Shirley Clark's Blog Spot http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/ en-us Nucleus CMS v3.24 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns//nucleus/nucleus2.gif Shirley Clark's Blog Spot http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/ I'm so disappointed . . . http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=582
Someone asked a question about Spenser's interests. He's a typical 3 year old boy and loves hot wheels and dump trucks! So that leaves it wide open. It's as I said on the forum though. Any card will be appropriate. This little boy and family won't care what's on the card as much as the message the card will bring!

I made a few cards for Shelly's Card Challenge on the Paperthreads Forum. Here's a few pics . . .

Here's the card map by Caz.


And here's my version of the card . . . But first, here's the quote I used for the first few card pics. The quote is quite long, but I couldn't bear to leave any of it out. It says, "When we begin life, we are all given a puzzle -- each one very different, yet special. As we continue through our lives, we meet people and have some type of affect upon their life, as they do on ours. We share with them a piece of our puzzle and they share a piece of theirs, with us, in return. No matter what type of impact they had upon our life, we still carry along with us, a piece of their puzzle. Meaning that everyone we encounter has a special impact upon our lives, because they have shaped us into what we are today. This is called the puzzle of life. Each puzzle growing and changing throughout our lives, but always becoming better and always having the same foundational pieces. Know that you DO make a difference in peoples lives! I thank you for sharing part of your puzzle with me!" - Erin Bridget Doyle I love this quote!








Here's the quote I used for the next cards. I love it too! "When we can't piece together the puzzle of our own lives, remember the best view of a puzzle is from above. Let Him help put you together." ~Amethyst Snow-Rivers Isn't it an awesome quote?









I'll make some comments about the puzzle pieces tomorrow! Gotta run. We're getting ready to go to a car club meeting at a great catfish eating joint! I can't be late for that! LOL!

MAKE it a wonderful day!

My quote: Another puzzle quote!
"Who in the world am I?
Ah, that's the great puzzle."
Lewis Carroll

Shirley]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=582 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 15:24:46 -0700 March RAK, "I See You" and Rain! http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=581
I received the information on my March RAK this morning! The March RAK is a little boy that just turned 3. Here's a bio and pictures of this courageous little boy!

"This month I'd like to tell you about a little boy who has been battling cancer for the past year. Spencer is the sixth child of seven children in a wonderful family. Last Spring, Spencer was diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney. He had a large tumor in his abdomen and the cancer had spread to his spine and skull. It was tough for the family to see their little energetic 2 year old suddenly in the hospital undergoing painful tests. Since the diagnosis in May of last year, Spencer has endured weeks of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, radiation to target the areas it had spread, and finally more chemotherapy. Now, he is thankfully on his last round of chemotherapy.

It's been a long road. But the family's faith, family, and friends have carried them through it. Life has continued to roll forth for Spencer and his family. There have been the challenges of fevers and illness for him and his siblings. Long hospital stays and time spent away from home and family. There have been things to celebrate, however. Early on in Spencer's treatment, his parents discovered they were going to have their seventh child, another boy, who was born just last month. Spencer just celebrated his 3rd Birthday. There has been a rallying of family and friends around them providing love and service. And throughout everything, their faith and trust in God has never wavered.

They've been an inspiration to me this past year, and I hope you'll join in celebrating the end of Spencer's chemotherapy treatment!"

Here's Spenser's sweet pictures!





I personally feel this RAK is for the courageous family, as well as Spenser. So let's join efforts to bring a smile to this family! You can email me at shirley_clark@paperthreads.com for my address. I'll get all the cards initially and then I'll forward them to Spenser and his family.

I'll be posting pictures of the February RAK as soon as the last card comes in. Hopefully that will happen today! I can't wait to send these cards to Santa Larry! They are all phenomenal!

We got about an inch of rain! Our pond is slowly rising! AND we have 7 fish (crappie and bass) in it! Paul caught fish Saturday at a neighbor's pond and brought them to ours! I just know it will be filled by Spring's end!

Pam and I had a conversation about digi stamps on the phone. She was wondering how to cut them out on her KNK. So I gave her a call and talked her through it! She learned it all very fast! I had a new email with a picture from her in just a few minutes! She made this for a friend in the hospital!




You can purchase this digital stamp here!

I'm not good with instructions, but Pam caught on fast anyway! Thanks for sharing Pam!

I think that's it for today. I need to settle down and study for my Wednesday Night Small Group, then I have some projects that are due! I have to get them done and off my to do list!

MAKE it a wonderful day!

My quote (in honor of our soldiers):
Prayer of a soldier; "Oh, Lord, don't let nothin' get hold of me that you and me can't handle!"
Unknown

Shirley]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=581 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:49:05 -0700 We're Home! http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=580
I'm waiting for information on my March RAK recipient. I'll post the information as soon as I get it! I'm also waiting on one more card for Santa Larry, then the cards are off in the mail!

We have rain in the forecast! AND I forecast that our pond will be filled by the end of Spring!

Sorry this is so short! I'm behind, I'm behind, I'm behind! Today is catch up day!

MAKE it a wonderful Saturday!

My quote:
"Faith goes up the stairs that love builds and looks out windows which hope has opened."
Charles Spurgeon
Shirley]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=580 Sat, 6 Mar 2010 06:40:11 -0700 One More Thing . . . http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=579 Jan W
Anna D
Esther WB
Sue S
Linda D
Michelle H
Wanda B
Shirley C
Ginger S
Jen A
Kelly S
Lisa S
Sherri K
Caz S
Alisha W
Lisa A
Shelly S

I'm so excited! I'll be mailing them next week! Santa Larry is going to feel so blessed as he opens each and every card! I know each card has blessed me!

So remember to MAKE it a wonderful week! Don't have too much fun without me!

My quote:
To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.
Unknown

Shirley]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=579 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 16:58:45 -0700 Hi and Bye! http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=578
So until then, MAKE it a great week!

My quote:
Anxiety in human life is what squeaking and grinding are in machinery that is not oiled. In life, trust is the oil.
Henry Ward Beecher

Shirley]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=578 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:44:55 -0700 I See You! http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=577 "I See You Digi."









The file comes with the man and 7 sentiments, including the censored sign. This file can be used again and again! Hopefully, I can get the female version completed soon!

We're supposed to get snow tonight and tomorrow. As I've been telling you, this has been a cold, cold winter!

MAKE it a nice Monday evening!

My quote:
I am greater than the stars for I know that they are up there and they do not know that I am down here.
William Temple

Shirley


]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=577 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:05:04 -0700 Aidan and the Car Cruise http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=576 link so you can see how much Aidan and his family enjoyed the cards! Their post warmed my heart. Aidan and their family also sent a thank you card. Aidan drew a picture of a crane picking up a card and chocolate. Now Aidan is my kind of guy if he likes cards AND chocolate!



This is what Aidan's Mom wrote:
Thank you so much for the awesome cards you helped coordinate and send. Aidan loved them, as did the rest of the family. We had a chart going of where all he received cards from. Aidan was astounded that he had so many people out there that he had never met that knew all about him and his fight. It has amazed me the amount of support we have received from places we never expected. God works in mysterious ways and I love watching how he used Aidan. Thanks again! God Bless!

By the picture (in case you can't see) it says "Love Lights Up the World." Then it explains, "It is a crane picking up a card and chocolate." That is the true heart of a little boy! He uses his crane to pick up cards and chocolate! My heart is warm all over!

We spent yesterday cruising the Texas Hill Country with about 15 other cars. Most of the cars were classics but 2. As you know, our Shelby is new and another couple had a new car. We had a great time getting to know new people, eating, going to a car museum, looking around Luckenback, Texas. Some of the ladies stayed in Fredricksburg to shop, but you know I don't like shopping! AND I always wanted to go to Luckenback, so this was my chance! Here's a few pictures. I didn't get pictures of many of the cars. It was difficult to get pictures without having a bunch of people standing around the cars. So here's a few pictures of the day!

Here we are lined up at Sonic. You can see some of the cool cars here!



Here's a scene in Luckenback. This is the bar area. We didn't partake! But we did listen to the live band!



Inside the bar and the "live band." Actually, the band was quite good!



You haven't lived until you ride a Texas Longhorn!



Pickin' and Grinnin'



I haven't had much time for crafting this past week but I'm hoping that will change this next week!

I have received cards for Santa Larry from:
Jan W
Anna D
Esther WB
Sue S
Linda D
Michelle H
Wanda B
Shirley C
Ginger S
Jen A

MAKE it a wonderful Lord's day!

My quote:
The happiest marriage is where both parties get better mates than they deserve.
Unknown

That's what happened to me!

Shirley ]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=576 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 05:39:50 -0700 Santa Larry and New Digi Stamp http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=575 Jan W
Anna D
Esther WB
Sue S
Linda D
Michelle H
Wanda B
Shirley C
Ginger S

I know we have more coming! I can't wait to post the pictures! There are some cute, cute, heartwarming cards!

I have a new digi stamp out. This one is called "Tommie Turtle."








I have another one drawn, but not ready for the store yet. It's been fun working on the digital stamps for a change!

Today we don't have one single place to go! I'm so excited! I hope to get several things done, including some fun play time!

MAKE it a wonderful day!

My quote:
I guess I should warn you, if I turn out to be particularly clear, you've probably misunderstood what I've said.
Alan Greenspan

Shirley
]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=575 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:50:35 -0700 Thanks Again! http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=574
I still haven't had time to work on any more CHA projects, but hopefully I'll find time later in this week. I've been busy trying to make my February cards and do everything else that has to be done in Clark Park and Cross Plains. I always thought I would have more time once we retired but it hasn't worked out that way yet!

Yesterday morning I was thinking about Kathy. You might remember me talking about her last year. She is battling cancer and is currently at MD Anderson receiving treatment for approximately 6 weeks. I decided to make a card and take it to the Women's Bible Study and get everyone to sign it. So I hurriedly made this card. I used the same map that Shelly is using for this month's card challenge. Here's a picture!





Recipe:
Cardstock: SEI - It was a freebie from SEI. My favorite in the SEI package!
Flower: Kaisercraft - Another freebie!
Brad: It was a freebie from Accugraphics. I got it when I bought my KNK Maxx. I didn't have the manufacturer info. Sorry.
Sentiment: Stamping Up
I used Nestibilities as frame for the sentiment. My cousin has been telling me how much she loves hers. When Michelle started carrying them in the store, I had to check them out! I'm so glad I did! Even though I can cut the same thing on my machine, It's much easier to get the correct size, send it through my Cuttlebug and be done!

Did anyone make any of the flowers from my tutorial yesterday? I'd love to see pictures of them on finished projects!

MAKE it a great Tuesday!

My quote:
Where Ain’t God

He was just a little lad, and on the Lord's Day, was wand'ring home from Sunday School, and dawdling on the way. He scuffed his shoes into the grass; he found a caterpillar; he found a fluffy milk-weed pod, and blew out all the "filler." A bird's nest in a tree o'head, so wisely placed on high, was just another wonder that caught his eager eye. A neighbor watched his zig-zag course, and hailed him from the lawn; asked him, where he'd been that day, and what was going on. "Oh, I've been to Sunday School." (He carefully turned the sod, and found a snail inside.) "I've learned a lot of God." "M'm a very fine way," the neighbor said, "for a boy to spend his time; if you'll tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime." Quick as a flash his answer came, nor were his accents faint; "I'll give you a dollar mister, if you'll tell me where God ain't."
Unknown

Shirley




]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=574 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:08:24 -0700 Blog Hop, 60% off Sale and CAD! http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=573
If you're here for the blog hop, you've come to the right place! Here are the other participating designers blog addresses. Be sure to check them all out. It might be worth your while!

Michelle AKA Paperthreads
Jennie AKA Jennie Bean Crafts
Jenette AKA Butterfly Designs
Laury AKA Just Laury
Jan AKA Shirley Clark Designs You are here!
Jan AKA Sam & Hailey Designs Go here next!
Chrissie AKA Keepsakes by Design
Eddita AKA Accents By Eddita
Ileana AKA I Scrap Designs
Diana AKA Diana's Designs
Jen AKA Jen Adkins Designs
Ginny AKA Ginny's Happy Cuts
Shelly AKA Shelly's Art
Tina AKA Forever Memories For You
Carrie AKA Carrie's Creations

I finally got my card made for the card challenge Shelly hosts each month at the Paperthreads Forum. This paper is some of the freebie paper I got at SEI. I don't this paper is available for purchase yet.







The paper has some bling on it but it doesn't come out well in the picture. I made the flower. Look down in this post and I'll explain how to make it!
Card Recipe:
Paper: SEI - Happy Day, White Paper - Georgia Pacific
Stamp: Danelle Johnson
Zig Zag: Sewing Machine
Flower: Coffee Filter (see below), Denim Blue Glimmer Mist, Copic Marker B45

I know you wondering where the freebie is . . . It's here! It's called the "Kisses Kit." Although this file looks a little valentinish (not a real word, but you get my drift!), it could be used for any occasion! Just change out your paper so it suits the occasion.






7 Hershey's kisses fit inside and are anchored with a glue dot or other adhesive so they don't fall out.

Remember this file is governed by my TOU. Please don't share. If you want someone to have this file, please send them here to get it! This will be an active link until Wednesday. After that, I'm going to place this file in the store! You can get your free file here! No password needed. FILE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE. THIS FILE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE STORE SOON!

I'm not going to be around for much of the fun on the forum today. We're going to Abilene for business that can't be avoided. Since I'll miss most of the activities, I have a little tutorial on how to make the cute little flower you see on the challenge card posted above. It's really quite easy! I'm not the best at instructions, but I'll give it a shot!

1. Take a coffee filter and spread it out flat.

2. You need some sort of medium to get color on your coffee filter. I used Glimmer Mist. (0ther suggestions: Spread Ranger Distress Ink on your craft sheet, then spritz with water. Dab your coffee filter in the ink. Or use your Copic Airbrush. Or use any other technique to add color to your coffee filter).

3. If your coffee filter is wet, dry it with you blow dryer. If you used airbrushing, you can dampen to dry it flat or skip this step. Drying the wet coffee filter helps to get the crinkled look.

4. Next, fold the coffee filter in half. Take the folded piece and fold in half again. Then fold in half one more time. You'll end up with a cone shape that has been folded three times.

5. If you have scalloped nestabilities (I used the scalloped Octagon shaped one) pick the size you want. Set the nestibilitie to cut through all 8 layers. NOTE: If you don't have nestabilities, you can draw a circle on your folded coffee filter and cut out in a wavy border around the circle. Note: On my flower, I used 2 nestablilities sizes to get more dimension. I was able to get both sizes to cut from one folded coffee filter. You could also cut out two sized circles if you don't have Nestabilities. This will give the flower more dimension.

6. Take you circle shapes and stack then all together. Scallops don't need to be matched up. Make sure you have the prettiest side facing up!

7. Once you have your coffee filters stacked, stick a pin hole in the center. Take a brad, stick through the hole and
then close the brad.

8. Moisten your flower using a spritzer (or Glimmer Mist). Scrunch your flower up and then use your blow dryer to dry and shape your flower. Remist as needed until you get your desired shape.

9. If desired, you can use a marker, ink pads or whatever you desire to tip the edges of your flower. I used a Copic Marker that is a shade darker than my flower. You could also use a contrasting color.

Well, I think I've talked long enough! So make it a wonderful CAD Day! I hope you win some nice things on the forum!

My quote:
Lord, if I dig a pit for others
Let me fall into it;
But if I dig it for myself,
Give me sense enough to walk around it.
Sherwood Wirt

Shirley]]> General http://www.paperthreads.com/blog/shirleysdesigns/index.php?itemid=573 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:01:00 -0700