Helper

1 Corinthians 12:28--"In the church God has appointed...those able to help others." This verse lists great jobs for the church body to do like, being a teacher, a prophet, a miracle worker and a healer. Then there's this one: "those able to help others." This seems like a pretty small job compared to the other ones listed. Do you want to be among the "greats?" Then, help others.



This card is based on black card stock on which I adhered a copy of a vintage photo, old text, old lace, nylon cording, book binding materials, and fancy yarn. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with paint. I added a brass charm hung on nylon cording.

The Mask

Matthew 23 is the "hypocrite chapter" because of the many times Christ uses the term. Verse 28 is the focal verse for today: "On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
Many people will be wearing masks today. The word hypocrite comes from the Greek language and deals with acting on stage. The actor would carry a two-sided mask and change his character at the turn of the handle. His voice and behavior would change with the mask he had before his face. I'm a hypocrite sometimes--mainly because my real face masks my true feelings. This verse in Matthew, however, talks of acting like a Christian on one day but not on other days. If we are Christians, we need to act like it all the time so no one will call us a hypocrite.

This card is based on black card stock on which I adhere a copy of an old magazine photo and some book binding material. I made a mask of watercolor paper and etched in gel medium. I painted and then highlighted with metallic pen and glitter pen.

My Granddaughter's Art Cards

My darling granddaughter, Emma, has jumped into this art card stuff with both feet. She and I have exchanged cards the last few weeks and her Mom is buying her scrapbook paper and stickers so she can create. Isn't that that greatest? She just turned nine this month and I think I have a mixed media artist in the family. The card on the right measures 2 3/4" x 3 1/2" on which she has glued silk flowers, fun fur yarn and used glitter glue decorations. I think the verse for this card will be Isaiah 40:8--"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

The card on the left measures approximately 3" x 4 1/4" and she has used a regular watercolor marker and sprayed water on it for this effect. She's used a flower sticker on the bottom and a crown sticker on the top. She added her text, "Joy falls like rain." Praise the Lord. She lives in a joyful house.

My other grandchildren are also very talented artists in their own styles and when we get together, we create! What fun for this artsy Grandma.

Three

Ecclesiastes 4:12 states: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." The old adage, "Two's company, three's a crowd," is not necessarily true. I have two other sisters and when we're together the fun doesn't stop. The Bible indicates that three is a special number because of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Numerologists agree that three is a divine number. Three just seemed to be the word of the day for me today. Add another friend to the one you have and see if three isn't a strong number.

This art is based on a playing card, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" on which I adhered a copy of an old family picture, German Fraktur text, wallpaper, book cover material, ribbon and other ephemera. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with black paint. I added the word, "three," and the number 3 in various forms. I had to take the picture inside early this morning so the coloring is yellowed. The original is black and white.

From Infants and Children

"You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly. May their example shame and silence your enemies!," Psalm 8:2 (Living Bible). How we can learn from children! They are so candid and uninhibited with their actions. When they sing, they don't care whether they hold the pitch or not, they just sing. I lead music in my church's Preschool and the 3 and 4 year olds sing the songs they know out loud and unashamed. We have a lot to learn from children when they sing the praise of the Lord. Is our praise perfect like theirs?

This art card, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2," is created on a playing card on which I adhered a copy of an old cabinet card, book binding materials, an old handerchief edging aged with walnut ink, ribbon, cording, old German fraktur text, and a brass key. I etched a design in gel medium and highlighted with gesso.

Family Ties

"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever," 1 Timothy 5:8. An unbeliever, according to the Bible will not be allowed into heaven. This accusation is pretty harsh. The Bible, however, doesn't state that this is the unpardonable sin, so if this verse applies to you, get on your knees and ask for fogiveness and changes your ways. However, before I accuse someone else I need to examine my life and see where I'm not providing.

This card is a picture of my distant relatives and I couldn't resist the ties. I used a copy of the old photo, old music and text, book binding materials, an aged tag and paint on a playing card.

Lights and Shadows

James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing." My favorite time of day is evening when the trees are dark against a multi-color sky. What a gift God gives me every colorful evening. I gain a sense of peace and solitude after a busy day when I look at the palette of the Creator of Lights and Shadows.

This is fiber art using pulled yarn on muslin, covered with tulle and hand-quilted with coordinating threads then the tree is hand-embroidered with black. The piece measures a scant 2 1/2" x 3 1/2."

I reinstated my counter yesterday and it seems to be working. Oh, the joys and woes of the electronic age in all its wonder!

Study

"Study and be eager to do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth," (Amplified Bible) 2 Timothy 2:15. I was just reminded today that the Bible is the "living" Word of God. No other ancient text ever written answers our questions and helps us solve today's problems with yesterday's solutions. God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) so His Words remain vital to our lives. Now, all we have to do is study them.

This mixed media art was created on an old book cover on which I added a vintage image, a sticker, other ephemera and stenciling. I highlighted the tree illustrations on the cover with gold. I love this little "student."

Falls Like Rain

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants," Deuteronomy 32:2. We will grow in the Lord if we read the words of the Lord. All new plants need water or they wither and die just as Christians need the words of the Lord. One cannot mature if not given the proper nurishment and our spiritual nurishment comes from the Bible, God's Word.

This mixed media art is created on a 5 X 7 greeting card. I used old handkercheifs, satin and sheer ribbon, lace, fabric, yarn, book binding material, embroidered trim, wallpaper, scrapbook paper, a crocheted flower, thread and an irridescent plastic flower for the rain drops.

I just started my counter about a week ago and somehow it stopped working today. Maybe when I added the Aged Vintage Papier icon it got misplaced.

Secrets

Proverbs 11:13--" A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret."
Many situations in life do not lend themselves to sharing confidences. There are few people who are trustworthy enough with whom one can share deep thoughts and feelings. My job as the wife of a pastor is to keep secrets and that job can be so burdensome. I'm grateful I have the Lord to whom I can share those secrets. He is the one who gives my aching heart rest.

This art card is based on a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" playing card on which I have glued a vintage image, text, book binding fragments, handkerchief remnant, green grosgrain ribbon, pink trim, black satin ribbon, and a black button. I have etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint. I added an aged tag with the word "secrets" written on both sides and printed "shhhh..." with old typeset. The photo was taken in dim light, thus the yellow hue.

Obedience vs Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22--"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice." The text above says "Das Sacrament des Altars." It comes from an old German Lutheran Service Book. Why is it we think we can "buy God" with what we do. God is not interested in what we do but in who we are. He'd rather we be His than show him how much we can do for Him. Am I being all I can be for Him? What do I think? What is my attitude? How do I approach life situations? What are my plans?
How much do I listen to God's voice and if I do hear it--do I respond to Him?

This art is based on a playing card on which I painted, glued a vintage image and other ephemera, crocheted lace, embroidery from old hankie, and scrim from an old book.

I Lift Up My Soul

Psalm 143:8--"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." I don't know how to paint a soul. Only God can do that. The closest I can come is this heart. What a great way to start the day--lifting up my soul to Him.

The base of this art is playing card on which I painted a maroon color, glued a vintage image and other ephemera, etched in gel medium and highlighted with paint, black stain and gold.

Rest

As the interim pastor read the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," I thought of this photo. She looks so peaceful and so does the cat. I came home from church after a nice dinner with the visiting pastor and started this card. I haven't had this much trouble working a piece of art in a long time. Nothing seemed to go right. Maybe it's because I should have been resting instead of working on the Sabbath.

The base of this art is a playing card on which I painted and adhered a vintage image and other ephemera, gold trim, embroidered trim, scrim from book binding, ribbons and text. I etched in gel medium and painted it with gold.

Dearly Loved

Colossians 3:12--"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This doll displays five virtues of the holy Christian. This doll comes as an answer to a weekly challenge by my Yahoo Group, Art In The Word: "Make art around this verse." I memorized the virtues as I was planning this little lady. Clothing is the seen part of a person and sometimes we get lost in how we look. We may display an entirely different picture of who we really are by the way we dress. It's interesting that Paul spoke of wearing these virtues. It seems we are to make these obvious to others. Hmmm? I need to work on a few--like patience maybe?

This doll has moveable arms and legs hinged together by mini brads. I constructed the skirt from strips of text, book binding, scrim, ribbons, embroidered trim and lace glued together and stitched on a wire ribbon. The top is tulle gathered with gold twine. I added the plastic beads, punched paper glued to beads and other punchouts on which I wrote or computer-generated letters to make the words and strung or glued them on wire or thread. Little round plastic coated stickers spell "patience." The torso is covered with fabric and ribbon. I added a ribbon to the top as a hanger and tied a knot to simulate a flower and glued more ribbon-made flowers beside it to cover the hole. A pink glass rhinestone is the earring. It measures approximately 8" tall and 5" across the skirt. The ribbon extends another 3."

Prayer

"The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him," Proverbs 15:8. This doesn't say He doesn't listen or hear the prayers of the wicked, but it does say that God is pleased when we've tried to live a righteous life. I hesitate to use the word "righteous" because of some negative notions it might arouse of the goody-goody, holier-than-thou-type person. The word of God, however, does use the word righteous a number of times to denote the person of God, one who believes in Him and His Son. Nutshell: God is pleased with the ones who please Him.

This piece of art is based on a playing card on which I painted, adhered a vintage image and German fraktur text, ribbons, lace trim and scrim from book binding. I've etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint. I added an aged tag with the letter "P" on both sides.

Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," Romans 15:13. Only the God of Hope can fill us with hope. This hope does not come from the world. When the world crumbles around us, we can be secure in the hope we have in our eternal future.

This art is based on a playing card, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2," on which I painted, adhered a vintage image, ribbons, lace, book scrim, German fraktur text and a hand-made copper label (http://www.painterlyartworks.com/) held on by waxed thread.

Hovering

Detail of "Hovering."

Detail work on "Hovering."

"Hovering" before quilting.

Finished piece: "Hovering"

Genesis 1:1-2: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." This scripture evokes a deep sense of awe inside me. Whenever I read this I marvel at the power of God. Whenever I doubt, I need to re-read this chapter and allow God's marvelous creative ability to fill my soul.

I used black cotton fabric as the base of this 6" square fiber art piece. I added pulled yarn, fabric, metallic and cottons threads, a copy of moon from http://www.nasa.gov/. I covered it with tulle and machine and hand quilted with coordinating thread.

Harmony

"Live in harmony with one another," Romans 12:16. This photo reminded me of a girl's summer camp, a dormatory situation or a womens' shelter. The dynamics of women or girls living together can be pretty rough. Woman tend to make little clubs and isolate others or have bad days and make it miserable for those around them. We all have our "crazy notions" where we do things a certain way and everyone is supposed to be o.k. with that. Let's face it. Sometimes we are just hard to live with. This scripture reminds me not to be dissonant with others but to make harmony with them.

The base of this art is a playing card on which I painted, adhered a vintage image and other ephemera, book binding, old text, an irridescent glass button and lace. I etched in gel medium and highlighted it with gold paint.

Lean Not

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," Proverbs 3:5.
A bit macabre maybe, but this art is a manifestation of this verse of scripture.

This piece was based on a playing card on which I adhered a vintage image, a copy from an old anatomy book, ephemera, book binding, plastic netting and I etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint.

My son has started a blog--commonname.blogspot--about his journey as a Christian artist. I need to send him this card. He could attest to its meaning.

Love One Another

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another," John 13:35-36. This seems simple enough. Three little words that pack a big punch. You know, there are just some people I don't like, let alone love. I'm sure they must think the same of me since I don't have much to do with them. Now, is that any way a Christian should act? Jesus was speaking to the disciples and about the disciples. Did they not love each other? If they were like me at all, they probably needed Jesus to say that to them. I need the reminder.

This art was based on a playing card, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2," on which I adhered a vintage image and other ephemera, text, book binding, ribbon and lace. I painted the edges, etched in gel medium and highlighted it with gold paint. A charm (thank you, L.) hangs on gold thread put through a whole in the top segment.

Don't Fall

1 Corinthians 10:12--"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall."
I'm so smug sometimes to think that I'm strong. It's when I'm overconfident that I would never do such a thing, I do it. I'm depending on self and not the Lord for my strength. It's only in His power that I can do what He wants me to do. I've fallen before and I'll fall again. It's just not fun to hurt. So I pick myself back up and ask for forgiveness and start again.

This piece is based on an old book cover measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/4" on which I've adhered a vintage image and other ephemera, etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint. I used yarn for the rope and glitter glue for the bird.

Shining Light

Proverbs 4:18--"But the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." This is the weekly challenge verse from Art in the Word Yahoo Group. Our lives in Christ begin with our first acknowledging Him as our Savior and Lord. As we grow older, our rightness with God also is to grow. If you don't feel closer to Christ as you age, you need to examine your relationship with Him. Relationships need nurturing and the same goes with ours with Christ. Examine your relationship today and grow in Christ. Be that "light" for someone else.

This fiber art card measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and is based on muslin over which I put clipped yarn and tulle and then quilted with coordinating thread.

At The Gate

Proverbs 31:31--"Let her works bring her praise at the city gate." This passage is part of the chapter in Proverbs commonly called "The Virtuous Woman." May it be my goal that all the works I do are praiseworthy. I've just got to remember who I'm trying to please and it's not the world.

This artwork is based on a playing card on which I adhered a vintage image, a wood gate, a cardboard heart and etched in gel medium highlighted with gold paint.

My pastor seems to be fine. His problem last week was probably a virus. The Lord has surely cared for him even though the going has been rough. I'm still praying for him and his family as they are still waiting for his wound to heal (It's been over two months since the last surgery.)

Land and Sea

Genesis 1:9 and 10--"And God said, 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.' And it was so. God called the dry ground 'land,' and the gathered waters he called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good." I wonder if God had fun when He created the heavens and the earth. I surely had fun creating this fiber art piece.

This art measures 9 1/2" square without the border. It's base is an old handkerchief on which I laid assorted silk cloth, yarn and rope stands. I quilted it with color-coordinated thread.

Looking Up

Genesis 2:9--"And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." This is a wonderful time of year. The trees that had enough rain last Summer and warm days and cool nights this Autumn are beginning to turn colors. I love to see the vast array of Fall hues line the streets. Even the most accomplished artist cannot paint scenery the way God can. You just can't help "looking up."

This fiber art piece was created on muslin. I clipped yarn to make the trees and clouds and then quilted it by adding coordinating thread. I used irridescent thread for the "rays." It measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2."

At The Cross

This gruesome picture can't even begin to portray the actual event of Mary at the cross of her dear son. John 19:25 says that she was there: "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother." She was close enough that Jesus saw her there (John 19:26.) He thought about her future well-being as he assigned one of his disciples to care for her after his death (John 19:26-27.) I can't begin to imagine the pain of this moment. For a mother to witness her son's death is beyond my comprehension. We owe a great respect for this woman of women, the one God chose to birth and raise His Son.

This piece of art has a playing card as the base onto which I adhered a vintage image and other altered ephemera. I etched in gel medium, painted with gold and overpainted with red. This was the result of the challenge scripture (above) from my Yahoo Group, Art in the Word.

Who Am I?

Psalm 8:3 and 4 (my paraphrase): "When I consider your heavens and the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have put in place, who am I that you even think of me. It's beyond me to think that you could care for me." The heavens are so vast and the heavenly bodies so unbelieveably beautiful--and yet, God cares more for us than any other thing He created. I'm so honored and humbled.

The base of this art is a playing card measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" on which I painted, adhered a vintage image, etched in gel medium, dry brushed with gold and added waxed lined thread.

Dreams and Visions

"I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old ones will dream dreams. Your young ones will see visions." Joel 2:28. Are you too busy to dream? Do you have a vision for your life? The Israelites had again strayed from the Lord. They had followed their own destiny and entered into sin--again. When they finally came to their senses, they confessed their sin and turned back to God. God, in His infinite mercy, forgave them and blessed them. This was one of the promises he gave them. Turn to God and He will give you the vision He wants you to have.

This art was based on a playing card. I adhered a vintage image transfered on muslin, an image on paper and other ephemera. I etched in gel medium, then dry brushed with gold.

My pastor is back in the hospital and we don't know what is going on yet. He had two heart surgeries this past summer and has stomach pain now. If you pray, please do so. The thought came to me this morning as I was reading the Bible that maybe our church's prayers are not being heard because of our individual sins. Every member needs to confess sin and do what is right, turn back to the Lord. Maybe then we will receive positive answers to our prayers.

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God," Psalm 46:10. It's a simple statement but, oh, so hard to follow. In the world in which we live, noise and busyness command our lives to the degree that it makes it difficult to find any stillness anywhere. In order to hear God speak, we need to be close to him, because sometimes His voice is the "still, small voice." Find your "still" place today and know God better.

The base of this art is a playing card on which I adhered an old handkerchief remnant, trim, lace edging, a vintage image, buttons and other ephemera.

Worship

Psalm 99:5--"Our Lord and our God, we praise you and kneel down to worship you, the God of holiness!" God is the only one who deserves our worship. There is no one and nothing else on earth that deserving. Praise. Kneel. Worship.

The base of this art is a playing card on which I painted, adhered a vintage image, etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold. I added a little color to the image with water color pencils and an archival pen.

I'm back to my art for a while. My family left today after a three-day stay. It was fun playing with grandchildren, but I missed making my art cards. Ahh--a day of rest and card making.