has always embossed without a problem.

Hope you are truly enjoying this wonderful season!

Thanks for stopping by...

andrea

A Nordic Theme

22 Days and Counting...

A quick post today, the days are passing quicker than anticipated and I don't want to get lost in the hustle of the lists of things to do.

I was picking up paper for my daughter's Christmas cards the other day and was once again drawn to these two shades of blue, Soft Loyal Blue and Nordic Blue. A few days earlier I had been  rummaging through a storage bin of baby clothes that I hope to pass on for the grandchildren someday and one of the sweater outfits my Aunt Jean made caught my eye. It had the same Nordic feel with stitches that formed a beautiful wintery pattern and I knew I had to take that inspiration and get it into a card.

So taking a break from the traditional Christmas reds and greens, I offer today a Nordic blue and cream snowflake card.

So quick list of what's here:
Cardstock-Soft Cream,  Nordic Blue and Soft Loyal Blue (Hollo's)
Ink: Dew Drop Versa Magic Aegean Blue
Punch: Martha Stewart snowflake punch
Mica D'Lights-Blue Topaz
Swarovski crystals: Sage, Chrysolite,and Chrysolite Moonlight Hot Fix
Stamp: made in Norway by Ladybug and Friends

The Gift Card

23 days and counting...

The fruit of the Spirit is

 love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;

against such things there is no law.

 Galatians 5:22,23

Maybe not a verse you associate with Christmas, but this stamp by Inkadinkado  "Joy, Peace, Love mini" does just that. How appropriate to celebrate Love come down to earth in the gift of a Savior, the Joy that that gift brings and then Peace...what He will ultimately bring the World as Prince of Peace.

This stamp has hearts and holly forming a  pretty snowflake. I think it would make a very nice ornament, too. On this card I've used it to accent my 'package' like a bow. Stamped with Brilliance Graphite Black.  I've used Prismacolor pencils to color and Martha Stewart marble glitter to highlight a few areas. Red gingham ribbon (JoAnn's) on white felt cardstock(Hollo's) , embossed with Sizzix's (Powdered Sugar and Snow Globe set) holly embossing folder, then mounted on green cardstock (Hollo's)

and a close-up

Spellbinders Standard Circles and Classic Scallop Circles were used to cut this out of Brilliant White and Red Basketweave (Hollo's), white gel pen used to dot each of the scallops. Mounted with Glue Dots Pop-dots.

Well, that's the card for today.

...thanks so very much for stopping by...

andrea

Card Countdown to Christmas

Welcome to December!

24 days and counting

As we count down to Christmas I thought I'd attempt to post a new Christmas card each day until Christmas day. I also thought I'd try to showcase my new line up for 2012.

I'm beginning with a fairly simple design to get started. This card features some of the names we associate with Jesus, especially this time of year.

On green cardstock base

The Paper Company's Artic Snow Metallic cardstock

cut and embossed with Spellbinders Labels 18,

trimmed in metallic gold Prismacolor premier marker

Stamp from Unity Stamp Company

embossed in Pirate's Gold from Stampendous 

gold and green ribbon 'All the Trimmings' for JoAnn Stores

mounted on Elmer's Craft Bond Foam mounting tape

While we are talking about the names of Christ, I recently came across an idea for something new this year. A name search. We know the reference in Isaiah 9:6 that gives us the proclamation "...and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."  but did you know there are many more names that Jesus is known by?  I've copied a page from the small Advent booklet Messiah Come and Behold Him  (and it's very affordable $1.79 too) with many of the names...all you need to do is look up the references for reading during the coming days. One book suggested making a wreath of stars with a name on each star...so I'm going to see what I can come up with, so check back a little later in the month to see if anything interesting came of it, meanwhile, why not see if you can come up with an idea or two!

from Thomas Nelson Inc.: Messiah Come and Behold Him

The Christmas trees are up and trimmed, lights shining brightly and we even had a few snowflakes to wake up to this morning. It's time to get back to the cards I'm supposed to be sending out...painted, assembled, signed, sealed, and stamped. Oh yes, and the family photo!

Thanks for stopping by for a look,
andrea