Purplestamper's Musings......thoughts on life....faith....art....etc....

Lenten Centerpiece

2012-03-02T18:16:00.003-08:00

Here we are two weeks into the Lenten season already, and I keep forgetting to post a picture of the centerpiece mobile in our sanctuary. It's meant to represent the somber journey to the cross as we walk with Jesus on His journey. Lots of purple for repentance/royalty. I like it :) ><>

variation of a theme :)

2012-02-26T15:34:00.003-08:00

so here's my version of the earlier butterfly card I loved....had to make it all purple, of course :) I used the SU Embosslit die and the words are Heart & Soul. Something about the simplicity of it all really strikes my fancy! ><>

sweet sixteen :)

2012-02-18T09:14:00.001-08:00

This is for one of the girls on our worship team who is having her 16th birthday Sunday ~ and singing with us :) The banner is from Making Memories, the 'sweet' is Studio G, and the numbers were cut from an old school plastic stencil. A little glitter pen, some buttons and voila :) It's a joy to make music with such a great gal :) well, actually we're all fond of the whole family <3 Happy Sweet Sixteen Miss Emily! ><>

poppin' up butterflies :)

2012-02-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Another idea from card club yesterday....used some random leftover background paper I was goofing off with...Blue image is SU, and the 'spring butterfly' is one of those $1 stamps from Michael's. Words are Heart & Soul. But the real fun begins when you open it up....

These images are all older Impression Obsession...I just measured a 1" triangle at the top of the page, and about 1 1/2" from the bottom to make the pop out. They all fold up rather nicely when you close the card. So much fun :)
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my new favorite card :)

2012-02-16T15:26:00.001-08:00

I go to a card making class once a month where we all bring *kits* and assemble them ~ lotsa fun and some great ideas! I just am in looove with this simple card :) The lines were hand drawn with a white gel pen. The butterflies are made with the SU punch, and the image was some kind of clear stamp. If you know, let me know, so I can give the proper credit :) I think I'll be making a whoooole bunch of these! ><>

no greater love than this...

2012-02-13T09:27:00.001-08:00

Happy *almost Valentine's Day* my stamping friends! Just a little card to remind myself what love really means. Both images are vintage Heart & Soul :) <3

more love :)

2012-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

Another quick post for Valentine's Day :) Both images are Heart & Soul. I really like green & purple together....well....purple & anything actually :)
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Quilty Love

2012-02-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

I confess...I was a quilter before I became a stamper :) (Hey...I'll get back to it someday! :) I just love cards that have a pieced look to them.For this card I went straight to the scrap drawer and punched different squares. I *fussy cut* the heart ( I think that means by hand!) and stamped the center in a different color. This heart really is one of my favorite Heart & Soul images. The words are also H & S. Love it :)
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Blessing Hearts :)

2012-02-01T11:25:00.001-08:00

Time to think about sharing some love and blessings with friends ( but isn't it ALWAYS time for that ???? I got this Sizzix heart die set on clearance...the words are Heart & Soul...a little button & heart 3D thingy and tah dah. Add a little chocolate.....and you have something guaranteed to bring a smile:) ><>

CAS birthday :)

2012-01-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

I can't decide what quite happened to my creative 'urges' lately....I think the colder weather has them stalled or something. I'm reluctant to say that I'm just lazy....but it's probably closer to the truth than anything else :) In an effort to at least *do something* stampy....here's a clean and simple birthday card. All images are Heart & Soul. Hopefully I'll get back in the groove soon :)

a new year

2011-12-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

*oh dear Lord ~ three things I pray...to see Thee more clearly....follow Thee more nearly......love Thee more dearly day by day* :) and that's my motto for 2012! Let it be so, Lord Jesus ><>

The Longest Night

2011-12-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

I had to share this photo ~ even tho' it's a little hard to see ( because someone...me...forgot to bring her camera, and this is a phone picture, thanks to a friend :) Our church family added a *new* service to the pack this Christmas: called "The Longest Night" because of the Winter Solstice when it's the least amount of daylight (hence the most amount of darkness)We had communion, took a candle and lit it from the Christ candle, then walked over to the altar and lit another candle, representing laying our burdens at the feet of Jesus. It was pretty therapeutic:) Mostly it was for folks who may not be having the merriest of Christmases, due to whatever season of life they are in...grief, loss, anxiety, financial difficulty, you name it...we all have some! It was so peaceful, serene, beautiful, hopeful, and wonderful. I think a few healing tears were shed by everyone :) I was honored to be a small part of it. If you squint you can also see the chancel area which has been transformed into the backdrop for the youth Christmas Eve service. God's Peace ><>

Part 2 :)

2011-12-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

This was the inside of the same cards I used to make yesterday's posting....I used most of the same components too. Basically I ended up with twice the amount of finished cards using the ones I got at the Goodwill :) *win win* ! I just wanted to say thank you to my Heart & Soul customers, and to anyone who takes the time to read my ~~ramblings~~ musings :) I greatly appreciate both! May you have a Christ centered Christmas ~ whether it is in the bustle of family or the quiet contemplation of worship ><>

Recycling Christmas :)

2011-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

I found boxes of these super cute snowmen cards at the Goodwill last year.....I think that Target must have donated their left-overs. The cards were kinda beat up around the edges, but I fell in love with the snowmen & their bling :) So I used my Nestabilities and die cut them out. I had a mountain of this red & blue pointsettia paper from years ago....never could find the right use for it but it was a fairly close match. I added one of those awesome SU felt snowflakes. I have so much fun making Christmas cards that I want to start on next year's right away...but we ALL know how THAT turns out! ><>Here's a closer look at the snowbling ~

Advent Mobile

2011-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

If you've followed along for awhile you'll remember that I help with the Sanctuary art at my church....this is the latest centerpiece that rests way up high in the ceiling :) The air currents cause it to spin gently sometimes and it definitely looks more beautiful in person :) All blue and silvery~like....our sanctuary is pretty large and mostly *off-white* which means there's plenty of opportunity to add some colors :) ><>

Yahoo :)

2011-12-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jackie :) Now I'm up & running again :) I made these big blocks from scrap wood from a friend who works at a lumber yard ~ he gave me these from his campfire wood stash :) 4" x 4" and I used a lot of scraps and embellishments up from the scrap bins :)

A fine time to go AWOL :(

2011-12-17T14:36:00.001-08:00

Happy week before Christmas everyone :) I picked the worst time to switch computers ~ and until my awesome techie daughter comes home from college for Christmas I don't have much to post in the way of pictures....It's bad when you think you know what you're doing (computer-wise) and then realize you do NOT! But.....I will catch up eventually. My prayer is that you are all taking time to *soak in the season* and draw close to Jesus ><>

Punkin Turkey :)

2011-11-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

Every year I turn a pumpkin into a turkey using these fun wood pieces my son cut out for me many years ago. My sweet sister-in-law gave me this huge awesome white pumpkin ~ I think he's just the perfect greeter for my front porch :) A dear friend shared this tidbit at our small group Bible study Sunday night and I just love it ( sure to become my newest fridge magnet!)~
"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"
Food for thought as we gather for Thanksgiving :)
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so much to be thankful for

2011-11-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

I made a few of these for my *homies* to let them know how thankful I am for their friendship ~ I love this time of year! It was good to use up some of my hoarded bg paper ~ I must have gotten a super deal on it because I had alot of it! I generated the saying on my computer. The 3D hearts and strip were punched. Praying that you all have a blessed day Thursday ~ no matter what our circumstances are, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for :) ><>

Preparing for Advent :)

2011-11-20T15:39:00.001-08:00

We have a lovely tradition at our church of kicking off the Advent season (next Sunday!) with a Ladies Candlelight Dessert event. Our gymnasium is transformed into a beautiful sparkly fellowship hall. Some of our more *adventurous* menfolk serve as waiters...each year it's something new...this year our waiters were all German for the evening. I had the honor of hosting a table...I just love this evening ( so much fun!) and seeing everyone so excited for the Advent season...preparing our hearts to make room for the Baby Jesus ><>

Word Art Wednesday Challenge

2011-11-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

This week I have the honor of sponsoring the Word Art Wednesday challenge :) Go on over there to check out the details and I look forward to contacting one of you next week with some goodies :)
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My helper

2011-11-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

So you can see why some days I get more accomplished than others :)

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Thank You !

2011-11-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

To all who serve and have served our great country ~ your sacrifice is appreciated more than mere words can express. We truly are the Land of the Free because of the Brave. I hope to cross paths with someone today that I can shake hands with and express my grattitude :)

and the card? Both images are Heart & Soul ><>

Happy Reformation Day !

2011-10-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

To all my Lutheran *homies* :) Also wanted to let you know that the web site/catalog update is *complete~a~mundo* thanks to my bestest webgal :) Hope you're enjoying your Sunday routines ><>

Grateful for Fall :)

2011-10-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

We are having an absolute *Gift from God* kind of fall day! I just treasure these sunny blustery leaf-blowey gifts! This card has one of the newer Heart & Soul images stamped many times and wrapped with crochet thread ~ topped off with a heart button. You might be able to see the *hard copy* if you venture in to *inkpaperrubber* in Overland Park, Kansas....as they are the newest retail store to carry our stamps. Thanks so much Jen!

We're in the process of re-doing the entire catalog for 2012. Nothing has changed, price wise, with the exception of grab bags which are now $20~ still a smokin' deal, mind you :) But things are just being rearranged a little. Should be up on the website before too long thanks to our amazing web woman ><>

Happy Fall :)

2011-10-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well I stopped doing Halloween a long time ago....but I really *do* Fall bigtime! This card is for my buddies ~ sorry about the crummy photo ~ Used the SU medallion on the background in brown, then the smaller SU circle pattern in the middle, punched out. You can't tell but the orange paper is that dreamsicle colored glitzy stuff. *Happy Fall* is a Heart & Soul stamp, punched out with a leaf punch. Added a button and some ribbon. Fall is my favorite time of year ><>

World Card Making Day :)

2011-10-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

What a blast! I spent the morning Saturday with an awesome bunch of Stampin' Up demonstrators and stampers ~ making cards from pre-assembled kits. Super duper fun and now I have 20 more *idea cards* for my stash ( 'cause most of them are too cute to part with :)Definitely something I want to do again next year :)
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More New Goodies :)

2011-09-25T16:04:00.001-07:00

I like this new phrase ~ who doesn't have a friend that's helped them through a rough patch just by being there? I got this paper in a packet from Tuesday Mornings (of all places!) I just loved the flowery circles :) A felt flower, a fun button, and some dyed to match ribbon and there you have it! ><>

New Stamps :)

2011-09-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the Autumnal Equinox ( or...it was about time :) there are a whole lotta new stamp images at Heart & Soul! Just posted on the web for your perusal :) I love fall! The end of summer heat & the beginning of cool foggy mornings, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes :) you name it. Oh yeah, the card...one of the new phrases, Bo Bunny bg paper, ribbon, leaf punches, and teeny tiny beads. Yet another one of my cards that won't fit in an envelope :) yay for fall ><>

Here's a close up view of the details :

Happy Birthday Kyle :)

2011-09-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

I made this for our son's birthday this week....still a 'Mater fan :) I 'cheated' and used some stickers, wish the circle one had photographed better, but they are just stickers. The *fun* part (for me anyway) is the diamond plate metal piece- made with my Cuttlebug folder from a pop can. I like it :) I'm so proud of the young man he is ( well, I've always been proud of him!) I am a blessed old woman :)><>

I'd pick you :)

2011-09-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've been getting ready for a *green* art fair this fall ~ only recycled/repurposed things ~ and making guitar picks from old gift cards....when it hit me how cute the pink ones would be on a card :) ><>

Apple Thieves :)

2011-09-06T08:35:00.001-07:00

These precious little apple pickers have been loving the ones that hit the ground out in the yard. So much fun to watch them! I actually have been stamping ~ I just keep mailing off the projects without taking pictures of them! So forgetful sometimes! Hope you're all enjoying the last days of summer/first days of school. Now that my kids are all grown up, I sometimes miss the school bus days. Oh well :)

Fun Upcycling Project :)

2011-08-12T09:47:00.001-07:00

My daughter & I made these fun mittens while she's home from college ( made hers last winter) from an old sweater I found at the ~ you guessed it~ Goodwill :) Had a small hole in it so I didn't feel too horrible cutting it up. Here's a link to the video we used for the idea ~ we didn't *felt* the sweater, or piece them like she did, but the end result is the same. It took me awhile to get the concept through my head...but it's really easy once you do! Here you can see where I cut the pieces from the sweater ( and my nosy cat who has to be in the middle of things :) I'm going to keep the scraps and maybe make something else- I just love the pattern & colors!

Ready for super cold winter! ><>

Words of Comfort :)

2011-08-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

I made this for a gal I know who just received some pretty hard news :( I'm hoping when she sees it, that she'll be encouraged. If God is for us, who can be against us? Love this new SU big doily stamp! The verse is Heart & Soul ><>

Sad/Happy :)

2011-07-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

God called another of His saints home this week ~ a lovely lady with the sweetest spirit ~ my daughter and her granddaughter were bestest buds when they were little! Again I have the honor of playing at her memorial service. So it's a sad thing, 'cause we'll all miss her, but a happy thing, that Christ has overcome the world ( and Alzheimer's ) and we'll see her again soon. God is good! Oh yeah, the card....just got some new design paper on clearance at Craft Warehouse. It's actually a little *yellower* in person....sanded a CB folder, *Nestabilitied* the verse...sorry I can't remember whose it is....old UM trade. That's it for now :)
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Three Cups of Tea

2011-07-21T17:31:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading this really great book. (Yes, I'm always at least 6 months behind what's *new* :) It was required reading for my daughter's college last year, and I thought it would be interesting to read it too and discuss it with her. I'm so glad I did! Now I need to find the next book and devour it too :) I understand that there was some controversy surrounding the exact details in the book, but to me, what matters most is the servant's heart of Greg Mortenson and all he has accomplished for the children who can now go to school for the first time in their lives- especially girls in Afghanistan & Pakistan. I know that those countries have been torn apart by war & strife. It reminds me never ever to take for granted for the freedom & liberty we have in America ~ and that knowledge is power! I plan to support this effort in the near future with more than just my prayers. Check it out :) ><>

Welcome Paisley Jane :)

2011-07-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

We have a new addition to the family- I have a *grand kitty* :) My son & his girlfriend adopted a baby kitten- a yellow tabby- and I wanted to thank them for *kitty sitting* my cat while we were away on vacation :) I've had the cat image for years, got it unmounted in a swap, so I don't really know who made it...but the little paw print is one of the Heart & Soul paw print stamps. I'd forgotten how sweet kittens are...my cat was about 7 months old when we got her years ago. Ciao Meow ><>

Scrappy Get Well :)

2011-07-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is for a friend at my church. She's been struggling with health issues for a few years now....1 step forward and 2 steps back. Hopefully this will make her smile and feel encouraged a bit. The white background paper is actually from an old wallpaper book :) and the rest are scraps from my desk that needs cleaning off. I think the phrase is vintage Printworks. I double punched the flower ( don't look too closely :) It's been fun playing in my studio this past week. Reality check says *go pull weeds* ><>

Patriotic Time :)

2011-07-05T08:16:00.001-07:00

So I'm still having fun with my patriotic papers :) The flower is Heart & Soul, colored with a little watercolor & reinker. I glued some beads in the center and added a little glitter glue...kinda hard to see in the photo. Yesterday was a great day. But I'm thankful that *firework season* is on the wane...I know all the noise is hard on the poor animals... and I'm a little embarrassed as an American that we waste so much money on them. ( I haven't bought any since our kids grew out of them....but that's not to say I don't waste enough money elsewhere :( I digress. Looks like another beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest ><>

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

More fun with that *beautiful for spacious skies* paper :) I cut some scrap pieces and made the wind mill. Words are Heart & Soul- I used that *sequin waste ribbon* as a stencil and sponged dots everywhere- a little bling here and there too. I had a stamping *revelation* this week! Been collecting these old photo cubes at Goodwill & garage sales- have a bunch- and *DUH* they make perfect covered blocks! Be sure to tape them closed before gluing on the papers. Although I couldn't distress them like the wood ones, they do have a neat little *shine* around the edges. And they are way cheaper than a same-sized wood block would be (and lighter too....but that doesn't matter :) Praying for a safe and wonderful Independance Day for all my American friends! ><>

Here's a close up of the windmill :)

God Bless America :)

2011-07-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE these BoBunny papers! Words are Heart & Soul. The paper did the rest- with a little bling added to the back of the star. Of course I can't stand to waste any of that prism paper, so I strip pieced it around the edges :) Made a wood block to go with it. One of my favorite H & S stamps says "God has already blessed Amerca- how about if America blesses God?" Food for thought while BBQ-ing ><>

I tell you what!

2011-07-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day for a random visit to Craft Warehouse :) A bunch of the embossing folder sets were marked down to $3.80! So I bought them :) I made this card right away for some sweet young people ( I would call them *kids*, because they are compared to me :) but I don't want to offend :) at our church who are getting married tomorrow. Look closely and you can see the clear plastic wedding cake layered over the main image- the plastic was from the packaging. Both were in the embossing set. The white pieces are from their wedding announcement. These are their colors too- or close enough for horseshoes! Congrats J & K and God Bless your marriage tomorrow and always ><>

windchimes sun catcher :)

2011-06-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

I found these fused glass pieces at...you guessed it....Goodwill. They were apparently a windchime *kit* that someone had given up on. I started to string them on fishing line, but discovered that the glass shapes were pretty sharp where the line would come in contact with them, so I figured they would just break right away from the friction in the wind. So....I used light gage wire instead, and decided to string beads on the wire ( to hide it too) and of course with all that extra weight...there's not a whole lot of wiggle room for the wind to do it's thing :( so NOW I have a really big ol' sun catcher on my back porch. What I can't decide is if it's just uber too much and hideous, or really colorful and beautiful! Considering the fact that I have alot of hours invested in it....I'm going with the second choice! ><>

Retro Wreath

2011-06-28T09:44:00.001-07:00

Every 4th of July I drag this poor thing out of the attic:) I made it probably, what, 2o years ago? Cut the fabric into squares with pinking shears, poked the center around a chopstick, dipped in glue and poked into a foam wreath form. I think I bought the wood stars at the Goodwill ><>

Shower card :)

2011-06-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

This card is for a wedding shower I'm going to tomorrow- a suprise bowling one! How fun is that? The stamps and punch are all older SU stuff- I did that fun new (well, new to me...) embossing technique where EVERYTHING gets run through the Cuttlebug folder and squished together- I kinda like the end result!
Here's the inside:

Upcycled Glass :)

2011-06-24T10:19:00.001-07:00

This was so much fun! I saw these at a recycled art fair a few years ago and of course decided that *I could make those* so I started collecting pretty glassware at garage sales and my favorite recycler, Goodwill :) My DH drilled holes in the centers of all the bowls & plates ( we did have a fair amount of *casualties* - glass does not particularly LIKE being drilled! But it's doable. And my initial investment was pretty minimal :) Then I bought some glass paints at the craft store ( I'm sure there are better quality ones out there- I just went the least expensive route- as usual ) I painted the backs of the glass, then covered the paint with a clear coat sealer. Mounted on a pole, and voila. This is my favorite one- if you look closely there are two similar glass pieces. I put it near my front steps behind my favorite flower- heliotrophe ><>

Happy Dad's Day!

2011-06-18T08:56:00.001-07:00

Made another trip to the scrap drawer for this one. Bits and pieces of old projects- dad will be proud that I'm cleaning things up :) Both stamps are Heart & Soul. I'm thankful for my great father and father-in-law ><>

A Sound Like a Strong Wind :)

2011-06-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

"When the feast of Pentecost came, they (the disciples) were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force, no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them." - The Book of Acts, Chapter 2.
And so it was that the church was born :) This is the new Sanctuary mobile at my church- all very *flamey* and *firey*- it looks awesome when the wind currents cause it to spin gently! Happy Pentecost Church <3

happy birthday Jamie :)

2011-05-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of those *twisted easel* cards- it lies flat like a regular card, but then stands up when you want it to! I LOOOOOOOVe this! I'm not very tech savvy so I don't have a link how to make it yourself....sure you can find it on Splitcoast somewhere. ><>

cheater cards

2011-05-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've been having a blast this week cleaning out and using up some things I've been hoarding/saving for years! I've made a ton of cards using repurposed bits and scraps- these coffee note cards were originally from a daily calendar :) I used pieces of a kraft paper bag for the background. The gray paper is the 'back side' of some birthday invitations I made too many of (oops). Add some cute kraft envelopes and 'voila' I have an instant gift for any of my fellow coffeeholic friends :) ><>
Here's a set of 6~

what fun!

2011-05-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the stamping group I go to once a month: *Sassy Stampers* :) We all bring kits and share with each other. Went back to the scrap drawer for most of this- the bunny is vintage SU and the words are from *My Heart Stamps For You* (I believe) Used the Cuttle Bug here and there, and the embellishment I got at the Goodwill in a big grab bag pack. ><>

Almost :)

2011-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

I dug into the scrap drawer again for this one- bits and pieces for the most part. Words are Heart & Soul- the awesome butterfly punch is from Martha Stewart- it's pretty hard squeezing- maybe my paper is too tough :) But I like it nonetheless.
Well it almost feels like Spring here...but I'll take the rain any day over all the tornadoes! My heartfelt prayers for all those families who are just devastated. ><>

He is Risen Indeed :)

2011-04-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the new Sanctuary mobile- look closely and you can see a cross in the middle of the bottom....but wait! It's been overshadowed by new life (pastel ribbons) and the white draping represents Christ's discarded grave clothes :)

This is the ugly barren chicken wire covered stick that we slowly transform into a beautiful cross during our Festival of Flowers service :) Everyone brings flowers from home and turns something ugly into something beautiful! Just like Jesus does for us :) Halleluia! ><>

Good Friday

2011-04-23T08:35:00.001-07:00

A little late with this one...but here is what the Sanctuary mobile looked like last night with the crosses dangling from it- our Good Friday service included a performance of "The Weeping Tree" - a beautiful cantata! At the end we all went up to the 'tree' and dipped our finger in ashes, leaving our fingerprint on the cross. It was very moving & powerful! ><>

Easter fun

2011-04-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

This started out as one of those 8/$1 cards from Craft Warehouse- I just loved the shape and it came with envelopes too. What. a. deal. Added a little eggy background paper, used one of the $1 egg stamps, and made some Easter grass with that cool punch that looks like a fern leaf. Alleluia :) ><>

Hosanna!

2011-04-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jesus....for this day. For going into the midst of chaos and suffering willingly. You have my heart :)

Ken's Homegoing

2011-04-13T08:50:00.001-07:00

A dear friend celebrated his Resurrection Day last week after a 19 month long valiant effort to overcome cancer. Ken was the *epitome* of health- never smoked, ate very wisely, excerised greatly. Why lung cancer would come to him is beyond my comprehension. I've had quite a few difficult conversations with God over this one. What I keep hearing back is TRUST ME. So I am. I do. I always have. I always will. For His ways are not our ways. I am thankful for Ken's faithful life: friend,teacher,mentor,prayer warrior,gardener,woodworker,volunteer...the list goes on and on. I truly believe he saved my daughter's life one year on the annual youth group bike trip to the San Juan Islands when he noticed that her bike had no brakes (ok, so we're NOT parents of the year!) and promptly fixed them on the spot. 'Cause that is some *hilly* biking! I'm grateful for every time we were together- and for the 19 months Ken had to meet his new grandaughters. Especially for the Grace of God that assures me we will see Ken again. I am honored to be playing on the worship team for his Celebration of Life service- Jesus help me play through the tears- happy and sad. See you soon, my friend ><>

PS- Ken HAS overcome :)

My Redeemer....

2011-04-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

I think this card needs something more...but obviously I don't know what it is :) Both images are Heart & Soul- I added a little heart on the *i*. I've always meant to color this stamp with each spot being a different color....but this is as close as I'm getting today! ><>

a nice surprise :)

2011-03-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you Shelly for your blog award :) How sweet! Now I'm supposed to tell 7 things about myself...hmmm....
1)music is a huge part of my life- either listening to it & singing along all day, or playing it occasionally on the praise team at church. I just love music.
2)I collect kaleidoscopes :)
3)I love the beach (like you, Shelly!) The smell of ocean air, the sandpipers running together, shells, whatever! I don't know how birds can fly or run so closely together without crashing into each other. Oh wait- of course I know- it's because God created them that way!
4)I love anything purple. Pretty much.
5)I'm a Gleek! ( That means I watch Glee, for you *civilians* :)
6)I also like to make bead bracelets & necklaces. Nothing fancy, just stringing them along :)
7)I married my *high school sweetheart* ( rival high schools....but whatever!) and I have two awesome & amazing young adults whom I am so very proud of...or does it show? heheheh)

and now I'm supposed to pass it on: in no particular order of inspiration...
The Colour Purple
lifelovepaper
Mama Dina's Stamperia
Joy in a Jar

The list goes on....every blog inspires me to some degree- especially to try to be a better blogger myself!

Thanks again Shelly ><>

mahalo hoaloha :)

2011-03-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

I made this for a friend who just came home from the *trip of a lifetime* to Hawaii with her daughter-of course the tsunami warning was something they hadn't planned on! But everything else was awesome. She brought me back a beautiful bowl made of Kamani wood. I love it :) Back to the card: the clear stamps are Hero Arts- bg paper from my scrap drawer, and I just just hand wrote the word. Aloha ><>

oh my.

2011-03-23T08:36:00.001-07:00

This is one of those *it seemed like a good idea when I thought of it* cards....not sure I like the finished product tho'. It's a mash up of many companies- Inkadinkado for the 'inchies'- SU for the butterflies & punch- and finally on the inside-

another new Heart & Soul image. I loved this ribbon and thought it would tie the whole thing together- it didn't photograph well. Very busy indeed! ><>

more new stamps

2011-03-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here's another new one from Heart & Soul. The background paper was a *major score* from the *last chance* Goodwill ( everything is just dumped into big bins- you sort through it and pay by the pound!) It's actually from an old quilting magazine- I just ripped out the pages I wanted to keep when I got home:) And that new EK success badge punch is my new favorite toy :) purple goodness through and through! May God Bless your day ><>

happy birthday Jackie !

2011-03-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

I made this special card for a very special young woman- one of the most compassionate, kindest, funniest, loving, caring, talented, *sold-out-to-Jesus* ladie's I know...who just happens to be my lovely *baby girl*...and who is also a little bummed out at becoming an *un teenager*. I couldn't be any prouder to be her mom- my heart is full :) Oh yeah- about the card: I just punched some squares out of scraps, and the image is SU. ><>

Lenten mobile

2011-03-20T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is the new *spinny thing* in the center of our Sanctuary- purples, blacks, brownish-purples...all symbolizing repentance, sin, and the journey to Calvary throughout the Lenten Season. The warm air currents make it move slightly - it's something I really enjoy visually at our church ><>

new stamps! new stamps!

2011-03-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my amazing *web woman* Cyndy the new Heart & Soul stamps are all on the website now :) Here's one of the flower ones- we are having a dry day today with some sun peeking through- it's starting to feel like Spring! Yay! Verse is an older H & S too ><>

so sad.

2011-03-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've really been trying to think of something *profound* to say about the events in Japan....because it can't just be ignored...but *profound* isn't coming...so I'll have to settle for *heartfelt*. My heart is just broken for the Japanese people and all they are going through. My prayer is that God would reveal Himself to them in a Mighty way- that the Holy Spirit's Presence would be undeniably felt in that country! That He would make the paths straight for relief efforts, that many souls would be won through the love and compassion of Christians helping out, and that something *good* would come from all of the tragedy- as only God can do ><>

a penny for your thoughts...oy :)

2011-03-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Another in a series of time wasting projects I seem to be into...experimented with different colors of yarn this time- I like the gold. Don't look too closely- things are a little crookedy here and there ><>

any excuse for chocolate...apparently

2011-03-12T10:19:00.001-08:00

If I have any Irish blood in me at all...it's just a few drops waaaayyyy removed....but I still have fun being Irish for a day! Just another reason to pass out chocolate to my friends :) Took another trip to the scrap drawer for most of this- printed the sentiment on the computer. I love this ribbon I've been hoarding for a few years!

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

"From dust we came...to dust we shall return" I LOVE the Lenten season! ( and not because purple is the *official* color :) And not because our church has awesome soup suppers before the midweek service (ok, ya got me there.) It's a soup smorgasborg <3. But I love the chance to intentionally focus on walking to the cross with my Reedemer and Savior. For years I *gave something up* for Lent- you know- did without something for six weeks that I normally enjoyed, and when I thought about that thing I was doing without, I would think about Jesus. As I've gotten older (not necessarily wiser or more mature:) I've come to the astounding realization that NOTHING I could ever give up would even be light years close to what Jesus gave up for me! Plus, was I giving it up for the right reason anyway? While I'm sure Jesus appreciated my *good intentions* and loves me anyway, He probably wished that my heart was in the right place. So, really long story short: My focus during Lent is not what I can give up, but what HE GAVE UP FOR ME- HIS VERY LIFE BLOOD. This card sits on my desk as a daily reminder to be thankful- especially during Lent :) I used the 'grass' Fiskars texture plate because it reminds me of thorns. Images are Heart & Soul. May God bless your 40 days of walking with Him to Calvary. ><>

More New Stamps!

2011-03-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a *sneaky peek* at one of the new floral images from Heart & Soul- they won't be up on the website just yet...but they're worth the wait (IMHO* :) Seriously, I am the lousiest 'colorer'...but you can imagine how much better it would turn out in your hands :) I even tried Dina's amazing technique of cutting around the petals and 'popping' them out with foam tape- I like it, but it doesn't show very well in the photo. A little Flower Soft in the middle helps. The verse is SU- made this for a church sister who just had some extensive hand surgery- sort of a 'get well/speedy recovery' verse inside. Bedeeebedeeettthat'salllfolks ><>
*In my humble opinion :)

gratitude...pass it on :)

2011-03-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

I made this for some friends who hosted our *small group Bible study fellowship event* ( say THAT 3X fast!) They have built a PIZZA OVEN outside and let me tell you...once you've had a rock fired pizza you'll never be the same :) Words are from Heart & Soul..kinda hard to see all the punches going on...I added a little glitter in the center of the flower. Some of my very favorite background paper too. Mama Mia! ><>

Music Updated :)

2011-03-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

So...I think it's been forever ago since I *tweaked* my song playlist.....so I've added quite a few more of my favorites :) Hope you enjoy listening.....did you know that you can *minimize* my blog (when you're done reading it, of course! hahahaha) and the music will still play while you're looking at other things ? :) just a hint! And it only becomes slightly annoying if something else has music playing too- kind of a *mashup* - if you're a *Gleek* like me, you'll get that :) Jammin' for Jesus ><>
PS- if you scroll down to the end of the page you can actually see the songlist- if there's a song you want to hear you can 'click' on it and it should play :) How fun is that ?????

retro.

2011-02-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

Remember when these cut n' fold things were all the rage? well....this is the first time I've actually USED mine. I'm on a *mission* to use some of the stuff I just *had to have* and haven't touched yet. I like it and will hopefully use it more often now that I'm not intimidated by it :) I've always loved the color combo of purple and teal ( or purple and anything....) and the look of paint sample chips. I have a friend who is a paint salesman and he GAVE me a whole huge color wheel thingy of them <3 I used the big plastic stencil from the set I bought at Oriental Trading to make the *h*. The stamp is part of a Heart & Soul image- and the awesome paper flower is from another one of my *CSSC* Sally- you can check out her bloglink on the right side of the page too! ><>

borrowed

2011-02-21T14:12:00.001-08:00

This beautiful card was made by one of my *CSSC* (that's cyber-stamping sister in Christ! ) and occasional stamp designer friend Dina Kowal. Oh yeah, and sometimes she performs *html rescue* for me when I really goof things up! Can you tell I'm one of her biggest fans? The verse is from Heart & Soul. Click here to see even more amazing things! Thanks Dina ><>

stamped tiles

2011-02-18T13:12:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share what one of my awesome customers (thanks Stephanie :) sent me awhile back. She makes beautiful coaster sets using ceramic tiles and stamps- antiquing them and adding felt on the back. I just treasure these, they are on black easels in my home. I love it when people show me what they've made with Heart & Soul stamps <3

spring is just around the corner :)

2011-02-17T08:13:00.001-08:00

This is for a card swapping class I'm going to shortly- 8 of us bring 1 *kit* for each to make. Lots of fun with fun people :) All out of my scrap drawer too! Image is vintage SU. Ironically, as I was making this card yesterday, there was a snow plow going down the road in front of my house. We were enjoying a beautiful *snow treat* morning. It's mostly gone now :(

just how does one color an angel ????

2011-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is one of the new images from Heart & Soul. I love her! But coloring is not my strong suit on a good day- let alone trying to do *justice* to a Heavenly Being! I know that when we actually see one some day- we will be blown away by their beauty- colors & patterns & textures our human eyes have yet to see :) So for now- this is my best guess- I'm pretty sure there will be some purple in my angel :) I added some pearls and a spritz of shimmering mist.

Here's the inside - although the front looks like a 'baby shower' card! it was meant to be a friendship card :) Verse is Heart & Soul too :) ><>

message board :)

2011-02-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

I made this fun metal message board for my sweet *potential future daughter-in-law* for Valentine's Day. Got the metal sheet at Craft Warehouse, glued a 12 x 12 piece of background paper on, then glued some magnets on the back of some beads- they're kinda hard to see in the picture- I arranged them in a flower shape near the left corner. I glued some brass corners on because the edges are pretty sharp- and it just looks a little more finished that way :) Easy peasy ><>

a penny for your thoughts :)

2011-02-11T11:21:00.001-08:00

I made this for Valentine's Day...Just some felt cut into shapes and blanket stitched around the edges. Don't look too closely....a few of the hearts started to *wander* as I was sewing them...and I was too lazy to do them over :) This is the first one I'd made with white thread- I like it :) ><>

recycled love :)

2011-02-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

I found this frame at Goodwill awhile back...The heart image I kept/hoarded from a sheet of *love* postage stamps a few years back. The torn vellum is out of a book of phrases that I've had for years. Voila :) and whenever I look at it....I feel a song coming on :) ><>

Pillow Making Day :)

2011-02-07T15:06:00.001-08:00

So yesterday, whilst watching the Super Bowl for the commercials, I decided to multi-task and sew up some of the material I've been saving/hoarding into some Valentine's Day pillow fun- some for me, and some to give away. I was a little disappointed with the ones on the far right- spent time carefully tearing and weaving strips into a heart shape....but they don't look very heart-shapey on the finished pillow. Oh well- I love the colors anyway! And can I just say I'm a little sad that the National Anthem got goofed up? It always gives me goosebumps and makes me have *proud happy tears* when I hear it - but- chances are if I were attempting to sing it in front of a bazillion people...I would have fainted on the spot. One things's for sure- I'll bet Christina gets it right next time! Time to practice a little of the grace we've been given, eh? ><>

Vintage Smurfage :)

2011-02-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

This little guy sits on the counter for Valentine's season...makes me smile everytime I look at him....and kinda reminds me to say "here's my heart, Jesus....take it...it belongs to you and you alone." And that's a big job for such a little Smurf :) ><>

Another use for stamps :)

2011-02-04T15:07:00.001-08:00

*Back in the day* when I was making banners for church, I made this one when Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday. I printed the verse (one of my very favorites!) and then stamped the small hearts in a circle above it- then copied it onto acetate and used the overhead projector (a banner maker's best friend :) to paint it on some rose colored oil cloth. It's still one of my favorite banners :) ><>

New stamps! New stamps!

2011-02-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

If you head on over to the Heart & Soul website (click through on the right of the page under "places I like to visit" ) you'll find some fun new things- and my *webmasterette* extraordinare Cyndy has *jazzed it up* a bit for Valentine's Day :) Here's one of the new phrases. I even had my sewing machine out (working on some pillows for the season) so I added some stitching with the bling & such. I should just leave that thing out all the time! :) ><>

more love....

2011-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know why this is so blurry....hmmn. Sorry. Anyway, both heart & verse are Heart & Soul- just stamped the heart 3x in each color. A little brad in the corner. Oh and a 3D heart just for grins. Yippee <3

Feelin' the love :)

2011-01-26T18:54:00.001-08:00

OK. I have resigned myself to the probability that we are not going to get any more snow here in my neck of the country. It has snowed on Valentine's Day in year's past.....but I've decided to put on my big girl britches and deal with it :) Which means it's time to start thinking Heart Day. I made this card from some more goodies in my scrap bins....The image is Heart & Soul, and I added some ribbon and bling and a postage sticker I got at Craft Warehouse awhile back. I always thought this Love stamp would be cool actually stitched but have been too (lazy) busy to actually do it :) Have a blessed day! OH and watch for some new H & S images coming soon!!!! ><>

Sanctuary Art :)

2011-01-20T18:30:00.001-08:00

Today I helped with the "spinny thing" in the center of our church sanctuary- changing from the Christmas/Epiphany season back to the *Ordinary* season....I should find out why it's called that actually :) But the Paraments are back to green, so green it is! I like how it's all swoopy and lopsided- no two sides are the same- just like us! The air currents make it move really slowly- I love color in the church! If you've got anything beautiful in your church I would LOVE to see pictures! ><>

Dangling Hearts :)

2011-01-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

I found this cool branch laying on the ground last week on my way to the mailbox...picked it up and just knew I had to make something with it! The red votive cup came from Craft Warehouse. I punched a bunch of hearts from scrap paper and strung them on black thread. I like it ><>

12 Days of Christmas Challenge

2010-12-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

I've had the delightful opportunity to *sponsor* one day in the 12 Days of Christmas design challenge...for those of us who are just not quite ready to stop making Christmas cards :) You can read more about the challenge here: http://dailydare4u.blogspot.com/2010/12/saturday_25.html and my lovely amazingly talented cyber sister in Christ - Dina Kowal - has graciously agreed to *host* my day...since I'm, well, if you've followed along for any period of time....'htmly challenged'. You can see Dina's original post on her blog: http://mamadinis.blogspot.com and there is a great Heart & Soul prize for the winner. Be sure to post your cards in the Splitcoast Gallery using the code DD12days02. Have fun! and may God bless you in the new year abundantly ><>

O Christmas Tree...O Christmas Tree....

2010-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

When we moved a few years ago, we had the added blessing of living in the middle of a Christmas tree farm :) They are just beautiful noble firs, and we only need to walk out in the field to get one. What a gift! And they look awesome when it snows. I've *packratted* so many ornaments in our married life that I actually 'rotate' them- one year it's all about the snowflake- and the next it's all the rest. So here's the *flakey* result :) May you all enjoy your Christmas preparations- don't forget to prepare your heart as well ><>

A Little Snow on the Pumpkins....

2010-11-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely early snowfall this week- kind of unusual for that to happen before December....I made these turkey pumpkins years ago when my kids were little- they helped paint all the parts & pieces. There's nails in the bottom to poke them into my leftover pumpkins. They make me smile :) Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving no matter how you spend it or whom you spend it with! I am so very thankful for so many things...God Bless ><>

Thankful for friends.....

2010-11-18T07:57:00.001-08:00

I made a mess of these for my friends :) The cornocopia is so *vintage* that I can't tell where it's from...probably early D.O.T.S. or SU ? Printed the word on the computer. Love that copper metallic paper- good to use it in small snippets :) on the inside I stamped a tiny *for you*. Clean and simple as usual ><>

It's A Blustery Day....

2010-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

...here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Sorry I've been *awol*....no excuse....time is zooming by me. I worked on some jewelry and things for a *green gift* fair- haven't actually touched a stamp for weeks...except to sell them, of course.....and I feel semi-guilty posting *non-stamping* news....since, well...this is *supposed* to be a stamping company blog...technically....bless your hearts for checking up on me :) I'm looking forward to my *baby girl* coming home from school next week...dinner with half of my family...I'm already listening to wonderful Christmas music! My heart is full to overflowing with thankfulness. Wishing you all a wonderful time with family and friends in the weeks ahead ><>

The view :)

2010-10-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Looking out the back window this morning! The neighbor's maple tree was just glowing in the sunrise :) I'm so thankful for fall- that God paints the earth with so much beauty...and that I have the eyes to see it, and the *sense* to know Who created it all ><>

Autumn Blessings

2010-10-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

I have really been enjoying my latest *organization project* - finally sorted my scraps of cardstock and background papers by color. SO much easier to find and use them up when they're in their own little space instead of thrown into one huge box! I'm inspired :) so I made some cards for friends, out of mostly scraps....The pumpkin is a clear Inkadinkado image from a few years back- the words are from Northwoods. The corrogated paper is a recycled Starbucks cup wrap! I KNEW I've been hoarding those things for a reason! God Bless you on this wonderful Autumn day- and we rejoice with the Chiliean miners who are being reunited with their families today. What a miracle!!!! ><>

My Little Helper....

2010-10-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

.....and people wonder why there is cat hair in their stamp orders and cards :) ><>

I Always Wanted One of These :)

2010-10-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

...so I made one :) It was alot of work and I can see why they are so expensive to buy. Worth every penny! I didn't use wool felt, just the cheap kind. And I think maybe 3 layers was a little much- it's so *lumpy* that I'm not sure it will be a very good doily...but it was fun! And something to do while watching Glee :) ><>

Recycling Christmas :)

2010-10-01T07:45:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! October 1st! I'm breaking out the Christmas music :) (Actually, this is true! I just got a new CD called *Oh Come All Ye Faithful* with songs by some of my favorites- putting it in the car today :) But I digress....This card was made from scraps & such- really cleaned out the purple cardstock drawer! Background paper is recycled from the worship folders at my church, run through a CB folder and sanded a little bit to make the flakes stand out. Big snowflake is a diecut, shiny center comes from a Christmas tree garland ( very cheap embellishments!) and the center is from SU. I have a *thing* for snowflakes - and when they're purple it's even more wonderful :) Have an awesome Autumn day ><>

Hope Restored Tour

2010-09-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

So last night I had the awesome privilege of being in a huge room filled with people singing their hearts out to Jesus :) Big Daddy Weave, Aaron Shust and Andy Kirk were just awesome worship leaders. What a huge blessing to my music loving rocking for the Lord heart ><>

Comin' Up on Fall.....

2010-09-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of year! Looks like I've been *awol* for awhile...don't know where September went! Made this to sit on the coffee table...leaf & verse are Heart & Soul...just found the square bling at Michael's this week- comes in a big pack with black, orange & yellow. Here's a closer look at the cut out leaves...Happy Fall Y'all ><>

Purplestamper's Musings......thoughts on life....faith....art....etc....

Lenten Centerpiece

variation of a theme :)

sweet sixteen :)

poppin' up butterflies :)

my new favorite card :)

no greater love than this...

more love :)

*Quilty Love*

Blessing Hearts :)

*CAS* birthday :)

a new year

The Longest Night

Part 2 :)

Recycling Christmas :)

Advent *Mobile*

Yahoo :)

A fine time to go AWOL :(

Punkin Turkey :)

so much to be thankful for

Preparing for Advent :)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge

My *helper*

Thank You !

Happy Reformation Day !

Grateful for Fall :)

Happy Fall :)

World Card Making Day :)

More New Goodies :)

New Stamps :)

Happy Birthday Kyle :)

I'd *pick* you :)

Apple Thieves :)

Fun *Upcycling* Project :)

Words of Comfort :)

Sad/Happy :)

Three Cups of Tea

Welcome Paisley Jane :)

Scrappy Get Well :)

Patriotic Time :)

Happy 4th!

God Bless America :)

I tell you what!

windchimes sun catcher :)

*Retro Wreath*

Shower card :)

*Upcycled* Glass :)

Happy Dad's Day!

A Sound Like a Strong Wind :)

happy birthday Jamie :)

*cheater* cards

what fun!

Almost :)

He is Risen Indeed :)

Good Friday

Easter fun

Hosanna!

Ken's Homegoing

My Redeemer....

a nice surprise :)

mahalo hoaloha :)

oh my.

more new stamps

happy birthday Jackie !

Lenten *mobile*

new stamps! new stamps!

so sad.

a penny for your thoughts...oy :)

any excuse for chocolate...apparently

Ash Wednesday

More New Stamps!

gratitude...pass it on :)

Music Updated :)

retro.

*borrowed*

stamped tiles

spring is just around the corner :)

just how does one color an angel ????

message board :)

a penny for your thoughts :)

Quilty Love

CAS birthday :)

Advent Mobile

My helper

I'd pick you :)

Fun Upcycling Project :)

Retro Wreath

Upcycled Glass :)

cheater cards

Lenten mobile

borrowed

recycled love :)

Vintage Smurfage :)