Christmas in July w/Whimsy Stamps

I know that many crafters, including me, love to celebrate Christmas in July.  It's sort of a sneak peek into what's ahead of us....and not really all that far off in the future.  By the way, if you start buying a few gifts here and there; it doesn't hit the old pocketbook quite so hard come December.  Just sayin'.  If you have any crafty friends, they would LOVE to have this sweet stamp set from Whimsy Stamps....I'm sure.

Whimsy Stamps carries hundreds of fun stamp sets, dies, stencils, embossing folders and more.  For this sweet card, I used their Gingerbread Greetings Stamp Set.  This super sweet set includes several different cottages or gingerbread houses as well as sentiments and smaller accent images.  I tried to use as many of these images as possible on this yummy card, but couldn't fit all those adorable gingerbread houses.  For that reason and more, I'll be revisiting this set a lot as Christmas approaches.  I combined this sweet stamp set with the Postage Window A2 Frame Die.  A cinnamon stick, red baker's twine, natural burlap string and cork paper were also worked into this card.

Like I mentioned, if you start purchasing a few Christmas gifts each month leading up to December, you won't feel nearly as overwhelmed when the holidays approach.  I keep a running inventory of what I've purchased for each person on my list.  It really does help a lot to have things written down and taken care of early in an attempt to spread the spending out over several months as opposed to having it hit your pockets hard all at once.  The same is true of making your Christmas cards.  Whimsy Stamps has lots of great choices to help you get a head start on yours.  The wonderful products from Whimsy Stamps are what make this card so sweet, and they have so many great things that you'll love.

The above logo is from the Whimsy Stamps Christmas in July New Release.  They are continually adding fabulous new products at Whimsy in addition to the hundreds of amazing things already in stock.  You will always find something special and fun at Whimsy Stamps.  I do hope you will stop by to take a peek if you're not yet familiar with Whimsy Stamps.  Christmas stamps and products are FUN no matter what time of the year it is.  That new Gingerbread set is on my radar.

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I hope you're having a blessed and creative week.  Be sure to stop by the Whimsy Stamps Blog for lots of great inspiration.  You'll also find loads of great Whimsy Stamps projects out there on social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram.  And by the way, I'd sure be thrilled to have you follow me on social media.  I'm a "newbie" out there, you know.  Happy crafting, friends.

I'm sharing my card here:

Peace on Earth Challenge - Challenge #68 - Anything Goes Christmas

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Add a Sentiment"

Jingle Bells Challenge Blog - Dashing Through the Snow - I stamped some snowflakes in a few of the little windows.  When it's SNOWING.....I'm happy.

Blessings,

Karen

Thank You Card Duo

When it comes to making Thank You cards, you might as well make at least two if you're making one anyway.  Let's face it.....we are BLESSED and we have a lot of Thank You cards to write.  Anyway, I decided to make two quick and easy Thank You cards combining trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon and sentiments from Bonnie Garby Designs.

I used the Many Thanks 2 Digital Stamp Set from Bonnie Garby Designs for the sentiment on each card.  I love all the different fonts in Bonnie's sentiments.  I cut (several) postage stamp rectangles from white cardstock and patterned paper.  I layered all these pieces of paper using pieces of Scor-Tape.

I used White 3-D Foam Tabs to raise up the sentiment pieces, and I ran the Solid Black Baker's Twine underneath them.  There are several awesome colors of Solid Baker's Twine and even more color choices in regular Baker's Twine.  This amazing trim is just TEN CENTS per yard.  That means you'll get TEN YARDS of any color for just ONE DOLLAR.  Oh, do you see that pretty White Lace in the photo background?  Well, there's still a bit left.  You can still grab some of this sweet trim before it's gone.

Be sure to visit the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog often for lots of great inspiration.  I'm always grateful for your visits to my blog as well.  Oh, and don't forget to stop by Bonnie Garby Designs to check out all the awesome digital stamps.  They all pair so nicely with the amazing products you'll find at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Stay creative.

Blessings,

Karen

New Boho Leaves at Stamp Simply

Fall is in the air, and the New Release continues at Stamp Simply Clear Stamps.  Today and all this week, the new set we're featuring is the gorgeous new Boho Leaves Stamp Set and coordinating Boho Fall Leaves Dies.  There are so many different ways you can use this amazing new set, and I'm sure having fun making cards with it.

I used dark wood patterned paper for my base which is found in the Craft Consortium Wood Textures 6x6 Paper Pad.  The next layer is kraft cardstock where I stamped the oak leaves and acorns image in dark brown ink to create my background.  Next, I used a piece of cream cardstock where I stamped ALL the awesome sentiments/words found in the new Boho Fall Leaves Stamp Set.

I stamped the oak leaves and acorns image found in the new Boho Fall Leaves Stamp Set and I colored the image with my Copics.  Yikes!  I need to take some serious coloring lessons.  I added some bundled Brown Burlap String, Gold Burlap String and some Double Head Stamens to add some texture and depth to match the height of the sentiment paper which was raised with 3-D Foam Tabs.

If you stop by the Stamp Simply Blog each day, you'll find so much fabulous inspiration using the New Release sets and all the other fabulous Stamp Simply products.  Thanks so much for visiting me here today, and for the kind comments you leave for me.  Have a wonderful week.

I'm sharing my card here in these awesome challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Lots of Layers" - I used several (four in fact) layers of paper on my card.

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #67 July - Anything Goes/Optional Twist: Critter Crazy.  I didn't use the twist this time.

Blessings,

Karen

Just Because w/Whimsy Stamps

I love all things cute, don't you?  When I first saw the adorable Baby Sea Creatures Stamp Set at Whimsy Stamps, I knew that it was a set I really wanted.  When you're using a stamp set that's this cute, you really can't go wrong.  There are several adorable images and sentiments in this sweet set that will allow you to create cards for a variety of different occasions.  I have so much fun creating with my products from Whimsy Stamps, and I know you'll enjoy them as well.

This card started with a pink cardstock base layered with papers from the Mix & Match 1 6x6 Paper Pad.  I used the Scallop Rectangle Frame Dies to cut the patterned papers as well as to cut the frame and inside piece where I placed my image.  I used the Puddles Stencil with Tumbled Glass oxide ink to make the splashes of water.  The bubbles and adorable octopus are from the Baby Sea Creatures Stamp Set.  The stamped black waves are found in the Fadoodles Too Stamp Set.

I tucked a length of Metallic White Iridescent String underneath the octopus.  He, quite by accident, almost looks like he's jumping rope.  A few sequins were the finishing touch on this simple card.  It's fun to combine a variety of Whimsy Stamps products; and because they carry so many great choices, it's easy to do.

I'd like to thank you once again for visiting my blog.  I'm always super appreciative to have people stop by to take a peek and leave me their thoughts.  I hope you're creating some fun cards this week, and I look forward to seeing them.  Don't miss all the wonderful Whimsy Stamps social media inspiration, and please Follow me on Pinterest and Instagram.  I'd really love that.

Here's where I'm playing along:

Stencil FUN Challenge - July: Anything Goes w/Stencil - Optional :Shades of Blue.  I used a Whimsy Stamps stencil and made my splashes of blue water with the stencil.

Blessings,

Karen

Pretty Peony New Release at Stamp Simply

If you're not yet aware, there's a gorgeous New Release at Stamp Simply Clear Stamps and you won't want to miss any of it.  Today I'm sharing a double-layered card that features the beautiful new Peony Stamp Set.  It is absolutely lovely.  One of my favorite things about Stamp Simply is how each of their wonderful stamp sets works beautifully on its own; or when combined with other Stamp Simply sets.

I used the lovely swirls found in the new Peony Stamp Set to create the swirled background design.  I also pressure embossed this white cardstock background using the Darice Dainty Flower Embossing Folder.  I just love those adorable bumble bees, the wonderful sentiments and that amazing floral image.  I used the Fishtail Banner Dies to cut my sentiment strip.

Some ribbon was added to my flower as the finishing touch.  I used the coordinating Peony Dies to cut the circle from the center of the card.  This die allows you to see the floral image peeking through from the other side.  I took some photos of this by stamping the new Seed Packet Stamp onto a second piece of white cardstock.

I hope you can see what I mean about the circular Peony Dies.  You can see the pressure embossed circle through the cut hole where I placed the lovely peony floral.  I also stamped the cute little ants climbing around the bottom of the page....just as they would in your garden.  How cute!

Like I said before, you won't want to miss any of this fabulous New Release from Stamp Simply.  There have been several amazing new sets already released and there are yet more to come your way over the next several weeks.  We hope you'll visit the Stamp Simply Blog often for loads of fabulous inspiration, and of course at Stamp Simply for some great shopping and special promotions.  Thanks so much for visiting me today.

I'm playing along here:

Can You Handle the Pressure - I used a Darice Embossing Folder on the background of one layer.  You can see it (also) through the cut hole.

Blessings,

Karen

July Blog Hop w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

If you're ready for a FUN and inspiring Blog Hop, then you're in the right place.  You should have arrived here by way of Misty's Blog; but if not you're able to catch up quickly.  The theme of our Blog Hop this month is Christmas in July.  I've combined some sweet die cuts with papers, trims, goodies from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and a sweet sentiment from Bonnie Garby Designs.  The prizes for this month's Blog Hop is a $10 credit to Really Reasonable Ribbon and two digital stamp sets of choice from Bonnie Garby Designs.  How sweet is this sentiment?

The Bonnie Garby Designs sentiment that I used on this card is from her The Heart of Christmas Bundle.  I cut it, and some of the other pieces, using a crimped frame from Gina K. Designs.  The sprinkles inside my mugs (gingerbread men and candy canes) are from Twiddler's Nook.  I tucked in several Double Head Stamens, a real cinnamon stick, and a length of both Black & White Bold Check Ribbon and Bay Leaf Seam Binding.  I tied a bow with the Black & White Bold Check Ribbon.

Because they're just so cute and I couldn't resist.....I made a matching tag/bookmark for this card.  I've been trying to remember to create a matching tag/bookmark and envelope when making my cards lately.  It's quick and easy, and even a simple piece of Baker's Twine could be the perfect touch every time.

The tag also uses lots of fabulous Scor-Tape, Black & White Bold Check Ribbon and a length of Teal Baker's Twine.  One of the reasons why I love Baker's Twine so much is because it's just ten cents ($0.10/yard) per yard.  Another is that it comes is so many fabulous colors - both striped and solid.  Baker's Twine is the perfect accent for tags, bookmarks and so many different projects.

I used several pieces of Scor-Tape in various widths to secure everything in place.  I also used some White 3-D Foam Tabs to raise the edges of the coffee mugs and some of the glitter-frosted marshmallows.  This was just one of those cards where I found myself adding more and more.....and then some more.  A small JenniBowlin blue ticket, a miniature Tim Holtz staple, Crate Paper stickers.  One of my signature cards where I just keep adding things as I go.

Really Reasonable Ribbon always has the perfect trims, twines and touches for every card and every project.  I'm also always so excited about the fabulous Adhesives available at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  OK, so your last stop on this Blog Hop is over on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog where you'll answer one final question.  Thanks for joining us this month, and please don't forget to leave a comment on each blog.

Blessings,

Karen

Thank You Slimline w/Whimsy Stamps

No matter what kind of card you need to make, Whimsy Stamps is sure to have FUN stamps and dies to help you.  Let your creativity run wild using their wonderful products like I did on this card.  I needed to make a thank you card and I knew the Fadoodles Blooms Stamp Set from Whimsy Stamps would be just perfect for this.  You may have seen the hand-stitched card I shared earlier this month using the Fadoodles Blooms Stamp Set.  This card uses it once again, but in a very different way.

How sweet is this?  I used basic white cardstock and the first thing I did to it was to die-cut it using the super cute Slimline Scallop Die that you see in the photos.  Next, I rubbed it with Lemonade, Citron, Mowed Grass and Green Paint Oxide Inks to create my colorful background.  And third, I used the super sweet Slimline Daisy Embossing Folder to give it some wonderful texture.

I stamped each of the four different sized flowers found in the Fadoodles Blooms Stamp Set onto white cardstock that I'd rubbed with the same colors of oxide inks.  I fussy cut each one and placed them all around my card.  The sentiment (Thank You) is also found in this stamp set, and I stamped it three times - once in each oval.  You can never really say Thank You enough, right?  A few yellow and green floral prills were placed into the centers of the flowers.

You can find so many great stamps, dies, embossing folders, stencils, and SO much more at Whimsy Stamps.  There's also plenty of great inspiration on all the Whimsy Stamps social media pages.  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on my slimline card.  I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Summer Fun"

Just Us Girls Challenge Blog - Challenge #735 - Summertime

The Paper Funday Challenge - July Challenge #67 - Anything Goes/Optional: Critter Crazy

Blessings,

Karen