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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Whimsical Wednesday Challenge: Inspiring Words

Happy Wednesday, sweet friends! :o)

Guess what today is? It's another Whimsical Wednesday! :o) The Whimsical Wednesday challenge this week is Inspiring Words. The requirements are to create a card or project inspired by one of the words in the following photograph and to include that word somewhere on your creation.

My sentimental heart fell in love with this challenge and I knew I needed something extra special for it. It ended up being my first step card and my first real attempt at using Copics. My inspiration was quickly ignited by the rock designated as FAITH. Equally speedy came the idea for my card. I was compelled to use it as an outlet for a personal battle. Faith: He will deliver. That is the purpose behind my card. The Lord will deliver me from my injuries and I absolutely will dance again. Not only did this one creation stir my belief, but it serves as a declaration to myself and to Him. He will deliver me... and He can deliver you from any tribulation you face.

"You can dance anywhere, if only in your heart."

The main storyline is that if we take a step back and let God take the lead, He will deliver, heal, provide, etc. But we need to entrust ourselves to Him, believing Him to be our faithful protector and provider. There are a few things going on here, so I'm including a closer picture of each section with its individual part of the story. I promise to understand if you don't have time to read through all the details... I'm just thrilled you stopped by to check out the main card image! :o)

Faith... the most important part of this card. I cut out a heart with my Cricut and weaved pristine white ribbon atop it, just as faith needs to be woven into every aspect of our life. With my MS pen, I wrote FAITH across the center because we need to write the Word upon our hearts. Writing on this ribbon was a bit messy due to the ink instantly spreading. There were other options to make it neat, but I chose this route because it reflects how we sometimes finally surrender and entrust everything to Him. We're a complete mess. For the background, I typed up some Scripture from Psalms 31 and 91 and stamped it with a lovely agapanthus design.

Here is our sweet little star... fully trusting, patiently waiting for her prayers to be answered. I confess I am thrilled with how she turned out. As I sat down to color her this past weekend, I panicked a bit, wondering why in the world I was using a Design Team project for my first cute stamp attempt. Then I decided it's rather lovely to share in every part of the creative journey, as I often do on my relatively young blog. I don't really think my initial Copic usage (outside of a failed flower attempt), could have gone much better. I am ecstatic! There are mistakes of course, but I don't even see them anymore... I'm wisely focusing on the positives. :o) I love her! I used every single one of my beginner collection of markers. Hehe.

She's framed in Flower Soft for a pretty textural element, plus it goes so well with the beautiful image. It shows up better if you click on the picture for a closer look.. you'll also better see the Stardust sparkles I used throughout the stamp. For the middle step I made a simple lace flower to coordinate with the ballet costume and centered it with a Tim Holtz button. The front step simply holds the all-important sentiment. Despite being sidelined for far too long, I can still dance in my heart... it's one of my favorite "anonymous" dance quotes.

Finally, the last segment! I used textured cardstock, sheer glitter ribbon, lacy ribbon, and rhinestones to make a romantic-length tutu... a visual reminder of what awaits in my future. Naturally, I couldn't resist lining the ruffle layers with more Stardust. Beneath the tutu is a layer of the same glitter ribbon as the sparkling V-shaped overlay on the bodice, so in person there's a lot of sparkle showing through. It's gorgeous. I don't have any cartridges with dress forms, so I looked up some online and drew elements from the ones found on Nifty Fifties and Forever Young. I'm a huge fan of white-on-white, so I trimmed the bottom of the dress form with liquid pearls. It seemed fitting for such an elegant ballet costume. :o)

Lastly, a side view to show you the levels/dimension that come about when creating a step card. They're such fun! Despite being such a highly personal card, this is also one of the most wonderful for me to give away. It's always special to create a card tailored to someone else's tastes, knowing what makes their hearts tick. But sometimes one of the most lovely gifts to give is a peek deep into the innermost recesses of your own heart. I hope she loves it. :o)

I hope you'll play along with us this week by linking up your creations at the Whimsical Wednesday Weekly Challenge post! I'm eager to see your unique takes on this fantastic challenge. Our sponsor for this week's prize is Barb from BugBites, who is generously donating her new All Year Round stamp set to one lucky winner. :o) Thank you, Barb!


Be sure to dance on over to the rest of the Design Team's blogs to check out their wonderful projects. :o) Thank you for visiting me and I wish you a day bursting with sunshine and sparkles. :o)

Key Recipe Components:
 * Cricut cartridges: Classic Font (for heart), Elegant Edges
 * Cuttlebug embossing folders: Polka Dots, Swiss Dots
 * Paper: Core'dinations, Papertrey Ink, Wausau (a lovely inexpensive option for Copic work, found at Michaels in a jumbo 250 pack... 40% coupon eligible!)
 * Stamps: Agapanthus Long (Stampendous), Sweet Blossom (Wee Stamps)
 * Copic colors: E00, E02, RV13 (skin); YR 12, YR31 (hair); RV10, RV13, RV14, BV0000, BV01 (clothing, flowers, purple butterfly); E31, E37 (furry friend); BG11, BG15 (blue butterfly)
 * Ribbon: Casa Collection Special Occasion (sheer glitter); Essentials (white); Wrights (black lace)
 * Button: Tim Holtz Fanciful Buttons
 * Miscellaneous: Dew Drop Brilliance Ink, Flower Soft (in Fuchsia); iRock, Liquid Pearls, Stickles

Photobucket

24 comments:

  1. WOW, I don't even know what to say about this magnificent creation, Karen! You are so amazing at putting so much thought and love and creativity into every single aspect of a card...down to the very smallest detail! There is not one thing you add that doesn't have meaning behind it! And it shows because this is simply STUNNING! I can't believe this is your first card using copics! My gosh, you did a FABULOUS job! I especially love the meaning behind the card...putting your Faith in God. I could just stare at this card all day! You truly are amazing my super-talented friend! This is a masterpiece!! :)

    Lisa
    http://indymermaid.blogspot.com

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  2. My sweetest Sunshine...I don't even know what to say. *grabs you and just hugglers you madly* I am in awe sis. This creation is SO much more than a card, Sunshine. It is a representation of all the incredible love that you and God share. *cries super happy tears of joy* I can't stop smiling, Sunshine. The details on this are just out-of-this world incredible! There isn't a single part of this creation that doesn't sparkle as brightly as the love that shines inside your soul, sis.

    Did you know that God can't stop smiling too sis? He sees all you do and hears all your prayers and He will deliver. He adores you Sunshine. More than you will ever possibly know. Your faith and trust in Him makes His heart dance just as His love for you makes yours soar. He already knows the moment when your precious little self will make the triumphant return...and at this very moment He is counting down with you and getting more and more excited by the second because He knows just how special that moment will be when it arrives.

    May God bless my sweetest Sunshine always and shower her in every possible dream come true. I love you sis...more than more than more!!!

    *squishers you monsterously and wipes away more happy tears*

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  3. So pretty and very creative too. That black dress is so sweet. Love the lace on it too! Hugs- Glora

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  4. This is such a beautiful and inspiring card!! All the love and detail you put into it is amazing. Tfs and have a great day. :)

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  5. Wow!!! I love everything about this beautiful card. From the woven heart with the scripture peaking from behind, to the sweet little girl waiting upon the lord, and the elegant dress hanging in the distance. This card speaks volums and really touches the heart. You did a fantastic job and you're super talented.

    Your newest follower,
    Ana Maria
    www.shortycreations.com

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  6. Karen, OMG I don't know where to start, everytime I see your posts its more inspiring and amazing than the last one.... You are such a talented person. I love your card and all the writting sentiments. I specially love how you did that heart with ribbon. I love this creation my friend, you are such an motivation to me.

    Catarina aka docerela

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  7. This is SO PRETTY! I love the woven heart and the lace dress! Beautiful job!

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  8. Beautiful card Karen.Lovely colouring and the dress is amazing.
    Jayne x
    jayne-designs.blogspot.com

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  9. Wow, this is such a beautiful and inspiring card that you have created Karen!! Every detail is amazing and you can tell you poured your heart into it. Absolutely gorgeaus!!! Ammazing job! TFS!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  10. I am speechless. I could try to put in words how much this card touches me, how beautiful it is, but no words adequately describe it. I am in AWE.

    Aside from your outstanding Copic skills (no one would EVER guess that you're a novice), the meaning behind every detail is so heartfelt. And I confess I got a little teary-eyed. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all. I know you've inspired me today - this was something I needed to see, and a message I needed to hear. Funny how God works. :)

    I love it, my friend. :)

    Nita

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  11. Karen, I love this!!! The step card is amazing and all of the wonderfully perfect details you added! I love the dress and the girl image. Faith rings loud in your creations! May God continue to bless you! Melanie

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  12. Oh my gosh Karen,Your card is just AMAZING!I LOVE the fold and the sweet image,SUPER job with the coloring and details!SO BEAUTIFUL my friend!!:)

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  13. The sneak peek was fabulous enough and then I see this awesome creation! I love it! So perfectly detailed. Amazing job! x

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  14. So beautiful!!! I adore the lovely tutu and our sweet girl waiting patiently. You absolutely will dance again, Sweets, and in the meantime I'm glad you can share your bursting creativity with us through your amazing cards and art. <3

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  15. Karen, your card is amazing! I love all the details you put into it. I can't believe that's your first time using Copics! It looks like you've been doing it for years! So pretty!

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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  16. Karen, wow! I don't even know what to say or where to begin!! You are amazing, this card is amazing! The whole process and story behind each feature is so touching! Your coloring looks like you are a pro already with those Copics!! I just ordered my first ones yesterday (a few skin tones, so excited)!! You blew this challenge away :)
    It is beautiful!!
    Amber

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  17. Wow!!! Really beautiful card....absolutely stunning! I can totally appreciate the time you put into it and the love flows through this card and I can feel that you will achieve your dreams! Loved reading about the concept behind this! And I really would love to know how you learned to use your copics...I just bought a few! Beautiful work on the coloring!
    hugs,
    joni

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  18. Gorgeous project! What awesome details :)

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  19. Me again. I have an award for you on my Blog. :)

    http://niftynitanotes.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-award-and-update.html

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  20. I have an award for you on my blog. Please come and pick it up! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykarenblogspot.com

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  21. Thank you all.. you've left me speechless. Your comments always mean so much to me, but these ones especially made my heart sparkle. You are such blessings! :o)

    Hugs, sparkles, and blessings!

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  22. What a fabulous card and inspiring story. Brought me to tears. amazing! xxD

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  23. Oh Karen, this card is just incredibly amazing! I love the copic coloring you did, you look like a pro at it! The girl is precious, the dress is gorgeous, and I love that button! I love how the step card holds each element so perfectly. You rocked this challenge, as always my friend! xo

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Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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