Melissa Runcie | Madabella

God's Symphony of 2010

There are times, either in the stillness of a beckoning morning or within stolen moments gathered on fields of busy days, when God’s whispered Word synchronizes to our heartbeat. Heaven folds back as God delivers a chorus straight to our core. It sounds lovely and frightening all the same.

A word. A scripture. A revelation.

Undeniably sent down from the Orchestrator of Life.

Sacred rhythms keep in perfect timing with our soul while His Voice crescendos a melodic tune. God knows our lives so intimately, He harmonizes to thoughts yet sung and moments yet lived.

 

This God who was, who is and who is to come.

He knows the sounds our soul sways to when clanging symbols and loud gongs threaten to throw us off key.

“Behold I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

Like a chorus tucked in the middle of verses, God continually reminded me that 2010 was going to be year of renewal.

He hummed words on the fringes of 2009, when hope stood at the back door and strife barged in the front. In dark, tempest days God’s compositions brought beauty to my ears and assurance to my heart.

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

New life.

New heart.

New purposes.

New relationships.

New opportunities.

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." (Song of Solomon 2:11-13)

As our Conductor, God raises a baton to guide us along every bar, measure, note and refrain of life.

As our Composer, God intricately weaves His prose, lyrics and melodies to our circumstances, trials, and situations.

As our Creator, God leads an orchestra of exhilarating verses, upbeat tempos and instrumental interludes to create a symphony in you.

Did God reveal a symphony in your heart this year? Is He composing a word, scripture or revelation for 2011?

GIFTED Day 12 :: Love Notes, Signed God :: 2011 Printable Calendar

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

In January, 2010 I purposed to launch "Madabella & Co." as a side business. One that involved all kinds of beautiful things to make, workshops to take and kits to sell. While the vision stirred in my mind, the Lord planted different plans in April when my internet and phone unexepectedly turned off for 3 months and I wrote my first Bible Study, REST. A new purpose was created and "Madabella: made beautiful" was born as an intersection of faith + art.

This calendar is my gift offering to you. Thank you for blessing me and being encouraged by the story God is writing on the tablet of my heart each day.  

Calendars make great gifts for Christmas or the New Year. Gathering quotes from the Love Notes, Signed God library cards, this calendar serves as a perpetual reminder of the extravagent grace and love given to us every day!

2011 PRINTABLE CALENDAR

 
The calendar measures 4.75 x 5.5". Displayed here, I placed patterned paper in a 8 x 10 frame and glued a fabric covered clothespin to the top of the paper as a holder for the individual pages. Hang on the wall or set on your desk to enjoy!

The calendar also fits into a CD case for a smaller display.

 

Click below to Download Calendar.  Print on 8.5 x 11" photo paper or cardstock using highest quality setting. (Each file is 2.4 MB, PDF)

Download Jan-June 2011 Pages 
Download Jul-Dec 2011 Pages

Preview each month and click image to view larger.

 

 
We will never be GIFTED with a more perfect present. And for this, my soul sings Hallelujah:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

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Sneak Peek :: Printable 2011 Calendar

My 12 Days of Handmade is quickly turning into 20 Days of Handmade, but the final project is coming!

This 2011 calendar is based on the Love Notes, Signed God, which has been the most well received project I've shared. I still get emails of how God's infinite love is being spread through those little cards. So here's another way to remind us all year long of His immeasurable goodness toward us.

Here's a preview of the calendar that will be available on Monday and thank you for much needed grace!

GIFTED Day 11 :: Love Jesus Printable Gift Tags

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

From the first Christmas I can remember living with my mom, Santa never came to our house on Christmas morning. I read stories of Santa delivering gifts, took pictures with him at the mall and imagined how he might travel the world in one evening. My mom never stole the imagination of a five-year old away, but Santa never climbed down the chimney of our house.

Christmas morning I raced down the stairs, bright-eyed and filled with anticipation of the presents that beautifully grace our Christmas tree. Quickly I moved from the doll house to the bike to the dolly in the box. Tied to each of the bows and attached to each wrapped packaged was one name.

Jesus.

Every gift under our tree came down from the Father of Lights through the Son. Presents under our tree were filled with the presence of God Almighty.

I recognized my mom's writing. I knew she wrote Jesus on every gift, but there was more truth written on that little tag than any other part of Christmas candles, gift exchanges and shimmering lights.

Every Christmas morning since my children were born, I have passed on the same tradition. And my girls ask their classmates who comes to their house on Christmas morning. Upon hearing "Santas" across the table, my girls reply, "Jesus comes to ours."

If you celebrate the same tradition, enjoy these gift tags. They are from Jesus.


  :: Click to Download Love Jesus Tags (1.4 MB, PDF)

 
Christmas morning we are GIFTED with a surpassing present under the tree, the gift of His presence:

"Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Psalm 95:6

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Linking to Faith Barista with more stories of Unwrapping Jesus. 

GIFTED Day 10 :: Three Handmade Gifts of Words + Printable Scripture Art

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

Handmade gifts add a personal touch to the Christmas season. Here are a few of my favorite go-to gift ideas, including a few you can print, frame and wrap in less than 10 minutes! There's still 14 days until Christmas...and yes, I meant still. Which means plenty of hours to still make something!

No. 1 :: FRAMED MEANING A NAME + SCRIPTURE

Do you know the meaning of your name? I'm quite surprised most people I talk to don't know. This tradition is passed down from my mom and now I've done at least 60 framed names over the last five years. It is neat to see how many people's names suite their personality.

 
This gift takes less than 10 minutes to make! My new favorite resource is Download & Print, which features FREE 5x7" templates that are actually blank wedding invites in Word format.

Type "name meanings and origins" in your search engine to find resources on what's in a name!

Once you've found the name meaning, add it to the template, find a corresponding scripture, print and frame!

No. 2 :: FRAMED QUOTE

An adaptation of the framed name meaning, just add a quote or scripture instead!

 

To give you an easy option, I made several variations of one of my favorite scriptures, Philippians 4:8. Having the Word up in my home is such a good visual source of encouragement and I know it is for others, too! Options for free downloads are below and if you want a color change, email me and I will personalize it and email it to you.

 

Click below to Download Posters. Six options are available. Print on 8x11" photo paper using highest quality setting. (Each file is 1.5 MB, PDF)
Download "Lovely" Pink Version
Download "Lovely" Turquoise Version
Download "Lovely" Lime Version

Download "Noble" Pink Version
Download "Noble" Turquoise Version
Download "Noble" Lime Version

No. 3 :: QUOTE MAGNETIC BOARD

Here's one of my favorite projects from the archives. Parting with this was such sweet sorrow, but it totally suited my friend's color scheme and style so it was a blessing to make.  



The basic instructions are to find an old (or not) frame and spray paint it desired color. Design a background with digital files or photoshop brushes from an online shop. One of my favorite resources is House of 3. Print on photo paper. Line the back of the photo paper with a sheet of magnetic paper adhered with spray adhevsive. Magnetic sheets can be purchased at local craft store.  Add to the frame and attach a few magnets!

BONUS PROJECT:
Remember these DIY Personalized Love Notes from God?

They make a perfect gift too! Just download, print on cardstock or photo paper, write in the recipient's name and wrap it up pretty!
 
Born as a babe in swaddling clothes, we were GIFTED with glory, GIFTED with the Word, GIFTED with God Himself:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14

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Linking up with other projects for YOU:Create. 

GIFTED Day 9 :: Printable Gift Tags

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

Here's a set of gift tags that would look lovely with solid color wrapping paper like silver or gold.

Each gift tag has a red, green and white version.

 

 

 

Instructions:

1. Print on cardstock, cut tag, punch small hole over circle and place string or ribbon!

:: Click here to Download Christmas Gift Tags (3.85 MB, PDF File)

Credits: Tags designed with photoshop brushes from Rhonna Farrer.

 
Mankind has been GIFTED with an indescribable gift:

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

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GIFTED Day 8 :: Apothecary Jar Snow Globe DIY Project

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

Feature photos of your latest trip to the snow in this adapted version of a snow globe.

Apothecary Jar Snow Globe DIY Project

 

Instructions:
1. Using a fork, "rake" small bits of styrofoam over a large sturdy piece of paper.

2. Place the styrofoam snow into the apothecary jar using the piece of paper as a funnel, filling each jar halfway. Small pieces will stick to the glass to create the effect of snow falling.

3. Place your photos in the jar. For added scenery you could also place small pincecones, deer figurine or a small bottlebrush tree in the jar.

 
 
To the joyful, unexpected surprise that she would be GIFTED with bearing "Emmanuel", Mary sings a beautiful anthem of praise:

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers." Luke 1:46-55


Still to come in the GIFTED Series! Two Sets of Printable Gift Tags, Handmade Gift Ideas and 2011 Calendar. Subscribe now to receive Christmas DIY projects via email or feeder.

GIFTED Day 7 :: Merry and Bright Christmas DIY Projects

My youngest daughter's room is filled with all things girly. Pink and turquoise walls are painted with diamond shapes and embellished with rhinestones. Princess pictures and barbies are everywhere. In fact, she said to her sister, "Bella, this Christmas we have to wake up early! I don't want our dolls in the boxes for too long." She loves her dolls, tea parties and castles.

In honor of that, we decided to brighten up our Christmas decor with these three simple projects.

WHIMSICAL CHRISTMAS TREES DIY PROJECT

Layers of cupcake liners and paper doiles topped with glitter stars create the perfect aesthetic for whimsical Christmas! 

 
Instructions:

1. Cut one large piece of embrodiery thread to desired length, tie a knot at the bottom, and thread with an embrodiery needle. (We trimmed to the length of the window.)

2.  Take 10 cupcake liners and paper dolies and trim each slightly smaller (1/4") than the previous one. For best results, fold in half four times and trim the edge in a half circle. 

3. Thread each paper on the embroidery string, beginning with the largest circle. Add more trees, leaving about 5" space in between. Tie a knot to hold each tree in place.

4. Top the tree by gluing a glittered star to the string.

5. Hang tree garland! 










GLITTERED PINECONES DIY PROJECT

 

Instructions:
1. In a deep bowl, mix 1 part Elmer's Glue and 2 parts water. Alternatively, you can use heavy duty spray adhesive.

2. Dip the pinecones in the glue mixture.

3. Sprinkle glitter over the pinecones and let dry overnight.

HANGING LANTERNS DIY PROJECT

 
Instructions: 

1. Drill a hole in the bottom of a small metal lantern, which can be purchased at Michael's. The size needs to be as large as the tip of the ornament.

2. Paint tacky glue all over the surface of the metal.

3. Sprinkle epson salt over the tacky glue and shake excess off. Let dry overnight. Add glaze glue over the surface of epson salt to adhere top layer.

4. Insert thin ornament inside the drilled hole at the bottom of the lantern and glue in place.

5. Once everything is dry, add tiny ornament bulbs and beads. Tie a ribbon to the lantern handle and hang!

 
Following a star in the east, wise men were GIFTED with the presence of the Bright Morning Star:

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2

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GIFTED Day 6 :: Notions Tree Trimmings

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

I wasn't able to get online yesterday so it's officially, Day 7! Hopefully I can catch up in the next day or two. Now on to today's project!

Here's a small tree fashioned into vintage, homemade style. Just add sewing notions as garlands and ornaments for this design.

Notions Tree Trimming DIY Project



Button Garland: Gather your favorite buttons and string on embroidery thread. 

Vintage Button Packages: Tie to tree branches to use as ornaments.



Spool Garland: String various sized and colored spools of thread with twine.



 

God knit Jesus in Mary's womb so we could be GIFTED with the birth of Messiah:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

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GIFTED Day 5 :: Gift Topper DIY Project + Gathered Ideas

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

GIFT TOPPER

Trade in your metallic for medallion. Rather than using shiny bows, this gift topper is made creating two paper rosettes tied together with twine.




GATHERED IDEAS

Trade in your Sunday newspaper for today's edition of amazing holiday ideas. If you are looking for even more ways to create the perfect handmade holiday, here's some great resources and inspiration. You'll likely need to grab a couple cups of hot cocoa to get through these!

GIFTED Magazine - The ultimate guide to creating your way to Christmas. A talented team of designers collaborated to bring you more than 25 DIY projects and freebies. This free online magazine has more than 200 pages of goodness!

Sweet Paul Magazine - Brimming with delectable sweets and treats for the season. Contributors also share creative projects and decor ideas in more than 100 pages.

Inspired Ideas, Christmas Edition - Full of craft inspiration to deck the halls this Christmas! Projects include wreaths, handmade decor, gift wrapping, gift tags and so much more. Many of the projects contained in this 165 page online magazine are family friendly, making the season even more special.

 
The night sky lit up in brilliance when angels GIFTED shepherds with a glorious telegram from on high:

"The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" Luke 2:10

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