Sunday, August 30, 2015

Antique Milk Cap

One thing I LOVE to do is to shop at antique stores.  On one trip to Stillwater, Minnesota (a sweet little town on the St. Croix River that's basically antique heaven), I found these antique milk caps for ten cents each.  Needless to say, I bought oodles of them.  I thought it would be fun to use one on a card.
Decorating cards with all of Really Reasonable Ribbon's AMAZING trims is always a treat!  Once I had my patterned paper stitched and inked, I simply added a sticker with a rub-on sentiment, added the antique milk cap that I decorated with some of Really Reasonable Ribbons SWEET Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses; including their Open Roses in Ivory and Open Roses in Red.  Then, I was ready for the best part of every card - THE BOW!  I used Melissa Natural Crochet LaceSeam Binding in Lipstick RedBurlap Center Stitched Red Trim, and Baker's Twine in Solid Red.
It's SO exciting to see how Really Reasonable Ribbons, trims, laces and flowers all work together to make cards come together so nicely.  I honestly believe that if you treat yourself to some of their products, you will quickly learn how LOVELY their products are, and how they really do help to make your cards look amazing.  They're reasonably priced, they have an amazing selection, shipping fees are low, and the quality is AWESOME!  Not to mention the selection - there's literally a PERFECT ribbon for every project you can imagine.  Why not treat yourself today?  You deserve it!

We would absolutely LOVE to have you play along in our current challenge, too.  We love seeing your sweet creations.  And don't miss out on our monthly Blog Hop for lots of great inspiration and a chance to win some of Really Reasonable Ribbons great products.  Our blog is filled with new projects each day.  We appreciate you stopping by to visit us, and we're sure you will be delighted with what you see.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

3 Girl Jam Challenge Blog - September: Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me today, and have a blessed week!

Karen

Friday, August 28, 2015

It's The Little Things


Hello everyone!   Today I'm sharing a CAS card I made for CropStop.  Yes, you heard it right - ME making a CAS card.  I know it's hard to believe, but I really did it.  I actually like this CAS thing, and I need to try my hand at it more often.
I made this card using a My Favorite Things/Die-Namics Die Cut called Out On a Limb (which also has a matching stamp set).  Once I had the tree cut and in place, I added a simple banner with a rub-on sentiment.  I inked the edges of the sentiment with Tim Holtz Distress Ink.  It really is "The Little Things" that make a card special.  You can keep it simple, and just add some ink to give it some personality.  Like I said, CropStop really does make it easy. I tied a few lengths of Natural Burlap String around my card, and tied it into a bow.  The layers of paper, as well as ALL the paper pieces on my card were attached using Tombow Permanent Adhesive.  This is an AMAZING adhesive, and it really holds your papers well.  I've been using it for years, and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and don't forget to link up in our current challenge on the CropStop Blog.  If you refer your friends to play along, you can earn extra entries into a special give-away.  Check out the Linky Party for all the details.  Have fun creating, and I will see you soon!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says Anything Goes
Blessings,
Karen

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

God is faithful

We've all learned by now that people will continually let us down.  Some people don't keep their promises, some don't show enough compassion for our troubles, and others just don't have the time to worry about the things that matter to us.  But God is FOREVER faithful, and will NEVER let us down.  He was there for His people in generations past, and His promises are still true today.  He is the ONLY one who will NEVER leave us or forsake us.  I praise God for His faithfulness to ALL generations; and I'm so grateful to know (without ANY doubt) that I can always count on Him to follow through on His promises.  What a blessing!

I've been a little bit discouraged in my crafting lately.  I just feel like I'm in a bit of a "schlump" that I can't shake.  I need to wrap my head around the reasons why I create.......like my love for crafting, and my love for giving hand-made gifts.  I need to regain that joy in crafting that I once had.  I'm really hoping that the next few weeks will bring about some of the joy I'm missing.  Please don't misunderstand.  I'm not depressed by any means.  I am SO incredibly blessed.  I just need to regain my "mojo" and my joy for crafting, and I'm praying that the events of the next few weeks will do just that for me.  There are some exciting things happening, and I'm really hoping that will bring back the joy I've been missing.
This is a card that I made for this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.  I used some older patterned papers and flowers on this card, which felt really good to use up older supplies.  I need to do more of that.  I've just been struggling with some decisions about letting go of some of my Design Team responsibilities to help me regain the joy in crafting that I've been missing.  I trust that God will help me to make the correct decisions,

I'm sharing this card in the following challenges:


Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Linky Party

Cardabilities Sketch #129 - How fun!

Our Daily Bread Challenge Blog - Anything Goes With Scripture

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today.  It's always a blessing to have you stop by to say hello.  Have a great week, and happy crafting my friends.

Karen

Monday, August 24, 2015

welcome little angel

There's nothing quite as sweet as a newborn baby.  Personally, my days of having babies are over, but I sure am excited for the day that I have a grandchild of my own.  I know for sure that I will never want to let go once I hold that precious little bundle of love, sent from God.  I do, however, enjoy when friends and family have the opportunity to welcome a new little one into their family.  I made this card for just such an occasion.
I made my card using some sweet Crate Paper patterned papers, embellishments and 3-D stickers, some vintage scotch tape, a gold foil heart from American Crafts, and a pearl sticker.  The sentiment was made using an Inspired By Stamping sentiment stamp.  I also used Tim Holtz Distress Inks on the edges and for my sentiment.

I will be sharing my card in the following challenges:

Inspired By Stamping - Challenge #97 - I was inspired by TWO of the categories:  The Polka Dots AND the Color Challenge.  I kind of combined the two inspirations to create this cards, and I enjoyed using an Inspired By Stamping sentiment stamp from their sweet Big Notes III Stamp Set.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges - Simon Says:  "Ticket, Please" - I used a ticket from the Crate Paper Craft Market collection as an accent on my card.

I am so grateful to have you visit my blog today, and I thank you for stopping by.  Have a great week and please visit me again soon.

Blessings,
Karen


Friday, August 21, 2015

CropStop Sympathy Card

Let's face it....NOBODY likes having to make or send a sympathy card.  But when we do, it's nice to know that CropStop can help make the process easy.  I had the misfortune of needing to make and send a sympathy card this week.  I just grabbed a few of my favorite CropStop supplies, and got right to work.
First, I grabbed my Tim Holtz Frame Die and placed a stamped sentiment in the center.  This lovely sentiment was stamped using Tim Holtz Distress Ink (I used Black Soot for the sentiment and Cracked Pistachio for the accents).  Then, I placed several lovely Petaloo Flowers around the frame to accent it.  I embellished the flowers with several lovely ribbons and trims including the Seam Binding I made with the Prima Spray Blooms (in Vintage Coal), Light Blue Burlap String, and Turquoise Organdy Swirl Ribbon.  They all work together so nicely.
The lovely Petaloo Flowers I used come in so many sweet colors.  You're sure to find just the right color for your next card.  That's one thing I really love about CropStop is their selection.  By stocking up on a few basics (inks, flowers and trims, etc.) you will always have just what you need to whip up a card when the occasion calls for it.   It's a blessing to be prepared.  Don't forget to check out this week's SALES.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I would LOVE to have you play along in our current challenge on the CropStop Blog.  You could be the lucky winner of this month's prize of some CropStop goodies.

I'm sharing my card in this fun challenge at IBS:
Inspired By Stamping - Challenge #97 - I chose to use the inspiration of Polka Dots

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful week!
Karen

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Put On Your Birthday Hat

Well, my 50th Birthday has come and gone.  What's in a number anyway?  Our family has so many summer birthdays, and that gave me LOTS of great opportunities to use these yummy new Crate Paper Confetti supplies I purchased while I was on vacation this summer.  I've been having SO much fun with them.  If you want some for yourself, they carry a lot of this over at Paper Issues.  They also have some really great inspiration to get you started.
Paper Issues - A New Issue:  Pocket Book - After reading the inspiration ideas, I chose to create a card using some great Crate Paper supplies carried at Paper Issues.  I added a "pocket" which is a glassine bag that holds a gift card for birthday gift-giving.  Thanks for this great idea, Paper Issues!

Thanks so very much for stopping by today.  I hope that you're having a great week and finding plenty of time to spend creating.  I appreciate your comments, and I look forward to visiting your blog.

Karen



Celebrating FRIENDS With Really Reasonable Ribbon

Well, most of you who know me already know how much I LOVE Really Reasonable Ribbon and all their AWESOME ribbons, laces, trims and more.  For this particular card, I wanted to create a card for a special friend, and I knew that Really Reasonable Ribbon would make my card super special.  I started with a piece of floral patterned paper that I touched the edges of with paint, and then machine stitched.  Next, I added a cute "Guest Check" card and ticket from Basic Grey, and topped that with a FABULOUS bow created with several lovely ribbons from.......you guessed it - Really Reasonable Ribbon!
The pretty bow I added includes the super sweet Roses With Scalloped Edge Grosgrain in Aqua (the pretty floral print), 3/8" Shell Print on Coral Rose Satin RibbonSatin With Grosgrain Edge Light CoralDiamond Satin Light CoralSwiss Dot Grosgrain in Coral Rose (a Really Reasonable Ribbon exclusive), 3/8" Shell Print on Turquoise Satin Ribbon, and finally the beautiful Double-Faced Satin in Turquoise.  It's just small pieces of each, and then they secured (or cinched) in the middle to create a bow.  Then I placed a little pink gem in the center of the bow.
This second photo gives you a closer look at the bow and all the ribbons used in it.  They all have such great textures and lovely background prints, making them all unique, and yet they all work together SO well.  That's one of the really great things about Really Reasonable Ribbon; they make it SO easy to combine ribbons together beautifully.  You really can't go wrong.
Finally, I want to mention the jar in my photos.  I decorated it by taking a canning jar and spray painting it, and then I adorned the lid with more of Really Reasonable Ribbon's GREAT trims including their sweet Helen White Crochet LaceCream Seam BindingRose Petal Seam Binding and the luscious Bay Leaf Seam Binding (my personal favorite).  But again, they ALL work together SO beautifully, and make your projects look fabulous!  Why not treat yourself to some today?  You deserve it, and you will absolutely LOVE everything you purchase.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I always appreciate your sweet comments when you stop by to visit, and I want you to know how very grateful I am to have you here.  I look forward to visiting your blog as well, and really hope that you will play along in Really Reasonable Ribbons FUN CHALLENGE going on now.

I'm sharing my card here, in this fun challenge:
3 Girl Jam - August Challenge - Anything Goes - I love playing along at this fun challenge, and would be so delighted to win some of their GORGEOUS crinkle ribbon/seam binding.

Blessings to you,
Karen


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Back To School

The term "Back-To-School" doesn't mean to me quite what it used to.  Years ago, it meant backpacks, uniforms, and sending my precious babies off to their first day of school at our church/school.  At this point in my life, it still means school will be starting soon; but for us it starts at home now.  I only have one "baby" left at home, and he is in the 11th grade this year.  We homeschool, and that starts next week.  I will absolutely CHERISH these last two years with him - being his Mom and his teacher.  Precious!  The time we spend together will pass by much too quickly, so I truly cherish it.
I had a friend (someone who still has those precious little ones who attend our church/school), and she asked me to create some back-to-school cards for her kids' teachers.  I was happy to make them for her, and I thought that I would share one here on my blog.

I created this card with red Bazzill cardstock, some very old Cosmo Cricket patterned paper, some crayons, baker's twine, a grungy prim tag, an apple sticker, and a snippet of Tim Holtz ruler ribbon.  I'm sharing my card in these challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Back To School"

Thanks for visiting, and I wish you all a very safe and happy Back-To-School.
Karen






Thursday, August 13, 2015

August Blog Hop at RRR

It's time again for the AWESOME Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop.  Hopefully, you have just arrived here from the talented Bonnie Garby's Blog; but just in case you didn't, you can always go back and get started on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.  There are SO many fabulous projects this month, and you won't want to miss a single one.  Many of the projects shared on this Blog Hop will showcase ribbons from our August Ribbon Club Assortment - and they're FABULOUS!
How sweet are these little hair bows using this month's lovely Ribbon Club Assortment?  This month's collection is FILLED with the wonderful colors of Autumn, and are perfect for all your Fall crafting projects.  Really Reasonable Ribbon carries all sorts of great Headbands and Clips; but these little cuties were created using the 40 mm French Clips which are perfect for smaller girls' hair.  These lovely French Clips come in SIX different sizes to accommodate ALL hair lengths and thicknesses.  And....they stay in place all day while your little ones bounce around, play, swim, roll, etc.  They really stay secure nicely.  At Really Reasonable Ribbon, you can find the perfect size clips for any hair length and thickness; and all the perfect ribbons as well.
When you focus in on these ribbons, you can really see all the WONDERFUL textures and designs they offer.  I used the 3/8" Plaid Ribbon in Moss/Cream3/8" Plaid Ribbon In Yellow/OrangeLeaves on Tuftan Brown Grosgrain RibbonDebra Natural Crochet Lace, and the adorable Sunflowers on Kiwi Grosgrain Ribbon.  Each of Really Reasonable Ribbon's products compliments the next SO wonderfully.  That's one of the many things I love so much about them.

Your next stop on the Blog Hop is at the lovely and talented Teresa Horner's Blog, and I know that she has prepared something extra special to share with you all.  Don't forget to answer the question at the end of the Blog Hop to be eligible for the grand prize.  We hope you enjoy every stop along the way, and that you gain LOTS of great inspiration for using Really Reasonable Ribbons on your next project.

Blessings to you,
Karen

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Life Is A Journey

Today I'm making a blog post to cover several different things.  I've got so much going on that I really had to condense several things into this one post.  First, I'm going to share a card that I made just for fun.  I recently won the ENTIRE Crate Paper Journey line for winning Third Place in a contest they had.  When I first received this line, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it.  I kept looking on line (Crate Paper Blog and Pinterest, etc.) to try and find some inspiration.  Well, I finally came across a card on Pinterest the other day that I totally used as my inspiration for this card.  So, I can't take credit for it's design.  I didn't copy it completely, but you can definitely see the similarities.  It really gave me direction.  I'm going to give it to my niece, Brittany, who recently stayed at our house while she was on a fantastic road trip across the United States.  We were so glad she stopped to spend a few days with us before she headed back out on her journey.
All the papers, stickers, chipboard, wood pieces, etc. are from the Crate Paper Journey line.  I also added some black baker's twine, machine stitching, and vintage tape.  Even though this is a very different style than what I normally create, it was still a lot of fun.  I hope I gain a lot more inspiration for this line because I have a whole lot of it to use up.
This second card is one I created for CropStop Blog.  They have a monthly Linky Party/Challenge at CropStop where you can link your cards and projects for a chance to win some goodies from their store.  They are also having another GIVE-AWAY where you can invite your friends to link up in the challenge to earn extra entries into a drawing for an additional $20 Gift Certificate to CropStop.  If you become a new blog follower at CropStop Blog, you will enter yet another entry into this special GIVE-AWAY.  All the details are on the CropStop Blog Linky Party post.  We would love to have you play along with us there.
Lastly, I am posting a card for Word Art Wednesday.  Being that it's Wednesday, it's time for another fun challenge at Word Art Wednesday again, and there are two more fabulous prizes up for grabs.  We would love to have you stop by Word Art Wednesday to link up your projects this week for a chance at these great prizes.  There are LOTS of great challenges out there, and YOU are most welcome to join us.

These are the challenges I'm entering my cards in.  I will specify below which card is for which challenge.

Virginia's View Challenge #17 - Lovely Embellishments - I'm entering my first card (top) that was made with all the lovely Crate Paper embellishments.  What a fun challenge!

Heartwarming Vintage/Crafty Secrets - August Linky Party - I used a sweet little Crafty Secrets Button Card on my creation.  There are so many sweet images on this download.  It's the last card I added on this post, and it's also posted on the Word Art Wednesday blog.

Sketch Saturday - Challenge #373 - I made my Crate Paper card (card #1) AND my CropStop card (card#2) using this sketch.  It's such a fun and simple sketch, so it was easy to implement it in different ways.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Homegrown Summer - I have my first card representing summer because of travel.  I have my third card representing summer because of the beautiful flowers.

Have a blessed week, and thanks again for stopping by my blog.  Life is a journey, my friends.  I hope you know where your journey will end.  John 14:3

Karen

Monday, August 10, 2015

RRR Middy Biddy Pocket of Sweetness

It seems that Pocket Cards have become my "go-to" card lately.  The reason why I love them SO much is because the people who receive them really LOVE them.  And for me, it makes it so easy to tuck in a journalling card and gift card, so my gift-giving for that event is completely taken care of.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has EVERYTHING you would need to create this sweet Pocket Card.
It started with an ADORABLE Middy Biddy Kraft Bag With Vertical Stripes.  These darling bags come in several styles (horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, polka dots, etc.), and they are currently ON CLEARANCE at Really Reasonable Ribbon for just $1.65 for a package of 10 (ten) bags.  I really encourage you to GRAB SOME before they're all gone!  Next, I added some Crate Paper Party Day patterned papers and embellishments, a cream doily, and I wrapped several lengths of Raspberry Baker's Twine around the bag and into a bow.  Onto that, I clipped a miniature tag that's held with a tiny wooden clothes pin.  Inside the bag, I tucked in a decorated journalling tag to which I added a ribbon pull-tab made of Wide Natural Burlap With Wired Edge in Teal.
This second photo shows a close-up of my BIG bow.  It was made with Cream Seam Binding, yummy Bay Leaf Seam BindingRaspberry Baker's Twine, and was topped with some of our GORGEOUS Wild Orchid Crafts Mulberry Flowers including Deep Ivory Open Roses and Pink Open Roses to give it a soft, sweet touch.  I also tucked in a sea foam green wool felt leaf that I die-cut.  How sweet!

There's really no end to all the GORGEOUS things you can create with Really Reasonable Ribbon's amazing ribbons, laces, trims, flowers, decorative bags, and SO much more.  I encourage you to take the time to browse the Really Reasonable Ribbon store today, and to treat yourself to some of the great Clearance items, and some of the amazing ribbons and trims from their awesome selection.  You're sure to find something DELIGHTFUL!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Tie It Up (this is my final entry for this week)

Have a great day, and thank so much for stopping by!
Karen

Saturday, August 8, 2015

One Trick Pony

I'm sure it's no secret that I love making cards.  I make A LOT of them, and I post about 90% of the cards I make here on my blog.  However, my husband actually browsed through my blog today, and he made the comment, "People looking at your blog would think you're a one trick pony".  I asked him what he meant by that, and he said that I tend to only post my cards on my blog.  He asked why I never post any of the cute altered art projects I make (such as things made out of repurposed boxes, wooden spoons, antique bobbins and mason jars).  He said, "I don't see ANY of your other projects here....only cards".  Well, I started thinking about it for a while.  I really do tend to post only cards on my blog.  I'm really NOT a "one trick pony".....I promise!  I love making all sorts of altered art projects, mini albums, repurposed projects, etc.  So, with that said....I promise to start posting more of them.  I recently applied for a really fun Design Team, and I am PRAYING that they will see my potential, and not think like my husband did when he looked through my blog.  I really do need to push myself more, and to start sharing more of my art.
But.......in the meantime, I made another CARD!  Yes, I did.  Can you believe it?  A card!  I don't know why, but for some strange reason, I got it in my head that I needed to make a Christmas card today.  Perhaps it's because I've seen several Christmas cards popping up this week, and I started realizing that I don't want to get stuck this December, and have to create 50-100 cards all at once.
This card was made with several different products, and I'm quite certain that I cannot even name them.  I just started grabbing things and throwing them together.  I machine stitched the patterned paper, and I tied several lengths of jute around my card, and added some vintage-looking baker's twine, sequins and 3-D stickers.

I'm entering my card in a few challenges where it fits the current theme, as follows:

Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #80 - Sequins And/Or Beads - I added sequins underneath my sentiment, as well as at the center of my twine bow.  I've had SO much fun playing with my sequins this week!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Tie It Up" - I chose to use both jute and baker's twine to "tie it up" on this card.

CAS-ual Chic Challenge - Udderly Adorable Layers - I absolutely LOVE using layers of patterned papers and embellishments.  What a FUN challenge!

Little Scrap Pieces - Link It Up and Show It Off Linky Party

It's so nice to have you stop by my blog.  I hope you're having an amazing day, and that you have had time to be creative.

Karen

Friday, August 7, 2015

New RRR Challenge - Door Hanger

It's time for another SUPER FUN Challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and this time our theme is "Anything But a Card" With Ribbon or Trim, of course.  For this particular challenge theme, I chose to create a fun door hanger. I used some SUPER old patterned papers from my stash, and added several great Really Reasonable Ribbons including several from this month fabulous Ribbon Club Assortment.
I used the lovely Diamond Satin Kiwi GreenDelicate Stitched Satin DaffodilSatin With Grosgrain Edge in Tuftan BrownShimmer Satin Tangerine With Gold.  In addition to those sweet trims from the Ribbon Club, I also used a small piece of Dark Brown Gingham Ribbon, and a small piece of Chevron Striped Twill in Orange.  And finally, I tied in several lengths of both Antique Gold Burlap String and Natural Burlap String.
If you're making Autumn projects right now, our Ribbon Club Assortment would be PERFECT for your projects; and if you're working on anything else, Really Reasonable Ribbon is SURE to have the PERFECT ribbons and trims for what you need.  They literally have it all!  And not just the trims either....they have a wide variety of hair bow accessories, flowers, and embellishments to make EVERY project a success; and the PERFECT trims to match it all.

I really hope that YOU will stop by to share your latest creations with us.  There's always room for more in our challenges, and we warmly welcome you to stop by and play along with us this time.  You can find the current challenge right here on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.

I'm linking up my door knocker here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Tie It Up" - I've tied up this project with LOTS of jute and some sweet bows!

Happy crafting,
Karen

My Favorite CropStop Goodies

Hello, my creative friends!  I'm posting a card today that I created for CropStop.  They carry so many sweet products including inks, stamps, die-cuts, and SO much more.  It's a great place to pick up all your basic creative supplies, and a few "special goodies" to boot!
I created this sweet card by using some Crate Paper patterned papers and chipboard that I inked with Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The Tim Holtz Distress inks are all currently BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF at the CropStop.  Just use the link above to check out ALL the great colors available.  Then, I added some lovely wool felt flowers that were cut using a favorite My Favorite Things/Die-Namics Die Cut, which are all currently 20% OFF at CropStop.  And finally, the sentiment (Family) is a super sweet JilliBean Soup metal word, which makes it super easy to add your sentiment.
You can see a close-up photo of my wool felt flowers.  I added several sweet sequins to the centers of the flowers, along with some tiny pearl stickers in the centers to give my flowers a soft, sparkly look.  I absolutely LOVE sequins, wool felt, and all things sparkly.  You can also see another sequin as a "dot" on my i in the world family.
You may also notice that I used some vintage scotch tape from Vintage Street Market (which has gone out of business, much to my dismay).  I love using this tape on my Crate Paper projects because it has the vintage tape look printed on the papers, so I place the tape right over it; and I just LOVE this vintage look.

I am sharing my card in a few challenges that I love.  Here they are:

Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #80 - Add Sequins And/Or Beads - I added LOTS of lovely sequins to the centers of my wool felt flowers.  They add SO much sparkle and fun to everything!

Stamp & Create August Challenge - One For The Girls.  I think that this card with all the lovely felt flowers and sequins is really a great "girly" card.  I'm sending it to my Mom.

DL Art August Challenge - Anything Goes

Virginia's View Challenge #17 - Embellishments - I absolutely LOVE embellishments.  They are what make our cards special.  On this one, I used wool felt to create flowers that I placed tiny sequins with mini pearl stickers in the centers of to embellish them.  I also added vintage tape to my frame.   Embellishments ROCK!

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I really do hope that you will visit the CropStop store, and come by to play along in our current challenge on the CropStop Blog.  We would LOVE to have you join us.

God bless your week,
Karen



Thursday, August 6, 2015

My Love Affair With Sequins

Well, you may have guessed by now that I absolutely LOVE creating with sequins.  They are so soft and sweet, and add such a lovely little touch to your projects.  I've been creating so many projects with sequins lately, and just can't seem to stop.  I get all my sequins at V's Sweet Ideas because they have SO many gorgeous colors, and their prices are super reasonable (as well as their shipping rates).  I think everyone should own sequins in every lovely color they carry.  You can follow this link (or the one above) to go directly to V's Sweet Ideas to check out all their delightful sequins.
This little gift card holder was created using a Small Glassine Bag from the Kraft Outlet.  They sell there for just $2 for a package of 25 bags.  Aren't they super sweet?  I added some patterned papers, a gold die-cut PTI word (happy), some Sequins, baker's twine, a Heidi Swapp heart, and some Pink & White Striped Washi Tape.
Inside the Glassine Bag, I added a tag made from cream card stock, and inserted a Michael's gift card.  That's what I really love about these little bags.  They can be used for giving gift cards because they're the perfect size.  I got the little Heidi Swapp plastic hearts at Michaels.  They really do carry some super cute items, and sometimes I get really lucky with their sales.
I'm sharing my little envelope gift card holder in these challenges:

Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #80 - Use Sequins And/Or Beads - I absolutely LOVE using sequins on my projects.  Perhaps you've noticed......LOL!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Tie It Up - I used baker's twine on my tag.

Stamp & Create August Challenge - One For The Girls

This photo (above) is a page from the book our middle daughter, Alicia, wrote and had published.  It's a story that was written for my sister's children.  As some of you know, my sister, Audra, passed away in October from Brain Cancer.  Alicia wrote a story for her children that is a pirate adventure where the children have to listen to their Captain (Daddy) and work together to find the treasure that Queen Audra had left for them.  It's a DARLING book, and of course it made everyone in our family cry when they read it.  I just thought I'd share a page from the book.  Alicia did such a nice job on it, and it's VERY special to all of us.  I'm sharing it in this fun challenge:

If You Give A Crafter A Cookie - Cookie Challenge #24 - Mermaids/Pirates

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you're having a creative week!
Karen

Blessings For You

Well, our niece just hit the road this morning.  She had spent about five days with us.  Now tonight, we get another visitor who will be staying with us until Tuesday.  I'm beginning to feel like our spare bedroom is a bit of a Bed & Breakfast lately.  But I'm not complaining......we enjoy having company.  It's one thing I love about having a big house....there's always room for guests.
I had a little bit of time last night while everyone went out for a night on the Las Vegas strip.  I don't love going to the casinos; not even for a peek.  I've "been there, done that" as they say.  So I got to spend a little bit of time at home alone making a couple cards.  This one, and one more for a DT post tomorrow.

This one was made with a bit of this and that.  I used some Pebbles stickers, Simple Stories patterned papers, vintage scotch tape, sequins, and machine stitching.  I added the sentiment by using a Cheery Lynn Designs die-cut (blessings) and a PTI stamp (for you).  I also have some Pink Paislee stars, and some baker's twine tied around the card.

I'm linking up here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Tied It Up" - I used several lengths of baker's twine to "tie it up" on this card.

Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #80 - Add Sequins And/Or Beads

Stamp & Create Challenge - August - One For The Girls - I absolutely LOVE making "girly" cards.  And I also LOVE Stamp & Create!

Cheery Lynn Designs - Challenge #196 - Summer Fun - I used some great summer colors, and a canning jar (and summer is when I do my canning).  I also used a fun Cheery Lynn Designs word die-cut (blessings).

Have a great day!
Karen