Nov 30, 2013

"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!

10 comments:

jimlynn said...

Darlene, this is sensational. The flowers are beautiful with such a pretty image. Lovely!

kiwimeskreations said...

What a beautiful card Darlene - love your colouring and the flowers are gorgeous.
Blessings
Maxine

MiamiKel said...

Wow, Darlene ..this is a masterpiece! I love your take on the challenge and the beautiful bright colors! Your verse and,post are just perfect ... Thank you for your theme and for being you!!

Liz Williams said...

Loved this theme Dalene, and your card is such a sweet image. I just got back into to town today, and had a few other projects ahead of this challenge. But finally got mine completed this evening late.

Barb said...

Darlene--thanks for a wonderful theme this month! I hoped you were going to use a D. Morgan stamp and you sure did not disappoint. Love the image and your coloring is outstanding! Those roses are a great added touch!

Thanks for sharing!

Shelly Schmidt said...

Fabulous card- love your choice of scenes- very peaceful- and your coloring is gorgeous! Wonderful theme- bringing us to think about where the focus should be this time of year : )

:: BlueInks :: said...

Pretty!!! I love the image, how you colored it and those flowers....wow! You really put together a great challenge and card...thanks!

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Oh my goodness! Darlene, this card is GORGEOUS!!! I love the way you colored the image and those flowers are certainly the WOW Factor!

Margaret said...

Darlene, I just love your card. This is such a sweet image and you've really used your coloring pencils so well. I love the layout and the addition of the flowers. Thanks for the kind words about my cards, but you have such a creative spirit. All your work is always so lovely with our without flowers.

Carol W said...

What a beautiful card Darlene.....you did an amazing job on this card.