Humming Bird Digital

Humming Bird done on computer.  Drawn using paintbrush program, with mouse.    By Mary Smith, 2002.  

Butterfly

I have two bushes of "Blazing Star".    They reach their full growth after 3 years.  Butterflies and Bees love these plants.   Sometimes I'll bring my camera to "see" what has come to collect nectar.  

This butterfly stayed long enough for me to get this shot.  :)

Isn't he beautiful.

Busy Bees

Toad's Hideout

God's Amazing Grace

Stan Weber's Testimony Of God's Amazing Grace I encourage you to check out this man's amazing testimony. Click on the link above.

Coming up Roses

This card was made using "Build a Bouquet" cling stamps.

On white card stock

watercolor pencils were used to color in the image.

The Thief

The devil comes to steal, to kill and to destroy.

John 10:10, says: The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The devil does not wear a red suit with a pitchfork in his hand. The cartoons depict the devil as a funny little character that rides around on your shoulder, whispering some devilish thing in your ear. The devil is real. As in this scripture, he is a Thief. A thief comes in to steal. He will steal away your faith if he can. If you allow him. Think about this; there are many false teachers out in the world, they will “catch” the ears of their listeners with just enough of the truth, then without you knowing it, they twist the truth. They may even speak of another way to Salvation. They may even say, “If you send in your money, you will get a healing”; or “If you will only put your faith in faith, you will be made whole again”; Or “There is no hell. It’s just a state of mind.”

With all of the tricks of Satan, before you know it he will have you running around in circles. The devil’s plan is simple, if he can keep your mind on “works”…. Instead of your faith in the Cross of Christ, then he (Satan) has succeeded. In Ephesians 2:8-9, For by Grace are you Saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

When you place your faith in the Cross of Christ, there is Life. The Lord will give you life more abundantly.

There is a false teaching that says, that Jesus was “killed”. The LORD was not killed or assassinated. John 10:18 says, No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.

I have the power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This Commandment have I received of My Father.

Jesus gave up His Life. He gave it as a Sacrifice. He died for your sin. For my sin. So that all who believes in Him shall have eternal life.

Importance of Prayer

The Importance of Prayer   -  Gabriel Swaggart

Itsy bitsy moth

Have you ever seen one of these tiny moths?    At first glance I wasn't sure what it was.  Couldn't see too well without my readers.    It was rather difficult to get a really good picture since I was using my left hand.

A Flair of Elegance

I created this card using the Running in Circles punch.  

Positioning the cut-outs in a vertical design.

Gives a flair of elegance.

White card stock is the base color.

Weave patterned design paper for the background, with a brown ribbon.

Rusty red polka dot paper add to the "motion" of the over-all design.

Two small brown gems securely attached to the center of the circles.

The Lord is with you

I love to read the Bible.   I've been a Christian for many years.

 Since 1981,  I started suffering from dizzy spells.   They would come up on me, just anywhere and any time without warning.   Lasting about a second or two.     I remember going to the doctor and he said, well, you may have a brain tumor.   I didn't believe that.   At least I didn't want to believe it.    So, without really going in for any tests.   I just took it in stride.   It became a daily part of my life.  
Finally, a few years ago,  I had to see the doctor about getting some medicine for acute bronchitis.   As the doctor was listening to my breathing, he asked me if I also suffered with back problems.   At times, I said.   He then did something to my head and neck, which caused some pain in my right shoulder and the base of my neck.    Ah-ha!  You have a pinched nerve.   He informed me that when I'm stressed the nerve will pinch.   Hmm.  I didn't know that.  
I was glad to find out what was causing those problems.   But, just took it all in stride.   Its been a part of my life for so long that I never thought of asking the Lord to heal me.     Well, one day... I just got fed up with that nerve.  Not only was it causing dizzy problems but it was now making my right hand numb.   And this isn't good as I love to write.    

At the time of this writing,  I am currently believing for the Lord to totally heal that nerve.   And I believe He will.  In His timing.    At times I do have pain.  And He does take that away.  

I just wanted to encourage your heart today.   If you are going through something.   It doesn't matter if its an illness, or maybe your hurting in some other way.   God is a Big God.   And He is able to heal.   He is able to restore.    I want to share some scriptures that I am standing on.   And when you read them, allow His peace to flow into your soul and into your heart.  

"Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth."   Jeremiah 33:6

"Bless the Lord... who healeth all thy diseases."  Psalms 103:2-3

"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5

 

Overcome fear

Every day, our world changes.   The news tends to report on bad news.   If we allow ourselves to focus on such things, then our hearts will be heavy with fear.

There is good news.   We don't have to allow fear to take control.   We can overcome fear by seeking God.    If you feel that you've had a heavy heart, then turn your eyes toward the Cross of Christ.  For in the Cross, you will find hope, you will find joy, you will find peace.    Read and allow these scriptures to get into your mind and in your spirit.  

"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."  Psalms 34:4

"The fear of man bringeth a snare:  but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."  Proverbs 29:25

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;  thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  Psalms 23:4

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."   Isaiah 41:10

Tree Frog

We had some rain earlier today.   Tree frogs are more abundant after a rain, or so it seems.   I love these little creatures.  How they cling to everything.  He's more than welcome to dine at our house anytime!  ;)

Think On These Things....

Everyday living can bring about different things.    Everyone has bills to be paid. And if there's not enough money in the bank account... it can cause "Tension".  If you've ever experienced anything like this...  here are some scriptures to meditate on.

"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"My presence shall go with thee,  and I will give thee rest."  Exodus 33:14

"Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and you shall find rest unto your souls."   Matthew 11:28-29

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace."  Psalm 29:11

Flower & Bee

This was taken several year ago. I originally printed out the photo and made it into a card.  I don't remember ever sending it to anyone.  

I love how the picture turned out. :)

Tiny Creatures

Found this spider on my yellow marigold.

Praying Mantis 

I was more than happy to know this fellow was in my vegetable garden.

I've got all kinds of Marigolds planted in and around the bean & tomato plants.

Fuzzy Caterpillar

I don't touch the little soft spiky hairs on a caterpillar as they can cause pain.  

Be encouraged

"Wait on the LORD:  be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart." - Psalms 27:14

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalms 46:1

Running in Circles 2

Same patterned card just a different use of color combinations.

The same designer papers were used.

This time I added a tiny black bead/gem in the centers of the flowers.

I must say, this punch is really a fun one to use.

This is still just a basic card but it still looks elegant. :)

Running in Circles

Running in Circles

Materials for card:

Circles punch by Fiskars.

Graphic 45 - A Ladies Diary design papers.

Cling stamp: Thinking of you

Ranger: Archival Ink - Jet black

Tombow- liquid glue

Designed by Blue Jean Cards

Made this for a family member. :)

Positive - Negative

This is a weed.  Commonly known as a Dandelion.

Just wanted to show that the same flower can be viewed in a positive or negative view.  Both are the same flower.  

Pink Zinnia & Bee

Here's another fellow-bee.  

My photography is watermarked.  You may look, don't copy.

Philippians 4:19

"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  - Philippians 4:19

Bumblebee

Here's one of the cute critters sittin' on top of my yellow Zinnia.

Looks as if it might be mugging for the camera.

My photography has been watermarked.  This means no copying.

Philippians 4:6-7

" Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Verse from KJV.

Hello!

I would like to welcome you to my blog, Blue Jean Cards.    What you will find on this blog will be cards designed by Mary, aka Blue Jean Cards. :)  

My love for card making began around the mid eighties.  Making cards mainly for family.  In which, each one was drawn out by hand and taking about one to two hours depending on the design.  
  
Now its so much easier to create a card, depending on what medium you are using whether it be stamping, computer, or water color, copics, watercolor pencils...etc... 

The main mediums I use are: Digital Stamps, either created by me or another artist.; watercolor pencils; water brush pens; rubber stamps; designer paper; punches; and embellishments.   I'm not really the kind of artist that likes a lot of fancy-schmancy stuff to put on my cards.  I like basic.  Then if I want to add in some other things I can.  :)

I'm also a Christian.  And I love to read the Bible.  So I will be adding in some scripture verses as well. 

So, why pick the name, Blue Jean Cards?   First I was trying to pick a name that no one else had...and we know how frustrating that can be... this name just popped in my head.  And it fits perfectly.  It best describes my cards as being "basic".   And too, I love to wear bluejeans.  I'm comfortable wearing blue.  I supposed that's why I like the name of this blog.  :)    

Oh..I can't forget that I love to take pictures!   Yes, I will be putting some of my favorites up on my blog.  Today, as I was strolling in my flower garden, I caught a glimpse of bees collecting pollen.  So, pulled out the digital camera and got to snapping.    

I love flowers and wildlife.  

So, pull up a chair and set a spell.  ;)    Hope you'll enjoy my blog.