Bird of Grace

I finally finally bought the Stampin' Up bird & branch punch, and I'm so glad I finally did! These cards were a snap, and turned out so cute. The DP is glittery, so it's almost a stand alone. But ohhhh noooo, I am the original add-on, doo-dad, embellisher person. Can you see the faint music notes on the peach strip of paper? A unity background stamp. And I had some more fun making hand-dyed crinkly seam binding. And how fun was it to mix and match the bird wings? Ohhh, how tweet is that! I did enjoy aging the little guy with tea-stained ink. He just needed it.

The will of God will not take you where the Grace of God cannot keep you. Beautiful sentiment we can all do well to remember! It's from Our Daily Bread, and I was able to score a few stamp sets earlier this year at the Heirloom Stamp Show.

Birdy full of grace. Ya never know, she might fly her way to your mailbox!

Color Me Organized

Please clap your hands for me ... I finally did it! Organized my Spellbinders Dies ... and few things make me happier than "neat" and "organized". It rarely happens. Mostly in my dreams. But today ... it's a reality! I purchased see-through slim-line DVD cases at my local office supply store. 25 cases in a package for $20. Then I purchased magnetic vent covers, sold in any hardware or home-improvement store like Home Depot. They come 3 in a package (15" x 10" each) and cost $5. They were easy to cut with scissors, and the dies stay nicely arranged on the magnetic sheet.

I typed labels and punched with a small oval, and labeled each case accordingly. Now I can FLIP to my hearts content! Can you see me smiling? Are you clapping? I love it when things like this happen to me!

Cry With Me, Mr. Butterfly

I have a friend, Debbie, who is way more than a friend. A sister, really. We've gone through LIFE together. Ups & downs & all arounds. Not enough room on the ole' blogeroonie, or time in the day if I got started on the travels we've traveled together. The most recent season of life we've traveled together is the death of her husband, George, at the early age of 66. Cancer claimed his body. God claimed his soul. We are claiming His promises and, girlfriend, that alone makes ALL the difference in moving on! Hard as it is. Heart-breaking as it is. One step at a time.

I made these cards for Deb to write special notes to special people who shared their sympathies in so many loving ways. Perfect butterfly, don't you think?

I am l-o-v-i-n-g the hand-dyed crinkled seam binding. Here's a great video that's worth your time. The crinkled effect adds a vintage feel, not to mention how you can paint the rainbow with your choice of colors! And the best part ... in my humble opinion ... is how the bow goes through the mail. It's all nice and crinkly in the first place, and it's a thin material that smooshes into the envelope very well, and since it's already crinkly - it just gets better en route! :)

George Proctor -- enjoying heaven!