Friday, December 9, 2011

On the 9th tag of Christmas...

my inspiration tag



Here are a few close - up details..glossy accents on the letters,

the stamped tag and the awesome embossed background








Did you see the time I posted last night? Yes it was around 11:30 pm...My computer ran out of space - you could say I stretched it as much as possible. It wouldn't allow me to do anything. So off I went to the Apple Store on a busy Friday to see if the genius bar could figure out what I could not - which wouldn't take a genius--I am computer challenged but still attempt to learn and understand "to stretch my mind" as it were. The guy who helped me was wonderful -my computer still can't upload photos, save downloads or sync phones at this moment but soon when the apple guy comes to the house to give my computer more memory all be well. Wouldn't that be great for us if someone could add a ton of new memory space....On to the tag before I forget why I am blogging today....

Tim's tag took a walk through memory lane for me...I love to emboss!! And to layer emboss is a double treat and the effect is just beautiful. Of course, I didn't have the wonderful die he used -his Halloween candelabra. Who knew that you could use just a portion and get a candle that is perfect for the holidays...oh my list is getting longer for Santa.

On this tag, I first thought I would go french with the Eiffel tower and Joyeux Noel but it wasn't coming together. So I looked for inspiration and found it in a stamp... true gifts. Then the tag took shape. Here are a few tips for this tag...

*I embossed two cards, one for the background and one for the tag with the sentiment. I loved using the vintage photo on the saying and then trimming it to a fancy shape and then using the snow cap paint dabber for a little Christmas snow.

*This tag played to simplicity -not a lot going on but with the background technique - an amazing finish.

As I worked on this tag, especially on the embossing technique, I began to think of all the things I have forgotten, the tips, the techniques, the tools - It was a great refresher. We all need to be refreshed from time to time. Perhaps now even during this what is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year", remembrances come to mind, some happy, some sad, some painful. Stress reaches a high during this time with unreal expectations, lofty but unattainable goals, a lot of gift lists to fulfill without a lot of time or resources - Wouldn't it be nice to feel refreshed, renewed instead of run down and weary. Good news - just like Haggar in her time of despair, the Lord remembers us. - Not our flaws or our failures, he remembers our faithfulness. He looks upon us with love and kindness and renews our spirits and gives us strength to journey on but not limping from the heavy bags that weigh us down but with wings like eagles so that we may soar. So if this time of year finds you travelling down memory lane and you are in need of refreshment, no Starbucks needed - simply wait on the Lord and he'll be right over-

"..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." --Isaiah 40:31

"A genrous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." --Pr. 11:25

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