Monday, December 30, 2013

My Favorite

When it comes to products from the Kraft Outlet, they're ALL my favorites.  But for this week's challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, we were asked to pull our favorite project from 2013 to share with you all.  It was difficult because I have SO enjoyed designing for this wonderful store and creating my projects for the challenges using the supplies from the Kraft Outlet.  The real reason I chose to share this particular card from our "Cute Critters" challenge this past summer is because I was visiting and creating with my BFF when I made it.  It has such sweet memories attached to it.  Plus, it turned out pretty darn cute (or so I thought).
I used various October Afternoon patterned papers and stickers, an inexpensive white doily, and some Papertrey Ink die-cuts to create my "critters" (a rooster, a hen, a pig, a cow and a horse).  I machine stitched the papers together, and then added the following supplies from The Kraft Outlet:  A Tim Holtz Memo Pin, Family Tree Journaling Card (yellow), and an Ephemera Label on top of that.  The base of my card is one of the fabulous Kraft Blank Note Cards.  Additional supplies include some beautiful Prima lace, a Recollections flower, Making Memories felt letters (for), a Papertrey Ink word die-cut (you), and a crocheted cream doily under the flower.  It would be awesome to have you all stop by The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog for our "Your Favorite Challenge" challenge this week.  I am wishing you all a very blessed and Happy New Year!
 
Thanks so much for visiting today.  It's always nice to have you stop by.
 
Blessings to you,
Karen

Friday, December 27, 2013

Shabby Pocket Goodies

Happy Friday, my creative friends!  As some of you have already heard (because I've mentioned it before), my Mother-in-Law is visiting with us for Christmas through the end of this month.  She likes to make cards and scrapbook pages, so she always asks me to show her something fun to create while she's here.  I decided to show her how to make a shabby paper bag pocket.  This is such an easy project, but can be decorated SO beautifully!  So, I pulled out a couple of paper bags and we got busy.  I did follow a design by another artist on this one, but she didn't have it watermarked, so I can't give credit to the original artist who inspired me.
I started with just a basic Medium Kraft Paper Sack and folded it over stitching the edge to create a pocket.  I used cream acrylic paint and dipped a pencil eraser in it..and dabbed on the dots along the bottom to create a border.  Next, I folded a small white doily over the front pocket and started decorating.  I used a small piece of Decorative Tape, a Basic Grey Hey Girl garland banner, some seam binding to create a bow - with a resin flower in the center of that.  I used a Small White Tag to stamp the sentiment (all the best), a Maya Road Kraft Ticket, a Heidi Swapp pink heart, My Mind's Eye sentiment card, a Tiny Wooden Clothespin, buttons, Baker's Twine, two Small Glassine Bags with decorated cards tucked inside.  The card is tucked into the pocket.  Here's a closer look at that.
The snowflake is a die-cut which I cut using wool felt (another favorite of mine).  I also used lots of ink and machine stitching which seems to be my "signature move".  The scalloped edge on the card is cut from an older piece of Scenic Route patterned paper.  The other two pieces of paper on the card were scraps I found on my table that matched the color scheme of this project.  I think they're Girls Paperie and My Mind's Eye.
This last picture is just a close-up of the pocket.  You can see the Glassine Bags which I folded over and machine stitched to create little pockets for journaling.  Lots of sweet little embellishments that make it really fun.  I just kept adding on more and more.  But that's the fun part of crating, right?
 
I'm sharing this project in the following challenges:
 
Basic Grey Challenge Blog- Challenge #110 - Anything Goes - I used the Basic Grey Hey Girl Garland across the doily
 
Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Bling It On! - My Bling is the mini wooden clothes pin which I covered in ultra-fine diamond glitter - BLING!

Papertrey Ink Challenge - Make It Monday Challenge - A La Carte - I used #142 Decorated Kraft Bags by Melissa Phillips - I LOVE decorating kraft bags.  The Papertrey Ink product I used on this Decorative Kraft Bag is the Tiny Tags Stamp Set which I used for the (All The Best) sentiment.  I just ADORE PTI

Docerela Blog - Challenge #52 - Anything Goes & Blog Hop - I used a sentiment stamp (all the best) on the little white hanging tag
 
Little Scrap Pieces - Noel & Fun Friday Linky Party - I would be so delighted to win some of Karen's sweet seam binding!

Creative Card Crew - Challenge #52 - Anything Goes
 
Thanks so much for visiting, and have a blessed and relaxing weekend!
 
Karen

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Sweet Baby Girl

I didn't really plan on making a card today (being that it's Christmas and all), but I had a friend ask me if I could whip up a quick card for a baby girl that was just born.  I had a little time on my hands after I had finished making and baking this morning's traditional caramel rolls, cleaning up that mess, and having to start on the ham dinner for this evening.  So, I sat down at my scrap table and whipped up a card for this special little girl who was born just yesterday.  My friend is stopping by this evening to pick it up on their way to her house.
I started with a piece of pale pink Bazzill cardstock and attached a piece of vintage sheet music and some wood grain patterned paper, and stitched them together.  Next, I added a small doily, a rub-on sentiment (girl), stickers from my stash (sweet baby), and a Crafty Secrets Heart Warming Vintage Image (baby in cradle).  I also hand-cut a chipboard frame that I painted cream and glittered, and stuck some trims on the bottom of that. At the top, I added a seam binding bow, some baker's twine, and a Jenni Bowlin button in the center.  It's hard to see the glittered frame from this angle, but it's really sweet when the light catches the glitter.  Even this next picture makes it a little hard to see (sorry about that).  Cards are always better in real life as photos don't grab the dimension and texture quite as well.
I took a couple of close-up photos to show the details, but I guess I was in a bit of a hurry.  I can't imagine why - I only have about a hundred things to do today!  LOL  In all seriousness, I am SO blessed.  I haven't been stressed at all today.  My family and I are really relaxed, and just focusing on the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It's so nice to focus on Him while the world is busy scurrying about.
I'm sharing this card in the following challenges today:
 
City Crafter Challenge Blog - Challenge #191 - Child - This card is for a precious new baby girl!
 
Simon Says Stamp Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Bling It On!  -  My bling on this card is the chipboard frame that I cut, painted, and doused in ultra-fine diamond glitter.  It's a little hard to see at this angle, but it's gorgeous when the light hits it.

Hiding In My Craft Room - Challenge #128 - Case Yourself - This is a style I've used many times.  I love using doilies, machine stitching, and adding a seam binding bow.  So YES, I do tend to "Case Myself" rather often.  LOL - A Great Challenge For Me!
 
Have a happy and blessed Christmas Day!
 
Karen


 

Wonderful Word Art Wednesday

I always love Wednesdays because of it being time for another great challenge each week at Word Art Wednesday, but today is even more special because it's Christmas Day - the birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the birthday of the King of Kings, let's turn our hearts to Him and thank Him for all He has given us.  We are so very blessed, and we have SO much to be thankful for.  So, let's all take time out of our busy schedules to thank Him for His goodness toward us by creating a card or project that shows Him our heart-felt thanks.  You are always welcome to pick up the free word art  offered on our challenge blog, but you're never required to use it in order to play along or to be eligible for our AWESOME prizes.  This week, we are sponsored by the super sweet V's Sweet Ideas who is offering a $10 gift certificate to the amazing store filled with embellishments, stamps, papers and more, and our second sponsor is the delightful Daydream Designs who is offering a second winner three (3) of their wonderful digital sets.  We hope you'll stop by and join us - always Anything Goes.
I made this card using some new supplies I got from The Flying Unicorn Scrapbook Store.  This is an amazing store filled with all your favorite brands.  You will just love this lovely shop and their sweet team.  I printed the word art onto one of the journaling tags, and used the patterned papers to create my background.  I sewed the papers together with my sewing machine and inked the edges.  I used some of the flags from this set and inked them as well.  I added a small red gem on the side, some seam binding to create my bow, and some rusty jingle bells tied with jute in the center.
 
I'm entering my card in these challenges:
 
Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog - Challenge #289 Use Any Sketch - I based my card on Sketch #279 but I flipped it and added some extra flags to my card.  I love using sketches but putting my own twist on it.

Fusion Card Challenge Blog - A Christmas Challenge Photo Inspiration and Sketch Inspiration - I was inspired by both.   My card uses both the colors in the inspiration photo as well as the sketch.  I just spread out my flags/banners a bit more than in the sketch.  Super fun challenge!

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Bling It On! - I used a red gem for my BLING!

Twist of Faith Card Challenge Blog- Challenge #69 - Your Favorite - I love making scripture cards and that is always a "favorite" for me, as well as machine stitching.

Lainey's Crafty Place - Just For Fun Challenge - Merry Christmas

Lady Bug Crafts Challenge Blog - Merry Christmas

Thanks for visiting!

Karen
 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

TKJ Watch Us Wednesday & Word Art Wednesday

Hello friends of The Kraft Journal!  I'm here to share with you all a super easy, fun, and pocket-friendly idea for our "My Special Idea" segment of today's Watch Us Wednesday at The Kraft Journal.  This week, I'm sharing another great gift-giving idea.  I had purchased some super yummy Pirouline cookies at the Dollar Store, and I saved the canisters because I just knew they would be fun to decorate.  Here's how I decorated them:
I took several sheets of Vintage Dictionary Pages and cut them into narrow strips at the correct height to cover my canisters.  I covered the back side of each strip with a thin layer of Mod Podge and adhered them to the sides of the canisters - overlapping just a bit as I covered them.  This entire process took just a couple minutes per can.
Once I had the canisters covered in the Vintage Dictionary Pages, I covered the lids in the same way.  Some have the Vintage Dictionary Pages showing, and some do not.  You can't go wrong with these - anything you use to decorate would be fine, and they could be made throughout the year with other styles of embellishments.  The lid below also has a Making Memories sticker on it - the size was a perfect fit!
I then decorated each canister with some stickers and other little Christmas embellishments I had on hand, including ribbon from Hobby Lobby, rusty jingle bells from Paper Sweeties, and I tied them with Natural Hemp Cord.
This photo shows the tops of all three cans.  Be creative, and use whatever you have on hand.  You can't go wrong!
Because I knew that I was going to use these canisters to fill with Christmas treats and give away as gifts, I added Round Metal-Edged Grungy Prim Tags to each canister so that I could write "To/From" on them.   It was the perfect finishing touch.  I LOVE these tags, and just ordered myself more of them.
The Kraft Outlet is full of great products to help make your gift-giving and holiday crafting projects a breeze, and the prices are always right!  We hope that this little project has inspired you all to head on over to the Kraft Outlet to get some great new supplies, and then join our fun "Something New" challenge this week. Happy crafting, everyone!
Before I run off, I wanted to share (above) my card for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  I used some of my new patterned papers (the ones I got on clearance in St. George this past weekend).  I ran off the word art/scripture file on a Cosmo Cricket journaling card through my printer, and machine stitched everything together.  Then, I just added a seam binding bow and some sweet paper flowers.  Other than lots of Tim Holtz ink, that's about it.  Please be sure to stop by and play along with us at The Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog as well as at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  It's always a blessing to have you all join us, and there are so many great prizes to be won.  Our sponsors this week at WAW are The Scrapping Center - a $15 Gift Certificate, and also Stamp Art by Kathryne - 5 digis of winner's choice.  We look forward to seeing you all! 

Have a blessed week,

Karen

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

About once a week or so, I visit Melissa Phillips' blog, Lilybean Paperie to gather ideas and inspiration, and to fall in love with the supplies she uses.  As is usually the case, I found some papers I just HAD to buy, and I used them to recreate a card similar to one Melissa had posted on her sweet blog using these lovely Echo Park Christmas papers and embellishments.
I used three or four of the patterned papers from Echo Park as well as the matching stickers and chipboard elements.  I did some machine stitching, added some scrunched seam binding, a glittered button tied with red baker's twine, some little pearl accents, and an October Afternoon sticker at the top (Celebrate).  I love the machine stitching - it seems to give everything a homespun effect, and I just can't seem to help myself.
I also decorated the inside of the card (shown above) with three or four of the same Echo Park patterned papers.  I used a small piece of washi tape, an Echo Park poinsettia sticker with a small pearl accent in the center, and then stamped (Happy Christmas) with a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers.  I really like decorating the inside as well as the front - it gives it a real completed look.
 
I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Let It Snow! - I used snowflake paper, and a sweet little snowman!

Craft-Dee-Bowz - December Challenge - Anything Goes - Include a Hand-Made Bow

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Monday Challenge - Stamp Out 2013 - The stamp I used is an acrylic sentiment stamp (Happy Christmas) from Mark's Finest Papers, and I used it on the inside of my card to add the perfect sentiment.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a happy day of crafting (or whatever your little heart desires).  I'm so grateful for your visit!
 
Karen

The Flying Unicorn Store

There's a WONDERFUL store out there on the internet called The Flying Unicorn, and I just want to tell you all that they are such generous, sweet people.  Their lovely store is filled with supplies from all of our favorite scrapping and card-making companies - I literally mean ALL the big-name brands!  I originally came upon this store while I was hunting for an older item that was out of stock everywhere else. But she had it, and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.  I spoke with the owner, and she agreed to become a sponsor for Word Art Wednesday.  In fact, they will be sponsoring SEVERAL of our challenges in 2014.  One lucky winner already won a $25 gift certificate to the store, and she quickly fell in LOVE with their supplies.
 They're having a sale for the rest of December.  You can save an extra 30% off their already low prices on all Christmas products.  Just use the code MERRY at checkout and the discount will be taken off your order.  I also want you to know that their shipping rates are VERY reasonable.  I ordered from them the first time, and was amazed at how reasonable the shipping cost was.  They're more than fair, they have an awesome selection of the things you love, and they're the sweetest bunch of gals you'd ever want to meet.  I really hope you will check out this amazing store, use the code MERRY to save on your order, and grab yourself some brand new, well-deserved goodies!  Feel free to let them know that I referred you.  I know they will treat you well.
 
I just wanted to share that with you today.  I pray for all our sponsors at Word Art Wednesday on a regular basis, but I had an encounter with them this past week that went way OVER AND ABOVE what you would simply consider "Good Customer Service", and so I've really been praying for them extra today that God will bless their business in 2014 and give them the best year they've ever had.  It's really an awesome store with extra special workers, and I highly recommend it.  And hey.....who doesn't love a sale?
 
Be blessed,
Karen

Monday, December 16, 2013

Something New at the Kraft Journal

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope that you all had a blessed and relaxing weekend.  I had a great weekend with family.  We have my husband's sister, brother-in-law and my mother-in-law in town for a week with their four children.  They're not staying with us (whew!) but we did take a little road trip to St. George, Utah on Saturday for some shopping and lunch at The Cracker Barrel.  YUM!  Who doesn't love some good chicken and dumplings from The Cracker Barrel?  I also hit a great sale at a little scrapbook store there and got lots of new goodies for myself with some of the money I earned at my Craft Boutique last weekend.
Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal
Well, this week at The Kraft Journal, we're having a "Something New" Challenge.  So, I decided to try "something new" and make a couple of "treats" for Christmas gift-giving.  For this first project, I took Co-Designer, Debbie Marcinkiewicz idea and made a treat bag for a friend.  I used a Small Kraft Coffee Bag with Window and filled it candies.  Next, I added some Decorative Tape to the bottom of the bag, and embellished the top with a doily folded over, a to/from tag, some Making Memories poinsettias, and rusty jingle bells and berries tied on with Red Baker's Twine and Natural Hemp Cord.  At the very top, there's a Tiny Wooden Clothespin - these little embellishments are a cute finishing touch on just about everything!
Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal
For this second little project, I used a piece of folded Kraft Chipboard to create a little tray for my candies.  The candies are Hershey's Treasures, and each little piece is wrapped with a length of Decorative Washi Tape (you can use any style of washi tape - I chose to use a Christmas design). I laid the candies in the tray, and placed them into a Cello Bag.  The little tag was very easy.  I simply ran a sheet of Lightweight Kraft Cardstock through my printer to create the little "chocolate" sentiment.  The sentiment was cut out into a circle, and backed with another piece of paper cut with a large scallop punch.  To finish it off, I tied the sentiment tag to my treat bag using some decorative ribbon and Light Green Baker's Twine.  Here's another view of this project:
It's almost Christmas, and a great time to treat yourself to "Something New" at The Kraft Outlet.  I also hope you will all play along in our challenge this week to show us "Something New" that you have made.
 
The winner of the give-away from My Craft Spot goes to lucky entry #1 - Patti R.  I'm sure she will enjoy her new stamp set from My Craft Spot.  I'm going to enter their new challenge which starts today - the theme is "Wrap it Up"!  I'm dreaming of my own lucky day when I will win one of her wonderful stamp sets - a girl can dream, right?

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #122 - "Wrap It Up!"
 
Have a blessed week, and thanks again for stopping by.  I look forward to seeing "Something New" from each of you this week.  Please be sure to share your projects in our challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog using either something from the store, or kraft paper of any kind. We LOVE having you play along.
 
God's richest blessings to you all,
Karen

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Let It Snow!

As some of you may know, I grew up in Northern Minnesota and they have LOTS of snow right now.  I now live in the deserts of Nevada, in Las Vegas (NO snow for us - almost ever).  So, when I saw this week's challenge at Simon Says Stamp Blog, I immediately started thinking of home, and of....SNOW!  For those of who you have lots of snow, or even get lots of snow....you probably think I'm a bit loco to be missing it.  But I assure you that you WOULD miss it, too, if you ended up living somewhere that never gives you a "White Christmas".
This card was made using some of the patterned papers I purchased yesterday on our little road trip to St. George, Utah.  I stopped at a little store there called Dandylion Wishes, and they were having a big clearance sale.  I used Simple Stories December Documented (blue music paper) for the background, Lilybee Design Jingle - Egg Nog for the Snowflake Pattern, and Jillibean Soup Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup for the journaling card/sentiment.  I also machine stitched everything together, added half of a large vintage cream doily, some of my hand-made scrunched seam binding, glittered buttons, and jute.

Here's the inside of my card:
I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:
 
Sketch Saturday - Challenge #289 - Use Any Sketch After #215 (I based my card on Sketch #224 from September of 2012).  I love this particular layout/sketch, and seem to use it a lot in different ways.  This time, I used a bow instead of a flower, and put my buttons in a different spot.  When you "mix it up" a bit, it doesn't appear that you're reusing the same sketch.  They have LOTS of fun and inspirational sketch ideas on their lovely blog!
 
Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Let It Snow! - I used snowflake patterned paper by Lilybee Design - Jingle Collection - Egg Nog pattern
 
Speedy Fox and Friends - Mark's Finest Papers - Use Three Patterned Papers - My three papers are all listed above.  I also stamped the inside of my card (which I always do), using the three patterned papers (again) and a Merry Christmas stamp from Mark's Finest Papers stamp set, Poinsettia Blooms.
 
Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed week!
Karen

Friday, December 13, 2013

Guest Designing at My Craft Spot & A Give-Away

Since I first started blogging, I've met some really sweet people and found some amazing on-line stores and sweet challenge blogs.  One of the sweet people I've met is Kimberly from My Craft Spot.  She not only has a darling store filled with sweet crinkled seam binding in the sweetest colors, high-quality acrylic stamp sets for every occasion, matching metal die-cuts, vintage baker's twine, and SO much more; but she also maintains a blog with a talented Design Team who create the most lovely and inspiring cards and creations each week, and a lovely challenge every Monday giving you all the chance of winning one of her stamp sets.  Kimberly is also a very generous person with a big heart.  If you've never checked out this sweet store and challenge blog, you'll definitely want to stop by and do some browsing.  You will be delighted with this sweet store (and after all, it IS Christmas time, and you deserve it)!!

You'll want to read this post to the end because.....there's an EXCITING GIVE-AWAY!!
Karen Letchworth for My Craft Spot by Kimberly
I made this card using the sweet stamp set Inside & Out - Set #2 which is filled with adorable phrases for Birthday, babies, get well and more.  It's just perfect for creating sweet cards and gifts.  I took some October Afternoon patterned papers as well as some of my vintage sheet music, and machine stitched them together to create the base of my card.  I also used some add-ons (hearts and stickers) from October Afternoon.  Next, I used the adorable Tiny Tags & Toppers Die-Cut Set from My Craft Spot to create the sweet little banner across the top and tied it together with baker's twine.  Even the tiny little sentiments (Love You, Eat Cake, and Hi There) are from this sweet Inside & Out - Set 2 stamp set, as is the sentiment at the bottom, and on the inside.
I decorated the inside of this card to match the rest because of all the coordinating stamps found in this super versatile stamp set.  You can see in the photo below the Happy Birthday sentiment (again, all from this same wonderful stamp set) which is one you will want to use over and over again.
I want to personally thank Kimberly of My Craft Spot for being a generous sponsor of our challenges at Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog, and for having me as a Guest Designer today.

Now, here's some really exciting news.....one lucky person will win a stamp set of their choice from My Craft Spot.  All you need to do in order to win is leave a comment here on this blog post telling me which of My Craft Spot's many wonderful stamp sets is your favorite.  I will use Random.Org to select the lucky winner.  In the meantime, I encourage you to check out all the lovely stamps, dies, and embellishments available in this wonderful little shop.  You will be delighted!

I'm sharing my card here:
Little Scrap Pieces - Joy & Fun - Friday Linky Party

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today, and may God bless your week!  I'm grateful for your visit.

My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen
 
 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Peace on Earth

Some of the greatest freedoms we have in this amazing country of ours were given to us by our Founding Fathers, great men of God. Through the First Amendment to the Constitution, we were given the Freedom of Speech and the Freedom of Religion (among other liberties we possess).  I praise God that I live in, what I truly believe is, the greatest country in the world.  Many men and women have fought and given their lives to defend our rights and freedoms, and I remain eternally grateful for those who serve and have served.  I praise God for the freedoms we have.  I respect every person's right to speak what they believe.  It's a beautiful gift.  But I find it ignorant and rude to insult any group of people - whether we agree with them or not.  I have more class than that.  I also feel blessed to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that although people disagree on many issues, absolute truth DOES exist.  I believe that the absolute truths are given to us by God through His holy and precious Word, the Bible.  It was God-breathed, written by God Himself, and that He used men to translate these words into what we now know as the Holy Bible.  With that said, you can disagree all you like.  But the absolute truth is still the absolute truth.  The Bible tells us "not to throw our pearls to the dogs or swine, for they would not know how to value it".  That simply means that we can write all the nice things from God's Word that we want, but that the foolish with reprobate hearts won't understand or accept it.  I can only feel sorry for this deep ignorance.  Just for the record, I DON'T judge people.  I have no right to judge people.  Only God can look into someone's heart, including my own, and see our sin - and call it sin.  I ask God every day to forgive me of my sins and to help mold me into the person He wants me to be.  That's all I can do.  I can only work on me.  I also want you all to know that as the Administrator of Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog I can assure you that we have never said anything negative or judgmental about anyone or any group of people, and we never would.  All we have ever done is to honor and uphold God's Word (and we simply delete entries that don't meet our very clearly-outlined Challenge Rules).  If you have a problem with God's Word, take it up with it's author, Jesus Christ - God Himself!  I didn't write it, but I WILL obey it.  We respect our participants, our Design Team, and our awesome sponsors, and we would never disgrace any of them.  God has continued to bless us exceeding abundantly, so we know we're doing right in His eyes and that's what really matters.  We treat people with love and respect, and would appreciate the same in return.  So, just for the record - those who the Bible calls "fools" can spout off all they like.  It doesn't change absolute truth - it only shows your hatred and ignorance.  Take it up with God!
The card I made for this week's challenge uses Simple Stories Handmade Holiday patterned papers, a Papertrey Ink angel die-cut and stamp, her wings (which I painted and glittered), the star border, peace die-cut, and the vellum window die-cut are also all from Papertrey Ink.  I just LOVE creating with die-cuts by using paper, wool felt, and other materials to give my projects texture and personality.  Die-cuts are so much fun to use.  I also used this week's free word art/scripture file from Word Art Wednesday, some seam binding, a glittered button tied with May Arts jute, some machine stitching, and Tim Holtz ink.

Twist of Faith Card Challenges - Challenge #67 - Traditional Christmas

City Crafter Challenges - Challenge #189 - Christmas Colors - Kraft, Red and White

Flourishes Stamps Challenge  - Challenge #250 - Christmas/Words to Inspire -My words to inspire for the coming year are "Peace on Earth".  We may not all see eye to eye on everything, but we need to be kind to one another and live in peace with one another.  It's possible, but it starts with each of us doing our part to love one another.

Mark's Finest Papers Sketch With a Twist - Challenge #76 - Use Stitching Real or Faux - I used real machine stitching, and lots of stamps (non-MFP this time)
 
Have a wonderful week, and please stop by Word Art Wednesday to play along.  Our sponsors/prizes this week are the amazing Nice Crane Designs.  Their owner, Ignacio, has been a supporter of our challenge blog for several years, and we are SO grateful for their support.  They are offering one lucky winner some of their amazing shabby vintage images/collage sheets.  Our second sponsor this week is the wonderful Verve Rubber Stamps and they are offering another lucky winner a $25 gift certificate to their amazing store.  They have the most wonderful stamps and die-cuts.  If you've never shopped Verve Stamps, you're in for a real treat.  So, I encourage you to check out both of these wonderful shops.  Special thanks to all our amazing sponsors.  We praise God for you, and pray for His continued blessings on your business!
 
Thanks for stopping by, friends!
My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

Monday, December 9, 2013

Holiday Gifts at The Kraft Journal

I don't know about all of you, but I absolutely love making Holiday Gifts, so this week's Holiday Gifts Challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog was right "up my alley" so to speak.  I kept it very simple, and this project is SO quick and easy to create.  I used the Mini Canvas Triangles  from the Kraft Outlet to make this adorable banner.  They come with all three canvas pieces in one package for the low price of just $2 which is a great price for gift-giving.  I added some Natural Hemp Cord bows, wool felt circles and holly leaves cut from Prairie Point Junction wool felt using die-cuts, and also used some glitter-covered holly berries.  I attached the Mini Canvas Triangles to a candy cane pipe cleaner using hot glue, and then tied the ends with Wraphia Ribbon.  Very simple!  
Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal
I think I must have taken at least 30 pictures of this banner before I finally got one that I liked.  The glittered alphabet letters that I used to spell JOY are by Prima.  They are so pretty, and I tend to hoard them a bit.  They are cream with print on them and came glittered.   I attached the letters to the felt circle  using my glue gun, and then added my embellishments.  Really simple!  This is also a great idea for creating a gift for a baby by putting their name on it.  Lots of different possibilities.
 
 
 I did a close-up shot of each letter so that you could see how sweet those Prima letters are.  If I ever find them again, I will order a whole lot more of them.  I also really love the  Canvas Traingles because they can be used in so many different ways.  I really hope that you will share some of your sweet little Holiday Gifts with us in this week's challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  We always enjoy seeing your creativity, and hope you will play along.
 
I'm sharing this project in the following challenges:
 
My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Christmas Neighbor Gifts - As I mentioned above, I love making gifts for the holidays, and this banner will be used as a gift.  They're easy to make, and everyone loves getting a hand-made gift.
 
Little Scrap Pieces - Friday Linky Party - Christmas Magic - I just LOVE this sweet seam binding being given away as the prize!
 
Have a very blessed week!
Karen

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Christmas Houses

One of favorite things to make for the big craft boutique at my church each year are these lovely paper mache houses.  I pick them up throughout the year, using coupons, clearance, or any discount I can find.  I have a total of five for the boutique this weekend, but I wanted to share a few of them with you all.  I still have SO much to do to get ready, but I'm on my way.
I painted them with antique white acrylic paint, added vintage sheet music, glittered buttons, and lots of ribbons, trims and sweet little touches.  I tried not to "over-do" them, but it's fun to just keep adding sweet little embellishments everywhere.
I took several photos so that you can see up close how adorable they are.  I doubt mean to sound prideful, I really don't - but they are just too sweet to deny it.  I love vintage, glitter-frosted crafts and these always seem to turn out so nicely.  The lids come off on the style houses above so that you can put fresh baked cookies or a small gift inside.
Those berries have really come in handy.  I got a bag with thousands of them in it on clearance last year after Christmas at my Michaels.  This one bag of berries will last me until Jesus comes!
Finally, this last house is a different style altogether, and the lid on this one does not come off.  It has cut-out windows and no chimney.  I got these ones on a super low clearance last year.  I prefer the ones where the lids come off, but they're still so super cute.
Well, I almost forgot to post my card for this week's Word Art Wednesday Challenge.  Sometimes I get so busy making the blog post over there that I completely forget about my own.  I made this card using October Afternoon Woodland Park papers and stickers.  I really hope that you will stop by and play along with us this week at Word Art Wednesday.  Our challenges are always Anything Goes (meeting challenge guidelines), and we have two fabulous prizes - one from Jelly Park and the other a sweet border die-cut from Cheery Lynn Designs.  We would really enjoy seeing what you create, so come on by and play along with us.
I'm sharing my projects in the following challenges:
 
Twist of Faith Card Challenges - Challenge #66 - Christmas Baubles & Bells
 
The Ribbon Carousel - Challennge #88 - Anything Goes - I love using ribbons and trims on ALL my projects, and would love to win one of the Ribbon Carousel's lovely ribbon carousels.  They are SO sweet!  I think I would use it to store my washi tapes.

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #120 - Sparkle & Shine - I used LOTS and LOTS of ultra-fine diamond glitter on my houses (above) for the Sparkle & Shine Challenge this week!

Paper Issues - Challenge:  It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas
 
Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello.  I appreciate your visits, your sweet comments, and I would LOVE to have you as a new "Follower" if you're not already following me.  I will be sure to come by your blog and "Follow" you as well.  It's such a blessing to get inspiration from our bloggy friends.
 
God bless you all!
Karen