Crafted by Grace

When you have three sons, GIRL birthday parties take on new meaning! What a great way to get my fingers on all those pretty pink florals and purple hues in my stack. We have enjoyed two school friend parties for girls this year - and I enjoyed creating from my heart on both occasions. Late into the wee hours of course:), when everyone else who needs me was asleep. Ian's third grade friend Haley came first - she mentioned that she enjoys crafts. I constructed a little mini-album for her to complete, and since Haley chose a luau theme for her party, I responded with Hawaiian flowers and colors. With just a couple of cardstocks and two patterned papers, I was ready to go. What I did: - Began with two 5x6 background papers (folded from 12"). - Cut coordinating sheets of CS and PP to lengths of 5" and 6" in various widths - Made fun, easy layouts with the cut pieces and scraps! It was enjoyable and easy. Try it yourself! Next was little Samantha, a kind...

I am excited about our Founder/CEO's new blog. Having only dial-up internet at home, I had mistakenly assumed I could not get it, but I have discovered it works nicely even for us! Jeanette Lynton has inspiring new ideas and heart-felt encouragements for us every few days at www.jeanettelynton.com There are new color combinations to try every Monday, and even contest giveaways you can enter just by leaving a comment. Join us in the fun!

Some long awaited artwork is finally making it from my baby and boy filled world to the internet where you can actually use it! I hope some of these ideas will inspire you to get out your stamps of the month and use them to bless someone today. Butterfly Wings ~ March 2009 Stamp of the Month ~ D1341 This is a simple card on White Daisy with stamps of butterfly in the background as well as the main center image, which is highlighted with prisma glitter.

We have just recieved the most fabulous news! My firstborn Ian(7) has won first place in the Young Author's and Illustrators contest for second grade! The contest is open each year to students K-3rd grade, as both a national contest with Reading Rainbow and also in each local television viewing area. Ian's story, Captain Kitten was chosen out of almost 200 entries. We are invited to the WNED studio for an Awards Ceremony in June. Ian has been asked to read from his story, and we are excited to accompany him to this special event. We will have more photos and news for you as we find out more. Congratulations, Ian! We are proud of your diligence to use your gifts in a way that both honors God and delights your readers.

Here's a card I made in a hurry for a friend's wedding. This was a stamping craze, not really anything else used except for the White Daisy paper! The background is done with our round sponge. Exclusive Ink colors are cranberry, garden green and black, and the stamp set used is called Delight in Everything ~ the large flower being one of my all-time favorites!