FreshRetroGallery by Elizabeth Knaus Shops

Showing posts with label LSB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LSB. Show all posts

Monday, September 7, 2026

Hand-lettered Artist Trading Cards

Have you heard the Word?


Why dive deep into the Word?

 

Does the Word’s hope work for you to bring peace?

Hope is shared. Christ is taught by the Church which holds to Jesus (the Holy Word) as the only source of authoritative truth, judgment or comfort—without twisting, adding to, or subtracting from it.

The beautiful high bar set by our our loving Creator makes it clear and personal: Jesus loves each of us unconditionally because, on our own, failure is an incurable sick condition deserving His wrath, destruction, and eternal condemnation. Thankfully, the unfailing Counselor Great Physician creates and activates the faith for us so we can regularly receive powerful healing medicines: Gospel and Sacraments! Even so, we are free to choose to make up any excuse imaginable to reject, ignore, and walk away from such opportunities, to our own detriment. The best free choice clings to the Divine Gifts from which comes integrity to admit raw truth in the Church alongside other sinners needing forgiveness as the Holy Spirit opens minds to hate what God hates (discernment to not celebrate or be content with what He hates); rather, to earnestly turn from our fallen nature toward the cross of Christ who actively works for us to forgive, strengthen, encourage and establish the work of our hands. 

In my graphic design career, I used God-given intelligence [not artificial intelligence (AI)-generated data], experience and software tools to make original solutions for specific assignments. Lately, I’ve enjoyed creating genuine organic-style art that imperfectly bleeds every now and then. For the graffiti-style background in the following examples, I used a set of real crayons engineered to respond to actual water on a large sheet of watercolor paper I literally cut into 2.5x3.5 inch pieces to hand-letter Bible verses and hymns using a Pilot® pen and Speedball® pen and nibs dipped into a glass jar of Diamine® Grey fountain ink. Glue-stick-attached descriptive ATC backs are available in my Etsy shop. Inspiration came by a free Bible app’s verse-of-the-day, plus, hymns from a gift book I highly recommend, Treasury of Daily Prayer. I like to share by posting on social media Facebook, X, Pinterest and Instagram.

Faithful God artist trading card (ATC) front 

In God, my faithful God, I trust when dark my road; Great woes may overtake me, yet He will not forsake me. My troubles He can alter; His hand lets nothing falter. ✞ Lutheran Service Book 745:1
In God, my faithful God, I trust when dark my road; Great woes may overtake me, yet He will not forsake me. My troubles He can alter; His hand lets nothing falter. ✞ Lutheran Service Book 745:1

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: faithful God. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back. Date created: 7.10.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Lutheran Service Book. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: faithful God. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back. Date created: 7.10.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Lutheran Service Book. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Sure artist trading card (ATC) front 

Philippians 1:6. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: sure. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back, glue. Date created: 7.11.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: sure. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back, glue. Date created: 7.11.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

Word of God artist trading card (ATC) front 

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” Matthew 4:4

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: Word of God. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back, glue. Date created: 7.12.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Word of God. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back, glue. Date created: 7.12.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Exalted artist trading card (ATC) front 

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: exalted. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back. Date created: 7.13.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: exalted. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back. Date created: 7.13.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Keep artist trading card (ATC) front 

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. John 15:10
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. John 15:10

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: Keep. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back, glue. Date created: 7.14.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Keep. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back, glue. Date created: 7.14.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Learn artist trading card (ATC) front

I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. Psalm 119:7
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. Psalm 119:7


Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: learn. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back. Date created: 7.18.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: learn. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, paper, atc back. Date created: 7.18.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

Strength artist trading card (ATC) front

Isaiah 41:10. fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10. fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: Strength. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.18.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Strength. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.18.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Cleansed in the Light artist trading card (ATC) front

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: cleansed in the light. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.20.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: cleansed in the light. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.20.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

The Way artist trading card (ATC) front

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. Psalm 119:30
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. Psalm 119:30
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: the Way. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.21.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: the Way. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.21.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Inspire artist trading card (ATC) front

O Source of uncreated light, The bearer of God's gracious might, Thrice holy fount, thrice holy fire, Our hearts with heav'nly love inspire; Your sacred, healing message bring To sanctify us as we sing. Lutheran Service Book 500 v.2
O Source of uncreated light, The bearer of God's gracious might, Thrice holy fount, thrice holy fire, Our hearts with heav’nly love inspire; Your sacred, healing message bring To sanctify us as we sing. Lutheran Service Book 500 v.2
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: inspire. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.22.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Lutheran Service Book. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: inspire. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.22.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Lutheran Service Book. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Children artist trading card (ATC) front

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: children. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.23.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: children. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.23.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

Creator artist trading card (ATC) front

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: Creator. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.25.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: Creator. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.25.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Hope artist trading card (ATC) front

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: hope. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.26.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: hope. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.26.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Upward artist trading card (ATC) front

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: upward. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.26.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: upward. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.26.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery

Light artist trading card (ATC) front

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
 

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: light. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.30.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: light. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 7.30.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

Hymn prayer artist trading card (ATC) front

Father, hear my prayer, Keep me safe today; Sanctify my thoughts, All I do and say: As I teach the young And esteem the old, May Your Bounteous grace By my life be told. Greet the Rising Sun, Lutheran Service Book 871:2
Father, hear my prayer, Keep me safe today; Sanctify my thoughts, All I do and say: As I teach the young And esteem the old, May Your Bounteous grace By my life be told. Greet the Rising Sun, Lutheran Service Book 871:2

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: hymn-prayer. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 8.3.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Lutheran Service Book. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: hymn-prayer. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 8.3.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Lutheran Service Book. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

It artist trading card (ATC) front

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: it. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 8.3.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
Title of the piece: it. Media used: watercoloring crayon, ink, atc back, paper, glue. Date created: 8.3.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: English Standard Version. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.) freshretrogallery
 

God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Jesus already fulfilled for us everything required for our salvation. Willingly, He was born to live among us, perfectly obey Our Father in heaven, suffer and die—out of love—for us. Risen from the grave, He defeated the devil’s lies, sin, sorrow and even eternal death in hell for us. Christ has authority to blot out our own sin and cleanse us from sins committed against us. Jesus, by grace alone, heals painful consequences and opens the way to peace that surpasses understanding: “in a house of worship when a pastor speaks the word of Christ’s peace in the absolution, such a blessing remains on…penitents trusting in Christ.” Upon the coming destruction of the world is the promised Day of Resurrection when our Redeemer will awaken and gather all trusting Him, past and present, together for life-everlasting in a renewed paradise where sin and tears will no longer exist! 

Check out FAQs about my faith. 

I pray, as you’re able, you’ll go to church with an eager attitude and consider enrolling children in a parochial school. Explore my recommendations in the United States and beyond!

“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” 
Philippians 2:13 

Monday, June 15, 2020

2 Chronicles Bible Sketch

Humble + pray + turn = healing

The Holy Spirit nudges God’s people to humbly pray with thankfulness flowing from our hearts.

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV Bible marker sketch hand lettering

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 ESV

Healing blessings are provided by God

Humbleness is power the Holy Spirit gives believers to
  • know the value of Christ’s suffering
  • take responsibility
  • say: I am sorry
  • get unstuck from the mud of all sin—ours and those committed against us
  • reject temptations to stay in or return to that wrong place
  • seek Christ for mercy, shelter, protection and safety
  • pray and have prayers heard
  • receive cleansing and freedom
  • listen to other’s perspective: thoughts, feelings and experiences
  • take time to process situations
  • have compassion
  • be merciful
  • be genuine 
  • be content with not knowing all the hidden things of God
  • take comfort in Truth
  • have confidence of the presence of God within
  • push forward in joy during both good and hard times
  • be motivated by a pure heart made holy by Christ
  • receive inspiration to share hope in Jesus
Our Creator promises to listen to repentant prayers of believers who seek Jesus. His beloved Son sacrificed out of love for us, was born, lived perfectly, suffered, died, then rose from death and ascended victoriously, so by grace, sinners are saved from punishment deserved. Christ intercedes for all who seek Him—and repeatedly—now until God’s judgement for eternity in heaven or hell. Power to trust the Word, receive forgiveness, embrace grace, healing, hope and peace is beyond understanding—it is a gift of faith.

Read or listen to

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for welcoming us to have personal conversations with You. Help us listen for Your prompts to seek You in every situation and in the beautiful sanctuaries where congregations gather to hear Your Word and receive Your gifts. Thank you for opportunities to attend Church for communion with all believers. Reside in our hearts to equip and motivate us to share Your love. We look forward with joy to the Last Day when Your saving love brings perfect healing of the world You created and unites all believers with You for eternity. Amen.

Monday, June 8, 2020

1 Chronicles Bible Sketch

Give thanks!


I’m praising the Lord for the opportunity to go to church in person for the first time in three months! Covid-19 stay-at-home orders are slowly being lifted! While we waited for the re-opening, we were thankful for people and technology that brought online forms of worship services and Bible studies. God gives us abilities and ways to carry the mission forward and draw people to Himself.

Rhubarb is in season in Minnesota! Thank God before a meal or after dessert. Scripture tells us to pray without ceasing.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” 1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV Bible verse sketch markers doodle hand-lettering.

Thanksgiving is more than general gratitude

Thanking our Creator requires humility because we’d rather think we’re entitled to things. Provisions of food and shelter, protection, mercy, grace, healing and comfort are just a few gifts of God. 
“From a biblical perspective, if body and soul, house and home, wife and children, and the like are to bring us any real satisfaction or joy we must first reckon with the punishment that our sins deserve. Without mercy, without forgiveness and grace, without Christ, there is nothing much to give thanks for since it is all going to be destroyed or sent to perdition.” —David H. Petersen (read more)

Our help is in the goodness of our Lord!

The Holy Spirit works in us so we may listen and look at life’s situations from a full perspective and know God deserves all the glory for everything good.
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14 NIV

His steadfast love endures forever!

Jesus is Lord. In Christ we receive the mercy and everlasting loving kindness of our Creator.

Chronicles contains ancient genealogies, lessons learned from family history, and prophetic hopes for the future. (watch an illustrated summary)

My church’s sanctuary is designed to optimize acoustics so voices—confessions, prayers, sermons, songs of thanks, praise and all types of musical instruments are beautiful there. Chronicles inspired J.S. Bach (read more)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Father in heaven, to You alone do we owe thanks and praise. read more

Pray: Lord, we cannot see the possibilities of Your big picture of love that endures forever if we refuse to open our eyes. Take away our unhealthy assumptions that we know everything when, in truth, only You are all-knowing and have sacrificed all to save us. Forgive us when we forget and decline opportunities to listen well. Put Your genuine love to work within us to discern when to speak and when silence is effective in order to hear and empathize with others. Put helpful words in our mouths to give Your grace to others. Thank you for understanding and holding us while we endure hard things. Thank you for every gift of goodness. Amen.