Summertime Pretties

I've been having a wonderful summer, and I've seen some very cool and beautiful things as I've travelled.  But one of the most beautiful things I've seen, and something that really makes me think of Summer are the flowers.   I just love seeing gardens of flowers, and seeing all the beautiful Summer blooms.  When I saw all the Summer themed challenges on different challenge blogs this week, I knew that I wanted to use flowers as my focal point.

This Summer card was made using Crate Paper's Pretty Party line, a Kaiser Craft wooden dress form, some buttons, hand-made scrunched seam binding, a sentiment stamp from Mark's Finest Papers, a Recollections flower, a PTI die cut, and a Freckled Fawn doily, among other goodies.  I've entered this card in the Simple Salutations Challenge on Speedy TV.

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges:

http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/07/week-125-sweet-summertime.html - The Shabby Tea Room - Week #125 - Sweet Summertime

http://www.vostamps.blogspot.com/2012/07/victorine-originals-challenge-39.html - Victorine Originals Stamps - Challenge #39 - Sweet Summertime

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-what-do-you-say.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show - What Do You Say?  I said.....Sew, What's New?

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/07/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

http://theribbonreelchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-33-button-it.html - The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog - Challenge #33 - Button It - Have you noticed that I just LOVE using buttons on my projects?

I sure hope that all of you are enjoying your Summer.  Don't forget to take time to stop and smell the roses. . . literally.  I praise God for the beauty of Summer, and for the pretty flowers He has given us to enjoy.  I'm also grateful for each of you, and I'm so glad you've stopped by to say hello.

Have a blessed day,

Karen

Christmas in July

There are several challenge blogs out there that are celebrating Christmas in July, so I thought I'd jump on that band wagon and play along.  I made this little card using a card set, poinsettias, a stick pin, sticker, buttons, a flower, etc. from Making Memories' Mistletoe line, which is an older line, but I love it and own a lot of it.  I stamped the Christmas sentiment using a Just Rite stamp, and placed it on a Spellbinders die cut and inked it using Tim Holtz' Brick ink.  It's nothing too terribly special, but here it is:

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2012/07/justrite-friday-challenge-078-christmas-in-july.html - Just Rite Stampers Challenge Blog Presents Christmas in July - Challenge #78

http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-challenge-63-christmas-in-july.html - My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #63 - Christmas in July

http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/simon-saysanything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

http://theribbonreelchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-33-button-it.html - The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog - Challenge #33 - Button It

Thanks for stopping by to say hello.  I appreciate your visit, and hope you are having a wonderful week.  I look forward to visiting your blogs this week as well.

Blessings,
Karen

Never, Never, NEVER Give Up

Well, I'm still on vacation.  I'm in Stillwater, MN right now.  I spent one week with my Mom in Duluth, and this week I am with my BFF of 42 years, Patti Lyn.  Patti is my scrappin' buddy and my best friend in the whole wide world.  We met at age 4 or 5 (not exactly sure), but we were neighbors, we went to Kindergarten together, and have been "besties" ever since.  We've made a lot of cute things (mini albums and cards) since I've been here, and I can't wait to share some of them with you here on my blog when I get home and have the time to photograph and share them.  Right now, I'm just having too much fun creating, laughing, going to antique stores, and just having FUN.  This week is flying by MUCH too quickly.

This is the card I made for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday long before I left town.  I got ALL my Design Team projects completed before I left town.  That's why I haven't been posting anything.  My apologies to Word Art Wednesday and Mark's Finest Papers for my "disappearance" these two weeks.  I will be back to "normal" the second week in August.  Life is just CRAZY BUSY right now.  The prize this week at Word Art Wednesday is an antique floal frog that I got at an antique store in Stillwater, Minnesota on Monday.   It's SO cute, and it can be YOURS - just stop by and link up a project with us.

Since I'm on-line (in the middle of the night, mind you), I am entering this card in some challenges.

http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-149-matthew-1130.html - Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #149 - Make a CAS Card

http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges - Really Reasonable Ribbon - Summer Colors - For me, that means FLOWERS.


http://www.mycraftingchannel.com/2012/07/fabric-friday-4-winner-announced.html - My Crafting Challenge - Fabric Friday.  I entered this by invitation from Nana.  Check out her awesome fun blog for lots of exciting challenges and give-aways, not to mention - inspiration galore.

http://theribbonreelchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-33-button-it.html - The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog - Button It

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do look forward to getting back to my regular blogging in a week or so.  Hope you're all enjoying your Summer.  And remember, NEVER GIVE UP.  Anything in life that is worth having is worth working hard to achieve, so don't give up.

Blessings to you all,

Karen

It's Your Day Doll

One of my favorite scrapbook/crafty companies is Crafty Secrets because of their shabby, vintage cuteness.  If you're not familiar with this awesome company, I would HIGHLY suggest clicking on the above link to visit their store and their inspirational blog.  They have the cutest products which are showcased beautifully on their blog.  I own a few of their adorable stamp sets, and truth be told - I would own them all if I could afford to do so.  They make darling products, and they are incredibly versatile.  They also have one of the sweetest, most caring and generous staffs I've ever encountered.  They're just an overall AWESOME company.

This week at The Shabby Tea Room Challenge Blog they are having a challenge sponsored by Crafty Secrets so I knew right away that I just had to enter.  The Shabby Tea Room is an adorable challenge blog where they inspire you to create and share your shabby, vintage, elegant creations.  This is the inspiration photo for this week's challenge:

Here is a link to their fun challenge:
http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/07/week-122-elegance-lace.html - The Shabby Tea Room Presents a Lace and Elegance Challenge - Sponsored by Crafty Secrets

You are required to use the colors white/cream, pink, kraft and lace.  I LOVED this combination and ran with it.  I used a piece of corrugated cardboard and left it kinda "roughed up", then I touched it with some cream paint here and there.  Then, I stamped this adorable little girl from Crafty Secrets' All Dolled Up stamp set, and also stamped the costume with wings, which I colored and glittered to layer on top with 3-D adhesive tape to give it dimension.  Then, I painted and glittered a Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips mirror and put a piece of aluminum foil behind it to look like glass/reflection.  I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set, tied on some of my hand-made scrunched seam binding in Pink Bubblegum, added some gems/pearls, little roses, vintage lace, trim and string of pearls at the bottom.  Here is my finished project.

I am so in love with this stamp set, but like I said - ALL of Crafty Secrets products are this cute.  You simply can't go wrong with their stuff.  It's amazing.  And like I've shared before. . . . I don't have "good markers".  This was done with my lame markers, except for the few Copics I own in flesh tones.  I'm going to make this the cover of a mini book I'm working on for my niece, Alexa.  She can put all her photos from her dance recitals in it.  SUPER CUTE. . . .don't you think?  Check out Crafty Secrets Store to see more of their wonderful products.

I'm also entering this project in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp & Show.  Here is the link for their super fun challenge.  http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-layered.html - Layed Projects.  I layered the girl's outfit with 3-D tape, and also layered the laces/trims.

The Ribbon Reel has a fun photo inspiration challenge right now as well.  This project fits right in with that photo and challenge as well, so I thought I would try my hand at it.  The Ribbon Reel has amazing ribbons and trims, so I would LOVE to win this.  Here is the challenge link:

http://theribbonreelchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-32-sweet-sparkles.html - The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog - Sweet Sparkles
I was VERY inspired by this sweet challenge.  My "heart" for the required element is on the inside of the book.  I'm sorry I didn't post a picture of the inside so that you could see it, but I promise - it's there.

Thanks for stopping by to say hello.  I look forward to visiting your blogs tonight before I fly away tomorrow afternoon.  Hope you're all having a blessed week.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Christmas Spoon Revisited

I wasn't planning on making another post today, but. . . . when I saw the challenge at ABC Christmas Challenge Blog, I just knew I had to participate.  I've made these altered wooden spoons in the past, but I will never pass up the opportunity to whip up another one because they are ADORABLE, and they sell really well at my Christmas Boutique in December.  So, now I have another one ready for this year's boutique.  Please note that this was NOT my original idea.  I found the idea on Michele Kovak's Blog and she also has an in-depth, detailed tutorial showing you how to create one for yourself.  Here's the link to her awesome tutorial:  Altered Wooden Spoon Tutorial
I did get her permission to recreate and share my finished project.

Here's my finished spoon:

This photo here (below) shows what the project looks like when you open the hidden photo mats.  Please note that this photo (below) is from Michele's Blog because she got an awesome picture of it opened, and I was unable to get a good picture of what it looks like when open.  It's just adorable.

Here is a link to this AWESOME FUN challenge at ABC Christmas Challenge Blog.

http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.dk/2012/07/n-for-not-card_11.html - N is for NOT a card.

Thanks for taking a peek.  I'm sure Michele would also love to have you visit her sweet little blog.  She is an amazingly talented crafter, and a sweet and generous woman.  You are sure to be blessed when you peek in on her craftiness.

Hugs,
Karen

For a Dear and Beautiful Friend

Summer is such a fun and busy time.  How can something be busy, and still be relaxing at the same time?  I can't quite explain it, but I really do love the Summer.  My biggest relief is that I have a short period of time off from homeschooling my son.  While "schooling" is a 24/7 - 365 day a year activity in many ways, the actual lesson plans are completed.  The kind of "schooling" we do in the Summer months is less stressful.  I know that Andrew is also grateful for the break.  Yet somehow, things are still busy.  And because I'm going on vacation this Friday, I got my crafting for my Design Team responsibilities done ahead of time.

This card I made for Word Art Wednesday was created for a dear and beautiful friend of mine.  Her name is Noni Dethmers, and she is a wonderful, strong, sweet woman of God.  She has raised (is raising) her six children for the Lord and is an inspiration to me in so many ways.  She and her family moved away from Las Vegas a few years ago, and I miss her terribly.  Her son, James, will be getting married in a week or so.  I made this card for her, and I already sent it to her.  It has the names of her six children, and even the name of her new daughter-in-law, tucked inside the pocket.  It turned out kinda cute.  I hope it will be a blessing to her.

I would like to invite you all to join us this week at Word Art Wednesday for another fun challenge.  We have a new scripture/word art file which is Isaiah 54:13 shown in my photo above.  You are not ever required to use the free word art files, but they are there for you to save to your comuter and enjoy.  You can enter our challenges with any uplifting or encouraging sentiment of your choice.  I hope you will stop by and link up the projects you've made this week.  We are trying to grow interest in our challenges and increase participation.  Stop by and play along - we would LOVE to have you.

I hope you're having a great week.  As I said yesterday, I will be a bit scarce for the next couple of weeks unless I have time to post the projects I make while in Minnesota at my BFFs house.  I still enjoy visiting the blogs of those who stop by here or play along at Word Art Wednesday so I hope to see YOU real soon.

Although my red pearls are a little hidden, I'm still entering this one at Creative Card Crew.  I just love their fun challenges as well.
http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-14-swirls-and-pearls.html - Swirls and Pearls

Have a blessed day.
Karen

Hot & Spicy

This is the card I made for Week 2 Challenge at Speedy TV called Sketch With a Twist that I have started to host each week.  I hope that you will stop by Mark's Finest Papers and join Speedy TV so that you can play along in all their awesome challenges.  There are several different challenges each week, so everyone can choose the right one for their personal style, and you will have the opportunity to win some awesome stamp sets from Mark's Finest Papers - a Heinrich Co.

This week's "Twist" is to use three or more patterned papers. I used some older papers from Daisy D and another (numbers paper) from My Mind's Eye.  I still need to invest in some Copics.  My markers are not good ones, and it's just plain sad.  I'm sure you all feel really bad for me.  LOL

Thanks for stopping by to take a look.  I hope you will check out this fun challenge and all the other great challenges at Speedy TV.  I apologize to all of you for my lack of "blogginess" lately.  I'm just so busy, and unfortunately, it's only going to get worse in the next few weeks.  I'm heading off to Minnesota to see my Mom and my BFF, Patti Lyn.  I will get back to my bloggy self soon after that.

Before I go, I wanted to also share this card that I'm entering in the challenge over at The Craft's Meow Blog.

http://thecraftsmeowshop.blogspot.com/2012/07/crafts-meow-july-sketch-challenge.html - The Craft's Meow - July Sketch Challenge

Thanks for visting.

Have a great week.

Blessings,

Karen

Swirls and Pearls

Happy 4th of July, everyone.  I feel SO blessed to live in the United States of America, and I truly believe we live in the best, most blessed, country in the entire world.  I am very grateful for the many men and women who have served in the military, and many who have even given the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.  A big word of thanks to those who serve, and those who have served in the past.  I will be eternally grateful to them for their service, and I am blessed to be an American.  God bless our great country today and every day.

I made this card for my Design Team assignemnt this week at Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog and I invite you ALL to play along.  Our challenges are always "Anything Goes" as long as you use either scripture, or an uplifting/encouraging sentiment.  We have TWO prizes this week.  One from Isabella's Sketchbook and another, which is a $15 gift certificate from Our Daily Bread Stamps.  I hope you will stop by and link up.  We will have TWO lucky winners.

The challenge this week over at Creative Card Crew calls for Swirls & Pearls, and my bloggy friend, Margaret, invited me to link up this card in their challenge.  I am SO in love with sponsor this week, Simon Says Stamp, so I'm definitely taking her up on that offer, and linking up my card.

http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-14-swirls-and-pearls.html - Creative Card Crew - Swirls and Pearls

I'm also entering the challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show.  Here is the link:
http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-spritz-spray-or-stencil.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show - Spritz, Spray or Stencil - My seam binding is spritzed/sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, and my little cream roses are also sprayed with Glimmer Mist

http://vostamps.blogspot.com/2012/06/victorine-challenge-37birthdayhappy.html - Vicotrine Originals Stamps Blog - Happy Birthday/Happy Everything - Making art using God's Word is something that always makes me really happy.

Thanks for stopping by to say hello today.  I hope you're all having (or had) a safe and happy 4th of July.  We're headed over to some friends' to swim and have a BBQ.

Blessing to you all,

Karen

A Brand New Creative Adventure For All

I hope you will ALL get involved in my exciting news.  As I've been hinting about, I've taken on a brand new endeavor.  I was approached by Debbie Moran from Mark's Finest Papers -a Heinrich Co. Stamps, to become a challenge hostess for a new challenge they've started at Speedy TV.  For those of you who are familiar with Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps, I'm sure you're already in love with their beautiful stamps and awesome selection of scrapbooking and card-making supplies.  For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to experience their delightful store, you can check out their products and their MANY wonderful challenges by going to either this website:  Mark's Finest Papers OR by going here to: Speedy TV.  You will need to join Speedy TV (which is VERY simple to do) to play along in my new challenge, Sketch With a Twist, but registering is SUPER SIMPLE and is well worth your time as there are a wide variety of challenges to participate in.  Check it out.

I really do hope that you will take the time to get involved at Mark's Finest Papers/Speedy TV.  There is a BEAUTIFUL stamp set to be won this week which I've shown below.  You will just love the sweet designers and the inspiration they share, their beautiful stamps and products, and the wide variety of challenges available.  Please head over today and check it all out by using the above links.

Here's the prize you can win this week - Adirondack Summer Stamp Set.  Isn't that weeping willow tree just beautiful?  It makes me wish I was sitting in that chair under the weeping willow, sipping an ice cold lemonade.   And let me assure you that you will love the detailed quality of these stamps.

I stamped my sentiment on patterned paper to blend in with the challenge on Nichole Heady's Papertrey Ink Blog.   Here is that link:

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-73-stamping-on-patterned-paper-participants.html - Make it Monday #73 - Stamping on Patterned Paper - My PTI product used is the adorable butterfly die-cut.  Sentiment stamped on patterned paper.

http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-146-john-1334-35.html - Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #146 - Use Something New on Your Project.  I used my new stamps from Mark's Finest Papers -a Heinrich Co.

http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-spritz-spray-or-stencil.html - Simon Says Stamp and Show - Spritz, Spray or Stencil.  I spritzed and sprayed with my Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist to make my hand-made scrunched seam binding.  It's easy and fun to make, and if anyone wants the instructions, I'd be happy to let you know how to make your own seam binding.

I am VERY excited about this new endeavor, and it will be even more special if YOU stop by and play along with us.  Please help me to make this new challenge, Sketch With a Twist at Speedy TV, a huge success.  You will really be glad you did, and I will be SO grateful for your support and participation.  I'd also LOVE to have you play along this week at Word Art Wednesday as this coming week is another double prize week.

Looking forward to brand new creative adventures - both for me, and for you.  Stop by and join in on all the fun.

Blessings,

Karen

Enjoy This Day

I decided to make this card with a sentiment that could be considered patriotic, for a birthday, or really for any special occasion by simply using the sentiment "ENJOY".  That covers a lot of bases, and allows me to be able to use it for various occasions.  I don't know yet who it's going to be given to, but at least I know I can alter it for any situation.  By the way, I hope that all of you are ENJOYING this beautiful day.  Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  I believe that He wants us to enjoy our days, and be happy.

I know one lucky girl who will ENJOY this day, and "be glad in it".  That's my blog-follower, Shelly from Inky Hugz.  She is the random winner of my give-away of the CD from Crafty Secrets.  Please contact me no later than next Monday, July 9, so that I can get your prize in the mail before I leave on vacation.  Congratulations, Shelly.  Special thanks to all of you who entered my give-away.  I am grateful for each and every one of you who visits my blog.  For those of you looking for another wonderful chance to win, this Wednesday starts a DOUBLE PRIZE week at my challenge blog, Word Art Wednesday.  We would LOVE to have you join us.  Our sponsors for this Wednesday's challenge are Isabella's Sketchbook and Our Daily Bread Stamps.

I am entering this card in the following challenges so that I, too, can have the chance to win some lovely prizes.

http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/06/sketch-69.html - Papertake Weekly Challenge Blog - Sketch #69

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-sayssporty-and-or-patriotic.html - Simon Says Stamp/Sporty and/or Patriotic - This card reminds me SO MUCH of the 4th of July when I was a little girl.  My Mom would always buy us helium balloons, so this brings back such sweet memories for me.

http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-146-john-1334-35.html - Stampin' Sisters in Christ - Challenge #146/Use Something New on Your Project.  I used some of my new scrunched seam binding.  I LOVE that stuff so much.  Also, some new thread I used to sew the edges.

http://www.craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-challenge-62-4th-of-july-canada.html - My Craft Spot - Challenge #62 - 4th of July/Canada Day.

As I was explaining in the entry above, when I was a little girl, my Mom always got helium balloons for us on the 4th of July.  Then at night, we went to the fireworks display downtown, and let our balloons go up into the night sky.

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

http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/2012/07/rrr-challenge-51-childrens-birthday.html  - Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #51 - Children's Birthday

Thanks again for sharing this day with me, and for stopping by my little piece of blog land.  I hope that you will join us this week at Word Art Wednesday for a great double-prize challenge.

Blessings,
Karen

Give-Away Time - SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW POSTS

Well, as most of you know, I'm super excited about the lovely new blog design that Viola Mahr has created for me.  And to help celebrate, I'm having a GIVE-AWAY.  This wonderful CD #3 from Crafty Secrets is full of beautiful images just waiting for your creative touch.  To learn more about this amazing product, you can check out the details in the Crafty Secrets store by clicking here:  Crafty Secrets CD #3 - Typography - and here is a picture of the product I'm giving away.  It's brand new, and ready to be shipped to YOUR door.

All you have to do to be entered to win this amazing prize is:
1.  Become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already a follower).  I will also be happy to stop by and become a follower of your blog (if I'm not already following you).
2.  Leave a comment.
3.  Mention my give-away on your blog (you can post it on your side-bar, or make a blog post), and share a link back here so that others can join in the fun.
4.  Stop back on Monday, July 2, 2012 to see if you're a winner.

I'm also sharing two simple little cards I made this morning. 

I'm entering these cards in the following challenges:

http://tuesdayalchemy.blogspot.com/2012/06/tips-tutorials-blog-hop-and-anything.html - Tuesday Alchemy Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/pile-it-on-24-lets-get-outdoors.html - Pile It On - Let's Get Outdoors - FLOWERS for me are all about being outdoors.  I enjoy my roses and garden in the Summer months, and I love to get outdoors to take care of them.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/06/simon-says-joys-summer-inspiration.html - Simon Says Stamp  - Joy's Summer Inspiration

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

That's it for today.  I'm busy getting errands done, spending some time with my oldest daughter, and I really need to go work out.  I thank you for stopping by, and I will be visiting your blogs to check for the give-away, so please help spread the word.

I'm so grateful to God for all the blessings in my life.  Thanks for being a part of my journey.

Have a great week.
Karen