Family Mini Album with RRR

Hello, ribbon-loving friends!  I'm sharing a project for Really Reasonable Ribbon today; and as you may already know about me, I absolutely love making mini albums out of paper bags.  They're easy to make, a great way to showcase family photos on your coffee table, and they make great little gifts.  This one was created  with the theme FAMILY in mind, and I used lots of great trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  The cover of my album includes a felt flower I cut using a Die-Namics die, and I embellished it with Natural Burlap String, and a length of Baker's Twine Diva Palos Verde Green Stripe.  I also tucked in a 30 mm Green Paper Mulberry Leave.  All the patterned papers, stickers, chipboard, etc. used on this project are from Crate Paper's Farmhouse collection.

First, I covered all my paper bags/pages with patterned papers and embellished each page with coordinating stickers, stitching, journalling spots, etc.  It was so much fun adding in some of my favorite RRR twines. There are a total of seven pages in this album, so please bear with me in this long post.  The photo below shows you page 2 which doesn't have any trims at all.  I just left a big photo space.

Below is Page 3, and it includes a journalling chipboard piece that's tied with Natural Burlap String and Cotton Candy Baker's Twine.  This page has room for a small photo, some journalling, and of course the pocket underneath it where extra photos can be stored.

And again......here is Page 4 (below) which has a journalling tab, a journalling spot with a Melissa Frances rub-on, some patterned papers, stitching, and a photo mat.  This page doesn't have any trims, and is one of the (smaller) envelope pages.

Next, I'm sharing Page 5 of my mini album.  There are several pages on the inside of my album that are smaller than the cover because I purposely used two smaller sized Lunch Bag Kraft Open End Envelopes.  Each little envelope has a flap so that you can tuck photos, journalling, etc. inside as keepsakes.

I'm sharing (above) a close-up of this page to show you the sweet bow I made on the flap of this envelope.  I used my hole punch to create a place to add some trims.  I used two lengths of the beautiful Blueberry Baker's Twine (this color reminds me of a denim color.....super cute!), and a length of Solid Red Baker's Twine, as well as a small torn piece of the 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Ribbon.

Next, you will see Page 6 (above) which also has a small snippet (scrap) of the 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Ribbon.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has so many great trims in every different width, fabric, textures, design, color, etc.  You're always sure to find the PERFECT trim for any project.  What not treat yourself today and stock of on some of the basics (i.e. Natural Burlap String and Baker's Twine) in your craft room.  You're sure to LOVE everything RRR has to offer.

Above is Page 7 of the mini album (the last inside page) and it also has no trims.  It includes a 3-D family embellishment from the Farmhouse line.  I included lots of great patterned paper scraps that I machine stitched together.

Finally, above you will see the back cover of my mini album.  I often leave these blank, but I decorated it this time (just a bit), and I included a "documented by" sticker so that the giver who puts it together for their family can document their name and the date.  Before I run off, I wanted to mention that I used my Zutter binding machine to bind this mini album.  Around the rings of the binding, I used some fabric strips, some of the 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Ribbon, and some Noble Peacock Seam Binding.

We also hope that you will stop back by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog often for more inspiration.  And don't forget that there is always a FUN CHALLENGE taking place where you can play along to showcase your ribbon and trim-adored projects.

I'm linking my album to these fun challenges:

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

Little Scrap Pieces - Saturday Linky Party

Sweet Stamps Blog:  June Challenge - Anything But a Card - I stamped in black ink on the cover of this album (Blessings - So Much To Be Thankful For) and also on the inside pages here and there.  Stamping is always the perfect touch.

Thanks for visiting, and we sure hope to see you again soon.

Bless you,
Karen

LOVE

Welcome, dear friends.  I'm always SO delighted to have you stop by my blog to see what I've been creating, and please know that I do enjoy visiting your blogs as well.  I've been MIA (missing in action) for the past week or so.  I went to Minnesota to visit my BFF and to attend our oldest daughter's bridal shower (the one for all our Minnesota family and friends).  Needless to say, it was a crazy busy trip; but a SUPER fun one.  Among other things, I had the opportunity to make a pit stop at my favorite scrapbook store The Pine City Scrapbooking Company.  Not only do they have an amazing store, but they have the most darling retreat on their property where you can book a private room with all the accommodations, and stay for a scrapbooking retreat.  Yes, it's amazing!  Oh, and I hit Nelson's Ice Cream twice (highlight of the entire trip).

I didn't go crazy, but I did buy a few things.  I picked up some sweet new Pebbles products from their new Spring Fling line including patterned papers and foiled cards; both of which I used on this card.  I inked the edges of the gingham patterned paper, used a large doily for the backdrop, added some sequins and pearl stickers, tied some gold metallic string around the card, and also stamped a background sentiment at the bottom.  It was quick and easy, but it all came together nicely.

I'm going to share my card in these challenges:

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

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Tic-Tac'Toe" - My tic-tac-toe is straight across the top.  I used sequins, gold, and a stamp (a background sentiment that I stamped across the bottom of my card).  I wasn't sure if "gold" meant yellow gold or shiny metallic gold; so I used both!  I used Pebbles Spring Fling to create my card - found at Simon Says Stamp.

Thanks so much for visiting today, and have a wonderful week.

Blessings to you all,

Karen

Together

Hello, friends!  As I make this post, I am enjoying time with BFF of 45 years.  We spent the day antiquing (I found several treasures), garage sale"ing", and doing some card-making as well.  I created this card using October Afternoon's lovely Farmhouse line.  Lots of patterned papers, a chipboard bird and sentiment, some natural jute, little paper flowers and a small green paper leaf, a small crocheted ivory doily, and the coordinating OA sticker for the journalling spot and two stick pins.  I'm using this card for my daughter, Andrea's, bridal shower that will take place this weekend up in Duluth at my Mom's house.

I'm not sure if you can see it in the photos of my card,; but I used some sparkly Stickles on the "clothes lines" that are printed on the patterned paper.  These aren't the greatest photos, but I didn't have great lighting when I took them.  Please remember, I'm not at home so I have to improvise.  I did take a close-up so that you could get a closer look.

I'm sharing my card in these challenges that I love:

Simon Says Stamp - Monday Challenge:  "Simon Says Use Patterned Papers" - This card uses three different October Afternoon patterned papers.

Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge:  "Simon Says Add Some Shimmer" - As I explained above, I used some shimmery Stickles on my card (on the clothes lines).  I also added a little extra shimmer with my stick pins.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Karen

Coffee Bag Treat With Ribbons

Hello, everyone!  Today I'm sharing a sweet little gift-giving idea with all of you.  I used LOTS of great ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon on this project to make it over-the-edge beautiful!  Here's how I did it:

I started with a Coffee Bag (they're very inexpensive) and put some Tutti Fruti Jelly Bellies inside it.  Once I folded the bag closed, it was cute.  But I knew Really Reasonable Ribbon could help me make it even cuter!  I added a small scrap of Crate Paper patterned paper, some Crate Paper tags, vellum, and chipboard, and a PTI felt heart border.  It was starting to come together, but........I just KNEW it needed an amazing bow.

I added two lengths of Cream Seam Binding, one length of Pink Aster Seam Binding, a piece of Metallic Gold String, and topped it with a button that was strung with Cotton Candy Baker's Twine.  Then.....I added even more ribbon!  Behind the bow, I added a small piece of 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Vintage Pink Floral Ribbon, a snippet of 3/8" Light Pink Gingham Ribbon, and a snippet of Burlap Pink Center Stitch Ribbon.

I tried to take a close-up of the bow so that you could see all those gorgeous ribbons up close and personal.  They're each fabulous alone; but together, they look SO sweet.  As I've said so many times, that's one of the biggest things I LOVE about Really Reasonable Ribbon, and that's how well all the different ribbons and trims work together so beautifully.

Thanks again for stopping by today.  I hope this project inspired you buy yourself some new ribbons and trims to decorate your next gift-giving project.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has everything you need to adorn your next project beautifully.  We also hope that you will stop by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog for inspiration each day, and to participate in our CURRENT CHALLENGE taking place now.

I'm linking my project in these fun challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Use Patterned Paper - I used Crate Paper patterned paper on the base of my embellishment.  LOVE me my Crate Paper!

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Blessings to you all,

Karen

Here...Kitty, Kitty!

To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not a "cat person".  But even I have to admit that this little kitty is adorable.  But then again, aren't all kitties adorable?  And what's more.....isn't ALL October Afternoon adorable?  I just love OA, and fun using it to create this sweet little card for a friend's daughter who is turning 3 and loves kitties.  It was a special request.  I used some sweet Solid Red Baker's Twine from Really Reasonable Ribbon to create my card.

I'm sharing my card in these fun challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Animal Magic

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Use Patterned Papers

Thanks for taking a peek.  I hope you're having an awesome week.

Karen

Sizzlin' Summer Colors at RRR

It's time for super FUN new challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and this time our theme is Sizzlin' Summer Colors.  I pulled out a super old line from my stash from K & Co. by Carol Gavin.  I have SO MUCH of this stuff (brand new still in the packages) that I don't know if I will EVER be able to use completely; but this challenge was perfect for using some of this bright, crazy, fun line of patterned papers and embellishments.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has lots of great sizzin' colors for Summer, or ANY occasion.  But for this card, I grabbed some of my brighter RRR ribbons and trims.

I machine stitched a piece of patterned paper, added a journalling card that says "Summer" on the bottom, and I ran a length of 5/8" Fuscia Satin Ribbon with Stitched Center across the width of my card in the center.  Then, I added a BIG, BRIGHT, Sizzlin' Summer Colors bow at the center right of my card.

This bright, lovely bow was created by using a length of the 5/8" Fuscia Satin Ribbon With Stitched Center, Orange Seam Binding, Solid Wheat Baker's Twine, Teal Baker's Twine, Solid Deep Pink Baker's Twine, and Solid Green Baker's Twine.  I also tucked in some small scraps of tulle to give my bow an extra "pop" of color.

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to head on over to the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog for lots of great inspiration, and to link up in our Sizzlin' Summer Colors Challenge.  We love to have you join us.  And be sure to check out all the great colors and textures of ribbons and trims available now at Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I'm linking my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Animal Magic - My "animal" is the bird on my 3-D button.

Have a blessed week,

Karen

It's Blog Hop Time at Really Reasonable Ribbon

Welcome to my blog today, everyone!  Today, being the 13th of the month, means that it's time for our SUPER FUN monthly Blog Hop at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and we're SO glad that you've chosen to hop along with us.  You should have arrived here at my blog from my sweet Co-Designer and friend, Nancy's Blog.  Wasn't her project absolutely amazing?  She's so good at showcasing the Ribbon of The Month Club ribbons.  I always enjoy her work.  If you didn't arrive here from her blog, you can always get started here on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog and get all caught up.

This month's Ribbon Of The Month Club is filled with such bright, fun colors for summer.  They all coordinate together SO well, as all of Really Reasonable Ribbon's trims do.  This sweet hair bow was created using a length of every single ribbon in this month's collection including the lovely 3/8" Crosshatch on Tangerine Satin Ribbon, the fun 5/8" Maize Taffeta Ribbon, 3/8" Citrus Paint Splatter on White Grosgrain, 5/8" Stitched Satin Tangerine Ribbon, a piece of the awesome 5/8" Citrus Dots Sheer Ribbon, the 5/8" Maize Diamond Satin Ribbon, 3/8" Citrus Chevron Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 5/8" Tangerine Checkerboard Satin Ribbon, as well as the 3/8" Honeycomb Print on Maize Satin Ribbon.  Don't they all look fabulously FUN together?  My hair bows are always attached using French Clips, and RRR carries them in several different sizes.

Your next stop on this Blog Hop is at the blog of my sweet and super talented co-designer, Kathy.  Just wait until you see what she has done with this month's Ribbon Club Assortment.  Thanks for joining us this month.

And don't forget about the CURRENT CHALLENGE taking place now on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.  We hope that you will share your ribbon-topped projects with us.  We love seeing how YOU use ribbon.

Have a great week!

Karen

I'm A Surprise Sweetie....

I'm a Surprise Sweetie (Guest Designer) at Cupcake Sweeties Challenge Blog.  If you've never played along before at this FUN and SUPER SWEET challenge blog, then I hope you will stop by to say hello and link up a card in their new challenge.  The inspiration photo for this Challenge #364 includes the colors Grass Green, Goldenrod, and Black.  Here is the inspiration photo:

Isn't that just beautiful?  I got such a warm, country vibe from this photo.  I wanted my card to have lots of great layers and texture.  I grabbed some patterned papers in grass green and goldenrod, inked the edges, and machine stitched them together.  I always love warm, homespun feeling that machine sewing adds to a project.  Next, I used a layered flower die-cut set from PTI to cut some layers of wool felt in these colors that I would place one on top of the next, coordinating colors as I went, and then finally topping each flower with a black button that's threaded into a bow with Solid Grass Green Baker's Twine.

Then, for my sentiment, I layered two October Afternoon stickers and used a Doodlebug rub-on by the No. with a 1, and a HELLO die-cut in black using Poppy Stamps Hip Hello Die for the main word.  Near the No. 1, I added a stick pin with a tiny tag onto which I stamped "friend" in Black Soot Ink so that it would read.....Hello....No. 1 Friend (if you're extra creative and read it out of order as it exists in my twisted mind...LOL).  I hope this makes to sense to someone other than just me. :)

We really hope that you will stop by to play along in this fun new challenge at Cupcake Inspirations Challenge Blog.  Thanks for stopping by.  Have a wonderfully and creative week.

I'm linking my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Summer Garden

Little Scrap Pieces - Saturday Linky Party

Poppy Stamps Blog - Challenge #21 - Tic-Tac-Toe - I went diagonally with Flower, Yellow and Twine.

Karen

June Challenge at CropStop

Welcome, everyone!  I'm hoping this finds you all enjoying the beginning of your summer and finding time to be creative while "holding down the fort" so to speak.  I know that for me, summer is always a very busy time; but it's also an opportunity for lots of great family time.  We have a daughter getting married this summer, trips to take, guests visiting, and so much more.  I still plan to do some crafting mixed in with all those busy days.

This card was created using some Crate Paper patterned paper and chipboard, and two of the MANY wonderful die-cuts carried at CropStop.  In fact, CropStop carries approximately 400 different dies.  They’re sure to have all the brands you love and trust, so be sure to check out ALL their wonderful Die-Cuts.  This card uses the Spellbinders decorative background die as well as a Poppy Stamps Die called Hip Hello.  I’ve used this die a lot, and you’re sure to find that favorite “go-to” die at CropStop, so take time to do some shopping.

We would love to have you all stop by the CropStop Blog to link up in our June Challenge for your chance to win some CropStop goodies of your own.  We love seeing your creations, and we want to be the store you think of when you need new stamps, dies, inks and so much more.  Swing by to check out everything available, and then play along in this month's FUN challenge.

Before I run off, I'm also sharing this card I made based on a sketch found at the Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog.  I thought it was adorable, and just had to create a card to enter in this challenge.  I used washi tapes and paper to create the upward slants in the sketch....very cute accent.  The rest is all by Crate Paper

Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog - Sketch Challenge #416 - Sponsored by Simon Says Stamp

Thanks for stopping by today, and have a blessed week.  I'm so grateful for your visits.

Karen

Happy Anniversary with RRR

Welcome back, everyone!  We're always so glad to have you visit, and today I'm sharing an anniversary card using lots of great products from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  RRR carries so many great ribbons, laces, flowers and much more to help make any card really special and beautiful.  I encourage you to do some looking around in the RRR Store and see for yourself!

This card was created using one piece of patterned paper that's been inked, there's a small tag with a congrats sentiment, and then happy anniversary is stamped on the patterned paper in black ink.  At the bottom of the card, I ran a width of Bay Leaf Seam Binding and covered it with a width of Edna Natural Crochet Lace.  Next, I tied a bow using Bay Leaf Seam Binding and placed a cream button in its center that's tied with Teal Baker's Twine.

Really Reasonable Ribbon carries so many gorgeous Mulberry Flowers in different varieties, but for this card I added four flowers from the Blue/Aqua Cherry Blossoms Collection.  I also worked in some 30 mm Green Leaves and a snippet of the Edna Natural Crochet Lace at the top right along with a wide black and cream striped ribbon from May Arts.

Thanks so much for visiting me today......hopefully you found some inspiration here.  We hope that you will play along in the Current Challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and that you stop back by again soon.  It's so nice to have you visit.

May you always have all the ribbons and lace your craft room can hold.

Karen 

Creating Just For Fun

Have you missed me?  Well, I've sure missed posting and I miss hearing from you all.  I've been so caught up in life recently, and taking care of "life" that I've forgotten to take some time for me and just sit down and create something that's just for fun.  So....today I'm sharing a sweet and simple little card that I created for some challenges that inspired me.

I used Crate Paper's sweet Little Bo Peep patterned papers which I inked and arranged according to the sweet sketch this week at Taylored Expressions.  Then, I cut some wool felt flowers in shades of yellow, tied with baker's twine, and added little green buttons to the flower centers with more yellow baker's twine tied in their middles.  I ran a sentiment strip of paper (again following the sketch), and I used a Poppy Stamps Die (hello) for the sentiment.

Here are the various challenges that inspired my creations, and where I'm linking my card:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Summer Garden - I created my Summer Garden using soft, sweet felt flowers.

Poppy Stamps Challenge #21 - Tic-Tac-Toe - I chose a diagonal approach by picking Yellow, Twine and Flowers.  My sentiment is the Hip Hello from Poppy Stamps.

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

Scrapy Land Challenge #43 - Anything Goes - I used the Hip Hello sentiment die from Poppy Stamps.

DLArt June Linky Challenge - Anything Goes - I love playing along in Diana's fun challenges whenever I can.  Be sure to check out all her wonderful seam binding and twine in the DLArt Shop, and come play along!

I really appreciate you stopping by my blog today, and I'm so grateful for any comments you leave.  If you aren't already following my blog, I'd really appreciate having you follow me.  Just let me know you're a new follower, and I'll be sure to stop by your blog and follow you as well.

Happy crafting!

Karen