"Let the little children come to me" COF Nov. Challenge

It's the last day of the month and the Crafters of Faith group on Split Coast has a challenge hosted by one of us that is due today.  This month was my turn to host and here's my challenge:
Matthew 10:13-16

"People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them."

I have always loved the image that this brings to mind.  The culture of the day was such that children were valued even less than women were, so once again, Jesus is teaching that he came for the least ones in society.  My biggest pleasure in teaching Sunday School is always experiencing God's love and grace through the accepting eyes of children.
So, with that in mind, look through your treasure trove.  What do you have that shows the innocence of childhood?  The pleasure in simple things?  The wonder of nature?  The pure fun of our world?  What speaks to that child-like spirit that you remember from your childhood?  Try to create something that takes you back to your childish, unquestioning, innocent faith in God.  Create a little bit of heaven on paper!

Many of you know that I am a big D. Morgan fan, her stamps and art work really appeal to me.  So of course it would come down to 1 of 3 different vintage seascapes with a little girl featured on them.  Here's the one that won out:

The image is colored with watercolor pencils, both Derwent and Stampin Up and blended.  I really like this image.  To me, it speaks of carefree youth, where it's enough to just be in the moment and enjoy all that God's creation has to offer us.

Here's a close up of the pretty roses on the side (hopefully without the shadows in the picture):

This is honestly the most flowers I have ever put on a single card!  LOL  It's my feeble attempt at imitating my friend Maggie's style.  I really admire what she does with lovely flowers and embellishments along the edges of her images.  Give me a few years, maybe I can come close to her handiwork!

Thank you for stopping by and also thank you for any comments that you may leave.  They are a special treat that I save for early in the morning with my coffee before starting my day.  Why not give yourself a little treat and visit the blogs of my fellow Crafters of Faith?  Their links are in my side bar.  Go ahead - leave them some love!

Peace!

"There's a Nap for That"!

It's the day for another duel for us Dueling Darlings!
This month I was the hostess for the Dazzlers, and Darling Tami was the hostess for the Divas.  I just love teaming up with Tami for hostessing, she's a hoot and we have a blast!

This month the Dazzlers received a kit containing:
Image: Lazy Boy Set by Art Impressions
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
CS: Conqueror Diamond White, 80#
Designer papers by Recollections: Light Blue Argyle, Green Argyle, Football, Black & White Plaid, Black Polka Dots, and black and brown Signature Series Shimmer CS
Washi Tape: various colors of chevron stripes by Recollections
Various assorted brads by Recollections

Here is my card:

Isn't this a funny image?  I also really get a kick out of the sentiment!

We also asked everyone to share a funny holiday story about a guy in their life.

Once when my oldest nephew was around 12 or 13, he challenged my husband to a contest of who could eat the most at Thanksgiving.  At the time, hubby was about 27.  Well, you guessed it.  They both packed in the food, my nephew should have waited just a couple of years and then proposed the challenge because he would have won then.  But, of course most 12-13 boys can't out-eat a man in his 20's.  This picture doesn't even come close to the scene after, LOL.  Both had to lie down for over an hour.  We all just laughed & laughed.

I encourage you to drop by the blogs of the Divas & Dazzlers (links are in my sidebar) and check out their challenges for November.  It's sure to be a treat - and not one that will pack on the pounds either!

Dueling Darlings October Duel

Hello!! I am terribly late with this post, but it should be no reflection on the challenge kit, only my disorganized life of late!

The theme was:

"Trick or Treats, smell my feet

OR

Give me something sweet to eat!"

Paola's kit contained so many fun and creative elements, it was hard to choose!  I just loved the ghoulies, aren't they a hoot?  And look at those cute little spiders coming to visit the witch kitty!  (never thought I would use cute to describe spiders!)

Here's a side view and if you look closely you can see the wonderful texture on the bat.  Paola die cut them from a thick Mulberry stock that almost feels like felt.

Contents in the kit were:

Stamps (all from SU): "Haunting Halloween" (cat, cauldron + 2sentiments)

                                    "Booglie Eyes" (mummy) & "Best Fiend" (sentiment)

D/P:     Wicked Fun (SU); Halloween Characters & Small Dots (both from Michaels)

                                      Black w/ silver thread (handmade DP from Costco)

Accessories: 'Boot To You' (CB folder); 'Black Bat's (Sizzix Die); 2 Halloween ribbons (Michaels);

                      1 XLrg orange brad by Elements/Am. Crafts ; sm. spiders from Recollections; 

                      pumpkins dimentionals stickers;

                      2 sets of Googlie eyes (Dollar store); 'Bootiful' brads from Sprinkles

We were also asked to share our view on Halloween - do we celebrate it, what is our favorite part, a favorite recipe, costume, etc.

Personally, I enjoy Halloween.  To me, it's all about kids.  No commercialization or pressure of planning the perfect holiday meal, gifts, cards, etc.  Just kids, having fun getting dressed up and showing off their costumes for a little treat.  

When our kids were young, we were always the gathering house after Trick or Treating.  I'd have a fire in the fireplace, some Halloween cartoons on & they'd come here, spread out their loot on the floor to compare and sort it.  Usually soaking wet clothing and shoes would be drying by the fire.  That's how it goes when you live where it can be cold and even snowy on Halloween.  Good times!

Thanks Sweet P for a fun and generous kit!  All of the leftovers have been saved for our final round.  Hugs to you!