Friday, October 30, 2015

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Ready or not.......Christmas is less than eight weeks away!  For those of you with husbands like mine, they need hints as to what you want.  Don't get stuck with another ugly bathrobe or set of spatulas, my friends.  Write down a "Wish List" from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and strategically place it where you know he will see it.  Why not?  At least you'll get what you really want!
I created this Christmas card using lots of goodies including patterned papers and stickers from my stash.  I adorned it with several sweet ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon including the adorable Red Chevron Striped Twill and some Lipstick Red Seam Binding.  I tied a big bow using the gorgeous Gold Metallic String, and also used the Gold Metallic String to tie on some rusty jingle bells.
There are SO many great ribbons, laces and trims at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and also beautiful Mulberry FlowersLeavesHair Accessories and Decorative Bags.  Start making that "Wish List" today so that you'll be smiling on Christmas Day; and able to really say that it's "the most wonderful time of the year".

Monday, October 26, 2015

Giving Thanks at The Kraft Journal

This week at The Kraft Journal, our challenge is all about "Giving Thanks".  We want to see all your fabulous Thanksgiving cards and projects using any kraft paper, kraft item, or anything that can be purchased at The Kraft Outlet.  The store has so many great and widely-used products that you're sure to have something on hand you can use to qualify for the challenge.  And if not, then treat yourself to some nice new kraft or ivory note cards, shipping tags, bags and envelopes of all sorts and sizes, baker's twine and so much more.  We would love to have you pull out your kraft products, and come play along with us in this week's Thanksgiving Challenge.
My card was created using some patterned paper scraps that my friend had with her when she visited me in September.  I thought they'd be perfect for a Thanksgiving card, so I used them to create this one.  I started with g a Small Buff/Ivory Note Card as my card's base.  Then, I added a Jenni Bowlin Journalling Card (Faith), a Large Manila Shipping Tag with Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment (give thanks), a Bottle Cap with a piece of Jenni Bowlin Flair Icon Flatback Pin (15 cents), several lengths of Natural Hemp Cord and Black Baker's Twine; and also a snippet of both Black Twill Tape & Ivory Twill Tape that I attached to the top of her card using a Tim Holtz mini stapler.
I hope you'll take a peek at these make-shift felt pumpkins.  I've heard people say things like, "I don't have all those fancy die-cuts, or I don't have a cute pumpkin stamp set, etc."  Well, let me suggest this....next time you don't have the right die-cut or stamp, try creating the shape yourself using felt.  I actually use wool felt.  Since I knew I wanted pumpkins, I simply looked at the shape of a pumpkin, and then drew it out on paper.  I cut the paper pieces out (to use as a guide), and traced around them on the felt, then cut the shapes out of small scraps of felt in the appropriate colors.  Once I had my pieces cut, I gently machine stitched them together (or you could definitely hand-stitch them as well)......and there you go. I had my pumpkins!  I encourage you to not get down about the crafts you DON'T have; but to GIVE THANKS for what you DO have, and make the very most of it.  Use the creativity God has given you.  I don't believe that any of us would be doing all this if we weren't somewhat creative.  So, let your creativity run wild.  Next time you need something, improvise.  You just might surprise yourself.


Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I am so glad you've visited.

Blessings to you,
Karen

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A Simple Saturday

Hello there!  I hope that you're having a wonderful weekend.  I'm doing absolutely nothing today, and it feels great.  I'm not even doing housework or laundry.  I've been lounging around, watching Lifetime Movie Network, and chatting with my son all day.  It's wonderful!
This is a card that I created a couple of months ago.  I had almost forgot about it completely, but reaized today that I hadn't posted it yet so I thought that I would go ahead and share it.   It was created with some of my favorites - Crate Paper products, a paper doily, a chipboard frame, some pearl stickers, a Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment, some vintage scotch tape, baker's twine wrapped around it, and a seam binding bow.
I just LOVE wrapping baker's twine around my cards, and making big fluffy bows made from beautiful seam binding.  Everything soft and sweet is right up my alley.  It's always fun to create a card using lots of favorite items, and that's what this card is.  It's not intended for anyone in particular, but I'm sure it will come in handy at some point.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - Simon Says "Wrap It Up" - I used some sweet yellow seam binding to wrap around my card.  Love it!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!
Karen

Friday, October 23, 2015

Pretty Pink Christmas

This is a card that I've been intending to create ever since I saw this theme announced last Sunday on the Classy Cards-N-Such Blog.  I just didn't have the time to actually sit down and put it together until last night,  Well, it's finished, and I have to say it's better late than never.  I used my Crate Paper Bundled Up supplies, and I think it turned out really sweet.  I got my inspiration from a similar card on Pinterest, but changed a few elements.
I used pink cardstock paper that I scored, and then I added some patterned papers, lots of great chipboard elements, some trims, and even glittered my snowman on his SLED.  As I've said before, I am completely smitten with Crate Paper, and this Bundled Up line is about the cutest Christmas line ever.  I love using some non-traditional colors now and then on my Christmas cards, and it feels good to have some of my cards already finished.

Classy Cards-N-Such - Challenge #107 - Pretty Pink Christmas

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed week!
Karen

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Christmas Mini Album for RRR

Hello to all our ribbon-loving friends.  I'm here today to share a mini album that I created for Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I'm sure you all know that Really Reasonable Ribbon carries the most wonderful ribbons, laces and trims you can imagine.  There's always something PERFECT to adorn all your projects and make them beautiful.  But did you also know that Really Reasonable Ribbon has several different Decorative Bags?  And that's not all......they're on clearance at FABULOUS prices.  Just take a look at what you can do with paper bags.
This album was made using one wine bag (yes, the long skinny bags you get when you buy a bottle of wine), one glassine bag, and one Chocolate Frosting Little Biddy Bag. Decorative Bags are perfect for making mini albums, and Really Reasonable Ribbon has the best prices on these sweet little bags, so it's a great time to stock up.  On the cover of my mini album, I used Bay Leaf Seam BindingDusty Olive Seam Binding, and Cream Seam Binding.
On the second page, I ran several lengths of Natural Burlap String around the page, and tied it into a bow where I added the holly berries and leaves.  I especially love all the great colors of Burlap String because it's very inexpensive, and it adds such a nice touch to your cards and projects.  Really Reasonable Ribbon carries 15 beautiful colors of Burlap String.
The next page of my mini album doesn't have any ribbons on it (what a shame....LOL), but it's a glassine bag for tucking in photographs.  Because mini albums are so small, adding a Decorative Bag for photos is a great idea.
Next, I added a sweet Chocolate Frosting Little Bitty Bag with a tag tucked inside for journalling.  The tag has a piece of the Dusty Olive Seam Binding tied to it.  This makes the tag easy to pull out so that you can read the journalling (or, again tuck a photo inside).
On the last page of this sweet little paper bag mini album, I left a photo spot.  You will also see (from this and some of the other photos) that I attached a piece of the gorgeous 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Holiday Snowflake Ribbon.  I can't even begin to tell you all how CUTE this ribbon is.  I also love that, because it's cotton, you can easily rip it to give the edges that frayed look.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has lots of great wide ribbons like this which work great for tabs on mini albums.

You're sure to find LOTS of great ribbons, trims, laces, decorative bags, and SO much more at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Why not treat yourself today?  Also, we hope that you will stop by to play along in our current CHALLENGE taking place on the RRR Blog.  Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Wrap It Up - I have wrapped it up with ribbons, twine and trim, and also created a great gift-giving project.  And....I've used some awesome May Arts Ribbons!

Have a blessed week,
Karen

Saying Thank You

Sometimes simply saying "thank you" to someone just isn't enough.  There are times when you feel like you really need to do something more.  Those are the times when I like to send a card, and often times even tuck a little gift card inside.  That's one of the reasons why I LOVE these little mini bags so much.  They look super cute on the front of your cards, and you can tuck a gift card right inside them.  This one is going to a friend who went WAY above and beyond what was needed, and I really want to express my gratitude.
I started with a Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card and attached a coordinating machine stitched woodgrain patterned paper to that, and then I topped it with a woodgrain miniature bag from JilliBean Soup that I picked up at Michaels.  Inside the miniature woodgrain mini bag, I tucked a little journalling card so that I write a little note when I tuck the gift card inside.  Next, I embellished it with a Miniature Grungy Prim Tag that I hand stamped with a "thanks" stamp from my stash.  I attached it with a gold glittered Tiny Wooden Clothespin for some bling.  I also attached a cute little Crate Paper toothpick tag accent for a bit more "bling".  I tied several lengths of Brown Baker's Twine around my card, some vintage scotch tape, and also attached a wooden thank you sentiment flag.

All these elements I used are part of a fun new challenge blog I found called Stamping Smiles Designs which is a fun new Tic-Tac-Toe based challenge blog.  They're just getting started, and are holding a Design Team Call.  So, if this is up your alley; you really might want to consider stopping by to apply for Ka's new Design Team.  Ka wants to implement stamping into her challenges, so I did use a stamped sentiment on my tag.  Stamping always adds something special in my opinion.  I'm sure that if you have any questions about the DT requirements, she would be happy to answer them for you.  She's just looking for a great group of enthusiastic stampers/crafters who can help promote this FUN new challenge blog.  Sounds like fun, right?

I'm entering my card in the following challenges, and I hope that you will play along as well.


City Crafter Challenge Blog - Challenge #284 - Getting Into The Wood.  I just LOVE the woodgrain paper and bag I've used.  It gives such a homespun look to the card.

Stamp and Create Challenge Blog - Brown and/or Kraft - Well, I used both.  They look great together!  I absolutely LOVE this challenge blog.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Wrap It Up - I've wrapped it with twine, and created a pocket for gift-giving.  Perfect challenge!  And.....I've used May Arts Ribbons.

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party - Anything Goes

Have a very blessed and creative week,
Karen

Monday, October 19, 2015

Scarecrows at The Kraft Journal

This week at The Kraft Journal, our challenge theme is Scarecrows/Anything Goes.  I have to admit that when I first heard about this challenge, I was a little bit worried because I don't own any scarecrow stamps, stickers, etc.  I really didn't know what to do.  So I went to Google and typed in the words "Cute Scarecrow Images", and I instantly had oodles and oodles of cute scarecrow images from which to choose.  Once I had picked my image, I printed it out and fussy cut it.  Then, I grabbed a Small Buff Ivory Note Card and attached some Autumn patterned paper, and a journalling card to which I attached my little scarecrow.
I machine stitched my patterned papers and inked the edges.  Then I used a sticker from the back of a Jenni Bowlin Memo Book (and by the way, these little Memo Books have so many cute pages and stickers inside them) and I hand stamped my sentiment on it.  For the finishing touch, I added a brown button that has some Orange Baker's Twine tied through it, and a nice bow tied with Natural Hemp Cord.  I also tied some of the Natural Hemp Cord around the scarecrow's waist.  It looks rather busy, but it's actually a pretty simple card.  So next time you need a particular image, don't count yourself out if you don't have it.  Try using my little google trick to find an image, and enter the challenge.  We sure would love to have you play along with us this week at The Kraft Journal.

Have a blessed week, and thanks so much for stopping by.

Karen

Friday, October 16, 2015

A Christmas Challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon

Although it's the middle of October, we're all starting to see lots of great Christmas projects and challenges lately.  We're joining in the fun of Christmas early at Really Reasonable Ribbon by having a fun Christmas Challenge.  You can share ANY type of project in this challenge; as long as it includes some type of ribbon, twine, lace, trim, or pretty much anything sold on a spool.  You get the idea.  I used lots of great Really Reasonable Ribbon favorites on my little project.
I started with a tiny embroidery hoop that I purchased at WalMart for just a few cents.  I placed some red gingham material in the center of the hoop and stretched it tight to create a background.  This was just a small piece of scrap material I had on hand.  Next, I placed a length of Juliet Natural Crochet Lace across the center of the hoop; and I covered that with a small chipboard circle which is from Melissa Frances.
To the top of my hoop, I added several great Really Reasonable Ribbons including their sweet Red and Green Plaid Christmas Ribbon, a piece of Juliet Natural Crochet LaceBurlap Center Stitch Red, and some Lipstick Red Seam Binding.  As I've mentioned before, one of the really great things about Really Reasonable Ribbon's trims is how well they all work together to compliment one another.
I also included a length of Natural Solid Burlap Twine that I tied into the bow.  Then, the finishing touch to my project was adding some tiny rusty jingle bells that are tied on using a length of Ivory Burlap String.  I topped that with a miniature plastic candy cane.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope that you will swing over to the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog to share your Christmas projects in our new challenge.  We always enjoy seeing your sweet creations.  We also hope you'll check the blog to get some inspiration.  There's a new post almost every day to give you great new ideas for crafting.  Feel free to stop by to see what's new and on-trend.  And don't forget to enter our Head Start on Christmas Challenge.

Blessings,
Karen


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Sneak Peek From Simon Says Stamp

I can't even begin to tell you happy I was to receive an unexpected package in the mail from Simon Says Stamp.  In case you haven't caught on to my "subtle hints" up to this point, I'm absolutely DELIGHTED to announce that Simon Says Stamp will be the primary sponsor of our challenges next year at Word Art Wednesday.  They graciously invited our entire Design Team to participate in their STAMP-tember celebration last month; sending each of us some new stamps and dies to promote.  Then, this month we each unexpectedly received some more goodies from their upcoming Winter Release to create some sneak peeks to share on our blogs and social media.  This amazing company carries SO MANY of your favorite brands, and you're sure to find those on-trend items you've been seeing on everyone's blogs.  I encourage you to stop by and check out their store, and to visit the Simon Says Stamp Blog for inspiration (and fun challenges each week).  I sure am grateful for the amazing goodies they've been sending my way, and I'm happy to showcase them.
The die-cut they sent me from their upcoming release is called "Merry & Bright".  While it looks like a one-piece die, it's actually three separate pieces so that you can strategically place each piece exactly where you want it on your card or project.  These high-quality, wafer-thin dies are SO easy to use, and you can see here how nicely it rests on the front of my card.  I used some paper scraps, a 3-D snowflake, some Making Memories trim (blue), seam binding, a button, and Ivory Burlap String.  Very simple.

Thank you, Simon Says Stamp.  I love you products!  I encourage everyone to stop by Simon Says Stamp to check out their awesome store, challenges, inspiration, and SO much more. 

Wishing blessings to you all,
Karen

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Luscious Layered Posies

Hey there, crafty friends!  I hope you're all having a great week.  Mine has been crazy busy; but I realize that everyone has busy lives as well.  We all have a different journey; but we all have many hats we wear, and many different roles and responsibilities.  I always feel relieved when I get home at he end of a long day, I have dinner taken care of, and I can just chill out and relax.  Tomorrow is another busy day.  I'm looking forward to Thursday because that's my "quiet day" of the week.  I have only one appointment that day.  Ahhhh!  I can hardly wait.
This card was created with some paper scraps, a couple of tags (one from my stash, and one cut from vellum).  The sentiment is a Jillibean Soup sticker.  I added some ribbon, vintage lace, a miniature rusty paper clip, some pearl gem stickers, and LOTS of great flowers cut from wool felt and lace using a lovely die-cut from Frantic Stamper called Layering Posies.  They're SO cute.  I layered the large ones, placed the smaller ones in the centers, and also used some of the smaller ones down at the bottom right of my card.  Aren't they sweet?   Here's a close-up photo.
I've been having SO much fun Guest Designing for Frantic Stamper, and I really love their sweet dies.  I hope you will stop by to check them out.  They have SO many from which to choose, and they're all simply amazing.  There's also LOTS of great inspiration on the Frantic Stamper Blog.

I'm sharing my project in these awesome challenges:

Scrapy Land Challenge #27 - Anything Goes Using a Die sold at Scrapy Land.  I used a Frantic Stamper Die on this project.

Little Scrap Pieces - Linky Party

It's always a blessing to have you stop by my blog.  I look forward to seeing what you have been creating this week.

Karen




Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Blog Hop Time at Really Reasonable Ribbon

It's that time of the month again.....BLOG HOP TIME at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and we're SO glad that you've chosen to hop along with us.  You should have arrived here from Bonnie Garby's sweet blog.  Wasn't that a treat?  This month's Ribbon Club Assortment is filled with lots of gorgeous Christmas ribbons, and each month's assortment is sure to contain lots of great trims to adorn your projects.  It's a great way to get the perfect ribbons for every season at a great price.  Here's a look at this month's lovely assortment:
As I usually do for the Blog Hops, I'm sharing a sweet hair bow that was made using LOTS of great ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon, including several of the trims from the October Ribbon Club Assortment.  I have to give a "shout out" to my friend, Rachel, for her help with the hair bows.  Really Reasonable Ribbon not only carries all the perfect ribbons for creating these hair bows, but they also carry all the Hair Clips you will need as well.  They carry several different sizes for various hair lengths and thickness, so you can find the perfect size clips to create darling hair bows for your kids, grand kids, or for others.
This bow includes the following ribbons from the October Ribbon Assortment:  Christmas Fun Flowers Satin RibbonMittens On Poppy Red GrosgrainChristmas Red Zig Zag on White SatinMary White Crochet LaceForest Green Satin With Grosgrain EdgeRed Delicate Satin Stitched RibbonEmerald Checkerboard Satin, and the awesome Funky Snowflakes on Emerald Green Grosgrain.  Then, in the center of the bow you will see some Circus Dot Ribbon with Red and Green Circles and a little gem in the center (as well as a few placed throughout the bow).

Your next stop on this fun blog hop is at the blog of the very sweet and talented Teresa Horner, and I just know that she will have something delightful to share with you all.  Please leave a comment on each blog, ad don't forget to answer the question on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog at the end of the hop so that you will be eligible for the prize.  We're so blessed to have you join us, and we hope that you are inspired by the projects we share.

Thanks for visiting.  Hop on!
Karen


Monday, October 12, 2015

Pick Any Three at The Kraft Journal

Well, now that it's officially Autumn (as of September 23 in the United States), I have a much more festive outlook.  I am currently adapting to wrap my head around the whole.... pumpkins, gourds, hay stacks and scarecrow decor so that I don't shock myself as we slowly transition into Christmas.  Now, that might sound a bit crazy to some; but please bear in mind that Christmas is approximately ten weeks away.  Yikes!  That's approaching much quicker than we all realize.  Well for now, let's enjoy some pumpkins and Autumn sentiments as we celebrate Autumn/Halloween and Harvest Time at The Kraft Journal.
The Pick 3 Challenges are always some of my favorites, and this week there were lots of great choices found in our Pick 3 Challenge at The Kraft Journal.  I actually incorporated seven of the items on the list into my card; including a some die-cut, pumpkins, buttons, a stamped sentiment, the use of black (in my base and tag).  But here's the good news -  you're only required to include three, which isn't difficult to do.  I started my card with a piece of Half-Size Blackboard Stock Paper which is perfect when folded in half, and makes a perfect card.  To that I added a journalling card from the Jenni Bowlin Vintage Mini Deck Basics Set as my backdrop.  Then, I added a Blackboard Tag and painted on its edges and decorated it with two stamped pumpkins, a burlap square, and a stamped sentiment on a die-cut banner.  I tied some sweet Green Baker's Twine into my tag, and added some coordinating buttons for the finishing touch.

 I really look forward to seeing YOUR creations linked to our challenge this week.  You will be entered into the drawing for the monthly $15 Gift Certificate.  Just come by and link up your art with us.  Our only real "rule" is that you need to use either kraft paper of any kind, or any product that can be purchased at the Kraft Outlet.  We always enjoy having you join us.  The more, the merrier.

Classy Cards 'N Such - Challenge #106 - The Colors of Fall

Sketch Saturday - Sketch Challenge #382

Happy crafting,
Karen


Saturday, October 10, 2015

Happy Birthday With RRR

No, it's not Really Reasonable Ribbon's Birthday.  Not that I'm aware of, anyway.  But it is my cousin's birthday next month; so I wanted to create a soft, sweet birthday card for her.  I used some of my favorite Crate Paper products along with some sweet coordinating ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon to embellish it.  Really Reasonable Ribbon, no kidding, has the PERFECT ribbons and trims for EVERY project.  Their choice of colors, textures, prints and widths is absolutely endless.  The papers I used literally matched up perfectly with the ribbons I used on my card.
After I laid out my patterned papers and had my design layout completed, I inked and machine stitched the papers.  I used a couple of little strips (the banner and the sentiment), as well as another piece of ephemera from Crate Paper in the background, and placed a half of a white paper doily at the bottom of my card.  Well, as I've said before.....no card is complete without a bow.  This one just looked "naked"; and I knew that I had the PERFECT Really Reasonable Ribbons to give this little card just what it needed.

I ran a length of the gorgeous Seam Binding in Charcoal Gray across my card, and also included this same Charcoal Gray Seam BindingBay Leaf Seam Binding and Oyster Baker's Twine in my bow.  I placed a coordinating button in the center of my bow that has a small piece of Solid Gray Baker's Twine tied into it.  I thought about adding some of Really Reasonable Ribbon's gorgeous Mulberry Flowers, but decided to just keep it simpler this time.

I really want to mention that the Bay Leaf Seam Binding I used on this project is the perfect shade of light greenish teal (I'm not great at explaining it) that is SO popular right now.  It matches so many of the popular patterned papers that are on trend right now.  But that's one of the many things that I love SO MUCH about Really Reasonable Ribbon.....the way their vast array of choices will match perfectly to any project you might be creating.  Why not stop by Really Reasonable Ribbon and check out ALL the wonderful ribbons, trims, laces, twines, flowers, embellishments and more.  Christmas is coming, and you can create a "Wish List" to give your family.  That way, you're sure to get what you really want.  Gorgeous ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon are the perfect accent to ANY project.

Don't forget about the FUN CHALLENGES on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog where you can enter all your ribbon-topped projects.  We always LOVE having you play along in our challenges.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed week.
Karen


Thursday, October 8, 2015

Crate Paper Bargains

For anyone who knows me at all, you know how much I LOVE Crate Paper.  It runs a close second for me with the very awesome October Afternoon, so it's hard to really say for sure which is my number one favorite.  Let's just say that I'm completely smitten with both of these amazing companies, and can't ever get enough of either.  But for today, I'm focusing on Crate Paper because:   1) I absolutely LOVE it, and 2) I got some AMAZING bargains yesterday.  While I was in Minnesota this summer, I picked up almost the entire lines of  both Craft Market and Confetti (both by Crate Paper) at the Pine City Scrapbook Company (my all-time favorite scrapbook store and Scrapbook Retreat Center - VERY well worth checking out if you're ever looking for a Scrapbook Retreat).  Needless to say, I paid full price there for everything.  But today......I stopped in to my local Tuesday Morning, and........I SCORED!  I got several of the same items that had cost me up to $5.99 per package for just $1.49 and $1.99, and some of the cute embellishments that I got at these great prices, I didn't have yet.  So, I'm stocked up and I even have several extra packages of many of them.  I couldn't be happier, and I can't wait to use up these awesome goodies.  For $1.49 and $1.99 I got these:
Ephemera - $1.49 each (I bought 3)
Tassels - $1.49 each (I bought 3)
Faux Leather Bows - $1.99 (I bought 1)
Standouts - $1.99 (I bought 3)
Can you believe those bargains?  I will definitely be heading back to Tuesday Morning next week to see what other bargains I can find.  If you have a Tuesday Morning in your area, you should definitely stop by to see what they have.  Now, on to my projects.  Before I even post them, I want to let you know that I was TOTALLY inspired by the original artwork of Melissa Phillips on both of these projects.  She posted them on her blog for Crate Paper, and they are also pinned on Pinterest.  I always give credit where credit is due, and these are very much Melissa's original ideas.  I just "tweaked" them a bit and put my own spin on them.
This card was made using almost ALL Crate Paper Craft Market products.  I also added a pearl  sticker, some vintage scotch tape, Tim Holtz mini staples, and some Thickers chipboard letters.   I just LOVE the vintage feel and subtle colors in this collection.
This tag is also made from Crate Paper's Craft Market items including lots of the ephemera pieces, a glittered miniature clothespin, a sequin, a mini pearl sticker, some Making Memories ribbon (pink), a burlap heart (from Michaels), and some Bay Leaf Seam Binding from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Before I run off, I'd like to tell you about a BIG SALE taking place at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  It's a FIVE-DAY sale that started today and runs through the weekend to celebrate Columbus Day.  Just stop by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog for all the details, and to pick up the codes you will need.  Perhaps you'd like to pick up some the lovely Bay Leaf Seam Binding I used on my tag, or one of the other 46 colors they carry.  You're sure to find the perfect ribbons, laces and trims for all your projects; and now that they're on sale, it's the perfect time to stock up.  Don't miss out on the bargains!

Craftin' Desert Divas Blog - Linky Party:  Things With Wings - On my card (first project), I added a postage stamp with a hornet/bee that has wings.

Craft-Dee-Bowz Challenge - October Challenge - Anything Goes With a Hand-Made Bow - My tag (second project) has a sweet hand-made bow.

Thanks so much for visiting,
Karen

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Merry Christmas......Already?

Yes, I realize that I'm too early.  It's just October, and here I am making a "Merry Christmas" blog post.  But I couldn't resist sharing this card I made for Frantic Stamper.  I used their sweet Merry Christmas Precision Die.  They have so many great dies, and you're sure to find something you'll LOVE!
I used some shiny gold paper to cut the Merry Christmas sentiment.  I also used some fun Simple Stories patterned papers, machine stitching, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, vintage baker's twine, vintage lace, painted and glittered jingle bells, half a vintage cream doily, some hemp cord, and seam binding.  That's my entire supply list.  It's a fairly simple card, and a layout I've used many times.
I feel very blessed that Frantic Stamper asked me to Guest Design for them because their die-cuts are absolutely wonderful.  They have a fantastic assortment, and lots of other amazing products as well.  I hope you will check it out.

I will be sharing this card in the following challenges this week:

Scrapy Land Challenge Blog - Challenge #27 - Anything Goes Using a Die That's Sold at Scrapy Land - I used a Frantic Stamper die on my card, and you can purchase them at Scrapy Land.

Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenges - Clean and Simple Christmas Challenge

3 Girl Jam Challenge Blog - October Challenge - Anything Goes With Ribbon - I used some seam binding, and I sure would LOVE to win some from 3 Girl Jam.

Classy Cards 'N Such - Challenge #105 - "Happy Holly Days" - I have holly leaves and holly berries on the patterned paper at the bottom of my card.  I also created "holly berries" out of jingle bells.

Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and to take a peek at my card.  I hope you have an amazing week!

Karen




Saturday, October 3, 2015

In LOVE With Frantic Stamper

Hello, everyone!  Today I'm sharing a card that I created for Frantic Stamper.  I totally plan to create a second card just like this one when my new Studio Calico die-cut (thanks) arrives that I just ordered last night.  I haven't treated myself to anything new in a while, so I figured.......why not!
I've been SO blessed to have this opportunity to Guest Designer for Frantic Stamper.  Using their sweet Precision Dies and products is such fun, and I've been able to create so many great projects.  The card I'm sharing today uses lots of great new Crate Paper products that you can find in the Frantic Stamper store.  The sentiment on the card (love) was created using the adorable Big Handwritten Love Die which I cut from white paper.
I simply layered the patterned papers and embellishments together, and then added this sweet sentiment.  Frantic Stamper has LOTS of great sentiment dies, as well as all sorts of shapes and fun designs to embellish all your projects.  I hope that my little card has inspired you, and that you will stop by Frantic Stamper today and treat yourself to a sweet new die-cut (or two).....LOL!   I'm sure you will LOVE them as much as I do!  We're SO grateful to have you join us and get some inspiration when you stop by the Frantic Stamper Blog.

Before I run off, I want to let you know where I got the inspiration for this fun card.  As I've always said, it's great to gain inspiration from others; but we must always give credit where credit is due.  The original inspiration for this card came from a crafter named Teri whose blog is called "A Bit of This.....A Bit of That".  I just loved her super creative use of these wonderful Crate Paper Craft Market supplies, and I had to recreate it.  The original artwork and inspiration belongs to Teri, and I thank her for the creative lead on this one.

I'm sharing this card in the following:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - This Week, Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Thanks again for stopping by to say hello, and have a very blessed week!
Karen

Friday, October 2, 2015

Another My Favorite Things Card for CropStop

Hello, my creative friends!  Happy Friday to all of you.  I hope you're all enjoying your week, and ready to relax this weekend.  I know that I am.  We have our oldest daughter's boyfriend coming for a visit this weekend.  We always enjoy having him here, and love to see how their relationship is growing.  We're just getting to the point where our younger daughter's wedding is all paid for; and who knows!  We could be looking at having another wedding in the next year or two.  It's all so exciting.
This card was created for CropStop using some patterned papers that I machine stitched and covered with laces and trims, a chipboard sentiment, and some more gorgeous die-cut wool felt flowers using another  wonderful Die-Namics/My Favorite Things Die-Cut to give my card texture, depth and personality.  I cut the flowers from ivory wool felt using some adorable wool felt that I rolled, and then placed some Doodlebug Mini Pearls in their centers for a soft touch.  I also placed some big bows under my flowers that were made using Ivory Burlap Trim.  There are some sweet little Maya Road Canvas Tags on the card (going in various directions) to draw the eye more toward the sentiment.
There are SO many great products available at CropStop that you will just love.  There's also a monthly Anything Goes Challenge on the CropStop Blog where you can link up your projects for a chance to win some CropStop goodies of your own.  Why not stop by and check it out?  We'd sure LOVE to have you join us.

I'm linking up my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

DL ART Thankful Thursday October Linky Party - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today.
Karen