Vintage Labels Sale A Bration Set

MAD Challenge - Day 28!

Today's Making A Difference project is going to a lady from my church.  She just moved here due to some life issues, and is now rebuilding her life.... well, it's been a long road for her and her children, and thanks to the love and support of her parents, and her new church family here, she is moving forward (with resolving some issues and obtaining a new job!) So this card is being sent to her, to let her know she has many people praying for her and wishing her well.

The Sale-A-Bration set, Vintage Labels, is a great set as it coordinates with 4 of our punches (love that!)  I used the wide oval one here.

The paper is our Bride Specialty paper... it's white normally, but I changed the color with some bashful blue ink.  And of course, you can add simple elegance with our organza ribbon, and a little texture with the big shot Polka Dot folder.

Well, my challenge has been COMPLETED!!!  It's been an amazing 28 days!  I hope you have enjoyed these projects.  Many of you have touched my heart by sending emails letting me know you were inspired to send more cards, give more gifts, as a result of this challenge.  We are here for a purpose... to serve God by loving others.... I love you so much, and hope that you will take the time to love others and make a difference in their lives.  Blessings to you and I hope you will share your stories of how you are making a difference!

Sticky Sheets with Glitter

MAD Challenge - Day 27!

Today's Making A Difference Challenge idea is going to my friend Debbie..... we attended an awesome concert last night.... Casting Crowns... we went out to dinner w/ our hubbies and then to the concert.  They are such an amazing group, and proclaim Jesus in all they do.... So, I am sending Debbie this card to let her and Brian know how much we enjoyed our time with them.

I actually made this card for a demo I did today at a scrapbooking crop fundraiser for a local hospital. (I did lots of fun demos) and the ladies particularly liked the sticky sheets... sheets of 12 x 12 adhesive paper that you can cut w/ the Big Shot (as I did here with the butterflies die) and apply to your project.... then peel off the clear covering to expose the adhesive, and sprinkle with glitter.... viola!

It is so glitzy... and many of the ladies were ALL ABOUT GLITTER!

Oh, I am going to share a couple pics of the Casting Crowns group that we went to see.... You can find out more about them here.

This is the band together, during the 2nd half of the concert... they each took turns singing for us....

 

Here is the lead singer, Mark Hall.....

And the amazing female singer, Megan Garrett....

Sharing Jesus through music is such an amazing thing!  This concert was sold out with over 5000 people attending.  If you get the chance to go to a concert like this, you will have an amazing experience.... the Holy Spirit will make sure of it!

Abundant Joy

MAD Challenge - Day 26!

As soon as I saw this stamp set, I knew I would have to have it!
Easter is my favorite holiday... not because of the Easter Bunny or the candy (although the bright spring colors that are everywhere are wonderful!) but, because without Easter we would be hopeless!

Today's Making A Difference Challenge idea is going out to ALL of you! (and will also be going to my family this Easter.)  I made this Easter card and prayed a blessing for everyone who sees it here.

I stamped the flower in Stazon in on watercolor paper and used my aquapainter with the bashful blue, apricot appeal and certainly celery ink refills (this watercolor paper makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE when it comes to having your project come out nicely!)

I am not a mater watercolorer, and it did take me some time to get the hang of it!  Practice makes perfect, right?

Jesus came into the world for us, and we celebrate that at Christmas time.  But, all of that would have been for NOTHING had it not been for Easter... by Jesus' death on the cross, and raising on Easter morn, all those who believe are GUARANTEED eternal life with Him in Heaven!  This is my prayer for YOU... that you will join me in Heaven where we will praise and thank Jesus face to face!  Abundant joy to you this Easter and ALWAYS!

Kind & Caring Thoughts Hostess Set Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 25!

This is a fun technique for my Making A Difference project! You will find out how to do it when you sign up for my newsletter (I'm not telling you how... just giving you a teaser of it!)

This card is going to my friend Cathy.  She sent me the sweetest Valentine in a bottle and I wanted to send her a little card to let her know she is special to me!

Do you have someone in your life who just seems to do thoughtful things for you out of the blue?  Aren't those people amazing?  Tell them they are special to you today!

SNR DIGI DAY

Join us Thursday

February 25th at 7pm CST

On SNR Card Universe

 for

DIGI DAY!!!!

Sketch Challenges - Quickie Challenges - Prizes

Loads of fun!!!!

Stampin' Up! Vintage Labels/Vintage Vogue Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 24!

Ok, this idea is NOT my original, and I am sure it's not exactly like the one the original artist did :)  But, while stamping an idea came to me to make a card with these colors, pumpkin pie, melon mambo and old olive... and I know that I had a picture in my head from somewhere and tried to recreate it as closely as I could from memory!  So, if you recognize it, than thank you for the inspiration (I hope it looks somewhat as good as the original-lol!)

Today's Making A Differnce Challenge project is a card using the Vintage Labels and Vintage Vogue Stamp Sets

This card uses lots of punches (FUN!) and is bright and springy! (I don't know about you, but those of us here in the snow belt are anxiously awaiting the spring weather!)

This card is going to my friend Beverly.  Just because I love her!  She is one of my direct recruits and is such a fabulous friend.... Do you have a friend that you can get on the phone with, put on a headset, clean your house, make dinner and feed the dog all while talking on the phone..... (yes, even flush the toilet when you're done cleaning it and she doesn't mind!)  That's Beverly!  We can talk for hours... we laugh, we cry, we vent, we brainstorm, we just plain click!

Go out of your way to say you appreciate your good friends!  You can never tell them enough!

I {Heart} Hearts Non-Valentine Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 23!

As I have said before, the I {Heart} Hearts set is NOT just for Valentines, as this Birthday card shows!
This idea was inspired by my friend Kimberly VanDiepen, and I received it from her as a swap card at leadership in January.  I changed up the greeting and now it can be used for a birthday! :)

I am sending this to my friend Tammy!  She is excited to be turning 45 and says that each birthday represents a blessing from God.  When have you looked at growing older as being a blessing?  The Bible tells of many men who were blessed by living many years.  While we like to complain about getting older, each day, week and year we are given should be a celebration of thanksgiving to God for allowing us to continue with our friends and family.  We are to enjoy the time we have here.... it will be here and gone in a flash!

Celebrate your life, and the lives of your family and friends, everyday!

Challenge 18 Side Step Card

Hey everyone!!  First of all I want to thank everyone who participated in our challenge this last week.  You all did a fabulous job!!

Okay, now for our current challenge.  We would like for you to do a side step card and we would love to see the use of spring colors!!  I don't know about you but I am really sick of snow and cold weather!!!!  Don't forget that we DO REQUIRE YOU TO USE A MICHELLE PERKETT STUDIO IMAGE!! There are a few freebies in the discussion area of the Michelle Perkett Studio group on Paper Craft Planet if you would like to play along and don't have an image. 

If you don't know how to make a step card we are providing a link to a tutorial for one.  I know that there are different ones out there and you are more than welcome to use any of them so long as you do a side step card.

The DT this week did an amazing job with this challenge.  Here are the cards that we have created this week!!

This beauty is from Jean and is like a beautiful ray of sunshine!!!  Dang....how would you like to get this for your birthday!?!

The next amazingly awesome card is from Nancy!!  WOW.....talk about some serious fun!!  Don't you just love this little Flying Birthday Girl!?!

Next we have this absolutely gorgeous card from Gini!  So stunning!!!

And lastly we have mine.  Okay...I have to admit that I'm a little embarrassed to show you mine after these gorgeous cards but here goes!!

We look forward to seeing what you come up with for this challenge and our prize this week  will be a $10 gift certificate to Michelle's store.  Speaking of the store.....have you been over there lately!?!  OMGosh!!!  Talk about some seriously awesome images!!!!

Thanks for joining us and we hope you have an AWESOMELY CREATIVE week!!!!

Elegant Trio Stencil Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 22!

Well, sadly to say, for todays Making A Difference project, I will be sending out another sympathy card.  This one is going to Anita, my long distance cyber friend.  We 'met' via a demonstrator prayer/faith group that we belong to.  Her father passed away and I want to send her a 'hug' and encouragement.

This card uses the Elegant Trio stencil, a different one from the three pack then I used a couple days ago.  I used the same Soft Suede, but this time I did a subtle background on Soft Suede cardstock.  Added the vanilla taffeta and it was complete.

The Lord brings people into our lives in amazing ways... And even though you may not have met face to face, you are still sisters and brothers in Christ.  How special it is to receive encouragement from those we know in love, and how especially amazing when we receive it from those that we don't expect it from.  Who can you send a card to today that would never in a million years expect one?  Do it today!

Winner Challenge #17

Wow!!! What wonderful entries we had this week and I want to thank everyone who played along with us. Choosing the winner this week was really a hard decision but... Drum Roll Please.... The winner is Angel R with her stunning creation. The embellishments and papers, along with the coloring of Michelle's Emerald Enchantment image were outstanding!

Angel R

Please e-mail Michelle to claim your $10.00 shopping spree at Michelle's Etsy Store. 

Big Shot Scallop Square Quilted Bags

MAD Challenge - Day 21!

Today's Making A Difference Challenge involves a recently acquired addiction of mine.  :)

I have been thoroughly enjoying making these darling little tote bags w/ the big shot!  I have seen them everywhere, and although I am NOT a sewer, I found these totally easy to make.... as you can see!  I started my first on on Friday and well, today is Sunday and I have not one, but 4 bags completed!  PSYCHO, I know!

Let me start off with the first one I made for myself.

The wonderful thing about making them is that they are so forgiving!  I didn't sew many straight lines, but it didn't matter!  They turn out great!

I used 3 different prints, and the inside is the same print as the handle.  I finished it off with one of our clear buttons for the closure.

Ok I know you are probably wondering... Deann, I thought you were challenging yourself to give things away and you said you made this bag for you! 

Well, I also said I made 3 more.... and this weekend my husband and I are going to a Casting Crowns concert with our dear friends Brian and Debbie.  She was totally shocked when I told her I was making these bags (as she knows I NEVER sew!) so, I am letting her choose one of the following bags this weekend.  Which one do you think she will choose?????

How fun will this be to give her a cute bag.... just for no reason!  Go beyond the ordinary and really do something special for one of your friends.  I can't wait to see her face!

NEW DIGITAL STAMP DESIGNS NOW AVAILABLE!!

Happy Sunday everyone!! I just listed 3 new stamps this week at my Etsy shop and wanted to share them with you! They are "Flying Birthday Girl", "Fairy Bridesmaid" and "Ballerina Bunny!" Hope you like them!!:)

Stampin' Up! Elegant Trio Stencil Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 20!

Today's Making A Difference Card is going to my friend Lori who goes to my church.  She lost her mom this past week to a heart condition, and it wasn't something that was expected.  I know she is going through alot of grief and emotions right now, and I wanted to let her know that I am thinking of her.

I used one of the stencils from the Elegant Trio pack (if you didn't know we carried stencils, you can see them in the Definitely Decorative brocure!)

I used Soft Suede ink and a sponge dauber to apply the ink to the cardstock.  Added my sentiment, and a simple bow.  Quick and easy, and ready to share.

I lost my mom to heart disease about 5 years ago.  It was not an easy thing, and I feel that I can really relate to what Lori is going through.  God uses tough times in our lives to help others who are experiencing the same things.  How can you use your past experiences to help someone through a tough time in their life?  Reach out to them today.

Stampin' Up! I {Heart} Hearts Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 19!

Like I said yesterday, you can use the I {Heart} Hearts set for EVERYTHING!

This Making A Difference Challenge card is going to my long time best friend Traci.  We met because we were neighbors when our kids were in Kindergarten, and we became BEST freinds immediately (the 2 hour phone call w/out having met face to face should have been a clue!)  Well Traci eventually moved to Canada and back to Michigan again, and now lives about 2 hours from me.  We don't see each other much, and she is going through alot of life changes right now, so I thought I'd send her a little note to tell her I love her!

This card is another color combo I wouldn't have used, but love!  It's Bermuda Bay, Rose Red and Pretty in Pink. I also used Kraft cardstock and sponged some white ink around the edge to soften the look.... Oh, and there's that Scallop Trim Border Punch again!

Don't let time and distance come between your friendships.  They take work to keep them strong.  Send a card today to a friend you haven't talked to in awhile.  It's sure to bring a smile to their face and happiness to their heart!

I {Heart} Hearts Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 18!

The I {Heart} Hearts set from the Occasions Mini Catalog is NOT just for Valentine's!  I used it on today's Making A Difference Challenge.  This card is going to my friend Beth.  Her dad has been struggling with serious health issues and lives far away from Beth.  It has been a constant struggle for her to know when to go to visit him, what advice to give her mom, and just plain what to do.

I used three colors I have never put together before... Real Red, Pumpkin Pie and Bashful Blue.  The little blue heart is punched with our new small heart punch from the mini catalog.  The saying is from the FREE Sale-A-Bration set, Whimiscal Words. 

Don't you just LOVE the new FREE Sale-A-Bration punch---the Scallop Trim Border!  I do (I think I use it on everything :)

I want Beth to know that God will send his Holy Spirit to lead her in what to do.  She is never alone, and God will make sure she knows the direction to go.... she just needs to follow her heart!

Do you know someone struggling with decisions today?  Tell them to pray, and then follow their heart!

Faith Project

MAD Challenge - Day 17!

This project is not a new project to my blog, but I am reposting it because I am giving this to my friend Lori.  She is currently undergoing radiation for breast cancer, and I want to give this to her as a constant reminder of the hope that she has in Christ Jesus the Lord.

I printed the verse off on my computer and cut the callop and the 'F' with the Big Shot.  Added some ribbon and designer series paper and viola, each frame.

If you are going through a valley in your life right now, and don't know about the hope that can only come from a relationship with Jesus, I'd love to share Him with you!

Mini Milk Carton Die Idea

MAD Challenge - Day 16!

My Making A Difference Project Ideas for today is going to someone I don't know!  Yep, a total stranger!  I am going to give this little guy to the next lady who checks out my groceries at the store! 

I made this little birdhouse using LOTS of new goodies!

The box is created with the Big Shot and the new Mini Milk Carton Die from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Simply cut out the box from So Saffron cardstock and assemble! Then I cut a 2 x 4 piece of Soft Suede card stock, folded it in half, then ran it through the perfect polka dot impressions folder for the Big Shot. I then made the fancy edge w/ the new Scallop border punch from the Sale-A-Bration special. Attached it to the roof w/ Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive.

The 'hole' for the birdhouse is just a 1" circle punched from chocolate chip cardstock.  The bird is SUPER EASY to do with our NEW Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch.  I punched it from the new Sweet Pea designer series paper, and used one side for the bird, and the other for his wing and the branch.  I added dimension by using dimensionals.

Yes, I filled it with chocolate!

I am sure to brighten her day!  I can't wait to meet her and surprise her!  You know... you just never know what someone is going through today.  I pray that God will give me eyes to see everything that I've been missing.... And that this gift will be a blessing.  Take the challenge... give a gift to a stranger today.... how about paying for the person behind you at the drive through????

Be a blessing.... not just to those you know, but to those you don't!

Challenge #17 - Color Combo

Wow... what great inspirations from the DT members and the entries from our followers last week! Thank you Michelle for your wonderful images that keep our minds creating, and creating, and creating... 

THE CHALLENGE

We are now at challenge #17 and this week we have a Color Combination... What a color combo it is!!! Don't be afraid of these colors, we want you to use your creative minds and come up with something different. It doesn't have to be a card just use your imagination. Our DT inspirations for this week are so beautiful and we would like you to use one of Michelle's images and our color combo to inspire you...

The prize this week is a $10.00 shopping spree at Michelle's Etsy Store. Michelle has so many beautiful images to choose from but if you don't have any images just yet you can download one of her freebies at Michelle Perkett's Papercraft Planet Group. Now lets see what our DT members have for you...

Pattie

This is a Journal created by Pattie

Terri

This is a beautiful card created by Terri...

Rhonda

Another beautiful card created by Rhonda...

Lynne

Lynne has created this beautiful mirror...

Please leave us some comments about our DT creations and also leave your link to your creation on Mr Linky. Please link back to Michelle's Challenge so others can come and enter. If Mr Linky does not work then just leave your link in the comment section. Any questions please feel free to leave a comment and we will get back to you. The deadline for this challenge is Monday 2/22 at 5PM PST. If you don't have a blogspot don't worry, you can e-mail your entry to Michelle here.

Happy Creating!!!