Monday, September 26, 2011

Distressed but not downtrodden!

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Distressed but not downtrodden. . .when I read the challenge to use distressing, it brought to mind the scripture from 2 Corinthians. Just because we are distressed, does not mean we are to be downtrodden, depressed, or driven to despair. We may be persecuted, but we who are trusting in Christ, will never be forsaken. He will complete the work He began and He will deliver us safely home. Instead, we are to:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

CARD DETAILS: Crafted for two challenges at Our Daily Bread Designs, and one at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. The first is the Stampin' in Time On Assignment Challenge #44 (SNTODBD44) to use distressing, and the second, the Shining the Light Challenge #78 (ODBDSLC78) to use scripture, a quote or a song as the focal point. The third challenge, at Stampin' Sisters in Christ  (#108 John 16:33) is to create a card that either says “Blessings” or uses an encouraging Scripture.
Besides the paper and ink edge distressing of the card base and designer paper panel, the doily and the butterflies were distressed by spritzing with a mixture of instant coffee, water and alcohol. The doily was already a bit distressed and is a Hallmark French lace doily that's about 40 years old. 

Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 7
Ink: VersaMark, SU Craft White and Old Olive
Paper: SU Old Olive, Early Espresso, Prima Madeline
Accessories: Stampendous Peridot Embossing Powder, Spellbinders Labels 18 and Scallop Circles Dies, EK Fancy Flowers border punch, SU Crochet Ribbon, pearls and Sizzix Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Texture Fades Regal Flourishes Embossing Folder; homemade distressing solution=coffee+water+rubbing alcohol
Challenges:

14 comments:

  1. Another beauty Jan Marie!! I just love your colors, the use of punches and dies and that verse. The shading is a beautiful touch. Thanks for joining Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light challenge this week.
    blessings,
    Chris

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  2. Love your card and all that yummy layering! :)

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  3. What a great encouragement card Jan Marie!! I just love the verse and your elegant details to frame it. Thanks for joining the Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge.

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  4. Lovely card, Jan! So cool that you used an actual vintage doily! Very encouraging and pretty creation!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  5. Jan, my friend you never cease to amaze me!! This card is absolutely amazing!! Thanks so much for taking the time to play along in this weeks Shining the Light Challenge and Stamping in Time Challenge over at ODBD!! Hugs and blessings, Sabrina

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  6. What a beautiful blend of color and texture Jan Marie! Loving all the texture with the lace, doily, punched work and butterflies! Thanks so much for sharing this beauty with ODBD and Stampin Sisters in Christ! We appreciate your continued support!!!
    hugs,
    Grace

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  7. Really beautiful card! Thank you for posting 2 Cor. 4:7-10, I had a bout of discouragement and this verse helped to strengthen my hope.

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  8. This is stunning Jan Marie! Love the embossing, lace border and doily. Just a wonderful design. The trials are for His glory as we trust Him to guide us through..quite a blessing of a post, thank you!

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  9. beautiful! I love all the layers and details!

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  10. Hey GF...you know I love that doily :) ! Beautiful card and design and of course I like the wonderful Bible Verse you chose :) ! Thanks for joining us...hugs ~S~

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  11. Jan Marie, the colors, layers, and details make for one striking card! Gorgeous distressing! Wonderful scripture card! Thanks so much for playing ODBD Stamping In Time distressing challenge!

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  12. Hi Jan Marie! You have a wonderful blog full of inspiring creations that show your love for our Lord! Thank you so much for your words of encouragement on my blog! They are truly appreciated!...Nancy :o)

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  13. Look at all those gorgeous layers. WOW lady. This is beautiful and very encouraging.

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Thanks for your encouraging words! Have a blessed day!