Stamp a Blessing

Jul 13, 2017

Guest Designer Donna Wicks: Pocketful of Sunshine

A POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE

A "pocketful of sunshine!" Doesn't that sound like a great way to go through a day?! I think of that phrase and then start singing that song (it's played in the movie "The Ugly Truth") and it makes me "happy!"

So today I started by working on a birthday card for my niece! Her favorite color is yellow and this stamp set and framelits bundle immediately came to mind.

I think the sunglasses are the cutest thing and love the studs on the pocket (and all of the details, really)!

I always include a fun, coordinated treat package with any card that I give to someone, so created a 3D pocket treat holder. I simply die cut two of the pockets (for the front and back sides) and made a side panel with a strip of paper which was scored and affixed directly to the tabs already on the pocket pieces. It couldn't be easier to do.

Die cut: 2 of the pocket pieces

Paper Strip measures: 1" x 7 1/2"

Score long side at: 2 1/4", 3 3/4" and at 5 1/4"

To add a ribbon handle, punch a hole in each side of the container and knot your ribbon ends on the inside of it.

How about making a banner with little pockets to fill with treats?? Cute, right?? The center pocket mimics the card and the other two compliment the theme with cheerful daisies (DSP).

I added treats in our 2" x 8" cello bags.

TIP: To help the candy pouch to stand tall in the pocket, I folded the bottom of the cello bag up behind the candy portion; it kind of gives the candy pouch "a leg to stand on."

I hope you've enjoyed this project! Thank you for coming to visit me on dear Jessica's Stamp-A-Blessing blog! I'll see you again next month!

Stamp happily!

Donna Wicks

Jul 10, 2017

Scrapbooking Monday: Why I CREATE

Do you ever take some time to slow down.
Well, last week I sort of had to. My body was NOT cooperating with MY rhythm so to find HIS rhythm I SLOWED DOWN

Best Choice Ever... This happened while I slowed down.

I went back to one of my "at-your-own-pace" scrapbooking classes by Simple Scrapper (Scrapbooking School) and made this layout. The challenge was to make a layout with a recent photo of me and journaling WHY I scrapbook.

I used a combination of stamps I LOVE to bring phrases that inspire me. There are many things I love about creating. The beauty of it, loving life, displaying my faith,

the stories, the calling to be BRAVE.

I sort of follow straight lines all through out. With banners, with the paper, the washi tape. Then added pretty details. I ALWAYS LOVE including doilies in my layouts (I added metallics), totally love enamels lately so I added some stars and that black mini sequin trim, oooh. My fave!

I am finding new ways to HIDE MY JOURNALING.

I love doing it. Love having those little secrets hidden inside the page for all to find later when I am not around. They may need to wait MANY years, cause I plan to be around till about 120! y/o!!

Click to see bigger

Here some tips I used through out my

layout that may be helpful.

Expect BIG things from a BIG God,

Jessica Cruz de Urrutia

Stampin’Up! Independent Demonstrator since 2010

Lewisburg, PA (hablo Español)

YOU don't need products, Is ok! Your visit is already a joy to me!

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Products used on my layouts below

Ribbon Of Courage Clear-Mount Bundle [145342]	Banner Triple Punch [138292]	Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper [144163]
Metallic Foil Doilies [138392]	Black Mini Sequin Trim [144259]	Enjoy The Little Things Photopolymer Stamp Set [140958]
Metallic Enamel Shapes [141678]	Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141416]	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131199]
Emerald Envy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141415]

Jul 6, 2017

Multiple Choice by Jessica Adams

Multiple_Choice | Multiple Choice Test | Oliver Tacke | Flickr

Hello all, I am excited to be back as a guest on Jessica’s blog- Stamp A Blessing!

My theme last month was ‘change’ and this month I wanted to share some words of encouragement with you about ‘choice’. As a student in school, one of my favorite types of test was the multiple choice kind. I liked the range of options and knowing that the answer was ‘hidden’ somewhere within. Life is another example of multiple choices. The choice to choose to exercise, read the Word daily, to watch a movie, etc. Oftentimes, we can become overwhelmed with too many choices and as a result, we can become paralyzed with inaction. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father is so good, kind and loving that He too gives us a choice. We can choose to walk with Him and in His light or walk in darkness and enveloped in the emptiness of the world. God doesn’t complicate our freedom of choice. He loves us (and righteously hates sin) unconditionally and longs for us to choose HIm above all other options.

I love the parable of the narrow and wide gate described in Matthew 7:

Heart Images - Public Domain Pictures - Page 1

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it…

Can it be that such a choice is that simple?

One would think that a close walk with God should be complex, works based, or full of impossible obligations only to realize that all of our efforts lead to frustrations about our shortcomings. Yet God and HIs message. His choice for us is simply ‘I AM’.

Wow! These two words are profound because they describe His deity, His authority, and His power is ALL for us- no strings attached! His Son Jesus made His choice for us long before we realized the world would be our test...Again, I say Wow! This truth is so mind-blowing because if I take God at His word that He is my ‘I Am’ well that means He always has my best choice in mind- even when I frequently stumble, He speaks His best over me, He places me in the cleft of safety and guides me through any and all hardships of life.

Do you know anyone in your life who can do and be everything to you- all of the time? Nope. No one outside of the Triune holiness will ever come close.

My prayer for you today is that you and I will walk in the truth of trusting in Him as our choice. The first part of making the right choice is to examine your alternatives. What’s working in your life that brings you peace and joy? What gives you a confidence that you will overcome this present situation? What invades your dreams and sets your heart on fire? I admit I don’t have all of the answers in life but one thing I know is that only God will ever be the right choice. Today, choose to look within and seek His heart with an act of faith. Faith that is real is a deep comfort that sets you free and you have an assurance that He loves every facet of you and guards your life. Jesus as my King knows all those in His kingdom and looks upon me and you with love and adoration. Let HIm be your choice and lay it all at His feet. Make the decision to live for Him and take comfort in knowing that when you make this right choice, you’ll never be wrong.

In His love, Jessica A.

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/otacke/12221292443, http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/hledej.php?hleda=heart

https://pixabay.com/en/photos/question%20mark/

Jul 3, 2017

On Time for Christmas: Stitched with Cheer

Good morning my sweet stampers,

You bring so much joy into my life. Being consistent always makes me feels energized sooo this weekend here and there I worked in small chunks on finishing this Christmas kit I have since last year.
Do you have ANY kits waiting for you to be completed.

Set a goal, a date and go for it!

I WILL be On Time for Christmas.
If you click on the sidebar label "On Time for Christmas" You will see all the cards I've been making since January 2017. Its been so fun to use my materials and NOT limit myself to just use new stuff when Stampin'Up! brings it out soon. Can't wait thou!

I am loving the process. Hope to inspire you to tackle this awesome wrk of love to be ready to enjoy the season of Joy this coming December.

I WON'T be making Christmas cards on December....I will be sending them and enjoying the celebrations with my family. Hehe...ok, maybe Il make one or two. Just cause I LOVE card making, right.

These are the three different types of cards that came with the Stitched with Cheer Kit.

I FINALLY made it, as I said in small increments. It was actually easy. Loved the results.

And JUST like that I now have 65 cards made out of my 100 goal!

Yippee!

Are you working on any long term goal?

Mine is 10 cards per month.

I had to skipped April, so missed those 10, but with this kit I made 5 more. Hehe!

Love you all, have a beautiful day!

Jessica Urrutia

Jul 2, 2017

Inspire your Soul Sunday: Press On!

I love reading quotes that lift me up and remind me of God's word. Press On! That is one that spoke wonders to me this week.

If you wanna see more quotes that will inspire you visit my

Inspire: Quotes Pinterest Board here!

Check my video below.

Power word is Press On!

Sunday Blessings,

Jessica Urrutia

Jul 1, 2017

Innovate: Organizer Box for Cards (Video)

Good morning my friends,

Learning so many new things as I make videos and welcome new designers into my blog. So exciting!

Did you see last Tuesday's post here?
Maria shared a super cool box she made and I felt I had to try it. Maria was inspired by MayMay.

In the process of making I LEARNED very important lessons. I invite you to watch my video today and take the freedom to forward it the first time, when ready to make it you can watch normal speed. :)

My Organizer Box was inspired by Maria's box here.

My measurements are below.

I used the Lots of Love stamp set and coordinating Designer Series Paper.

Used my scissors to cut the flowers.

Don't you love my double bow with the newest Peekaboo Peach Crinkled Ribbon?

Is so fun and cute! I adhered with 4 small glue dots.

Check below the measurements for the tabs.

I used the Designer Tin of Cards stamp set (retired) to stamp the tabs.

Box Measurements

All chipboard came form my Paper Pumpkin kits.

Lid measurements

Insert Measurements, it makes the lid close so well and keeps it steady.

Loved it!

TIP: Before you embellish, use little bits of black yardstick to fill the gaps.

If you have a minute to spear?

I woke that morning to make the box.

I had no idea would be a week of LISTENING to His teachings.

Press On!

Even when you don't understand the WHY.

Even when you don't see progress.

Even when what God asked you to do "is not working".

"Will you trust me?", He said.

"Will you do what I ask you to do, EVEN if you see no progress?"

I was truly blessed to reply, YES!

No, I still do not understand many turns in this journey called life.

Its been a season full of mysteries, deviations and tiredness.

But knowing that HE renews my strength daily;

Knowing that He will never let me fall;

Knowing that falling in His arms, is NOT failing.

Knowing His trustworthy character, makes me PRESS ON!

So my dear friend, whatever you are going through...

Just Do it!

Press On toward the goal!

Follow His lead, even when it doesn't make sense.

Because some day IT WILL all MAKE SENSE.

Will be adding my process video here in a few (still downloading) and all materials below .

xoxoxo

video below