Whimsy Sneak Peak Day 3/ SSCC Birthday Tea

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Whimsy Sneak Peak Day 3/ SSCC Birthday Tea

6:00 AM | Posted by Chris Olsen, Glowbug | | Edit Post

Happy Sunday Everyone!! I hope you are all having a great weekend!! Today marks the third day of sneak peaks at Whimsy and it is also a new challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ!!!

While most of the designers at Whimsy are using the fun Kenny K images for their sneak peaks, I asked for special permission to share a Meljen's new release today since it fits absolutely perfectly with the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge which I have the honor of hosting!!

For the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge I chose the verse:

Psalm 121:2-4 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

I am not going to go into full detail sharing my complete devotional since it will be redundant of what is already posted on the Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge blog, but I would like to share a poem which I also shared there that was shared with me by my dear friend Fhiona. It fits perfectly with this verse and really touched my heart when I read it.

The Tea Cup

Love this story or not, you will not be able to have tea in a tea cup again without thinking of this.There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone." but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!"

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!", I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.'

He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'.

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it, Stop, I cried”. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!' Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!!!

Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"

The moral of this story is this: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this.

Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.

This week's Challenge is:

Create a card or project with a tea, hot chocolate or coffee cup and/or pot-this can be the designer paper, the image, or embellishment

Our Sponsor at Stampin Sisters is The Crafts Meow which will be giving away a stamp set designed by Nina Brackett. How fabulous is that!!

For my sneak and challenge creation I used the darling Tea Cup Birthday Mouse designed by Meljen's which is to be released in rubber on Wednesday, May 18!!!

The sentiment is a new release from Whimsy, Last month called Party Mini letter seals designed by Ann of Raindrop Echo Designs. The designer paper is from Prima Sparkling Spring. The dies I used for the shape of the card include the Grand Scalloped and standard Circle as well as the large and small scalloped and standard circle dies from Spellbinders. The image is colored with copics. The flowers are from ZVA Creative.

For more inspiration or sneak peaks from the Whimsy team, please visit my talented dt sisters:

Ann Vento
Jackie Randolph
Minna Paajanen
Lori Pachkowsky
Dawn Bennett
Marley van der Heijden
Donna Smith
Lisa Cook
Simonne Clay
Pattie Goldman
Annika Ryan
Melissa Cross

For more inspiration for the Stampin in Christ Challenge, please visit my dt sisters:
Grace, Linda, Lisa, Peggysue, Randi (on leave), Miesje, Kristine, Sabrina, Marilynn and Rebecca.

For the full devotional and challenge details please visit the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge.

Challenges I am entering my creation in:
Sisterhood of Crafters -- Let it ShineCrafts and Me - Punches, Crafty Creations - Anything Goes, Creative Card Crew - May Flowers, , My Mum's Craft shop Use Dies, Penny's Paper-Crafty - Anything Goes, Stampavie and More - Ribbons, Your Next Stamp Challenge - Pop it Up- mouse is popped up, Fabulous Friday - Use ribbon or twine, Fairy Fun Fridays - For the girls, Inspire Me Fridays - Always anything goes, Stamp Something - Anything goes, Craft Us Crazy - Use your favourite embellishments and/or something new- new image, Delightful Challenges - flowers, ECP Challenges - #38 Pastel Colours Ellephantastic - Birthday Party Fab n Funky#72 Buttons & BowsInspire Me Fridays - Always anything goes Sew Many Cards - Anything goes.Crafty Sentiments - Buttons.Some Odd Girl - Shaped card.Digistamps 4 Joy - #18 CelebrationDivas by Design - - Anything goesClear It Out! - Ribbon/Trim

Going Grey With Scrap-Creations - Circles Paper and Such Design - #1 - Birthday CardPaper Take Weekly - Punches Or Die-CutsTuesday Throwdown - Die-cuts

Thanks for stopping by!! I appreciate all your comments!! Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Labels: Meljen's, Stampin Sisters in Christ, Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge, Whimsy

58 comments:

Ольга said...: The card is lovely; May 15, 2011 at 2:29 AM
cheryl said...: oh hun this is just stunning,so beautiful hugs cherylx; May 15, 2011 at 3:30 AM
Melodie said...: Wow, this is really beautiful.
Hugs
Melodie; May 15, 2011 at 5:11 AM
Wendy @ E-1-A said...: Beautiful project and wonderful story.; May 15, 2011 at 6:13 AM
Lovely Linda said...: Hello Chris - what a fabulous card - that image is way to adorable in your creatove hands my friend! I love your colours and the divine ribbon! What a fabulous story - I love your devotional on SSIC - such encouraging words Chris - thank you! {{{hugs}}}; May 15, 2011 at 7:05 AM
Darlene said...: Hello there Chris ... it's so nice to come visit your blog and see all your AMAZING works-of-art! You never cease to AMAZE and INSPIRE me!

This is TOTALLY ADORABLE ... every little element from the coloring to the beautiful ribbon& flowers at the top!

Thanks so much for joining us at The Sisterhood for our 'Let It Shine' Challenge. I look forward to seeing more of your fabulous creations in future challenges! Have a WONDERFUL SUNDAY!!!

Darlene
One of the 'Sistahs'; May 15, 2011 at 7:11 AM
Grace said...: How cute this is Chris! I love the cute image and all your little touches always make such amazing cards! I love the story you shared too! So glad Fhiona shared that because it will touch many today too!!! Have a great day!!!
hugs,
Grace; May 15, 2011 at 7:13 AM
Andrea said...: Hi Chris,
what a cute card again
I always love you're cards, they are so beautiful
hugs andrea; May 15, 2011 at 7:22 AM
Nannieflash said...: Oh Chris thats one stunning card, love that image and your colouring is fabulous. with hugs Shirleyx; May 15, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Miesje said...: Hello Chris - your story blew me away - I have never heard it and I love it! I can relate to the fire and pounding and can see in my life where that took place. Probably have more ahead but know I do not go alone, He is not finished with me. Oh - love the card too! {{hugs}}; May 15, 2011 at 7:51 AM
Karen (Your Next Stamp) said...: Hi Chris! Your card is so adorable and I really enjoyed that poem - thanks for sharing! Thanks for joining us for our YNS Pop It Up challenge!
Hugs
Karen; May 15, 2011 at 8:29 AM
scrapsnsuch@gmail.com said...: Chris, this is adorable! What a sweet image and all that glitter adds some fun :>); May 15, 2011 at 8:31 AM
Danielle said...: Such a sweet card Chris with such gorgeous details ... but today your teacup story takes the spotlight! Heartwarmingly beautiful and you can't believe how I needed to hear those words today! Thank you ... it amazes me how God's timing is always perfect!
Hugs, Danielle; May 15, 2011 at 8:36 AM
Holly Young said...: Such a darling card Chris. I love this cute image and the double sentiments is cool. Thank you for sharing the story too - it's one I needed to see today.; May 15, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Crystal said...: SOOOO super cute Chris, LOVE the circle design and you used this image PERFECTLY GF!!!!!; May 15, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Tracey said...: Oh my, this is absolutely stunning Chris!! xx; May 15, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Anonymous said...: Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing it with us at Frosted Designs!
Melissa; May 15, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Cindy Haffner said...: ADORABLE!!~; May 15, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Cheryl said...: OMG ADORABLE and beautifully coloured!!!
Hugs xx; May 15, 2011 at 11:52 AM
CraftinGranny said...: This is so cute Chris and colored so beautifully. Love this image and your card is awesome. Great post my friend, especially for a Sunday. "Hugs & God Bless" Carol; May 15, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Lori said...: Adorable and fun card! Great challenge too.; May 15, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Unknown said...: What a super sweet card! I love your coloring! Thanks for joining us at Frosted Designs this week for our Ribbon or Twine challenge!; May 15, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Sharman said...: Chris your card is adorable and oh so cute but let me tell you from one sister to another...I NEEDED that poem today. Thank you and your friend so very much.God is my reason for getting up each morning but there are times I have to honestly wonder what is going on in my life. As you know, God used you to speak to me today and I thank you for being an obedient vessel and of course thank HIM for everything... Blessings.........; May 15, 2011 at 1:25 PM
MaryB said...: Such a fabulous card. Your coloring is awesome. Thank you for joining us at Craft Us Crazy.; May 15, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Becky said...: Chris this image is adorable! I just love your layout. Fabulous as always :).

Wonderful devotional this morning Chris and love this poem.; May 15, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Danni said...: So very cute and pretty!; May 15, 2011 at 2:23 PM
Riet said...: So beautiful Chris.

Hugs Riet.xx; May 15, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Kitty said...: Wow, this is fabulous, love that lil cute mouse!

Thanks for joining us at My Mums Craft Shop for our Dies Challenge.

Kitty xx; May 15, 2011 at 3:47 PM
Marlene said...: I love this card - it is so gorgeous!

Your inspirational story about the teacup was beautiful! Thank you for sharing.; May 15, 2011 at 4:01 PM
Rachel B said...: Lovely shaped card and I love that big bow! Thanks for joining us at Clear It Out.; May 15, 2011 at 6:29 PM
Tosha Leyendekker said...: Your teapot card is just the cutest ever Chris!! I love it!! And thanks for sharing the story too. It was timed just perfectly.; May 15, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Lisa said...: This is just adorable Chris! I'm loving the image, so sweet. Thanks for joining us at Papertake Weekly :); May 16, 2011 at 3:44 AM
Chris_P said...: Really really beautiful! Thanks for joining us at craft us crazy!; May 16, 2011 at 5:40 AM
Jacq said...: Hi Chris,
Oh this is just absolutely Gorgeous!!! Love the super cute image, the dp, the colour scheme is just scrumptious, love the layout and the embellishments. Coloured so beautifully. Thanks for joining us at Divas By Design and Good Luck.
Hugs Jacqui xxxx; May 16, 2011 at 7:02 AM
marilynprestonn said...: So, so sweet. Just love this image and the fun form you chose. Circles are so original for cards I think. Thank you for playing Crafty Creations Challenge this week. :)Peggy; May 16, 2011 at 8:16 AM
Kerri said...: Adorable card and BEAUTIFUL story! Thank you so much for sharing that with us!; May 16, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Diane Davies said...: What an awesome card! Love the details and the dimension of the image. THanks for particiting in the challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters. : ); May 16, 2011 at 2:36 PM
Tina said...: Crazy cute!; May 16, 2011 at 2:45 PM
Vicky said...: Stunning Chris....!

thanks for joining us at Divas..and good luck!

hugs Vicky xx; May 16, 2011 at 3:30 PM
Laney said...: WOW!!! this is amazing !! love your work Chris!!
Thanks for joining us at Diva's by Design this time hope to see you again
hugs
laney; May 16, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Michelle said...: Very sweet card, great image and a great shape. Thanks for joining us for this months Ellephantastic challenge.
hugs
Michelle
Elle DT
x; May 17, 2011 at 6:23 AM
Jen Leeflang said...: Thanks for joining us on our Digistamps 4 Joy "It's a Celebration" Challenge! Your card is just beautiful!
luv n huggz
Jen
DS4J DT Co-ordinator; May 17, 2011 at 7:55 AM
Lisa Foster said...: Hi Chris!
This is absolutely darling! Thanks for joining us this week at Delightful Challenges!
Hugs,
Lisa; May 17, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Anonymous said...: so adorable, thank you so much for joining us at Clear It Out; May 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM
crafty amy said...: What a cute card I love the shape and that is a great story :D
Thank you for joining us at Crafts and Me and good luck.

Hugs

Amy xx; May 17, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Jennifer said...: Such a gorgeous creation! Thanks for playing at F'n'F xx Jenny xx; May 17, 2011 at 6:42 PM
Kelly said...: The color combo you chose for your card is beautiful as well as that bow, so sweet! Thanks for joining us at FFF, we look forward to seeing your future creations.; May 17, 2011 at 7:29 PM
Sabrina Jackson said...: Chris, oh my goodness, your card is so very beautiful and that cute mouse...sigh!! I loved the divotional and wanted to tell you that it is just what I needed!! Hugs and blessings, Sabrina; May 17, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Anonymous said...: I just loved reading your devotional and seeing your gorgeous creation this week Chris!! Darling mouse...if it can be darling. LOL!
hugs,
Marty; May 18, 2011 at 11:55 AM
BrossArtAddiction said...: OMGosh wow!! I love this one too...maybe even more...lol!! Your cards are stunning!

Thanks so much for joining us over at "Fairy Fun Fridays" and good luck!

Hugz,
xx Tracey -PFD/DT xx; May 18, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Axa said...: Gorgeous card, thanks for joining us at Crafty Sentiments; May 18, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Åsa aká Scraphorse said...: Such a pretty card!

Thanks for beeing ODD with us at Some Odd Girl!; May 18, 2011 at 2:15 PM
perennial-mommy said...: Chris, I LOVE this card, and I was so blessed by your devotional for the week. The teacup story is a great one. I printed it out to keep and share. THank you for sharing with us this week!; May 18, 2011 at 8:52 PM
darling Ho said...: Chris: This is terrific!!
Love all the circles and the gold frame are really very pretty. Your image and designs are always catchmy eyes.:)
Thanks for sharing it. ~hugs~darling Ho~SMC DT; May 19, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Unknown said...: The devotional was fabulous and I know it touched a lot of women. And this card was soooo cute, love that little mouse in the teacup!; May 20, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Stephie Boots said...: Wow such a gorgeous card - cute little image! Thanks for joining in at ECP challenges xx; May 25, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Sharron aka Sharrahug said...: What a super cute card! It's just darling!
Thanks so much for joining us in our “use your FAVorite Embellishment(s) and/or Something New” challenge at Craft Us Crazy and hope you will join us again!
Huggies ~
Sharron♥; May 27, 2011 at 9:57 PM
Turnervyoy said...: Crazy cute!; December 7, 2012 at 3:51 AM