myasperations 7-16-25

     I was honored to be invited to be a guest designer for the Word Art Wednesday Challenges in July. This is my second Guest Designer card, and this scripture verse is a favorite of mine when we live in a world of constant change… and so much of the change is difficult and frightening! As my husband's MS continues to progress at a devastating rate, I am so thankful for God’s grace. In spite of what we see or feel, we both know that our God is right here with us… supporting us through the pain and fear. It is not easy, but during the difficult decades, Rich and I have grown closer than I ever imagined. To each other… and to our God! Amen and Amen!

    The beautiful pre-colored Monarch Wreath is from a FB site that offers free digis, Free Printables for your Junk Journaling with TLC. (I visit it often. See details in my supplies section.) The beautifully colored digi really stands out on the B&W patterned background paper. I printed out an extra butterfly, fussy-cut and popped him up from the card with foam tape. I chose a digi with a butterfly because, to me, butterflies represent new life, transformation, and most of all, HOPE!  Right now, I choose to hold on to hope.

Supplies: 

·   Scripture Digi- from Word Art Wednesday post (7-16-25)

·   Pre-colored Monarch Butterfly Digi was posted on May 15, 2023  at Free Printables for your Junk Journaling with TLC (on FB) If you choose to join the page, HERE, you can check to see if this digi is still available via a search, or view hundreds, no... thousands, of other freebies!

·   Shading and highlights added to digi with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·  Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Oval templates, patterned paper, foam tape, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Park Hopping-My Happy Place (July)  Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival

Colorful Options Monthly Challenge: July (card includes light green, tan, orange, and a touch of red)     

Love Those Pretty Papers Challenge: July 2025

       Yesterday, I posted a Tri-fold Christmas card, plus an instruction sheet I’d created for a card-making class I’d taught years ago. It reminded me of a Fall card that I’d made using the same instruction sheet. I decided to make one to share here and to put in the gift packet of cards I need for an upcoming wedding. I grabbed my Autumn Leaves Kaleidacolor Inkpad (or you can use assorted ink pads in fall colors), and leaf stamp, then followed the instructions to create my card.

   Here are a few added notes about using dye inks (vs pigment/embossing inks) which Step 7 on the Instruction Sheet mentions. When stamping the leaves, stamp two or three images before reinking the pad to provide a wonderful range of color tints and add depth to the card. (A class attendee once called the lighter images “echoes.” So fun!) Stamping a few leaves on scrap paper and fussy-cutting them provides you with extras to attach over any “oopsies” on your card (i.e. a dropped stamp or when leaf tips on the front and back don’t overlap in a way you like!)

     This card fits into a regular business-sized card (now called slimline), and I plan to add leaves and echoes to the envelope before mailing.

  

Supplies: 

·   Leaf Wood Mount Rubber Stamp from Embossing Arts (Company no longer in business)

·   Tsukineko Kaleidacolor Inkpad, Autumn Leaves (Available from several web sources or use ink pads in fall colors)

·   Sentiments  “Happy Fall” and “May your blessings be Plentiful… “ from Power Poppy’s Digital Stamp Set (Autumn's Opulence)

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Sequins, cardstock, and other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

The Paper Shelter- #647 AG  (Opt Twist-More Than one Fold)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #708-709 AG/Family Friendly

    This beautiful digi, named “At the Beach,” is another of my summer favorites because…. well… she is at the beach! As usual, I created a scenic backdrop with an upcycled calendar page. However, instead of an ocean, I placed this beauty at one of the lakes in the Boundary Waters or Northern Minnesota.

     I have a reason for this change of scenery. When in college, I was a chaperone for a church trip to the Boundary Waters, and it was an amazing adventure. My group was made up of 12 young women, including Carol, one of my sisters. Carol and I giggle when looking at photos of the trip. Just imagine this scene- 12 women aged 16-19, surrounded by canoes and gear (tents, food, water, sleeping bags, etc.), each wearing a bikini, sunglasses, and…. standard issue army boots! Yes… Army boots! When not sleeping, putting up camp, or taking down camp, we were canoeing from rivers to lakes to waterfalls. The rest of our time and effort was spent “portaging”(i.e., carrying canoes and gear across rocks and uneven ground when moving between the bodies of water). Army boots were essential for our safe footing. They also guaranteed some wonderful memories and photos! 

 

Supplies: 

·   Front Background Scene (and inside scene)- Upcycled from an old calendar

·   Digi- Cute As A Button (At the Beach). Sadly, the company was closed in 2022 due to family health issues. I miss Francesca!

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Front Sentiment- Desert Diva Freebie (Hey Birthday Girl)

·   Inside Sentiment- “Don’t Hurry… Be Happy” from an Imagine That digi set (Sadly, the company is no longer in business. I miss Kris!)

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Tropical flower stickers, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into: 

Inspiration Station- Challenge #76 Inspiration Prompt 

Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #07-2025 Jul/Aug (optional- Sand/Sun/Water) 

Double D’s Challenge- A Card for the Kiddos (or in this case, a teen girl)     

Papercraft Challenges- Challenge #120 Tropical Paradise 

Outlawz Sunday Challenge: Songs and Rhymes-Summer  

Outlawz Challenge-July 2025 Linky