Glittery Kindness

Recently, I was honored as a finalist in the Berkeley County Schools Teacher of the Year contest. I was incredibly blessed and touched by the large number of friends, family, and coworkers that supported me in so many ways ... sending a card, calling, and even coming to the reception. I've been working on thank you cards for those special people. This card is made with some beautiful glittered paper and whisper white cardstock. It's much brighter and more beautiful in person.

Do you need to thank someone today? Can you be a better friend to someone today by reaching out or responding to them in some way?

Thanks for stopping by my blog,
Rebecha

You've Got A Friend

Some of my bestest girlfriends and I have been taking a trip down to Laurel, Maryland every two months or so to visit our friend, Kathy. She had to move away from our area some time ago, and we all miss her so much. During our "Girly Weekends," we play games, eat yummo food, pray together, pray for each other, study The Bible, and generally have an amazing and refreshing time together.

I was on a "Girly Weekend" high when I put this quick card together.

Hello, Cupcake!

Lately, my life has been a whirlwind of activities. In reflecting on the past year, I'm amazed at all that has transpired. Through it all, I've come to realize what an amazing and merciful blessing from God true friends really are. I am so blessed. I was recently honored as a finalist in the Berkeley County Teacher of the Year recognition program. As I stood on the stage and looked out upon all of my friends and family that had gathered there, I was so filled with emotions ..... gratefullness more than any other.

I made this card for one of my blessing friends. It's made with a dollar stamp from Micheal's. Love me some dollar stamps. The pink Stickles on the cupcake didn't photograph correctly. In actuality, they match perfectly.

God Bless You,

Rebecha

Dream Card

I was inspired by the latest issue of Cardmaker magazine when I made this card. I borrowed the basic layout from a card on page 6. The "dream" stamp is one of the very first stamps I purchased when I started scrapbooking 8 years ago. The flower stamp is a dollar stamp from Micheal's. The patterned paper is from "The Flower Stack" from DCWV, and all of the cardstock/ink is from Stampin' Up and Recollections. I wish the Stickles would have photographed a little better.

I am not going to blog about the heat because I'm tired of reading about how hot it is on every blog, Facebook status, and Twitter feed that I read. Instead, I'm going to say that I love summer.... and I truly do. Is it hot? YES. So what. It's also a season full of fruit, picnics, evening walks, bird nests, and for me .... SLEEPING IN. Dreams.

Rebecha

Berryrific Buttons

My inspiration for these cards was berry simple - Strawberry Shortcake character dolls and BUTTONS. On this Lemon Meringe card, I used a button in the center of a flower.

Buttons frame the adorable image of Apple Dumplin'.

This Seaberry card is actually a "flip flop fold" card. I learned how to measure and fold this type of card using a video on youtube. It's very easy, but it definitely makes the card more interesting. Notice how the button border the top flap.

On this vintage Lime Chiffon character card, I used buttons as a dimensional "break" in space between the cardstock and the patterned paper.

This one is my fave in the groupoing. I used a button and a piece of hemp twine to make a balloon for this Tangerina Torte card.

Have a Berry Wonderful Day!

Rebecha

Mini Altered Notepads

These little notepads are so itsy bitsy cute, easy peasy, and ADDICTIVE. You can't alter just one! In total, I've altered about 14 of them already.

This is a photo of one close up so you can see the details a bit more.
They are a great way to use up scraps of ribbon and random embellies. I haven't been purchasing any papercrafting supplies for the past month. My goal is to purchase nothing but adhesive for the rest of the summer and concentrate on being content with what I have and using up my stash.

I found these mini notepads on an endcap at Big Lots in a section intended to display wedding favors and supplies. They are sold in packs of 8 for $2.50. They come in this plain white embossed design and in an umembossed black and white floral. I purchased them in May, so I'm not sure they are still available.

I hope you are enjoying your summer. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

One Stamp, Two Ways

This butterfly stamp is gorgeous and so versatile. As you can see, I used it for a cheerful thank you card and on a sympathy card. I found a new online store that I'm in love with, too. It's call Cutter's Creek and they have amazingly good deals. I scored the pearly I used on the sympathy card for $1.00. Woo Hoo!

Purse Cards

These little cards are so easy AND addictive. You can't make just one. I've already given all three of these handbag cards away, and the recepients were thrilled with them. I didn't use a tutorial or a template. I just looked at some in the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery, and I figured it out from there. These cards were made entirely with scraps/pieces of random paper and cardstock from my stash. Do you like the way they turned out? How could I improve them? Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Thanks for stopping by!

Rebecha

For Grandma

I'm walking in the Berkeley County Relay For Life Event to honor the memory of Grandma Thelma. If you'd like to support my walk, please visit my personal page. For each dollar you donate, your name will be entered one time for a chance to win 10 handmade cards. If I raise more than one hundred dollars, I'll double that to 20 cards! :) If you prefer to make a payment through the mail, there is a downloadable/printable form on the personal page. Thank you for helping me honor Grandma's memory, while supporting the fight against cancer.

You Keep Giving, and Giving, and Giving!

This sentiment from Stampin' Up is perfect for my friend Nancy. She is the type of person who gives 100% of herself to help others. She has been a true-blue friend to me over the past year and she loved this card! I used my Cricut to cut out the framing shapes.

Do you have a friend that you need to thank today? What are you waiting for?

I can't wait to read your comments....Rebecha

The Gifts of Spring

Oh, the gifts of Spring! God's wonderous gifts seem to abound all around us during this season. My azaleas are in full blooms of pink, white, and purple. My rhodedendrons are just waiting to bust out into lavendar. Then, there are my hot pink, yellow, and purple roses.... The grass is green, the birds are chirping, and everything outside smells new. I've traded my sweaters in for long sleeve tees, with my umbrella at the ready.

Spring was the inspiration for this clean and simple card. I used rub ons and tiny felt butterfly. It isn't fancy, but it's EXACTLY what I wanted... a simple, yet elegant reflection of Spring.

Thank you for stopping by my blog - I really appreciate comments.

Rebecha

An Uncomplicated Love

The entire time I was making this card, I was thinking about how grateful I am for my husband. My husband and I share an uncomplicated, unconditional love. Our marriage is the most incredible blessing from God that I've ever received in my lifetime. Recently, as I've been recovering from surgery, Brian has been waiting on me hand and foot and putting me before everything else. I'm thankful that my husband works hard, loves Jesus, loves me, and has such an incredibly sweet and gentle heart. This card is for him.... just to say, "I love you."

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Rebecha

Wishing You a Speedy Recovery

The tiny white satin flowers on this card are intended to be wedding gown embellishments. I found them, in bags of 200, at the Offray ribbon outlet for just 1.99 per bag. Woo Hoo! The embossing folder is from Quik Kutz and I chalked the entire think with navy. I think this card is much more beautiful in person.

I've been MIA for a while now. I've been having some health issues and recently had surgery. I'm recovering now, and I'm looking forward to things to come.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Celebrate Babies!

Lots of baby news in my life lately. Have no fear.... I don't personally have baby news of my own, but it seems that many of my friends and family do. Congratulations to my friend Kimberly and cousin Jennifer on the births of their beautiful baby girls. Also, to my friends and coworkers Carrie and Jeff who just found out they are expecting! This card was made for my friend and Sister in Christ, Amy. She's expecting on May 1st .... her FOURTH little girl! I purposely didn't make the card all pink because I wanted to be different. ;)

The cute little duck is actually a dimensional sticker that came in a pack with some other super cute stickers for just 99 cents at A.C. Moore. I've been making A LOT of cards lately, so keep checking my blog.

To all you Busy Bee Blogger gals.... I hope to blog hop tomorrow and leave a lotta love on your blogs.

Enjoy the spring sunshine everyone.... I'm headed to the yard sales! :)

Rebecha

Butterfly Wishes

Last summer, I traveled to the Great American Scrapbooking Convention in Chantilly, VA. Besides all of the incredible shopping, I'm always inspired by all of the projects on display. At the Stamps by Judith booth, I watched Judith give a live demo using a butterfly stamp and a Diamond Glaze type product. When I saw the butterfly in this SU set, I knew I had to try that technique. I'm soooooo thrilled with the result! To get the fabric effect in the background, I ran patterned paper through my Cuttlebug.

Butterflies always remind me of my mother because she has an infinity for them. I live a few hours from my mom, and the older I get the more I miss her and wish that we live closer. However, I'm mindful of the fact that I'm blessed that my mother is still living and I can call and talk to her whenever I want. It would be cool though if I could just "pop in" for dinner, you know? There's nobody like my mom. :)

I hope you are enjoying the sunshine!

Praying Through The Sunshine

"Don't pray when it rains, if you're not praying when the sun shines." ~ Satchel Paige, 1974. In your life right now, do you feel like it's a season of sunshine or a season of rain? Are you praying to God no matter the circumstances?

I've been keeping a prayer journal for several years now. Writing out my prayers, in the format of letters to The Lord, has helped me in numerous ways. One, I am more focused in my prayer time. Secondly, I can leaf back through the pages and clearly see God's Hands in every aspect of my life. Most importantly, however, is the knowledge that I need to pick up that journal and I need to pray even when my petitions seem small, because the PRAISES are always large!

This card is made with scraps that I've had for years - literally. The stamp set is from SU. It's simple, but pretty.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving comments. God Bless You!
Rebecha

The Joy of a Snowy Day

I'm so excited to show off my new Blog Badge! It's from the gals @ Hand Stamped Sentiments! They awarded me with the badge for the "Love" inspired card I posted earlier in the month. :)

So, some people are tired of the snow this year. I'm not one of them. I love it. You may be thinking that's because I'm a teacher and it means I might get the day off. I'll admit - that's a perk! :) However, it's not the real reason that I love snow so much. It blankets everything and a quiet, serene stillness seems to settle upon the world. My home feels even warmer and cozier. Hot chocolate never tasted so good. So, bring on the snow! :)

This is an example of a "two minute card." Since I do work full time, am heavily involved in church and volunteer work, and spend a lot of time with family and friends, it's important that I have some "two minute cards" in my crafting bag of tricks. This snowflake punch from Martha Stewart is one of my favorite new toys.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Your comments make my day!

Rebecha

God is Still a God of Miracles

Recently, a friend of mine had a new baby boy named Gabriel. Right after his birth, a prayer request was made for Baby Gabriel because he wasn't breathing on his own, he wasn't very responsive, and had to be flown to another hospital. Early the next morning, he had a seizure. Things were very perilous.

Well, we prayed. And prayed. And prayed. I think Baby Gabriel is on every prayer list and prayer chain in our region. God heard many knocks on His door in petition for this tiny new little life.

Praise God .... Baby Gabriel is doing so much better. He's off almost all of the machines and lines. He is breathing on his own, hasn't had any more seizures, and is very responsive. A recent MRI was totally normal. Again, Praise God!

So, this card is for Baby Gabriel's family. I used SU Cardstock, Ink,and Stamp, DCWV patterned paper, American Crafts Ribbon, SU Photo Corner Punch and Scalloped Square Punch, EK Success Corner Punch, Making Memories Buttons, and one of my favorite Cuttlebug Embossing Folders.

Happy Birthday, Abi!

Abi and myself having TONS of FUN on 80's night. I love her so much!
Today is my neice Abi's birthday. She's growing up so fast. We have a lot in common, that crazy girl and I! :) We both love the 80's decade, watching Strawberry Shortcake movies, playing with dolls, and giggling until our cheeks hurt. So, we are celebrating her birthday @ my SIL's house with hamburgers, chips, and potato salad. Picnic in February, anyone? hee hee

For this card, I used DCWV Glitter Stack paper, SU Cardstock, American Crafts Rub On sentiment, Fiskars Threading Water Punch, SU Ticket Punch, Bling from Crafts2000, and Gray Satin/Organza Ribbon from the Offray Ribbon Outlet. Oh, how I love thee, ribbon outlet. :)

Enjoy your day, and hug someone you love. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Rebecha

Love: An Amazing Feeling

Here is the Valentine I made for my hubby. I'm a very lucky, lucky girl. Brian works hard, treats me like a princess, gives me room to be myself, loves me in spite of my faults, shows kindess and generosity to all of of our friends and family, and most importantly, he loves Jesus. I'm blessed with each day that God grants us to be together.

A little about the card itself .... I used a dollar stamp from Micheal's, stickles, Offray ribbon, el cheapo cardstock (black), whisper white cardstock (SU), Fruit Punch Stickles, DCWV patterned paper, and Staz On black ink. I also sponged it a tiny bit with Pretty in Pink SU ink. This card was also a nod to the challenge @ Hand Stamped Sentiments - I haven't completed a challenge card in MONTHS.

At first glance, you might be thinking this card is too girly to give to man, but I don't think so at all. Brian's color blind, seeing only shades of gray, so he's drawn to the shapes and textures of things. He was thrilled with the card, especially with what I wrote on the inside. Shhhh.. that's a secret! :)

Happy Valentines Day, everyone! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'd love to read your comments.

Rebecha

HappyScrappers Swap Cards

I host a monthly scrapbooking club in my home called The HappyScrappers. I started HappyScrappers back in January 2004. It's hard to believe that it's been that long ago, but it's so true that time flies when you're having fun. The first photo is from our January 2010 meeting; that marked our 6th anniversary of HappyScrappers. WOW! In the photo are my friends (clockwise from left) Peggy, Cheryl, Becky, Mary, and Bethany. Present, but not pictured were myself, Carolyn, and Carla. Joyce was enjoying her sunny and warm vacation home in Florida. (I'm green with envy!) Shannon was home sick.

So, this month we are having our first card swap. Given the creative talents of these ladies, I can't wait to swap cards. For this swap, we could make any standard size, non holiday card. I decided to go with a sympathy themed card since I seem to need a lot of those lately. It's simple in it's design, but I love the vintage feel of the pattern in the paper and the muted colors. It looks so much better in person, especially the floral stamped image that I traced with my Stardust Gelly Roll Pen. If you don't have one, you need one. They really create a cool effect on stamped imaged, especially when used for outlining.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I'm going to have many more card posts/scrapbook pages to post in the days to come, as we have been snowbound by 56 inches of snow. Stay safe. Stay warm. Be a blessing. :)

Rebecha

Prayer is Powerful

"I do not pray for succes. I ask for faithfulness." -- Mother Theresa. What an inspiring quotation! I've been praying that God would lead me to the areas of ministry where I can best use the talents He has blessed me with. My prayer journal has been filling up rapidly, as I've been praising God for all that He continues to shower upon me . . . . wonderful family, friends, career, a beautiful and loving marriage, and so much more. Last night, as I was once again shoveling snow, I caught myself becoming very grumpy. My back hurt, my arms were tired, my muscles sore. Then I stopped. I looked up at the sky, decided to catch snowflakes on my tongue, and I was in awe of the beautiful miracles of tiny, unique snowflakes. I closed my eyes and thanked God for each snowflake and for each friend because it was in that moment that I was reminded that each of my friends are unique miracles, too, brought into my life during the perfect season.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

'Tis the Season to Be Freezin'

There are few things in this world that I love more than a great bargain. These snowy stamps are some of my recent bargains. A.C. Moore had an entire bin of snowy themed stamps for just 50 cents each. I bought several, and I can't put them down! The patterned paper is some from my stash. The organza ribbon is from the Offray ribbon outlet in Hagerstown, MD. The bling gems are from the Micheal's dollar spot. Inside, I stamped a snowman with the sentiment, "Tis the Season to Be Freezin'." Thanks for stopping by my blog. :)

Easy and Elegant

I hope all my east coast friends are staying warm and toasty in this winter weather. According to the NOAA, 10 - 14 more inches of snow are on there way to us over the next couple of days. Add that to the 30 inches alreay out there, and we'll have 4 feet of snow! Wow! I'm taking advantage of all of this time off of school and I've turned my living room into a cardmaking factory. I like these cards for two reasons .... they were very fast and easy to make, and they look and feel very elegant. You can't tell from the second photo, but I carefully cut out the flower and used dimensionals to make it pop up from the card. Thanks for visiting my blog. For all of you Busy Bee Bloggers, I hope to blog hop around your blogs tonight and leave a lot of comments. I can't wait to check out all of your beautiful projects and inspirations. Stay warm, everyone!

I'm Back From Outer Space

Okay, so maybe I wasn't really in outerspace, but there were days it felt like it. I've been incredibly busy. My blog hasn't been a priority for quite some time now. I also find myself wondering if anyone reads my blogs. LOL

Anyhoo, here is my first card posting in two months. I'm also posting a picture of the inspiration: 30 inches of snow!!!!! :)