Layers of Color is no longer manufacturing our own stamps or selling them online.  The owner and artist, Laura Kirste Campbell is now a full-time product designer for major craft industry companies. You may  find that some Layers of Color stamps are still available through select retail locations (see “Find a store near you“.)

But, despite this bitter sweet transition, more new and unique Layers of Color style stamp designs designed by Laura will soon be available worldwide this Spring!

Of course, in the meantime, you can continue following Laura through this blog, permanently on Facebook and at her new Blog & Website (launching soon!)

A more detailed announcement is coming soon, but here are some things we can share…

• Later this year, Laura’s lines will be expanding into stencil, stickers, paper, and embossing folders!
• Laura has also recently been named, “Artist in Residence” for the IMAGINE Crafts design team featuring Tsukineko craft products, so keep an eye out for her new projects and techniques with IMAGINE Crafts!
• Laura’s new die template designs are being sold now through Spellbinders Paper Arts (see list below.)

Feel free to browse our extensive project GALLERIES and FLICKR group for card, scrapbooking and other stamping inspiration! And, please enjoy the Blog posts and inspirational artwork in our Faith Art Friday series.

If you would like to be kept up-to-date with the latest news, upcoming announcements and new releases, subscribe to this Blog and/or “like” our Facebook page. Our new website location will be posted on both very soon!

Spellbinders Die Templates Designed by Laura Kirste Campbell:

• Nested Tea Cups S4-350
• Tea Service S5-076
• Damask Motifs S5-081
• Damask Accents S5-080
• Crosses Two S5-093
• Ribbon Buckles S4-362
• Floral Tags S5-105
• Decorative Dress Forms S5-068 (co-designed by Nina Brackett)

Thank you for your support and for your business.  We appreciate your patience during all of these transitions. It has been a tremendous pleasure serving you! We look forward to continuing our creative journey together through these new inspiring avenues!

God bless you from the Layers of Color design team, Layers of Color family, and…

(Read the full story ...)

HUGE SAVINGS ON ALL

STAMPS, STENCILS AND SPELLBINDERS DIE TEMPLATES!!

13 Spellbinder Die Templates on SALE — 35% off!

DIE TEMPLATE PRICES FROM ONLY $12.99/each!

Sale includes the NEW Decorative Dress Forms and Nested Tea Cups!

ALL Layers of Color art stamps and stencils on SALE –75% off!

CLEAR ART STAMP PRICES FROM ONLY $1.40/each!

CLING ART STAMP PRICES FROM ONLY $1.24/each!

ALL ORDERS OVER 75$ GET 3 FREE CLEAR ART STAMP SETS – (RETAIL VALUE $48.75!)

At these great prices, you can purchase multiples for classes and gifts!

…LAST CHANCE…JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT..

BUY NOW!!

Good news and exciting things stirring here! On this CHA weekend I had expected to be able to share with you the name of the stamp company that will be carrying Nina and my new stamps…but we’ve had a wee little delay in the announcement. However, this actually works out in our favor as now our new line will be surrounded by the traditional fanfare that this company is known for! So please hang in there with us just a smidge longer and soon we’ll have not only the name to share, but sneak peeks of our latest stamps!

Meanwhile at CHA…Nina Brackett has been branded with Spellbinders and has her own NinaBDesigns die template line!! Her work has been my favorite and so all of us fans are so thrilled with this news! Congratulations, Nina! Nina also has some bling designs being released with Want2Scrap! Nina’s talents continue to shine and light up our creative world!

In light of the delay Layers of Color will keep the doors open with HUGE sales going on for one last week! Once we close, many of the stamps will not be available again, so now is the time to stock up for yourself and to get great gifts for your crafty friends! Afterwards Layers of Color website will remain live, without any products for a while with links to the new company and new products. I’m in the process of building the new site! I’ll keep you informed!

You are going to LOVE, love, love our next new release! We can hardly wait to share it all with you!!

The Love of God

This wonderful passage in the book of Romans speak to us so clearly of the love of God

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:

and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,

nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:28-39

It is so easy to lose perspective and lose our understand of the reality and simplicity of the Love of God.  I pray that each one of us will allow this scripture to speak to our spirits and remind us of God’s unfailing and unfathomable LOVE….it has no limits or bounds – it never ceases and knows no end!

“Amazing Love how can it be – that you my King would die for me…”

Chris Tomlin

Linda Lucas

Layers of Color

New Year CLEARANCE SALE!

50% OFF! and FREE Stamp Sets!

Limited Time Offer!

The situation surrounding the clearance sale is an exciting new growth opportunity for Nina Brackett and my careers as a craft product designers! At Winter CHA a major stamp company, (of which we cannot name until then) will be announcing our new position as product designers, along with revealing our new line of stamps! They will be picking up some of the current Layers of Color stamp designs as well as many new exclusive designs (specifics announced at CHA). This new partnership will ensure stability of available product, continued high quality, addition of other product lines and larger exposure of the products we design. So it’s great news for Layers of Color current customers and fans too! We are sure you will be joyously loving all the wonderful new products being designed for your creative journeys in the New Year!

We are praising the Lord for directing our paths, guiding us and our families, and blessing us with a hopeful future! We will joyfully continue to design dies for Spellbinders, with new releases coming soon! And more wonderful news announced at CHA that includes me being part of a brand new design team for a fabulous craft industry leader! Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, we would like to offer deep discounts and free stamp sets as incentives to help us build these dreams for 2012! A limited time offer – they are going fast! We invite you to link arms with us as we head into a promising future for Layers of Color by helping  to spread the word about the sale. Huge transitions like this are never easy, so we treasure your prayers and encouragement as well as your assistance.

Thank you for your support and friendships that have built up Layers of Color and brought us all to this exciting new direction! You have all been a special part of  making it happen! Thank you for continuing to join us on this creative path! Together we are all the lovely colors of Layers of Color!

Grateful hugs and a generous dose of blessings to you,

While designing my card for today’s Faith Art blog post, I wanted to use this sentiment “Glad Tidings of Peace” included in the new Glad Tidings stamp set because of the thoughts which that particular phrase brings to mind.  It seems as if the whole world is longing for peace but is unaware or not willing to go to the Prince of Peace to obtain true peace.

The angels declared the arrival of the Prince of Peace to the world on the night of His birth….

Luke 2: 13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

While thinking about that announcement of peace, I was drawn to a couple of my favorite passages that I meditate on when I am in need of peace or comfort…

John 14: 1 – 6

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you and if I go to prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself,

that where I am there you may be also.

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

Jesus said unto Him, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life.

No one comes to the Father, except through Me.”

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Hebrews 13: 5-6

… be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So that we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?“

**********

If you are going through a difficult time right now, I encourage you to turn to the Prince of Peace and meditate on these verses.  Our loving Savior is waiting for you and is able to give peace to your heart.

Glad Tidings of Peace and Happy New Year!

Jessica

In Luke 2:1-20 we find what is commonly known as “The Christmas Story”….it is a summary in one easy to read chapter that gives us all the details of God’s amazing plan for mankind. While it only takes a few minutes to read the text is well worth the time taken to read it from start to finish.
This week as I was preparing for my first Faith Art Friday contribution I was struck by verse fourteen which reads:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.“

I thought I would dissect this verse and just take some time to get a better more precise understanding of what it REALLY means. I began by identifying key words that really jumped out at me throughout the verse. I found three in particular that were of great interest.

Glory is defined as – worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
Peace is defined as – freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
Good will is defined as – a kindly feeling of approval and support : benevolent interest or concern
(all definitions taken from Merriam-Webster.com)

Now if I take those same definitions and replace the words in the verse with them we have:

“Worshipful praise, honor and thanksgiving to God in the highest,

and on earth freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions,

kindly feelings of approval and support: benevolent interest or concern toward men.”

I could not help by feel a sense of calm as I read through this over and over….God knows how busy we allow this season to become. Between seeing family & friends, shopping for gifts, decorating our houses, numerous additional functions, plays, services and “good deeds” we are often guilty of not stopping to focus…to focus on THE reason for the season. I felt this verse was an awesome reminder of exactly that. That not only is Jesus the gift God has given us and for that gift we ought to give GLORY or worshipful praise and honor and thanksgiving to God for. In addition to Salvation the ultimate gift that Christ gives us, he also brings us PEACE – freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions…and in turn we are to share GOOD WILL by feeling kindly, and sharing a true benevolent interest or concern about our fellow man…so while we are busy shopping, creating, wrapping and trimming gifts, let us take a moment to reflect on THE GIFT we all have to share with those around us this season, JESUS CHRIST,

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6b

–
Keri Lee Sereika
www.pinklemonade.typepad.com

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Christmas brings with it the traditional Hymns and Christmas Carols – there is none more traditional than the wonderful Hymn written by Johann Sebastian Bach – Gloria in Excelsis Deo, otherwise known as the Angelic Hymn or The Doxology. My inspiration for Faith Art Friday was this majestic Hymn.

Angels we have on heard high

Sweetly singing ore the plains

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see

Christ whose birth the angels sing

Come adore on bended knee

Christ the Lord the newborn King

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

See him in a manger laid

Whom the choirs of angels praise

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid

While our hearts in love we raise

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14

Amen and amen!

As we get caught up in the festivities and yes, sometimes the frustrations of a busy Christmas season it’s a good time to slow down and focus on our many gifts from God.

One of these gifts is also a commandment…

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Psalm 100:1-2

God wants us to live and have a life of abundant joy! He loves us and after all, He is our Heavenly Father. What Father doesn’t wish a joyful life for his children!

I pray you all will walk the path of life with God in abundant joy and His protection  wherever you go during the Christmas season and always.

Bye for now…have a joy filled day!

Diana

Mini Wreath by Laura Campbell

Children count the days until Christmas with joy and excitement! We can catch that contagious enthusiasm and spread it around to others as we are busy with holiday preparations. Christ is Christmas, His birth and resurrection are the reasons for the greatest celebrations the earth has ever known! When we understand the full magnitude that we are the recipient of the gift of God’s son, our gratefulness overflows with desire to give. Let’s allow our daily actions to  reveal the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells within us!

The best way to celebrate His birth is to first make Him the center of your life, accepting Jesus as your Savior. Where your heart is, so there is your treasure. And from that abundance of treasure we can give generously and freely!

The Five Best Christmas Gifts

Forgiveness

Letting go of resentment and bitterness by forgiving someone, or our self is a magnificent gift! Christ asks us to share the gift of forgiveness that He gave us, even while we were still acting against Him. The bonus of this gift is that once forgiveness has been given, it can bring peace and freedom from the bondage and burden of the traits of unforgiveness. Forgiveness can be given regardless of the severity of pain caused or the lack of change or repentance on the part of another. It is a gift you can present to yourself that can enhance the quality of your entire life and spill out onto others in the form of compassion and love.

Kindness

We are called to love each other as we would like to be loved. To treat our neighbor, our co-workers, our boss, our relatives as we would want to be treated. Extend a hand, give a minute of your time, send a card, bring cookies, let someone get in front of you in line, give someone that parking spot,  listen attentively, say “Merry Christmas” to strangers. Act like Jesus despite your desire to put anger, busyness, or yourself first. Even minor kind gestures and acts can have a major impact on someones day and can encourage them to do the same for someone else. Little acts of kindness are gifts that keeps on giving!

Smiles

Look directly into someones eyes and give the gift a big genuine smile! A smile can pick up the spirit of a stranger who is having a hard day. It can help to heal, foster compassion and empathy, encourage, bring security, and connection. When appropriate, add a wink, it’s like putting extra whipped cream on a dessert! Every time you see someone as you walk through the room, smile! Give a for-no-reason smile as a gift to a checkout clerk, a passing mother and child, the driver in the car next to you at the stoplight. No matter how down you may feel, you can “fake it til you make it” as smiles are contagious and become better with more use. Let the spirit of Jesus shine through your smile this Christmas!

Time

The best time spent is time with God. Give Him some of your time every day of your life. Praying and reading your bible is the best way to get to know him. Learn about Him and you’ll learn more about yourself and others. You can talk to God in the midst of hectic or calm situations. Every stoplight that holds you still for a moment, pray and talk to God. Make Him the first one you go to for every question, concern and praise, no matter how tiny or how huge. Make Him the center of your life and you can know the deepest relationship with eternal significance and lasting joy!  And give your time to other people. Give a moment to hear a child’s story, have coffee and listen to someone share, serve those in need or hurting, sing in the choir, drive for the elderly, volunteer at school or a non-profit organization, make a meal for someone, share family photographs with long distant and lonely friends and family, tuck your children in every night as if you are not in a hurry and stop whatever you are doing to give love to your family every time they walk in the door. Giving time sends the message of love, and love rewards both the giver and the recipient.

Love

God has shown us how to love and has given us all His love through His son, Jesus. The bible is rich with words of wisdom that gives us power, knowledge, truth, guidance, and love. These are among an endless list of special treasures He presents to us, if we will only accept them. The beauty of love is that every human being needs it and it’s a free, sustainable and green resource that builds and grows the more it’s given away. It’s as good to give as to receive. And it is the first and greatest commandment.

“Love your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul

and with all your strength

and with all your mind

and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Luke 10:27

Celebrate in a BIG way this Christmas and generously give the BEST gifts! Give the gift of forgiveness, kindness, time, and smiles and wrap each one with love! You will be giving the perfect gift and spreading the true reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!,