Friday, August 16, 2019

Sweet N Sassy Stamps + My Sweet Petunia Hop



It's a fabulous day today because Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is joining forces with My Sweet Petunia for an awesome blog hop and giveaway! There's a chance to win a $50 gift code to each shop, so we hope you'll join the fun and hop along with us! To be eligible for the drawing, leave a little shout out in the comments at each stop along the hop.

I own both the original Misti and the Creative Corners--you guys!!!!! Fabulous! As soon as I got my Creative Corners, I just had to play! I grabbed a piece of cardstock with an interesting gelli plate pattern, an alphabet (In Stitches Alphabet), a sentiment (Faith Wordfetti) some cute bird stamps (SOTM, Singing Praises--all from Sweet N Sassy Stamps!) and my Creative Corners. Yikes!! This is just the beginning of a whole new world of stamping potential.


I cannot even begin to tell you how much paper I have messed up and wasted over the years!  My Misti allows me to line things up and practice before adding ink.  It also allows me multiple inkings for the perfect additions to cards, bible journaling and scrapbook pages.


A year ago, at this exact time, I was meeting my oncologist for the first time and hearing the plan that would remove cancer from my body.  There were tests after tests and, what felt like, endless appointments.  I started chemotherapy on the day my mother-in-law passed away.  To say it was a hard year for my family is the biggest understatement.  But God.

He carried me in a way I have never allowed myself to be carried before.  I understand surrender in a different way; a life giving way.  I purposed to be obedient, to be held, and, if it were His will, to be healed.  Shortly after my first chemo treatment, I shaved my head.  Losing my hair was truly the least of my worries, but when it started coming out in handfuls, it was overwhelming.  Shaving my head--it was empowering.

The new Faith Wordfetti set from Sweet N Sassy Stamps, contains almost every thought I had at that time.  "Not today Satan"--I would literally speak it out loud--"get behind me in the name of Jesus" every time my mind was threatened with despair.  I remember sobbing and saying those words in my car on the way to work.  My mantra became "be still and know."  "God is bigger!"  I "live for Him" and "choose joy."

My 8x8 scrap page started with a picture and bible page from a vintage bible I keep on hand for such a purpose.  Behind my big ol' bald head is the scriptures found in Psalm 62:
 
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."

Book ends, Friends!!  My second scrap page features me just weeks ago, July 11th, and my final dose of chemotherapy.  My hair started growing back after December 6th which was when the BIG chemo ended.  After that, it was what they refer to as adjunct treatment--6 months of Herceptin; now, over also!  My med bag came with a little cocktail umbrella which made me laugh.  My younger son came with me that day--I was so glad to have him there.  It was a surprise to me how emotional I became when that last med went in and I realized it was finally over--that part any way.  I now live in a different kind of reality.
It's changed me.  Today, reflecting on the last year, I can honestly say it  has been  more blessing than curse.  What is meant for evil, GOD does transform for His good and perfect purposes.  Glory be to the Great Physician!  May each of my days be given to honor Him.  I adore Sweet N Sassy Stamps for so many reasons, but mostly because of the God honoring product that allows me a platform to share His good news and kindness with others.

I created all of my projects using the MISTI, Creative Corners and Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  Alphabets featured are:  Sunshine Girl Alpha, Typewriter Block Alpha, Sweet N Simple Alpha and Bitty Mini Alpha.  It's  the time to load up on alphabet stamps with the Sweet Sale happening now.

It is my hope that you enjoy our collaborative hop and are inspired by the projects and the hearts that share them.  Be sure to share YOUR heart with the teams and you'll have a chance to win a great prize!!

For your convenience, here is the hop line up!

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

August Sweet N Sassy Stamps Hop!!

Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps August Release Hop! There's another fabulous release in the SNSS shop that we've been stamping with and we're so excited to share our projects with you! Hop along and leave a little comment love for the designers linked below and you might just be a lucky winnner! One lucky comment from all the comments along the hop will win a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop. Winner will be announced on the SNSS blog, Wednesday, August 21.

My first project is a layout in a prayer journal I've been working in.  I prepped these pages using the newly released Faith Wordfetti and Healer of My Heart.  I added some texture using Texture Tiles 3--also a great way to mask ink smudges!  LOL!  


I'm a total sucker for cute whimsical images.  This month's release does not disappoint with this cute Tea for Two set!

I love tea and I love giving gifts....so, why not combine the two?  This first tea bag holder features Tea For Two and Faith Wordfetti.  It's simple little gift to make and give.  Start with a 6x6 piece of two sided designer paper.  Fold two opposing corners to the middle and then fold in half the long way.  Make two additional score lines approximately 1/4" on either side of the middle bottom score.  You can then create an "M" fold and the holder will stand up as shown.  Quick and sweet!


The second tea bag holder allows for more room to decorate with this sweet set and includes a belli band!  It also features Tea for Two and Faith Wordfetti :)

 This holder forms a book of tea bags and is secured with the belli band.  You can click on the picture to enlarge the photo and see the details.


From here, you are on your way to Lucinde van Ballegooijen's blog!  Don't forget to leave your comment first to be entered to win a little shopping love in the Sweet N Sassy Store!

Enjoy! Jane

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Everything


"Even the sparrow has a place to lay its head
So why would I let worries steal my breath
Even the roses, you have glowed them brilliant red
Still I'm the one You love more than this

You give me everything
You give me everything
You give me everything I need..."

I love Lauren Daigle, you guys!  Her music is so inspiring!  I often play her music on repeat when I am in my studio.  One of her songs (Everything), focuses on Psalm 84:3. It's a beautiful song and reminder of God's provision in our lives.  Recently, I listened to the That Sounds Fun podcast where Annie F Downs interviewed Lauren Daigle.  It is such a lovely and encouraging interview.  I hope you all take the time to enjoy it!

My page, journaled in my Psalms journal, features the following stamp sets, all from Sweet N Sassy Stamps:  Sunshine Girl Alphabet, Words of Life: Action, Singing Praises (the stamp of the month!), and Faith Wordfetti.  I used various distress oxide inks to create the background and then added the rest.  the new Faith Wordfetti set is so amazing and versatile.  If I could, I give one to everyone, I love it that much!
My card also features the Stamp of the Month, Singing Praises--I love coloring that bird!!  I used Healer of My Heart to complete the sentiment.  These stamps are so versatile, they can be used on a card, AND in your bible or other journal.  The possibilities are endless!

I needed these reminders this past week.  Did you too?  He gives us Everything. All that we need, when we need it.  He is always on time.   He will comfort you....and, me too! 

Wishing you rich blessings this week,  Jane