Shoot For The Stars w/Brutus Monroe

Welcome back, everyone!  I'm over-the-moon delighted that you've stopped by to visit me today.  It's always awesome knowing your thoughts about my cards, and hearing what you're up to in the crafting world.  Y'all inspire me SO much, and I hope this fun little card inspires you just enough to stop by Brutus Monroe to check out the Inspiration Boxes (and possibly a whole lot more, as they carry just about everything).

This sweet little card started with some of the lovely cardstocks (turquoise, orange, etc.) found in the Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box.  I used them to create my card base, and I used a piece of the pretty silky ribbon (in turquoise) to run a border across my card.  The background was created by using Mermaid Lagoon and Spiced Marmalade Tim Holtz Oxide Inks.

Next I stamped the ADORABLE rocket using the stamp set and coordinating die-cuts found in the Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box.  I also used some of the smaller accent stamps in this set (stars, "rocket thrust exhaust", sentiment, etc.) on the background as well as some of the cute glittery gold foam stars from this Inspiration Box.  A few of the coordinating sequins from this Inspiration Box were the finishing touches.

Finally, for the photo; I used a length of Black Baker's Twine to tether the astronaut (pin) to his spaceship/rocket to do some space exploration.  The black card where the astronaut is "floating in space" was treated with the super COOL White Chroma Mist found in the Inspiration Box. Once it had dried, I used the awesome Galaxy Embossing Folder (also found in this Inspiration Box) to emboss the cool constellation space background.  Let me just say....this Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box is FILLED with darling products to help you explore your creativity.

Thanks again for visiting me today, and please stop by again soon.  I'm SO super grateful for your visits and comments.  Have a wonderfully creative week, everyone.  Brutus Monroe has LOTS of great things to help spark your creativity.

Blessings,

Karen

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Create a Scene" - I created an outer space scene, and I even have the astronaut floating out in space.  He's REALLY creating a scene....LOL.

Dare 2B Artzy Challenge - June Challenge: Masculine

HELLO From Really Reasonable Ribbon

HELLO, blog friends and crafters.  I'm SO glad that you've stopped by today because I'm sharing a pretty little card that I created for Really Reasonable Ribbon.  If you're anything like me, you LOVE a good bargain and you LOVE pretty things.  Well, this particular card features a few items that are both great bargains AND super pretty.

I used some colored cardstocks and some pretty Crate Paper (Pretty Party) patterned papers and ephemera (post card) to create my card base.  All the layers of cardstocks and patterned papers are securely adhered together using cut strips of Scor-Tape.   This is an AWESOME Adhesive that I use quite a bit; especially when I really want something held together so that it will last a good long time.

To adorn my card, I used some bundled Black Burlap String and bundled Ivory Burlap String topped with several lovely Miniature Double Head Stamens including some Green, some light Pink, some darker Pink, and some Black.  I topped that with a double bow tied with lengths of the lovely Robin's Egg Wrinkle Ribbon.  Then, I added a pretty Multi-Colored Mulberry Leaf and a Deep Ivory Open Rose.

You may see that I also used a bit of metal hardware on my card.  The pretty bow has a tag hanging from it where I stamped the word friend.  It's hanging from a Rusty Bronze Pear-Shaped Safety Pin on kraft paper that inked on the edges.  You can find lots of cool Embellishments at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  There's also a Tim Holtz miniature paperclip in the upper right.  The sentiment (hello) is a die-cut from my stash that I layered in black and teal.  OK....so I've shown you the "PRETTY" and now, if you'll remember I also mention BARGAINS, right?  Check out this awesome breakdown:

Double Head Stamens - $2.14 for 400 pieces - Comes in 20+ colors

Burlap String - $ 0.10/yard or 10 yards/$1 - Comes in 17+ colors

Wrinkle Ribbon -  $0.35/yard or $1.40/4 yards - Comes in 24+ colors

WOW!  How are those for bargains?  And those are RRR every-day prices.  Be sure to visit the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog often to learn about special sales and promotions and to see  lots of wonderful inspiration.  It's always so nice to have you visit.

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along here:

Mod Squad Challenge Blog - Simple Focus - Since this is a blog post/card for Really Reasonable Ribbon, I kept the SIMPLE FOCUS on that beautiful bow.

Pixie's Crafty Workshop: Pixie's Playground - Snippets Challenge #404

BIG News With Brutus Monroe - You Are Out Of This World

As you can imagine, I was incredibly honored, super excited, and quite humbled when Brutus Monroe invited me to become part of their Design Team as an Inspiration Box Specialist.  I will have the opportunity and honor to share the monthly Brutus Monroe Inspiration Boxes with you all.  I'll be creating lots of fun cards and projects over the next six months using the Brutus Monroe Inspiration Boxes that you can find right here at Brutus Monroe.  And they're FILLED with FUN and creativity.

For those of you who aren't yet familiar with Brutus Monroe, you are in for a real treat.  This FABULOUS store carries their own line of AWESOME clear high-quality acrylic stamps and thin metal die-cuts (and SO  much more) in addition to loads of other popular brands.  They really have a little bit of everything you could possibly need to create something new and fun.  I sure had FUN playing with the new Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box.

I started by using the FUN cardstocks found in the Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box and I created my card base.  Oh, by the way, even the CARDS themselves are included in this box.  How COOL (and helpful) is that?  Once I layered my cardstocks together, I used a piece of white cardstock to ink a background using Tim Holtz Oxide Inks.  I used the DARLING new stamp set found inside the Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box to stamp the stars and images seen on the background as well as the Earth and the adorable little astronaut.  The coordinating die-cuts are also included.  I used Foam Tape to attach the images so that they'd have a bit of dimension - as to appear that they're "floating" in space, as they should be.  The sentiment is also from this same adorable stamp set.  It contains SO many cute images and sentiments.  I know I'll  be using this one quite a bit.  And, let me tell you about all the FUN items in addition to the stamps and dies.  There's a package of sweet ribbon in grey, purple and turquoise; and I wrapped a length of the purple ribbon around my card.

This Inspiration Box also includes cardstocks, cards, ribbons, a cute astronaut pin, background papers (for foiling or other), sentiment papers (for foiling or other), a darling constellation embossing folder, a bottle of White Chroma Mist, a gorgeous sequin assortment, and a two sheets of various sized glittery foam stars (one sheet gold and one sheet silver) like the (small) ones I added to this card.  You get a good BANG for your buck; and these stamps/dies and accessories are SO fun.  I can't wait to create another card (or a dozen...LOL) to share with you all.

Here's the second card I'd like to share with you today.  It also uses lots of the goodies found in the Reach For The Stars Inspiration Box.  I started with the cardstocks and made a base using the black, orange and turquoise papers.  The groovy black background was created using the black cardstock and spraying it with the  awesome White Chromo Spray included in the Inspiration Box.  Once the Chromo Spray dried, I used the Galaxy Embossing Folder found in the Inspiration  Kit to create that wonderful raised background that I brushed with White Ink to accent that wonderful embossed design.

I stamped that ADORABLE alien.  What should his name be?  He's SO cute.....and there's his little buddy flying the space ship.  You'll also see that I stamped the Earth; which the alien has placed on his metal spear (Tim Holtz hardware).  After I'd stamped the space ship, alien and Earth using the ADORABLE new stamp set in the Inspiration Box, I used the die-cuts (also included) to cut the pieces perfectly.  I colored them with my Copics.

I also added some of the FUN sequins from the Sequin Assortment found in the Inspiration Box.  The sentiment (also found in the new stamp set in this box) was stamped on a little journalling card from my stash, and I placed a glittery silver foam star (also included) next to the sentiment.  Don't you just LOVE how fun this theme is?  You can make such fun cards for the space lovers and kids (big and small) in your life.  It's literally a Box FULL OF FUN and creativity.  I hope you'll stop by Brutus Monroe to check out ALL their FAB products including the FUN Inspiration Boxes and more.  Also, please visit me again soon.  I'm really looking forward to being part of this talented Design Team, and I'd love to hear what you think about my Brutus Monroe projects, their fun products, and all things craft related.  I'm always super grateful for your visits and your input.  I hope you're inspired, and that you'll stop by again real soon.

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Masculine" - Both of my cards are masculine, but most especially the first card.

Little Red Wagon Challenge Blog - Make It Masculine

Creatalicious Challenge Blog - Challenge #212 - Anything Goes/For a Boy

Dare 2B Artzy Challenge - June Challenge: Masculine

Using Baker's Twine w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today, everyone.  I'm glad you're here as I share this sweet card and bookmark I created using some of my favorite products from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I just ADORE all the wonderful things I find when I take the time to browse all the pages of AMAZING goodies that are waiting for me at Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I love using Baker's Twine.....lots of it, and on various projects in different ways.  Good thing that Really Reasonable Ribbon carries dozens of gorgeous colors of Baker's Twines including striped traditional Baker's Twine as well as my favorites; the Solid Baker's Twines.  I think I now own every color, and I am in love with it ALL.  This card uses some of the pretty new Solid Baker's Twine.  How pretty.  This card is fairly simple, but it showcases some of the GORGEOUS Baker's Twine from RRR.

This card has some cardstocks for the base, and I used strips of Scor-Tape to adhere all the layers together.  I added some pretty Crate Paper (Journey) patterned paper as well also using Scor-Tape.  I added some Crate Paper (Journey) chipboard pieces and stickers, and I ran some Solid Lemonwood Baker's Twine through the sticker tags.  Did you know that Baker's Twine at RRR costs just TEN CENTS PER YARD?

Because it's FUN and SO easy to do....I also created a quick bookmark to go inside this card.  I like adding a matching bookmark when I send someone a card.  That way (if they use it), they'll think of me and the card I sent when they use it.  I used the same patterned paper (Crate Paper/Journey) on the bookmark and added a fun Boarding Pass sticker and chipboard arrow.

I kept the bookmark flat so that it will slip inside the card and mail easily in the envelope.  I added some pretty Solid Black Baker's Twine and some Solid Deep Pink Baker's Twine to the top of the bookmark.  I just LOVE the solid colors of Baker's Twine carried at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  And at this LOW price, I can afford to buy every color.  For real.

At Really Reasonable Ribbon, you'll also find lots of lovely Miniature Double Head Stamens and other Mulberry Flowers and Leaves.  There's a wide variety of colors of the Double Head Stamens and even more varieties of Mulberry Flowers to help you adorn your cherished projects.  You'll be AMAZED at all this store carries - including Adhesives, Embellishments, and SO much more.  Thanks again for visiting me, and please know that the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog has lots of great inspiration all the time.  It's also a great way to stay up-to-date on all the special sales and promotions taking place in the RRR Shop.  We hope to see you again soon.

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Use Dies or Punches" - I used only ONE punch, and that was my circle hole punch that I used on the bookmark.

Allsorts Challenge Blog: Challenge #625 - Anything Goes - Using Bright and Sunny Colors - Celebrating the Blog's 12th Birthday!!! - How FUN is that?  Thanks for 12 years of FUN challenges at AllSorts.

Paper Sweeties May New Release Rewind

Welcome back, everyone!  WOW, there have been some AWESOME cards shared this weekend featuring the new GNOME stamps and dies from Paper Sweeties.  If you missed any of the fabulous projects shared each day, you can find all the links over on the Paper Sweeties Blog.  The new Build A Gnome Stamp Set and coordinating Sweet Cuts along with the new Craftin' With My Gnomies Photoplay Products are simply ADORABLE, and you will enjoy all the creative possibilities these new sets will offer you.

This card started with a basic white cardstock base to which I attached two of the sweet patterned papers from the Photoplay Craftin' With My Gnomies 6x6 Paper Pad and I machine stitched them to the card base with black thread.  All my images and the sentiment are stamped using the Coal Black Ink Pad.  The gnome pieces are all found in the new Build A Gnome Stamp Set/Sweet Cuts.  The HAPPY sentiment is from the Blessed Stamp Set.

I also cut an Oval Scalloped Frame, and in the center I stenciled a design in Ballerina Pink Ink.  I ran a length of Black Licorice Seam Binding up the left-hand side of my card and tied a bow using Black Licorice Seam Binding, Sugar Sprinkles Seam Binding, and a piece of teal baker's twine topped with a small flower.  There are so many gorgeous shades of crinkled Seam Binding at Paper Sweeties, and you're sure to find some that will match all your crafting projects.  Oh, I also stamped, cut and attached some flowers to my gnome's hat using the flower also found in the new Build A Gnome Stamps and Sweet Cuts.  SO CUTE!

Here are the links to the blogs of my talented teammates, and I know that they will have some more darling inspiration for you today.  We hope that you will stop by Paper Sweeties to pick up these new Build A Gnome Stamp sets so that you'll "gnome" how much fun they are.  Gnome stamps are super popular right now, and these are SO much fun so we hope you don't miss out on getting your Build A Gnome.  Paper Sweeties always wants to encourage creativity and fun.

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties 
Karen Letchworth

Larissa Heskett
Lisa Golzbein

Maria Patrick

 Teresa Plunkett

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along in this FUN challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says, "STENCIL IT" so I used a fun stencil behind the gnome in the oval on white paper.  I stenciled with Tim Holtz Spun Sugar Oxide Ink.

It's New Release Day at Paper Sweeties

I've been craftin'.  Most of the time, I'm crafting alone; but today I'm Craftin' With My Gnomies.  Paper Sweeties invites YOU to start Craftin' With Your Gnomies as well; and it can all  be done by purchasing the DARLING new Build A Gnome Stamp Set, Build a Gnome Sweet Cuts, Craftin With My Gnomies Stamp Set and Sweet Cuts, and the FUN Photoplay Craftin' With My Gnomies products.  They are SO much fun.

This card uses a piece of basic white cardstock to which I attached some patterned papers from the Photoplay Craftin' With  My Gnomies Paper Pad.  I inked my patterned papers and machine stitched them in black to create my background.  I stamped, cut and colored the gnomes using the Build a Gnome Stamp Set and Sweet Cuts and my Copics.  The sentiment (Craftin' With My Gnomies) as well as the pencil, scissors, heart and flowers are from the new Craftin' With My Gnomies Stamp Set and Sweet Cuts.

I stamped all the images using the Coal Black Ink Pad.  I also ran a length of knotted Bubblegum Baker's Twine around my card and tied a bow with it.  As you can see, I stamped the same gnome twice.  The one on the left (shown above) is colored in teal with pink accents.  He's holding his scissors from the Craftin' With My Gnomies Stamp Set, and he's all ready to get craftin'.

The colors found in the Photoplay Paper Pad are bright and cheery, and they were very easy to match up with other Paper Sweeties products.  The black machine stitching pulls out the Coal Black Ink on all the stamped edges as well as the sentiments.  All the images in the new sets are adorable.  It's never a problem matching colors of Ink Pads, Seam Binding, Sequins and more at Paper Sweeties.

As you'll see in the photo above, the gnome on the right side of my heart was colored in the opposite colors - pink with teal accents.  This gnome is holding his pencil because he wants to take notes on all the cute things he sees over at Paper Sweeties.  He's writing up his Paper Sweeties wish list.  You'll want to do the same.

In my last photo, shown above, you'll see that I created a matching envelope for my card.  These darling Photoplay Patterned Papers make it easy to create a coordinating envelope.  I cut a piece of the same polka dot patterned paper as used on my card, and I cut an insert for the envelope.  I scored it on the fold, and wha-la!!  Here are the links to the blogs of my talented teammates who have prepared some extra inspiration for you today.  Just click on the links below to be taken directly to their blog to see today's projects.

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties 
Karen Letchworth

Larissa Heskett
Lisa Golzbein

Maria Patrick

 Teresa Plunkett

Thanks again for visiting, and please stop back by again tomorrow as we wrap up the May New Release at Paper Sweeties.  Thanks for joining us, and please visit again soon.

Blessings,

Karen

Paper Sweeties May New Release Sneak Peek

Welcome back, everyone!  Those of you who "gnome" me well are aware that I love all things cute and cuddly (or in this case....short and hairy).  How ADORABLE are these new gnome products from Paper Sweeties?  You will absolutely LOVE the new Craftin With My Gnomies and Build a Gnome Stamp Set and the coordinating Sweet Cuts for each.

I've been having SO much fun creating with these darling new products, and you'll be excited when you see ALL the amazing projects the Paper Sweeties Design Team Members have prepared for you this month.  And yes, these are likely to be yet another of the Paper Sweeties sets that sell out quickly.  Gnomes are so popular right now, and these new sets are so fun....you won't want to miss out on them.

Paper Sweeties also carries the bright FUN patterned papers and ephemera from Photoplay to coordinate with the new Build a Gnome Stamp Set.  They're called Craftin' With My Gnomies and they're also selling out quickly.  This card started with a cardstock base, and then I cut the multi-colored heart patterned paper for the next layer.  The two tags are also cut from papers out of the Photoplay Craftin' With My Gnomies Paper Pad using the For You Sweet Cuts.

Using the Build A Gnome Stamp Set, I stamped the gnome parts in Fog Ink so that the outlines would be very light because I wanted to try my hand (for the very first time) at no-line watercoloring.  I hand-painted all the images using this technique; and while it's not perfect, I'm fairly satisfied with the results for my first attempt.  The gnomes are SO cute that you just can't go wrong. I used the coordinating Build A Gnome Sweet Cuts to die-cut the gnome pieces, and I used a small 3-D foam tab on his cute little pink nose.  I also added a few Robin Egg Sequins to the front of my card.

I added some Frosting Seam Binding to the top of my tag, and I stamped the sentiment (Making Memories) using the new Craftin' With My Gnomies Stamp Set.  I continued the sentiment (With My Gnomies) again using the new Craftin' With My Gnomies Stamp Set on the inside of  my card.  I also added some of the images (heart and flower) from the Build a Gnome Stamp Set, as well as some of the Craftin' With My Gnomies Ephemera.  I added some Doodlebug Washi Tape and a small tag cut using the Stitched Tags #1 Sweet Cuts.

Another thing I love to do is to create a matching envelope for my cards.  I used a cute piece of gnome patterned paper, again using the Photoplay Paper Pad, and cut it to fit the lining of my envelope.  I also stamped and colored the LOVE banner using the new Craftin' With My Gnomies stamp set.

You will really LOVE these new gnome themed stamps and cuts, and there will be LOTS of great inspiration over the next few days.  Just use the links below to be taken directly to each DT Member's blog to see what they've created to inspire you today.

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties 
Karen Letchworth

Larissa Heskett
Lisa Golzbein

Maria Patrick

 Teresa Plunkett

Thanks again for visiting, and we'll see you tomorrow.  There's gonna be lots of gnome cuteness.

Blessings,

Karen