A Star in the East Card

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all people on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:8-14

Merry Christmas to all!

I will post again in 2015.

Card Details: Folded white card stock 5"x 6 1/2"; emboss 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" white card stock with diamond textured background (Stampin' Up); mount on gold metallic paper leaving 1/8" border; stamp star (Eureka! Stamps) and sentiment (Inkadinkado) with gold pigment ink and heat emboss with gold detail powder; mount on gold card stock; adhere to embossed background with mounting tape. 

December Birthday Cards

Holidays and seasons are easy jumping off points for birthday card designs. I have made a star spangled card for someone with a July 4th birthday. I have used hearts in abundance for those fun valentine birthdays. My birthday even falls on Thanksgiving every seven years, and a cornucopia does make a lovely image on the front of a card.  But on these occasions the birthday theme still tops them all. 

December birthday cards deserve more cupcakes, balloons, and bright colors to set them apart from the holiday that envelopes the month. I have a number of friends with a birthday in December, and I won't sneak in a birthday wish with the elves and Santa, and I steer clear of red and green. They know I am celebrating their special day – when I remember to send them a card, that is. Hmm, maybe this year I will send them all a link to my blog.  

Card Details: Finished cards 4 1/4' x 5 3/4"; card stock, stamps, ink, and ribbons by Stamping' Up; printed paper by DCWV.  Balloons on the blue card are done by repeat stamping without re-inking. Cake on the pink card is stamped twice; once with pale pink then stamped over with a medium pink.  

It Looks Like a Christmas Card

At first glance you would think this is a Christmas card with the wreath, red, green, and gold, but take a closer look. The message sets it apart. It's not a holiday greeting, though it might work as one looking forward to the new year.  I made this card and a set like it, to send to the women I meet with every week for what we call Bible Therapy Group. These women are a treasure. We lift each other up when needed and celebrate whenever we can. Best of all—we laugh A LOT.

We finished our book for the semester, and this one verse came up more than once.  And, I just happened to have a stamp with the verse on it. (I love when that happens!) 

"He who has begun a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Christ." Philippians 1:6.
It's a reminder that we are each a work in progress.  God is not finished with us, yet. 

Card Details: Folded white card is 5"x 5"; round top corners; trim textured red card stock to leave 1/8" border; round top corners; cut out gold circles 4 1/4"; green circles 4"; stamp sentiment (My Sentiments Exactly) with green ink (old olive, Stamping' Up) on cream card stock and cut out 3 3/4" circle; on gold card stock  2 3/4" circle stamp wreath elements (Rubber Stamp Tapestry, Art Impressions, Stamping' Up) using Kaleidacolor's Flannel rainbow ink pad; add red gem embellishments.