Happy New Year!

It feels like an age since I have updated my blog!... I have enjoyed a wonderful relaxing Christmas break, and new year and feeling refreshed. Managed toclear my craft table to start the new year! And I kick off with the first SALT challenge of 'SELF CONTROL' surely something we can all learn from! Here is the blurb "When I was setting the theme a few weeks ago I was realising how little patience I can have with those nearest to me. It is frustrating that in some areas of my life I can be very `on top' of things, yet in others seem to lack SELF CONTROL. This is serious, as one of the fruits of the spirit - the outworking of LOVE - is SELF CONTROL.So as I have been meditating on this theme I've been thinking about what helps me control my reactions when under preassure, my tongue and my body. Ultimately a closer walk with the Lord and a life led by LOVE and HOPE in Christ will help me be more SELF CONTROLLED.As always I am humbled that I alone can not achieve this. It is only because of what Jesus did for me on the cross and the righteousness HE gives that enables me to even start on the road of renewal." The verse I used is from Titus 2:11-12 which reads For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. I have been dwelling on the topic of self control, and it amazed me at how many areas it covers in our lives! Oh for God's strength in time of temptation and for more self control in ALL areas of our life.

"O Holy Night"

Salt Challenge this week is 'O Holy Night', here is the blurb 'it is almost here.the most wonderful time of the year.not just because of the presents and the food and the family time - fun though they are. But because, on this most holy of nights, God comes to us as one of us. Amazing love.' I incorporated the lyrics into my card, using royal purple and touches of gold. This was just one of those cards I kept adding too! Please do look at the lovely design teams contributions, hard work and effort is put in, it is a shame not more people come and see.

Fabric Flowers

Do you remember I said that although I had been busy I was still crafting? well... these are what I have been making. I stumbled across a pattern on the internet and have been merrily making these flower brooches, they are great Christmas sellers too. Most o them are made from off cuts and fabrioc remnants or samples, some out of felt, with buttons for the centre.

I made these for my son's nursery teachers, incorporating colours that I thought would suit them.

This is a better photo....some more recent ones

Back to the Drawing Board

So nice to have a bit of time to sit back at my craft table! Just managed to sneak in making a couple of cards, it was either that or washing up... Hmmm.... let me think?!!!! My overdue Salt challenge, I knocked up this card for last week's topic of 'God is Good', so i used black, red and off white- something bold that gets the message across!

This card is for my Mother in Laws up and coming birthday oh- tomorrow infact! The pearl centres of the flower are to tie in with her present :)

Busy Bee

I am still here! just not here on my blog! Been super busy, hope to come back to blog land soon!

Blue Birds

Keep meaning to load these photos....

The cut out paper is 3d mounted for extra effect!

The second card I used the scraps to make a card for the Daring Card Makers challenge of 'birds'. They are fashionable in the crafting world but can be so versatile, so far I havent tired of my little bird stamps! I used the gorgeous K&Co wild saffron papers, and stuck with the brown and turqouise colour scheme.

Comfort in Christ

This week's SALT challenge "Comfort in Suffering" Suffering in this life is unavoidable but through Christ we have great reason to rejoice, in good times and bad. We can rest in knowing that God has a sovereign purpose both in our troubles and in the comfort that He gives us in them. The theme around my layout is the idea of 'home comforts' so warm textures and a homely feel, I wanted to keep it simple, so that the words, and picture would say it all. The picture is of my son walking under a near by railway bridge, I liked the composition and lighting and thought it highlighted the text that I wanted to use for the layout Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the vally of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Complete Commissions

Feel as if I have been away from my blog for a while, been desperate to get back! But I seem bogged down with other things are the moment, so thought I would share a few recent commissions with you; all slightly different- to keep me on my toes!

12 x 12 Frame for a friend's dad who was celebrating a special birthday, using photos of the family and words which had special meanings. Thanks to Ruth for your craft robo!

A wedding card, which incorporated the wedding colours, this was supposed to be a quirky card- but I dont easily do quirky, so tried to go for a slightly modern feel....?!

I was asked to make 2 books using photos of a school extension and incorporate the childrens drawings and writing. Both reciptitants (woops! recipient I mean- thans for your comment ruth!) would be male- so I avoided the floral route!

Sparkling Snowflake

(the snowflake was 3d mounted - was trying to get that across in this photo!)

Inspired by a recent magazine article about glitter, and with the DCM challenge of 'sparkle and bling' I got out my lovely snowflake stamp- and decorated!!! After I made it I couldn't easily find matchin papers, so walked away and came back to it another day. Finally decided that I would use my trusting ink pad to colour instead, beacuse the snowflake was sobold I didnt want to detract from it- ok am I waffling? let me stop.... :)

Scrap Suprise!

(using felt swirls from my QK)

(my swing card! sentiment swings- not lob sided!)

Whilst attempting to clear my craft table, I decided to make some cards along the way, using whatever bits and bobs I had on my table! This way you not only use up those tip bits (rather than storing them away for a rainy day...) but you end up putting things together that you may not usually!

Why dont you give it a go?- leave me a comment and let me see what you come up with! You might amaze yourself at the results- I know I was!

And here are some cakes I made for a friends baby shower- all thanks to Ruth for her inspirational use of using punches on coloured rice paper!!!