Cards & Cupcakes…

May 10, 2023 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Dear Ones,

Happy Wednesday. This past weekend we celebrated First Holy Communion at our Parish on base. And I reached out to the CCRE to see how I could help. We agreed that I would make cards for the children and cupcakes for the reception afterwards.

I am so blessed to have so many crafty tools… and per my agreement with my hubby I am using them. Here are the cards:

Card Recipe:
TOOLS: StampinUp Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine.
Cross Die (part of a set from Nestabilities).
INKS: Soft Sky and Pool Party blue Inks from StampinUp
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens.
For the splatters I used the ink from two blues spectrum pens, mixed with a little water, and splatted with the fan brush. I splatted the ink over sponged on soft sky & pool party blues.
STAMPS: The image and sentiments are from Doves of Peace, from SweetnSassy Stamps.
PAPER: Both from my PaperTreyInk and StampinUp Stashes.
Colors are Ivory, and various grays and light blues.

I love the way they turned out and I hope the families did too.

Now, for the cupcakes… I am a baker, and I have to say – the cupcakes were fantastic. A great recipe from the late 1970’s… just can’t be beat. But the icing… AACK. For some reason it was runnier than it should have been. I tried so many baking tricks… and the icing tasted good. But I wasn’t happy.

I have to tell you guys… God had my back. Somehow between that and the fact that my hand-mixer broke mid-beating the icing together… God helped me out and things went well. Thankful the CCRE is calm and knows I am working on my perfectionist issues that can make me awkward… and she laid it all out. It looked great.

It feels good to be getting involved again. I’m hopeful.

Anywhoooo it’s just a quick post for today. I have so many things to talk about… but I’m overthinking how to say them. HA! I’m not kidding. I want my blog to be loving and kind… and I am trying to balance it with real issues I want to talk about. Praying about it. But – please stay tuned.

As always, wishing you lovely readers…

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

#LadyEmCrafts · Card Making · StampinUp · SweetnSassy · Honey Bee Stamps

Card Therapy?!

April 15, 2023April 25, 2023 LadyEm632 Comments

Dear Readers,

I am starting to make cards again! Marque (my hubby) said I needed to use the stuff I have…

And y’all it’s so relaxing. It’s like therapy…. I used to make a card every day… and post them all the time. Then FB took over my life, it seems, and I really lost track. So – I’m back at it. I’m even starting a local card group here in Italy. We shall see how it goes…

Anywhooooo… to ease back in, I went to my Paper Pumpkin kits. I had five shoved in a drawer. It has been a super fun week. These kits come with everything you need to make cards and other things. Check them out here: Paper Pumpkin by StampinUp!

I embellished and changed some things in each kit. In the kit below… I added color to the capital letters. They are meant to be all white… but that seemed BORING. lol I hope you like them.

Kit #4… It is just so fun to play with these kits. Everything you need is there. It’s awesome. ❤

By the 5th kit (fruit/popsicles) I realized I must have given away the stamp set, so I had to ad lib! I looked up YouTube’s that gracious crafter’s create to show you other things to do with the kits. Alicia from Crafty with Al is where I watched this video: April 2021 PP Kit and took my inspiration from.

I’m not saying I did exactly what she did, and I added sentiments from StampinUp!, Honey Bee Stamps, and my favorite – Sweet N Sassy Stamps. I’m pleased with how they turned out. I can add ribbon if I like or leave plain.

The last two cards are not from kits… One is an image I colored years ago… and one is from an old thank you card that I repurposed!

The below is an image I printed out easily 6+ years ago. If y’all knew the amount of things I had to use in my craft room, you’d be amazed… and know this obsession is real. Anywhoooo… My dear friend Lori Boyd used to have a company and she created (aka drew) the cutest stamps. This girl blowing bubbles is her stamp. I have so many colored images, and this was one I found. So, I trimmed the image, added glossy accents to the gum ball machine, and a little wink of stella to the bubble. So cute.

This last image is really the funnest. Well sort of. I trimmed a thank you card front. Have a small bin of already matted cards… with no picture on front. Added a sentiment AND some embellishments. I love repurposing. I mean – why not!

Thanks for looking. I really have enjoyed creating again. And I’m thankful for the opportunity. Let me know what you think.

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

#LadyEmCrafts · Catholic Faith · Davis Family · Italy · Lent · StampinUp · SweetnSassy · Valentines

Shrove Tuesday And A Couple Valentine’s Cards

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 LadyEm636 Comments

Dear Readers…

How I wish I was a more regular blogger. I will make attempts to do better, and stop apologizing. Because I’m bored with the apologies. HA I hope you are all well. Life is life… Sigh. Hugs.

Today is Shrove Tuesday. Do you know what Shrove Tuesday is? Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras – they all mean the same thing. Today – historically – WAAAAY BACK. People would empty their pantries of eggs, milk, and sugar so that they could fast for 40 days of Lent. In my house, one wants pancakes and the other wants waffles. I’m low carb, so I will figure it out. LOL Breakfast for dinner is NEVER a bad thing though. Information about traditions below.

Tomorrow – we kick of Lent with Ash Wednesday – this year we will be sprinkled with Ashes instead of receiving on the forehead. UGH But we know everyone is doing the best we all can. Of course, NOTHING I ordered for Lent is here. But never fear, let me give you a list of Free or Inexpensive Lenten Printables. This way, if you are in the same predicament with mail (with all the weather in the states, the delays must be similar), you can still get your Lenten Plan together. Here are a few things I love:

And perhaps my Favorite – Prompt Me To Pray Through Lent via Monica at Arma Dei. She has so many Lenten Printables from her Lenten Pack of Prayers to a Lenten Quest to her Stations of the Cross. You really should check out her site!

Plus I have a couple books here with readings and devotions for Lent. I’m disappointed that the NEW hasn’t shown up, but it’s ALL GOOD! Catholics are versatile and able to overcome. LOL

Now – I think it’s ok to show you a few Valentine’s Cards I sent to lovely folks I know.

Card #1 – Card Recipe
Stamps: Sweet ‘N Sassy Stamps: Some Buggy Loves You, Texture Tiles 5 and Texture Tiles 7
Paper: PaperTreyInk, StampinUp, and Scrap DP
Ink: Jet Black Amalgam Ink-Gina K Designs, Various Copic and Spectrum Noir Yellow Sparkle Pen.
Embellishments: Blue Scrap Ribbon

Directions: I have bins with scrap paper and precut layers in it. I stamped the X’s and O’s on a piece of chartreuse paper (PTI) and I believe the DP with dragonflies is from StampinUp. I just layered it and tossed some ribbon on. I wish I’d have taken a picture of the inside, because I stamped Happy Valentine’s Day, and Somebuggy loves you! Put it all together with tape adhesive and dimensionals.

Card #2 – Card Recipe
Stamps: Sweet n Sassy Stamps: Kitty Image – from Lots of Love, Sentiment from Valentine Critters, and Background from Rose Background.
Paper: PaperTreyInk and StampinUp
Ink: Jet Black Amalgam Ink from Gina K. Various Copic Markers, and Wink of Stella
Embellishments: Pink Scrap Ribbon.

Directions: I cut and layed out layers from scrap paper. I stamped the Rose background and colored with comic markers… then I used the teeny hearts from the Sweet n’ Sassy Donut Worry set and stamped in various colors with SU Ink, and used a water brush to move the ink around to give a little dimension. I stamped the kitty and colored her with Copics, then put it all together with tape adhesives and dimensionals. Scrap ribbon from my bin. Easy Peasy.

Card #3 – Card Recipe
Stamps: Sweet n’ Sassy Stamp Sets: You & Me, Donut Worry, and Texture Tiles 9
Paper: PaperTreyInk and StampinUp
Ink: Jet Black Amalgam Ink from Gina K, Various Copic Markers, and Stampin UP Inks: Baked Brown Sugar, Early Espresso and Soft Suede.
Embellishments: Red scrap ribbon.

Directions: I stamped the coffee words image on a scrap of ballerina pink paper, and stamped the coffee and donuts in various browns, and sprayed with water for a spill effect. I colored the main image with copic markers and used a piece of pink/red gingham paper for a layer. Then I added the red ribbon and put it all together with tape adhesive and dimensionals.

It was one of my funnest evenings in a long time. Music, mess and fun! I get messy in my craft room. I hope to do it more. Anyway – I got them into Military Post, but who knows when the receivers will receive.

We’ll talk about Lent tomorrow. Ash Wednesday Y’all.

Happy rest of your Tuesday.

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

#Catholic Bible Journaling · #LadyEmCrafts · Advent · Catholic Bible Journaling · Catholic Faith · Equipping Catholic Families · PrayerLife · Sweet Little Ones Shop

KICKING OFF ADVENT WITH GIVEAWAYS

November 29, 2020 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Dear Ones,

Happy First Day of Advent. I love the Readings today. Keep Watch, prepare… Sigh. We need to now, more than ever.

We are excited in the Catholic Women’s Bible Journaling Group.
Today is the first day of Advent. The first day of our new Liturgical Year.
And also – a great time to shed the old and don the newness of spirit in hoping for a great year.

This is my post from the Bible Journaling Group: Please consider joining us.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF ADVENT.LET’S KICK OFF THE GIVEAWAYS. YOU READY?

Week 1: Bible Verses – Luke 1:26–38: 26
This contest goes through Wednesday. You must upload your image of artwork by Wednesday, December 2nd.
You can color and tip the image into your Bible (You Tube Link in Comments), draw a version into your Bible, OR simply choose to Color the image. You only need to choose one size of the image. We created it four ways, just to make sure folks had choices.

If you simply print and color the image, you get one entry into the giveaway.
If you choose one of the harder option, you will get two entries.
Once you color or are finished with your artwork, please find the album associated with this week (link will be in one of the first comments.

There will be Two Winners this first week!

Prompt Me To Pray Through Advent – Monica has donated her companion book to Prompt Me to Pray. https://armadei.com/product/prompt-me-to-pray-advent/
Catholic Planner Stickers – Sweet Little Ones – Jessica has donated a set of planner stickers. https://www.etsy.com/…/68-catholic-planner-stickers-set…C

Mods can play along and win as well. Admins don’t play to win.

Lastly, please check out the Elizabeth Clare Shop on Etsy. She has given our group a 10% Discount through January 1st. How nice is that? Here is her link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElizabethClareShop
And the code is Bible10.

For those of you who need help with Tip Ins, this is an easy video. Scribbling Grace Tip In Video –
Scribbling Grace – Tip In

Ladies, we can not wait to see your artwork.

Blessed Advent all!

I truly hope you had a great Thanksgiving – if you are American. I also pray that you have a Blessed Advent and that you use your Advent Wisely. Prepare your hearts for the coming of Our Lord. Amen.

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

#LadyEmCrafts · Book Review · Catholic Bible Journaling · Catholic Book Reviews · COVID · Italy · Quarantine2020

Book Review Wednesday – Ignatius Press Bible Journal

November 4, 2020 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Dear Ones,

I hope this post finds you well. It’s been two weeks since I posted, but y’all, I have had a busy two weeks.
I’m the PTSA President and I was at school nearly every day. Between Teacher/Staff Appreciation, our spirit gear coming in and needing distribution, “spirit week” – which I will show you later this week, and school pictures… it was a lot of fun! I’m so thankful we could bring fun into the school.

I meant to get this up early this morning but today’s been a rather long one. You see, we are about to be told we are closing till January and going to a Google Classroom setting. UGH. I’m heartbroken, and also relieved at the same time. Now, we know and we don’t have to deal with “is it happening” thoughts. Ya know? Here is the latest Italian Decree. It’s not great. But guides the command on how the Italians expect the rest of us to act. It’s their country, after all. If you open it in Google Chrome, you can see the fun… You’re welcome. HAHA

But you didn’t come here for that. You came to see the new Bible Journal I was sent to review. I love it in so many ways… there is just ONE thing I wish was different, but it won’t stop me from using it. I’ll explain. First and foremost, I have literally been praying that Ignatius Press would create a journaling Bible. And when my friend Monica told me about it, I knew I wanted to review it. So thrilled to have been sent this Bible. Because I’ve already given the last one I reviewed away – even though I said I wouldn’t. I’ve loved the Ignatius Bibles since I homeschooled through Seton. And I agree with Mr. Scott Hahn, who said that the NRSV Second Catholic Edition is the most beautiful translation of the Bible. Hands down – agree!

WHAT I LOVE:
- This Ignatius Note-Taking and Journaling Bible a sturdy Bible- in fact, the leather is beautiful.
- The pages are thicker than a regular Bible and easy to work on.
- My artwork didn’t bleed through too much, but that doesn’t bother me anyway.
- I love the off white color of the pages.
- The maps are great too.
- I love the size of the Bible – its 6.25×7.25 and maybe 2 inches or so thick. I have super small hands and it’s easy to hold.
ONE THING I WISH WAS DIFFERENT:
- Font Size. 7 pt font is too small for this 57 year old.
- It’s not their fault I wear trifocals like Mr. Magoo… But that is truly my only issue.
- Luckily I have access to a bigger version so I am clear on the verses I am working with.

This is my new favorite. In the pictures below, you will see the cover, the comparison of size/font to the last Review from Catholic Bible Press, a blank page, and a page with artwork.

Pictures of the Ignatius Note-Taking & Journaling Bible – RSV, 2nd Catholic Edition.

When I journal, I try to plan it out beforehand, and I always try to write a note.

On this page, I used:

Sharpie bright yellow highlighter
Various gel crayons, water, and paintbrushes.
Tim Holtz Sunrise Stencil.
Various Stamps from Sweet & Sassy Stamps. One item each from three sets.
Gina K Amalgam Ink
Distress Ink

The verses I journaled are Psalm 43:3-4 –

As always, I washi-taped a plastic mat under the page I worked on, so that the Bible wouldn’t get wet. I air dried this one, and then I stamped on it, and wrote out: Let Me bring light to the world through God, who’s light and love I share with others! Meet me on the Holy Hill! Walk with me, I am NOT alone!

Dear Ones, I have to hop off to go watch the explanation of the latest decree by our Command Staff. Pray for us over here.

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm