A Message from Mary and Martha shows powerful information indicating what is essential; sitting at the feet of Jesus or focusing on other tasks. Mary and Martha were two different personalities. Mary seems timid and calm and wants to listen to Jesus. Martha seems driven and very bold. I mean, whining to Jesus about Mary leaving her to serve and telling Jesus to tell Mary to help her? Perhaps Martha was only focusing on the cooking and serving and lost sight of the message she could have learned from Jesus. On what was truly important.
They both wanted to do what was right. After all, it was customary at that time for women to serve. Martha opened the door and invited Jesus in. But both felt they had different priorities. However, what would have happened if Mary prioritized doing instead of making Jesus the priority? She would have missed the opportunity of Jesus to talk about God in her own house. I believe in her mind; she chose not to hide what her heart told her she needed to do. She knew that she was being given a blessing and chose that path.
Martha, however, was so caught up in all of her tasks and saw no help from Mary, which made her more frustrated that she lost control and thought if she could get Jesus on her side, everything would be fine. That interaction backfired. Perhaps Martha’s personality needed control; it is a primary character trait of many. When we lose power, we experience resentment. We get defensive and bitter when others don’t do as we want. Thus allowing for tempers to flare and we lash out.
Jesus responds with an answer that reinforces what Martha is feeling and what is essential. “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
A gentle response from Jesus was an “aha” moment for Martha, while showing Mary he was proud of her choice.
There is no better place to realign ourselves than at the feet of Jesus.
The above is such a reminder that our answers reside in God.
Hannah was a woman of strength, faith, and persistence. Although her husband loved her as his favorite, he could not understand why he was not enough for her. For most women wanting a baby and not being able to conceive is complicated and frustrating and leaves a hole in their hearts. I can see where you don’t feel complete and a piece of your life is missing. Add to the mix her husband’s other wife, who repeatedly made her feel worse for not being able to have a child. When I think of Hannah, I think of someone who prays a never-ending prayer. Hers was that she could bear a child. She bore a son named Samuel, the last judge of Israel.
When Hannah went to the temple at night and prayed, she seemed to bargain with God. She said she would dedicate him to God. How many times have we bargained and prayed in hopes of getting what we wanted? How many times did we follow through as we promised him? Eli thought because her prayers were so passionate, she was drunk and then rebuked her. She told Eli why she was praying, and the narrative between the two changed. Eli blessed her and told her to go in peace, and the God of Israel will grant her petition. The sudden peace she must have felt allowed her to be happy. However, was Hannah’s prayer bargaining? Or was it a vow? Four times in the Old Testament, a vow made to the lord was made with free will.
Perhaps this was Hannah surrendering to God by giving him the most precious thing to her. She had attained a peace she previously had not known. For us to surrender to God, we can have that same joy knowing that God can satisfy our deepest needs.
Hannah’s husband, Elkanah, went with Hannah to the dedication. Her husband supported her, and she did not have to leave Samuel with Eli all by herself. She saw him yearly and was proud of him. She knew he would be great.
$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $25 gift certificate to 8 winners! Please comment on the Altenew Card Blog and each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 11/03/2022 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw ten random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 11/04/2022.
Hello Crafters. I was very excited to be invited to design for this blog hop.
I chose two projects for this Hop. The Gracious Peonies and Imaginary Jungle. This was my first attempt at muted colors, as I tend to make vibrant cards. However, as with anything you want to improve, you need to go out of your comfort zone and practice.
The Gracious Peonies was a stamp, stencil, and die set. The flower was more significant, so I used a 5×7 background to use the whole image. I first stamped the flower, embossed it with gold powder, and heat-set it. Using the stencil set, I used three colors of pink and red that were probably not as muted as they should be, but this girl was struggling. Did I say I like bright, vibrant colors? I used the die and cut it out. Using foam tape on the back of the flower, I attached it to the background piece.
Items used were: Altenew Ink – Velvet Altenew Ink – Rouge Altenew Ink – Pink Pearl Altenew Ink – Sand Dune Altenew Gracious Peonies – Stamp, Stencil, and Die Neenah Classic White 110lb white cardstock
The Second Project I chose was the Imaginary Jungle. I used an embossing folder with a stencil that lined up perfectly. After inking the raised areas, I cut the card in thirds and put it on a 6 x 6 card base. Again, I wanted to use the entire card space, so I used a 5″ x 7″ card base. For the bird’s eye, I used a black glaze pen.
Items used were: Altenew Ink – Velvet Altenew Ink – Rouge Altenew Ink – Pink Pearl Altenew Ink – Sand Dune Altenew Gracious Peonies – Stamp, Stencil, and Die Neenah Classic White 110lb white cardstock
I like how the flowers turned out on this. Especially the tulips in rouge and dune. Colors I typically would never think these would go together. This was very easy, and I enjoyed making this and more of these.
I hope you try these; you will have a great time creating them! October 2022 Just Imagine release collection page click HERE.
I’m happy to be entering this inspiration challenge for PinkFresh Studios. The background I chose was the foil Geo Arch. A specific color scheme was required for this challenge. I used the foil on a Sweet Mango 4.25 x 5.5 cardstock. This foil went on perfectly the first time. I was pretty pleased.
I used the PinkFresh Sweet Leaves Frame Stencil and Die. This stencil was very easy and quick. Sometimes you just need something to happen quickly to see progress and this stencil/foil combination was perfect for that.
The die cut very easily. I adhered it to the foiled panel.
I added a sentiment and adhered to a card base. I also had leftover butterflies from a previous project and thought it would add a little to the card.
I was really happy with how this turned out, so I made another one too! If you want an easy, pretty card to mass produce, I would highly recommend this.
This has always been a comforting verse for me. The power in the verse was for me to take a breath and know that God is near. However, learning that “Be still” means “Let Go” in the original Hebrew meaning, makes it even more powerful. Since I’m a control freak it makes it a little difficult. But, it is a reminder that we are not alone and don’t have to bear things alone. God has a plan we can’t change anyway, so if we learn to put in his hands and let go of the strife, worry, or unease, life would be easier. I think sometimes we have the mind set subconsciously, we fix it faster, and in our way. However, if by letting go of it, and dealing with whatever comes, knowing there is a purpose, it would make our lives less anxious. If we pray, have faith that god will handle in his way and his time, this is what he wants for us.
A commentator John Coffman explained the verse by saying “Many times it is Gods will for his people to work with all their might; but, now and then, when all human endeavor is of no avail, and where there sees to be no hope at all, it may be time to Stand Still”. Thus it was before the Red Sea, when Moses commanded Israel, “Stand Still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
Hello crafty friends. I’m submitting a card for the August 2022 Inspiration Challenge. As soon as I saw the red, my first thought was the cubed stencil from Altenew. I just love red, and I thought that with a geometric pattern in the background, I would pair it with some gold and shine. Who doesn’t like red and gold? Who doesn’t like shine?
For me, there is something about this stencil; it shows progress so fast. I like to use it a lot. I used the Flowing Foliage Dies and some shiny gold cardstock for the leaves.
I also die-cut a Happy Birthday Sentiment and put it on a strip of background paper. The strip had some foam tape behind it to add a little dimension. I adhered the panel to a white card to finish off.
I did it, finished, pushed myself, went out of the box, and even did a Workshop. This Altenew Educator Certification Program (AECP) was one of the best to learn how to take your love of making cards to the next level or two or three. Perhaps one of the best parts of this program was the ability to be flexible. Now it seems like time is precious and not having to worry about meeting submittal deadlines is a big plus. There were three levels of several classes that needed to be completed. At the end of each level, a final project was to be completed. In the last, Level III, an additional Workshop teaching a technique on making a card was required. Each class required a class and a blog post uploaded to Altenew’s server. It was critiqued by Erum on how to make it stand out, photography tips for the blog post, etc. One of the best things about this process is that there is not much “do it this way.” There is direction, but only in the significant areas such as photography and card composition.
I have to admit during Level I, I was beginning to think I didn’t have what it took to get to the end. The other participants’ cards were different; they seemed better. My cards had a lot of texture and were more multi-media-type cards. No matter how hard I tried, it was challenging even to make a clean and simple design (it still is). I learned early on in Level II that multi-media-type cards are me. Once I got over that thought process, it seemed easier. My Workshop was a multi-media type card. It is almost like they allow you to figure out your strengths and what makes your creative style work for you.
Other aspects of this certification were equally important such as photographing your cards and presenting what you accomplished in a blog post. I still struggle with the photography aspect, which I don’t understand because I constantly take pictures, especially of flowers. And they look great. There is not a bush or piece of architecture when I go on vacation that I don’t take a picture of. But, like anything, it takes practice. So if they ever need help with the Monthly Inspirations, I’m the girl with all the flower pictures to draw that inspiration out of others.
In your final Level III Workshop, you need to be familiar with zoom, presenting, and being online with a group of people. I’m not going to lie; I was terrified. However, once you get into it, it isn’t that bad. A few more practicing sessions, and it won’t be bad for someone like me. Plus, the ladies that attended were extraordinary and supportive. Both Erum and Virginia participated in the Workshop from Altenew. Virginia was accommodating in giving me tips on how to conduct workshops. I laugh every time I think of her telling me, “we don’t like quiet.” She offered many suggestions on filling in the conversation, which was very helpful. I’m thinking, “but I don’t talk much to people I even know!” But, like everything else, it pushes you out of your box, and you need to practice.
I am also a quilter, but my love of card making has made me put that on the back burner until I retire. I am very introverted, so giving cards is my way of having a servant attitude and avoiding conversations. For me, win/win. I also like to give to homes for the elderly. Like quilting, you forget about the stress and issues of life and unleash a creative process that never stops. Taking these classes in this program only works to enhance that creativity.
The classes in this course introduced so many different techniques and ideas and reinforced the concept that you can’t worry about others; you can admire, and as another card designer says, “You be You.” Once you realize that, the joy and positives of the creative process will bring a level of peace to you. There are so many classes you are sure to find one that you go back to several times. Many of the designers who have gone through this certification are very talented. So enough of me, let’s look at the first card I created for my Workshop.
Card #1 – Mixed Media Cupcake with Belly Band
I used the Layered Cupcake Bundle from Altenew. A stamp and die were included. It was a layering stamp, and it had directions on how to layer. I planned for an A2 size card. I first stamped the cupcake in Altenew Obsidian Ink. I like this ink because it has dark, crisp, clear lines. I then followed the layering directions on the package. One thing I have found for the layering stamps is following the rules for placement on the package and adjusting for the way you see things. It takes practice, practice, practice. After using the die, I added some clear embossing powder and heat set. Put aside; you will need it later.
Obsidian Black Ink on Stamp
Starting the Layering Directions as shown on the packaging.
Finished Cupcake. I spread Versa Mark on the whole cupcake and embossed it with a clear powder to create a gloss.
The next step was to make the two panels that the belly band would hold shut. Now the multi-media mediums, texture, and color come; this is the fun part. I used a piece of Ranger Foil sheet and put it in an Altenew Organic-Linen embossing folder. I have found that centering it and putting a small amount of tape to keep it from shifting help. Run through your die-cutting machine, and it should look like this. You can use whatever folder you want for a more masculine or feminine design.
Center the Foil Sheet in the middle and adhere with a small piece of tape.
Altenew Organic-Linen Embossing Folder. This is the folder closed on the tape, just follow the directions on your die-cutting machine for the correct sandwich and run through the machine. I usually go forwards and backward.
Embossed foil sheet.
Remove the foil sheet out of the embossing folder and get ready to get inky. Pick two or three alcoholic ink colors and shake the ink on the foil sheet. You can use one color if you prefer. If you use more than one color of ink, add some isopropyl alcohol or blending solution after the colors are on. This will make the colors move. You can use a straw and blow it around or a blowing tool. Be aware that if you create several cards, make sure you work in a well-ventilated space. There are resins in the Alcohol Ink. If you don’t like inky hands, you can wear latex gloves. The colors I used on this were Ranger Sublime, Pesto, and Statue Alloy. When you are pleased, set it aside to dry. Can you see the different colors below?
The next step for the smaller panel requires a stencil and some texture paste. I put a small piece of tape to secure the stencil over a 1.50″x5.5″ cardstock. I scooped a little paste with a pallet knife, put some Altenew Olive and Moss Ink on my glass mat, and mixed. This allowed the paste to be colored. Using a pallet knife, spread thinly over the stencil and gently lift the stencil from the paper. Set aside to dry. I usually put my stencils in a container of water by my desk; that way, I don’t have to run to the sink and wash them off constantly. The paste dries pretty fast, so you want to clean it up soon off your mat.
Tape a small piece of tape to hold the stencil.
If you want a little shine to the dots, put clear embossing powder on why it is drying.
Now, let’s start putting the card together. You will need two pieces of 4.25″ x 5.5″ white cardstock or whatever you like. Then cut a 3.0″ x 5.5″ piece of cardstock for the panel. Additionally, cut a 1.75″ x 5.5″ piece of cardstock for a smaller panel. Score both panels at .25″ on one side (the 5.5″ side). Run the bone folder along the scored sides to flatten. You can do it. We are almost done (well, with the first card)! Glue the scored side to a card base on each side. Then lay another 4.25″ x 5.5″ on top and use adhesive or glue to secure. This will hide where you attached the panels. Adhere the two-panel pieces you decorated to the left and right sides. You are doing great!
Note the scored edges on each side of the base of the card. Glue those edges on the card to meet slightly off to one side.
After placing another 4.25″x5.5′ card inside the panels to cover up the scoring piece, Use a bone folder to flatten the scored panels. I usually put a brick on it for a while.
Glue or adhere your 2.75″ piece to the left side. Then adhere the 1.50″ side to the right.
Now for the belly band. Cut a 1.5″ inch cardstock by 8.5″. Turn the card over so the pretty side is facing the table. Put the strip under the bottom, and fold it over so it overlaps in the back. I usually use Washi Tape to secure the two end pieces. The belly band should fit comfortably around the whole card now. Add the cupcake to the belly band, some embellishments, and a sentiment. I did put foam tape on the back of the sentiment to prop it up a bit.
Fold the band over both sides till they overlap.
Secure with Washi Tape
Adhere cupcake to the belly band. Add some embellishments to the cupcake.
Finished Card
Card #2 – Cupcake Shaker Card
The second card was created with the same techniques as the first one. See above in making the cupcake by using the layer guide and inks. This will be a shaker card that you can fill with sequins and beads. You can also use the tips from above in using ink and texture paste.
For this one, I used a sprinkle stencil from Altenew. I used the Altenew inks and mixed them with pearlescence texture paste as above. I sprinkled clear embossing powder on both the cupcake and the sprinkles. After drying, I heat set the embossing powder. This created a shine in both the cupcake and sprinkles. I also think it adds to the vibrancy of the item. There are many different kinds of paste to do this. You can use a crackle paste to give the sprinkles texture. You can use a blending brush, various ink colors, and add embossing powder.
Tape stencil down over card stock.
Color paste, use a pallet knife, and run over the stencil. Lift the stencil and sprinkle embossing powder over it. Let dry and heat set.
The next step is to secure the cupcake to the sprinkles. Cut it out with the die-cut and adhere to just below the middle. Also, adhere the sentiment above the cupcake. Now the fun starts. Cut a piece of acetate to 6.75″ by 4.75″. Score each side by .25″. Insert the card inside the acetate taping down three sides. Leave the top open. Use the bone folder to help flatten the acetate to the card. I have found that using acetate from items you order works better than the thicker sheets you might buy. The thinner acetate scores and doesn’t add a lot of bulk. When you feel like you are ready for the sequins, pour them in from the top. Tape the top closed. You are done and ready to adhere the shaker to a card. Then Shaka, Shaka, and pat yourself on the back because you did a great job.
Finished Card
There are two ladies to who I would like to give special thanks for sending me what they created. They had a different take on the examples, which turned out great. I appreciate them sitting through this workshop and participating and creating with me. Vickie did an excellent job on her cards. If you want to see her work, her blog can be found at https://heartmadepaperexpressions.blogspot.com.
Vickie
Carolyn was another participant who also had a different take and did some fabulous cards with a separate stamp and die set.
Carolyn
Also, thanks to Erum and Virginia for sitting in and providing insight on how to improve in a workshop setting, the advice while taking the classes, and throughout the process.
I hope I have encouraged any of you who have been on the fence about taking classes or going through this Certification Program. This endeavor has opened many doors I never thought I could go through. I had a lot of fun and can’t wait to learn more. You have several avenues to learn something new from the newsletters, classes, workshops, and other things Altenew offers. Good luck and have fun!
I decided to start entering these, forcing me to up my designs. This month’s challenge was to create a card off of the picture below.
I used the following for this project:
Altenew Greenwood Flowers Layer Stencil Altenew Ink: Baby Pink, Pinkalicious, Razzleberry, Forest Glades, Shadow Creek, Mountain Pine, Warm Sunshine, Autumn Blaze, Firebrick Altenew Hello Die Sizzix Die
I knew I wanted leaves and another flower so I masked the first flower I created. This will make the leaves look like they are under the flower. I did a mock up of one so I could alleviate the mistakes. The picture shows the masking did not quite cover the flower, so I adjusted so the bottom was totally covered.
As you can see the leaves were stamped over the 1st flower. I covered the left leave in order to create the next flower. My biggest concern was getting finger prints or smudges on the white part of the card. So I cleaned my stencils after every use. Also, I had wipes for my hands.
To assemble the card I cut a square out of the design and added fun foam. I then adhered to the card. Note the outside of the design was adhered to the card base. Then the fun foam. I added a hello and a few die cuts from sizzix. This was a slower card because there was a lot of planning involved. Overall, I had fun.
I took the Progress Cards class and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought I would try some different techniques with embossing. I used an embossing folder and some crackle paste.
I used a piece of watercolor paper and lightly misted both sides with water. I put it in the 3-D Texture Fades Foliage embossing folder and ran through my die cutter. When it was dry I lightly ran the ink pads of Tattered Rose and Antique Linen over the embossed leaves. I let dry and redid the process. I found the key was to very lightly run the ink pads over the embossed panel. I blended around the outside some tea die distress oxide to frame it.
I used the Greenwood Flower Altenew Layer stencil and stamped the first layer. On the 2nd layer of the stencil, I used some crackle paste. I then sprinkled some Kitsch Flamingo embossing glaze on the paste and waited for it to dry. After drying, using a heat gun, heated and embossed the glaze. I then lightly misted with some perfect pearls in some water.
I assembled the flower on some specialty papers and adhered to a card. Lastly, I added the sentiment.
This is one of my favorite women in the Bible. We are told that she is beautiful and of good understanding 1 Samuel 25:3. However, her husband Nabal was just the opposite. He was rich, but harsh and evil in his doings.
After Samuel had died, David left and went down to the Wilderness of Paran. He heard that a man called Nabel was shearing his 3,000 sheep. He gathered a few of his men and told them to greet Nabal in his name. He said to let Nabal know that some of his shepherds were with him and were not hurt. They would appreciate some food for his men. Once David’s men talked to Nabal he questioned who David was, and said the servants were not necessarily his. He was not going to give up his food for someone he did not know.
A servant told Abigail about the encounter and that David was very upset. This in itself I believe shows that he knew Abigail would understand, and he wasn’t afraid of telling her the truth. He was afraid of what David might do after being very good to them. The servant said that “Nabal was a scoundrel, and that no one can speak to him.” Abigail immediately put food together and loaded up donkeys, but did not tell Nabal what she was doing. When she met up with David she bowed before him.
Abigail says “Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name – his name means Fool, and folly goes with him”. To me, this one sentence says all about what you need to know about Abigail. She is direct, wise, and goes against the way women were to act at that time. She outright called her husband a fool. She also advises David in a way where he listens to her.
Bringing food validated that she agreed that it was a simple request. She wasn’t just speaking the words, she backed it up by her effort of bringing the food to him and his men.
Abigail starts off by talking positively about David’s character. “Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will certainly make for my Lord an enduring house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days.” 1 Samuel 25-28. This contrasts with his current state of anger and wanting to take revenge. She also reminds him of the way Saul wanted to kill him. Nabal may deserve it, but does his whole family deserve to die because of Nabal’s deeds. She also reminded David that killing Nabal violated Gods commandment against murder. “Now therefore, my Lord, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, since the Lord has held you back from coming to bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then, let your enemies and those who seek harm for my Lord be as Nabal.” 1 Samuel 25: 26. She gently asks David he would consider her being here a sign that “the Lord has held you back” from the sin that would be committed.
Additionally, Abigail brings up the future when David will be the ruler over Israel. “And it shall come to pass when the Lord has done for my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel.” 1 Samuel 25:30.
I get the feeling that there was admiration for Abigail from David. She showed temperance, wisdom, and knew how to get him to consider her words. For a woman in those times no less, this was a defining moment for both of them. As upset as he was, he admitted that she was a blessing. “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel who sent you this day to meet me. And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” 1 Samuel 25:32-33
After Nabal had died, David wasted no time asking her to be his wife. For a first-time meeting, she showed the ability to understand, diffuse his anger, and think through the consequences of his anger. It would take a pretty special person to be able to do that, especially back in those times where women were not highly regarded as confidants, and strategic. Her goodness and kindness broke through David’s heart and changed his thought process for the good.
This story shows that confrontation done with the right reasons can overcome anger. David saw that Abigail’s qualities could add to his own and that was a good thing. There was an element of mutual respect between the two. We are reminded that with God in our lives, the right decisions can be made a little easier.
I hope you can see the good qualities in Abigail, and see how the right mindset can make a difference in anything we attempt to accomplish. With God all things are possible.
