Karla's Korner

"Happy Easter" Now at AimeeAsher.com

I love bunnies and chicks and all the spring icons we use to decorate Easter even though I know that's not what Easter is all about. So to enjoy both the whimsy of these characters and the blessing of Christ's resurrection, this Happy Easter collection, in all it's simplicity, celebrates the joy and declares the true meaning of Easter!

I know... this isn't the digital collection that I gave you the preview of... but I've been working on both of them at the same time and this one just got finished first. 

This "Happy Easter" Clip Art Kit includes 5 bunnies, 1 cross, 2 Easter Message eggs, 4 decorated eggs, 3 borders, 1 frame, 3 papers, and 3 tags. I think these images will be perfect for Easter Crafts and Greeting Cards as well as for your Personal Scrapbook Pages. Please do enjoy creating with them!

 

I'm also so sorry to say, but I'm once again having problems with the program I use for digital downloads and am getting no support from the maker so, once again, I have to shut her down! I will be installing an entirely new program next month so until then...

 I am pleased to say you can purchase this kit and others at:
www.AimeeAsher.com

Easter Preview...

I have been working on some Easter bunnies who carry more than a basket of eggs... they carry the proclamation that Jesus overcame hell and death and He is alive! And because He lives we can, not only face tomorrow, but we can face it with hope! Hallelujah!

This sweet bunny is one of a series I'm working on and plan to introduce as a digital download collection sometime next week... just in time to print and send cards or dress up your Easter celebration. I hope she makes you smile with the joy of the Lord!

Heavenly Father... prepare our hearts to truly contemplate Your sacrifice and celebrate Your victory over sin and death! Be glorified in us and through us Lord. Amen.

Giving Up... at Least For Now!

Thank you... thank you... thank you... to all of you who have purchased and enjoyed creating with my digital art collections. You have blessed my heart and encouraged me greatly... so much so... that it is with great sadness that I must announce the CLOSING of my Karla's Korner Shoppe but I have no choice right now.

If you know me, you know I don't give up easy... and usually not without fight...and that is true in the case as well.  After trying to work with my server people and the designer of my download manager, while still trying to keep up with my obligations and deadlines, I have no choice but to put the battle on hold... knowing however that I have not lost the war! (said with a smile!)  I know there is a program out there with my name on it that will work for me... I just have to find it.  So I am confident Karla's Korner Shoppe will re-open in due time... and God's timing is perfect!

Until then, you can find most of my digital kits for sale over at Aimee Asher... they're great people!

 

In fact, I just uploaded a new kit to their store called Christmas Angels.
Hope you like it!


Lord bless you and keep you...
in His love and for His glory!
Karla

Pure As Snow 2 Just Added to the Blogstore!

More snow people to add to your holiday cheer! 
I included three full art images in this newest CLIP ART KIT that you can simply print,
cut and paste to create quick, easy and perfect Christmas cards
to share your joy and your faith this Christmas season!
To learn more of what is included in this PURE AS SNOW 2 Clip Art Collection
just visit Karla's Korner Shoppe!


  These art was originally created for my book, The Heart & Home of Christmas.
It's not only a "pretty" book but it will also help you keep your focus
and encourage your faith during the holiday season ahead.

SEPTEMBER CONTEST WINNER!!

Thank you to all of you for your wonderful comments and encouraging words during this past month!  Also thank you to all those who entered this contest by forwarding my September Newsletter and to those who linked from their blog to mine!  You guys are great and you bless my heart more than you know!!

So... CONGRATULATIONS to Patty S. who won this month's contest  by forwarding my Newsletter to several of her friends and/or family... thanks Patty!  I hope you enjoy gathering your recipes together in this binder and I look forward to seeing which Digital Art Collection you choose!

P.S... If you don't get my Newsletter and would like to,
you can...
 

Sign Up to Receive My Email Newsletter Here

Pure As Snow...

 

No snow on the ground yet but instead of being out in the garden harvesting corn and beans, I've been busy in my studio listening to Christmas music and creating my newest Clip Art Collection... Pure As Snow!  I just posted it for sale over at Karla's Korner Shoppe! I think you'll love it!

I love snowmen and snow people!  And I love that in the Bible snow symbolizes purity and holiness which is what inspired the poem: Pure as snow from heaven above, born a babe God's gift of love". Snow also brings a peace and calm to the earth and to our hearts... so combine that with a snowman strung with lights and you have "All is calm... all is bright!"  These images are perfect for Christmas Crafts and Greeting Cards as well as for your Personal Scrapbook Pages.  And for more ideas on how to celebrate Christmas with a focus on Christ please check out my book, The Heart & Home of Christmas.

Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18

Heavenly Father... Thank You for sending Jesus to wash away our sins and make us white as snow in Your eyes! Lord, as the holiday season approaches and the world and the worries of life attempt to dull our sensitivity to You and to Your holiness and purity, I pray You would stir our hearts and open our eyes to see You above all of it... above the cares of everyday life and above the commercialism of the season.  Guard our hearts, use the symbolism of the season to help us see You and show us creative ways to be like a snowman wrapped up in lights... showing the world that as we trust in You... all is calm and all is bright!  Love You Lord! Blessed be Your Name. Amen.

Catching Up!

First of all... I am laughing because I created this post last week and got side-tracked and never pushed "publish"! So it's a little dated but I wanted to share it anyway! Things have been busy!! So much to tell you but I know you only have a few minutes so in a nutshell...

1) We've decided to quit procrastinating and put our beautiful Grace Acres up for sale!  We will list it on Craig's List on Saturday. 

We do know the economy is not in our favor... but God is so we'll just see what happens.

We love this place but Grace Acres is crying out for a family with children to tend the garden and pick the fruit and play ball in the giant yard... and we are crying out for a simpler way of life with more time for people and less time tending the land. Please keep us in your prayers for this.

2) I am now selling some of my Digital Art Collections over at AimeeAsher.com. There are some other amazing artists there and the've been a pleasure to work with in getting my Kits uploaded to their store! I'm looking forward to seeing how their designers will use my art to create other products. I'll let you know when they do!

3) And I just started my very first online art class with Paulette Insall. I'm already learning new techniques and loving it!  I'm excited to see how what I learn will translate into my own style! I'll give you sneak peaks later.

4) There's more going on for sure but that's all the time to share for today! 

Love you guys...
Karla

Give Thanks...

I will be speaking at a women's event the end of October and I created this new "Give Thanks" Clip Art Collection for the planner of the event to use as she creates her invitations, posters, gift bags, etc. It is now available to you in my Blog Shoppe.

I love the title of my talk for this upcoming event... it's called "Where's the Turkey"? This title came about a few years ago when I was shopping in late September and was grieved to see the Halloween decorations sitting side by side with Christmas decor in a store display. During that moment, it occured to me... something was missing. Where was the turkey? Whatever happened to Thanksgiving? My message is designed to help us recapture the heart and the art of giving thanks... an attitude and a practice that can prepare our hearts to stay focused on Christ throughout the holiday season. I'm sure I'll be sharing more about this with you in the days to come!

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100:4

Heavenly Father, we know that thanksgiving is more than a day on the calendar... it's an attitude of our hearts toward You.  Help us Lord as we begin to look forward to the holiday season, to place giving thanks at the top of our gift list... a gift we give to You, to ourselves and to those You have placed in our lives. Thank You Father for loving us and giving us everything we need in Christ to live the abundant lives you died for us to have. Lift us up above our circumstances Lord so we can see more clearly how much we have to be thankful for. In Your Name and for Your glory... amen.

FREE... Apples of Gold Coloring Page

I had such fun creating this coloring page as a gift for you and your children. As I worked on it, I couldn't help but think about the tremendous value our words have and how important it is for our children and grandchildren to learn this early in their lives.

I was very thin... skinny as a beanpole... as a child. I can still remember other children making fun of me until I was in tears. My mother always told me "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me."  I know she meant well, but an unkind or cruel word can be painful... and sometimes, depending on what it is and who says it, an unkind word can leave a scar that lasts a lifetime.

We can all say careless words without thinking or realizing the impact they can have. I know I can. So I am so grateful to God for this reminder to think before I speak... I want to be a woman who "serves" words that bless and not curse, that build up and not tear down, that bring life and love rather than death. How about you?  Let's agree together to think about our words today and encourage the children in our lives to do the same!  Download this coloring page and use it as a conversation starter and see what God will do!

Heavenly Father... we know that it is not only children who need to learn to heed the wisdom of this proverb. Teach us to guard our words and choose them wisely. May our words be like apples of gold... fruitful... life-giving... full of hope, encouragement, comfort, healing, and kindness to the hearer... and may our words always be served in a setting of truth and love... and sweet to your ear. In Jesus' Name... amen.

"Christmas... in Jesus' Name"

 

Christmas is right around the corner, can you believe it?  And I thought for any of you who might be working on your Christmas cards, crafts or gift list early, this "Christmas... in Jesus' Name" Clip Art Collection might be just what you're looking for.

In the midst of Christmas chaos, it's nice to be reminded that Jesus is the Reason for the Season and that's what this Christmas Clip Art Collection is all about!  To help you stay focused on Jesus throughout the holiday season and celebrate Christmas... in Jesus' Name, this kit includes visual images to remind you of nine glorious Names of Jesus.  He is the Light of the World, the Lamb of God, the Living Word, the Bread of Life, God with Us, the Gift, the Door, the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace... amen and hallelujah!! 

This Kit could be a great resource to help your kids... at home and in Sunday School... to learn more about who Christ is during the Christmas season!  Or you might want to use these cheerful, yet meaningful, images to dress up your Women's Ministry Gathering, the church bulletin or a Christmas tea.

You can purchase or learn more about this kit at Karla's Korner Shoppe You can find more inspiration for celebrating Christmas... in Jesus' Name in my book, "The Heart & Home of Christmas."  Also... if you know of any Sunday School teacher or Women's Ministry Leader who might benefit from this kit, please let them know about it... and may we all celebrate this Christmas... in Jesus' Name!

Heavenly Father,
I want to thank You for the day I discovered that Jesus is more than the porcelain figurine in the manger on the mantel... but instead... He is the Son of God born into humanity in order to reveal Your glory and the greatness of Your love for us.  Lord Jesus... I pray that even now You would begin to prepare our hearts to celebrate this holiday season in Your Name and for Your glory!  We love You Lord! Amen and amen.

"Apple of God's Eye" Printables Now in the Shoppe!

I just finished the "Apple of God's Eye" Printables Kit... it's a wonderful theme for a Girlfriend Gathering and perfect for September!! You can see more photos, find out more about what's included in the Kit and get some gift-giving ideas over at Karla's Korner Shoppe!  Enjoy!

Autumn Sun Freebie... Show Me Your Ways

"Show Me Your Ways" is my free gift to you this month. Created with art from the "Autumn Sun" Clip Art Collection... it can be printed for your home or office or for giving as a gift. I formatted it to fit a standard 5x7 frame but you can also reduce the size to create a magnet for your fridge or file cabinet... or for the front of a greeting card.  A great gift to give the women in your Bible study group as you start the new fall season or for your children's teacher as she starts the new school year. Ask God, I'm sure He'll show you who in your life would be blessed by such a gift.

O Lord... show me... teach me... lead me!  I pondered this verse as I was creating this gift for you and  thought... in order for God to show us His ways, we have to have eyes willing to see.  And for God to teach us His paths, we have to have ears willing to hear. And for Him to lead us in His truth, we have to have hearts willing to follow. God is faithful and always willing and ready to answer this prayer... but we need to be willing to do our part... to look for Him in the scriptures and in the midst of our everyday lives... to listen for His voice teaching through His Word, through the wisdom of others, and in the stillness of our hearts... and to be more than just hearers of His Word but doers also... following His truth and letting it transform our lives.

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths;
lead me in Your truth and teach me.
Psalm 25:4

Thank You Father, for Your willingness to show me Your ways... teach me Your paths... and lead me in Your truth. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart willing to follow You all the days of my life so that others may see more and more of You in me.... for Your glory... Amen.

Just So You Know...

I know some of you have been waiting patiently for me to make up my mind about the angel policy with the use of my digital art kits.  Well, I finally decided in favor of the angels... angels being YOU!  The Angel Policy is designed to allow you to use my art to create crafts and projects, not only for your own personal use and gift giving, but also for selling in limited quantities and with certain requirements.  I posted my Terms of Use over at Karla's Korner Shoppe, so if you'd like to use my art to make some crafts to sell at your church's Christmas bazaar or even on your own personal blog or website, you'll want to read it first.

I can still remember selling my crafts, especially at Christmas, to make a little extra money when I was a young stay at home mom and I'm blessed to be able share my art with you to help you do the same.

Also... I am pleased to now offer a CD Burning Service for those of you who want to use my digital art collections but are still on dial up. I know how it is... been there... done that!  I know that to download some of these size files would take days... and in most cases, you would disconnect before it ever finished. So now you can just add in the service and I'll put the files on a CD and pop in it in the mail to you... sweet!

And the third thing I wanted you to know was that my sweet friend Audrey of Audrey Jeanne's Expressions has opened her own Blogstore. She is so talented... just look at this scrumptious looking chocolate collection... YUM!!! I just updated her link in my sidebar so you can once again go visit her from here and be blessed by her life and her art!

Thanks for stopping by and I'm working on three things to share in the next few days... a new contest... a new coloring book page... and a freebie download!  Not sure in which order yet but they're all coming your way to encourage your heart in the things of the Lord!  Bless the Lord and bless you my friends... in His love and for His glory... Karla 

Inspiring Designs!

Okay... how cute is this kitchen collection designed by my new friend, Linda Hitt using my "Apple of God's Eye" Clip Art Collection. And what makes this collection even sweeter, is that she created it as a gift for her mom who owns some of my "Apple of God's Eye" stoneware from a few years ago. What a great addition to her mom's kitchen decor! Linda also sent a set to her secret sister who is not so secret anymore... this was the "revealing" gift!

Linda created this collection by covering a tin for Recipes, making matching recipe cards, a few magnets, a recipe card holder and a notepad/shopping list. Gorgeous... thank you for sharing your creativity with us!  Are you inspired yet?  I am!

Linda said, "It is so hard to find Christian related clipart so I was very excited when I saw on your blog that you were planning on doing some.  I do a couple of craft shows with my mother in November and I will be getting more of your graphics to use for cards or ornaments for my shows."

This is why I do what I do. Thank you Linda and God bless you and your mom and the work of your hearts and hands for His Name Sake.

PS... I'd love to be inspired your creativity... send me a photo of what you've made using my Digital Clip Art Kits and let us encourage one another.

 

Morning Glory Printables Now in the Store...

Have you thought about having a summer girlfriend gathering... be it a luncheon, tea or brunch? Maybe this Morning Glory Garden Printables Kit will inspire you to send out the invites and celebrate the glory of the Lord in your life!  You can find out what's in the kit over at Karla's Korner Shoppe.

You Are the Apple of God's Eye!

You truly are the apple of God's eye and when He looks at you He smiles!

The apple is such a visual reminder of this truth and this truth gives us reason to celebrate... don't you agree?  You can check out my new "Apple of God's Eye" Clip Art Kit in my Shoppe and hopefully it will inspire you to start looking forward to ways to gather together with other women and celebrate God's goodness in the coming days!

The inspiration for this kit came from Deuteronomy 32:10 where it says,

"He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness;
He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye."

Have you ever felt like you were living in a wasteland where the struggles of life pressed in around you like a howling wind taunting your soul? I know some of you are there right now. Some of us may not be all the way in the desert but there are some dry places where we know we need the Lord's presence to be made real to us. God wants to remind us that we are the apple of His eye and even though we may be in a desert land, God is right here with us...  encircling us with a hedge of protection and provision... faithful to direct our steps as we listen to His leading and follow Him in all our ways.

O Lord, give us eyes to see in the Spirit and know in our hearts that You are with us... not only surrounding us with your protection but also in us... filling us with your peace as we trust in You. For those of us who, by Your grace, are not in a desert place... help us not to take such a blessing for granted but draw us close to You and remind us that by grace we are the apple of Your eye and You're smiling down on us even now. Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless His holy Name!

The "Beautiful Baby" has arrived!

I told you a few days ago that I was working on the "Blessed Baby" collection and I was. But in the process of putting it together, I changed my mind... and the name... to "Beautiful Baby" Clip Art Collection... and I love it!

Too cute... I can hardly wait to start creating some sweet baby things myself. For more details of what's included in this kit just visit my Shoppe and let me know what you think!

Bless you my friends... xoxoxo

A Morning Glory Gathering...

This is a beautiful example of a "Morning Glory Gathering"!  This is a table setting from "Every Woman's Grace" Spring Luncheon, held at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley,CA  on May 21, 2008. It's so inviting, isn't it?  A couple of things I really love about this is the use of paper plates and plastic cups... a fun and beautiful setting doesn't have to be fine china and glass. And I LOVE the white picket fence down the center of the table... short enough not to block the view of the women across from you, simple to do, and just downright CHARMING!  Carolyn wanted to use more of the art from the  "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit but I just couldn't get it finished in time but you'll see she was able to use a little here and there.

This is Carolyn's assistant leader and she told me, "I have given my assistant leader almost all of your books now, and she has given me most of your cards. We always try to find new "Karla" items to surprise each other with. It's one of the joys we have serving the Lord together and serving our women." You two did a great job... thank you for sharing your inspiration and heart for ministry with us through your photos!

These are the women who were seated at Carolyn's table... I love how the fence created a frame that says it all... in the garden with the God of glory!  I feel like I already know these ladies... isn't that one of the great thing about being sisters in Christ! Thanks again Carolyn for sharing your love for the Lord and your love for other women with them... and us!!  Bless your heart!

I hope you've been inspired... I know I have.  I can see setting up a little fence like that on the island in my kitchen as a backdrop for my buffet serving dishes. And I love how the seed packet is sticking up out of the little pail... of course I would want to use my own! teehee. It's just so wonderful to see how using a color theme can be so dramatic and beautiful... even in plastic and paper! If you are in Women's Ministry and considering a "Morning Glory Gathering" you might want to bookmark this as a reference for next spring and also know that the "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit is a great resource with lots of useful art to help you promote your event as well as create table settings and favors. I will soon be adding a Tea Party Printables Kit to coordinate as well as other helpful ideas.

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalms 3:3

Father God thank You for being a shield around me... my protector against the enemy and the keeper of my heart, thoughts, and life both now and eternally. You are my glory Lord... there is nothing I desire more than You. Thank You for reaching down from heaven when I am downcast and focused on the things of this earth... and with the tender touch of Your Spirit you lift my chin to look up and see You... high and lifted up above all the world... and the things of this earth do grow strangely dim when my eyes are on You! Be glorified Lord... in me and through me... amen.

Free for a Week... Morning Glory Print

I thought I would show you the "Morning Glory" plaque that Val will be receiving as part of her prize for winning the June contest!  This verse has been such a foundational measure for how I want to live my life... and I know this is your hearts desire as well... to glorify the Lord in all you do, say and are.  So... I decided to offer you the print I used to create this plaque as a freebie for one week from today. Next week it will be included in the Morning Glory Garden Printables Kit... so you'll still be able to get it, just not free!

I love having these kind of wall hangings as subtle reminders of God's truths... so if you do too... just download this print and either mount it to a square plaque or mat and frame it.

The print measures 8"x8" and if you don't have a source for blank plaques let me know... my hubby is my source and he said he would cut a few extra for you if you'd like. If you do... they will be $4.00 each for this size and you can just send me an email and will make arrangements.

Have fun and God bless you as you do whatever you do... all to the glory of God!

Summer Has Arrived and Babies are Coming

We went from a chilly wet spring to a blistery hot summer almost overnight... from highs in the 60's to over 100 yesterday depending on where you were! So now the challenge is not to complain about having too much sunshine and heat!!

A PEEK into MY BACKYARD

I spent the cooler morning hours yesterday working outside and thought you might enjoy a peek at some of the God's beauty that's growing out my back door.

This is a newly created bed of necessity... that concrete circle under the bird bath is the lid to to our septic which we had to work around when we poured the new patio last fall. I finally got around to planting it and must say the birds like it already!

I love our little rock wall... great for contrast in texture and moss... and I love moss... in the right places! The daisies are wild but I have to leave a few in the beds every year just for fun.

Love this rose... the deer won't eat and it's gorgeous!

These daylilies are just so stately.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Does this photo not just shout... "Be still and know that I am God"? It does to me... I can hear God calling out... "stop your work and come sit with Me... be quiet and rest... delight not only in the beauty of my creation but delight in my love for you. Know that I am God... your God... sovereign over all creation... and sovereign over your life. You can trust Me... rest in Me... let stillness find its place in your heart and thoughts. I am the One who holds all your tomorrows in the palm of my hand... I am "

SNEAK PREVIEW

 Just wanted to let you know I've also been working on my next clip art kit... "Baby Blessings" using some of the art from my book "HeavenSent Baby". Here's a sneak peak...

I'm already thinking of all the possibilities, not only for scrapbooking, but for baby showers and gift-giving... you should be seeing the "Baby Blessings" Collection a little later this week!

Dear Lord,
You are an awesome God... full of mercy and grace.  Remind us to take time today to simply be still and think about just how great You are. Remind us too, that no matter what our circumstances are or what we hear in the news, You are God and You are sovereign and we are Yours. Help us to rest in You. Amen.

Let's Have a "Set Free" Tea Party

I don't want to make you tired of this design but July is right around the corner and I have been having so much fun designing... or should I say "redesigning" this wonderful "Set Free" Tea Party Collection! I softened up the 4th of July theme with a soft buttery yellow, a few well place swirls and added a floral accent... perfect for a proper ladies tea! If you have the gift of hospitality and would enjoy hosting a tea party during the month of July, this is a perfect reason to do it. Not only will you be gathering some friends around your table for fellowship but you can use the "Set Free" theme to encourage their hearts and remind them of their freedom in Christ or invite them to experience it for themselves! And I'm planning on adding a "Set Free" devotional and get-to-know-each-other questions here soon.

The fabulous thing about this collection is that it is also compatible with the 4th of July Party Kit. So you could use the pinwheels and banners to add to the decorations. You might want to consider sticking the larger stars and/or pinwheels into a pot of red geraniums for a more feminine touch, but the quart makes for a quick and easy centerpiece as well. I filled mine with rice so I could position my stars and pinwheels where I wanted them.

I'm hoping to be able to host my own "Set Free" Tea Party and make it a patio party... weather permitting! I keep imagining a plate full of sandwiches cut out with star cookie cutters!  Doesn't that sound fun!  And of course, I'll have to bake cupcakes just so I can put those tiny little stars in the tops of them like I did in the photo for the 4th of July party. I think I'll change out the colored frosting for white with coconut or I just discovered some glittery sparkles from Wiltons I might have to try. Too cute!  If I come up with any other suggestions as I plan my own party, I'll be sure to let you know and if you have any... please share... I can use all the help I can get!!

If you're interested in knowing what all those fun items are that are in the kit, including a close up of the scripture card holder and teabag envelope, or if you're interested  in purchasing the "Set Free" Tea Party Collection please pop over to Karla's Korner Shoppe and take a look!

"You are from God, little children, and have overcome them;
because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
1 John 4:4

Lord Jesus, you said as we "know the truth and the truth will set us free" and I thank You for this great truth that is not only a promise, but holds the potential to be life transforming. You are in me... in us, your daughters... and You are greater in every way than the enemy that seeks to keep us captive to lies, bondage to bad attitudes and dependent on destructive behaviors. Lord God, You've also promised that as we submit to You and resist the devil, He must flee. Father, write this truth on my heart as I meditate on it and bring it to my mind when I need it so that I may continue to be set free and live the life You died to give me. Amen.

Ready To Party!!

It has been so much fun designing this collection of printable crafts and party favors, not only because I just love creating, but because the 4th of July is my youngest granddaughter's birthday!  So I created this collection with her birthday party in mind and I KNOW she's going to love it! And I hope you do too! 

If you're planning a 4th of July party, picnic or bbq at your house and want to add a touch of fun in an economical way, you can find the "Set Free" Party Collection and Quick Pages over at Karla's Korner Shoppe!

A FREEBIE FOR YOU...

The stars that are crowning the cupcakes are double sided and glued onto toothpicks... isn't that fun! Those little stars and the ones on the skewers in the quart can are my 4th of July FREEBIE gift to you... hope you can use them in some way for your own celebration!

A CRAFTY IDEA...

And I thought I would share with you that I used one of the Quik Page Layouts to create the "plaque" on the easel in the center of the photo above. The text box is blank so you can insert any phrase or message you like, so I put in "Happy Birthday Jessica!", added her photo and decoupaged the printed 8"x8" Quik Page to a deep edge artists' canvas I picked up at our local Craft Warehouse. After it was dry, I sanded down the edges and lightly added some distressing ink to the edges and sides of the canvas. I haven't put a finish on it yet but will most likely either use either modpodge or a matte acrylic spray. I like the modpodge because you can give it a brush stroke texture so we'll see. I think she'll like it.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER...

I have continued to ponder our freedom in Christ and what that means to me personally. I cannot express the depth of gratitude I have to God for the things He has already set me free from... addictions, anger, attitudes... unbelief, unforgiveness, ungratefulness... and set me free to... live, love and laugh... hope, healing, and heaven! We have been set free from the bondage of sin and death and set free to live a life of loving God and others through Christ.

"...to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners..."
Isaiah 61:2

Heavenly Father,
Praise You Lord for sending Jesus to not only proclaim freedom but to truly release us from the darkness of our sins and ourselves. I thank You for all the ways, big and small, in which you have set me free and rejoice to know You're not done with me yet and that You will not give up on me until I am with You in heaven. May I never take my freedom for granted... either here on earth or in the Spirit... and I pray You remind me when I do. Amen.

Thinking Ahead to the 4th of July!

This is a miracle you know... for me to think ahead this early for the 4th of July...

...but I really was trying to think ahead and wanted to share this color book page with you so you'd have it in plenty of time for the holiday.  Download and print it as many times as you need to for your own kids, grandkids, the kids who are coming to your house for BBQ on the 4th, or for your classroom or Sunday School.  If you know of anyone who might benefit from this, please pass it on or link to this post on your blog.

The real inspiration for the color book page came from one of the Clip Art Collections that I'm introducing on Monday in my new BlogStore... it was created with the 4th of July in mind. I love the visuals of the stars and stripes and am so thankful to live in our great nation. Even with all its impurities and imperfections... I can think of no other place I'd rather live... unless of course, God sent me!! LOL!

Karla's Korner Shoppe Grand Opening Coming Soon!

As much as I'd like to be out in the garden planting corn and beans, I am just as excited about the seeds I'm busy planting right now in the garden of my new digital download blogstore... Karla's Korner Shoppe... which will be opening soon! My heart is happy!

At the same time... I am so disappointed I was not able to offer the Morning Glory Clip Art Kit the first of May like I had hoped, but there ended up being a whole lot more to setting up a digital download store than I had expected. I spent a great deal of time trying to be able to offer downloads through my existing webstore but just couldn't make it work... almost to the point of tears!  But not to the point of giving up.  So I found a solution through Typepad and am presently designing the layout and adding product... sorta like painting the walls and stocking the shelves!

I decided I wanted my Grand Opening to have more than just one kit, so it will most likely be next week before I open my digital doors and invite you in... I only hope you find it worth the wait!

May the seeds of God's glory grow deep in your hearts and produce a crop of reverence and awe!  Lord bless you and keep you!

"Morning Glory Garden" Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to...
        Heather who posted on April 12th!
        Holly who posted on April 14th!
        Robin in New Jersey who posted on April 18th!

Thank you to all of you who posted and played in this Giveaway!  You bless my heart!

Playing Around and Loving It!

Yesterday morning I just had the urge to play so I took some of the elements from the Morning Glory Garden Kit and just had fun with it. In my playing, I also created the fun and "messy" overlay with the transparent butterfly so I may just have to add that to the kit as well.

The frame would be worth nothing apart from the girls in it... from left to right... my daughter Michelle, my granddaughter Alexis (who just started blogging last night so please pay her a visit), and my niece Monica.

Praise be to His glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with His glory!
Amen and amen.
Psalm 72:19

Heavenly Father... may we be women who will praise your glorious name from one generation to the next forever and ever... and may we be instruments of your grace here on earth advancing your gospel and your glory! Amen and amen.

Glory of the Lord Coloring Page!

Are you looking for a great coloring page to encourage children... your own, your grandkids or maybe your Sunday School kids... to give glory to the Lord?  I created this new addition to the Morning Glory Gardens Collection to help you do just that. Click here for the download.

What does it mean to give God the glory?  A very simple picture of giving glory to God is to turn the spotlight away from ourselves, others and things of this world and shine it brightly on the person of Jesus Christ. When we give glory to God, we are reminding ourselves and telling the world about how great and awesome God really is. We're giving Him the honor and the credit for the good things He has done. I love to boast and brag about how great God is and all that He has done in me, through me and for me. Not because of who I am but because of who He is! And not to draw attention to myself but to hopefully draw others to see and know Him like I do.

The Bible tells us that every good and perfect gift is from above. All that we have is from the Lord. When we are tempted to boast about ourselves or others or in "coincidences", let us stop and be encouraged to "rejoice and be glad and give Him glory" for the great things He has done!

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!"
Revelation 19:7

Father God... You are an awesome God... there is no other God like You... for You alone are worthy of all honor and glory and praise... now and forever... and ever... Hallelujah and amen!

April "Morning Glory Garden" Giveaway!

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to offer you this Morning Glory Garden Clip Art Collection as APRIL'S CONTEST GIVEAWAY.  The colors are so beautifully springtime and you can use this art, not only for digital scrapbooking, but for all sorts of craft projects and women's ministry events.

Included in the kit are a total of 35 pieces: 10 Art Images, 4 Backgrounds, 6 Borders, 7 Frames, 2 Tags, 2 Corners, 2 Bible Verses, and 2 Word Tags. 

To win this Morning Glory Garden Clip Art Collection, simply comment on any or all posts during the month of April to enter and I'll randomly draw two winners on May 1st. You will be able to either download your kit then or if you are on dial-up, I'll be glad to send you a CD. So even if you don't do digital art yourself, you could always win it to give as a gift to someone who does.

And since this is my very first offer online of a digital art collection, please tell your digital art friends about this contest and help me spread the word that Karla Dornacher Faith-based digital art is coming soon!

I look forward to hearing from you! 

Lord bless you and keep you... in His love and for His GLORY!!

Morning Glory Garden

I know... I know. It's been awhile. I've been busy with lots of things and have missed being able to blog.

We're still in the process of getting our house ready to sell. Most of what we have left to do is outside work and between Michael and I having the flu for over a week and then the weather not being cooperative, we seem to be on hold for now.  I am confident in God's perfect timing though, so for the moment, we are still enjoying the beauty of spring at Grace Acres!  I'll keep you posted on our progress.

I've also been busy creating! And I'm excited to share a sneak peek at the project I'm currently working on, called Morning Glory Garden. It is one of several faith-based digital Clip Art Collections that will become available in the next few weeks. What I'm most impressed about is the broad scope of uses that these collections will have... everything from personal use, to MOM's groups, to at-home girlfriend gatherings, to women's ministries teas and events! The above stamp and the butterfly below are just two of many images, along with backgrounds, borders, frames and tags that will be in every clip art kit.  There will also be papercraft printables to go with each kit, as well as devotionals and ideas for creating your own faith-based celebrations. I look forward to sharing more with you in the days to come.

Creating the Morning Glory Collection has inspired me to want to celebrate the Glory of the Lord... throughout the month of April... I hope you'll join me.

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the GLORY,
because of your love and faithfulness."
Psalm 115.1

Dear Lord, It is because of your love and faithfulness that we even have anything in this world worth boasting about. May we always remember to give You the glory for all we have, all we are, and all we are able to do. Amen

A "My Cup Runneth Over" Valentine's Tea

My friend Frances has the gift of hospitality and a love of all things tea! Last weekend she, with the help of her friend Kathy, opened her home and invited 12 women to join her for a Valentine's Tea. Together they poured out a refreshing drink of love and acceptance into the hearts of these women and they enjoyed an afternoon of overflowing joy! This is Frances reading the "My Cup Runneth Over" devotional to the women.

One of the things I loved most about the tea was that she and Kathy reached out and invited a few new women in our church... women they had not even met before... along with those who have been coming awhile. So there were connections made and new friendships born.

And of course, it's always fun to see my printables being put to good use! I was told the women loved them.

I love how Frances gathered together a few of her teapots to illustrate the message of the devotional so visually. In the devotional, I share about how we are all God's teapots, created as unique vessels... some of us are short and stout as the children's song sings, some of us are tall and slender and many of us are somewhere in between. And it doesn't matter to God if you're bright yellow stoneware with red polka dots, natural shades of earthenware, or white china with graceful painted roses... because the truth is we are all cracked pots, blemished and chips by life!  I'm sure you would agree.

The sad thing is that sometimes we can get so caught up in worrying about the appearance of our vessel, that we forget all about the incredible treasure that dwells within us... the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that is able to flow through us to bless, refresh and influence our world more than we can imagine... if we will only allow Him to fill us up daily and tip us over whenever and on whomever He chooses.

1 Samuel 16:7 says "man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."

Lord Jesus, thank You for filling us with Your lavish love... so much so that there is plenty to overflow and give away! Forgive us for putting so much emphasis on our outer appearance that we sometimes forget that within us dwells the God of the universe... "Christ in me... the hope of glory!"  We are Your teapot Lord... fill us up and tip us over... for your glory and the blessing of many. Amen