Love is in the Air

Love is grand, they say.  I know that I've been blessed to love and be loved by the same man for more than 26 years now.  I also know how wonderful it is to experience the love of Jesus Christ.   But what I always find extra exciting is. . . new love.  I've been working on this grocer's bag album for a young couple in our church who will be getting married this August.  I thought Muriel could just use it to attach a few photos to the pages, and tuck away some special memories or trinkets in the pockets.   She is a special young lady who found a super young man, and they're beginning their ministry together as missionaries after their wedding.  What an honor to be so close to this young couple, and to celebrate their love before they prepare to go abroad to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The tag is peeking out of the next pocket a bit.  I love adding dimension on all the pages.  I could just continue adding pins, tags, antique buttons, flowers, and tidbits til' it's bursting.  So sweet.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

I've fallen SO in love with Lily Pad Cards Blog and their fun challenges, inspirational tutorials and more.  This is one of several awesome challenges I've entered at their blog.  This particular challenge is: http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - A Flower Challenge.  And the prize is. . . a $25 Gift Certificate to Simon Says Stamp Store - Woo Hoo.  I wanna win.


Another challenge that I can NEVER resist and will enter it every week I am physically capable of doing so is the wonderful Simon Says Stamp Blog - Anything Goes this week, my friends.  I am sure you will want to enter.  You just may win one of these bad boys.

I know I want it bad.  How about you?

Thanks for stopping by.  I appreciate you far more than words can express.  Have a blessed day!

Karen

Middle of the Week

It's not so bad being "in the middle", is it?  Wednesday is typically known as "hump day" or the half-way point through our week.  I hope it's a good day for you.  I love Wednesdays because it is the day in our week that begins another great challenge at Word Art Wednesday and a new piece of free word art is offered there on the challenge blog.  Here is the card I made with the beautiful scripture art that we were given this week.  It is always a blessing to create art using God's Word.

If you've never played along in the challenges at Word Art Wednesday you should check it out this week.  The only regulation in any of our challenges is to use either scripture or an encouraging quote on your project.  The free scripture is always offered - just right click and save it.  You could also use "Get Well Soon", or "Thinking of You", etc.  As long as it's uplifting - that's the only requirement - EVER.  We hope you will play along and be entered to win a fabulous prize each week.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards Flower Challenge
I found Lily Pad Cards Challenge Blog a couple of months ago, and they really have some fun challenges as well as MANY great tutorials and inspirational projects they share.  Check it out, and play along in one (or more) of their fun challenges.

http://www.tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/2012/03/te-sketch-challenge-155.html - Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #155
Taylored Expressions is a fabulously fun and inspirational challenge blog.  I love this fun sketch, although I did flip it a bit.  You will want to check out this amazing blog as well.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says..Anything Goes

http://justkeeponcreating.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/challenge-1-at-just-keep-on-creating.html - Just Keep on Creating - Anything Goes Challenge

My blog friend, Annette Allen, is part of a fun Blog Hop to show off The Alley Way Stamps new releases.  If you want to participate in a fun blog hop with the chance of winning some awesome new stamps, just click on the link to their blog.

I hope you're having a great "middle of the week day" today.  That weekend will be here before we know it.  Enjoy today, and thank you for stopping by to say hello.

Blessings,
Karen

Two Peas & Two Other Great Challenges

I was super excited this weekend when I finally learned that Two Peas in a Bucket has a blog.  I happened across it, enjoyed an awesome blog hop, and even won a gift certificate to boot (woo hoo!!).  So, I decided to see if they offer any challenges, and I found that they offer several. Here is a link to the challenge where my project is posted:
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/member/136634-umcscrappinmama/1813305-challenge-scraplift-jennifer-gallachers-layout/?c=t

I took several elements from Jennifer Gallacher's  layout and implemented her ideas to design this sweet little paper bag album.  I definitely put my own twist on it when I "lifted" her work, but I loved so many elements from her layout that it was easy to get creative.

Thanks for taking a peek.  I just got it linked up at TwoPeas.  You will definitely want to check out all the fun on their new blog at www.twopeasinabucket.typepad.com  and if you aren't already a Pea, you should become one today.  I think I'm a "Bucket Head". . . .whatever that means.  Two Peas also has one of the best and most inspirational galleries on the entire internet.  You can great lots of great ideas there.  Check it out today.  I promise that you won't be disappointed.

I'm also entering this card in the new week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Blog which is asking us to pile on some embellishments. I certainly did that with this project.  Here is a link to their challenge:
http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/03/challenge-132-romans-831b-32.html - Challenge #132

Finally, I'm entering this project in the challenge at Paper Sundaes.  Here is a link to that challenge which just started today:  http://www.papersundaes.blogspot.com/2012/03/paper-sundaes-challenge-113-spring.html - Spring Blossoms

God's blessings to you,
Karen
a.k.a. UMCScrappinMama on TwoPeas

Simon Says. . . .BINGO

This is my second post for today.  I've been motivated to create and enter the fun BINGO challenge taking place this week at Simon Says Stamp Blog.  My BINGO is Flower, Glitter and Brads.

I just got busy crafting, and decided to post another card.  This HELLO card is made from Basic Grey Lemonade patterned papers and embellishments, PTI button card die cut tag and stamps, vintage buttons and one button brad, Krilon spray adhesive and Martha Stewart ultra-fine glitter, DMC floss, Maya Road stick pins, Making Memories flowers, PTI jute, dollar store ribbon, spool from Michaels, ink by Ranger, and machine stitching.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-sayslets-play-bingo.html - BINGO Challenge

This is always a fun challenge with a great prize.  That's why I can't resist entering.  How about YOU?

Have a blessed day,

Karen

So Grateful for Blog Friends

I've been blessed to have met SO many talented and kind people since I started my blog.  One of those people who has not only been an inspiration, but also a blessing to me, is Alicia Thelin.  She is talented and kind, and because I finally clicked on a link - I found The Playdate Cafe where they have a beautiful inspiration challenge.  This is the inspiration photo.  Check it out!

Here is my card:

Here is a link to their challenge and awesome blog:
http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/2012/03/play-date-cafe-pdcc124.html - Play Date Cafe Challenge #124

I am also entering this card in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp Blog which is a BINGO Challenge.  My BINGO is Brad (by K & Co.), Ticket/Tag (forever by Mystic Press and mini Office Depot) and Ribbon (Making Memories).
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-sayslets-play-bingo.html - BINGO

These are both wonderful blogs with awesome fun, so be sure to enter your creations!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Karen

I Just Can't Resist

I know, it's terrible and I need to stop.  But when I see something beautiful, I MUST have it.  When I first saw this beautiful flower print paper from My Mind's Eye, I knew immediately that I just HAD to get my hands on it.  I fell in love with the soft flowers in this print.  It is part of the Lost & Found Two Blush Line.  Yummy, isn't it?  It seems that the more I look, the more I find myself unable to resist all the beautiful products available out there.  There are certain companies whose products just NEVER disappoint, and My Mind's Eye is just one of those companies.

I made this card using the following supplies/techniques:
Patterned Paper:  My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Two - Blush Line
Stickers, Embellishments, Buttons, Sentiment Card - My Mind's Eye
Vintage Lace
Vintage Dress Pattern - Gathered and Sewed
Linen Tape - Vintage Street Market - on PP
Circle Punch - Fiskars
Machine Sewing
Ink:  Ranger

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

http://mymindseye.typepad.com/blog/2012/03/blog-challenge-33-card.html - Challenge #33 Based on a Sketch

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-sayslets-play-bingo.html - Let's Play Bingo.  My BINGO is Glitter, Lace and a Punch

http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/03/6-vintage.html - Vintage Challenge at Creative Card Crew

As a side note, I'm applying for a Guest Design Team position at Paper Take Weekly through this post.  Wish me luck.

Hope you're having a great day.  I know I'm ready for the weekend.  How about you?

Blessings,
Karen

The Power of Prayer

Never underestimate the power of prayer.  When we tell someone, "I'm praying for you", we should really mean it.  It only takes a moment to pray for someone, and if we say we're going to do it, then we should.  Why?  Because God answers prayer.  He hears us when we pray to Him, and He will always answer our prayers.  Yes, we are to praise Him and thank Him, but to "pray" means to "ask" literally.  Let Him hear you ask for the things you need, or for the needs of others, and NEVER underestimate the power of prayer.

I made this mini layout for a friend of mine who was recently hospitalized.  I want her to know that it's not just a sweet saying, and that I really am praying that she will soon be well.  I use these mini layouts to attach a photo on the back side so that the recipient can always remember the occasion for which it is given.  I will be including a photo of the two of us from when I visited her in the hospital.

Here's my supply list for this card:
Patterned Paper - My Mind's Eye
Sentiment Stamp - Our Daily Bread/Get Well Set
Diecut:  Spellbinders
Ink:  Ranger
Pearl Swirls - Zva Creative
Flowers - Jolee's
Leaves - Prima
Cardstock - Bazzill
Charm - Maude & Millie
Mini Tag - Office Depot
Machine Stitching, DMC Floss

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/3rd-tuesday-odbdlyls15-scrapbook.html - Use Our Daily Bread Stamp and Fruit and/or Flowers

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-sayslets-play-bingo.html - Let's Play Bingo
My BINGO is Flowers, Pearls and Charms

http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/bling-and-glittersparkle.html - The Craft Room Challenge - Bling and Glitter/Sparkle

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today.  I would encourage you all to remember to pray/ask for yourself and for others' needs, and to NEVER underestimate the power of prayer.

My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

Paper Sundaes and Word Art Wednesday

Happy "middle of the week" everyone.  The weekend is getting closer by the minute - YAY.  But for today, I have a little card to share with you that I made last night.

I'm entering this card in the current challenge at Paper Sundaes where there is a beautiful photo inspiration.  You can check out this fun challenge on their awesome blog by clicking this link:
http://www.papersundaes.blogspot.com/2012/03/paper-sundaes-112-photo-inspiration.html - Photo Inspiration

I'm also entering Diana Larson's Thankful Thursday Challenge.  Here is the link:
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-15-2012thursday-dlart-thankful.html

This is also my Word Art for this week at Word Art Wednesday where you can enter any project using either scripture or an encouraging quote.  There is free Word Art on the blog for you to use in your project if you like - this week it is 1 Corinthians 13:13 which I used in my card.  We would LOVE to have you join the challenge for a chance to win a great prize.  Come by the blog to check it out.

Have a wonderful day,
Karen

My Mind's Eye Card Challenge

I absolutely LOVE My Mind's Eye products.  I made this card using their beautiful products.  I am entering it in their Blog Challenge #33.  You can read all about it right here:
http://mymindseye.typepad.com/blog/2012/03/blog-challenge-33-card.html - Your Choice (Based on a Sketch)

I used the following MME and these other products:
Patterned Papers - MME Stella & Rose and Quite Contrary
Embellishments (Chipboard, Stickers, Journaling Spot) - MME Stella & Rose
Bazzill cardstock
Recollections mini flower
Prima lace
Martha Stewart doily sprayed with Wheatfields Glimmer Mist
Queen & Co pearl stickers
Machine Sewing
Crate Paper Rub-on
Burlap  - Jest Charming
Baker's Twine - The Twinery

Wow, it sounds like the card would be primarily other products, but even though I used little snippets of things here and there, it is mostly MME - which I just LOVE.

I'm also entering this card in the challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ to celebrate the Season.  I love the bright colors.  Check it out here:
http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/03/challenge-131-psalm-10419.html

And the beautiful Color Challenge at Paper Sundaes.  Check out this link:
http://www.papersundaes.blogspot.com/2012/03/paper-sundaes-112-photo-inspiration.html

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this card.  The photo turned out a little blurry, but that's my camera I think.  Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

What a Beautiful Day

I hope it's sunny and beautiful where you are today.  Here in Las Vegas, it is warm and sunny.  It's only about 60 degrees, but it will get a little warmer throughout the day.  And since the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day - inside and out.  Hope you're all enjoying this day that God has given us.

I've been enjoying having my daughter home from college.  She heads back tomorrow.  Things are never quite the same without her, but we're just making the most of each day with her.  And when she heads back to college, we know that God has her right where He wants her for now.

I made this card last night while my kids were out bowling.  Since I physically can't bowl any more, I used the time in my craft room.

I'm entering it in these 3 challenges:

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-bit-o-green.html - Simon Says: A Bit-O-Green

http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-stamp-and-show-anything-goes.html - Anything Goes

http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/all-change-and-some-shabby-vintage.html - Shabby Vintage

We had a fun St. Patrick's Day yesterday, and are just enjoying family.  What are YOU doing on this beautiful day?  I love to hear from you.

Blessings,
Karen

All Things Vintage

I just love "vintage" things.  When I'm visiting my parents in Minnesota, I really enjoy going to antique stores and spending hours just searching through all the rooms in the antique stores looking at all sorts of trinkets and bobbets I can use in my crafting.  I have been really blessed to have these opportunities to look for vintage treasures.  This little card I made today doesn't have anything truly vintage on it, but it has that shabby feeling.  I used a little bit of vintage lace and lots of October Afternoon papers, some PTI felt, and machine sewing.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/all-change-and-some-shabby-vintage.html - Shabby and Vintage (that's my card)

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/16/the-stamps-of-life-presents-virginias-view-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards:  Virginia's View.  It is based on this inspiration photo:

And last, but certainly NOT least by ANY means:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-bit-o-green.html - Simon Says. . . A Bit-O-Green

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/pile-it-on-11-st-patricks-day-andor.html - St. Patrick's or Shades of Green - I absolutely LOVE Pile it On's Challenges.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Enjoy your weekend, and I will be popping by your blogs to take a peek at your creations.

Blessings,
Karen

Feeling Crafty

I am feeling crafty today.  How about you?  I really wanted to jump on the St. Patrick's Day/Green Challenges that are currently taking place at a few different challenge blogs, so I created this card using a new Jenni Bowlin stamp I just got.

I used patterned paper from My Mind's Eye and Girls' Paperie, half a doily, Bazzill French Vanilla cardstock, Tim Holtz Ink, my new Jenni Bowlin stamp, hand-made scrunched seam binding (color is Wheatfields), machine stitching, buttons with baker's twine, a Kaiser rub-on, and some trims.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-bit-o-green.html - Simon Says - A Bit-O-Green

http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/all-change-and-some-shabby-vintage.html - The Craft Room - Shabby Vintage Challenge

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/pile-it-on-11-st-patricks-day-andor.html - Pile It On - St. Patrick's Day/Shades of Green Challenge

I love all three of these challenge blogs.  I hope you will take the time to check out these amazing challenges if you haven't already linked up.  I am also very excited for St. Patrick's Day.  My husband is a "Wee Bit-O-Irish", so I always make corned beef and cabbage for dinner.  And this year, I will also be trying an Irish dessert recipe that I got from my new Irish blogging friend, Lee.  She shared a traditional Irish dessert recipe with me, and I'm super excited to try it.

I hope you're enjoying your week, and hope you're all "feeling crafty" as well.  Thanks for stopping by, and good luck (the Luck-O-the-Irish) to you in your challenges this week.

God's blessings to you all,
Karen

This is The Day

I know that sometimes I fail miserably.  I try to make the most of each day, but sometimes. . . . I'm just plain lazy.  That's not a good use of my time.  We're supposed to make the most of each day that God has given us - and we're supposed to do things that matter - things with eternal value.  I keep this verse in my mind when I start to feel lazy, and God gives me the "push" I need to accomplish things for Him.  Psalm 188:24  "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoive and be glad in it."

I made this card last night based on a couple different challenges I wanted to enter.  I needed it to fit the criteria for the various challenge requirements.  I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

Supplies:
Papertrey Ink:  Chartreuse wool felt, flower die cut, sentiment stamp
My Mind's Eye:  Patterned Papers
Heidi Grace:  Button Brads (gingham)
Making Memories:  Trim
Martha Stewart:  Border Punch
The Twinery:  Baker's Twine
Scrappy Cat:  Butterfly Stamp and Background/Texture Stamp (for technique)
Other:  Vintage buttons, wool felt, machine stitching, pearl accent stickers, Tim Holtz Ink

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/03/make-it-monday-57-colored-kissing.html - Make It Monday #57 Colored Kissing - I stamped my butterfly image in bright pink and used a background stamp using this fun "kissing" technique stamped in purple (Tim Holtz ink)

http://www.sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-198-10th-march-sponsored-by-simon.html - Challenge #198 - Based on a Sketch
You can see this awesome sketch by clicking the link above, and YOU can play along

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-mothers-dayspecial-girl.html - Mother's Day or A Special Girl

My goal for today is to make the most of this beautiful day God has given me.  By the way, our precious Lily is home from college for Spring Break (for a whole week - yeah).  I hope you are having a great day as well.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings to you,
Karen

A Special Girl

In addition to being a Mommy and having the most amazing children God could have ever given me, there's something so special about being an Auntie.  I have been blessed with 12 nieces and 5 nephews.  And now, I'm even a Great Auntie to Gideon, who is almost 3, and to Leilah, who is just one year old.  Time sure does fly by, and these special children in my life are growing up so quickly.  My first niece ever was Margaret.  She was born in Germany and I didn't get to meet her until she was almost a year old.  She is now turning 24.  Where has the time gone?

When I saw the challenge for this week at Simon Says Stamp Blog I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for me to make a special Birthday gift for Margaret.  When she was little, I would do special and cute little things for her.  I hope that this little card will remind her of those special little things.  I'm going to fill the pocket (a glassine bag in back) I adhered this card to - with her favorite treats and a Starbucks gift card.

So, I'm entering this project in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp which, for this week's challenge, is supposed to be for a Special Girl (which Margaret is), or a Mother's Day project.  Here is a link to their current challenge.  This is my luck week - I can just feel it (LOL).
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-mothers-dayspecial-girl.html - Mother's Day/Special Girl Challenge

I'd love to hear about a special someone in your life that you've made, or are making, a speical treat for this week.  Thanks for stopping by to take a peek and say hello.

Blessings,
Karen

A Busy Wednesday

It's only 9:30 AM on Wednesday morning as I make this post, and it is my second post of the day.  I can't help myself.  I have found some fun new challenges, and I want to give them a try, so I've been busy crafting today.

I got the basic idea for this card from the wonderfully talented Julia Stainton.  She is always inspiring me.  Here is a link to her card where I got my inspiration:  Merci Beaucoup Card by Julia

I'm entering the above card in the challenge at Lily Pad Cards.  Here is a link to that challenge:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/02/24/5639/ - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Kissing Challenge


The next card I made is a new concept for me.  It's a clear card, and I am entering this card in a challenge at Young Crafters Unite which is new challenge blog to me.  I will always be young at heart, and am always open to learning new things - so that helps to keep me a "young crafter".  Here is the link to that amazingly fun challenge:
http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/02/challenge-7-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Challenge #7 - Clear Cards

If you love fun challenges, and don't mind trying new techniques, you will want to check out both of these fun challenges.  I really had fun with both of them, and am crossing my fingers for the best possible results.  I'd sure love to win.

I hope you're having a great week.  Make the most of every day.
Blessings,
Karen

God Answers Prayer

It's always exciting to see God answer prayer.  Sometimes, people tend to think that God hasn't answered their prayer simply because they didn't get the answer they wanted.  If God doesn't answer prayer the way you want Him to, that doesn't mean that He didn't answer.  It simply means that He said, "no", or that He had something else that He knew would be better than the outcome you possibly anticipated or desired.  His ways are higher, His ways are better, and His ways are always going to be according to His will.  It also, often times, takes much longer to see the answer we desire, but we must always remember that His timing is perfect.  We want results NOW and we want our way.  But, the Bible tells us that He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Today starts a new challenge at Word Art Wednesday and there's a new piece of free word art available for you on the blog.  This is the project I made using this week's word art.  This is something different for me.  I tend to make a lot of cards and mini albums, but this one is a trinket box.  I just love how it turned out.

I used a paper mache box, painted it cream, then painted on a thin layer of Modge Podge, and covered the box with vintage sheet music.  I adhered the quote to the front of the box with some little gems to accent the corners.  On the top of the box, I added a pink glass drawer pull as a handle, some Prima flowers and leaves, a music doily, and then sprayed it with spray adhesive and covered it with ultra-fine glitter.

I'm entering this project in the challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp -  Here is the link:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/03/simon-says-mothers-dayspecial-girl.html - Mother's Day

Thanks for taking a peek.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  I just wanted to share with everyone that I saw God answer prayer this week.  It's like seeing a miracle right before your eyes.  God always answers prayer, and I praise Him for that.

My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

Simplify

I think we can all agree that life is busy.  We all have things on our plate that we need to deal with on a daily basis.  Some of them are a joy - such as caring for our family, serving God and helping friends.  Other responsibilities can become a burden.  Don't you all think that when something becomes a burden, and isn't a "must do" responsibility in your life, that it's better to simplify?  Well, I know that I needed to simplify, and so I did.  But why is it that sometimes.....it's harder for others to support us in those decisions?  I don't get it.  If it's what's best for someone, then you should feel the love and support of anyone who truly is "a friend".  I guess that's where you find out who really is a friend, or a good person, and who - quite simply - is not.  I am SO grateful for all the people in my life who support me in my decision to SIMPLIFY.

I made this card for the Make it Monday Challenge at Nicole Heady's blog for Papertrey Ink.  Betsy Veldman did a wonderful tutorial (check it out) on how to cut a partial die-cut.  She did a MUCH better job on hers, naturally, because she is Betsy.  But I did what I could with what I have.  I  really don't have the right die cut and matching stamp set for this challenge, but I did what I could.  Here is a link to Nicole's Blog where you can see Betsy's amazing tutorial, and enter the challenge:
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/03/make-it-monday-56-die-cutting-partial-images.html - Make it Monday - Cutting Partial Images

I'm also entering this card in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp.  Why, you ask?  Because, quite simply, I want to win.  LOL
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I wish you all the very best with whatever challenges, contests, design team applications, family issues, or any other situation in which you find yourselves this week.  I encourage you all to SIMPLIFY and focus on what really matters.  And most of all, have a blessed week.

Hugs,

Karen

Just Keep Trying

One of lessons I've taught my children is "to just keep trying" when you fail at something you really want to accomplish.  I'm finding myself having to heed my own advice and learn the same lesson.  I really want something, and I will keep trying until I succeed, or until God shuts the door on the opportunity.  Even if nobody comes to my blog to see or comment, I won't give up on my dreams and goals.  So, I just keep trying.

I got the idea for this card from another card that was published in the March issue of CARDS magazine by the talented Geri Freeman. I'm entering it in the following challenges:

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/02/make-it-monday-55-creating-large-frames-with-smaller-frame-stamps.html - Make it Monday Challenge
I'm not at all happy with the way my frames turned out (based on the tutorial and challenge), but I didn't have an appropriate frame stamp.  So, this is as good as it's gonna get for today.  I am SO in love with Papertrey Ink.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Anything Goes

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/02/24/5639/ - Kissing Stamps Challenge

I encourage anyone reading this blog post to "just keep trying" when there's something you really want.  I believe it will worth it in the long run.

Blessings,
Karen

Two Super Challenges

Happy Saturday, blog friends.  I hope you're all having a great weekend.  I'd love to hear what you're doing this weekend.  I am taking it easy, doing some crafting, house cleaning, and later - I will take my son to get a haircut because HE NEEDS ONE BADLY.  How about you?  What are you up to?

I'm super excited to enter the following two challenges.  First, a new challenge blog to me that I've never entered before, but I'm SUPER excited about.  It's Lily Pad Cards Challenge www.lilypad.inlinkz.com and they're having a "Simon Says Stamp Presents a Kissing Challenge" where you need to create a card/project where two or more stamps are "kissing" or overlapping one another.  Here is the link for that challenge:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/02/24/5639/ - A "Kissing Challenge"

I am also entering this little card in the challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp Blog and here is the link for that super fun challenge.  http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Anything Goes

I really do hope you're having a blessed day.  I'm just counting my blessings, and you are on that list.  Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

So Happy Together

I must say, I have a very blessed life.  But, when I get the opportunity to spend a week with my best friend of 42 years, Patti Lyn, it just THRILLS me.  I got to spend seven days with Patti Lyn here at my house recently.  I actually can't believe she's been gone a whole week today.   I'm already looking forward to our next time together, cuz it makes me SO HAPPY.  I guess I need to plan a trip to her house.  She is that "forever kind of friend", a true Proverbs 17:17 friend.  Lots of people are what I like to call "fair weather friends", but not Patti Lyn.  She is there for me, and I am there for her NO MATTER WHAT.  What a blessing to be SO happy when we are together, and even when we're apart; just knowing she loves me so much.  I am truly blessed in SO many ways.

Here's a fun little card that Patti Lyn and I made while she was here.  I needed a few more Birthday cards, and I like how this one turned out.  I am so in love with the new Prima Toggle Buttons which you can purchase at Simon Says Stamp Store and they are vintage looking and adorable.

I am entering this card in this week's challenge at Simon Says Stamp.  This week is an Anything Goes Challenge, and I'm still chasing that dream.  So, here is the link to their amazing and fun challenge.
I used Jenni Bowlin products on this card, along with a few other items including those super cute Prima Toggle Buttons I mentioned.  I hope you like it.  I was thinking it could be used for either a guy or a gal.  Here is the link to their awesome challenge:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Anything Goes

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today.  I hope you're having a wonderful week.  Please know that I am grateful for you, and for your kind comments.

Many Blessings,

Karen