Grateful for Inspiration

I am SO incredibly grateful for the inspiration I gain by visiting others' blogs and seeing the beautiful creations they make.  It helps me so much to get a vision of what I want to create.  Last week, while visiting Melissa Phillips Blog I saw a lovely card she made using the Pretty Party line by Crate Paper.  I had also purchased this adorable line, but needed a push in the right direction.  One of her cards really inspired me, and it helped me to make this card.

I also added in some Echo Park and My Minds' Eye patterned papers as well as some hand-made scrunched seam binding and machine stitching.  I used a Verve stamp for the sentiment.

I got the inspiration for the layout for this card from a darling sketch by Dawny P. at Paper Take Weekly.  Here is a link to their fun challenge:

http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/06/sketch-69.html - Paper Take Weekly Sketch #69


http://vostamps.blogspot.com/2012/06/victorine-challenge-37birthdayhappy.html - Victorine Stamps Challenge #37 - Happy Birthday

http://movingalongwiththetimes.blogspot.com/2012/06/birthday-week-2.html - Moving Along With the Times Challenge Blog - Birthday Week

http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2012/06/himcr-52-freestyle.html - Hiding In My Craft Room - Freestyle/Anything Goes

I would love to hear your thoughts on this card, and I look forward to visiting your blogs to see your creations.  I also hope you're all having a wonderful 4th of July weekend.  We are going ice skating tonight.  I know, that's kind of weird being that we live in the desert, but. . . .my son has been begging to go ice skating, so it sounded like a lot of fun.  I'd enjoy hearing what all of you are doing this weekend.

Thanks for popping by.

Karen

Sunny Saturday

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Las Vegas, Nevada.  But then again, most every summer day is beautiful and sunny here.  Despite the high temps, there was just enough of a breeze out there this morning to interfere with my photographing my cards.  It's so frustrating when you just can't get them to hold still.  Kind of like photographing small children.  Well, I did the best I could; and am still working with a borrowed camera.

I made this card for my Design Team work this week at Word Art Wednesday, but had to change out the scripture because of a type-o.  I apologize for that.  I have recently become aware of some of the little mistakes that people just love to email and point out to me.  We're working on becoming more aware of the mistakes before we post the files.  Please know that we are human, and everyone makes mistakes.  We just feel blessed to share these beautiful scripture files with you each week, and appreciate your patience as we work out the glitches.

I'm sharing this card in the following challenges:

http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/06/sketch-69.html - Paper Take Weekly - Sketch #69 by Dawny P.  This is a darling sketch, and I'm sure you would LOVE to play along.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-sayssporty-and-or-patriotic.html - Simon Says Stamp/Sporty And/Or Patriotic - Since I used primarily red, white and blue (with a little green), I decided to call it Patriotic.  Besides that, nothing is more patriotic than scripture since our awesome country was founded on the principles of the Bible.

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-depth-of-distress.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show Depth of Distress - I inked everything with my Tim Holtz distress inks.  I love that grungy/dirty look.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I've been busy working on some cards for a new challenge blog I'm getting involved with, and I will be posting my first challenge information here this Tuesday.  I hope you will all stop by and play along.  More details on Tuesday - I promise.

Praising God for this beautiful Sunny Saturday,

Karen

Waving My Flag

I was so excited when I saw this week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ, and I knew I wanted to make a card with a flag. Then, when I saw the challenge at Just Rite Stampers, I just had to combine challenges.  There are SO MANY amazing challenge blogs out there.  I'd like to enter them all.   Here is the card I came up with to meet the requirements of each challenge I'm entering.

The picture didn't turn out the greatest, but you can see the basic idea.I used a three-layer chipboard flag that I painted and covered in Basic Grey patterned papers, and then embellished.  Here is the information on the challenges I'm entering this week.

http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2012/06/justrite-friday-challenge-075-color-challenge.html - Just Rite Stampers Color Challenge - My sentiment is from the Just Rite Nested Friendship Sentiments Stamp Set

http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-145-psalm-4610.html - Stampin' Sisters in Christ - Challenge #145 - Use Flags

http://www.craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/06/monday-challenge-61-hot-summer-colors.html - Kimberly's Craft Spot - Hot Summer Colors

I really enjoyed combining these super fun challenges.  I'd love to hear your comments about the card, and I'm also looking forward to visiting your blog to see what you've created this week.  I appreciate you stopping by.  Have a blessed day.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Trying Something New - 1950's Style

I learned today of an awesome challenge blog through my bloggy friend, Hazel who is a Design Team Member at I Love ProMarkers where they have the sweetest theme for their current challenge.  The challenge is to make a 1950's inspired project using ProMarkers.  I have a very limited supply of ProMarkers, and that is why I chose to color an image that didn't need very many colors.  I quickly learned that it is not wise to color on Bazzill or textured cardstock.  The project would have been much cuter if I had drawn the image and colored on flat cardstock, so that is a lesson learned.

I used a vintage sticker on the bottom of the card with a gumball machine on it.  That inspired me to draw another antique gumball machine, so I free-handed this image I used.  Like I said, I don't like the bumpy coloring on it, and really wish I had used flat cardstock, but it was too late.

I used some October Afternoon products, including the two patterned papers and the sentiment stickers.  The ProMarkers work really well for outlining and blending.  I am very new at this technique, and not terribly talented.  I really hope to improve this technique, and to grow my collection of these amazing markers.  This just happens to be the prize you can win in the challenge this week at I Love ProMarkers Blog and I would SO love to win.  My card (with its coloring) is no great work of art, but it is, nonetheless, my humble attempt.  I really loved the 50's theme.

Now that I've rambled on about how I made this card, and told you all about this amazing challenge at I Love ProMarkers Blog - I want to share the link with you so that you can see the amazing inspiration by their Design Team and play along.  So, here is the link:

http://www.ilovepromarkers.blogspot.com/2012/06/122-1950s.html - I Love ProMarkers Challenge Blog - 1950's

This card is also inspired by the WONDERFULLY FUN challenge over at Do You Stack Up Challenge Blog where their current challenge is to make a project that is inspired by a movie.  Did you know that there was a movie called "Bubble Gum"?  Well, it's true.  It was a movie about being a teenager, and it makes you reminisce about the "good old days".  Here is a link to their super fun challenge:

http://www.doyoustackup.blogspot.com/2012/06/dysu-77-inspired-by-movie.html - Do You Stack Up Challenge Blog - Challenge #77 - Inspired By a Movie
My inspiration was the movie, "Bubble Gum"

I also want to share my Design Team project for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  We would LOVE to have you play along in our challenges.  This is how I met Hazel, my new bloggy friend who I mentioned above.  She stopped by to play along in our challenge, and that lead me to the challenge blog where she is a DT Member.  Here is the project I made for Word Art Wednesday:

You can see more of our Design Team's projects by going to Word Art Wednesday and I really do hope that you will consider playing along with us.  We would LOVE to have you.

I'm entering this little trinket box in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-says-anything-but-card.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything But a Card

Thanks for stopping by today.  I have blog candy at the top post on my blog. 

Have a blessed day,
Karen

My Cup Runneth Over: Blog Make-Over

Hello, and welcome to my newly redesigned blog - My Cup Runneth Over.  I am SO excited, and so super grateful to the very talented Viola Mahr for giving my little blog her special touch, and making it look so pretty.  Viola is very talented and gracious person.  She has many beautiful hand-made pins for sale in her lovely Etsy Shop, and she has designed blog banners for several people.  You can see the links on the side-bar of her sweet blog showing all the beautiful blogs she has designed.  On top of all that, she just happens to be one of the most talented card makers I've ever seen.  You will definitely want to browse through her blog and take a peek at her lovely hand-made items.  She is an absolute DOLL, and I am so grateful to God for blessing Viola with the talents she has.  I am even more grateful that she uses those talents to bless others.  This is a BIG shout out and THANK YOU to her.   I'd love to hear what you think about my blog's new look.

I have some really exciting news to share with you all.  I have recently been asked to be a Challenge Host for a great Challenge Blog that is expanding their challenges.  I will be using some WONDERFUL stamp sets, and working with a great bunch of people. I will have more details soon, I promise.

I am also having a GIVE-AWAY to celebrate my new blog make-over.  I will be posting my give-away tomorrow.  I was just TOO excited about my new blog banner to resist making a blog post; regarless of the fact that I have no art to share with you right now.  I just wanted to tell everyone how excited I am about the new blog look, let you know who is responsible for making it look so sweet, start building the excitement about my new stamping endeavors, and announce my give-away.

Thanks for visiting me today to share this excitement with me.  I am SO VERY GRATEFUL for each one of you who visits my little blog, and for the friendships I have made through this outlet.  God is just SO GOOD, and. . . . .

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Using Up "My Stash"

I really wanted to make a second entry for the challenge at Mark's Finest Papers Challenge Blog but I was very limited as to my black and white patterned paper selection.  So, I had to dig into my old stash of papers.  It's a stack of mis-matched paper that I tend to ignore pretty much.  But I'm so glad that I dug out these two black and white patterned papers.  I like how they worked together.  I really tried to keep it simple.  The bicycle stamp is from Prima, and the sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company.  Ink is Ranger, ribbon and brads are from Michaels.  That's about all I used.

Here are the links to the challenges I'm entering with this little stamped card that I made while "using my stash" of patterned papers.

http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/2012/06/speedy-fox-and-friends-challenge-111.html - Speedy Fox and Friends/Mark's Finest Papers Challenge Blog - Challenge #1112 - Black & White

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/pile-it-on-24-lets-get-outdoors.html - Pile it On Challenge Blog - Challenge #24/Let's Get Outdoors

http://www.raisethebarchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-107.html - Raise the Bar Challenge Blog - Challenge #107/Summer

http://www.papercraftstar.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-101-fathers-day.html - Paper Craft Star Chellenge Blog - Challenge #101/Father's Day

I'm super excited about these challenges.  I hope you will let me know what you've been doing to keep busy, and I would love to stop by your blog to take a peek.  Thanks for stopping by to say hello to me today, and have a great week.

Blessings to you,
Karen

Word Art Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and so. . . .it's time for another new challenge at Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog where this week's sponsor is Fred She Said and we would REALLY LOVE to have YOU join in the fun.  Please stop by to check us out and play along.

This is the project I made using this week's free word art/scripture.  I made a wall hanging using a 7 Gypsies 8x8 board, patterned papers  by MME and October Afternoon, a Tim Holtz ticket tag, a Prima velvet stem, miscellaneous flowers, MM trims,vintage buttons, Melissa Frances resin oval, a Freckled Fawn suede leave, Tim Holtz staples, machine stitching and ultra-fine glitter.

Close Up of the free Scripture/word art from Word Art Wednesday:

I am entering this in the following challenges this week:

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-says-stamp-and-show-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes

http://www.paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/06/12-week-23-back-to-kraft-basics.html - Paper Play Challenges - Back to Kraft Basics


http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/pile-it-on-24-lets-get-outdoors.html - Pile it On Challenges - Let's Get Outdoors.  I figured I'd take my card "outdoors to the garden".

Before I go, I am SO super excited about a yard sale find I made this week.  I really wanted to share this beautiful antique watering can with you that I was able to pick up at a yard sale for all of $15.  I have seen them go for $50 in antique stores, and even more on EBay.  This one is really cute, and it still has a working spout.  Many of the older watering cans are missing the spouts.  This one is a good find.  I have several in my back yard, and I one in the garden.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I really hope you will take the time to play along at Word Art Wednesday if you haven't already.  We welcome everyone, and really appreciate having new participants.  So, please help us grow our little challenge blog.  YOU are a blessing to us.

Blessings to you, my blog friends.

Karen

Verve Sketch Kraft Card

This is a little card I made for a friend at church.  I wanted to combine different patterned papers and use this particular scripture stamp from Verve.   I am trying to make the most of the stamps that I DO have and put them to use.  I hope to grow my stamp collection.

I'm entering this card in the super fun challenge at Paper Play Challenges which you can enter by clicking here:
http://www.paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/06/12-week-23-back-to-kraft-basics.html - Paper Play Challenges/Back to Kraft Basics
I just love Kraft paper and tags, paper bags, etc. This paper is from a very old Making Memories line. I think it was called Garden Party, but I'd have to look.

This is a wonderful challenge.  I love the Lawnscaping Challenge Blog AND Lawn Fawn Stamps.

http://www.lawnscaping.blogspot.com/2012/06/lawnscaping-challenge-35-patterned.html - Lawnscaping Challenge #35 - Use Patterned Paper


http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-says-stamp-and-show-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp & Show - Anything Goes


Thanks for stopping by today.  I appreciate your visit.
Karen

Dad, You're A Star

I have a hard time when I'm asked to create outside of my "comfort zone".  But it wouldn't be called a "challenge" if it weren't truly challenging for you to accomplish, right?  So, when I saw the challenge at Lily Pad Challenges when it was first posted, I decided right away to really "challenge" myself with this one, and make my project ON a star.  I knew I could get away with just "putting stars" on it, but I knew that in order for me to consider it a true "challenge", I needed to push myself.  This star, covered in red polka dot paper, sat on my work space for weeks with nothing other than the Father tag on it.  I finally got my "mojo" going on this STAR, and finished it.  This is what I came up with for my "Star Project".

Click on image to view more closely:

Close up showing my little "blunder":
p.s.  GORGEOUS vintage buttons

View of my Kraft Tag and wooden button:

Here is a link to the Lily Pad Star Challenge I mentioned:
http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/05/25/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-star-challenge/ - Lily Pad Challenge Blog - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Star Challenge
VERY cool blog with lots of challenges.

http://www.paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/06/12-week-23-back-to-kraft-basics.html - Paper Play Challengs - Back yo Kraft Basics Challenge
I just LOVE using Kraft items on my projects.  VERY fun challenge for me...

Obviously, I think my dear old Dad is a star.  He is very precious to me, and I thank God that I have such a wonderful, loving Father.  I am also thankful to my Heavenly Father for all the gifts He has given to me.

Have a blessed day,
Karen

Happy Birthday To You

We have so many family birthdays in the summer that I need to remember to stay stocked up on cards for family and friends.  This particular card is for a friend.

http://www.mojomonday.blogspot.com/2012/06/mojo-monday-244-contest.html - Mojo Monday Challenge #244 - I used a Verve Happy Birthday Stamp, vintage buttons, Melissa Frances and Cosmo Cricket patterned papers, lace trim, Ranger ink, MM velvet trim, PTI jute, machine stitching, complicated tag.  (lol)

Here is the Mojo Monday inspiration sketch:

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-69-inspiration-into-unique-sketches-participants.html%20 - Papertrey Ink/Make it Monday #69

Inspiration Into Unique Sketches - I used this sketch from Mojo Monday and tried to just put my own spin on it.  This was my inspiration - I've just had these columns or strips in my mind lately.  The only PTI product I used on this card was the jute I tied in the buttons, and used for the bow.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-saysdiamond-jubilee-crowns-and.html - Simon Says Stamp/Diamonds Jubille, Crowns and Gems - I used some gorgeous "diamonds" on this project.  First, and a little hidden, is a diamond circle buckle slide by Making Memories.  Also, I have a "diamond" vintage button.  I removed the button shank, and the diamond lay flat on the paper. 

I will be doing lots of blog visits today.  I need to catch up on saying hello and visiting everyone's little cubby of cyber-space.  Thanks for visiting me here today.  I greatly appreciate your comments, and will visit you as well.

Blessings,
Karen

You're Simply The Best

I really don't have a lot of stamps.  I gave away hundreds of stamps years ago when I got more involved in scrapbooking.  Now, the trends are turning back to stamps, and there are so many AMAZING stamp companies out there with the most darling stamps.  I wish I could own them ALL, but I cannot.  I have to get by with what I can afford to buy (which is limited right now), and what I have won or been given on-line.  I am very blessed, and appreciate what I have.  I was able to enter a few really fun challenges by utilizing the stamps I do have in my collection.  I would be SO excited to win any of these prizes.

I am entering the challenge (again) at Creative Card Crew with this card.  I made it for my husband, cuz he is the best to all of us.  It made me think of that song by Tina Turner, "You're Simply The Best".  Here is a link to their challenge:
http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-12-song-inspired.html - Creative Card Crew/Song Inspired Challenge #12

"Youre Simply The Best" - by Tina Turner

http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2012/06/justrite-friday-challenge-074-vintage-masculine.html - Just Rite Stamps Friday Chellenge #74 - Vintage Masculine

I used Just Rite Stamp - You're the Best from the Friendship Nested Sentiments Collection

http://www.marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/2012/06/speedy-fox-and-friends-challenge-111.html - Mark's Finest Papers/Speedy Frox and Friends - Black and White Challenge (with another color) - My patterned papers are black and white, and of course, I've added red to make it pop.  I just LOVE this company.  They have the cutest stamp sets, and I would SO love to win.

Also, MME Cowabunga, Oh So Very Cool Die-Cut

Authentique and Melissa Frances patterned papers

Cosmo Cricket Ribbon

Vintage Buttons, jute

Ranger Ink

Machine Stitching

That's about it.

Thanks for stopp by to take a peek.  Have a blessed day.

Karen

Friends Are Friends Forever

Have you ever heard the song, "Friends Are Friends Forever" by Michael W. Smith?  It is a song about having true Proverbs 17:17 friends.  Michael W. Smith a contemporary Christian singer.  I don't know a lot of his music, but I heard this song many years ago when a family was moving away and leaving our church after 25+ years at the church.  It was the first time I really thought about what it means to be, and to have, that kind of Proverbs 17:17 friend.  It's truly rare.  I know that I am forever grateful to God for the people in my life who have shown that kind of friendship toward me.  God is just SO good to give us the gift of friendship.

I made this Friendship card using My Mind's Eye patterned papers, a Crafty Secrets friendship sentiment stamp, Papertrey Ink heart die-cuts, some mini rose buds, inking and machine stitching.  I followed a sketch at Papertrey Ink's Challenge Blog in their Make it Monday Challenge.  You can view their tutorial and see the suggested inspiration suggestions on their blog.

Here are the challenges that inspired my card, and a little bit about each one.

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-69-inspiration-into-unique-sketches-participants.html%20 - PTI Make it Monday - Challenge #69 - Inspiration Into Unique Sketches

I was inspired by a Baby Shower invitation that was on my scrapbook table.  I also incorporated some of the elements from one of the sketches shown on the challenge.  My PTI products are the heart die-cuts (which I absolutely LOVE).

http://www.heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com/2012/06/welcome-to-our-3rd-linky-party.html - Crafty Secrets 3rd Linky Party

I can't say enough nice things about Crafty Secrets.  I love this company.  They have the cutest stamps and products in the world, and the nicest staff I've ever encountered.  My Friendship sentiment stamp is from Crafty Secrets Garden Girl stamp set.

http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-12-song-inspired.html - Creative Card Crew/Song Inspired
Since making this card made me think about the Song "Friends Are Friends Forever" by Michael W. Smith, I decided to enter thid card in this fun song-inspired challenge.

These are all really fun challenges.  I enjoy being inspired in new ways, and I need to get more cards finished anyway, so I keep creating.  I love every minute of it.

Here is the chorus to the song, Friends Are Friends Forever by Michael W. Smith:

And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say, "never", cuz the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know
That a  lifetime's not too long. . . . to live as friends.

This is a link to where you can see and hear the song performed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c

I also wanted to write a little update about my foot.  Since my surgery, I've had a few set-backs.  I tried remaining positive; thinking it was just a slow healing process.  I have one spot on my incision that just would NOT heal.  I finally got the surgeon to take a closer look at it, and he thought that perhaps there really was a problem. Well, come to find out - there was a stitch left in my skin and that's why the incision wouldn't close/heal properly.  I had a procedure done yesterday to remove the stitch, and doc put me on some silver nitrate patches to help heal it.  I remain optimistic that this will be the last set-back, and that I'm really finally on my way to a full recovery.

I am grateful today for friends, family, health insurance, well-trained physicians, and air conditioning (among MANY other things).   And, I am grateful to you for stopping by to say hello.

Have a blessed day!
Karen

When Paris Was a Woman

When I saw the current challenge at Creative Card Crew with the Theme of "Song Inspired", I knew I wanted to play along.  I am SUCH a big lover of all music.  I grew up in the 70s, and I found that generation to be very influenced by music.  I grew up playing piano, and later learned the flute, piccolo, oboe, and clarinet.  I was also in the choirs and small vocal ensembles in Jr. High School and High School.   Music was a BIG part of my life, and influenced me greatly.

I decided to choose the song, When Paris Was a Woman, and to use the mini vintage scraps from Crafty Secrets on my card.   I still needed a couple more cards for my friend, Johannah's, order.  She loves all things Paris, Eiffel Tower, shabby, vintage, etc., so I know she will enjoy this.  She really didn't want sentiments on her cards either.  Her specifications, and SHE IS the customer, after all.  I want to make HER happy.  Right?

So, here is my card:

And here are the links to the two challenges I mentioned above that inspired this card:

http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com/2012/06/welcome-to-our-3rd-linky-party.html - Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage Blog - 3rd Linky Party

http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-12-song-inspired.html - Creative Card Crew - Song Inspired - "When Paris Was a Woman" by: Melissa Manchester

Before I go, I wanted to mention what an AWESOME company Crafty Secrets is.  The staff I've encountered are courteous, warm and generous.  It's rare to find such sweet and giving people, so I just wanted to give them a big SHOUT-OUT.

Have a blessed day!

Karen









Tag. . . .You're It

I've been seeing so many cute tags lately.  I like to use them as bookmarks for my Bible or devotional books, as gifts for friends to do the same, or sometimes, as photo tags.  It's just nice to make something other than a card every once in a while.  I try to make a tag or wall hanging every now and then.  This little tag came through the inspiration in the current challenge at The Craft's Meow blog.  Here is the sketch by Nina.  She has the most amazing challenges (not to mention GORGEOUS products).

And here is the tag I made for the challenge.  I also utilized the back side for my Design Team project at Word Art Wednesday where it is DOUBLE PRIZE WEEK Challenge.

Front View:

Back View:



And here is the link to The Craft's Meow June Sketch Challenge:
http://thecraftsmeowshop.blogspot.com/2012/06/crafts-meow-june-sketch-challenge.html - The Crafts Meow - June Sketch (See Image Above for Sketch Inspiration)

I hope you will also stop by Word Art Wednesday to check out the awesome prizes and play along.  We would be SO blessed to have you.

Have a great week.
Blessings,
Karen

Sending You a Little Prayer

I recently won a challenge at My Craft Spot and won the most DARLING set of stamps from Kimberly's lovely shop.  She has the cutest stamp sets, and they stamp just beautifully!  She also makes the sweetest vintage crinkled seam binding and unique baker's twine.  Very cute stuff, indeeed. I first learned of Kimberly's/My Craft Spot  from my on-line friend, Melissa Phillips' blog.  Melissa uses LOTS of her seam binding on her darling projects.   Kimberly's shop is SO worth visiting - you will love it all, and she also has a super fun challenge each week.  Please stop by and let her know I sent you.  She will be so blessed to have you visit or play along!  And here is one of the sentiments from the stamp set I won on her blog:

When I saw the challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ this week, I knew I wanted to play along.  So, I made this sweet cherub-looking little girl into an angel by adding some Tattered Angels wings that I painted and dusted with glitter.  I'm already seeing where I want to add little snippets of lace or trim.  Here is a link to their challenge this week:

http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/06/challenge-142-isaiah-4026.html - Stampin Sisters in Christ - Challenge #142 - Elements of Heaven:  Angels, Music, etc.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/05/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Another super cute challenge blog I love to visit is The LawnScaping Challenge Blog which happens to be having a really FUN challenge this week.  They have a video and some awesome work from her Design Team.  You might want to take a peek and play along.  Here is a link to their patterned paper challenge:
http://www.lawnscaping.blogspot.com/2012/06/lawnscaping-challenge-35-patterned.html - Use Patterned Paper - Sponsored by Simon Says Stamp

Thank you so much for visiting me today.  I am always so blessed to hear your thoughts, and I look forward to visiting your blogs.  I always love to see what everyone is making.  Don't you?

Have a blessed day!

Karen

It's All About the Ribbon

Sometimes. . . . it all about the ribbon.  You look at something you've made, and notice it's missing something.  For me, more often than not, that "something" is a snippet of lace, ribbon or trim of some sort.  After all, that is what lead to my relationship with most any type of trim that come  by the yard, on a spool, or however it may come.  You can't get enough, in my opinion.  Before I knew it, this was what had happened to one wall of my scrap room.

And I know this will sound crazy, but there are still times when I cannot find the specific ribbon I need (or think I need) for a project.  I know, I'm crazy.  I am really just so grateful to God for all the blessings in my life - including my beautiful ribbon collection.  I am so blessed in so many ways.  I often give BAGS full of ribbon to my friends who make hair bows.  I can give away bags, and you can't even notice its missing.  That's sad.  I do, however, find it amazing how many unique and delightful laces, trims, etc. are out there.  I continue to see new things I've never seen before when I have time to "explore" on the internet.  Amazing.

Here is the card that just needed more trim.

I am entering this card in the following challenges.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/05/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says - Anything Goes

http://fatpageswithattitude.blogspot.co.uk/ - Fat Pages and Cards With Attitude - Anything Goes/Father's Day.  This is most certainly not Father's Day, but more of the "Anything Goes" category.  Although - some Fathers would probably enjoy this card, believe it or not.   OK, maybe not.  LOL

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-says-stamp-and-show-some-texture.html - Simon Says Stamp & Show Vintage Challenge Blog - Simon Says Stamp and Show Some Texture - I had FUN with that challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Blessings!

Karen

Cards for a Valued Customer

One of the many sweet people I've had the privilege of meeting through crafting is a local friend named Johannah.  I met her about a year ago at a craft boutique I was doing in a part of town that's "off my beaten path"; yet I'm so glad I went because it allowed me to meet her there.  Now, when she purchases something from me, we meet on my side of town where all the good Thrift Stores are located.  We both enjoy that quite a bit.  She ordered some cards, and wants a variety of sewing theme, Paris/Europe, flowers, shabby, etc.  Here are a few of the cards I've made for her order.  I have three more to make before her order (of one dozen) is complete.

Since I made these cards, I figured that I would enter some of them in challenges.  Why not, right?   Here are the challenges I'm entering.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/05/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/2012/06/rrr-challenge-49-flowers-and-ribbon.html - Really Reasonable Ribbon - Flowers & Ribbon Challenge - Any of these cards would qualify.  They all have seam binding, and some also have lace.  A girl can NEVER have enough ribbon.

http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/05/challenge/ - Young Crafters Unite - Challenge #10 FLOWERS

Before I go, I want to say a special word of thanks to my dear friends in the Lord, Bill and Holly.  They were gracious enough to loan me a digital camera for a couple of weeks.  It's such a blessing to have friends who are true Proverbs 17:17 friends.  Through thick and thin, they ARE those true friends who are always there for us, and that is very rare in this world.  I am grateful to God for them.

Thanks for stopping to take a peek.  Have a blessed day and a great week.

Karen