The PaperPeasant

Monogram Sparkling!

I sat down and finished a few creations this morning and remembered that I'm behind on my postings which is becoming more of a norm than it should be! I've had this one done for some time but wanted to share it as it invovles a few of my favorite items.....paper, sparkle and Nestabilities!

There's no "secret ingredient" to this one, I was just playing around one day, layering things and trying paper combinations. Everything is from the "stash" bin, not originally meant to go together but in the craft world, we never say never!

I am blessed to have some pretty talented friends and on occassion I can grovel for some bartering, although, I really believe I'm the one getting the higher end of the deal! Mr. Bivens, my favorite photographer, agreed to barter some cards for some pictures, I end up with wonderful pictures and Mrs. Bivens ends up with a few cards to share with others.

This is a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" card that's been consumed by stickles! I'm not sure who invented stickles but high five to them for sure! The monogram is from Just Rite stamps. I die cut 3 {that's right....3!!} Lotus pendants from Nestabilities and staggered them. After adding some "bling" and sparkly, I then mounted a few more dies on top with the monogram.

If I do say so myself, a monogram should be grandly announced and for this one, I believe I accomplished that!

Hope you enjoy. Until next time.

 

"A Family United!"

    It's taken a bit of time to compose this posting. It's one of those stories you read about and wonder if it really happened, because in order to believe it, there has to be a level of faith involved to recognize the miracle in the details and the event itself. 

    Our daughter Jessica recently celebrated her 17th birthday. Unbeknownst to her, we were working diligently behind the scenes to deliver to her the very best birthday surprise we could think of.....but it would be a difficult one to accomplish.

    For those who know our families story, you know that Jessica is our newest family addition and has   been a part of our family for the past 3 1/2 years. We were blessed with adopting Jessica and have seen her grow into a beautiful young lady over the past few years and without deep boasting, we'll just say we're mighty proud of her!

     Jessica grew up with her brother Thomas who remains very close to her. Last year, she was introduced to two younger biological brothers, Alexis and Vincent. We learned recently that Jessica had three more brothers (yes 3!) and knew that we had to find a way to bring these children together. Her birthday seemed like the perfect place for an introduction!

    Everything was set up, all the plans were made and Jessica didn't suspect anything! We hit a snag the night before the birthday celebration, we couldn't locate the three younger brothers, evidently they had moved. We were determined to enjoy as much of this special day as we could so my wonderful hubby left on Sunday morning to pick up the three older boys and bring them to church to surprise Jessica.

Fast forward a few hours………………………

    I was at church, getting my work done and remaining in touch with my husband. Brother #1 was picked up, then #2 & #3, I continued to pray along with others, wondering if there were any way that God could step in to this situation and allow these 7 children to meet each other. My heart felt this was right to do but my faith was weary; I knew that we had to place this situation in God's hands and leave it there.

    Mark called to tell me that they were going to attempt to locate the 3 younger boys! Maybe they wouldn't find them but can you believe that he was ready and willing to do this special thing for his daughter, even if it didn’t produce favorable results.

 Fast forward a few hours......

Mark drove into the church parking lot, doors opened and out stepped 6 handsome young boys! They entered the church, full of energy, all looking forward to being together as a family, and celebrating one of their birthdays for the very first time!

We brought Jessica out of church, telling her we had a surprise  for her. Thomas, the oldest brother emerged from a room they were all "hiding out" in. After Thomas, came Alexis and Vincent, the two middle brothers. I can't even describe the look of surprise and joy on Jessica's face as she hugged each of them. The surprise could have stopped right here and Jessica would have been completely happy. I leaned over and whispered to Jessica "It seems that you have 3 other brothers you might like to meet" and no sooner than the words left my mouth, out walked her three younger brothers, Damien, Patrick and Dujan. Jessica stumbled backwards, trying to  take in all that was going on, seeing for the first time in her 17 years, all 6 of her brothers standing in front of her!

Jessica walked into the middle of all six boys and realized she didn't know the names of the 3 youngest ones, this broke our hearts as children should never have be placed in a situation where they don’t know their siblings! Hugs were shared all around and time was spent getting to meet each other. We stood off to the side of this joyous event, watching is bright smiles and touched hearts, quietly thanking God for hearing our prayers for a miracle. It was a miracle and He was the deliverer.

A friend of ours at church gathered everyone together and prayed over the children, you can imagine how difficult it was to remain composed during this. God's people understand the power of prayer and our friend Mike just seemed to know it was a time that prayer for these children and a prayer of thanks was also needed. Did these children ever seek out God in prayer before this time? My heart became heavier, as I realized that this was the first time in the lives of these children that they were prayed over as a family. What a beautiful moment for all of us!

We went home and spent the day with friends and family, also included was our new "extended" family! {{Mr. & Mrs. Bivens  joined in on the celebration - you know that Mr. Stephen NEVER goes anywhere without a camera which is why we have all of these wonderful pictures to share with you!!}}Jessica experienced a birthday which I know she'll never forget....she became a year older and God showed up to bring healing and restoration for her and her brothers!

We don't know what the future holds but we do know that God used this special day and all those involved for a greater purpose. Our home, arms and hearts are open wider because of these precious children and we give God the glory for what is to happen in the upcoming days!

Special events always inspire me to create and this time was no exception! I created this card as I thought about how only God has the ability to bring people, no matter their race, color or circumstances  
and blend them in perfect harmony! Just as all components of this card need to be brought together to result in a completed creation, so do families such as this one need to be brought together in order for God’s healing to be recognized.

Blessings,

All Parts Contribute To The Whole

I've "ventured" into a new realm {as a crafter, I'm open to any venture that means I can create something!). I sat down to do a little creating and kept moving and changing things, realizing I had entirely too many embellishments for one card creation.

  I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and see where my creative spirit would take me. I started with a base paper sized at 10" x 10". When you're "in the zone" things just begin to happen and before you know it, a new creation is born!! I've not yet done this color combination but am sure pleased with how well they work together in this art piece. The teal and purple compliment each other and throw in a little pink tone and everything suddenly seems to make sense!!

Isn't this how life is for so many of us? We have little pieces of us that work well on their own but we when join them together, wonderful things can be accomplished! We each have special talents and giftings, all of which God has created within us to work together to accomplish his master plan within our lives. If we choose not to use certain gifts, for whatever reason, we are not only depriving oursleves of what could come of our gifts, but we deprive others as well and this is not as God intended.

You are designed with many parts, all working as a whole for the greater good. Don't sell yourself or others short by holding out or walking away form God's original plan! As a whole, you can do great and wonderful things!

Hope you enjoy. Until next time.

 

Faux Pressed Flowers

     The creative side of my brain (is this left or right?) hit a block with this challenge on Split Coast Stampers  so I did the only thing I knew how....I pulled out as many supplies as possible and played until I arrived at the finished project!

     I'm always open to new ways of using my tools and when this one came up, I felt a bit of creativity rising in me and headed down to my craft studio. I began by pulling out a variety of papers, inks, embossing folders, embellishments and of course, prima flowers! A little "cut cut" here, a little "ink ink" there, throw it all in an embossing folder, add some edge punching and some twine and there it is.....the makings of a beautiful card for my "Maine Mom!"

    An extremely simple and fun technique that I'll be using again in the future (especially when I'm in a creative block!!)

Hope you enjoy. Until next time.

Theresa