O thou who has given us so much, mercifully grant us one thing more – a grateful heart.    
-George Herbert

It could well be said that this is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year.  I’m always thankful and keep a gratitude journal but it seems like during this season, people are much more vocal about things that they are thankful for.  I’m so grateful to hear the words. Gratitude is contagious, and hearing another’s acknowledgment is a constant pleasant reminder to me. 

If I seem to be absent, just know that I’m working on things behind the scenes but I’m also spending as much time as I can with my family.  There will be posts, but I know they will be at odd times.

Earlier this week I received word that a dear friend of mine had to put her horse down.  It touched me more than I could know and has been on my mind enough that I thought I would share.   My friend is an extraordinary and giving soul who rescues abused animals.  She is gifted when it comes to animals and I have so much admiration for her.  You can tell she puts her heart on the line with every saved animal she touches.  Here’s what she said:

We sadly had to put Kristin Ann down this morning.  Her heart was failing, she wasn’t eating, and her body was filling with fluid.  Her body never totally recovered from the abuse she had suffered.  Her 3 Moms were with her and even at the last, she was still taking apples from me.  It’s been such a joy being with her these last months, we wanted so much to give her a good life for whatever time she had left and I think we succeeded.  She left this world knowing she was loved, pampered, and spoiled.  I’m going to miss her so much.

Yesterday I went out to Popular Front (I’ve been going there for years) and created a snowflake in memory of Kristin Ann.  If you would like to make a snowflake in her memory, the site is HERE.  I’ll warn you, this is mildly addicting – so perhaps you might make another one or two to symbolize the things in your life you are grateful for.  If you do, I would welcome a comment to know who or what you made a snowflake for.

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  • Robin KirkpatrickNovember 25, 2008 - 6:49 pm

    Becca, what a wonderful friend you have. I’m such an animal lover – I admire her for all her efforts. Years ago we rescued a kitty who had been abused. He was the sweetest little guy, but sadly, five years ago we had to put him to sleep. I miss him every day. I made a snowflake in his memory and I made one in memory of my dad, who passed away 13 years ago, too. And of course, I made one for poor Kristin Ann. I just don’t understand people who abuse animals. What a neat site – thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • BevNovember 25, 2008 - 6:54 pm

    I made one in memory of my sister. I miss her so much especially this time of year.ReplyCancel

  • Joan FrickerNovember 25, 2008 - 7:23 pm

    I made a snowflake in memory of my DH who died 20 years ago ths month.
    But, God has truly blessed me with another wonderful Christian husband and I am so very grateful.

    Thanks for sharing Becca!!

    JoanReplyCancel

  • Jerri jimenezNovember 25, 2008 - 7:26 pm

    Becca, I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss. My Buster is quite geriatric and will be passing soon. He’s an English Bulldog. Normally his species lives 9/10 years; Buster will be 12 in February. He’s blind now, nearly deaf, and has the biggest, sweetest heart I’ve ever come across in a pet. I’ll miss him dearly when he’s gone and don’t like to dwell on those thoughts. You’re right, the snowflakes are addicting! I made one and will save this sight to my favorites. Thank you so much for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Cheryl SimsNovember 25, 2008 - 7:34 pm

    Becca, I had tears in my eyes reading about your friends great loss. I made a snowflake for my westie, Abby, who we had to have put down about 3 weeks ago. I still can’t think of her but what I have tears streaming down my cheeks. I wonder if I will ever get over it. She gave us so much love for 14 years and it seems so empy in my heart. Thanks for sharing this site.
    CherylReplyCancel

  • DianeNovember 25, 2008 - 7:57 pm

    What a wonderful sight Becca. I made a snowflake to offer to all of you who are celebrating Thanksgiving this Thursday. I’m from Canada and we celebrate ours in October. I have bookmarked the sight and can see that I will visit it often. Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • elaineNovember 25, 2008 - 9:15 pm

    What a wonderful sight! I was feeling down today and when I came to your BLOG and saw the Snowflake site, I immediately went to the sight and created a snowflake for all who rescue and care for abused animals and children. It made my heart lighter and put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing this site. I’m sure I will go there often!ReplyCancel

  • Shirl MartinNovember 25, 2008 - 11:42 pm

    Thanks for sharing Becca. I made one for my dad and I, too must go back and make one for my mom also. Then there is Kitty Bow Bow and Amos Moses and Tanpaw are pet who our now gone.ReplyCancel

  • Louise BrownNovember 26, 2008 - 12:25 am

    Becca, I made a snowflake in memory of my Mom for whom I am so grateful. I’m so sorry your for your friend. She did a wonderful thing taking care of this abused horse and making her last days confortable.ReplyCancel

  • BarbNovember 26, 2008 - 1:45 am

    Becca, I am so sorry about your friend’s horse. I have a horse who came from an abusive home and she is an old lady, but I love her dearly and when her time comes it will be very hard to say good-bye to her. Hopefully, she will still be here with us for several more years. I made a snowflake for my first baby daughter who went to heaven when she was ten days old.

    BarbReplyCancel

  • Judith -Overland Park, KSNovember 26, 2008 - 1:51 am

    Becca,

    What a wonderful idea. I sent one in memory of my dad.

    Am sorry for the loss of your friend’s horse. They are amazing animals.ReplyCancel

  • Mary G.November 26, 2008 - 3:05 am

    Awww…what a heart wrenching story. :( I do LOVE the snowflake website! Very cool…..I made one ~ and I’m thankful for life itself!

    p.s. love your blog! :)ReplyCancel

  • DealbaidaNovember 26, 2008 - 3:50 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your friend’s loss. God bless your friend for her kindness and care of Kristin Ann. How anyone could intentionally hurt an animal is beyond my comprehension.

    Thank you for sharing the magical snowflake site.

    Marion, UKReplyCancel

  • cherylNovember 26, 2008 - 5:14 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your friends loss but I was thrilled at the same time; knowing this wonderful lady has such a heart for animals that she devotes her life to taking abused animals and giving them all the love and attention they so rightly deserve. May God bless her!ReplyCancel

  • Linda KlebackNovember 26, 2008 - 6:18 am

    Kathy loved Kristin Ann so much and has always been such an animal advocate. She’s the one who actually rescues animals in need. We’re lucky to have her as a good friend.ReplyCancel

  • MakarenNovember 26, 2008 - 7:12 am

    What a wonderful way to pay a bit of heartfelt tribute. I built a snowflake for my two daughters, one whom we lost as a baby and the other who has grown into a wonderful, caring and beautiful young woman. Thank you for sharing both the snow site and your amazing creativity.

    MakarenReplyCancel

  • Ruthie Allen-HamiltonNovember 26, 2008 - 7:28 am

    this reminded me of our precious Sophie whom we had to have euthanized this past summer … she was an 11 year old Yorkie … it amazes me how much we love our animals! and how much personality they have… we miss her so much!!!
    I enjoy your blog …. and `snowflake`site is one I`ll send off ot my frineds!!!
    thanks and God bless you!ReplyCancel

  • FreidaNovember 26, 2008 - 8:14 am

    Having read about Kristin Ann, it reminded me of Lexie, our 13 yr old Golden Retriever. We had to put her to sleep this past summer because her body was taken over with cancer. The snowflakes are very appropriate because here in MS we don’t get to see snow that often, but when we did, Lexie loved rolling in it and trying to catch a flake in her mouth. What a special friend she was!ReplyCancel

  • AngelNovember 26, 2008 - 8:27 am

    You are right…. the snowflakes could be addictive. I made one and then looked at some of the others and my jaw dropped! If you live in Mo. I am in awe of your snowflakes. I searched Becca in the snowflakes and some very intricate snowflakes showed up. WOW!ReplyCancel

  • VonNovember 26, 2008 - 8:58 am

    Hi Becca, thanks for sharing your story of your dear friend. I sure that was a hard decision to make. I made a snowflake for my parents and my sister that pass 4 years ago.ReplyCancel

  • carmelNovember 26, 2008 - 10:51 am

    becca, what an addictive site that is. i made two one for my poor mum who died in 1991 and one for all the lost souls needing a friend.but i can see that i will be filling the sky with flakes soon.ReplyCancel

  • Kay McBrideNovember 26, 2008 - 10:59 am

    this is also a friend of mine and becca is telling all i can say about her she really is a giving person. who has an extraordinary heart for people and animals. she will be very thankful for the memorial.ReplyCancel

  • Joan BrooksNovember 26, 2008 - 2:22 pm

    I made a snowflake for Kristen Ann. May her soul rest in peace. Thank-you for sharing this site and for sharing a touching story. Bless those people who attempted to help her. JoanReplyCancel

  • DianeNovember 26, 2008 - 8:57 pm

    Becca,
    I made a snowflake for my dear mother who’s been gone for 22 years.

    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • LindaNovember 28, 2008 - 1:24 am

    Thanks for the link to this site. I made 3, one for my husband who’s having serious health problems, one for my son and his family, and one for my puppy, who has my heart and gives me unconditional love.ReplyCancel

  • PeggyNovember 29, 2008 - 12:17 pm

    My home is in Canada but I have lived in Fairfax for a year now and this site warmed my heart! I sent a zillion snowflakes to all of my friends and family and if they all send just one we will have another snowbank in no time! Thank you for also sharing your God given talent … your blog has worked it’s way to the top of my list and I go through withdrawal when I don’t ‘check in’ every day. Wishing you and yours a blessed and happy holiday season. PeggyReplyCancel

  • CharNovember 30, 2008 - 9:52 am

    Hi,

    My heart goes out to your dear friend who had to put Kristin Ann down. As an animal lover, myself, I know the heartache that comes with that but at the same time….I am so happy to know that Kristin Ann had a loving home for as long as she did.

    I don’t know what possesses people to abuse animals….or children for that matter.

    I made a snowflake in her memory! It is addicting, so I will be making some for my cats that have passed in the past year.

    I’ll also make some in memory of family members that are no long with us.

    Thanks for the reminder of this great website.ReplyCancel

 

Well, I couldn’t let one more day go by without trying this fantastic triangle fold.  As I was working it up, notification for the next challenge popped up on the Pop up Gift Card Holder – it was my lucky day!!!  So I put them both together and created a set. This set features stamps released in November for Our Daily Bread Designs.  This set is called Lord Is My Shepherd.   The triangle fold is TLC 195 and I simply followed the well detailed tutorial to to make the center medallion. 

The Pop Up Gift Card holder is TLC 196 and again I followed the well written tutorial! 

Recipe:
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs
Paper:  K & Co., Bazzill
Ink:  Adirondack Pesto
Accessories:  Spellbinders Petite Scalloped Circle, Spellbinders Classic Circle Large, Spellbinder Tags 5, Spellbinders Tags Variety, Pearls, Ribbon, Martha Stewart Lattice Arch, Brads Ek Success Punch

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  • cherylNovember 24, 2008 - 11:35 am

    oh my word Becca, this is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • lengowNovember 24, 2008 - 11:51 am

    Wooooooooooooooooooooow !!!!!!!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa D. Atha (inspired by purple)November 24, 2008 - 11:53 am

    Wow! These are just gorgeous! I love the colors and DP that you used! So elegant. How do you take such clean pretty photos of your creations?

    LisaReplyCancel

  • Cindy HaffnerNovember 24, 2008 - 12:27 pm

    Beautiful, beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Michelle (sf9erfan)November 24, 2008 - 12:34 pm

    WOW! This is just gorgeous. I love the rich colors and the pearls, ribbon -just everything!! Hugs,ReplyCancel

  • Lisa FowlerNovember 24, 2008 - 1:41 pm

    Simply stunning, you never fail to amaze me with your talent xxxReplyCancel

  • barb schramNovember 24, 2008 - 1:44 pm

    Becca, absolutely amazing! I so appreciate all your inspiration! Take good care!ReplyCancel

  • Daniel AskelandNovember 24, 2008 - 2:28 pm

    WOW!

    Love your work!

    Absolutely gorgeous!!

    Greetings from Daniel
    *Norway*ReplyCancel

  • DianeNovember 24, 2008 - 4:51 pm

    Becca,

    BRAVO!!!! BRAVO!!!
    She sceamed clapping her hands. ; )

    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • MrsHNovember 24, 2008 - 4:57 pm

    Good evening, Becca. Another stunning creation; the colour combination is wonderful and I do like this tea-bag fold, it interacts so well with your fabulous punched circle.ReplyCancel

  • jami {sgtStamper}November 24, 2008 - 5:22 pm

    I love that you combined the triangle fold AND the circle medallion on one card – It’s like one amazing bloom! And all those little pearls are wonderful… and that middle brad/button? just ties it all together!! Love it!
    hugs, JamiReplyCancel

  • Kelley HollandNovember 24, 2008 - 5:41 pm

    ………………………………………..
    …………………………………………
    …………………………………………

    That is me being speechless!!ReplyCancel

  • Carolyn KingNovember 24, 2008 - 6:04 pm

    AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • SitaNovember 24, 2008 - 6:57 pm

    STUNNING Becca!!! You Rock girls! Love your DP too.ReplyCancel

  • Jerri jimenezNovember 24, 2008 - 7:18 pm

    Both cards are absolute works of art Becca. so amazingly beautiful! Love the papers, the pearls and the gorgeous medallion.ReplyCancel

  • denise (peanutbee)November 24, 2008 - 7:30 pm

    Gorgeous!…love all the pearl accents.ReplyCancel

  • ReginaNovember 25, 2008 - 12:23 am

    WOW!!!!!!!! I don’t even know what else to say.
    You are amazing…what fantastic ideas!! Thanks for sharing these with us!ReplyCancel

  • Debbie OlsonNovember 25, 2008 - 1:55 am

    These are both classic, elegant Becca-isms–love them!ReplyCancel

  • Jill W.November 25, 2008 - 7:11 am

    This is just so amazing! You have such a gift….thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • ClareNovember 25, 2008 - 7:31 am

    Stunning! All I can say is thankyou for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Jill FagerholmNovember 25, 2008 - 9:05 am

    Stunning!!!! As usual!
    JillxReplyCancel

  • GiovanaNovember 25, 2008 - 11:04 am

    So pretty!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Jan HunnicuttNovember 25, 2008 - 12:15 pm

    Absolutely fabulous! I have to go check out the TLC now!ReplyCancel

  • LazyKayNovember 25, 2008 - 2:16 pm

    Catching up with your posts, WOW, what great inspiration – lovely, lovely work.

    xxxxxxxxReplyCancel

  • JanineNovember 25, 2008 - 2:23 pm

    Hi Becca!!! These are both fabulous!!! YOu amaze me!!ReplyCancel

  • Rosie WestNovember 25, 2008 - 7:25 pm

    The Lord has truly gifted you girlfriend….I just made my husband come see this one…it’s incredibly beauitful. hugs, RosieReplyCancel

  • Kate BahrNovember 25, 2008 - 8:00 pm

    Your cards are so beautiful. I just can’t figure out where you get the little stick one pearls?? I can’t find anything like that in my local store or on web site I’ve been looking at. Can you help? Thank You KateReplyCancel

  • Kate BahrNovember 25, 2008 - 8:02 pm

    Your card is beautiful. I would like to know where you get the little stick on pearls? Thank YouReplyCancel

  • Amy ShefferNovember 25, 2008 - 8:21 pm

    Breathtaking!! Love the warm golds, the velvet ribbon, and all those tiny pearls. A work of art, Becca!!ReplyCancel

  • Nancy RogersNovember 25, 2008 - 9:30 pm

    All of your creations are just gorgeous! You are one talented lady! Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Sharron / SharrahugNovember 25, 2008 - 10:05 pm

    What a gorgeous card! Your talent continues to amaze me!ReplyCancel

  • JOYCE JNovember 25, 2008 - 10:24 pm

    I love your work, you really have a GOD given talent!ReplyCancel

  • Debi NicolNovember 26, 2008 - 1:29 am

    I consider myself blessed because of the wonderful things that you share with me…and many others. Always remember YOU are an answer to prayer.
    DebiReplyCancel

  • Rhonda K.November 28, 2008 - 9:02 am

    WOW! and thud………..let me pick myself back up off the floor! That is stunning…I love it, FABULOUS! Girl, you just rock my world!!! Thanks so much for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • CynthiaDecember 3, 2008 - 12:07 pm

    Sweet Lady
    Once again viewing your site–I feel like a got an early Christmas present. You are my favorite blog.
    Blessings to you for your generous sharing of your talent.ReplyCancel

  • PatsyJune 30, 2009 - 5:53 pm

    These items take my breath away. In fact the whole web site and pictures bring me such peace!!! Who would have guessed??? These are the items that say love to the recipients…you have inspired me.
    PatsyReplyCancel

  • Clare CurcioAugust 29, 2010 - 5:12 pm

    Becca, this card is magnificent! I can’t think of a word for it that describes it best! You do such beautiful work! Thank you for sharing it!ReplyCancel

 I’m sharing one of the November releases from Our Daily Bread Designs from the Lord is My Shepherd set.   Following the sketch from Splitcoaststampers SC203, I watercolored the image and cut it from Spellbinders Labels Two cutting a larger background as well.  On each alternating panel of the sketch I embossed one of the scrolls from Spellbinders Doodle Parts.  Each corner of the design is embellished with  Ornare piercing template  #590 which is available at Our Daily Bread Designs.   The sentiment is stamped and cut from Spellbinders Double Ended Tags.

 

The final embellishment is ribbon and pearls. . .yes, I had to throw pearls on there somewhere so that I could jump in to the Ways to Use it Challenge on Splitcoast – WT193 – which calls for pearls. 

 Recipe:
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs – Lord is My Shepherd
Paper:  Bazzill, 140lb Swathmore Watercolor
Ink:  Brilliance Black, SU Close to Cocoa
Accessories:  Spellbinders Labels Two, Spellbinders Doodle Parts, Spellbinders Double Ended Tags, Ornare Template 590, Pearls, Ribbon, Gold half pearls, brads

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  • denise (peanutbee)November 23, 2008 - 7:26 am

    Another GORGEOUS creation, girl. Love your stuff. :)ReplyCancel

  • SitaNovember 23, 2008 - 7:39 am

    Becca – This is so,so Beautiful..Love all the details!ReplyCancel

  • nancy bNovember 23, 2008 - 7:56 am

    WOW! you are amazing.ReplyCancel

  • JeanneNovember 23, 2008 - 7:59 am

    Wow, is this ever gorgeous, Becca! I’m wishing I had an ounce of your talent in my little finger. Since I don’t I will just ooh and ahhh over your beautiful creations. All the little details make the card just stunning.

    Thank you so much for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Kim HowardNovember 23, 2008 - 8:57 am

    Gorgeous card! I love all the little details of it, it’s beautiful and love those nestabilities, they are too cool!ReplyCancel

  • PhillisNovember 23, 2008 - 9:34 am

    You are so talented and I am so blessed by your art work. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Cindy HaffnerNovember 23, 2008 - 9:39 am

    Beautiful Becca, love all your details.ReplyCancel

  • SandiNovember 23, 2008 - 9:48 am

    Hi Becca, Just want to say I have enjoyed your blog! Your cards are just beautiful.
    A tip for you (which I sent to Scrap and Stamp and they published): Use a clear acrylic picture frame as a block for unmounted stamps- inexpensive and they come in a host of sizes!
    SandiReplyCancel

  • Mary DinucciNovember 23, 2008 - 10:03 am

    Absolutely awesome! The recipient will know that God has enabled you in sharing your faith through your talent.ReplyCancel

  • HelenaNovember 23, 2008 - 10:04 am

    This card is stunning, love it!
    xxxxReplyCancel

  • DianeNovember 23, 2008 - 10:09 am

    Becca,
    Yet again, another wonderfully, beautiful card creation.
    Just amazing!!

    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • JanineNovember 23, 2008 - 10:31 am

    This is just gorgeous Becca!ReplyCancel

  • cherylNovember 23, 2008 - 12:23 pm

    another beautiful card with your awesome detailing! Love itReplyCancel

  • Sharron / SharrahugNovember 23, 2008 - 1:09 pm

    I love the way you did the corners……….so unique & beautiful!

    Another gorgeous card!

    Thanks so much for sharing your creations with us!ReplyCancel

  • SharriNovember 23, 2008 - 1:53 pm

    Becca, Your card is gorgeous! I love all the details.ReplyCancel

  • Laura (scrapnextras)November 23, 2008 - 2:29 pm

    Gorgeous Becca! Fabulous dimension, love all the pearls and your take on the sketch is awesome!ReplyCancel

  • Cindy LawrenceNovember 23, 2008 - 3:06 pm

    Oh my gosh, Becca, this is just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • jami {sgtStamper}November 23, 2008 - 3:19 pm

    Gorgeous – so glad you “threw those pearls” on there, they are beautiful surrounded by that piercing! :)
    hugs, JamiReplyCancel

  • AngelNovember 23, 2008 - 4:37 pm

    This is so pretty, Becca. Love the corner details and of course the pearls. :-)ReplyCancel

  • Lisa D. Atha (inspired by purple)November 23, 2008 - 5:41 pm

    Pretty and Elegant as always. I wonder, do you ever have an “off” day with your card crafting? I think not! Love everything you make.

    LisaReplyCancel

  • HopeNovember 23, 2008 - 10:00 pm

    What a beautiful card! I love your creations!ReplyCancel

  • JoAnn BurnhamNovember 23, 2008 - 10:13 pm

    Your card is gorgeous. Love the way you embossed the Doodleparts die and also the way you did the corners. Your are very creative and talented. TFSReplyCancel

  • lengowNovember 24, 2008 - 1:46 am

    God and the angels rejoice .
    Wonderful card !!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Joan FrickerNovember 24, 2008 - 6:32 am

    Becca, this is so beautiful! I love the new stamp set and your colors are just terrific. It is amazing what the piercing and embossing does for a card.

    Great job!

    JoanReplyCancel

  • NancyNovember 24, 2008 - 7:03 am

    Gorgeous as always!ReplyCancel

  • Sue StrozykNovember 24, 2008 - 7:19 am

    This is beautiful!! I love the layout and the colors!!ReplyCancel

  • Barb GaultNovember 24, 2008 - 7:24 am

    I have admired your work on SCS. What a inspiration you are to me, your life, your art work, your style! Thank you for all you do to nuture the creativity in others.ReplyCancel

  • MrsHNovember 24, 2008 - 4:36 pm

    Now this card, Becca, is just You. I love it so much. The composition, the colours, the little additional embllishing; so, so elegant.ReplyCancel

  • Jerri jimenezNovember 24, 2008 - 7:15 pm

    The beauty of your work never ceases to amaze me, as well as your creativity Becca!ReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth MartelNovember 25, 2008 - 10:03 am

    Your cards are stunning Becca, and your bows always perfect. Could you share how you do them…or point me to instructions?
    ThanksReplyCancel

  • Beverly JamesNovember 25, 2008 - 10:28 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous card! Love your work and tfs.ReplyCancel

  • Rhonda K.November 28, 2008 - 9:03 am

    Becca, This card is just so precious! I love the details and the softness of the card…fabulous job.ReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterNovember 30, 2008 - 8:26 am

    Beautiful, love the embossing, piercing and the pearls added to it!ReplyCancel

  • NANCY RILEYNovember 30, 2008 - 11:26 am

    GORGEOUS! Your creations always make my jaw drop to the ground! You are one mega talent, Becca!ReplyCancel

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