His Eye is On the Sparrow.....

.....and I know He watches me.

I just love this old hymn of the faith. Have you ever heard it? It was written in 1905 and has been sung countless times in churches and cathedrals and tent revivals ever since. There's just something about the lyrics that help you to remember that if the amazing God of Heaven is watching even the little sparrows, He is surely watching over you! Don't you just love that reassurance? I sure do and I lean on it daily.

There's been so much pain, and hurt and tragedy close to me and in the world lately. It hurts my heart to think of so many - maybe even you - who are dealing with so much by way of burdens and sorrow. But I know my God and He loves you and has His arms around you even when you don't feel His presence. It's my prayer that you feel His love and mercy today, right where you are.

As you take a look at my card for today, I hope you're reminded that you're never alone.

A few weeks ago, I saw this card on Julie Pitta's blog - here is the link to her original card. It was just so pretty, I had to recreate it!
The main image was stamped with the Nature Walk stamp set - this is a must own set, so get it before it's gone at the end of next month. You just can't make a bad card with it.
To get the Marina Mist circle background, I cut a paper mask with some scrap paper (I used an old piece of Grid Paper) and my 3" Circle Die and the Big Shot. I positioned it on the Very Vanilla cardstock and using my Stamping Sponge began to add the Marina Mist ink working into the center from the edges. Just keep adding color until you've gotten the depth you want.

Next, I stamped the bird in Basic Black ink and colored him in with Early Espresso ink refill and my Aqua Painter. Again, I added color first to the darker areas of the bird, working it out gradually so I wouldn't get a dark blob where I didn't want one.

The branch stamp was colored with Old Olive and So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers and after I stamped it on the cardstock, I added some So Saffron pastel chalking to the flowers to make them pop out. It gives them a pretty, soft effect. Without reinking the stamp, I stamped it again on the inside Very Vanilla panel as well, again adding the pastel afterwards.

Both of the Very Vanilla Panels were sponged with So Saffron ink. I adhered the front panel to a piece of Marina Mist cardstock then wrapped it with a piece of Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon. This whole panel was added to the Certainly Celery card base.

A single knot of Certainly Celery ribbon was added to the left side, then I stamped and added the Mini Tag tied around the knot. The greeting is from the You're a Gem stamp set and I'll tell you a little secret. I tried to stamp it on the tag itself, but I messed it up, so I stamped it on scrap cardstock then punched it out with my 3/4" Circle Punch. It's attached to the tag with a Stampin' Dimensional! Proving once again that you can fix 99.9% of your mistakes in stampin'!
The final touch for this card was the addition of two Pearls to the ribbon, adding just a bit of elegance.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog today - I love writing, posting and sharing with you all, it's really a joy for me! Today, I want to leave you with a beautiful version of the song I shared in the beginning of this post. The video is just the lyrics, so I just encourage you to push play, sit back and close your eyes and let the love of God wash over you as you listen to His heart.
Have a blessed day friends!

~~Robin

Fun Fabric Tutorial - and a Card Too!

Happy Tuesday everyone!
I'm so happy to report that Emma is feeling better and has gone back to school! Yay! You know what that means - Mama can get some work done! LOL!

Today, I have a fun tutorial for you showing how I created the Fabric Flowers I've shown you in my last two posts! I even created a whole different card with a fun theme just for the tutorial! I took photos of just about each step and many of you won't need all of them, but for those of you who might or who want to share this with other stampers, they are here for you. So it's kind of a long post - Are you ready?!

Ok! Here's the card:

I KNOW, cute huh?!! :) I'll share more about the finished card at the end, for now, let me show you the steps I used to make the pinwheel/flower.

1.) Unfold your fabric (I used the Candy Cane Christmas from SU! which is still available!) and cut a 2" strip with your Paper and Craft Scissors. These are my ribbon/fabric scissors only and they cut like 'buttah'!
2.) You will have a piece that is 2" wide x 28" long end to end.

3.) Place the cut ends just over the cut line of the Tasteful Trim die (I used the wide rik-rak section)
4.) Place the fold end just inside the other end of this section. I folded the fabric back on itself, creating another fold. This gives you maximum length from your cut fabric.

5.) See where I marked the cut line with my White Gel Pen? I do this on a lot of my dies so I can see the cut lines much better. The Gel Pen doesn't come off on your material either.

6.) Run the die and fabric through the Big Shot with the Extended Cutting Pads.

7.) Remove the excess edges from your new fabric ribbon that you've cut. (I just throw the excess away, but my clients would fight me for it! So, girls, it's in my trash can now if you want to come by! :) )
8.) Here is your fabric ribbon strip.

9.) Next, cut a piece of the Sticky Pages sheets at 2 1/2" square.

10.) You also need a piece of Whisper White (or other cardstock) cut at 2 1/2" square.

11.) Peel back the adhesive.....

12.) And adhere the Sticky Sheet to the cut cardstock.

13.) Using the Circles #2 Die, cut this piece using the 2nd largest circle. (I've marked my circles A thru D. The A circle likes being first, it's smiling at us! )

14.) Run the piece through the Big Shot, orange side down. I don't know why, I just do it that way......

15.) Here's your cut circle.

16.) Peel back the orange film......

17.) And start to attach your fabric ribbon to the circle.

18.) You'll just 'gather' it around the circle with your fingers a little bit at a time. What's nice is that you can reposition it fairly easily if you don't like where it landed. But really, don't be too fussy with it, it will look better if you just go with it......

19.) It's not going to look real pretty right away, but you can see the flower start to take shape.

20.) When you go all the way around, just keep going, gathering it closer in to the center of the circle.

21.) See, you're getting there!

22.) Now, just snip off the excess fabric ribbon with your Paper and Craft Scissors. And for goodness sakes, save the excess for another project! LOL!

23.) Next, thread your button choice with ribbon or Linen Thread. Here, I used the 1/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon and one of the Candy Cane Christmas Real Red buttons.
I started from the back because I wanted the criss-cross look on my button.

24.) We're getting there.......

25.) Ok, now trim the excess ribbon. No, you don't need to save these scraps! :)

26.) Add a few Mini-Glue Dots to the back.

27.) And attach it to the center of your flower! Doesn't that look pretty?!!

Now, here's the finished card again:

The striped pattern of this fabric looked so much like a pinwheel when I had it all finished that I decided to go whimsical with this card. I LOVE it!

The cardstock is Whisper White and Baja Breeze. I ran the top layer through the Big Shot with my Perfect Polka-Dots folder then sponged it all over with Blushing Bride ink.

I stamped the greeting with one of my favorite stamp sets, Smarty Pants. These messages are so fun! This was punched out with the Decorative Label Punch and sponged as well.

To finish the card, I simply wrapped the bottom with some Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and tied a jaunty little knot on the left side. The pinwheel stick is a piece of drinking straw cut down and attached with Mini-Glue Dots.

So, there you go, a fun card with a fun new tutorial. I hope you've enjoyed learning how to make these fabric flowers. I'd love to see what you make with them, so be sure to leave me a comment with a link to your project, ok?

And as always, if you need the supplies to create this and any of my other projects shown here on the blog, my Stampin' Up! Online Store is open 24/7 just for you! Click HERE to visit my website and click the SHOP NOW button at the top right to purchase what you need!
Sale-A-Bration is still on until March 31st, so all your orders of $50 will earn YOU a FREE product! That's cool!

Stamped blessings everyone!
~~Robin

Vintage Blue Spring

Good morning stampers!
How was your weekend? Ours was wonderful with the exception of Emma being sick with a crummy cold. She's been really miserable since yesterday morning and I've kept her home from school today - we'll be headed to the doctor's office this morning to check things out! Don't you hate it when your kids are sick? I just want to snap my fingers and make it all better for her. My sweet girl hardly even complains when she's sick, in fact, sometimes we have a hard time telling that she is until she tells us. She's such a little trooper and hates to slow down for anything!
So, say a little prayer for my baby today, I miss her perky smile!

We woke up to a surprise thunderstorm this morning which was really cool and makes the colors in this card really speak to me today. Our sky outside right now looks kinda like this soft blue and it's actually very pretty even with the rain.

This was the first card I designed the other night with the fabric trim rosette. My stamping was done with one of my all time fave stamp sets - Elements of Style. I just love the images in that set! I inked the spray of roses with Versamark ink and heat embossed it with Clear Embossing Powder. Then I did a little Emboss-Resist technique with Baja Breeze ink. I rubbed the ink over the embossed image with a Stamping Sponge in a circular motion and that caused the images to appear beautifully on the card front.

Do you notice the shimmer on the roses? I added a bit of the Champagne Mist Shimmer paint on top of them with a sponge dauber and just set it aside to dry.

The Not Quite Navy cardstock border was punched with the Eyelet Border punch. Then I added some of the Rhinestone Pearls to each scalloped area and lastly, painted a bit more of the shimmer paint on the edge. The camera just doesn't do it justice!
The ribbon is that fabulous Baja Breeze Seam Binding and I added one of the Whisper White Ribbon Rosettes to the middle of the fabric flower with some Tombow Adhesive.

I have to tell you that my hubby - God bless him - took a look at this card and asked me what I was thinking! He didn't like it very much.
I told him that I was thinking that he didn't know much about stamping and to go away! :)

I really love this card, it's just so soft and lovely in person. Tell me, what do you think? Would you like to make this at card class next month? Let me know and if I get enough positive response, I'll add it to the list, ok?

As always, to purchase the supplies you need to re-create this card and any of my other projects here on the blog, simply visit my Online Stampin' Up! store at this link HERE. Click the SHOP NOW button at the top right and you'll have the stamping world at your fingertips!
Don't forget you have just 10 short days to take advantage of FREE Sale-A-Bration products! For each $50 order you place with me, you receive a FREE product from the Sale-A-Bration brochure! There's so much to choose from, don't miss out, ok?

Have a wonderful day everyone, I'm gonna go take care of my baby girl!
Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

Elements of Spring

Happy Friday stampers! What a glorious day this is going to be! I can't wait to get out this afternoon and enjoy some warm Virginia sunshine and see all the flowers start popping out. I absolutely LOVE Spring, it's truly my favorite time of year behind Christmas. I've been smiling all morning just thinking about how gorgeous it's going to be today! I hope you have a chance to get out today too!

Today's card makes me hungry for Spring even more. I was working on a card design for my Springtime Vintage Flower Pin class tomorrow - I still have a few spots if you'd like to come, just e-mail me or Facebook me.

I was trying to use the Springtime Vintage Fabric in a unique way and took a 2" strip of it (longwise) and ran it through the Big Shot with my Tasteful Trim Die. Here, tell me what you think of the cool flower it made:

I used the technique that my friend Jan McClurg taught at the Phoenix Regional last year (she used paper strips that were run through the crimper) and adhered the fabric strip around a circle punched out of the Sticky Pages Sheets. I know you can't picture it, so I PROMISE I'll make another one and post it on here, ok? :) I made two cards last night with different fabric so I'll show you when I post that card on Monday.

Anyway, the card base is Rose Red cardstock and I ran it through the Big Shot with the Framed Tulip Embossing Folder. The main panel is Very Vanilla cardstock. I stamped the flourish from Elements of Style in Old Olive ink and then overstamped the whole piece with the Sanded background in Crumb Cake ink. The edges were sponged with Old Olive and I attached it to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals. The flower is attached to the card front with Tombow glue on the cardstock circle it's on. I added the Springtime Vintage Button with Mini-glue Dots after tying the bow with Hemp Twine.

Here's another view that shows the inside:

It's just another Very Vanilla panel that I stamped with the Sanded background without reinking from the front panel. That gave it a soft effect and is perfect for adding your message on top. It's also sponged with Old Olive on the edges.

The little banner greeting was just a long scrap of Very Vanilla that I stamped again with the Sanded background - not reinking - and then overstamped it with the greeting from Occasional Quotes in Old Olive. I used my Small Tag Punch to clip the flag end then sponged it and attached it under the button with a Mini-glue Dot.

I was really thrilled with this sweet card! I especially love how that flower turned out and it really was VERY easy.
As always, you can purchase all the supplies you need to make this project - and others from my blog- in my Stampin' Up! Online Store. Click HERE to go to my website, then click the SHOP NOW button in the top right corner. Easy-peasy!
Remember, you still get Sale-A-Bration freebies until March 31st with each $50 order - don't miss out!

Thanks for stopping by to visit today - I hope you enjoyed it!
Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

A Little Irish Brings Me Back!

Well, I would say "Top O' the Mornin' to ya!", but it's almost afternoon here so how about "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" :)

Yes, I know I've been away for exactly a WEEK, and honestly, I'm so sorry I've not posted for you, but sometimes life just stands up and says "pay attention", so that's what I did. Many of you are my friends on Facebook and know some of what's been going on with my Dad and I thank you so much for your prayers! He did come home from the hospital yesterday and we are waiting for his test results. Please continue to lift him up in prayer, especially for a good report from his testing.

The only stamping that I've done was just in preparation for my Monday card class earlier this week and fortunately, we made a St. Patrick's Day themed card so I have something fun and appropriate to show you today!
Here is a photo of the two different cards all my stampers could choose from:

Even though I do NOT own St. Patrick's Day specific stamps - I think these turned out pretty doggone good by working with what I did have! :) I'll do a supply list at the bottom for you so you know where all the supplies came from, ok?

Here is a close up of Option #1:

My favorite part on both of these cards was the glittery edge on the punches! Just love glitter, don't you?!

Here's a close up of Option #2:

We used the little shamrock in place of the definition for the background. And see the little shamrock peeking out from inside? Yep, the perfect finishing touch!

So, even if you aren't Irish - I'm not, but I love Green, and would love to go TO Ireland one day - I hope you find a fun way to celebrate the day today! I have on a Green Galore colored t-shirt (for those of you who remember that color!) and I think I'm gonna find a way to make a green dessert for dinner tonight! Fun! How are you celebrating? Tell me about it, ok?

Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

PS.- come back tomorrow, I DO have another project to share with you! I'm Baaack!

Supply List:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Garden Green
Ink: Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz
Stamps: Define Your Life, Got Treats?, So Happy for You (SAB Free)
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Patterns DSP, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2 Way Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch (or Big Shot Circles #2 Die)

Checking in.....

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to quickly check in and let you know that I've not disappeared. It's been an unusually busy week in our home this week topped off with my Dad being back in the hospital. So consequently, I've not had time to post here for you. I hope to be back on a normal posting schedule on Tuesday.

Thanks for the understanding, and your prayers are much appreciated!

Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

Cupcake and a Card for Chris

Mark and I have some really good friends at church, Chris and Angie. I've talked about Angie on here before - she is my non-stamping friend who still likes my stuff! :)
Anyway, Chris had a birthday last month and we celebrated with them by having a nice, adult dinner out (Emma got to stay home!) and of course, Chris had to have a special card!

Here's what I created for him:

I'd actually seen a more feminine version of this card on Stampin' Connection - which is a website just for Stampin' Up! demos to visit for ideas and shares. I loved the fun fold of the card and taught my Stampin' Fools how to make it too!
I stuck with the same general design of the original card, but made it more masculine by switching out the papers and ribbon embellishment.

Here's a view of it opened:

The DSP is from Love Letter and I used the amazing Engraved Greetings stamp set for the front image. LOVE this stamp set and the best part is that you can still get it FREE when you place a $50 order with me during Sale-A-Bration (until March 31st!). I embossed the greeting with Black Embossing Powder over Versamark ink - love the rich look this gives to this image!

Chris loved his card, but he loved this even more!

A few nights after our dinner out, the boys went out for a guys night -- burgers and a movie - and Mark asked me to make a masculine box for Chris' cupcake. You see, Chris loves sprinkles, and where you can't see them on the cupcake, trust me, they are there! I think I could have wrapped up a jar of sprinkles and he would have loved that just as much as the cupcake! :) But sprinkles aren't very manly, so it was best to keep them under wraps!

For Chris' cupcake box, I used the same pattern as my box for Lissa, just eliminated the window in the top to give it more of a masculine look. It's made with Sahara Sand cardstock and I stamped the images from Grunge Rock with Black Staz-On before assembling it.

The banner was stamped and cut out with the Petal Cone Die. I curled it with my Bone Folder and attached it with Mini-Glue Dots.

I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch holes for the rope cord. That's from my retired stash! And for a final touch, I spritzed the whole project with Silver Foil Smooch Spray.
Very grungy and masculine, even for a cupcake!

So, that's all my cupcake boxes for the time being, I've had a fun time creating them, even more fun eating the leftover cupcakes!
As always, if you need the supplies I used to make any of these creations or others you've found here, just visit my Stampin' Up! Online Store. Just click the Shop Now button at the top right corner. It's open 24/7 for your convenience! If you have any questions, please just send me an e-mail at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com

Have a great day everyone!
Stamped blessings,
~~Robin