Buckle Up......

Safety First, I always make sure my blades are protected after each use so I don't stab myself. Even iin my tote bag everything sharp and pointy is covered and protected so that when I reach blindly into it I won't be stabbed.   And my guilotine is uniformly almost always put back in the down position, mostly because I know my eldest ""kitty kid has a habit of being able to open the heavy mind you sliding doors and jumping up where my guilotine is and it always has me thinking what if he pushes the lever down on his tail one day?

But with these cards we don't have to worry much about safety.  I love these buckles from
Spellbinders shapabilities collection.  I should have used more shim though to create a deeper impresion of the patterns on the buckles.  As time was of the essence I forwent the unique and detail of the design....I choose to let the buckles slide on the ribbon rather than affix them to the card.  Perhaps because I am tactile and it gives my hands something to do.  The buckle does look more finished off with bling added to it which was the suggestion of my non crafting dearest and fondest friend, who simply loves to watch other cpeople raft than actually craft herself.  I don't get it, but she assures me she is fascinated....

DEETS:

A5 Cream Cardstock - Mountin Fold

Die - Spellbinders - Shapeabilities Collection - Ladies Fashion Buckles

Embossing Folder - A2 QuicKutz - Flowers

Ribbon & Bling

Have a safe day, have a fun day everyone

Maree Long

Swiss Dots II

Working on so many cards with a deadline to meet - keeping my swiss dots out was a quick help in deciding the background texture.  Putting the gift pack together it also looked better in sets of a three minimum of each design.  This way I was able to get a production line going, of course what was in the scrap pack determined what colors and style I would create.....especially if you only a had a minimum of an embellishment, ribbon or paper design.......

DEETS:

A5 Cream Cardstock - Mountain Fold

Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots - Cuttlebug

Punch - CP I & 2

Punch Border - Punch Border Eyelet - Stampin Up

Ribbon & papers

I worked on most of the remaining cards during a Christmas Eve in July Event.  A sleepover for us ladies to get together have some fun crafting, feasting and boy did we eat well.  A table laden with honeyed Julienned carrots & inted peas, crunchy golden baked spuds with spicy plum basted chicken and gravy.  For desert christmas pudding and custard of course - and everything was made from scratch and particularly pleased how well the pudding turned out.....You will be able to find the pudding recipe in my recipe section or use the link http://wildoppycraft.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html  I also hope to show you some of the cards for the card challenge where each lady had to supply an element....

Oh and I can't wait to show you some of the decorating accessories I have been working on for my crafting room......keep you posted

Maree Long

Swiss Dots

I found that by the time I got to my 50th card, I was actually the one encouraged by the words of scripture that were intended as a collection gift pack for a Minister and his wife who had kindly served as a locum or interm pastor.  I noticed during their service to our church during their six months,  the care, love and humility of everyone.  The idea of creating so many cards as a gift pack was spurred on by Shelley who does the same.....so I thought the Pastor and his wife would be the perfect recipient as they travel back to New Zealand.

I also found that I was able to memorize the scripture verses, how easy such memorization comes to you when you create the cards in sets of 4 or six.  Spend time cutting out, inking, mounting and decorating around the verses.

One of the things I love doing is  raiding my scrap packs which are all sorted into various colors.  The blue matting and ribbon on these cards came from my friends', grand daughters wedding invitations that were left over. 

DEETS:

Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots Cuttlebug

Label - Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Three

Sun Punch - CP11  & L-EM

Daisy: CP 1 & CP2

Leaf:  unknown - maybe someone will let me know?

Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink - ""Stormy sky by Ranger from Kaszazz

Have an awesome day everyone knowing that indeed you are inscribed in the palm of the Masters hand....

Maree Long

let me introduce Shelly

Today I would love to share with you two talented crafters.  Shelly is a lovely hearted woman who designs inspirational cards and I am proud to have her in my fav craft links http://shellysblog-ne.blogspot.com/  What I like about her cards are the warmth they exude and how encouraging many of her cards are...  Which is not surprising as she is a most encouraging woman herself.

I created this card as part of a set to give away a collection pack of 50 encouragment cards.  I simply tied them up in bundles with Ribbon.  This text was kindly designed by Shelley.  I thought the colors work particularly well to give to a male.

DEETS:

A5 Black cardstock -  Mountain Fold

Background:  Houndstooth - Cuttlebug

Flourish:  Sizzix #10

Carl Punch: Daisy CP2 & CP1

No Greater Love...

Of course no greater love than Christs love for mankind.  But then there is the special kind of love a mother has for all her children.  You invest money, time, wisdom, kindness and hope that at the end of younger tender years of teaching your children will blossom into the kind of adults that you are proud of.  The kind of adults that are leaders full of love and kindness.

As a parent, love has been the motivating force in all that I did as a parent, even the bits that maybe I could have done better or wished I had done better.  My husband and I are very proud of all our children.  All are leaders in some measure in their daily life.  All take care of their partners and children.  All make sure just as my husband and I did to ensure our children have the chance to blossom and be strong individuals with rounded characters.  And I do think they blossom rather nicely.

So here's a quick card make dedicated to all those mums who loved their children with the kind of passion for love to blossom in the lives of their children.  To those kinds of mums who love unconditionally. So with my daughter by myside and a parcel from my God mother it certainly makes a great day perfect the next.    My Godmother has been such a mum who has always loved unconditionally, always imparting wisdom and showed the very best kind of friendship to my own mother all these years and been the best kind of God mother even into my adult years. I've always said my mum chose wisely.

With a surprise knock at the door, in a parcel, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and yards of fabric I find a beautiful pink and gold trio set to add to my collection along with some vintage lace.  My Godmother always finds ways to inspire and encourage.  Whether that is in a postcard from a far off land (as she used to travel quite a lot) or in a kind word, a friendly and timely email or fwd, and of course in a most thoughtful gift.  This gift is one to be especially treasured as it belonged to my God mothers mother.  I am still in awe how it all arrived in one piece.



Treasured Trio



How exquisite is this trio and vintage lace!. How exquisite is my Godmothers love.  And I  love being surrounded by "love" gifts for it expresses and represents a reminder of the person whom I love and who has loved me....in this case all of my 50 + years.

When you leave a comment on the card why not share about something you treasure.

Maree Long.

I have always thought children a gift from God - Psalm 127:3.  did you know the greek word philoteknos appears in reference to mothers loving their children? If you love your children you will want to affectionally embrace them, pour out your love on them, knowing that each child is unique and a special gift from God. Titus 2:4  I sometimes wonder if I embraced, hugged and told them enough how much I love them, but every time I see them I make especially sure they are told because they are a unique and treasured gift from God. 

A little birdie told me....

Again working with the same color them as I did the owl in my previous post, I went for simplicity.  Some basic matting and utilising the two step bird punch large from Stampin Up.  I inked the edge of the tag and folded over the ribbon upon itself underneath the tag.

Whilst I am posting my cards and so far so good, I did need a little help from my daughter to figure out how to get my photos from my laptop onto my main computer.  Clearly I can see I need to learn how to take pics of my cards and resize them.  A short intgerlude of shopping to pick up some unscheduled craft supplies ensues and then its back to the craft room. I get so excited every time when my daughter comes over for a mother and daughter day. 

And today I have the pleasure of my daughter crafting with me the whole day.  We have and understand the same kind of bent humor in most things, love color, design, textures. In fact my daughter is repsonbile for getting me into cardmaking. My daughter has a very keen eye for color and design and loves to keep things simple and clean.   I get very excited when ever my daughter and I get together, we laugh, we eat, we brainstorm, collaborate on each others projects.  It makes for a perfect day. 

But right now towards the closing of the day my craft room seems to have only one person whiling away the crafting hours.....   So I give a shout out, but no response comes,  I call out Marco?  but the obligatory Polo response, usually reserved for our shopping trips down the big aisles remains silent.  So a search party of one starts through the house and there curled up on my bed, I find my now grown baby with the "kitty kids' fast asleep.

Time to start preparing dinner...

Maree Long

A Hoot of a time....

I made this card at a  craft camp with some very dear friends whose company I enjoy and enjoyed putting together these colors.  My younger sister who is an avid collector of all things owls and I do hope that she is still collecting as I have now,three special owls for her, to add to her collection.  Only they always seem to fly off and hide and I find them again promising myself I will post them.  One day.....

I borrowed Margies Two Step owl punch extra large from Stampin Up #118074.  And borrowing is an easy way to cut costs and help you decide if you really want to have that "must have' product.  Of course you can do all kinds of clever things with the owl punch like create monsters, aliens, penguins & octopus.  And you have to like working with  fiddly bits like the eyes and heart.  I used the leaf from Stampin Ups Two Step bird Extra Large punch which is even more versatile and one that was definitley a must have in my punch collection. I've yet to decide about the owl punch but most likely will make it's way into my collection next time I order.

When ever at any of these craft camps and get togethers we always have a good time as we build upon our friendships and share ideas and techniques....And this card is very basic, some matting, some ribbon but very effective when you use the right colors.  the ribbon was a pefect match for the print with the circles and orange dots

But I have yet to find a friend who will deter me from spending in a craft shop.  So perhaps a good friend is one who shares the same passion in life for crafting as you do and understands how you love paper and cardstock.  A better friend will know what color paper and what texture in cardstock you like.

Wishing you good friendship along lifes way


Maree Long

Good friends will have a positive influence on you. From Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 it talks of two are better than one, it's the same verse I used at my wedding and it's a benchmark for the kinds of friendships I select and you know what it makes sense - One can enocurage the other, pick up the other when down, stand together and hold your hand  .  but no better friend have I found than that which I have found in Jesus... John 15:12-14 (NIV) says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Silhoette #2

 

Have you ever thought of the word Cherish or To Cherish?  Anyone remember their wedding vows?  To Love Honor & Cherish.  For me, the word invokes a deep sense of worth and warmth extended to another. A perfect card for a wedding acceptance.  I thought this combination of again using the Brocade Window Embossing PLUS by Cuttlebug and Swiss dots with the Chandelier embossing folder from the set "Love's in the Air" and just cut around it adding the diamonte bling.Spellbinders Nestabilities Long Classic Rectangles Large Set was used for the matting at the top. 

Don't you love the way this product cuts & emobsses in one go?!  I found these simple to use and run through my cuttlebug quite easily.  I stamped the word cherish from Stampin Ups collection Baroque Motifs #116340. 

Ok, maybe not everything in life is black & white, maybe life doesn't have to be all or nothing,with some room for shades of grey. But this card is perfect in Black & White, don't you think?

Perhaps it's in the grey you find the understanding and reasoning & then, are better able to make the choice of living in either the black or white. 

Maree Long

Todays blog I think would be wise to end on John 7:24 (NIV) "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." O'ladies to be so wise......

Silohettes




Cat Silohette

 

In life not everything is black and white.  However, life is much the easier when you know right from wrong, which decision to make, who to trust, and exactly where the boundaries are, or whether to take home a zebra or kitten.  Thankfully, I choose the kitten and this card is inspired by my 'kitty kids'.   Both Kitty Kids love to hop atop my desk and watch me at the keyboard.  Occassionaly, one of my 'kids' will push a block down on me just to make sure I havn't forgotten about him. 

Both kittens are my empty nester replacements for my youngest and last to leave the nest kids. I call them kittens though both now adults, only just.

I've used Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots for the cat and background & Brocade Window Embossing PLUS for the frame....a very clever product by provocraft.   Simply add some bling for the collar and tail to finish off this elegant card.

If God created man in his own image, you've got to wonder then in whose image did He create such a noble cat?  At any rate, I'm grateful to God for the affection and amusement that both my Kitty Kids bring into my household. 


Hope your heart today  is a thankful and creative....

Maree Long

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT




 



Acceptance Card

Welcome to another day of winter chilly bliss.  As I nervously go solo creating my first  unassisted post.  This being my second attempt, when everything I had typed went to érror' page cannot be found. 

As I look out my window to view blue skies the wind whipping around my largely monocrhomatic yard without a skerick of flower or rose, I realise that I pretty much like it that way.  And I tend to enjoy creating cards mostly in monochromatic tones.

This was an Acceptance Card for my dear Sister In Laws Wedding held earlier this year.  Cream with a touch of vintage was perfect.  I utilised the elements from my Monthly Challenge - Vintage Romance kit.  A mountain fold A5 Card with a matting of cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder.  The damask pattern on the left was from a vintage wall paper I rescued from an op shop when I was redoing a friends bedroom.  I created and printed out my own "Love" definitions distressing and inking the edges.  Then simply added a row of ribbon flowers topped with a heart.

A phone call I hurriedly cut short,  a you hoo at my back door I quickly send on their way, and even the craft package delivered to my front door I quickly accept and put it aside in the hope of finishing off my first solo post.  So fingers crossed hoping that I have clicked on everything I needed to.  Trying to remember the tags, labels and how to add pics.....I am sure with practice and a lot of time I will manage a half decent blog as I also learn how to take decent pics of my created cards before they are sent on their way to a new home and not just sit idly in pretty boxes....

Have a great day everyone....

Maree Long
Acceptance - that which we give approval to, that which we desire to include

Thank You Cards

Card making & Scrapbooking is easy in my own home and creative space. I know where everything is. In short, I am in my element. And all my bits & pieces, my papers & card stock, embellisments and inks are at my finger tips. And then, quick as a wink, a card appears.

But when it comes to putting up a blog, I find that I'm lost, and working it all out is foreign to me if not scary. That is without the help of a friend. Today I am in the home of a dear friend who easily grows on you. Let me introduce you to Margaret. A woman who is creative in her own right, with the graciousness and patience to hold my hand, showing me the ropes. I've a long way to go, and Margaret assures me she is only a phone call away if a get stuck. Which is good to know, just in case. We have worked together on other projects with much success & delight. And as a team today with Margaret leading the way - I think my blog is coming along nicely. Check out her own blog Dr Margaret's Treasure Chest and website Heartbeat Presentations.

This thank you card is a quick make. I just love using the daisy in this cuttlebug embossing and die set. Thank you cards feature often in my workshops, as a simple thank you can never be understimated, and I always have a few of these thank you cards on hand.

Maree Long
A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:27)