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Friday, August 14, 2009

Beauty for Ashes

That was the song that was running through my head when I started using a technique that Priscilla Styles posted on her blog for making that chiffon flower at the bottom of my card. You have to use flames to sear the edges of the chiffon and as I was making the flower, I was singing Beauty for Ashes. How often life descends into the flames, but with God's help he makes beauty from the ashes that we thought initially might destroy us.

The chiffon flower technique is very cool, I can see using it again. You'll find the instructions here.

The card layout fits the Midnight Madness sketch challenge #14 and I used my Flourishes Sweet Pea set for the first time, it was just the right size for this sketch and perhaps it suits the Flourishes challenge to make a card fit for royalty. The flowers are all shimmery because I painted them with Twinkling H20s, I love using those shimmery paints for flowers, because when teh sun hits the petals of a real flower, they so often shimmer beautifully.

I used a combination of Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette and Pixie Pink to paint the chiffon with an aquapainter to match the colors of the sweet peas. The flower looks more like a rose than a sweet pea, but I'll play with the technique some more and see what I can do. There are pink stickles along the edges of the petals and a PTI blush button sewn on with silver thread to match the silver threads in the ribbon underneath the flower. Thanks for looking, hope you like it.

© copyright Crystal Lewis
(Isaiah 61:1-3)
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

27 comments:

Chef Mama Lori said...

Your card is amazingly beautiful. Thank you for posting the words to the song. What a precious reminder to us.

Carolyn said...

This is stunning!! I love everything, but especially beautiful coloring and the beautiful ribbon technique. Just wonderful!! Thank you so much for playing with us at the MMSC this week. We love having you and hope that you will join us in the fun again next week.

Carolyn, MMSC DT

IamDerby said...

This is so lovely! Beautiful job coloring

Traci M said...

I have a buddy for the Flourishes challenge, yippee!!
Your card is stunning, another technique for me to try also!
One of my favorite inspirational songs also, thank you for sharing it here!

Leah said...

So beautifully done! I love it, the colors, the ribbon, the flower, the message. Thank you for sharing the words to the song, really touched me today:)

Phyllis said...

What an awesome card. Pink and flowers: the perfect combination!! I love that you made one of Priscilla's wonderful flowers, I can't wait to give them a try myself.
Thanks for playing along with us. We will look for you next week as well.

Phyllis MMDT
aka SparklePlenty1000 at SCS

Joanne (jojot) said...

gawjuss, me dearie....wow...the coloring is awesome...and the flower is fab

Julie Koerber said...

Wow! This card is just breathtaking!!! I love that little chiffon flower and will have to check out the directions! Your coloring is amazing!

Priscilla said...

Peggysue, first let me say, that I loved your comments left on the chiffon flower tutorial post..they really made me laugh..very cute comments. Now to this card and post..Your card is just beautiful and the flower fits perfectly on it. Love the button center and your detailed cutting and coloring. Well done with the sketch. Wonderful post and thank you so much for the links and for sharing from your heart. Thank you so much for playing the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge this week.
Priscilla
MMSC Hostess :)

laos348 said...

Wow! All the parts of the card are beautiful and then when you put them together, the effect is stunning! That is a really neat flower and the coloring is fabulous.

B said...

So pretty -- lovely coloring! :)

@JoyceCasaldi said...

Very pretty card and song! Going to have to check out how to make that flower.

Sue McMahon said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! This is GORGEOUS! I'm so glad I went blog hopping tonight! Your card is unreal! And you used Priscilla's tutorial! AWESOME! Beautiful card!!

Not sure if you knew or not but if you post my store logo on your blog you get extra freebies if your name is drawn this week! Good Luck! Thank you for joining us this week! See you next week!

Also, I see you are a believer. I posted on my blog a link to a new faith based challenge starting this Sunday. I think it's about 2-3 posts down. Check it out and spread the word. They are super sweet ladies and I can't wait to see what they do. First prize is from Our Daily Bread Designs!!!

Sue
MMDT Member

Grace said...

Oh PeggySue.... thanks for the words to this song... now I'll be singing it all day, and what a great one to sing! Your chiffon flower came out great! I love that set... I so want it!!! Maybe on my Christmas wish list! Gorgeous card! Hugs and blessings!!!

Gina Lindsay said...

Wow, this is so BEAUTIFUL! the flower is great and your coloring amazing.

Lee said...

Such a beautiful card. That flower is gorgeous.

Kay said...

What a beautiful card - and my DH thanks you so much for the link to the ribbon technique that involves me and an open flame.........

Jeni C Slack (^0^) said...

PeggySue, this card is so pretty! I also saw that it was in the Flourishes Newsletter! Congrats on such a gorgeous card, using Priscilla's flower right in the middle too, so lovely. Thank you for using our sketch to create such a fun card! xox ~Jeni & MMSC DT

Melissa said...

WOW! What a beautiful card, great job!

Diane Noble said...

Oh, my I love that card. What an amazing array of color! Just so beautiful. Love that song too!

Melissa Bove said...

WOW!! This is gorgeous! What a beautiful flower! Thanks for playing along with us!

Hugs,
Melissa

MMDT August Guest Designer

Stephanie said...

This is so pretty, Peggysue! I love all the pearls and the colors you chose for the sweet peas!!

The Mama Monkey said...

Oh wow...this is so beautiful! I love how the image comes off the edges and your flower is perfection!!

The Minister's Wife said...

Beautiful card!!!

Karen Lynn said...

PS, what a beautiful card!

Tracey said...

Beautiful work. Beautifully done.
I just found your blog and am just going to become a follower so i dont miss your work
angel wishes tracey x

BethH said...

This is so pretty, PS! I love that song, too. It's one of my favorites! It's beautiful! Just beautiful!!!